🏛️ IDAHO STATE & POLITICS
🧾 BUDGET WATCH
Idaho lawmakers are reviewing possible new budget cuts, on top of the three percent ordered by Governor Brad Little last summer. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee says additional cuts may be needed due to revenue uncertainty and federal tax changes under President Donald Trump. State budget chief Lori Wolff warns deeper reductions could impact schools, healthcare, and essential state services. Lawmakers are expected to vote Friday.
📜 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION PUSH
The Idaho House is considering a resolution calling for a constitutional convention aimed at forcing a balanced federal budget. Supporters, including John Shirts, argue it would pressure Congress to act. Critics, including Dorothy Moon, warn it could open the door to rewriting the entire Constitution. The resolution now heads to the full House.
📚 LIBRARY LAW RULING
A panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that part of Idaho’s library law likely violates the First Amendment. The decision sends the case back to Judge Amanda Brailsford. The law, signed by Governor Brad Little, largely remains in effect while litigation continues.
🏢 NEW LABOR OFFICE
The Idaho Department of Labor has opened a new office in Twin Falls on Parkview Loop. The expanded location offers additional services for job seekers, including resume assistance, job training, and hiring events.
🛒 ALBERTSONS TECH TEST
Boise-based Albertsons Companies is testing new shopping cart-tracking technology designed to analyze customer movement through stores and determine which advertisements lead to purchases. The company says it is not tracking individual customers. It is not yet clear whether any Idaho stores are participating.
⚖️ CRIME & COURTS
🚔 TWIN FALLS CONVICTION
A Twin Falls jury has convicted Robert Allphin of sexually abusing a child and assaulting a deputy. Sentencing is scheduled for April.
🛣️ TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS
After Idaho recorded 256 traffic deaths in 2025, the Idaho Transportation Department is now accepting applications for safety grants aimed at promoting safer driving. Applications are due February 27th.
⚰️ BLAINE COUNTY CORONER DISPUTE
The Blaine County Board of Commissioners questioned Coroner Russ Mikel regarding death investigations and missing reports. Mikel defended his work and stated he does not plan to resign.
💰 FEDERAL TAX FRAUD CASE
A Kuna couple, Andrea Shannon and Kent Shannon, are facing federal charges in an alleged 57-million-dollar tax fraud scheme targeting the IRS. Prosecutors say fake checks and fraudulent returns were used to seek massive refunds. If convicted, they could face decades in prison.
⛪ MERIDIAN SENTENCING
A Meridian youth pastor, Isaiah Teague, has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl. Judge Cynthia Yee-Wallace cited his lack of remorse during sentencing.
🏀 SPORTS
🔥 GIRLS BASKETBALL UPSET
A big night on the hardwood saw a major upset as the Declo Hornets knocked off rival Wendell when it mattered most. After being outscored in the first two meetings, Declo jumped out early and never looked back. Kylee Ramsey dominated on both ends of the floor, while Kaylee Rios and Teagan Wickel controlled the paint. Declo now heads to Aberdeen on Thursday with another upset in sight. Wendell drops to the loser’s bracket and will host Soda Springs Thursday night.
🏀 OTHER GIRLS SCORES
Rigby rolled Canyon Ridge 75-18
Hagerman edged Murtaugh 38-36
Valley slipped past Glenns Ferry 46-44
Raft River beat Shoshone 66-24
🏀 BOYS SCORES
Dietrich edged Camas County 67-65
Carey beat Castleford 56-48
Buhl topped Filer 46-40
Burley squeaked by Minico 71-69
Richfield beat Hansen 51-47
Sugar-Salem over Kimberly 69-32
Twin Falls beat Jerome 55-31
Mountain Home outlasted Wood River in overtime, 74-62
⏱️ TONIGHT’S BOYS GAMES
6:30 — Hagerman High School at Sun Valley Community School (Hagerman 8-9, Sun Valley 12-4)
7:30 — Aberdeen High School at Declo High School (Aberdeen still winless, Declo 9-8)
7:30 — Shoshone High School at Oakley High School (both 4-11)
Canyon Ridge High School at Thunder Ridge High School (Canyon Ridge 9-9, Thunder Ridge 13-4)
Soda Springs High School at Wendell High School (Wendell 15-1)
🏆 GIRLS DISTRICT TOURNAMENT PLAY
5:30 — Wood River High School vs. Filer High School in Twin Falls
6:00 — Castleford High School vs. Richfield High School in Hansen
7:00 — Gooding High School vs. Kimberly High School in Twin Falls
7:30 — Camas County High School vs. Hansen High School in Hansen
🦅 CSI GOLDEN EAGLES HONORS
College of Southern Idaho baseball and softball players Trey Purser and Marissa Mauger earned Player and Pitcher of the Week honors. The Golden Eagles return to action February 12th through the 14th.
🔥 BOISE STATE MEN
The Boise State Broncos men’s basketball team earned its fifth win in six games, beating the Nevada Wolf Pack 91-87 in overtime. Dylan Andrews scored 25 points, hit the game-winning three, and surpassed 1,000 career points. Javan Buchanan added 23. Boise State faces New Mexico Saturday night.
🏀 BOISE STATE WOMEN
The Boise State Broncos women’s basketball team heads to Reno today to face Nevada at 11:30 AM, riding a seven-game conference winning streak.
🏔️ IDAHO VANDALS
The Idaho Vandals men’s basketball team continues its road trip Thursday at Montana State, then wraps up Saturday at Montana.
🌤️ WEATHER
☀️ TODAY
Mostly sunny with a high near 57. East-northeast wind around 6 mph.
🌙 TONIGHT
Mostly clear with a low around 32. East wind around 6 mph.
☀️ THURSDAY
Sunny with a high near 60. East wind 7 to 9 mph.
Thursday night mostly clear, low around 31.
🌤️ FRIDAY
Mostly sunny, high near 60.
Friday night mostly cloudy, low around 34.
🌞 WEEKEND
Saturday mostly sunny, high near 56.
Sunday mostly sunny, high near 58.
Sunday night brings a 30 percent chance of rain after 11 PM.
🌧️❄️ EARLY NEXT WEEK
Monday and Tuesday bring chances of rain and snow, highs in the 40s, lows dipping into the upper 20s.
- Your Daily Briefing – 02/04/2026 - February 4, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 02/03/2026 - February 3, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 01/30/2026 - January 30, 2026
