Southern Idaho Water Storage 
Southern Idaho’s water storage is looking strong once again. The Upper Snake River reservoir system is 69% full—106% of the median for this date. Recent precipitation has boosted Jackson Lake levels, leading to increased outflows to manage winter flood risks before the spring runoff.
Idaho Politics 
- City Council Districts – Sen. Josh Kohl of Twin Falls has introduced a bill to require city council districts in Idaho cities with over 25,000 residents, lowering the current 100,000 threshold. If passed, 14 cities, including three in the Treasure Valley, would shift from at-large to district elections.
- Union Bill Advances – The House State Affairs Committee has advanced House Bill 98, which would ban school districts from using taxpayer funds for union activities and payroll deductions for union dues. Violations could result in fines of up to $2,500.
- Marijuana Possession Penalties – A bill establishing a $300 minimum fine for adults possessing three ounces or less of marijuana is headed to the Idaho Senate floor. It passed the committee along party lines after the House approved it last week, 54-14.
- Land Use Study – The Idaho Senate has approved a resolution to create an interim committee to study land use and its impact on housing affordability.
Traffic & Safety 
A 23-year-old man from Meridian was killed after being struck by a car on I-84 early yesterday morning. Police say the man’s car rear-ended another vehicle, causing it to veer off the road. When he exited his car, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle in the westbound lanes.
Gas Prices on the Rise 
Even with colder weather, Idaho gas prices are climbing. AAA reports the state’s average at $3.19 per gallon—up 9 cents in a week. The national average is $3.14, with Idaho ranking 12th for highest prices. Washington, Nevada, and Oregon are paying more, but lower crude oil prices may help stabilize costs.
Outlaw Music Festival 
The Outlaw Music Festival is coming to Nampa on May 20 at the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater! Headliners include Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, and Billy Strings. Now in its 10th year, the festival has featured legends like Bonnie Raitt, Chris Stapleton, and ZZ Top.
SPORTS
Girls’ Basketball State Berths on the Line
District tournaments are heating up in the Magic Valley, with six teams guaranteed a trip to state and three others fighting for play-in spots. Top matchups include:
- Dietrich vs. Carey – 1A Sawtooth Conference title
- Oakley vs. Valley – 2A Snake River crown
- Mountain Home, Kimberly, and Gooding – competing for district championships in 5A, 4A, and 3A
Gooding is just one win away from its first state appearance since 2006, while Wendell battles in the 3A loser’s bracket.
Tuesday Night Scores
- 5A: No. 1 Mountain Home beat No. 4 Twin Falls 67-38, advancing to the Great Basin Championship against No. 2 Jerome on Wednesday.
- 4A: No. 1 Kimberly crushed No. 2 Gooding 59-33 to capture the SCIC title and a state tournament berth. No. 3 Filer edged No. 4 Buhl 54-46 and will face Gooding for a state spot.
- 3A: No. 3 Wendell edged No. 5 Declo 48-45 and will host West Side on Thursday for a state play-in game.
- 1A: No. 2 Dietrich won the Sawtooth title over No. 1 Carey 42-24. No. 3 Richfield beat No. 4 Castleford 45-36, setting up a state play-in game against Carey.
Boys’ Basketball Scores
- Hagerman beat Hansen 77-57 – Martin Gonzales led with 28 points, Wyatt Mavencamp had a 14-15 double-double, and Ky Kendall added 11 points and six steals.
- 5A: Minico defeated Idaho Falls 59-43.
- 2A: Valley crushed Murtaugh 61-23, with Pedro Robles and Josh Hardy scoring 14 each, and Soyer Young adding 13.
- Oakley beat Sun Valley Community School 66-30.
- Raft River edged Shoshone 63-45.
- Glenns Ferry dominated Lighthouse Christian 77-24.
WEATHER
Today
Mostly cloudy, becoming sunny later. High near 25°F. West-northwest winds 7-10 mph, gusting to 21 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, low near 9°F. West-southwest winds 7-13 mph.
Wednesday
Sunny, high near 24°F. Wind chills between -1°F and 9°F. West-northwest winds 7-10 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, low around 10°F. Wind chills between -1°F and 4°F. Light winds.
Thursday
Snow likely after 11 AM. Mostly cloudy, high near 32°F. East winds 10-16 mph. 60% chance of snow, with less than 1 inch accumulation.
Thursday Night
Snow likely before 11 PM. Mostly cloudy, low around 25°F. 70% chance of snow, less than 1 inch accumulation.
Friday
Snow in the morning, then rain possible. Mostly cloudy, high near 41°F. 50% chance of precipitation, with up to half an inch of snow possible.
Friday Night
Chance of rain before 8 PM, then rain/snow mix until 2 AM, followed by snow. 40% chance of precipitation, low near 29°F.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, high near 40°F.
Sunday
Chance of rain & snow. Mostly cloudy, high near 43°F. 50% chance of precipitation.
Washington’s Birthday (Monday)
50% chance of rain, mostly cloudy, high near 44°F.
- Your Daily Briefing – 02/21/2025 - February 21, 2025
- Your Daily Briefing – 02/20/2025 - February 20, 2025
- Your Daily Briefing – 02/19/2025 - February 19, 2025
