Economy & Jobs

Idaho’s unemployment rate ticked up to 3.7% in July, with losses in information, management, and federal government sectors. Still, the state added about 2,200 nonfarm jobs, led by construction and support services, keeping some optimism alive in the labor market.

Health & Medicaid

Idaho officials say the state is better prepared than most to weather Medicaid changes under the new One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump. While the law places caps on future provider payments, earlier reforms mean Idaho expects more stability — and could receive $100 million a year for rural hospitals through a new federal health fund.

Gas Prices

Drivers are getting a little relief at the pump, with Idaho’s average gas price sitting at $3.51 a gallon, down two cents from last week. AAA reports Boise prices inched upward while most other areas saw dips, and analysts warn more bumps are possible.

Housing & Politics

Senator Mike Crapo and HUD Secretary Scott Turner toured the Magic Valley to promote the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Their visit included a stop in Buhl, where families in a rural housing program are literally helping build their own homes.

Crime & Courts

In Dietrich, former city employee Taylor Astle has pleaded guilty to forgery after stealing more than $13,000 by forging pre-signed checks to pay personal bills. She now faces up to six years in prison. Meanwhile, State Public Defender attorney Michelle Agee has been charged with DUI after a June crash in Gooding. Police say her blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit, making this her second DUI case in ten years. And in Elmore County, a judge has rejected a plea deal in the sex trafficking case against former pastor and daycare director Gregory Wayne Jones, opening the door for a full trial.

Education & Workforce

Students in Cassia County now have access to a new Diesel Shop at the Cassia Regional Technical Center. The program offers hands-on training and ASCE certifications to help students move directly into the workforce. And across the Magic Valley, it’s officially back to school, as all 16 schools in the Twin Falls School District reopened their doors yesterday.

High-Profile Cases

The Idaho State Police has launched a new online database for the Moscow murders investigation, posting over 550 pages of reports from the case that ended with Bryan Kohberger’s life sentences.

SPORTS

High school football is back, and several programs are gearing up with optimism. The Gooding Senators are coming off their first winning season since 2021. With new head coach Jon Helmandollar, a former Boise State running back, the team believes they can contend for a conference title. Junior quarterback Cougar Stockham says the energy and drills are preparing them for their opener next Friday at home against Jerome.

At Canyon Ridge, it’s year three under head coach Juan Alvarado, and the Riverhawks say they’re already ahead of schedule in building tradition and culture. With 24 seniors — the first full class Alvarado has coached through — the expectations are sky-high. Senior Brenner Kunz says they plan to “go out with a bang,” with goals of winning the Service Bowl against Twin Falls and hosting a playoff game. Canyon Ridge opens Friday night at home against Emmett.

The Hansen Huskies are also hungry for a turnaround after back-to-back two-win seasons. Returning nearly their entire roster, head coach Toby Lapp says small-town athletes juggle work and school but always come “fired up and ready to roll” when football starts. Senior Paul Eiman says experience plus new freshmen have raised optimism. Hansen kicks off August 29 at home against Rimrock, hoping for revenge after last year’s 49–14 loss.

On the hardwood, Boise State men’s basketball is heading back to Idaho Falls this winter for a neutral-site showdown with Saint Mary’s. The Broncos and Gaels will meet on December 14 at the Mountain America Center, marking the third straight year the matchup takes place there. Boise State has won the last three contests, including last December’s 67–65 thriller, and head coach Leon Rice says the event has become a great statewide tradition.

WEATHER

Hot weather continues today in the Magic Valley with sunshine and a high near 98°F. Winds will be light and variable, shifting south-southwest by mid-morning. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low of 65°F, and patchy smoke is possible in the early hours.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, will bring slightly cooler conditions, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 91°F. Winds will turn west-northwest in the afternoon, and the night will stay mostly clear with lows around 62°F.

Thursday looks hot again with a sunny forecast and highs near 90°F, cooling to around 60°F overnight. Friday will climb back up with highs near 93°F, followed by a hotter Saturday at 95°F.

By Sunday, a 30% chance of thunderstorms moves in, with highs near 91°F, tapering to a 20% chance of showers at night. The unsettled pattern lingers into Monday, with a 40% chance of storms and highs around 89°F.

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I am an award-winning broadcaster and voice over artist with nearly 30 years of experience. I know the truth about the One Ring, how to gank a demon, The Doctor’s name, and the Death Star’s one weakness. I am a father, writer, broadcast professional, and Voice Over Talent.