Your Daily Briefing – 05/20/2025

ELECTION DAY IN IDAHO
Today is Election Day across parts of Idaho. Voters will weigh in on local issues including:

Highway district commissioner races in Burley and Buhl
School levies in Valley, Buhl, and Castleford
Burley’s library override levy (on ballots in Cassia and Minidoka counties)
A major school bond proposal in Filer
Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but not all counties are holding elections.

GAS PRICES & MEMORIAL DAY TRAVEL
Gas prices in Idaho dropped to $3.28 per gallon this week. But with Memorial Day approaching, AAA warns a spike in demand could cause a rise. Nationally, a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend.

COVID FUNDING REVOKED
The federal government has pulled $49.4 million in COVID-era grants from Idaho’s health department. Officials insist existing programs won’t be impacted as pandemic-specific funding phases out.

SNAP SODA BAN REQUEST
Governor Little’s administration has formally requested a federal waiver to enforce a new law banning SNAP purchases of candy and soda. The move is part of the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

CELL TOWER CONTROVERSY
Twin Falls County residents are opposing new cell towers, citing zoning violations and threats to property rights. County officials say they risk lawsuits if they deny permits due to federal law.

DOCTOR SHORTAGE CONCERNS
Health leaders told Idaho lawmakers that the state’s strict abortion ban and lack of residency programs are driving doctors away. Lawmakers dismissed the concerns as political posturing. Budget talks continue this week in Idaho Falls.

NEW PARK IN JEROME
Jerome is planning a new 17-acre park on the city’s south side. Residents can submit name ideas by Friday to: planning@cityofjerome.org. The park is scheduled to open by Labor Day Weekend.

TWIN FALLS VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER
Richard McDonald, 65, is facing misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges after allegedly failing to yield in a crash that killed 73-year-old Carol Enderle last November in Twin Falls.

EXTRADITION FROM EUROPE
Rody Wilcox, 50, has been extradited from Eastern Europe to Latah County. He’s facing charges of lewd conduct with a minor after fleeing the country.

CSI SOFTBALL NATIONALS
The College of Southern Idaho Softball Team lost 5–1 to Navarro College in the NJCAA National Championship opener. CSI left 9 runners on base and committed 2 errors. Eva Stoddard took the loss; Emerson Fuller threw 3 scoreless innings. The Golden Eagles (40-15) face elimination today at 5:45 PM Pacific.

BOISE STATE ADDS RECEIVER
Boise State Football has signed wide receiver Demetric Whitlock Jr. from Hutchinson Community College. Last season, Whitlock had 3 catches for 31 yards. In high school, he posted 403 receiving yards and 4 TDs as a junior.