Idaho News and Updates

Gas Prices Hold Steady Despite Cold Weather

Idahoans are bracing for the chill, but gas prices remain stable. AAA reports the state average for regular gasoline is $3.04 per gallon. This figure is slightly down from last week and last month but reflects a six-cent increase compared to last year. The national average currently stands at $3.12 per gallon.

Twin Falls Real Estate Market Shows Strong Growth

The Twin Falls County real estate market had a robust 2023. Home sales increased by over 10%, while median home prices rose nearly 4%, reaching $365,000. Homes remained on the market just over two months, a one-day improvement compared to last year. Although historical trends suggest continued growth, future market conditions remain uncertain as high demand and steady prices persist.

Department of Justice Finds Idaho Violated ADA

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Idaho has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by over-relying on institutional care for adults with physical disabilities. The report highlights a lack of community services, forcing many individuals into nursing homes unnecessarily. Governor Brad Little’s office has not yet commented on the findings.

Early Morning Fire Engulfs Structure Near Rupert

At approximately 3 a.m. yesterday, the Minidoka Fire Department responded to a structure fire west of Rupert. Crews found an outbuilding fully engulfed in flames upon arrival. The fire was successfully extinguished by 5 a.m. No injuries were reported.

Kohberger Defense Challenges Evidence

Bryan Kohberger’s defense team returned to court this week to challenge key evidence ahead of his upcoming murder trial. They aim to exclude DNA evidence allegedly linking Kohberger to the University of Idaho student homicides, as well as materials collected from his home, car, and digital devices.

Idaho Teacher Salaries See Significant Increase

The average K-12 teacher salary in Idaho has risen to nearly $63,000, marking a 42% increase over the past decade. However, Idaho still ranks 40th nationally in teacher pay, remaining near the bottom despite these improvements.

Garbage Truck Fire in Twin Falls

Firefighters extinguished a garbage truck fire yesterday afternoon in the parking lot of Full Life Family Church in Twin Falls. To contain the blaze, the truck’s contents were dumped, resulting in a broken hydraulic system. No injuries were reported.

Idaho House Passes Marijuana Fine Bill

The Idaho House of Representatives has passed a bill mandating a $300 minimum fine for marijuana possession. Proponents argue this enforces stricter penalties as neighboring states legalize cannabis use. The measure has garnered support from several law enforcement and Republican groups.

Sports Highlights

Boise State Finishes in AP Top 25

The final AP Top 25 poll was released following Ohio State’s championship win. Boise State concluded the season ranked eighth, the lowest-ranked team among the College Football Playoff quarterfinalists. Arizona State climbed to seventh, while Ole Miss jumped five spots to finish 11th.

CSI Basketball Teams Maintain NJCAA Rankings

The College of Southern Idaho basketball teams remain in the NJCAA Top 25. The Lady Golden Eagles, ranked 11th, maintained their undefeated conference record with two wins in Utah. The men’s team dropped to 22nd after losing to top-ranked Snow College. Both teams face crucial road games tomorrow against Salt Lake Community College.

Boise State Women’s Basketball Falls to Colorado State

Boise State women’s basketball lost 79-70 to Colorado State. Mya Hansen led with 19 points and a career-high nine assists. Tatum Thompson recorded her fourth consecutive double-double, and Natalie Pasco added 12 points. The Broncos will host New Mexico on January 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Boise State Men’s Basketball Faces Colorado State Tonight

The Boise State men’s basketball team (13-6) will take on Colorado State tonight at 6 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. Boise State has won three of their last five matchups and leads the Mountain West in road conference victories since 2020. The team is coming off a dominant 96-55 win over Wyoming.

Idaho Vandals Return Home

The Idaho Vandals men’s basketball team will host Northern Colorado tonight at the ICCU Arena in Moscow. Idaho is currently .500 in conference play, with two losses by five points or fewer. Northern Colorado remains undefeated in Big Sky competition. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.

Local Basketball Action

A busy night of basketball saw several area teams compete:

Boys’ Games: Jerome 35, Mountain Home 24; Twin Falls 67, Burley 37; Carey 47, Camas County 36; Minico 66, Wood River 40.
Girls’ Games: Kimberly 74, Filer 46; Gooding 38, Buhl 33; Glenns Ferry 48, Hagerman 13; Oakley 58, Murtaugh 36; Dietrich 37, Richfield 19; Valley 61, Shoshone 34.

Weather Forecast

Detailed Forecast

Today: Sunny, high near 33°F. West northwest wind 5-8 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 13°F. West wind 5-7 mph, becoming light and variable.
Thursday: Sunny, high near 34°F. East northeast wind 3-7 mph.
Thursday Night: Increasing clouds, low around 20°F. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 37°F. West winds 6-11 mph with gusts up to 21 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 20°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 30°F.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 11°F.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 30°F.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 13°F.
Monday: Sunny, high near 35°F.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, low around 16°F.
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 38°F.