🏛️ IDAHO STATE BUDGET & POLITICS
Idaho Governor Brad Little is proposing budget cuts and spending restraints to balance the state budget, including reductions to Medicaid spending — but without repealing Medicaid expansion. Little says the plan is aimed at avoiding future deficits while protecting access to health care, especially in rural communities.
As Idaho lawmakers opened the legislative session, leaders clashed over projected budget deficits now estimated between $500 million and $1 billion. Republicans describe the shortfall as an opportunity to rein in spending, while Democrats place the blame on recent tax cuts and warn against the proposed Medicaid reductions.
🏛️ LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP UPDATE
Oakley State Representative Doug Pickett has been elected assistant majority leader of the Idaho House as the 2026 session begins. Pickett steps into leadership representing southern Idaho, as former Twin Falls Representative Lance Clow’s departure has led to new leadership on the House Business and Agriculture committees.
⛽ GAS PRICES
The holiday season may be over, but Idaho drivers are still smiling at the gas pump. AAA reports the average price for regular gasoline in the Gem State is now $2.77 a gallon — lower than a week ago, a month ago, and even a year ago. Idaho’s average remains below the national average of $2.79. The state currently ranks 22nd for the most expensive fuel prices, with most states now under three dollars a gallon.
💧 SNOWPACK & WATER OUTLOOK
Snowpack remains strong across much of southern Idaho, providing encouraging conditions for farmers and irrigators. Yesterday’s median snowpack readings show:
- Big Wood Basin: 141% of normal
- Little Wood Basin: 174% of normal
- Big Lost Basin: 170% of normal
The Snake Basin is running well above average, while Goose Creek remains the only basin below normal at 92%.
🏞️ PUBLIC LANDS & COMMUNITY INPUT
The BLM Burley Field Office is taking public comment on a grant request to improve the Indian Springs Trailhead south of Twin Falls. Proposed upgrades include an ADA-accessible restroom and paved parking. Public comments are due January 28th. More information is available through the BLM Burley Field Office.
🛑 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Idaho State Police are partnering in a five-day nationwide awareness effort along Idaho’s highways. Drivers are urged to watch for warning signs of trafficking and report concerns to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
🏀 SPORTS
🏆 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL — SCORES
The Wendell Trojans made a big statement last night. After their only loss of the season came against Filer, Wendell flipped the script with a dominant 65–38 win over the Wildcats.
Jonathan Swainston led Wendell with 20 points, hitting four three-pointers, and the Trojans had four players in double figures. Filer freshman Bryker Darrington led all scorers with 21 points. Wendell took a commanding 37–13 halftime lead and improves to 11–1 as they chase a second straight state title.
Canyon Ridge also picked up a 60–54 win over Mountain Home.
🏀 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL — TONIGHT’S GAMES
Boys (All varsity games tip at 7:30 p.m.):
- Hansen (4–3) at Carey (5–6)
- Castleford (3–8) at Dietrich (3–8)
- Camas County (2–5) at Richfield (4–6)
Girls:
- 6:00 p.m. – Castleford (6–7) at Dietrich (6–7)
- 6:00 p.m. – Camas County (1–5) at Richfield (5–8)
- 7:00 p.m. – Oakley (10–1) at Sugar-Salem (14–0), non-conference matchup
- 7:30 p.m. conference games:
- Hansen (7–3) at Carey (8–3)
- Buhl (0–15) at Filer (11–2)
- Gooding (7–7) at Kimberly (5–10)
- Canyon Ridge (3–11) at Madison (10–4)
- Burley (7–5) at Minico (1–12)
- Hagerman (4–7) at Raft River (10–4)
- Glenns Ferry (6–6) at Shoshone (0–13)
- Mountain Home (10–3) at Twin Falls (6–9)
- Murtaugh (5–9) at Valley (7–6)
- Wendell (7–8) at Wood River (8–3), non-conference
🏀 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Boise State is back on the road tonight. The Broncos travel to Las Vegas to face UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center, with tip-off set for 9:00 p.m. Mountain Time on CBS Sports Network.
Boise State has dominated the series, winning 10 of the last 11 meetings, and has been one of the Mountain West’s best road teams over the past five seasons. The Broncos lead the conference in rebounding and have already topped 100 points three times this season.
☀️ WEATHER
Lots of sunshine today with a high around 44°F and light winds. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low near 26°F. The forecast stays sunny and dry all week, with highs in the low to mid-40s and chilly nights in the 20s. Temperatures warm slightly by MLK Day, with a high near 45°F.
Today: Mostly sunny, high near 44. Light and variable wind.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, low around 26. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Sunny, high near 43. Calm wind.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 26.
Thursday: Sunny, high near 42.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, low around 24.
Friday: Sunny, high near 44.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 24.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 44.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 25.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 44.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 25.
M.L. King Day: Sunny, high near 45.
- Your Daily Briefing – 01/13/2026 - January 13, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 01/12/2025 - January 12, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – January 9, 2026 - January 9, 2026
