Connect with us

Idaho

Idaho submits waiver request to exclude soft drinks, candy from SNAP purchases – East Idaho News

Published

on

Idaho submits waiver request to exclude soft drinks, candy from SNAP purchases – East Idaho News


The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Following direction from Idaho Gov. Brad Little, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare submitted a formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Friday seeking approval to implement House Bill 109, signed by Gov. Brad Little in April.

Idaho is among just a few states to move quickly on submitting the waiver, a step that is required to implement the new law. House Bill 109 aims to promote healthier food choices by removing soft drinks and candy from the list of items eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps.

“My administration is committed to securing the necessary waiver as quickly as possible so we can improve lives and Idahoans’ overall health,” Little said. “I appreciate the support of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Idaho Legislature as we promote the MAHA movement in Idaho.”

Advertisement

Health and Welfare’s Division of Self-Reliance submitted the formal request.

“Idaho supports the health and well-being of families who rely on SNAP,” said Self-Reliance Division Administrator John Bernasconi. “By aligning SNAP benefits with basic nutrition standards, we hope to reduce preventable chronic health conditions and encourage healthier habits across the state.”

Once finalized, Idaho’s waiver request will ask the USDA to approve specific modifications to SNAP’s allowable food categories. If approved, SNAP benefits would no longer cover the purchase of soda, energy drinks, or candy. These changes reflect growing public health concerns over the role of added sugars and processed foods in contributing to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

House Bill 109 received strong support in the 2025 legislative session and builds on a national conversation about the role of nutrition in federal food assistance programs. According to USDA data, a significant portion of SNAP purchases—approximately 20% nationally—are spent on sugary beverages and snacks.

“This effort is not about limiting choice—it’s about encouraging better options for families and making sure public resources are supporting long-term health,” Bernasconi said.

Advertisement

=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>





Source link

Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Dec. 21, 2025

Published

on


Looking to win big? The Idaho Lottery offers several games if you think it’s your lucky day.

Lottery players in Idaho can chose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Lucky For Life, 5 Star Draw, Idaho Cash, Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here’s what experts say to do first.

Here’s a look at Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 results for each game:

Advertisement

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

Day: 8-4-8

Night: 7-0-2

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

Day: 7-3-0-4

Night: 7-5-5-8

Advertisement

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

11-24-27-38-46, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

10-23-33-38-44

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Advertisement

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • 5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

Advertisement

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.



Source link

Continue Reading

Idaho

What the arrival of NIL funding does for Idaho State University sports – East Idaho News

Published

on

What the arrival of NIL funding does for Idaho State University sports – East Idaho News


POCATELLO — Sophomore guard Dylan Darling was Idaho State men’s basketball’s top performer last season, earning the Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Player award while leading the Bengals to a fourth-place finish in the conference.

After averaging 19.8 points per game for the year, Darling departed Pocatello for greener pastures. He accepted a $1 million payday to transfer to St. John’s University and join the Red Storm.

The ISU Athletics Department has announced the creation of the Student-Athlete Success Fund, with the intent to “attract, recruit, retain and develop outstanding student-athletes across all sports while responding to the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.”

While the fund’s $10,000 goal will not compete with schools like Oregon, Texas or Ohio State — or even St. John’s — it could allow ISU to keep pace with its direct competitors.

Advertisement

The University of Montana launched “The Griz NIL Exchange” in 2023, while Montana State University has the “Bobcat Collective.” Even University of Idaho has “The Idaho NIL Store” which allows Vandal fans to buy merchandise and gear with money going to the athletes.

As the Bengals emerge as challengers for conference superiority across several sports, it was an important time for the university to take this step forward.

on the football field, three ISU offensive linemen were named FCS All-Americans this season, including First-Teamer Stryker Rashid. Running back Dason Brooks, safety Rylan Leathers, punter Gabe Russo and kicker Trajan Sinatra join Rishid as Bengal All-Conference First- or Second-Teamers with at least one year of eligibility remaining.

Leathers and Sinatra have already made public their intentions to enter the transfer portal — and they will both receive an offer with NIL money attached, joining Darling in those greener pastures.

To retain players like Rashid, Brooks, and the softball, volleyball, basketball, etc., athletes who have ushered in ISU’s recent run of success, the NIL — name, image and likeness — fund was necessary.

Advertisement

I, for one, applaud ISU and its leadership for making this move, though some remain steadfast against the idea of college athletes receiving money. We live in an era where college athletes are rightfully entitled to some of the monetary gain they bring to these million- and billion-dollar businesses. And while payments will be minimal in comparison with other programs, Bengals deserve a piece of the pie as well.

Donations can be made to the ISU Student-Athlete Success Fund — here.

=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Idaho

Another round of snow in the forecast for parts of eastern Idaho – East Idaho News

Published

on

Another round of snow in the forecast for parts of eastern Idaho – East Idaho News


IDAHO FALLS – The National Weather Service in Pocatello is predicting another round of “heavy mountain snow” in eastern Idaho.

In a weather brief sent to EastIdahoNews.com Saturday afternoon, the NWS says snow is expected early Sunday through Monday morning. A winter storm warning is in effect beginning Sunday at 2 a.m. for the Sawtooth, Stanley Basin area. It will remain in effect until 11 a.m. Monday.

In eastern Idaho, a winter weather advisory is in effect for the same time for Island Park, Victor, Kilgore and surrounding communities.

The wave of Pacific moisture is expected to bring between half an inch to an inch of snow in the Snake River Plain.

Advertisement

“Ample moisture for the eastern Magic Valley and Snake River Plain … with snow levels for this area around 6,000 ft early Sunday AM and rising throughout the day,” the NWS says. “Total precipitation here… will generally fall as rain. Some higher elevations will exceed 1.5 inches of liquid equivalent precipitation. Snow amounts increase rapidly as you go up in elevation with the main impacts for travelers going over mountain passes.”

Mild temperatures will continue. Meteorologists say wind gusts will increase Sunday night and into Monday night, but will remain “below advisory levels.” Gusts will range from 20-30 mph.

Those living within the area of impact are encouraged to slow down and use caution while traveling.

Additional information is in the graphics below.

Advertisement

For the latest conditions in your area, click here. The latest road conditions and closures are available here.

weather 2

weather 3

weather 4

weather 5

=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending