Your Daily Briefing – 02/19/2025

IDAHO POLITICS

Governor Brad Little Signs Executive Order on Immigration
Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed an executive order reinforcing state support for President Trump’s immigration policies. Little criticized the Biden administration’s handling of border security and praised Trump’s recent actions. He emphasized Idaho’s commitment to aiding federal agencies in enforcing immigration laws.

Trump Endorses Idaho’s School Choice Bill
President Donald Trump took to social media to endorse Idaho’s House Bill 93, urging lawmakers to pass a $50 million school choice plan. The bill would provide $5,000 grants—up to $7,500 for special-needs students—to families opting out of public schools. Governor Brad Little and Idaho legislators are backing the measure, which Trump called “GREAT news for Idaho families.”

Idaho Senate Passes Marijuana Possession Fine Bill
The Idaho Senate has passed a bill imposing a $300 mandatory minimum fine for simple marijuana possession. The bill, which has already cleared the House, now heads to Governor Brad Little for final consideration. If signed, it will take effect on July 1. Supporters say it reinforces Idaho’s tough stance on marijuana.

Bill Advances to Tighten Refugee Medical Assistance Eligibility
A bill to tighten income limits for Idaho’s Refugee Medical Assistance program is moving forward. It would lower the eligibility cap from 150% to 133% of the federal poverty level, cutting the maximum annual income for a single refugee to $20,814. The federally funded program provides short-term medical coverage, costing Idaho about $1 million last fiscal year.

CRIME & SAFETY

Fatal Crash Under Investigation Near Jerome
Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal crash on US-93 at 100 S near Jerome. Around 7:50 a.m. yesterday, a 54-year-old Filer man driving a Subaru Legacy failed to yield while turning left and was struck by a Ford F-250 driven by a 25-year-old Bellevue man. The Subaru driver was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The Ford driver was uninjured. The crash blocked the intersection for three hours.

Father and Son Charged in Child Sex Crimes
Authorities have charged a father and son with multiple child sex crimes. Shane Shockey, 48, faces charges of lewd conduct, rape, and child sexual abuse in Jerome and Blaine counties. His son, Zachary Shockey, 29, is also charged with lewd conduct and child sexual abuse. Shane’s alleged crimes span seven years, while Zachary’s span three.

BYU Baseball Player Charged with Child Sex Crimes
Brigham Young University baseball player Candon Dean Dahle has been charged in two Idaho counties with sexually assaulting children. The 21-year-old faces felony lewd conduct charges in Fremont County, accused of assaulting an 11-year-old in 2022. Dahle is out on a $50,000 bond with a no-contact order in place. His preliminary hearing is set for February 26, and he could face life in prison if convicted.

SPORTS

Declo Falls to Soda Springs in SE Idaho Conference Tournament
Top-ranked Declo suffered its first loss at the worst time, falling 48-44 to No. 4 Soda Springs in the SE Idaho Conference Tournament. Gavin Hansen led the Cardinals with 19 points, securing a state tournament bid. Declo will now face Aberdeen in a consolation game tomorrow.

Other Boys’ Basketball Scores:

6A: No. 1 Madison defeated Canyon Ridge 85-56. Canyon Ridge will play Rigby.
3A: Wendell edged West Side 60-57, clinching a state bid. They face Soda Springs on Feb. 25.
1A: Camas County won 63-39 over Castleford, and Richfield beat Hansen 57-48—both advance to the semifinals.

Boise State Women’s Basketball Snaps Losing Streak
Boise State women’s basketball broke a five-game losing streak with a 78-73 win over Wyoming, fueled by a 20-6 fourth quarter. Tatum Thompson matched her career-high with 25 points, and Dani Bayes added 21. Next up: a road game at UNLV on Feb. 26.

Boise State Men’s Basketball Faces New Mexico Tonight
The Boise State men’s basketball team (17-8) aims to split the season series with New Mexico (22-4) tonight at ExtraMile Arena. The Broncos have won six straight home games against the Lobos and boast a strong defense, allowing just 59.3 points per game this season. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. MT on CBS Sports Network. New Mexico enters the game on an 8-game winning streak, with their last loss over a month ago.

CSI Baseball Dominates Utah State Club
The College of Southern Idaho baseball team secured two run-rule wins over Utah State Club, 11-1 and 16-8.

Game 1: CSI pitchers Braxton Yates, Logan Mabey, and Noah Miller combined for one earned run and eight strikeouts. Kason O’Neil led at the plate with a home run and three RBI.
Game 2: Crew Secrist smashed a home run and drove in six runs, while Calvin Morrow added three RBI. Hayden Hudman and Jack Ryan combined for a strong pitching effort, allowing no earned runs.
CSI, now 7-7 overall, will host Treasure Valley tomorrow.

Upcoming College Games:

Idaho Vandals Women’s Basketball: Hosts Northern Arizona at ICCU Arena at 2 p.m. on ESPN+. Idaho ranks third in the Big Sky, led by defensive standouts Olivia Nelson and Hope Hassmann.
Idaho State Bengals Men’s Basketball: Hosts Portland State tomorrow at 7 p.m. and Sacramento State on Saturday at 6 p.m. Both games will stream on ESPN+.