Your Daily Briefing – 04/28/2026

📰 MAGIC VALLEY NEWS

🏫 SCHOOL LEVIES ON THE BALLOT

Idaho school districts are asking voters for more than $183 million this May. Today we highlight Filer and Glenns Ferry. Filer’s $1.3 million levy would fund staff and activities, costing about $62.97 per $100K. Glenns Ferry’s $780,000 levy covers staff and facilities—about $63 per $100K.

⛽ GAS PRICES HOLD… FOR NOW

Idaho gas prices are holding mostly steady for now… but AAA says higher crude oil costs could hit drivers soon. Today’s average for regular in the Gem State is $4.33 a gallon — up two cents from last week, seven cents from last month, and $1.03 higher than a year ago.

🗳️ DISTRICT 24 SENATE RACE HEATS UP

A contested Senate race is heating up in the Magic Valley. Twin Falls County Commissioner Brent Reinke is challenging incumbent Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld in District 24. Both candidates are raising similar funds as the May primary approaches, with voters set to decide who heads to Boise.

⚖️ ISU TO PAY IN DISCRIMINATION CASE

Idaho State University will pay $160,000 in a racial discrimination case. A jury ruled in favor of student Chanica Sintima, who said she was treated unfairly and expelled from a pharmacy program. The university says it disagrees with the decision but respects the court ruling.

⚕️ LAWSUIT OVER MEDICAL FREEDOM ACT

A Boise daycare and several parents are suing the state over Idaho’s Medical Freedom Act. They argue the law is too vague and could limit basic health protections. State officials disagree, saying the law still allows daycares and schools to send home sick kids.

🚨 SENTENCING IN CHILD ABUSE CASE

A Twin Falls man has been sentenced in a child sexual abuse case. Richard Greene will serve at least 10 years in prison, with up to 40 years possible. Police say the investigation uncovered multiple incidents in 2024. He’s also been ordered to pay fines and have no contact with the victim.

🏥 NEW TELEHEALTH PROGRAM FOR ASSAULT VICTIMS

St. Luke’s Health System is partnering with Penn State University to launch a new telehealth service for sexual assault victims in the Magic Valley. The SAFE-T program connects nurses with specialists in real time, helping provide faster, 24/7 care, especially in rural areas.

🚓 CRACKDOWN ON DISTRACTED DRIVING

More drivers in Twin Falls are getting ticketed for using their phones behind the wheel. Police say they’ve issued more than 90 citations already this year, more than double all of last year after increased complaints from the public. Officers are urging drivers to stay hands-free and focused on the road.

⚾ SPORTS

🥎 BURLEY, TWIN FALLS SWEEP

Big day on the diamond across Southern Idaho—Burley swept Wood River in a doubleheader, winning 12-2 and 4-3 to lock up the number one seed heading into districts. Twin Falls also swept Minico 12-2 and 17-10. Audrey Gourley, Bentley Watkins, and Libby Torgrimson powered the Bruins, while Bri Holcomb tossed a complete game. Torgrimson homered and drove in four in game two. Minico’s Akiely Gomez went a perfect 4-for-4.

🥎 JEROME OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION

Jerome exploded offensively, beating Canyon Ridge 27-15 and 26-1.

⚾ BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Kimberly shut out Gooding 12-0, Buhl topped Filer 11-3, and Lighthouse Christian beat Wendell JV 13-3. Buhl and Kimberly now face off Wednesday at 5 for the district championship in Kimberly.

🤠 CSI RODEO DOMINATES

Big wins for the College of Southern Idaho rodeo teams—the women captured both the final Rocky Mountain Region rodeo and the overall regular season championship. Celie Davis earned Women’s All-Around, Cowgirl of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. The men finished fourth overall, with wins from Dahl Winters and Ashton Zabriskie. Several Golden Eagles advance to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, June 14–20.

🏁 PROPOSED DRAG STRIP

A new drag strip could be coming to Twin Falls. Local enthusiasts are proposing a 660-foot track on county land to provide a safer, legal alternative to street racing. No decision yet from county commissioners.

🌤️ WEATHER

🌬️ TODAY

Sunny and a little breezy with a high near 61. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west northwest, with gusts up to 21 mph.

🌙 TONIGHT

Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Winds shifting south after midnight.

🌤️ MIDWEEK WARM-UP

Wednesday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 66. Light winds becoming northwest in the afternoon.

🌡️ EXTENDED OUTLOOK

Thursday sunny, high near 68. Friday climbs to 73. Weekend keeps warming—upper 70s by Sunday with a slight chance of showers late Sunday into Monday.

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Benjamin Reed