Your Daily Briefing – 03/27/2025

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

Fatal Crash Arrest: Twin Falls Police arrested 18-year-old Edgar Antonio Venegas in connection with a deadly crash that killed Jose Malagon. Venegas faces felony charges including vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene, two counts of aggravated DUI, and four counts of injury to a child.
Attempted Strangulation Sentencing: Victor Granillos Sierra was sentenced Monday in Twin Falls for attempted strangulation after a July attack. He will serve time under retained jurisdiction and is likely to be deported afterward. Prosecutors argued that immediate deportation would’ve meant no real punishment for the undocumented immigrant.
Fire at Washington Park Apartments: Twin Falls firefighters quickly contained a fire early Wednesday at Washington Park Apartments. Smoke was reported around 1 a.m. in the maintenance shed.

🏛️ Government & Politics

Property Tax Relief & School Funding: Governor Brad Little and legislative leaders signed House Bill 304, providing $100 million more in property tax relief while boosting public school funding. This adds to nearly $5 billion in tax relief delivered since 2019.
Public Camping Ban Bill: The Idaho House passed a bill banning camping on public property in cities with populations over 100,000, such as Boise. Supporters cite safety concerns; critics argue it criminalizes homelessness. The bill now awaits Governor Little’s decision.
English Language Amendment: Idaho voters will decide in November whether to amend the state Constitution to make English the official language. The measure, overwhelmingly passed by lawmakers, would require English in public documents, instruction, and government proceedings—with certain exceptions.

💧 Local & Agriculture

Irrigation Season Begins: The canals are flowing once again near Murtaugh Lake. The Twin Falls Canal Company opened the gates early Wednesday after months of winter prep. Water is expected to reach key canals by April 15, marking a crucial step for spring planting.

🏅 Sports

FIS Ski World Cup – Sun Valley: The women’s giant slalom event saw Italy’s Federica Brignone take the win. Team USA faced setbacks—Paula Moltzan crashed, Katie Hensien was disqualified, and Utah’s Lauren Macuga made her giant slalom debut, cheered on by family and friends.
Boise State Softball in Vegas: The Broncos head to Las Vegas for a three-game Mountain West series against UNLV. Boise State sits at 22–11 overall but is struggling in conference play at 1–5. They’ve been solid on the road, boasting a 6–3 road record this season and 27–10 in MW road games under Coach Justin Shults.
Vandals Women Honored: Four University of Idaho players—Jennifer Aadland, Hope Hassmann, Olivia Nelson, and Rosie Schweizer—were named to the 2024–25 Academic All-District Team. Schweizer earned her third recognition, while Hassmann and Nelson are first-time honorees and now Academic All-American finalists.
Vandals Men Recognized: Julius Mims and Isaiah Brickner were also named to the 2025 Academic All-District Team. Mims maintained a 3.81 GPA while starting 30 games, and Brickner, who led in 3-point percentage, has a perfect 4.0 GPA. Both are psychology majors.
Boise State Pro Day: All 32 NFL teams attended Boise State’s Pro Day. Star running back and Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty worked out solo, calling himself healthy, in shape, and the top back in the draft. Defensive end Ahmed Hassanein also impressed with 34 bench reps and hopes to become the first Egyptian-born NFL draftee.

☀️ Weather

Today (Thursday)

A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny with a high near 67°F. Southwest wind 5–8 mph.
Tonight
Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m., then a slight chance of showers until midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 40°F. West-southwest wind 5–11 mph, gusts up to 20 mph.

Friday

A 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny with a high near 55°F. Southwest wind 8–11 mph, gusts up to 20 mph.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, low around 37°F. West wind 5–8 mph, becoming light and variable.

Saturday

A 30% chance of showers. Partly sunny with a high near 53°F. West wind 7–12 mph, increasing to 13–18 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 29 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, low around 33°F.

Sunday

Mostly sunny with a high near 57°F.
Sunday Night
A 30% chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, low around 39°F.

Monday

Showers likely mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, high near 55°F. Chance of rain: 70%.
Monday Night
Chance of rain showers before 3 a.m., then rain and snow showers possible. Mostly cloudy, low around 36°F. Chance of precipitation: 50%.

Tuesday

Rain and snow showers possible. Partly sunny, high near 52°F. Chance of precipitation: 40%.
Tuesday Night
Chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, low around 36°F. Chance of precipitation: 30%.

Wednesday