Local Government & Community Updates
- Mitchell Brooks II Confirmed as Fire Chief
Mitchell Brooks II is officially Twin Falls’ new fire chief. After serving as interim chief, he was confirmed unanimously by the city council and sworn in yesterday. - Voters Head to the Polls May 20
Voters in parts of the Magic Valley will go to the polls on May 20 for local elections. On the ballot:- School levies in Filer, Buhl, Castleford, and Valley districts
- A $52 million bond in Filer
- Funding measures for the Burley Library, Gooding Ambulance, and Camas Cemetery District
- Contested races for highway commissioners in Burley, Richfield, Shoshone, and Dietrich, plus seats on the Sun Valley Water and Sewer Board
- Filer School District Proposes $52 Million Bond
This bond would fund a new middle school for grades 6–8 to reduce overcrowding in elementary schools. It also includes leveling the high school football field, resurfacing the track, and expanding career and technical education programs. If approved, the bond would cost approximately $302 per $100,000 of taxable property value.
Laws & Legislation
- Governor Signs “Public Decency” Law
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a new law banning the public exposure of female and altered male breasts, artificial breasts, and even novelty “truck nuts” — those faux genitals found on vehicle hitches. Breastfeeding is exempt. The law takes effect immediately. - SNAP Restrictions Head to the Governor
A bill banning candy and soda from SNAP benefits is awaiting the governor’s signature. Supporters say it promotes healthier choices, while critics argue it unfairly targets low-income residents and may harm small retailers.
Economy & Infrastructure
- Gas Prices Rise
Idaho gas prices jumped nine cents this week to $3.33 per gallon. AAA attributes the increase to the seasonal switch to summer-blend fuel and refinery maintenance — with prices likely to climb further. - Unemployment Dips
Idaho’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% in February. Total employment rose by nearly 800, with Twin Falls showing the highest growth at 0.6%, according to the Department of Labor. - Kimberly Waterline Construction Resumes
Work resumes today on the Kimberly Waterline Project along Kimberly Road. Expect lane closures and traffic shifts between Locust Avenue and Sunset Street, weather permitting.
Education & Workforce Development
- CSI and ISU Partner to Ease Transfers
Idaho State University and the College of Southern Idaho are teaming up to improve student transfers. The partnership, part of a national initiative by the Aspen Institute and AASCU, aims to build stronger pathways from community college to bachelor’s degrees — especially in fields like healthcare and education.
Crime & Courts
- Canyon County Shooting Ruled Self-Defense
No charges will be filed in a September shooting in Canyon County. Prosecutors ruled Ryan Fleming acted in self-defense under Idaho’s Stand Your Ground law after being attacked at his home by Kevin Villalobos. - Lori Vallow Daybell Trial Begins in Arizona
Jury selection is underway for Lori Vallow Daybell’s Arizona trial. She is charged with conspiracy to murder her former husband, Charles Vallow. Vallow is representing herself in court with legal support.
Sports
- Prep Sports Recap
Despite weather delays, a few high school teams hit the field:- Softball: Glenns Ferry shut out Notus 24–0 in five innings. Taylor Martinez pitched a no-hitter with 14 strikeouts.
- Baseball: Lighthouse Christian crushed Rimrock 14–1, led by Brennan Ford and Karsten Sweesy. Glenns Ferry rallied to beat Idaho City 10–7, with Junior Sanchez striking out 13.
- Boise State Basketball Dominates
Boise State routed George Washington 89–59 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Five Broncos scored in double digits, led by Tyson Degenhart’s 19 points. Freshmen Pearson Carmichael and Andrew Meadow each added 15. Carmichael also grabbed a career-high six steals. The Broncos advance to face Butler in the Crown Tournament quarterfinals tomorrow.
Weather
Tuesday: Scattered snow showers before noon. Partly sunny, high near 47°F. West wind 14–17 mph with gusts up to 29 mph. Chance of snow 50%, with less than half an inch expected.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear and cold, low around 30°F. Southwest wind 7–14 mph, gusting up to 25 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 49°F. West-northwest wind 9–14 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low near 49°F. Southwest wind 7–11 mph, gusting to 22 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 50°F.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, low around 31°F.
Friday: Sunny, high near 54°F.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low near 32°F.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 58°F.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 35°F.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 64°F.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low near 38°F.
Latest posts by twest (see all)
