NEWS

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY

An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect for Camas, Gooding, Jerome and Twin Falls Counties until 1 this afternoon. Wildfire smoke is pushing air quality into the unhealthy range. Open burning is prohibited.

WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes east of Twin Falls. Health officials say no human cases have been reported locally this summer, but residents should take precautions.

BIG GRASS FIRE EVACUATIONS

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations are in place for several areas of Owyhee County as the Big Grass Fire continues spreading along the Oregon-Idaho border. The lightning-caused fire has burned about 300,000 acres. Silver City is under Level 2 “Set” status.

DAVID ROTH ENDS SENATE CAMPAIGN

Idaho Democrat David Roth is ending his campaign for U.S. Senate. Roth won the May primary and was set to challenge Republican Senator Jim Risch and several independent and third-party candidates in November. Roth says he’ll instead focus on helping Democrats win races across Idaho.

MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS

Starting next year, Idahoans on Medicaid expansion will have to meet new work requirements to keep their coverage, unless they qualify for an exemption. State officials say most of the roughly 85,000 people enrolled already meet the requirements, while some with medical exemptions may need documentation from a healthcare provider.

NUCLEAR INNOVATION CAMPUS

Idaho is one of five states being considered for a new federal nuclear innovation campus. The U.S. Department of Energy says the project could bring thousands of high-paying jobs and new investment. Governor Brad Little says Idaho’s decades of nuclear experience make the state a strong contender.

WATER COSTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Idaho water experts warn climate change could lead to higher water bills across the Gem State. Drought, low snowpack and depleted aquifers could force communities to invest in costly new water sources and infrastructure. Last year, Idaho received $247 million in drinking water project loan requests, with just $87 million available.

FORMER BOOSTER CLUB TREASURER SENTENCED

The former treasurer of the Jerome High School Music Booster Club has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after more than $10,000 went missing. Gordon Kealaiki claimed many transactions were mistakes, but the judge said the thefts occurred repeatedly over time. Kealaiki has already paid restitution.

SPORTS

IDAHO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Idaho high school football kicks off in about four weeks, with plenty of changes coming in 2026. Fourteen teams are changing classifications, including Buhl dropping from 4A to 3A, where they’ll compete with Wendell and Declo in the Canyon Conference.

Kimberly also has two Division One commits to watch. Titus Osterman is headed to Washington, while Joe Barrett is committed to Air Force. Barrett returns after leading Idaho’s returning receivers with more than 1,100 yards last season.

HEAT SAFETY FOR FALL ATHLETES

With fall sports practices getting underway, athletes and coaches are being reminded to take extra precautions in the heat. North Canyon Medical Center’s Dr. Dave Miller says hydrate before practice, take frequent water breaks and use electrolytes during longer workouts.

Declo football coach Rhett Jones says practices may be shortened or moved indoors when heat or smoke becomes dangerous. Signs of heat illness include cramps, nausea and heavy sweating, while confusion or seizures could signal heat stroke and require immediate cooling and a call to 911.

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL TICKETS

The 2026 Boise State football season is less than 40 days away, and single-game tickets are now on sale for all six home games at Albertsons Stadium. The Broncos’ home schedule includes matchups against Memphis and South Dakota, along with four opponents from the relaunched Pac-12 Conference.

Fans can purchase tickets online at BroncoSports.com slash tickets, by calling 208-426-4737, or at the Boise State Athletics Ticket Office.

WEATHER

TODAY AND TOMORROW

Today will be mostly sunny and hot with areas of smoke and a high near 93. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible after 3 this afternoon. Tonight, mostly clear with a low near 60.

Tomorrow, expect sunshine, patchy smoke and even hotter temperatures, with a high near 98.

WEDNESDAY

Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Areas of smoke. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. Light and variable wind becoming west at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. Patchy smoke before 7 p.m., then patchy smoke after 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 60. West-northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

THURSDAY

Patchy smoke. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. East-southeast wind at 5 to 7 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Patchy smoke. Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable.

FRIDAY

Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Clear, with a low around 60.

SATURDAY

Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

SUNDAY

Sunny, with a high near 88.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Clear, with a low around 61.

MONDAY

Sunny and hot, with a high near 91.

MONDAY NIGHT