Your Daily Briefing – 07/21/2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.