Your Daily Briefing – 12/10/2024

NEWS

Driver Sentenced in Twin Falls Murders

The getaway driver in the murders of two Twin Falls men has been sentenced to prison. Angelica Martinez admitted to driving the car during the killings of 26-year-old Jaime Bravo Rodriguez and 36-year-old Jesse Ortiz Meda. Martinez was sentenced to five years in prison and must pay $16,300 in restitution and a $2,500 fine.

Semi-Truck Crash Backs Up Traffic

Traffic was backed up last night on the freeway between Jerome and Twin Falls after a semi-truck overturned in the westbound lane. The accident occurred just before 6 p.m. The truck lost control and struck a pickup truck. No injuries were reported. Crews worked for several hours to clean up the scene.

Former CSI Student Body President Pleads Guilty

Former College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Student Body President Dylan Ray, 20, has pled guilty to five counts of child sexually exploitative material. Ray will be sentenced in February 2025.

Gas Prices Steady in Idaho

Idaho drivers are counting down—not for the holidays, but for lower gas prices. The cost of a gallon of regular gas currently sits at $3.02, matching the national average.

K-12 Enrollment in Idaho Increases Slightly

Idaho’s K-12 public school enrollment numbers have increased slightly compared to last fall, continuing a trend of growth since the 2022-23 school year. However, the growth rate has slowed compared to previous years, according to state data.

Idaho Coroners Seek Autopsy Guidelines

Idaho lacks consistent guidelines for when and who should perform autopsies, prompting coroners across the state to push for changes. From 2018 to 2022, Idaho coroners performed autopsies on 3.95% of deaths, the third-lowest rate in the nation. Nationally, 7.8% of deaths were autopsied. Coroners hope this issue will be addressed in the upcoming legislative session.

Ammon Bundy Comments on CEO Shooting

Many Americans have voiced anger toward health companies following the fatal shooting of an insurance CEO in New York City. Ammon Bundy, known for his legal battle with St. Luke’s Hospital, joined the conversation, referencing the shooting during a YouTube livestream. Bundy, who lost his home and property after being sued by St. Luke’s, criticized their CEO, saying, “They think they’re gods.”

SPORTS

Andria Harshman Officially Named CSI Volleyball Head Coach

After serving as the interim head coach for the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Volleyball Program, Andria Harshman has been officially hired as the Golden Eagles’ head coach. Harshman led the team to a top-four finish in the Scenic West Athletic Conference regular season. The Golden Eagles reached the semifinals of the Region 18 Tournament before falling to USU Eastern.

Ashton Jeanty Named Heisman Finalist

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been named a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the best player in college football. Jeanty has rushed for 2,497 yards this season, the fourth-highest single-season total in college football history. He is one of four finalists for the prestigious award, which dates back to 1935.

Boise State Earns Fiesta Bowl Berth

Boise State secured the No. 3 seed in the first expanded College Football Playoff and will face the winner of Penn State vs. SMU in the Fiesta Bowl. The game is scheduled for Dec. 31 at 5:30 p.m.

High School Basketball Results

Girls’ Basketball Results from Last Night:
- Murtaugh rallied late in the fourth quarter to beat Dietrich 51-42.
- Valley defeated Twin Falls JV 56-34.
- Wood River edged Hagerman 31-26.
Today’s Basketball Schedule:
- Boys:
  - Camas County at Castleford
  - Hansen at Dietrich
  - Mountain Home at Filer
  - Declo at Firth
  - Valley at Glenns Ferry
  - Oakley at Lighthouse Christian (Twin Falls)
  - Preston at Minico
  - Rockland at Murtaugh
  - Hagerman at Wood River
  - Shoshone at Sun Valley Community School
  - Canyon Ridge vs. Twin Falls
  - Kimberly at Wendell
- Girls:
  - Camas County at Castleford
  - Declo at Buhl
  - Century at Burley
  - Kimberly at Marsh Valley
  - Carey at Richfield
  - Minico at Ridgevue
  - Wendell at Shoshone

WEATHER

Today:

Sunny, with a high near 40°F. Southwest wind around 6 mph, becoming west northwest in the afternoon.

Tonight:

Mostly clear, with a low around 16°F. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.

Wednesday:

Partly sunny, with a high near 44°F. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.

Wednesday Night:

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24°F. East southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday:

A 40% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41°F. East southeast wind 5 to 9 mph, becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Little to no snow accumulation is expected.