Kohberger Sentencing in Boise
Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, will be sentenced today in Boise. This marks the first time the victims’ families can speak in court. Prosecutors are seeking four life sentences, plus 10 years, after dropping the death penalty as part of a plea deal.
Fatal Dirt Bike Crash in Minidoka County
Idaho State Police is investigating a deadly crash south of Rupert. An 18-year-old dirt bike rider collided with a parked Minidoka County patrol vehicle late last night at 300 South and 20 East. The rider died at the scene. A deputy standing outside the vehicle was also injured and transported to the hospital. The road remained closed for three hours.
Trump Nominee Testifies on Child Welfare
Alex Adams, Idaho Health and Welfare Director and nominee of President Donald Trump for a top federal health role, testified before the Senate. He pledged to protect Head Start and improve child welfare. Senators pressed him on recent Head Start office closures in Idaho, as well as Medicaid cuts and foster care concerns.
Idaho Job Market Update
Idaho’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.6% in June. However, Twin Falls saw a slight dip of 0.2% in nonfarm jobs. Overall, the state lost 426 jobs, with the biggest declines in retail, construction, and government. Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate dropped slightly to 4.1%.
Jerome Meeting on Nuclear Reactor Proposal
A packed meeting in Jerome Monday addressed a proposed small modular nuclear reactor off Highway 93. The Sawtooth Energy project could power up to 400,000 homes, but many voiced concerns about storing nuclear waste near the Snake River aquifer. A follow-up meeting is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at the old Jerome County Courthouse.
Gas Prices Tick Up
Idaho gas prices rose by just a penny this week to $3.48 a gallon. However, AAA warns that areas like Twin Falls could see sharper increases soon due to summer travel demand.
Rollover Crash Near Burley
Idaho State Police is also investigating a rollover crash near the I-86/I-84 junction east of Burley early Tuesday. An 18-year-old woman from Hansen lost control, and her vehicle rolled into the median.
Spring Reading Scores Released
Idaho’s spring reading scores are out. While top rankings came from Treasure Valley, several southern Idaho districts—including Twin Falls and Cassia County—showed notable growth and improvement.
SPORTS
Mavericks 10U Headed to Regionals
The Twin Falls Mavericks 10U Select Cal Ripken team is off to the Pacific Northwest Regionals in Helena, Montana after finishing the season 39–8 and placing second in the state. Led by Coach Tyson Traveller, the Magic Valley all-stars have claimed three tournament titles thanks to strong bats and solid pitching. Regionals run July 23–26. You can help fund their trip by visiting Culver’s on Pole Line next Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Boise State Women Earn Academic Honors
For the fourth consecutive year, Boise State women’s basketball landed on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Roll. The Broncos earned a 3.803 team GPA—second highest in the nation—and their best ranking in program history. Boise State is one of only six Division I programs to appear all four years, with three top-10 finishes. Wyoming is the only other Mountain West school to make the list during this time.
WEATHER FORECAST
Today:
Partly sunny, becoming clear later. High near 87°F. Winds from the southwest at 6–10 mph shifting northwest. Gusts up to 21 mph possible.
Tonight:
Mostly clear with a low around 58°F. Winds from the northwest at 5–10 mph becoming south-southwest after midnight. Gusts up to 21 mph.
Thursday:
Sunny and hot with a high near 90°F. Light winds becoming west-northwest at 5–8 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night:
Partly cloudy. Low around 60°F. West wind 5–8 mph turning south after midnight.
Friday:
Sunny and hot. High near 92°F.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 59°F.
Saturday:
Sunny and hot. High near 90°F.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 58°F.
Sunday:
Sunny and hot. High near 91°F.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 59°F.
Monday:
Sunny and hot. High near 95°F.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, low around 61°F.
Tuesday:
Sunny and very hot. High near 96°F.
