Your Daily Briefing – 02/24/2026


🗳 ELECTION WATCH 2026

Idaho’s 2026 candidate filing period is now open through Friday. More than 118 candidates had filed at last check, including U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson. All statewide offices and 105 legislative seats are up for election. The primary is May 19, with the general election November 3.


⛽ GAS PRICES RISING

Idaho gas prices are inching closer to three dollars. AAA reports the state average at $2.97 a gallon, up three cents from last week. The national average is $2.94, as most states saw price increases.


🛢 UTAH REFINERY DEAL

Utah refineries plan to boost production by 23,500 barrels a day over the next five years as part of a deal with Idaho aimed at lowering gas prices and avoiding interstate conflict. Utah leaders say the agreement also secures long-term Bear River water protection between the two states.


🚔 AMBULANCE ATTACK ARREST

Meridian Police have arrested a Boise woman in connection with Thursday’s ambulance attack on a federal building. Forty-three-year-old Sarah Elizabeth George faces a charge of attempted destruction of federal property by fire. Investigators say she stole an ambulance and tried to ignite the building.


📢 PROTEST ARREST AT TRUMP JR. EVENT

Boise Police arrested a woman near The Grove during a Donald Trump Jr. event last night. Officers say she used a bullhorn siren at the venue, ignored warnings, and resisted when police tried to cite her for violating the noise ordinance. She faces a misdemeanor charge of resisting and obstructing.


📜 ENDOWMENT LANDS AMENDMENT FAILS

A proposed Idaho constitutional amendment changing how state endowment lands are managed failed on a 7-to-7 vote in the House State Affairs Committee. House Joint Resolution 10 would have removed the requirement for maximum financial return. Amending the constitution requires a two-thirds legislative vote and voter approval.


⚖ SAME-SEX MARRIAGE MEMORIAL INTRODUCED

North Idaho Representative Tony Wisniewski has introduced a joint memorial urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 same-sex marriage ruling. The Idaho House State Affairs Committee approved its introduction, clearing the way for a full public hearing.


🏀 SPORTS

🏆 GOODING CLAIMS DISTRICT TITLE

What a night in boys district basketball! Gooding won its first district title in ten years, beating Kimberly 69-54. It was tied at 13 after one, but Bridger Pope caught fire in the second quarter to spark a big Senators run. Kimberly tried to rally, but Cougar Stockham’s late fast-break dunk sealed it — and Gooding is headed to the 4A State Tournament.


🏀 DISTRICT ELIMINATION RESULTS

Filer knocked out Buhl 56-40 in 4A District IV.
Sun Valley eliminated Raft River 72-67 in 2A.
Hagerman ended Shoshone’s season 58-38.
Camas County beat Hansen 63-47.
Castleford edged Richfield 51-48.


👑 MISS TEEN RODEO IDAHO

Katie Brackett of Three Creek is the new 2026 Miss Teen Rodeo Idaho, bringing the crown back to the Magic Valley for the first time in three years. The Utah State sophomore follows in her mother’s footsteps, becoming the first mother-daughter duo in pageant history.


💃 CSI NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

The College of Southern Idaho Dance Team won the USA Collegiate 2-Year College Pom National Championship and finished second in Hip Hop. The CSI Cheer Team placed third in two-year Show and eighth in Sideline at nationals.


🏀 BOISE STATE HOSTS WYOMING

Boise State is home tonight hosting Wyoming, tipoff at 7. The Broncos have won seven straight over the Cowboys and are coming off a season sweep of San Jose State. Boise State has topped 80 points in eight of its last ten games.


🏀 IDAHO STATE NATIONAL HONOR

Idaho State’s Gus Etchison has been named the Week 16 Lou Henson National Player of the Week, the first Bengal ever to earn the award. The senior guard averaged 32.5 points in wins over Montana and Montana State. ISU hosts Weber State Saturday for Senior Day.


🌦 WEATHER CENTER


🌬 HIGH WIND WATCH

When: Late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening
Where: Blaine, Cassia, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties

West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph.

• Difficult travel, especially for pickups, semis, and high-profile vehicles
• Possible isolated power outages
• Tree limb and sign damage possible
• Secure loose outdoor items


❄ WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

Through: 5 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Blaine County

Above 7,000 feet — including the Sawtooths and Sun Valley area:

• 7 to 17 inches of snow expected
• Some higher elevations topping two feet
• Blowing and drifting snow likely
• Mountain travel may be very difficult


🌧 TODAY

Rain with patchy morning fog.
High near 49.
Up to a half inch of rain possible.
Chance of precipitation: 100%.


🌧 TONIGHT

Rain mainly before 11 p.m.
Low around 43.
West southwest wind 7 to 14 mph, gusts up to 25 mph.
Chance of precipitation: 90%.


🌥 WEDNESDAY

50% chance of rain before 11 a.m.
Mostly cloudy.
High near 52.
Breezy with gusts up to 36 mph.


🌤 EXTENDED OUTLOOK

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 31.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 52.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 57.
Weekend: Slight shower chances, highs mid-50s.
Monday: 20% chance of showers, high near 54.