MAGIC VALLEY NEWS

KRATOM BILL FAILS IN SENATE

An Idaho bill aimed at regulating kratom sales has failed in the Senate after debate. The proposal would have limited sales to adults and banned synthetic products.

NEW BATHROOM LAW SIGNED

Governor Brad Little has signed a new law making it a crime to use public facilities that do not match a person’s sex at birth. A first offense could bring up to a year in jail, with harsher penalties for repeat violations.

INTOXICATED PILOT PLEADS GUILTY

Michael Verzwyvelt, 61, of Twin Falls, has pleaded guilty after crashing a plane near Boise while intoxicated. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday.

STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED IN TWIN FALLS

Twin Falls Police recovered a stolen vehicle using a Flock camera alert. Officers arrested 24-year-old Hunter Gilbert for felony grand theft and DUI. The vehicle was returned to its owner.

DROUGHT EMERGENCY DECLARED

Cassia County has declared a local drought disaster due to low snowpack and reservoir levels, with water supply at about half of normal. Blaine County is also considering a similar declaration.

MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS ADVANCE

Idaho lawmakers have approved Medicaid work requirements that could impact up to 34,000 people. The bill now heads to Governor Brad Little.

EDUCATION FUNDING AND CUTS

Governor Little has signed multiple education bills, including a $1.12 billion budget for the State Board with a 3.3% cut. Funding increases include $1.9 million for career tech education and $4 million for colleges. A $5 million special education bill is expected to be signed.

PARENT NOTIFICATION BILL PASSES

House Bill 822 has passed, requiring schools and healthcare providers to notify parents within three days if a minor requests a gender-related change, or face fines. The bill now awaits the governor’s decision.

VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER CASE

Jonathan Villagomez of Jerome County has pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter in a 2025 crash that killed a woman and an infant. He faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for June 8.

CHILDCARE FUNDING REJECTED

Lawmakers have rejected $16 million in federal funds meant to expand childcare access, citing fraud concerns despite reports showing only limited issues.

NEW KETCHUM POLICE CHIEF

Sergeant Brad Mecham has been named the new Ketchum Police Chief with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office. He brings 16 years of experience and replaces Lt. Jamie Shaw, who retires April 30 after 32 years.

NUCLEAR CAMPUS BID

Governor Little says Idaho has submitted a bid to host a federal Nuclear Innovation Campus, which could boost jobs and energy development across the state.

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SCORES

Canyon Ridge defeats Thunder Ridge 9–3. Jerome sweeps Mountain Home 6–5 and 11–7. Minico takes two from Wood River 4–1 and 10–9. Declo dominates American Falls 14–0.

SOFTBALL RESULTS

Burley beats Century 9–1 and prepares to host Jerome. Skyline sweeps Wood River 11–2 and 11–9 in eight innings. Firth defeats Declo 22–12. Glenns Ferry edges Idaho City 3–2.

TODAY’S MATCHUPS

Baseball action includes Canyon Ridge at Thunder Ridge, Filer hosting Sugar-Salem, and Gooding at Wendell.
Softball features Jerome at Burley, Kimberly at Canyon Ridge, Declo at Soda Springs, Gooding at Wendell, and Garden Valley at Glenns Ferry.

CSI SOFTBALL DOMINATES

CSI crushes Treasure Valley 15–2 in a run-rule victory with 12 hits and 10 walks. Anslie Yazzie drives in four runs, while Kyli Carrell and Jade Romero hit home runs. Sophia Bristow strikes out eight. CSI improves to 18–9.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Adi Hansen earns Scenic West Player of the Week honors after hitting .643 with nine stolen bases in a sweep of USU Eastern.

BOISE STATE SOFTBALL

The Broncos host New Mexico for a three-game series this weekend, sitting at 18–20 and mid-pack in the Mountain West.

IDAHO FOOTBALL SPRING PRACTICE

Spring practice is underway in Moscow with new coordinators. Head coach Thomas Ford reports high energy and strong returning talent. Practices remain open to the public.