After substantial losses in the 2024 election, Democrats are searching for new leadership across the country.

Republicans took back the White House and Senate, along with retaining control of the House.

Party officials, including Idaho’s state Democratic Party Chair, Lauren Necochea, will vote for the new head of the Democratic National Committee early next year.

The race has several candidates across the political spectrum, including former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Ken Martin, who heads Minnesota’s version of the Democratic Party and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ken Wikler.

Where the next chairperson lands ideologically, Necochea said, isn’t as important as being able to unify the different coalitions making up the party.

“To come together across our minor policy disagreements we might hold to advance the agenda of electing more Democrats so that we can implement more of these policies that lift up working families,” she said.

Progressive members of the party have long criticized moderates for compromising their liberal values on issues like healthcare and support for large corporations.

Necochea said she’s not hearing a steady drumbeat of party officials trying to upend the status quo.

“[Republicans are] coming after Social Security. They’re coming after Medicare. They’re coming after our health care,” she said.

“So I just hear from my colleagues across the nation that we want to get back to work and roll up our sleeves and be ready to make a big comeback in the midterms.”

Experience managing large and complex organizations is a must. But another important necessity is having a communication plan to reach voters who actively tune out news and vote Republican, even if liberal policies would benefit them more.

“It’s both a challenge to deliver education and information to people who are kind of trying to avoid it, but it’s also an opportunity because it means that a lot of people who came out and voted for Republicans didn’t know what they were voting for,” Necochea said.

Increasing face-to-face communication is vital and something she said Idaho Democrats have already been doing, though the party lost three legislative seats this year.

“If you only try a door a few times during an election cycle and you don’t catch them when they’re home, then you never get to have that conversation,” she said.

Another item on her wishlist is for the next DNC chair to continue supporting a 50-state strategy – meaning the national party invests in local candidates across the country to help break up GOP supermajorities.

All major offices in Idaho are held by Republicans and the GOP holds 86% of all legislative seats here.

Necochea will join other party officials at the DNC’s winter meeting on Feb. 1 outside of Washington, D.C.

Copyright 2024 Boise State Public Radio

A stormy weather pattern is expected to persist over the region, with multiple systems bringing precipitation and changing conditions. It all starts tonight with valley rain and snow above 4800 feet.

After a nice Monday afternoon, Another storm will move in for Tuesday. This will bring some more snow to the mountains.

The long-term forecast indicates a continued active weather pattern, with multiple systems bringing significant snow to the ski areas and mostly rain to the Treasure Valley. This is the longest Boise has gone before the first measurable snow since 1958. The latest first snow ever was 1/18/1918.

The weekend is expected to be wet and active, with multiple systems bringing more valley rain and mountains snow.

Here’s a brief look at the forecast:

Tonight: Rain, with lows around 39°F and a 90% chance of precipitation.

Monday: Early morning rain showers give way to increasing sunshine and a very comfortable afternoon, with highs near 50°.

Tuesday: Rain likely, with highs near 51° and a 70% chance of precipitation.

Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with highs near 42°.

Wednesday Night: Snow, with lows around 33°. A dusting is possible on grassy surfaces. An 80% chance of precipitation.

Thursday: Any snow turns to rain in the valley, with highs near 43° and an 80% chance of precipitation.

Friday: Rain likely, with highs near 44° and a 60% chance of precipitation.

Saturday: Rain likely, with highs near 46° and a 70% chance of precipitation.

Sunday: Rain possible, with highs near 50°.

The following is a news release from Portneuf Valley Soccer Club.

POCATELLO — Portneuf Valley Soccer Club is proud to announce the finalization of a four-field indoor soccer facility in Pocatello.

At just over 120,000 square feet, this facility will be the largest of its kind in Idaho. Beyond housing four fields, the complex will serve as the new headquarters for PVSC, featuring administrative offices, a merchandise store, classrooms, and more.

“This facility is a game-changer for soccer in Eastern Idaho,” said Cristie Stone, President of PVSC. “It’s a testament to the vision and commitment of our club, our partners, and the community. We’re investing in our players and are determined to raise the bar of soccer in Idaho.”

PVSC is making a significant investment to enhance the facility’s infrastructure which includes installation of high-quality turf on all four fields, procurement of equipment and technology, upgrades to restrooms, office spaces, and other amenities.

“This facility is phase 1 of a 3-phase strategic development program that will see PVSC become the Number 1 club in the state,” said Paul Baker, who led the development efforts. “We are focused on building a community where our athletes can thrive, families can connect, and the sport we love can continue to grow in eastern Idaho.”

PVSC’s growth ambitions don’t stop here. In addition to the facility, the club will be investing in the professional development of 5 full-time professional coaching staff who will focus on enhancing Youth Development and Competitive programs.

The facility is set to open its doors for a soft opening in January with an official opening ceremony scheduled for early February, offering a transformative space for the soccer community to participate in events, tournaments and leagues.

As PVSC is a 501C3 Non Profit, the club is asking local businesses and families to support the clubs efforts through advertising and sponsorships. Information is available on their website: www.pvscunited.com.