Idaho Legislature Updates
House Passes Budget Bills
Idaho’s House has passed the first five budget bills of the 2025 session, approving “maintenance of operations” budgets that fund agencies at prior-year levels without new spending. These budgets, covering government branches, natural resources, and education, received bipartisan support. They now move to the Senate.
Indecent Exposure Law Proposal
An Idaho lawmaker is seeking to expand the state’s indecent exposure law following complaints about Canyon County Pride. The bill would ban the public display of artificial and surgically altered breasts, among other items. Critics argue it unfairly targets transgender individuals.
Flag Restrictions Bill Moves Forward
The Idaho House has passed a bill restricting state and local governments to displaying only official government and military flags. Schools and universities are exempt. Supporters say it promotes unity, while opponents argue it targets specific flags. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Journalist Protection Bill Advances
A bill protecting journalists from being forced to disclose unpublished work and sources is advancing in the Idaho Legislature. With exceptions for national security and imminent harm, it aims to shield journalists from legal subpoenas. Supporters argue it prevents costly legal battles for news organizations. The bill now heads to the House floor.
Forest Service Layoffs Impact Idaho
The U.S. Forest Service has laid off 3,400 workers nationwide, including 34 in Idaho’s Payette National Forest, following a Trump administration directive to cut probationary employees. Protesters in McCall argue the move threatens public lands, fire mitigation, and community jobs.
Medicaid Expansion at Risk
A bill that could repeal Idaho’s voter-approved Medicaid expansion has passed the House by a narrow 38-32 vote. It would require 11 policy changes or end expansion, which currently covers nearly 89,300 low-income Idahoans. Critics say it threatens healthcare access, while supporters argue it reins in costs. The bill now moves to the Senate.
New ‘World Famous Potato’ License Plates?
Lawmakers are considering adding two new specialty license plates inspired by vintage 1950s designs. The proposed plates would cost $70 initially, with proceeds benefiting the state highway fund and the Idaho Potato Commission.
Veterans Resource Fair Today
Congressman Mike Simpson is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair today in Twin Falls to connect veterans with local support services. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Twin Falls County West Building.
Sports Updates
Carey Panthers Advance to 1A State Semifinals
The No. 2 Carey Panthers are heading to the 1A state semifinals after a close 43-39 win over No. 7 Mackey. Andie Simpson led with 14 points, Heidi Rojas Esparza added 11, and Ali Simpson chipped in nine. Carey now faces No. 3 Rockland on Friday at noon for a spot in the state title game.
Dietrich Falls in Heartbreaker
Dietrich suffered a heartbreaking 41-39 loss to No. 5 Salmon River after a last-second three-pointer. Kaitlyn Wannamaker led with 14 points, while Paje Van Tassell added 12. The Blue Devils move to the consolation bracket and will take on Nezperce tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Nampa High School.
4A State Tournament Struggles for Local Teams
- No. 8 Gooding fell to undefeated No. 1 Sugar-Salem, 68-28, after being held to just three first-half points. Freshman Camyrn Rycraft led Gooding with eight points.
- No. 5 Kimberly battled No. 4 Timberlake but came up short, losing 53-44. Taya Plew led the Bulldogs with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Berkley Dille added 11. Kimberly and Gooding will meet in a consolation game this afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
5A Action: Jerome Falls to Mountain Home
No. 7 Jerome lost to No. 2 Mountain Home 50-39 in a Great Basin Championship rematch. Freshman Sawyer Garrad led Jerome with 10 points. The Tigers now face No. 3 Sandpoint in consolation play at noon today.
Boise State Softball Dominates
Brooklynn Pettis powered Boise State to a dominant 16-6 win over Utah Tech at the Lyman Classic, blasting two home runs and driving in a career-high seven runs. Boise State, now 8-3, faces San Diego today at noon.
Boise State Football 2025 Schedule Announced
Boise State will open the season at South Florida on Aug. 30, with its home opener set for Sept. 6 against Eastern Washington. Key matchups include:
- Road game at Notre Dame on Oct. 4
- Mountain West Championship rematch vs. UNLV on Oct. 18
Season finale at Utah State on Nov. 29
The conference title game is scheduled for Dec. 5. Boise State, led by head coach Spencer Danielson, returns 15 starters and looks to defend its Mountain West title.
CSI Baseball Wins Again
The College of Southern Idaho baseball team improved to 8-7 with a 6-2 win over Treasure Valley Community College. Canon Secrist’s fourth-inning homer helped the Golden Eagles take control, while Jack Barker and Kason O’Neil each added key hits. Shay Benson earned the win, allowing just two runs over six innings, and Mason Hartle closed it out with three perfect innings for the save. CSI faces Treasure Valley again today at noon, followed by a matchup with USU Eastern at 5 p.m.
Idaho Vandals Fall to Northern Arizona
Despite a strong defensive effort, the Vandals fell to Northern Arizona 70-65 in Big Sky action. Idaho looks to bounce back tomorrow when they host Northern Colorado at 2 p.m. at ICCU Arena.
Idaho Basketball Bounces Back
After a tough loss to Eastern Washington, Idaho rebounded with an 83-78 win over Northern Arizona. The Vandals hit seven three-pointers in the first half, with Tyler Linhardt scoring a career-high 25 points. Idaho heads to Greeley for a rematch with Northern Colorado tomorrow.
Idaho State Defeats Portland State
Idaho State men’s basketball secured an 82-74 win over Portland State at home. Dylan Darling posted a career-high 13 assists, leading the Bengals to victory. Connor Hollenbeck and Darling each scored 16 points. ISU improves to 12-13, 7-7 in Big Sky play. Up next: Sacramento State tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Weather Forecast
Today: Sunny, high near 41°F. Light and variable wind.
Tonight: Increasing clouds, low around 24°F. East wind 3-5 mph.
Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy, then sunny, high near 47°F. East northeast wind around 5 mph. Tomorrow Night: Partly cloudy, low around 30°F. Southeast wind around 6 mph.
Sunday: 50% chance of rain, high near 50°F.
Sunday Night: 40% chance of rain before 11 p.m., mostly cloudy, low around 42°F.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 60°F.
Tuesday-Wednesday: Mostly sunny, highs in the low-to-mid 50s.
- 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
