Idaho Government Updates
The Idaho House passed a bill to create the Department of Government Efficiency in a 43-23 vote. The task force will oversee regulations, budgeting, and government operations until 2029. Critics argue it expands government and lacks transparency, while supporters say it will cut red tape. HB 364 now moves to the Senate.
The Idaho House narrowly passed a bill to allow digital driver’s licenses, accessible via mobile wallets. Supporters say it’s secure and modern, while critics cite privacy concerns. The bill, which wouldn’t replace physical IDs, now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The Idaho Senate, led by Republicans, passed a Texas-style immigration bill (House Bill 83aa) along party lines. The bill allows local authorities to verify and enforce the immigration status of individuals detained or under investigation for another crime. It establishes new state offenses: “illegal entry into the state” and “illegal reentry of certain aliens.” First-time offenses would be misdemeanors, while repeat offenses would be felonies. Judges could order individuals to return to their country of origin, even without a conviction. The ACLU of Idaho vowed to sue if the bill becomes law.
The Idaho Senate approved a proposed constitutional amendment giving only the Legislature the power to legalize marijuana. If passed by voters in 2026, citizens would lose the ability to legalize cannabis through ballot initiatives. Supporters call it a stand against marijuana; opponents say it undermines voter rights.
A woman who helped two fugitives escape after the Boise hospital shooting was sentenced to 10 years in prison. FBI agents arrested Tonia Huber in Filer, Idaho, after a pursuit ended in Twin Falls. She pleaded guilty to harboring a fugitive and will serve at least four years. The fugitives, Skylar Meade and Nicholas Umpenhour, face first-degree murder charges in Nez Perce County.
The College of Southern Idaho could get a $690,000 funding boost under a legislative committee recommendation. CSI faces high demand but lacks space and staff. Enrollment jumped 20% this year, with long waitlists for programs. The funding now heads to the House for approval.
St. Luke’s Health System is challenging Idaho’s strict abortion ban, arguing it endangers patients and forces hospitals to send women out of state. A court order allows emergency abortions for now, but the legal fight continues. Idaho has lost 22% of its OB-GYNs since the ban took effect.
Firefighters in Buhl contained an out-of-control burn yesterday after a controlled fire spread to five acres near North 1600 East and 3600 North. Buhl Fire Chief Andrew Stevens warns that recent weather has increased fire risks. He urges residents to report burns and be cautious, as dry conditions make fires easy to spread.
The Idaho Transportation Department is moving speed limit signs on Highway 30 in Filer after safety concerns near the high school. Residents say abrupt speed changes cause issues. Officials will extend the slowdown zone, but some push for a lower speed limit. Changes take effect in the coming weeks.
Hankins Road in east Twin Falls will be reduced to one lane through April 25 for a widening project. Traffic signals will alternate flow, causing delays. Drivers are urged to slow down, follow signs, and avoid the area if possible.
Sports Highlights
The 2A Snake River All-Conference teams have been announced, with Valley Viking senior Pedro Robles earning Player of the Year honors and Brian Hardy named Coach of the Year after leading Valley to another conference title and a state consolation trophy. First-team selections include Josh Hardy and Nathan Christensen from Valley, Ky Kendall and Martin Gonzalez from Hagerman—both 1,000-point scorers—and Dallin Hardy from Oakley alongside Glenns Ferry’s Alan Messilas. On the girls’ side, the state champion Oakley Hornets dominated the awards. Junior Taylin Beck was named Player of the Year, while Kristin Jones earned Coach of the Year honors after leading Oakley to its first state title since 2018. Oakley’s Livee Berlinquet and Addy Maseda made the first team, joined by Lexi Huettig and Joanie Lewis from Valley and Ryan Udy of Raft River, all of whom played key roles in their teams’ success.
The CSI softball team swept Snow College in a doubleheader yesterday, winning 8-7 in 10 innings and 4-3 in game two. Freshman Emerson Fuller secured both wins in relief. CSI improves to 9-1 in conference play and faces Snow again today.
Boise State faces San Diego State in the Mountain West quarterfinals tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. The Broncos, with 12 seasons of 20+ wins under Leon Rice, rank second in the conference in scoring defense. SDSU leads the all-time tournament series 4-1.
CSI’s rodeo teams kicked off the spring season at home, with the women winning behind Hailey Gibbs’ all-around title. The men had strong showings in Bareback and Saddle Bronc. CSI competes next at the Weber State Rodeo in Tremonton, Utah, this weekend.
Idaho men’s basketball fell to Montana 78-55 in the Big Sky semifinals, ending their season. Jack Payne led with 18 points. Despite the loss, the Vandals set a school record with 308 made threes this season. It was their first semifinal appearance since 2017.
Idaho State’s season ended in the Big Sky semifinals with a 75-42 loss to top-seeded Montana State. The Bengals struggled against the Bobcats’ defense, committing 23 turnovers and going 0-14 from three. The team now looks ahead to offseason preparation.
Weather Forecast
Today: 
Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Southeast wind 5 to 13 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Tonight: 
A 40% chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. South southeast wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Thursday: 
Rain showers before noon, then a chance of rain and snow showers. High near 45. Southwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday: 
A 20% chance of snow after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. West southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Saturday: Snow likely before 3pm, then rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow before 9am, then a slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
