📰 MAGIC VALLEY NEWS HEADLINES

🗳️ ELECTION SEASON HEATS UP

Idaho’s election season is ramping up, with statewide offices, legislative seats, and multiple congressional races on the ballot. Governor Brad Little faces several GOP challengers in the May primary, while most other incumbents are running with little or no opposition. Winners move on to the November general election.

⚡ POWER RATES MAY RISE

Idaho Power is requesting a rate increase that could take effect this summer. After nearly a 6 percent decrease last year, rates may climb about 3 percent due to low snowpack and reduced water supply. Regulators still need to approve the proposal, with possible changes starting June first.

🏥 MEDICAID UNDER PRESSURE

Medicaid in Idaho remains under scrutiny following budget cuts and policy shifts. Lawmakers briefly eliminated a mobile mental health program before restoring it after patient deaths. Even so, provider pay rates have been reduced, continuing to strain the healthcare system.

🍦 ICE CREAM RECALL

CloverLeaf Creamery in Buhl has issued a voluntary recall due to incomplete pasteurization. Products were distributed across Idaho, though no illnesses have been reported. Customers are advised to return affected items for a refund or replacement.

🌉 HISTORIC BRIDGE DEBATE

Local history groups, including the Twin Falls County Historic Preservation Commission, are urging the state to preserve the historic Rainbow Bridge near McCall. Safety concerns could lead to demolition, but advocates want preservation options fully explored first.

🏠 COMMUNITY BUILDS HOUSING

Dozens of College of Southern Idaho students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley, helping construct a new duplex. Officials say demand for affordable housing is rising, with more than 160 families currently in need. The project is expected to be completed by June.

🚨 MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED

A man accused of killing his mother in Coeur d’Alene has been arrested. Fifty-two-year-old Neil Stratton was taken into custody near Los Angeles while allegedly attempting to leave the country. He now faces murder charges and is awaiting extradition back to Idaho.

🏈 SPORTS

⚾ HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Twin Falls swept Burley, winning 4-3 in 10 innings and 10-6. Highland defeated Canyon Ridge twice, 8-3 and 12-5. Minico swept Jerome, 9-4 and 2-0. Declo crushed Glenns Ferry 24-1. Kimberly split with Fruitland, winning 11-10 and tying 7-7. Wendell beat Gooding 19-3, and Filer topped Cole Valley Christian 8-6 in 9 innings.

Saturday action saw Kimberly beat Buhl 7-5, Highland edge Canyon Ridge 7-6, Firth dominate Declo 17-2, and Idaho City sweep Glenns Ferry.

🥎 SOFTBALL WEEKEND SCORES

Homedale swept Buhl 7-4 and 13-12. Declo beat Wendell 13-3. Weiser edged Gooding 12-10, and Glenns Ferry rolled past Wilder 24-4.

📅 TODAY’S GAMES

Baseball doubleheaders:

Mountain Home at Twin Falls (3 & 5)
Burley at Wood River (3 & 5)
Kimberly vs Filer (4 & 6)
American Falls at Wendell (4)

Softball:

Wood River at Twin Falls (3 & 5)
Burley at Wood River (3:30 & 5:30)
Jerome at Gooding (4)

💥 CSI BASEBALL DOMINATES

The College of Southern Idaho crushed Colorado Northwestern 19-10, clinching their conference series. Crew Secrist hit a walk-off grand slam, while Ryder Cutlip homered again. CSI improves to 39-10 and heads to Salt Lake CC next.

🔥 CSI SOFTBALL STAYS HOT

CSI softball swept Snow College 13-4 and 8-3. Maile Ha’o hit a grand slam, Adi Hansen went 7-for-8 with four stolen bases, and Jenna Ambrose added a homer and four RBI. The team now sits 28-11 and heads to Treasure Valley CC.

🐴 BOISE STATE FALLS SHORT

Boise State lost to UNLV 9-6 despite tying the game late. UNLV scored three in the seventh to seal it. The Broncos head to San Diego State next.

🐯 IDAHO STATE TAKES SERIES

Idaho State dropped the finale to Sacramento State 8-7 in extras but still won the series. The Bengals now head to Montana for a winner-take-all Big Sky showdown.

🌤️ WEATHER

☀️ TODAY

Sunny and warm with a high near 80. Winds shifting from east southeast to southwest, gusting up to 21 mph.

🌙 TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with a low around 51.

🌤️ TUESDAY

Mostly sunny with a high near 80. Winds gusting up to 28 mph.

🌧️ TUESDAY NIGHT

Showers likely after midnight. Low around 42. 70% chance of precipitation.

🌧️ WEDNESDAY

Cooler and wet. Showers likely with a high near 54. Breezy.

🌧️ EXTENDED OUTLOOK

Wednesday Night: Showers likely, low 38
Thursday: 40% chance of showers, high 55
Friday: 30% chance of showers, high 57
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 58
Sunday: Slight chance of showers, high 60

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Benjamin Reed