Your Daily Briefing – 07/15/2025

Benjamin Naylor Case: The preliminary hearing for Benjamin Naylor—accused of killing four people in Minidoka and Cassia Counties—has been vacated in Cassia County pending a competency evaluation. A separate hearing is still set for July 23 in Minidoka County, where he faces additional murder and weapons charges.
Toddler Injured by Stray Bullet: On Saturday, a toddler was injured on I-84 near mile marker 114 (between Glenns Ferry and Hammet) when a stray bullet pierced the windshield. Elmore County deputies confirmed the shot came from a nearby target shooter, who now faces criminal charges. The child suffered minor injuries.

Twin Falls Budget Hearings: The City of Twin Falls is inviting residents to public hearings on the 2025–26 budget, with the next session scheduled for July 21. These hearings allow the public to share input on city funding priorities.
Blue Lakes Boulevard Reopens: After a major water main break on June 3, Blue Lakes Boulevard has fully reopened as of 5 a.m. today. Repairs were made under an emergency declaration by the mayor, with expedited contracting to restore traffic flow.

Bear Sightings in Wood River Valley: Reports of black bears are increasing in Idaho’s Wood River Valley as they prepare for hibernation. Fish and Game officials urge residents to secure trash, pet food, and bird feeders to prevent attracting bears. Food-conditioned bears may need to be euthanized if they pose a risk.

Digital 911 Rollout: Idaho is launching a $15 million upgrade to its 911 system. The Next-Gen 911 will include texts, photos, real-time locations, and live call transcription to reduce misrouted emergency calls. It will cover 42 of 44 counties. Ada County is already using the system, while Cassia County is exploring a separate vendor.

Van Rolls into Snake River: A Utah family of six was rescued after their van rolled into the Snake River near Fall Creek Campground. The vehicle floated downstream, but Bonneville County deputies were able to recover everyone safely, and no major injuries were reported.

Twin Falls Rapids U16 Girls Soccer: The U16 girls’ soccer team is playing in the National Presidents Cup title game in Tampa after a dramatic 3-1 semifinal win over Wichita. They face Central Pennsylvania this morning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern.
CSI’s Jack Barker Drafted: Jack Barker, an outfielder for CSI, was drafted 401st overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2025 MLB Draft. Barker set multiple school records and has committed to Colorado Mesa University.
National High School Rodeo: Kimberly’s Rhett Brackett placed fourth in boys cutting, and Bryett Larsen of Park Valley took third in saddle bronc. Six athletes from the Magic Valley are competing today, including Macarty Miller, the Idaho state champ in breakaway roping.
Boise State & MiCamp Partnership: Boise State Athletics has teamed up with MiCamp Solutions to support Bronco student-athletes. Through BroncoPRO, businesses can save on processing fees while contributing to NIL efforts, at no additional out-of-pocket cost.

🔥 Heat & Smoke Advisory:
- Today: Sunny, hot, patchy smoke, high near 92°F, with gusts up to 24 mph.
- Tonight: Mostly clear, patchy smoke, low near 59°F, with gusts up to 24 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny and hot, high near 90°F, light WNW wind.
- Wednesday Night: Clear, low around 60°F, calm winds.
- Thursday: Sunny and hotter, high near 96°F, light wind shifting to WNW.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, low near 64°F.
- Friday through Monday: Continued sunny and hot, highs in the mid-90s, lows in the low to mid-60s. Slight cloud cover at night, but mostly clear days expected throughout the weekend.