⚖️ Legal & Government News
🧑⚖️ Kohberger Gag Order Lifted
An Idaho judge has lifted the gag order in Bryan Kohberger’s murder case. Kohberger recently pleaded guilty to killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, avoiding a potential death sentence. The gag order had been imposed early to ensure a fair trial.
⚕️ Abortion Referral Case Settled
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has agreed not to prosecute doctors for referring patients out of state for abortions. The legal settlement ends a federal lawsuit and allows doctors to share out-of-state options without fear of criminal charges under Idaho’s strict abortion laws.
👮♂️ Graham Hoffman Act Introduced
Following the deadly ambush in North Idaho, Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo have introduced the Graham Hoffman Act to make it a federal crime to assault first responders. The bill includes penalties up to life in prison for attacks involving death or kidnapping.
💸 Insurance Premium Hike for State Workers
Idaho state employees will see a sharp increase in health insurance premiums starting July 1. PPO and high-deductible plans rise by 8.8%, while the traditional plan jumps a staggering 20%. Dental premiums rise more modestly at 2.2%.
🏠 Local Warnings & Community Alerts
⚠️ Rental Scam Warning in Twin Falls
Twin Falls Police are warning renters about fake apartment listings on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Scammers typically ask for money before allowing a tour. Officials urge residents to use verified realtor sites and report suspicious activity immediately.
🔥 Highway 46 Fire Update
A vehicle fire on Highway 46 between Gooding and Wendell sparked a brush fire yesterday afternoon. Both lanes were temporarily shut down while crews contained the blaze.
🚧 Federation Road Construction
Roadwork begins Wednesday, July 23, on Federation Road near the Twin Falls Gun Club. Crews will install sidewalks and improve drainage. Expect lane reductions, flaggers, and traffic delays through August 27.
🚫 Poleline Road Closure
Poleline Road between Highway 93 and Highway 30 remains closed until July 24. The Twin Falls County Sheriff warns drivers to stay out—violators risk fines or worse for bypassing barricades.
🏈 Sports
🐅 Idaho State Locks In Coach Cody Hawkins
Idaho State is extending Head Coach Cody Hawkins through 2030 with a five-year contract. Under his leadership, the Bengals had their best finish since 2018, winning the Train Bell Trophy and achieving a top-10 national passing offense.
🏀 CSI’s Samuel Lapumba Transfers East
Crowd favorite Samuel Lapumba is heading to Ferrum University in Virginia. The 6-foot-7 post, a Canyon Ridge grad, helped CSI Men’s Basketball to a 22–10 season and Region 18 runner-up finish. Ferrum competes in NCAA Division II’s Conference Carolinas.
⚾️ Legion AA: Twin Falls Cowboys Split Doubleheader
In American Legion AA play, the Twin Falls Cowboys split their doubleheader with Idaho Falls. The Bandits won Game 1, 5–0, but the Cowboys came back to win Game 2, 6–2, led by pitcher Jaxson Kasel. The team heads to state July 24–28 in Nampa.
⚾️ Legion A District C Update
- Idaho Falls Tigers beat Filer 10–1 and will face the Bees, who edged Buhl 7–6, on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
- Filer and Buhl play consolation games Friday at 10 a.m.
- Blackfoot topped Minico 3–2 and will meet Burley Friday at 6 p.m.
- Burley beat the Grizzlies 8–4.
- Twin Falls Hawks kept their season alive with a 4–2 win over the Titans.
⚾️ Legion B State Tournament in Kuna
- Minico crushed Lewis-Clark 16–6 and plays Idaho Falls Knights Friday at 3 p.m.
- Kimberly Dogs rallied late to beat Boise 5–2 and face Kuna at 6 p.m.
- Kuna edged Twin Falls Cowboys 9–6; the Cowboys now face Boise at noon today.
🚴 Boise Weekend Races
Cyclists, get ready! Saturday features the Boise Twilight Criterium, and Sunday brings the 53rd Bogus Basin Hill Climb—an 18.5-mile race with a 4,300-foot elevation gain up Bogus Basin Road. Riders of all levels are welcome. Registration remains open until Sunday morning.
☀️ Weather
🌫️ Today: Areas of smoke before 7 a.m., then mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°F. Winds light and variable, becoming west-northwest at 5–9 mph.
🌙 Tonight: Mostly clear with a low around 62°F. Winds shift south after midnight.
🌞 Saturday: Sunny and hot, high near 92°F. Winds southwest at 6–11 mph, turning west-northwest with gusts up to 23 mph.
🌙 Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 60°F. Winds northwest to south-southwest, gusts up to 22 mph.
☀️ Sunday: Sunny and hot, high near 90°F.
🌙 Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 59°F.
☀️ Monday: Sunny and hot, high near 92°F.
🌙 Monday Night: Mostly clear, low around 59°F.
☀️ Tuesday: Sunny, high near 89°F.
🌙 Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 59°F.
☀️ Wednesday: Sunny and hot, high near 90°F.
🌙 Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 61°F.
☀️ Thursday: Sunny and hot, high near 93°F.
- Your Daily Briefing – July 18, 2025 - July 18, 2025
- Your Daily Briefing – July 17, 2025 - July 17, 2025
- Your Daily Briefing – 07/16/2025 - July 16, 2025
