Your Daily Briefing – 08/12/2025

Local News

The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office has identified the woman found dead south of Twin Falls as 54-year-old Shannon Kampman . The August 7 case remains an active homicide investigation.

Gas prices in Idaho remain high at $3.53 a gallon —six cents more than last week and a month ago, but eight cents less than last year. The national average is $3.14, keeping Idaho 7th most expensive in the U.S., with California topping the list at $4.50.

Albertsons’ attorneys are pressing for answers on why Kroger abruptly ousted its CEO earlier this year . A judge has ordered the former executive to explain the circumstances behind his departure.

Residential and small business customers could see slightly lower natural gas bills starting October 1 if state regulators approve a request from Intermountain Gas. The Boise-based utility says the change would reduce residential bills by about 12 cents a month.

Around 10 a.m. yesterday, a semi-truck left U.S. Highway 26 near Richfield , struck a power line, and knocked out electricity for some Idaho Power customers . No injuries were reported.

Also yesterday, around 7 a.m., a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle at Main and Shoshone in Twin Falls . The adult male was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels touched down at the Magic Valley Regional Airport last night after arriving from Hawaii. The elite team of 140 sailors and marines will showcase the F/A-18 Super Hornet in this weekend’s Magic Valley Airshow—their third visit to the area.

A new voter initiative aims to repeal Idaho’s 6% sales tax on groceries, also ending the grocery tax credit if passed in 2026. Supporters must gather more than 70,000 signatures to get the measure on the ballot.

A newly formed Idaho working group is exploring ways to expand medical education and address the state’s doctor shortage. Created after a stalled bill, the panel will present its recommendations to lawmakers next year.

Gooding County deputies are investigating two recent cattle thefts involving several unbranded calves stolen at night. Some have been recovered, and suspects are in custody.

Sports

High school football is back, and the Carey Panthers —last year’s 1A state champions—kicked off with their traditional “midnight mile,” running at 12:01 a.m. under the lights. Head Coach John Saili says the tradition dates back 25 years, while senior Stockton Sears says the team is ready to defend its title. Carey opens August 29 against Murtaugh.

The Burley Bobcats also kept their own midnight tradition with a practice led by Head Coach Cam Andersen. Andersen emphasizes maximum effort on every play, while senior QB JD Tarbet says the offense will spread the ball more this year. Burley opens August 29 at home against Century.

In Nampa, city council chambers were packed Monday as residents debated a proposal to transfer ownership of the Ford Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho. The city has lost nearly $22 million operating the venue since 2005, and leaders say the move could avoid a property tax hike. Most speakers opposed the transfer, urging the council to seek other funding options.

Boise State is ranked 25th in the Associated Press Preseason Poll—its first preseason AP ranking since 2018—matching last week’s Coaches Poll. The Broncos enter 2025 as Mountain West favorites for the 18th straight year, with QB Maddux Madsen named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and 10 players earning All-MW honors. Boise State went 12-2 last season, won the MW title, and earned a No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff. They open August 28 at South Florida, with coverage on ESPN.

Idaho State women’s basketball has released its 2025–26 non-conference schedule, featuring five home games, a return to the University of Hawaii Tournament in November, and road matchups at Grand Canyon and BYU. The Bengals open with an exhibition against Park University on November 1, followed by Westminster on November 4, and will also host UC Irvine, South Dakota, and Omaha. Non-conference play wraps December 20 at Utah Valley before Big Sky action begins January 1 at Sacramento State.

Weather

Today will be sunny and hot with a high near 95°F, calm winds becoming west northwest 5–8 mph in the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 64°F.