Your Daily Briefing – 01/17/2025

Tax Refunds Ordered for Idaho Power Companies

In a recent ruling, taxing districts in Idaho face $13 million in refunds to power companies due to overcharged property tax bills from 2020 to 2022. The court determined that Idaho Power and Avista Utilities were overbilled in 43 out of the state’s 44 counties. The counties are required to pay refunds with interest. Local officials are now awaiting state legislative support to cover the costs.

Fatal Accident on Blue Lakes Boulevard

Tragedy struck Wednesday afternoon in the 200 block of Blue Lakes Boulevard when a single-vehicle accident claimed the life of 36-year-old Eleazar Perez-Patino of Twin Falls. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with speed and road conditions suspected as contributing factors.

Proposed Idaho Law to Ban Ideological Flags in Schools

A proposed Idaho law seeks to ban most ideological flags in public schools, including Pride and political party flags. House Bill 10 permits only specific flags, such as the U.S. and state flags, in public school settings.

Senate Bill Proposes LGBTQ+ Protections in Idaho

Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow introduced Senate Bill 1004 to add LGBTQ+ protections to the Idaho Human Rights Act. The bill aims to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” but, as a personal bill, it will not advance further.

Idaho Governor Praises Federal Appointment

Idaho Governor Brad Little expressed support for President Donald Trump’s appointment of Michael Boren as U.S. Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. Governor Little anticipates that Boren will apply Idaho’s effective land management practices to national policies, including lands and fire management in the West.

Coroner Identifies Victim of Gooding County Crash

The Ada County Coroner identified 21-year-old Xavier Arambula of Kimberly as the victim of a December 31 rollover crash in Gooding County. Arambula suffered blunt force head injuries and passed away on January 11 at a Boise hospital due to complications.

Report Highlights Declining Medicaid Enrollment Among Idaho Hispanics

A new report reveals a decline in Medicaid enrollment among Idaho Hispanics. As of November, enrollment had dropped to 35,000—down by 8,500 since March 2023. The report highlights health disparities impacting the Hispanic population in Idaho.

Sports Highlights

Boys’ Basketball

Declo 48, West Side 31: Declo remains undefeated (12-0) after a big rivalry rematch. Emmett Gibby and Carter Robertson led with 14 points each.
Other Scores:
- Wendell 51, Compass Charter 37
- Dietrich 71, Camas County 60

Girls’ Basketball

Preston 43, Filer 26
Rigby 74, Canyon Ridge 23
Jerome 44, Twin Falls 38 (Freshman Sawyer Garrad led with 11 points)
Mountain Home 53, Burley 43 (Ady Olmos had 13 points, 10 rebounds)
Pocatello 84, Minico 21
Kimberly 63, Buhl 39 (Taya Plew scored 27)
Valley 72, Raft River 50 (Joanie Lewis 24 points, Lexi Huettig 20)
Oakley 54, Glenns Ferry 27
Richfield 47, Hansen 30

CSI Men’s Basketball

The 16th-ranked CSI men’s basketball team defeated USU-Eastern 77-57 last night in Price, Utah. Amarco Doyle led with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Walker Timme contributed 15 points. CSI forced 14 turnovers and shot 86% from the free-throw line. Next up: a showdown with top-ranked Snow College tomorrow in Ephraim.

CSI Women’s Basketball

The 13th-ranked CSI women’s basketball team edged USU-Eastern 63-60 in SWAC play. Kennedy Gillette led with 18 points, including clutch free throws. Macie Brown added 10 points and five rebounds. CSI faces Snow College on Saturday to close the first round of conference play.

Idaho State Men’s Basketball

The Idaho State Bengals men’s basketball team ended an 11-game losing streak against Montana State with a thrilling 70-67 victory. Connor Hollenbeck led with a career-high 22 points, and Dylan Darling added 19. The Bengals (7-8 overall, 2-2 in Big Sky play) will face Montana tomorrow at 6 PM in Reed Gym.