Housing Crisis in Idaho
A new Out of Reach report shows renters in 38 of 44 Idaho counties can’t afford a modest two-bedroom home. Renters would need to earn $27.83/hour, nearly $9 more than the average renter wage of $18.81. The average rent? $1,447/month.
Court Restructure Proposal
Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch are again pushing to split the overburdened Ninth Circuit Court. Their bill would create a 12th Circuit covering Idaho and six other Western states, leaving California, Hawaii, and Guam in the Ninth.
Lincoln County Youth Center Funded
The Lincoln County Youth Center is fully funded once again after $141,000 in federal grant money was restored. The center serves youth in Richfield, Shoshone, and Dietrich, offering meals, educational support, and a safe space. Staff hope the funding continues beyond next year.
Trump Weighs in on Kohberger Case
President Donald Trump is demanding answers in the Kohberger murder case, saying the confessed killer must explain his motive. Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing four University of Idaho students and will be sentenced tomorrow. The death penalty was removed as an option.
Lawsuit Against Trump Admin DEI Ban
The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence has joined 21 other groups in a lawsuit against new federal grant rules under the Trump administration. The rules ban DEI-related efforts, potentially jeopardizing housing and support for survivors in Idaho.
Music Booster Club Theft
A Jerome man, Gordon Kealaiki, is charged with grand theft after allegedly stealing over $16,500 from the Jerome High School Music Booster Club while serving as treasurer. A preliminary hearing is set for July 24. The theft allegedly occurred from 2021 to 2024.
Idaho Wolf Population Update
Idaho’s wolf population is now estimated at 1,235, down nearly 100 wolves from last year. Wildlife officials used a new genetic-based method with May reporting to count wolves shortly after pups are born—aiming for better accuracy.
LDS Temple in Burley
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the Burley Temple open house will be held Nov. 6–22 (excluding Sundays). The dedication is set for Jan. 11, 2026, making it Idaho’s 11th LDS temple. The event will be broadcast to local congregations.
SPORTS
Boise State’s “The Blue” Going for Three-Peat
Boise State’s blue turf is once again nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as Best Attraction for Sports Fans. After winning in 2023 and 2024, The Blue seeks a three-peat.
Vote daily through August 18 at 10 a.m. MT.
Last year: 377,000+ visitors, including 18,000 non-game day tourists from all 50 states and 50 countries.
Minico Storm B Wins State Title Again
The Minico Storm B baseball team has clinched its third straight Idaho state championship, defeating Kuna 8-3 on July 19.
Head Coach Nate Christiansen led a new roster to victory, with Grady Neilson playing on all three title teams.
The team’s success caps a strong postseason and reflects a growing baseball pipeline in Minico, following their first high school district title since 2013.
WEATHER
Forecast Overview
- Today: Slight chance of showers and storms after noon. High near 83°F, mostly sunny.
- Tonight: Clear skies. Low around 58°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 88°F.
- Thursday – Monday: Sunny and hot. Highs between 91–94°F, lows around 59–60°F.
Detailed Forecast
- Today: Slight chance of showers (12–3 p.m.), then thunderstorms after 3 p.m. High: 83°F. Winds SW 6–10 mph → NW. Precip: 20%.
- Tonight: Mostly clear. Low: 58°F. Winds NW 5–10 mph → SSW.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High: 88°F. Winds SSW → WNW.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear. Low: 60°F. Winds WNW → SSW.
- Thursday: Sunny and hot. High: 91°F.
- Thursday Night – Sunday Night: Mostly clear to partly cloudy. Lows: ~59–60°F.
- Friday – Monday: Highs: 91–94°F. Hot and sunny.
