Your Daily Briefing – 12/23/2025

TOP STORIES

QUADRUPLE MURDER CASE
A quadruple murder suspect has pleaded guilty in Cassia County. Fifty-six-year-old Benjamin Naylor admitted to four counts of first-degree murder in a joint plea agreement involving Cassia and Minidoka counties. The deal calls for consecutive life sentences without parole, avoiding a possible death penalty. Sentencing is scheduled for March.

GAS PRICES DROP FOR HOLIDAYS
Idaho drivers are getting some holiday relief at the pump. AAA says the state average is now two-eighty-nine a gallon — down ten cents from last week and nearly forty cents from a month ago. Idaho now ranks 17th for most expensive fuel, as nearly 700-thousand Idahoans are expected to travel for the holidays.

ELMORE COUNTY ELECTION REVIEW
A judge has upheld the results of the Elmore County election after a review triggered by uncounted ballots. State officials say procedural errors — not voting machines — caused the discrepancy, and no race outcomes changed.

MEDICAID MENTAL HEALTH CUTS
Idaho health officials admit they don’t have data showing recent Medicaid mental health cuts will save money long term. The reductions were made to meet statewide budget cuts ordered by Governor Brad Little amid a forty-million-dollar shortfall. Providers and sheriffs warn the changes could increase public safety risks.

FIBER EXPANSION NOTICE
If you notice flags or painted markings in your neighborhood, it’s prep work for new fiber lines. TDS is expanding fiber service in Twin Falls and the Magic Valley, with residents notified before work begins.

WINDSTORM RECOVERY
Recovery continues in the Magic Valley after last week’s powerful windstorm. The Buhl Public Library is now offering curbside service after flooding caused damage during roof repairs. City officials say no books were lost, but repairs are still being assessed.

LIFESAVING RESPONSE HONORED
Two Idaho State Police communications officers are being honored for their role in a Lewis County kidnapping case. Officers Thomas Conrad and Jamielyn Rupe helped locate a woman being held against her will, leading to a SWAT response in Kamiah and the suspect’s arrest. Both were awarded Distinguished Achievement Awards for their lifesaving work.

SPORTS

POTATO BOWL VICTORY
Washington State rolled past Utah State 34–21 to win the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl yesterday at Albertsons Stadium. Zevi Eckhaus threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns as the Cougars piled up 628 yards of offense, earning their first bowl win since 2018.

SKI SEASON UPDATE
Holiday ski season is ramping up in Southern Idaho. Pomerelle Mountain Resort is open daily for the season, while Soldier Mountain is targeting a December 29 opening as snow conditions improve. Magic Mountain is still waiting on more snow. Across the rest of the state, resorts like Sun Valley, Bogus Basin, Brundage, Tamarack, Schweitzer, Lookout Pass, and Grand Targhee are open with varying terrain.

VANDALS BASKETBALL
The Idaho Vandals wrap up non-conference play this afternoon on the road against the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners. Idaho is eight-and-four after a road win at Cal Poly, led by Kolton Mitchell’s 31 points. Tip-off is two p.m. Pacific.

WEATHER

OUTLOOK
Mostly cloudy today with a high near 58 and light east winds. Tonight stays cloudy, low around 42. Rain chances increase Wednesday and Wednesday night, with showers likely through Christmas Day. Cooler by Friday with rain possibly mixing with snow Friday night. Sunshine returns this weekend, highs near 40.

DETAILED FORECAST

Today:
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. East wind 6 to 8 mph.

Tonight:
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. East southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.

Wednesday:
A 30 percent chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. East wind 10 to 14 mph.

Wednesday Night:
Rain. Low around 40. South southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Christmas Day:
A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly before 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. South southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night:
Rain. Low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday:
A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47.

Friday Night:
A slight chance of rain, mixing with snow after 8pm, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Saturday Night:
Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Sunday:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Sunday Night:
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Monday:
Partly sunny, with a high near 42.