Magic Valley news briefs [Video]

TIMES-NEWS

Two Oakley High School teams named state finalists in STEM contest

OAKLEY — Two teams from Oakley Junior/Senior High School are among four Idaho schools named state finalists in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, earning $2,500 technology prizes.

Other Idaho finalists include Fairmont Junior High School in Boise, Rigby High School and Sandpoint Middle School.

The national competition challenges students in grades 6-12 to create solutions for community issues using science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Sixty percent of entries use emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, 3D printing and robotics.

State finalists will submit detailed project plans by Jan. 9. State winners, to be announced in March, receive $12,000 in technology and advance toward becoming one of three national winners that will each receive $100,000 prize packages.

Gas prices approach $3 mark in Idaho

BOISE — Idaho gas prices have dropped to $3.02 per gallon, matching the national average as 34 states already see prices below $3, …