Your Daily Briefing – 07/21/2025

🔥 Wildfires Across Idaho

  • Buckhorn Fire near Murtaugh Lake scorched 346 acres Saturday. Over 90 personnel responded, and full containment is expected today.
  • County Line Fire north of Jerome burned 122 acres Sunday. Crews from BLM, Jerome, and Shoshone responded with aerial support. Cause undetermined.
  • Mile Marker 65 Fire in Ada County has been fully contained after burning over 8,900 acres. Evacuations and road closures lifted, but crews continue to mop up hotspots.

🏥 Federal Budget Fallout

  • Medicaid Cuts Looming: President Donald Trump’s new budget could lead to coverage loss for up to 40,000 Idahoans. Supporters say it reins in costs, critics call it a blow to working families.
  • SNAP Changes: Idaho will pay $6 million more annually to administer food stamps. Around 4,000 residents may lose benefits under stricter work rules—though the state dodged larger hikes thanks to low error rates.

⚖ Crime & Courts

  • Quadruple Murder Case: Prosecutors want to seal records in the Benjamin Naylor case to prevent media influence on potential jurors. Judges in Minidoka and Cassia counties are reviewing motions.

🐻 Grizzly Controversy

  • A House panel narrowly advanced a bill to remove Yellowstone grizzlies from the Endangered Species Act. Co-sponsored by Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher, the measure sparked heated debate over science vs. state control.

🚧 Twin Falls Traffic Alert

  • Eastland Drive Improvements begin today. From Addison to Filer, the road will be closed through Wednesday for water line repairs. Phase B follows with reduced access—plan ahead!

🏛 Capital for a Day

  • Governor Brad Little brings his statewide listening tour to Orofino this Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM at the Best Western Lodge. Residents can meet agency leaders face-to-face.

🐎 Rodeo & Youth Sports

  • Big finishes for Magic Valley rodeo athletes at Nationals:
    • Samantha Mai (Albion) – 3rd in barrel racing
    • Wesley Zebarth (Kimberly) – 4th in boys cutting
    • Curtis Dutson (Oakley) – State bull riding champ
    • Bryett Larsen (District 6) – Reserve world champ in saddle bronc
  • May Brothers’ D1 Football Camp drew athletes from BYU, ISU, Weber State and more—plus NFL pros Jonah Williams and Winston Reid, who donated gear and prizes.
  • Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge) went 2-2 in Greco and 3-2 in freestyle at Junior Nationals in Fargo. The 2024 All-American is gearing up for another state title run.

🏆 College & Legion Baseball Highlights

  • University of Idaho wins Big Sky Presidents’ Cup for the first time ever—honoring athletic and academic success. Vandals placed top 3 in football, soccer, women’s hoops, and tennis.
  • Burley Green Sox are district champs for the first time since 2012, beating Idaho Falls 10-2. Both head to the state tournament July 24–28.
  • Blackfoot topped Buhl 8-5 in the consolation bracket. Miguel Flores went 3-for-3; Remington Higley homered. Buhl finishes 10-15.
  • Minico Storm claimed their third straight Legion B state title, defeating Kuna 8-3. Ben Gillette had three hits and pitched a complete game.
  • Twin Falls Cowboys crushed Kimberly 17-1 for third place. Standouts: Caleb Fuller, Brody Solosabal, and Porter Heider all drove in three runs. Final season record: 28-5.

🌤 Weather Outlook

  • Today: Mostly sunny, high near 87°F. Gusty winds up to 24 mph.
  • Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 59°F.
  • Tuesday: Sunny, high near 84°F.
  • Wednesday: Highs climb to 88°F.
  • Late Week: Heat builds—highs of 90°F Thursday and low 90s Friday through Sunday. Skies remain mostly clear.

Terry "Tdub" West
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