IDAHO POLITICS & LEGISLATION
Medicaid Overhaul Bill Moves Forward
The Idaho House has passed a Republican-backed bill aiming to cut Medicaid costs. House Bill 345 includes work requirements for able-bodied recipients and tax credits for those on Medicaid expansion to buy private insurance. Supporters call it a step toward sustainability, while Democrats strongly oppose it. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Governor Signs Historic $253M Tax Cut
Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed into law a historic $253 million income tax cut. House Bill 40 lowers individual and corporate tax rates to 5.3%, eliminates the capital gains tax on gold bullion, and expands tax exemptions for military pensions. Little says the move allows Idahoans to keep more of their hard-earned money. House Speaker Mike Moyle calls it the largest income tax cut in Idaho history.
Twin Falls Water Rights Dispute Heats Up
A legal battle is unfolding in Twin Falls over water rights. The city has sued the Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB), claiming it failed to honor a 2008 agreement. The lawsuit alleges that Twin Falls paid $10 million to secure water rights but never received them due to the Snake River Basin Moratorium. The city also claims the IWRB sold Pristine Springs without providing access to the water. Now, Twin Falls is seeking a jury trial and the return of $13.4 million.
Real ID Deadline Approaching for Idaho Travelers
Heads up, Idaho travelers! Starting May 7th, you’ll need a “Star Card”—Idaho’s version of a Real ID—to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. The card looks like a regular driver’s license but features a gold star in the corner. To get one, bring:
Birth certificate
Social Security card
Two proofs of Idaho residency
Governor Bans Government Mask Mandates
Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed a law banning government and school mask mandates for infectious diseases. House Bill 32, which took effect immediately, prevents state and local officials from requiring masks, with exceptions for certain job settings. Idaho never had a statewide mandate, but local governments imposed restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
Jerome Man Pleads Guilty in Sexual Abuse Cases
A Jerome man has pleaded guilty in two sexual abuse cases involving a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old girl. Damien Allen Phelps, now 19, was arrested in March and remains in custody. Prosecutors say he met the victims through school and theater activities. He faces sentencing on May 16 for multiple charges, including rape and possession of child exploitative material.
Twin Falls Man Arrested in Shooting Incident
Authorities in Blaine County responded to a shooting at North Picabo campground on Saturday. Deputies say 64-year-old Todd Walter Hine of Twin Falls fired a weapon toward two juveniles. Hine was arrested and charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault. He was arraigned Monday and released on a $15,000 bond.
SPORTS
Idaho High School Basketball State Tournament – Day 1 Recap
It was a thrilling day one at the Idaho High School Boys’ State Basketball Tournament, with action-packed games across all classifications.
5A Division:
- Preston Indians (No. 1 seed) dominated Jerome 64-33. Seth Capps led Jerome with 9 points. Jerome moves to the consolation bracket to face Middleton on Friday.
- Twin Falls Bruins pulled off a massive upset, defeating No. 2 Lewiston 66-49 with a 66% shooting performance. Trey Billings scored 23 points, and the Bruins out-rebounded Lewiston 38-7. They will face No. 3 Hillcrest in the semifinals today at 5:00 PM.
4A Division:
- Bonners Ferry took control in the second half, defeating Kimberly 81-62.
- Snake River topped Filer 61-44. Kimberly will play Cole Valley in the consolation bracket, while Filer faces Sugar-Salem today at 2:00 PM.
3A Division:
- Declo Hornets dominated Orofino 67-47. Emmett Gibby had a monster double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds. They face Ambrose in the semifinals Friday at 7:00 PM.
- Wendell won 53-42 over New Plymouth, led by the Swainston twins, Jonathan (17 points) and Jordan (15 points). Wendell faces Firth at 5:00 PM.
2A Division:
- Grace stunned Valley 43-34, ending the Vikings’ perfect season. Valley will play Hagerman in the consolation semifinals Friday at noon.
- Kendrick crushed Hagerman 67-42 and will take on Valley in the next round.
1A Division:
- Dietrich defeated Couer de Christ 69-56. Brody Torgerson grabbed 19 rebounds, while Connor Perkins scored 18 points. Dietrich faces Garden Valley in the semifinals at 2:00 PM today.
Boise State Takes Down Idaho State 8-3
Boise State extended its impressive season with an 8-3 victory over Idaho State. After trailing 3-0, the Broncos rallied with a three-run homer from Mykenzie Hanna, followed by back-to-back home runs from Megan Lake and Hollier Farmer. Boise State’s bullpen shut out Idaho State in the final innings. The Broncos (16-5) host Utah at 3:30 PM today.
Boise State vs. Colorado State Tonight
Boise State (22-8) hosts Colorado State (21-9) tonight at 8 PM MT at ExtraMile Arena. The Broncos, coming off their 12th 20-win season, will honor three seniors. They have been dominant at home, with 40 conference wins in five seasons.
CSI Track Heads to Nationals
The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Track Teams will compete at the NJCAA Division I Indoor Championships this weekend. Eleven athletes, including Rozzlyn Cazier, Lily Neff, and Savanah Hawkes, will represent CSI across multiple events.
WEATHER FORECAST
Friday: Mostly cloudy, then sunny 
, high: 43°F, winds 7-9 mph. Friday Night: Clear skies 
, low: 27°F, winds 7-9 mph. Saturday: Sunny , high: 50°F, winds 5-7 mph. Sunday: Sunny , high: 54°F, low 31°F. Monday: Partly sunny , high: 56°F, rain chances increasing Tuesday.
Rain and snow likely by midweek 
. Stay tuned for updates!
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