📉 Idaho Public School Enrollment Declines
Idaho public school enrollment has fallen by more than 5,000 students since its 2022 peak, dropping from around 315,000 to about 310,000. In Southern Idaho, Blaine County enrollment is down 8% over five years, while Twin Falls is down nearly 7% as charter school enrollment continues to grow.

🏫 Elevate Academy Opens Twin Falls Campus
Elevate Academy has opened its new Twin Falls charter school, welcoming 350 students after two years of planning and construction. The school combines traditional academics with hands-on trade programs, giving students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma while working toward a trade certification.

🚜 New Federal Bill Could Help Idaho Farmers
A new federal proposal could give Idaho farmers and dairies more options to deal with ongoing labor shortages. The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would expand the H-2A visa program to year-round operations, including dairy and livestock. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is co-sponsoring the legislation, which remains in its early stages.

⚖️ Federal Judge Expands Idaho Abortion Ban Exceptions
A federal judge has expanded exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban, ruling abortions may be provided when a pregnancy poses serious risks to a woman’s life or health, including a high risk of self-harm. Judge B. Lynn Winmill’s decision blocks enforcement of Idaho’s criminal abortion laws in those narrow circumstances.

🚗 Idaho Traffic Deaths Increase
Idaho recorded 252 traffic fatalities in 2025, up from 238 the previous year — an increase of about 5%. While most crashes occurred in urban areas, roughly two-thirds of fatal crashes happened on rural roads. Aggressive driving contributed to nearly half of all crashes statewide.

🛣️ Mitch Watkins Named Next Transportation Board Chairman
Twin Falls businessman Mitch Watkins will become the next chairman of the Idaho Transportation Board. Watkins represents south-central Idaho and replaces Bill Moad, who chaired the board for seven years. Watkins takes over during the board’s August 19th and 20th meeting in eastern Idaho.

⚖️ Former Magic Valley Attorney to Become Chief Justice
Justice Robyn Brody, who practiced law in the Magic Valley and opened her own firm in Rupert in 2010, will become Idaho’s next chief justice October 1st. Brody has served on the Idaho Supreme Court since 2016 and will succeed retiring Chief Justice Richard Bevan.

🥔 Idaho Potato Drop Could Leave Downtown Boise
The famous Idaho Potato Drop could be moving from downtown Boise to Expo Idaho. Organizers are exploring the move after safety and planning concerns surrounding last New Year’s Eve celebration. A fireworks-related blast shattered several windows and injured a young girl. Expo Idaho officials say a proposed contract has not yet been finalized.

🏈 SPORTS

🏈 Buhl Indians Drop to 3A Football
The Buhl Indians are moving down to 3A football this season after finishing second in the Great Basin Conference last year. Head coach Josh Creasey says the more physical style of 3A should fit Buhl’s strengths. The Indians return just five seniors and will rely heavily on a young roster. Buhl opens August 28th against New Plymouth.

🏆 Carey Panthers Chase History
The Carey Panthers enter the season looking for history after winning back-to-back state championships. Coach John Saili’s team is chasing Carey’s first-ever three-peat, with defending power Kendrick among the potential postseason obstacles. Carey opens August 28th against North Gem.

🏈 Twin Falls Bruins Look to Build on Breakthrough Season
The Bruins are coming off their best football season since 2009 after going 9-3 and reaching the state semifinals last year. Coach Ben Kohring says depth will be a challenge, but several key players are back. Twin Falls opens the 2026 season August 21st at Sandpoint.

💰 Boise State Faces Possible $18 Million Deficit
Boise State Athletics could face a budget deficit of up to $18 million this fiscal year. University officials point to rising athlete payments and costs associated with the Broncos’ move to the Pac-12. Boise State says university reserves can cover the shortfall without hurting the school’s overall financial position.

🥎 Record Number of CSI Softball Players Move On
A record 11 College of Southern Idaho softball players are moving on to four-year programs after a 43-13 season. All-American Adi Hansen is headed to powerhouse Oklahoma, becoming CSI’s first softball player to join the SEC. Rilyne Keck and Maile Ha’o are headed to BYU. The Golden Eagles won the Scenic West and Region 18 titles and reached the NJCAA National Tournament for a fifth straight year.

⚽ In soccer, CSI’s Kellie Christensen is transferring to Idaho State, while Jael Montalvo heads to Central Methodist.

🏀 Boise State Promotes Assistant Basketball Coach
Boise State men’s basketball coach Leon Rice has promoted Matt Charles to assistant coach. Charles enters his fourth season with the Broncos after serving as director of operations. During his three seasons in Boise, the Broncos have posted three 20-win seasons and a 68-34 overall record.

⚽ Idaho State Soccer Plays Snow College to Draw
Idaho State battled Snow College to a 1-1 draw. Lacie Poll scored late in the first half to erase an early deficit. The Bengals dominated offensively, outshooting Snow 23-9 and earning 11 corner kicks. Goalkeeper Aliya Garrett made four saves as Idaho State held Snow scoreless over the final 72 minutes.

⚽ Idaho Soccer Opens Season With Statement Win
The Vandals shut out Washington State 3-0 in Pullman, scoring all three goals during the opening 10 minutes. Calli Chiarelli, Hallie Prinos-Grumbach and Alyssa Hamilton found the net. It’s just Idaho’s second-ever win over Washington State. The Vandals host CSUN Saturday at 6.

🏈 Boise State DB Named to Thorpe Award Watch List
Broncos defensive back Jaden Mickey has been named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, honoring the nation’s top defensive back. Mickey started 11 games last season, recording 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

🌦️ MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER

⛈️ Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 80°. Chance of rain: 30%. Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 58°.

🌤️ Saturday: Mostly sunny with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 86°. Overnight low around 57°.

☀️ Sunday: Sunny and hot with a high near 90°. Low around 60° overnight.

⛈️ Monday: Partly sunny with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High near 89°. Low around 59°.

🌥️ Tuesday: Partly sunny with a high near 84°. Mostly cloudy overnight with a low around 58°.

🌤️ Wednesday: Partly sunny with a high near 84°. Low around 57° Wednesday night.

☀️ Thursday: Sunny with a high near 87°.

🌡️ BOTTOM LINE: A few storms to kick off the weekend, followed by a sunny and hot Sunday, then another chance for afternoon storms Monday. After that, temperatures settle into the mid-80s for much of next week.