Local News

Your Daily Briefing – May 16, 2025

twest

🧑‍⚖️ LEGAL & CRIME

  • An Idaho judge says it’s “likely” someone tied to law enforcement or prosecution violated a gag order in the Bryan Kohberger case. Sensitive evidence was aired in a May 9 Dateline episode, prompting a court order to preserve all related communications and potentially expand the jury pool.
  • Two people face trafficking charges after deputies found 14 pounds of meth during a traffic stop on Highway 93. Robert Gonzalez and Haydin Neese are being held on high bonds. Their preliminary hearings are set for May 23.

🏠 GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

  • Idaho lawmakers launched the first meeting of the Interim Land Use and Housing Study Committee Wednesday, exploring rising housing costs, low inventory, and zoning barriers. The group will travel statewide this summer, aiming to draft solutions for the 2026 legislative session.

🛣 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

  • The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is moving forward with plans for a third Snake River crossing near Twin Falls. Public meetings are expected in late June as ITD gathers input before launching an environmental impact study. Location options are still under review.
  • Twin Falls City Park restrooms will be closed this summer for a $1.5 million upgrade, funded by a federal grant. The new vandal-resistant facility should open by September, with plans for a future outdoor learning plaza.

🐔 BUSINESS

  • Raising Cane’s is officially coming to Twin Falls! The popular chicken chain will open at the former Golden Corral site on Blue Lakes by early 2026. Demolition permits are approved; construction permits are still pending.

🏫 EDUCATION & COMMUNITY

  • Filer High School delayed classes Thursday after a senior prank left hallways and the gym covered in furniture and slippery substances like baby oil. The district is investigating and assessing lasting impacts.

🐻 WILDLIFE

  • Yellowstone officials euthanized a 400-pound male grizzly after it repeatedly raided dumpsters and outsmarted bear-resistant gear near Old Faithful. It posed a public safety risk and marks the park’s first grizzly removal since 2017.

🥎 SPORTS: SOFTBALL

  • 5A: No. 1 Pocatello shut out Jerome 12-0 in five innings. Jerome faces Bishop Kelly Friday at 9.
  • No. 7 Burley stunned No. 2 Blackfoot 4-2, led by Ady Olmos (3-for-4, 2-run homer). Burley plays Lewiston at 11:15.
  • 4A: Top-seeded Kimberly crushed Marsh Valley 18-1, behind Addi Cann (4-for-4, 7 RBIs). Kimberly meets Teton at 11:15.
  • Gooding lost a heartbreaker to Teton 9-7 in extras and faces Marsh Valley at 9.
  • 3A: Declo lost to Nampa Christian 13-8, plays Melba next.
  • 2A: Glenns Ferry dominated early—beat Notus 14-0 and Genesee 5-2 behind Taylor Martinez’s 28 strikeouts. But they fell to No. 1 Potlatch 6-5 after a 5-run sixth. They rematch Genesee at 12:15.

⚾ SPORTS: BASEBALL

  • Twin Falls Bruins are one win from the state title game! No. 2 Twin Falls edged No. 3 Vallivue 3-2.
    • Pitchers: Maddox Stadelmeir and Dalton Carter
    • Key Hit: Jordan Bingham’s go-ahead RBI single in the fourth
    • Next game: Face top-seeded Bonneville tonight at 7

🏃‍♀️ ATHLETIC SIGNINGS

  • Valley High’s Lexi Huettig (7-time state champion in long jump, triple jump, and pole vault) signed with the University of Idaho.
  • Brandon Oloumou of College of Southern Idaho, a 6’10” center, committed to Middle Tennessee State University despite an injury-shortened season.

☁ WEATHER

  • Today: Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny. High near 64°F. West winds up to 21 mph.
  • Tonight: Increasing clouds, low around 43°F.
  • Saturday: Showers and possible thunderstorms after noon. High near 63°F. Rain chance: 80%, up to ½ inch.
  • Saturday Night: Thunderstorms likely before midnight, then showers. Low around 42°F. Winds up to 29 mph.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 54°F. Thunderstorms possible after 3 p.m. Gusts up to 40 mph.
  • Sunday Night: Slight chance of showers before midnight. Low around 37°F. Breezy.
  • Monday: Sunny, high near 62°F.
  • Monday Night: Mostly clear, low around 42°F.
  • Tuesday: Sunny, high near 73°F.
  • Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 46°F.
  • Wednesday–Thursday: Sunny both days with highs near 76°F.
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