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Idahos Snow Woes: A Mixed Bag of Precipitation and Temperatures Despite a drier-than-usual snow season in Idahos Boise, Payette, and Weiser River basins, the region has seen more precipitation than average. However, warmer temperatures have resulted in most of this precipitation falling as rain instead of snow. Snow water equivalent currently stands at eighty-three percent of average in the Boise Basin, eighty-one percent in the Payette, and sixty-nine percent in the Weiser River Basin. A recent snowfall in the mountains provided a slight boost to these numbers, but without more snow at mid and low elevations, spring runoff could be weaker due to the rain filling up reservoirs rather than staying locked in as snowpack. Rivers across Idaho are running higher than usual, offering kayakers a rare winter opportunity to paddle. However, experts express concern about the potential impact of low snowpack on water supplies, vegetation, spring flows, and overall ecosystem health. The National Weather Service is monitoring the situation, as the next ten days do not promise additional snow. Yet, with the second half of January, all of February, and March still ahead, there is time for recovery. Reservoirs are currently at fifty-eight percent full in the Boise system and seventy-one percent in the Payette, though the Owyhee Basin in southern Idaho is struggling at just twenty percent of average. Checkout Solipillow.com

Yellow Pine, Idaho, faces a major roadblock as a massive slide hits the South Fork Salmon River Road, leaving the remote village isolated. The U.S. Forest Service warns against visiting, while locals struggle with tree-blocked southern routes. Repairs are underway, with updates to follow as the road aims to reopen soon. Checkout Solipillow.com

Utahs Great Salt Lake strike team unveils a new report, aiming to restore the shrinking inland sea. With agriculture consuming 65% of the basins water, officials highlight progress and ambitious goals for recovery, especially with the 2034 Olympics. Funding is pouring in, and personal actions matter for faster recovery. The report shows real wins from conservation, with simple changes in household water use potentially saving a lot. 2026 is a key year for expanding payments to farmers and tracking air quality. Checkout Solipillow.com

Jackson Jet, a Boise-based aviation company, acquires Reeder Jet Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, marking its third location. The deal honors Reeders 75-year legacy, with Jackson Jet planning to retain employees and enhance facilities. Meanwhile, Jackson Jet expands its Phoenix operations following the acquisition of Swift Aviation. Checkout Solipillow.com

Twenty twenty-six brings a wave of exciting restaurant openings in Boise, Garden City, Eagle, Meridian, and beyond. Highlights include El Gaucho, a fancy steakhouse in downtown Boise, Coa Cantina blending tacos and sushi vibes, and The Boise Posts rooftop gem. Local favorites like White Rabbit and Boise Thai Noodle House are also expanding. Garden City gets Dude Dewalt Cellars and Krossfade Kombucha, while Eagle welcomes Social Oak. Meridian heats up with Detroit-style pizza and a Revolutionary War-themed ice cream shop. Nampa and Caldwell see Amanos speakeasy, Marisco El Viejon, and Idaho Burritos long-awaited opening. These additions promise more variety, jobs, and reasons to explore the growing food scene. Checkout Solipillow.com

Engineered Structures Incorporated seeks city approval to demolish most of the Boise Factory Outlet Malls in southeast Boise, making way for a new Kenworth truck dealership. The plan involves tearing down five buildings, sparing only the Idaho Ice World. Meanwhile, the Boise Fire Department plans to use the dilapidated buildings for training exercises. The project requires a $1.136 million bond and must adhere to local safety and environmental rules. The citys decision is pending, so stay tuned for updates on the old outlet sites fate. Checkout Solipillow.com

Thousands in Boise face power outage; Idaho Power working to restore service, expecting normalcy by noon Checkout Solipillow.com

Idaho Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Battery: A Plea Deal, a Judges Decision, and a Teachers Fall from Grace Juvent Josue Ramirez, a beloved Idaho teacher, was sentenced to fourteen years in prison for sexually battering a seventeen-year-old student. The incident, which involved inappropriate touching on the girls legs and butt, led to a police investigation and the discovery of two more victims. Ramirez pleaded guilty to one felony count of sexual battery on a minor, receiving a sentence that included a push for the maximum twenty-five years and a denial of probation. The judge set parole possible in just three years, while Ramirez apologized and expressed remorse. The case highlights the devastating impact of such actions on victims and the importance of maintaining safe environments in schools. Checkout Solipillow.com

Idaho Lawmakers Debate Medicaid Expansion Repeal: A Billion-Dollar Decision Idaho lawmakers are grappling with a contentious issue as they begin their legislative session: whether to repeal the states Medicaid expansion. This program, approved by voters in 2018, currently covers around 90,000 Idahoans and is the largest budget item in the state. The debate centers around the significant financial implications. While the program brings in substantial federal matching dollars, repealing it would send approximately $1.03 billion back to Washington, D.C. Lawmakers are divided on whether the expansion is beneficial or detrimental to the long-term budget. Republican Representative Josh Tanner from Idaho Falls argues that the program was intended for able-bodied working adults and has grown faster than expected, leading to cuts in provider rates that affect everyone. On the other hand, Democratic Representative Megan Egbert from Boise views the expansion as Idahos most cost-effective program. She warns that repealing it would not eliminate healthcare needs for the 90,000 covered individuals but would instead shift costs to hospitals and those with private insurance through emergency care bills. As the session commences, lawmakers must decide whether to maintain this voter-approved coverage or redefine how the state funds healthcare for the future. Checkout Solipillow.com