Your Daily Briefing – 03/05/2025


🌨 Winter Storm Watch

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Cassia County from this afternoon through late tomorrow night. 1 to 2 feet of snow is possible above 6,000 feet, with winds gusting up to 35 mph.


🏛 Idaho Medicaid Bill Advances

A bill to control Medicaid costs in Idaho is heading to the House floor after advancing in committee yesterday. House Bill 345 would impose work and volunteer requirements for some Medicaid recipients and allow tax credits for insurance.


💰 Idaho Senate Passes Income Tax Cut

The Idaho Senate has passed a bill to cut income taxes, reducing state revenue by $253 million. House Bill 40 lowers tax rates, expands military pension exemptions, and eliminates capital gains tax on gold sales. The bill now heads to Governor Brad Little for approval.


⚖ DOJ Drops Abortion Ban Lawsuit Against Idaho

The U.S. Department of Justice plans to drop its lawsuit against Idaho, which challenged the state’s abortion ban in emergency cases. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, keeping emergency abortion access in place for now. A hearing is set for today.


🏫 Twin Falls School District Finalizes School Zones

The Twin Falls School District has finalized new school zones, turning Bickel Elementary into a magnet school to save it from closure. About 100 students will relocate, while Bickel will use a lottery for admission. A new Dual Immersion program will offer bilingual education.


📺 Lori Vallow Daybell Claims Exoneration in “Dateline” Interview

Convicted murderer Lori Vallow Daybell says she will be exonerated in an upcoming “Dateline” interview. Speaking from jail, she claims Jesus showed her a future where she and husband Chad Daybell are free. Lori is serving life for the murders of her two children and Chad’s late wife—Chad is on death row. The interview airs Friday.


🏥 Planned Parenthood Launches Virtual Health Center

Planned Parenthood has launched a Virtual Health Center for Idaho residents, expanding telehealth services. Patients can now access birth control and other medical services online.


🌈 Idaho’s First Openly Transgender Legislator Steps In

Nikson Mathews, Idaho’s first openly transgender legislator, is temporarily filling in for Senator Ali Rabe while she’s on maternity leave. Mathews, a longtime LGBTQ+ advocate, began serving on March 3.


🏆 SPORTS

🏀 Valley Vikings Head to 2A State Tournament

The Valley Vikings are heading to the 2A State Tournament as the No. 2 seed, looking for their first state title since 2001. With a perfect 22-0 record, they enter the tournament with momentum after winning the Snake River Championship. Valley faces No. 7 Grace in the opener Thursday at 2 PM.


🏀 Boise State Men Extend Winning Streak

The Boise State men’s basketball team dominated Air Force with an 80-57 victory last night, extending their five-game winning streak. Pearson Carmichael and Andrew Meadow led the Broncos with 14 points each. Boise State has now won 10 straight against Air Force. They wrap up the regular season Friday at 8 PM against Colorado State.


🏀 Boise State Women Close Regular Season with a Win

The Boise State women’s basketball team closed the regular season with a 72-59 win over Utah State. Natalie Pasco and Tatum Thompson took over in the second half, combining for 34 points as the Broncos pulled away late. Boise State finishes the season 17-14 and now looks ahead to the Mountain West Tournament.


⚾ CSI Pitcher Earns Scenic West Honors Again

For the second straight week, a CSI pitcher has earned Scenic West Pitcher of the Week honors. Freshman Braxton Yates dominated in a seven-inning shutout win over Treasure Valley, striking out eight. CSI is on a six-game win streak.


⚾ Jack Barker Continues Hot Streak for CSI Baseball

Jack Barker continues his dominance for CSI Baseball, earning Scenic West Player of the Week honors for the second straight week. He hit .800 with six runs and four RBIs in a sweep over Treasure Valley CC. Barker is now batting .653 on the season. CSI hosts Clark College this weekend for a four-game series.


🌦 WEATHER

Today:

🌧 40% chance of rain after 11 AM. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49°F. Winds shifting east at 5 to 9 mph.

Tonight:

🌧 Rain likely. Low around 35°F. Gusty east winds up to 23 mph. 90% chance of precipitation.

Thursday:

🌧 Rain and snow expected. High near 40°F. Winds shifting north-northeast up to 24 mph. 90% chance of precipitation, with less than a half-inch of snow expected.

Thursday Night:

❄ Rain and snow likely, turning to all snow after 2 AM. Low around 31°F. Winds west-southwest up to 16 mph. 70% chance of snow, with less than one inch expected.

Friday:

⛅ Partly sunny, with a high near 41°F.
🌙 Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 25°F.

Saturday:

☀ Sunny, with a high near 47°F.
🌙 Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 25°F.

Sunday:

🌤 Mostly sunny, with a high near 51°F.
🌙 Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 29°F.

Monday:

⛅ Partly sunny, with a high near 54°F.
🌧 Monday Night: 30% chance of rain, mostly cloudy, low around 34°F.

Tuesday:

🌧 Chance of rain and snow, mostly cloudy, high near 49°F. 50% chance of precipitation.


Terry "Tdub" West
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