NEWS

STATE REVENUES / BUDGET

Idaho’s tax collections came in lower than expected in May, raising some budget concerns as the fiscal year wraps up June 30.

State revenues missed projections by about $21 million for the month, largely due to lower individual income tax collections.

Even so, Idaho remains on track to finish the fiscal year with a positive cash balance of roughly $72 million.

EDUCATION / BOISE STATE

After a 15-month search, Boise State could soon have a new president.

The State Board of Education will announce a sole finalist tomorrow, with a public forum set for Wednesday.

EDUCATION FUNDING

Idaho schools will have more flexibility in using federal education dollars.

The U.S. Department of Education approved Idaho’s waiver request, allowing districts and charter schools to carry over more Title I funding and direct resources where they’re needed most.

COMMUNITY DONATION / CASSIA COUNTY SCHOOLS

D.L. Evans Bank is donating $3,150 to the Cassia County School District.

The funds will help purchase new library books for students at John V. Evans and Declo elementary schools.

COURTS / MOST WANTED

A Twin Falls County most-wanted suspect is back in custody.

Nineteen-year-old Edgar Antonio Venegas, wanted for violating conditions of release on vehicular manslaughter and DUI-related charges, turned himself in to authorities.

DRUG TRAFFICKING / HIGHWAY 93

Three people are facing drug trafficking charges after Idaho State Police found nearly 12 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 93.

Ronald Baumgartner Jr., Michael Cooper, and Samantha Hodge were arrested and are being held on high bonds.

ABORTION DRUG / EPA

Fourteen Republican attorneys general, including Idaho’s, are urging the EPA to classify the abortion drug mifepristone as a water contaminant.

Environmental experts say there’s currently no evidence the medication poses a threat to drinking water or aquatic life.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT / TWIN FALLS

The Twin Falls Urban Renewal Agency is seeking developers for two major downtown projects.

The sites near Hansen Street and Old Towne could bring new housing, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, with proposals due by August 28.

DAIRY INDUSTRY / IMMIGRATION REFORM

Idaho dairy leaders say recent primary election results could improve conversations about immigration reform.

The Idaho Dairymen’s Association is pushing for changes to federal visa programs, arguing the dairy industry depends on immigrant workers to fill year-round agricultural jobs across the Magic Valley.

WILDFIRES / ELMORE COUNTY

Fire crews responded yesterday afternoon to a brush fire near Teapot Dome, about three miles northeast of Mountain Home.

The blaze started around 1:30 p.m. between Highway 20 and Hot Creek Road and has burned an estimated 247 acres.

The fire is smoldering and slow creeping.

WILDFIRES / CASSIA COUNTY

The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public to obey road closures around the Summit Creek Fire.

While the fire is nearly contained, roads to Independence Lakes and other restricted areas remain closed.

Officials say motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should not bypass closure signs until the areas are officially reopened.

WILDFIRES / KUNA

A human-caused wildfire near Kuna has burned about 700 acres.

The PV Fire was reported Sunday afternoon, and crews say forward progress has nearly stopped.

Full control of the fire anticipated sometime today.

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL RODEO

The Idaho High School Rodeo Association Finals wrapped up Saturday, and several Magic Valley athletes are headed to the National Finals in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Samantha Mai of Albion won the state title in barrel racing, while Saige Hartman of Rupert finished second.

Oakley’s Kinslee Matthews, Kimberly’s Ruby Nannini, Twin Falls’ Aidan Zunino, and competitors from Gooding, Jerome, Burley, and Buhl also earned top-four finishes to punch their tickets to nationals later this summer.

IDAHO BOWL / RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The Idaho Bowl is about more than football.

The middle school all-star event was created by Glenns Ferry’s Laif Morrison to honor Hank Anderson, a young Idaho boy who passed away while waiting for a heart transplant.

The Idaho Bowl raises donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, which supported Hank’s family during their time in Salt Lake City.

This year, 71 players from future Idaho high schools participated.

BOISE RIVER FLOAT SEASON

If you’re planning to float the Boise River, you’ll have to wait a little longer.

Officials say river flows remain too high and unsafe, with strong currents, cold water, and hidden hazards still a concern.

Crews are clearing the route, but no opening date has been announced for the 2026 float season.

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO TRACK AND FIELD

The University of Idaho’s Constanze Paoli earned second-team All-American honors after finishing 11th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

The junior from Germany capped a record-breaking season that included a Big Sky title and multiple school records for the Vandals.

IDAHO STATE TRACK AND FIELD

Idaho State’s Axel Tirado-Sanchez wrapped up his Bengal career with Second Team All-American honors at the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

The three-time Big Sky discus champion finished 12th nationally and leaves Idaho State as a record holder and one of the most accomplished throwers in program history.