Your Daily Briefing – 02/04/2025

NEWS UPDATE

IDAHO POLITICS

A Democrat cast a key swing vote Monday to advance a bill expanding Idaho’s Empowering Parents program. The Senate Education Committee approved SB 1025 in a 5-4 vote, increasing private school grants and special education funding. The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

Idaho House Republicans advanced a bill making firing squads the primary execution method. Idaho currently has nine inmates on death row.

The Idaho House passed a $253 million tax cut, including a $240 million income tax reduction. Republicans argue it will boost the economy, while Democrats say it benefits the wealthy.

IMMIGRATION PROTESTS

Hundreds of immigrants stayed home yesterday for “A Day Without Immigrants”, protesting crackdowns and deportations. The protest followed a Sunday demonstration on Blue Lakes Blvd., ending at the Perrine Bridge. Many immigrant-owned stores closed, and families skipped work and school to highlight their economic impact.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Memorial services for Ridley’s grocery store founder, Jerry Ridley, are set for this Saturday. Ridley passed away on January 31st. The service will be held at 11 a.m. at the College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Auditorium in Twin Falls.

A group of elk hunters is safe after being stranded in Owyhee County during a snowstorm. Reported missing Sunday, they were rescued Monday by a Black Hawk helicopter crew.

A disc jockey pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace after causing a scene at a wedding while carrying a concealed weapon. Shane Klaas, 50, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 88 days suspended, and six months of unsupervised probation.

ECONOMY & CRIME

Idaho’s average gas price has matched the U.S. average for the first time in recent memory at $3.098 per gallon. Idaho’s price is up six cents from last week, while the national average dropped by two cents.

U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced federal prison sentences for two eastern Idaho defendants convicted of fentanyl distribution:

Rebecca Lavatta, 33 – 6.5 years for possession with intent to distribute 5,000 fentanyl pills.
Kristen Meyer, 28 – Over 4 years for distributing 12,000 fentanyl pills.

SPORTS

High School Basketball Action

2A Boys: Oakley edged Hagerman 56-50, led by Ky Kendall’s 13 points.
Raft River dominated Lighthouse Christian 71-30.
Murtaugh took down Shoshone 48-41.
Richfield beat North Gem 50-40 in 1A play.
Girls’ Basketball: No. 3 Mountain Home finished an undefeated conference season with a 54-48 win over Burley.
Twin Falls edged Jerome 38-37 in OT, thanks to Jasmine Morris’ clutch free throws.
Buhl eliminated Wood River 45-24 in the 4A SCIC tournament and will face No. 1 Kimberly next.

College Basketball

Idaho State Men dominated Idaho 87-71 in their first rivalry matchup of the season.
ISU shot 61.5% from three, with Dylan Darling leading with 28 points and 9 assists.
Boise State looks for its third straight win as they face UNLV tonight at 9 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center, live on CBS Sports Network.