State Government & Legislation
Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 109, banning candy and soda from SNAP benefits. He praised the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, calling healthy habits a form of patriotism. The bill needs a USDA waiver before implementation.
Legal & Crime
Former Kimberly detective Shane Braack-Saufley is suing the city and ex-Chief Jeff Perry for religious harassment, alleging a hostile work environment and emotional distress. The lawsuit claims Perry mocked Braack-Saufley’s faith.
Two teens finally appeared in court for the brutal murder of Dax Richins. Rolan De La Cruz (15) and Alexander Garcia (17) pleaded not guilty after months of delay.
A memorial for 17-year-old Victor Perez, the autistic teen killed by Pocatello police, was held yesterday. The Idaho Attorney General’s Office will review the case, as the family demands accountability and disputes the police narrative.
Public Safety & Environment
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began prescribed burns across southwest Idaho today, continuing through June. The effort will treat 10,800+ acres to reduce wildfire risk and improve habitat.
Travel & ID Updates
Starting May 7, Idahoans will need a Star Card, passport, or similar ID to fly or access federal buildings. Get yours at your county DMV, but remember: it takes up to two weeks to receive it.
Waterways & Wildlife
The Snake River closure near Twin Falls due to quagga mussels has been lifted. Idaho Fish and Game ended the six-month restriction after successful treatment. Fishing, hunting, and trapping below the high-water mark are now allowed again.
Political Tensions
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador demanded that Boise Mayor Lauren McLean remove Pride and Organ Donor flags from City Hall, citing a new state law. Mayor McLean refused, saying Boise supports inclusion.
Sports: High School & College
Prep Softball:
- Wendell crushed Declo 14–7, with Jace Olmos 4-for-4 and Sophie Mattix 5 RBIs.
- Wood River swept Canyon Ridge. Game 1: 9–2, Makinzie Nelson 12 Ks + HR. Game 2: 16–11, Nelson & Elsbree each with 3 hits.
Prep Baseball:
- Burley beat Marsh Valley 13–5. Mack Haynes 4 RBIs, Braxton Warr 5 Ks.
- Twin Falls edged Minico 2–1. Kentyn Ketterling: complete game, 1 run.
- Mountain Home dominated Wood River 15–7 and 21–6.
- Jerome beat Shelley 5–1, with Noah Ramsey’s 2 RBIs and Julian Orozco’s complete game.
- Wendell defeated Declo 5–1 behind Julian Ponce’s 13 Ks and 1-hit performance.
Rodeo: At the Colorado Mesa Rodeo, CSI’s Christian Bolli won Saddle Bronc, LaMerrill Winters took Bareback, and Macey Moore & Hailey Gibbs placed 3rd and 4th. The CSI men rank 6th and women 4th, with nationals approaching.
College Softball:
- Boise State football tickets are now on sale. First home game: Sept. 6 vs. Eastern Washington.
- CSI’s Anslie Yazzie named SWAC Player of the Week, hitting .556 in a series win. CSI hosts Snow College this weekend.
- Idaho State softball blanked Utah Valley 6–0. Megan Meracle: complete-game shutout. Ava Brown: 2-for-3 with HR, 2 RBIs. Bengals host Montana this weekend.
Weather
Today: 
Sunny, high near 71°F, windy afternoon with gusts up to 30 mph.
Tonight: 
Partly cloudy, low around 37°F, gusts to 31 mph.
Thursday: 
Rain and snow mix, high near 51°F, breezy with 40% chance of precipitation.
Thursday Night: 40% chance of showers, low near 31°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 54°F.
Saturday: Sunny and warmer, high near 65°F.
Sunday–Tuesday: Mostly clear and sunny, highs in the low 60s, lows in the 30s.
- Grad student shot at FSU recounts harrowing moment gunman reloaded as she played dead - April 18, 2025
- NASA astronaut Don Pettit to return from ISS on 70th birthday - April 18, 2025
- Severe weather continues through Easter weekend across Central US - April 18, 2025
