Your Daily Briefing – 01/16/2025

Tragic Accident on Blue Lakes Blvd

A tragic single-vehicle accident occurred yesterday afternoon on Blue Lakes Blvd in Twin Falls, claiming one life. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe that speed and road conditions may have been contributing factors.

Idaho Graduation Rate Hits 10-Year High

Idaho’s high school graduation rate reached a 10-year high of 82.3% last spring, surpassing the state’s new goal of 81.6%. While the improvement is modest, it represents progress for a state with historically low graduation rates.

Proposed Reduction in Driver’s License Fees for Idaho Seniors

Idaho seniors may soon see a $5 reduction in driver’s license fees. A bill introduced in the Senate seeks to lower the cost for those aged 63 and older from $35 to $30. A hearing on the bill is expected soon.

Marijuana Possession Bill Moves Forward

Idaho’s House Bill 7, which proposes a $300 minimum fine for adults caught with three ounces or less of marijuana, is advancing to the House floor after receiving a 10-4 vote in committee. Supporters of the bill argue it aims to deter drug possession.

Albertsons Confirms Corporate Layoffs

In a move affecting corporate employees nationwide, Boise-based Albertsons has announced layoffs that began yesterday. The company has not disclosed the number of positions impacted but assures that store-level employees will not be affected. Albertsons is also shifting some roles overseas as part of its efforts to achieve $1.5 billion in efficiencies.

Idaho Chief Justice Calls for Higher Judicial Salaries

Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan has called on legislators to raise judges’ salaries, citing Idaho’s rank as 48th out of 53 states for district judge pay. In his State of the Judiciary address, Bevan emphasized the strain on courts caused by low wages, heavy caseloads, and complex cases. Proposed salary increases include raising district judge pay from $155,508 to $201,000 annually.

Seasonal Road Closure to Protect Wildlife

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office has announced the enforcement of a seasonal motorized travel closure in South Hills, south of Twin Falls, starting today. The closure, which extends through March 15th, is intended to protect mule deer and sage-grouse habitats.

Ambulance Shortage in East Boise County

The East Boise County Ambulance EMS District is facing a crisis, with three of its four ambulances currently out of service. The district is relying on one functioning ambulance and a loaner while dealing with mechanical issues and budget constraints. Despite these challenges, the district has managed to respond to all emergency calls. A new tax levy to increase funding will not take effect until 2026.

SPORTS

Boys’ Basketball Highlights Across Southern Idaho

Butte County 60, Richfield 19
Richfield, now 3-8 overall and 2-4 in the Sawtooth Conference, will visit Hansen on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Rigby 68, Canyon Ridge 38
Canyon Ridge will face Thunder Ridge on the road Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Twin Falls 69, Wood River 35
Twin Falls, now 4-7 overall and 1-0 in the Great Basin Conference, will host Jerome Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Wood River, at 1-11 overall and 0-2 in conference play, will host Minico Tuesday.
Burley 62, Jerome 60
Burley, now 2-9 overall and 1-0 in the Great Basin Conference, will visit Minico Friday. Jerome, at 4-6 overall, will travel to Twin Falls.
Minico 57, Mountain Home 26
Minico will host Burley Friday night.
Kimberly 56, Buhl 51
Kimberly, now 4-9 overall, will host Snake River Friday at 7:30 p.m. Buhl, at 2-9 overall, will visit Gooding Friday.
Valley 74, Shoshone 34
Valley remains undefeated at 10-0 overall and 8-0 in the Snake River Conference. They’ll visit Raft River Friday. Shoshone, at 2-8 overall, will travel to Glenns Ferry.
Glenns Ferry 71, Murtaugh 55
Glenns Ferry, now 5-4 overall, hosts Shoshone Friday. Murtaugh, at 3-8 overall, visits Hagerman.
Oakley 49, Raft River 42
Oakley, now 7-1 overall, will visit Butte County Friday. Raft River, at 4-5 overall, hosts Valley.
Hagerman 91, Lighthouse Christian 24
Hagerman, now 6-4 overall, will host Murtaugh Friday. Lighthouse Christian, still seeking their first win at 0-11, will host Sun Valley Community School.

Boise State Women’s Basketball

Boise State women’s basketball secured a dominant 93-64 victory over San Jose State. Natalie Pasco scored a season-high 26 points, while Tatum Thompson added a career-high 25 points and 12 rebounds. The Broncos face Nevada this Saturday at 2 p.m. at ExtraMile Arena.

Boise State Softball Coach Signs Extension

Boise State Softball Head Coach Justin Shults has signed a contract extension through the 2028-29 season. Under Shults, the Broncos have achieved 251 wins over eight seasons, including a school-record 40 wins in 2022. The team won the Mountain West regular-season title in 2023.

WEATHER

Detailed Forecast

Today: Sunny, high near 40. East wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 27. Calm wind shifting west southwest at 6 mph after midnight.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 36. West wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts up to 29 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, low around 19. West wind 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 26 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 30. West wind 7 to 9 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 16.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 28.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 8.
Monday (MLK Day): Sunny, high near 25. Low near 9.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 30. Low near 12.
Wednesday: Sunny, high near 32.