Your Daily Briefing – August 4, 2025

Education

Gooding Joint School District led the Magic Valley in reading growth!
K-3 proficiency jumped from 47% to over 67% this spring on the Idaho Reading Indicator — a 20%+ gain, compared to the state average of 11.5%.

Crime & Courts

Benjamin Naylor, accused of four murders in Cassia and Minidoka counties, was found mentally unfit to stand trial. Judges ruled he cannot assist in his defense. He’s been committed to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Status hearings: August 20 and October 10.

In Boise, a store clerk shot 18-year-old Junior Antonio Alvarodo Hernandez in self-defense during a violent robbery.
Three suspects, including a juvenile and Bailey Geesey, were arrested after assaulting the clerk and stealing alcohol.

A motorcycle crash in Eagle sparked a brush fire, temporarily shutting down a highway.
The fire was contained quickly and the road reopened within an hour.

Fires & Restrictions

The Range Fire near Orchard Training Area is fully contained and controlled.
Burned: nearly 27,000 acres
Contained by 2:10 p.m., controlled by 6 p.m. on Saturday
All land and road closures lifted

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are now active in the Sawtooth National Forest (Ketchum, Sun Valley, Stanley):

No campfires outside designated rings
Smoking restricted
Cause: dry fuels + human-caused ignitions

Traffic & Accidents

Six people hospitalized after a three-vehicle crash on I-84 near Burley.
Two juveniles airlifted.
Location: Milepost 204
Result: Full interstate shutdown Friday night

Travel & Flights

Alaska Airlines will offer daily non-stop flights from Boise to Ontario, CA starting January 7, 2026 — its fourth LA-area route.
A new San Diego to Sun Valley winter route begins December 18.

Sports

Idaho State legend Jared Allen is officially a Pro Football Hall of Famer!

Starred at ISU: 2000–2003
First Big Sky player to win Buck Buchanan Award
128 career NFL sacks
“This jacket is a reflection of all of you who poured into my life and career,” Allen said at his Hall of Fame induction.

CSI Men’s Basketball signs Kobe Kesler (6’2” guard, Hillcrest High).
Honors: First Team All-State, District, Region
Returned from a two-year LDS mission in Guatemala
Will play with brother Cooper at CSI

The Kuna Outlaws 8U baseball team is headed to the Cal Ripken World Series — a first for Idaho!
Tournament: Begins August 14 in New Jersey
Goal: World Title
Fundraising $50K — already raised $30K locally!

Region 5 First Responders competed in Hailey’s Courageous Survival softball tournament.
Teams: Buhl PD, Hailey Fire, Blaine County Sheriff
Raised money for mental health services for veterans and first responders