Your Daily Briefing – 01/23/2025

Idaho Legislator Proposes Firing Squads for Executions

A Nampa legislator proposes making firing squads the primary method of execution in Idaho. Rep. Bruce Skaug introduced the bill, citing challenges with lethal injection drugs. The bill, which would take effect in 2026, has no fiscal impact as $750,000 was already allocated in 2022 to refurbish a firing squad facility. Idaho legalized firing squads last year.

Governor Brad Little Signs Executive Order on Lava Ridge Wind Project

Governor Brad Little signed Executive Order 2025-01, the “Gone with the Lava Ridge Wind Project Act,” following President Trump’s suspension of the Lava Ridge Wind Project on federal land in Idaho’s Magic Valley. Governor Little criticized Biden, saying the project ignored Idahoans’ opposition. The order directs state agencies to cooperate with the federal review and gather local input to reassess the project’s impacts.

Pamela Hemphill Refuses Pardon from Former President Trump

Pamela Hemphill, an Idaho woman involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, was pardoned Monday by former President Trump, but she says she will refuse to accept the pardon. Hemphill served two months in prison and expressed regret for her actions, praising Capitol Police for their heroism. Trump also pardoned 1,500 others linked to the riots, sparking widespread debate.

Idaho Legislator Revives Efforts to Ban Government Mask Mandates

An Idaho legislator revives efforts to ban government mask mandates. Rep. Robert Beiswenger of Horseshoe Bend introduced a bill to prohibit mask mandates by state and local governments, citing concerns over government overreach during COVID-19. The bill exempts healthcare and vocational industries. It resembles a similar bill that failed last year.

Private School Choice Bills Advance in Idaho

Two private school choice bills advanced in Idaho. A House bill proposes $50 million in tax credits for private and home-school expenses, prioritizing low-income families and students with special needs. Meanwhile, a Senate bill seeks to expand the existing Empowering Parents program, adding $20 million to fund private school tuition and other education costs. Governor Brad Little has signaled support for a $50 million private school choice plan.

Idaho Snowpack Report

The latest Idaho snowpack report shows:

Big Wood: 76% of normal precipitation
Little Wood: 62%
Big Lost: 63%
Little Lost: 69%
Henrys Fork/Teton Basins: 79%
Snake Basin: 82%
Goose Creek: 102%
Salmon Falls: 101%

California Woman Arrested in Nampa for Felony Injury to a Child

A California woman has been arrested in Nampa for felony injury to a child. Police say she reversed her car with another child on the hood during a custody dispute, causing the child to fall. The child suffered minor injuries.

Sports Highlights

Boys’ Basketball

It was a top-tier 2A Snake River Conference showdown yesterday as undefeated Valley (12-0) hosted Oakley (8-3). Despite trailing 27-18 at halftime, Valley dominated the second half, winning 61-34. Senior Pedro Robles led with 20 points, 16 in the second half, while Josh Hardy added 15. Valley hosts Glenns Ferry Friday, while Oakley takes on Lighthouse Christian.

Other boys’ basketball scores:

4A: Kimberly beat Gooding 60-50, led by Broden Anthony’s 18 points.
3A: Declo stayed perfect, defeating Aberdeen 44-31.
2A: Hagerman’s Ky Kendall set a school record with nine threes, scoring 34 in a 74-34 win over Shoshone.
Butte County 70, Lighthouse Christian 25
Raft River 75, Glenns Ferry 49
1A: Dietrich cruised past Richfield 79-34.

Girls’ Basketball Highlights

6A: Thunder Ridge topped Canyon Ridge 63-21.
5A: Jerome edged Burley 33-29.
Mountain Home 60, Minico 30
Filer 51, Wood River 26

College of Southern Idaho Softball

The No. 8 College of Southern Idaho softball team kicks off their season Friday at the CSN Tournament in Henderson, Nevada. Returning All-American Courtney Christiansen leads the Golden Eagles after a stellar 2024 season with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs. CSI, coming off a 47-16 record and a third straight NJCAA National Tournament appearance, will face Arizona Eastern and No. 15 Pima on Friday, followed by Saturday games against Spoon River and Northeastern.

Boise State Basketball

Jalen Lake’s buzzer-beating three gave Colorado State a thrilling 75-72 win over Boise State Wednesday at Moby Arena. Tyson Degenhart led the Broncos with 27 points, but the Rams’ Nique Clifford had 20, and Lake sealed the deal with 13 points, including the game-winner. Boise State (13-7) returns Jan. 29 to host Nevada at ExtraMile Arena.

Boise State Running Back Wins Award

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty won the 2024 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, given to the nation’s top offensive player from Texas. A Lone Star High School product, Jeanty ran for 2,601 yards, the second-most in FBS history, with a record 29 rushing touchdowns and 2,750 all-purpose yards.

Weather Forecast

Sunny skies today with a high near 34 and light east winds. Partly cloudy tonight, dipping to 19. Tomorrow starts mostly cloudy but clears by afternoon, with a high near 36. Winds pick up to 14 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. The night will bring partly cloudy skies and colder, with a low around 16.

Looking ahead, expect mostly sunny skies Saturday and highs near 30, with lows in the teens through the weekend and sunshine continuing into next week.

Detailed Forecast

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 34. East wind around 6 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 36. Light and variable wind becoming west 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. West wind 5 to 11 mph becoming east after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 31.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 12.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 35.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 14.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 37.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 18.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 39.