NEWS
OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING
New information emerges in an officer-involved shooting in Twin Falls that leaves a suspect dead following a stabbing. Police say they locate the suspect Wednesday on Washington Street North, deploy SWAT, and attempt to take the suspect into custody. Officers open fire during the encounter. A multi-agency task force now investigates the shooting.
ELECTION LAW VIOLATION
The Idaho Attorney General’s Office says a Twin Falls school board chairman violates state election law. Investigators say Eric Smallwood uses a mandatory staff meeting to encourage political participation in a way that crosses into advocacy. He receives a formal warning.
SENTENCING IN JEROME COUNTY CASE
A Jerome County man is sentenced to 19 years in prison for battery with intent to commit a serious felony. Micheal Sharp also receives additional penalties on sexual battery charges and must register as a sex offender under the terms of the plea agreement.
MISTRIAL DECLARED
A mistrial is declared in the case of a Twin Falls taxidermist accused of altering evidence in a poaching investigation. A judge halts proceedings, citing legal concerns about testimony that could interfere with a fair trial.
LAWSUIT OVER BATHROOM LAW
Six transgender Idahoans are suing the state over a new law restricting bathroom access. The lawsuit argues the measure violates constitutional rights and could expose individuals to criminal penalties and safety risks if it takes effect July first.
MEDICAID PRIVATIZATION DELAYED
A state contract dispute is delaying Idaho’s move to privatize Medicaid services. Officials say a court order tied to a lawsuit pushes the timeline back by at least a year, affecting how benefits are managed across the state.
BALLOT INITIATIVE DEADLINE
Friday marks the deadline for ballot initiative supporters to submit signatures for verification. Two proposals — one on abortion rights and another on medical cannabis — could appear on the November ballot if they meet statewide requirements.
CAPITAL FOR A DAY IN FILER
Governor Brad Little brings “Capital for a Day” to Filer, meeting with residents and students to discuss local issues. The program is designed to connect rural communities directly with state leaders and gather feedback on priorities across Idaho.
AGRICULTURE GRANT RETURNS
A major agriculture grant in Idaho is back on track after a year-long pause. The program will pay farmers to test new practices aimed at improving soil health and boosting crop value while reducing financial risk.
HOTEL CLOSURE IMPACT
A hotel closure in Idaho Falls leaves a restaurant and its employees in limbo after a bankruptcy case shifts to liquidation. Business owners say they are scrambling to relocate and honor existing commitments while waiting for court decisions.
GAS PRICES HOLD HIGH
Gas prices across Idaho are holding steady but remain high, with the statewide average at $4.41 a gallon. Some counties in southern Idaho are seeing even higher prices as market pressures continue.
RESERVOIR LEVELS STRONG
Despite drought concerns, reservoir levels across much of Idaho are near or above normal. Water managers say current storage levels are strong heading into the summer, though some basins remain below average.
STATE SENATE RACE HEATS UP
A contested state Senate race is heating up in the Magic Valley. Incumbent Glenneda Zuiderveld faces a primary challenge from Twin Falls County Commissioner Brent Reinke, with both campaigns raising significant funds ahead of the May election.
SPORTS
CSI DOMINATES SEMIFINAL OPENER
The College of Southern Idaho baseball team powers past Colorado Northwestern 18 to 6 in the Region 18 semifinal opener. Trey Purser leads the way with two home runs and five RBI as the Golden Eagles look to clinch the series Friday.
KIMBERLY WINS DISTRICT TITLE
Kimberly baseball dominates Buhl 19 to 4 in five innings to win the 4A District IV title. The Bulldogs cap a strong turnaround season and will now host a state tournament regional series.
KIMBERLY GOLFERS LEAD STATE
Three Kimberly golfers currently hold the top three spots in Idaho’s 4A rankings. The trio has dominated competition all season and is now favored to make a strong run at the state championship.
CSI PLAYERS MOVE ON
Several College of Southern Idaho soccer players are moving on to four-year programs, continuing the program’s growth and development pipeline to the next level.
DISTRICT BASEBALL MATCHUPS
On tap in district baseball today, Lighthouse faces Declo, Wendell takes on Malad, Buhl meets Filer, and Burley squares off against Twin Falls as postseason play continues across the Magic Valley.
WEATHER
FRIDAY
Sunny, with a high near 70. East wind 7 to 9 mph.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Mostly clear, with a low around 41. East wind 7 to 10 mph.
SATURDAY
Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. East wind around 10 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
SUNDAY
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
SUNDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
MONDAY
A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
MONDAY NIGHT
