Boise Daily Brief: Federal arson case update, BSU master plan, lottery bill, Broncos win

Top headlines

Federal case filed after ambulance crash and attempted arson in Meridian

Federal prosecutors say a Boise woman was arrested in connection with the Feb. 18 theft of an ambulance and an attempted fire at the Portico building in Meridian, where the Department of Homeland Security leases space. Authorities say gasoline was poured in the lobby area and in the vehicle, but the fire was not ignited.

The indictment includes two attempted arson counts tied to federal property and to property used in interstate commerce. The case is now in federal court, and officials emphasized that an indictment is an allegation, not a finding of guilt.

Boise State’s draft master plan outlines growth, renovations, and big ‘concept’ projects

A newly surfaced draft master plan for Boise State University sketches out what campus growth could look like over the next decade, including renovations, new research space, and upgrades aimed at student experience. The plan projects a modest rise in campus-based enrollment by 2034 and estimates it would take more staff, additional housing beds, and more parking to keep up.

Among the longer-range ideas: major changes at ExtraMile Arena, a riverfront lawn and plaza near the library, and the possible demolition and repurposing of Towers Hall. The draft also discusses a separate concept for university-owned property near the College of Western Idaho in Nampa.

Lottery ‘bulk buy’ restrictions advance at the Statehouse

Idaho lawmakers advanced House Bill 504, aimed at curbing coordinated, high-dollar lottery ticket buying. The bill sets a $5,000 cap on purchases within 24 hours and would allow the lottery to deny prizes tied to transactions that break the rule, using purchase records and other evidence to review suspicious activity.

Scoreboard: Broncos top Wyoming at ExtraMile Arena

Boise State men’s basketball picked up a home win Tuesday night, beating Wyoming 72–62. With the regular season tightening, the result keeps the Broncos in the mix as conference positioning comes into focus.

Sources

https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/pr/suspect-arrested-and-charged-attempting-set-fire-building-utilized-dhs
https://www.kivitv.com/news/political/inside-the-statehouse/idaho-house-and-senate-pass-legislation-to-ban-bulk-lottery-ticket-purchases
https://boisedev.com/news/2026/02/23/masterplan-boise-state/
https://basketball.realgm.com/ncaa/boxscore/2026-02-24/Wyoming-at-Boise-State/511649