🔹 Magic Valley News & Weather 🔹

📰 Local News

📢 Twin Falls Protest Against Trump Policies

Magic Valley residents gathered in Twin Falls yesterday to protest Trump administration policies and federal job cuts. Organized by Indivisible Twin Falls County, the demonstration targeted what protesters called “antidemocratic actions.” Concerns included VA staff reductions, school funding, and the influence of Elon Musk on the federal government and presidency. Marchers carried signs and received mixed reactions from passing drivers. 🚗💨

⚖️ Idaho House Ethics Committee Holds Secret Meeting

The Idaho House Ethics and Policy Committee met privately on Monday, despite House rules requiring open meetings. Rep. Brent Crane (R-Nampa) defended the secrecy, citing precedent. The committee, responsible for reviewing ethics complaints, met for an “organizational meeting” on the 43rd day of the session, though its full agenda remains unclear. 🤔

🏛️ Bill Introduced to Restructure Idaho’s State Board of Education

A House committee introduced a bill yesterday requiring five of seven State Board of Education members to be elected by region, with two still appointed by the governor. Supporters argue this change would improve regional representation. The bill also includes a 💰$12,000 stipend and reimbursed travel expenses for board members.

🚨 House Bill 125 Adds Felony Penalties for Riot-Related Injuries

The Idaho House passed House Bill 125 on Presidents’ Day, adding felony penalties for injuries caused by rioters. The bill expands existing laws punishing riot-related property damage. Critics argue it is too broad. The bill passed 44 to 26 and now moves to the Senate.

🚧 Heyburn Upgrading Sewer Lines in $1.2 Million Project

Heyburn is upgrading sewer lines along 18th Street in a $1.2 million project aimed at boosting reliability and accommodating future growth. Nearly $500,000 comes from the city, with federal funding covering the rest. Completion is expected by August. 🚜

⚰️ Bill to Clarify Idaho Coroners’ Roles Moves to Senate

A bill aimed at clarifying Idaho coroners’ roles in death investigations is heading to the Senate. The bipartisan effort seeks to address inconsistencies by providing clearer guidelines, following a state watchdog report that highlighted gaps in procedure.

💵 Bill to Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Fraud Introduced

A new bill in the Idaho House aims to protect vulnerable adults from financial fraud. Known as “Report and Hold,” it would allow banks to pause suspicious transactions for 15 days to investigate. The bill will be heard in committee tomorrow.

⛽ Idaho Gas Prices Continue to Rise

Idaho drivers aren’t feeling the love at the pump. AAA reports the state’s average gas price is now $3.22 per gallon—up three cents from last week and 22 cents from a year ago. Idaho ranks #11 in the nation for most expensive fuel, trailing regional neighbors like Washington at $4.15 per gallon. ⛽💸

🏀 Sports

🔥 High School Basketball Action Across the Magic Valley

Plenty of boys’ high school basketball action took place on Presidents’ Day as district tournaments got underway.

🏆 2A: Glenns Ferry upset Raft River 52-46, with Alan Mesillas leading the way. They’ll face top-seed Valley on Wednesday.
🏀 4A: Filer edged out Gooding 62-59 after a tight battle, setting up a showdown with Kimberly in the winner’s final at CSI tomorrow.
🏅 Other Notable Games:

Kimberly topped Buhl 56-42, led by Quentin Pettingil’s 15 points.
Hagerman rolled past Murtaugh 63-40.
Oakley defeated Shoshone 45-28.
Glenns Ferry took down Raft River 54-48, with Alan Mesillas scoring 22 points.
Richfield beat Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind 42-30.

⚾ CSI Baseball Dominates Weber State Club

The College of Southern Idaho baseball team crushed Weber State Club in a doubleheader, winning 12-0 and 11-0. CSI’s pitchers allowed just one hit while racking up 21 strikeouts in 10 innings.

🔥 Shay Benson and Brock Snow picked up wins.
⚡ Offensively, Jack Barker went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in game one and 2-for-3 in game two.
⚾ CSI, now 5-7, hosts Utah State Club this afternoon at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m..

🏀 Boise State Women’s Basketball Hosts Wyoming Tonight

Boise State women’s basketball hosts Wyoming tonight at ExtraMile Arena, tipping off at 6:30 p.m.

🏆 Wyoming (16-9, 10-3 MW) leads the league in shooting and assists. Allyson Fertig averages 19.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
🔥 Boise State (15-12, 5-9 MW) looks to continue home success, boasting a 14-3 record in Boise.
💪 Tatum Thompson leads BSU, averaging 14.6 points in conference play.
📊 Boise State ranks #9 nationally in bench production, averaging 29.4 points per game.

☀️ Weather Forecast

☁️ Today: Partly sunny, high near 41°F. West wind 10-14 mph, gusts up to 26 mph.
🌙 Tonight: Partly cloudy, low around 26°F. Light wind shifting east overnight.

Extended Forecast

❄️ Wednesday: Snow likely before 2 p.m., then turning to rain. High 40°F. Precipitation chance: 60%.
🌧️ Wednesday Night: Rain showers early, then rain/snow mix. Low 31°F. Wind gusts up to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation: 80%.
🌤️ Thursday: 20% chance of snow showers before 11 a.m., then partly sunny. High 40°F.
☀️ Friday: Mostly sunny, high 43°F.
🌤️ Saturday: Partly sunny, high 48°F.
🌦️ Sunday: 20% chance of rain, high 52°F.
☀️ Monday: Mostly sunny, high 58°F.