NEWS
WILDFIRES — HIGHWAY 26 REOPENS NEAR RICHFIELD
Highway 26 has reopened after being closed by a wildfire near Richfield. Yesterday’s thunderstorms sparked several lightning-caused fires across southern Idaho, including the Baja Fire, which burned more than 80 acres. Officials expect the fire to be fully controlled today.
JEROME COUNTY — ATV CRASH KILLS 11-YEAR-OLD BOY
An 11-year-old boy died Monday afternoon after an ATV rolled over on private property in Jerome County. Investigators say he was riding with his 8-year-old brother, and neither child was wearing a helmet. The younger boy suffered minor injuries and was later released.
BUHL — WATER CONSERVATION REQUESTED AFTER WELL FAILURE
The City of Buhl is asking everyone to conserve water after a pump at Well 5 went down. Residents are urged to turn off sprinklers and limit water use to essentials while crews work on repairs. Officials hope to have normal service restored by tomorrow afternoon.
IDAHO ATTORNEY GENERAL — RENTERS WARNED ABOUT SCAMS
The Idaho Attorney General is warning renters to watch out for fake rental listings. Scammers are posting homes at bargain prices, then asking for deposits before anyone sees the property. Officials say always verify the listing and never send money before seeing the home.
BLAINE COUNTY — BAT TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES
South Central Public Health says a bat in Blaine County has tested positive for rabies, the first confirmed case in South Central Idaho this year. Health officials remind everyone to avoid contact with bats and make sure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH — CONFERENCE MOVING OUT OF IDAHO
The Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to move next year’s annual conference out of Idaho, citing concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ and immigrant members. Church leaders say the decision reflects ongoing concerns over Idaho’s political climate.
LINCOLN COUNTY — PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGE RESTRICTED AFTER VANDALISM
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has restricted access to its public shooting range after repeated vandalism. Users must now sign a range use agreement before visiting.
PAYETTE COUNTY — MOTHER ACCUSED IN TWINS’ DEATHS RETURNS TO COURT
New court records say investigators believe a Payette mother suffocated her 18-month-old twins last year. Andrea Shaw faces two first-degree murder charges, has not entered a plea, and is scheduled to return to court on August 18.
POCATELLO — CITY COUNCIL REJECTS AI DATA CENTER PLAN
The Pocatello City Council has upheld the denial of a proposed AI data center. Council members voted 4-1 to reject the developer’s appeal, and the company says it plans to challenge the decision in court.
SPORTS
LEGION BASEBALL — MAGIC VALLEY TEAMS BATTLE FOR STATE BERTHS
It was a big day for Magic Valley teams at the Legion A Area C District Tournament. Burley stayed unbeaten with dominant wins over Wendell and Pocatello, earning a matchup with Blackfoot today for a trip to the state tournament. Twin Falls’ Cowboys and Red Hawks also stayed alive with elimination-game victories yesterday, while Wendell’s season came to an end and Buhl dropped into the consolation bracket. Today, the Red Hawks face Pocatello, and the Cowboys take on Buhl in another win-or-go-home showdown.
TWIN FALLS COWBOYS — REGULAR SEASON ENDS WITH LOSSES TO IDAHO PRIME
The Twin Falls AA Cowboys wrapped up the regular season yesterday, dropping both games to Idaho Prime at Twin Falls High School. The losses mark the end of the regular season as the Cowboys now shift their focus to postseason play. They’ll be looking to regroup quickly and make a strong run as the AA playoffs get underway.
CSI ATHLETES — GOLDEN EAGLES CONTINUE TO ADVANCE
More College of Southern Idaho student-athletes are taking the next step. Volleyball standout Mina Benucci is headed to the University at Albany after leading the Golden Eagles in hitting percentage and points. Baseball infielder Cade Burnham has committed to the University of Nevada after batting .356 this season, and softball standout Courtney Christiansen is off to Weber State following a two-year career that included a .354 batting average and 19 home runs.
KIMBERLY BULLDOGS — TWO LINEMEN EARN PRESEASON HONORS
The Kimberly Bulldogs are already getting some preseason recognition. Idaho Sports has named offensive lineman Brandon Elizondo and defensive tackle Kaden Dille to its top 10 lists heading into the 2026 football season. Head coach Joe Dille says having two linemen recognized is a credit to the players, the community and the Bulldogs coaching staff. Elizondo was a first-team all-state center last season, while Dille racked up 68 tackles and 7.5 sacks as just a sophomore.
BOISE STATE — FORMER COACH LYLE SETENCICH DIES AT 81
Former Boise State head football coach Lyle Setencich has passed away at the age of 81. Setencich led the Broncos from 1983 through 1986, posting 24 wins and coaching Boise State’s first-ever game on the Blue Turf, a 74-0 victory over Humboldt State. Before becoming head coach, he helped the Broncos win the 1980 Division I-AA National Championship as defensive coordinator. Setencich later coached at Cal Poly and finished his career as defensive coordinator at Texas Tech.
WEATHER
TODAY — HOT WITH AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE
A chance for afternoon thunderstorms today, mainly between noon and 5 p.m., but it will still be hot with a high around 94. Tomorrow, sunshine returns with a high near 96. Hot weather continues through early next week, with another chance of afternoon thunderstorms returning by Tuesday.
FRIDAY
Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between noon and 5 p.m. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 94. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
FRIDAY NIGHT
A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind 5 to 8 mph.
SATURDAY
Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. East southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Mostly clear, with a low around 65. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming south after midnight.
SUNDAY
Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.
SUNDAY NIGHT
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
MONDAY
A 20% chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.
MONDAY NIGHT
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
TUESDAY
A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
TUESDAY NIGHT
A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.
WEDNESDAY
A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 92.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
THURSDAY
A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93.
