Legal & Political News
Albertsons vs. Kroger Update
Albertsons has updated its lawsuit against Kroger, alleging that Kroger soured on their $24.6 billion merger deal. Albertsons claims it even offered $800 million to help push the deal forward. Now, the company is seeking damages and a $600 million breakup fee.
Public Defender Funding Trimmed
The Idaho Legislature’s budget committee has reduced Governor Brad Little’s funding request for the new Idaho Public Defender’s Office by $5 million. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) approved $83.2 million—less than the governor’s request, but more than the office itself had sought. The budget includes funds for appeal transcript costs following a recent court ruling.
Death Penalty Bill Advances
A bill allowing the death penalty for adults convicted of sexually abusing children 12 and under is headed to Governor Brad Little. If signed, it will take effect July 1.
Murder Suspects Waive Hearings
Two Jerome teenagers, Roland Delacruz and Alexander Garcia, who are charged in the June murder of 18-year-old Dax Richins, have waived their preliminary hearings. Both will be arraigned on April 15 in district court and are being tried as adults.
Balanced Budget Push
Governors Ron DeSantis and Brad Little met yesterday at the Idaho Statehouse to rally support for a U.S. balanced budget amendment. They urged Idaho to join 27 other states in calling for a constitutional convention to curb federal spending and compel Congress to act.
Cascade Ranch Concerns
Texas billionaires Dan and Faris Wilks are selling 73 ranch sites near Cascade using a legal loophole that bypasses Valley County’s subdivision rules. The move has raised concerns about insufficient oversight for infrastructure and fire safety.
Local News & Community
Workforce Housing in Ketchum
Ketchum is addressing its workforce housing shortage with three new projects that will add deed-restricted homes. The city is seeking developer proposals by April 11 in an effort to improve housing affordability for local workers like teachers and nurses.
Massage Parlor Plea Deal
Lang Wang has accepted a plea deal in a Twin Falls massage parlor case. Her felony charges are being reduced in exchange for testimony against Salon Kahn. Prosecutors will recommend probation.
Heroic Highway Rescue
ITD workers Travis McBride, Dan Wagoner, and RuthAnn Sorensen are being hailed as heroes after rescuing an elderly woman from a burning vehicle on I-84 near Declo. Their quick actions are credited with saving her life.
Economy & Prices
Gas Prices on the Rise
Idaho gas prices have jumped to $3.25 per gallon—an increase of seven cents from last week. According to AAA, rising demand and warmer weather are driving the price hike. Despite the increase, prices remain 27 cents lower than a year ago.
Sports
Jerome Baseball Falls to Blackfoot
The Jerome Tigers dropped to 4-5 after a 7–1 loss to Blackfoot. Both teams had four hits, but three errors proved costly for Jerome. Lane Arellano drove in the Tigers’ only run with an RBI single. Caleb Jones, Mason Garcia, and Julian Orozco also recorded hits.
Deer Population Strong in Magic Valley
While hunting season is still months away, Idaho Fish and Game is monitoring deer populations statewide. Surveys show strong mule deer numbers in the Magic Valley, especially near Little Wood and Fish Creek. Fawn and doe counts also appear healthy. Some declines were noted west of the Bogwood River, despite no wildfire activity. Officials are still investigating. The Fish and Game Commission meets tomorrow to review the data and update management plans.
Sweet 16 Showdown: BYU vs. Alabama
It’s BYU vs. Alabama in the Sweet 16—not on the football field, but in the NCAA basketball tournament. The Cougars and Crimson Tide will face off Thursday in Newark following Alabama’s 80–66 win over Saint Mary’s. Six Tide players scored in double figures, led by Clifford Omoruyi’s double-double. BYU, fresh off a dramatic win over Wisconsin, is entering its first regional semifinal since 2011. Alabama coach Nate Oats praised BYU’s style and coach Kevin Young, saying the matchup won’t be easy. Alabama leads the all-time series 2–0, but BYU has won 11 of its last 12 games.
Gracie Smith Earns Big Sky Honor
Idaho State’s Gracie Smith has been named Big Sky Co-Player of the Week for March 24—her second honor this season. Smith was dominant in the Bengals’ series against Saint Mary’s, batting .700 with two home runs, a double, four runs, and four RBIs. She also went 2-for-2 on stolen bases. ISU will face Nevada on Tuesday before starting Big Sky conference play in Sacramento.
Weather
Forecast Overview
Sunny today with a high of 72°F. Mostly clear tonight with a low around 44°F. Warmer on Wednesday with a high of 78°F. Clouds move in Thursday with cooler temps into the weekend. Slight chance of showers Saturday and Sunday.
Detailed Forecast
- Today: Sunny, with a high near 72°F. East-northeast wind at 3 to 7 mph.
- Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 44°F. East wind around 8 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 78°F. East wind 7 to 11 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 48°F. Southeast wind 7 to 11 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high near 69°F. South wind 5 to 11 mph, shifting to northwest.
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 41°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 55°F.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 36°F.
- Saturday: 20% chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, high near 54°F.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 35°F.
- Sunday: 20% chance of showers. Mostly sunny, high near 59°F.
- Sunday Night: 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, low around 40°F.
- Monday: Showers likely. Partly sunny, high near 56°F. Chance of precipitation: 60%.
