Your Daily Briefing – 05/23/2025

Former Gooding Fire Chief Brandon Covey appeared in court on 14 felony counts of misusing public funds. Allegedly, he spent thousands on alcohol, firearm parts, and surplus items. His next court date is set for July 3rd.
Idalia Casiano of Twin Falls was sentenced to 3 years in prison for bribing two sex abuse victims to not testify against her son, Ruben Ortiz Jr., who is serving 15 years for rape and other charges.
Shawn Satterthwaite, 61, of Twin Falls, faces felony charges for video voyeurism and sexual exploitation of a minor. He allegedly hid a camera in his home to record a teenage girl changing. His bond is set at $150,000. Court date: May 30.
A newly unsealed affidavit accuses Pastor Gregory Jones of Liberty Christian Fellowship of sexually abusing women under the guise of “spiritual healing.” Six victims have come forward. Jones remains in custody, with a court date on July 10.

Parma Police removed their Thin Blue Line flag due to Idaho’s new flag law (House Bill 96), which limits flags on government property to U.S., state, and military flags only. The law took effect in April.
Idaho’s Republican congressmen are pushing to move the SBA’s Pacific Northwest office from Seattle to Idaho, citing Idaho’s ban on sanctuary cities and alignment with federal immigration policy.

The Idaho Board of Medicine reached a deal with Dr. Ryan Cole, who must now comply with Washington’s disciplinary order after spreading COVID disinformation. No additional penalties will be enforced in Idaho.

Idaho’s ICAC Task Force warns of increasing cases of online child sextortion. Snapchat is linked to most reports. Predators often pose as teens and target boys aged 15–17. Parents are urged to talk to their kids and report concerns.

Legion Baseball is underway: The Burley Green Sox A squad opened strong, sweeping the Wood River Spurs 16U. Burley won Game 1, 11-1, and Game 2, 16-3. Jake Redder took Game 1, while Ike Redder shined in Game 2 with 3 hits and 4 RBIs.
5A Great Basin Conference All-Conference Honors:
- Softball: Makinzie Nelson (Wood River) & Molly Hodge (Twin Falls) share Co-Player of the Year.
- Ady Olmos (Burley) earns Pitcher of the Year.
- Baseball: Rodney “Tre” Morris III (Mountain Home) named Player of the Year. Kentyn Ketterling (Twin Falls) named Pitcher of the Year.
The Boise Hawks are still winless at 0-3 in their home stand against the Idaho Falls Chukars. They lost Game 3, 6-1, and will try again tonight at Memorial Stadium.

Today: Increasing clouds, high near 75°F. Winds shift northwest at 5–8 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, gradually clearing. Low around 48°F. Winds from west northwest to southwest.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 78°F. Light morning winds.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 47°F. Winds shift south overnight.
Sunday: Sunny and warmer, high near 82°F.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 52°F.
Memorial Day (Monday): Mostly sunny, high near 81°F.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 54°F.
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 79°F.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 53°F.
Wednesday: Sunny, warmer with a high near 86°F.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 57°F.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 87°F.