Local News

Your Daily Briefing – April 2, 2025

twest

🏛 Legislation & Politics

  • In a stunning 3–31 vote, the Idaho Senate rejected a $236 million transportation budget, citing constitutional concerns over language directing local road projects. Lawmakers may revisit the bill before the session ends.
  • Idaho lawmakers passed a bill restricting public aid for undocumented immigrants. Critics call it cruel, while supporters argue it prioritizes legal residents. Governor Brad Little now has five days to act.
  • After Governor Brad Little vetoed a bill banning medical mandates, lawmakers introduced new versions in both chambers. A veto override is possible—but legislative leaders say they’re first trying to work out a deal with the governor.
  • The Idaho House approved over $32 million in added funding for the state’s new public defense system, bringing the total 2026 budget to $83.2 million—still less than Governor Little’s original request.

⚖ Courts & Crime

  • A 16-person jury has been seated in the murder conspiracy trial of Lori Vallow. Opening statements begin next Monday, and the trial is expected to run through mid-May.
  • No charges will be filed in a September shooting in Canyon County. Prosecutors ruled Ryan Fleming acted in self-defense under Idaho’s Stand Your Ground law after being attacked at his home by Kevin Villalobos.
  • A Twin Falls man, 34-year-old Richard Greene, faces multiple child sex abuse charges. He was arrested after police uncovered messages and interviews pointing to assaults in late 2024. He is now in custody and awaiting court proceedings.

🎓 Education & Workforce

  • Idaho State University and the College of Southern Idaho are teaming up to improve student transfers. The yearlong program will develop better pathways from community college to a bachelor’s degree, with a focus on workforce needs like healthcare and education.

🚧 Local Infrastructure & Transportation

  • Road construction season is here! In Twin Falls, work resumes near Locust Avenue, and a major Eastland Drive rebuild starts next week. Expect lane reductions and delays—drivers and trucks should plan alternate routes.

⚾ Sports

  • It was a big Tuesday on the diamond across the Magic Valley! Softball:
    • The 2-time defending champs Kimberly Bulldogs (8–1) dominated Buhl (1–3), 12–1 in five innings. Mallory Kelsey struck out 10 and went 3-for-4. Emma Chavez added a solo homer.
    • Capital (6A) beat Twin Falls (5A), 16–4.
    • Kuna powered past the Bruins again, 26–14.
    • Filer topped Mountain Home, 19–9, highlighted by Kyra Eskelsen’s inside-the-park grand slam.
    • Gooding held off Wendell, 15–8, despite eight errors.
    • Burley split a doubleheader with Century, losing Game 1 (3–2) but bouncing back big in Game 2 (14–1) with 16 hits.

    Baseball:

    • Wendell edged Gooding, 12–9, led by four hits from Chip Houser.
    • Thunder Ridge beat Canyon Ridge, 13–3.
    • Twin Falls swept Wood River, 17–0 and 16–2, with standout performances from Nolan Lehew, Hoyt Murray, and a solid pitching trio—Stadelmeir, Ketterling, and Reyes.
    • Boise State Softball kicks off its busiest conference week with a doubleheader today at noon vs. Colorado State, then hits the road to face New Mexico this weekend. The Broncos are 25–11 and looking to climb the Mountain West standings.
    • Boise State Men’s Basketball is headed to the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown! The Broncos (25–10) face Butler (15–19) today at 5 p.m., coming off a dominant 89–59 win over George Washington.

🌤 Weather

  • Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48°F. West southwest wind 14 to 16 mph.
  • Tonight: A 20% chance of snow showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, low around 31°F.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 49°F.
  • Thursday Night: Mostly clear, low around 30°F.
  • Friday: Sunny, high near 52°F.
  • Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 31°F.
  • Saturday: Sunny, high near 57°F.
  • Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 36°F.
  • Sunday: Sunny, high near 65°F.
  • Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 40°F.
  • Monday: A 20% chance of showers. Mostly sunny, high near 64°F.
  • Monday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 41°F.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 65°F.

Enjoy the stretch of spring-like days ahead!

twest
Stalk Me
Latest posts by twest (see all)
Related Story