Your Daily Briefing – 11/21/2025

IDAHO NEWS ROUNDUP

Murder Case Moves Forward

Benjamin Naylor — accused of killing four people in Minidoka and Cassia counties — has waived his preliminary hearing and is now scheduled for arraignments on Dec. 22 and 23. Courts have ruled he is competent to stand trial, allowing the case to advance.

Twin Falls Jury Acquits Matthew Brooks

A Twin Falls jury has found 30-year-old Matthew Brooks not guilty of sexual battery involving a minor. Court records confirm he is acquitted on all counts, and the case has been dismissed with prejudice.

ITD HQ Remediation Contract Approved

The Idaho Transportation Board has approved a contract to remove hazardous materials from the ITD’s former Boise headquarters — vacant since a 2022 flood caused major water damage. Officials are also moving forward with a full redesign of the building, a project estimated at up to $69 million.

Advanced Nuclear Task Force Launching

Idaho is preparing to roll out a new Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force. Governor Brad Little is expected to announce the members in the coming weeks, and the first meeting is planned for February. The group will explore Idaho’s future in nuclear R&D.

Boise School District Settles Abuse Claims

The Boise School District will pay $7 million to settle seven sexual-abuse claims connected to former staffer Gavin Snow. Five million will come from district funds. One settlement has already received court approval; others remain under review.

Proposal: “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway”

A Christian conservative group plans to push legislation in January to rename State Highway 16 as the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.” Kirk has visited Idaho campuses, and Turning Point USA now has eight chapters statewide, including at CSI.

Online-Only Filing for Idaho Businesses

The Idaho State Tax Commission is transitioning thousands of businesses to online-only tax filing as part of Gov. Brad Little’s 3% holdback. Eliminating paper filing will save money and strengthen security. Starting with 2026 returns, all businesses must file through the TAP system at tax.idaho.gov.

Equine Virus Warning

Idaho ag officials are urging horse owners to pause all equine travel and events after an EHV-1 outbreak tied to events in Texas and Oklahoma. No Idaho cases yet, but local fairgrounds are limiting horses on site.

SPORTS: MAGIC VALLEY + BEYOND

Kimberly Heads to State Championship

For the first time since 1981, the Kimberly Bulldogs are headed to the state football title game after knocking off Fruitland and American Falls. They face Homedale in a rematch — but this time Kimberly’s star QB MaCraye Bruning is healthy and rolling.
Mini-Dome, Pocatello — Saturday, 1 p.m.

1A Milk Bowl

No. 5 Carey takes on No. 2 Tri-Valley at 11 a.m. at Middleton High School.

Burley OT Thriller

The Burley Bobcats edged Preston 50–48 in overtime, led by Ady Olmos with 16 points. Next up: a road matchup at Canyon Ridge on Dec. 4.

Girls’ Basketball: Friday Frenzy

A packed slate across the Magic Valley:

3:30 — Castleford vs. Horseshoe Bend (Mountain Madness, Cascade)
6:30 — Richfield vs. Cascade
7:30 — Nampa Christian at Declo
7:30 — Wendell at Filer
7:30 — Conference showdown: Murtaugh at Hagerman
Mountain Home vs. Capital
Gooding at Weiser
Glenns Ferry at Wilder
Plus — Castleford back at it 9 a.m. today vs. Garden Valley in Cascade.

Saturday Matchups

Noon — Richfield vs. Highland (Cascade)
1:30 — Castleford vs. Cascade
2:00 — Jerome at Shelley
2:30 — Oakley hosts Ambrose

Team Spotlights

Canyon Ridge Riverhawks

Boys: Big post size + athletic wings → fast breaks and rebounding dominance.
Girls: Veteran core, shooters everywhere, defensive pressure nonstop.

Kimberly Bulldogs

Boys: One of 3A’s elite — fast tempo, heavy perimeter shooting, led by a returning all-conference guard. Legit contenders.
Girls: Gritty defense + a dominant returning forward. Expect tough, low-scoring battles all season.

CSI Women Stay Hot

CSI Women crushed Monroe 81–60 at the Battle for the Boot.
Samara Morrow: 10 steals (ties school record!) + 9 assists
Savannah Stoker: 22 points
Defense held Monroe to 31% shooting. That’s six straight wins.
Next: Cochise tonight at 7.

Big Sky Admits Officiating Error

The Big Sky Conference says officials missed a crucial late call in Idaho’s loss to Sacramento State — a catch that should’ve been overturned. The mistake led directly to the Hornets’ game-winning drive. Several officials are now suspended.

Sun Valley Delay

Warm weather is pushing back Sun Valley’s 90th-season opening — no Thanksgiving Day opening this year. Colder temps this weekend may allow snowmaking to resume.