Idaho News Highlights

Earthquake Strikes Central Idaho

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook central Idaho near Stanley yesterday morning, with its epicenter located in Clayton. Residents in Boise reported feeling the tremor.

Education Funding Reform

Idaho Superintendent Debbie Critchfield plans to propose changes to student funding this legislative session. Her goal is to allocate part of the budget based on student needs, stating that this approach will help districts better prioritize resources.

Death Penalty Dropped in Jerome County Case

The state has dropped the death penalty for Kevin Kuintzle, charged with murdering 84-year-old William Eakin in Jerome County. In court yesterday, Kuintzle expressed concerns about his defense team, with one attorney planning to withdraw. His trial is scheduled for May 5, with a pre-trial hearing on April 8.

Gas Prices Update

Idaho gas prices remain just above $3 per gallon, averaging $3.04—a slight increase from last week. While higher than last year, prices are five cents lower than last month, with some areas reporting prices in the $2 range.

Fraud Investigation Bill Introduced

The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee introduced a bill that would allow state agencies to share tax data for public assistance fraud investigations. The measure aims to streamline investigations by granting access to income tax records, replacing the current subpoena process. Officials say this will improve efficiency in cases involving programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

Idaho House Urges Supreme Court to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

The Idaho House voted 46-24 to pass a joint memorial urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its ruling on same-sex marriage. The measure calls for a return to defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Grocery Tax Credit Proposal

A new Idaho bill proposes increasing the grocery tax credit from $120 to $155 per person. House Bill 61 aims to offset rising food costs, with an alternative credit of up to $250 available for those who submit receipts.

Battery Storage Facility Plan Delayed

Plans for a battery storage facility in Gooding County are on hold following community backlash. Hagerman Fire Chief Tim Peterson cited safety concerns, noting that volunteer crews lack training to address potential hazards.

Attorney General’s Office Faces Scrutiny

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office is under scrutiny for paying $26,000 in vacation hours to former civil litigation chief Steven Olsen. Olsen left his role on March 3, 2023, but returned March 7 in a lower-paying position. The payout bypassed Idaho’s standard rule requiring a full day of separation from state employment. Olsen is the brother-in-law of Idaho Freedom Foundation director Ron Nate.

Sports News

Girls’ Basketball Highlights

Magic Valley Action

Dietrich: The Lady Blue Devils celebrated senior night with a dominating 63-29 win over Hansen, finishing their season at 10-7. Both teams await 1A Sawtooth Tournament seeding.
Murtaugh: The Lady Red Devils defeated Shoshone 38-21, with Camila Rojas and Kierstley Roseborough scoring nine each. Shoshone’s Melina Tellez led with 15 points.

Other Scores

Carey 37, Wendell 34: Carey improved to 12-6 in a tight interclass match.
Oakley 50, Raft River 36: Oakley remained undefeated at 19-0, led by Taylin Beck with 15 points and Livee Berlinguet adding 13.
Valley 70, Hagerman 24: Valley continues to dominate as the season winds down, while Hagerman stands at 4-14.

Boys’ Basketball Highlights

Key Matchups

Declo 54, Buhl 26: Declo stayed perfect at 16-0, led by Emmett Gibby with 22 points and Camron Gorrell with 17.
Gooding 68, Wood River 43: Yonni Williams posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Glenns Ferry 85, Sun Valley Community School 31: Alan Mesillas scored a game-high 24 points, with Aaron De Leon adding 15.

Big Sky Softball Preseason Poll

The Idaho State Bengals were picked second in the Big Sky Softball preseason poll, earning two first-place votes and 221 points. Defending champions Northern Colorado ranked first. The 2025 season begins February 6, with Northern Colorado facing Florida State in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.

Weather Forecast

Today

Sunny with a high near 33°F. Light and variable winds.
Tonight: Clear with a low around 14°F. Calm winds.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny, high near 37°F. Light northwest winds in the afternoon.
Thursday: Sunny, high near 40°F. Calm winds becoming east-northeast.
Friday: A 30% chance of snow changing to rain by afternoon. High near 43°F.
Saturday: Rain likely, high near 45°F. Showers continue into Sunday and Monday, with highs in the mid to upper 40s.