Education & Tuition
College is getting pricier in Idaho. The State Board of Education approved tuition hikes of about $300 for in-state undergrads this fall. The increases will help cover pay raises and inflation at Boise State, U of I, Idaho State, and Lewis and Clark State.
Twin Falls teachers will get a 5% raise next school year after quick contract talks wrapped up. But due to declining enrollment, the district will also cut 20 staff positions. A new teacher’s salary will rise to just over $50,000.
Business & Development
The Bank of Commerce is building a permanent branch in Burley, breaking ground Friday at the old Overland Elementary site. Local firm Koyle’s Classic Construction will handle the build.
Agriculture
Idaho potato acreage is expected to drop 5% in 2025—the lowest since 1952. The Idaho Farm Bureau says processors cut contracts due to oversupply. But despite fewer acres, Idaho will still harvest up to 14 billion pounds, with no impact expected on prices or supply.
Privacy & Tech
Idaho AG Raúl Labrador is urging 23andMe users to delete their genetic data after the company filed for bankruptcy. With over 15 million users’ DNA now potentially up for sale, Labrador warns Idahoans: your most personal info could end up in the wrong hands.
Politics & Policy
U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher says Medicaid work requirements could help meet $880 billion in federal budget cuts. He stressed benefits for Idaho’s most vulnerable will stay intact, but warned changes may be coming for able-bodied adults.
Civic Government
Boise City Council will vote tomorrow on a resolution formalizing which flags can fly at City Hall. The move aims to align with Idaho’s new flag law while affirming the city’s values of inclusion and civic pride.
Astronomy
A bright meteor lit up Idaho’s night sky yesterday, caught on dashcam and confirmed by the National Weather Service. The sighting comes just ahead of the meteor shower, peaking May 3–4 with up to 50 meteors an hour.
Crime & Public Safety
The August 2024 officer-involved shooting of Jeremiah Bainbridge in Meridian has been ruled justified. Bainbridge fled police, claimed he was armed, and emerged from his car with a gun. No bystanders were hurt, though stray rounds hit a car and Roaring Springs.
42-year-old Creston Dale Kindness of Fort Hall was sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking. After a high-speed chase in January, officers recovered 350 grams of fentanyl pills tossed from his car.
Local Sports
Magic Valley Speedway:
The green flag dropped Saturday in Twin Falls for the season opener. Racers spent the day tuning up before the action kicked off at 6 p.m. GM Adam Nelson said crews worked for over a week prepping for six classes of racing. For many drivers, like Ronn McClimans, it’s more than competition—it’s about reuniting with their racing family. Thirteen more events are on the calendar.
Wendell Trojans:
The Trojans fell to Malad 10-1 in a district championship clash. Senior Brady Showell dominated with a complete game two-hitter and 12 strikeouts. Despite the loss, Wendell is expected to earn the final seed in next weekend’s 3A state play-in.
Twin Falls Bruins:
They reclaimed the 5A Great Basin Championship with a 7-0 shutout over Jerome. Maddox Stadelmeir threw a two-hitter with 10 strikeouts. Twin Falls has won 20 of its last 21 games and will host the regionals May 9–10. Jerome also advances.
Boise State Softball:
The Broncos crushed Utah State 12-2 in a five-inning sweep, with home runs from Southerland, Hughes, and Hanna. Hanna went 3-for-3 with 4 RBIs. Boise State enters the Mountain West Tournament as the No. 4 seed and faces Utah State again Wednesday in San Diego.
College of Southern Idaho Track:
CSI wrapped up its season at the BYU Robison Invitational with several personal bests. Notable finishes include Keegan McCraw (Steeplechase, 12th nationally), Raivio Manzer (5K, 28th), and Lily Neff (5K, 22nd). CSI now preps for NJCAA Nationals May 15–17 in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Weather
A slight chance of showers today with highs in the low 60s and breezy west winds. More showers possible overnight. Clearing skies Tuesday with a high near 65, then sunshine builds through the week — warming to near 90 by Saturday.
- Today: 20% chance of showers after noon. High near 63°F. West wind around 13 mph, gusts up to 24 mph.
- Tonight: 40% chance of showers after midnight. Low around 44°F.
- Tuesday: 30% chance of showers in the morning. High near 65°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 75°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 80°F.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 85°F.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 89°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 86°F.
