FIRE & ENVIRONMENT
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are now in effect across parts of south-central Idaho due to dry fuels and a spike in human-caused fires. No open flames or outdoor smoking outside designated areas.
Quagga Mussels Update: No mussels have been detected this summer in the Snake River near Twin Falls. Over 200 negative tests have been completed locally, and 112,000+ statewide, according to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
BLM Closure: The Rabbit Creek parking area near Murphy is temporarily closed due to the Striker Fire, which has burned approximately 6,000 acres. Officials suspect lightning caused the blaze.
Range Fire: Fire crews are battling an 8,000-acre wildfire near the Orchard Training Range. Evacuation alerts are active along South Pleasant Valley and Thompson Roads. The fire is spreading northwest—no injuries reported.
COMMUNITY & POLICY
SNAP Concerns: Twin Falls nonprofits are sounding the alarm as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could reduce SNAP food benefits. Valley House says some clients may lose aid, leading to increased pressure on food pantries.
Roadwork Rules Tighten: With construction surging in Twin Falls, the city is now requiring contractors to commit to fixed work windows after a wave of public complaints.
Forgery Case: Former Dietrich city employee Taylor Joan Astle pleaded guilty to writing fraudulent checks. She’ll pay $57,000 in restitution and faces sentencing in October. Prosecutors recommend probation.
Doctor Exodus: Idaho has lost 35% of its OB/GYNs since the state’s abortion ban took effect. Just 23 OB/GYNs remain to serve 37 rural counties statewide. Physicians cite legal risks for leaving.
New DHW Director: Juliet Charron has been appointed to lead Idaho’s Health and Welfare Department, replacing Alex Adams, who was nominated by President Trump for a federal role. Charron previously ran Idaho Medicaid and behavioral health.
Deadly Crash on I-84: A Boise man died after his Honda Pilot crossed the median and struck a pickup head-on near Nampa. Several others, including a child and a woman from Brazil, were injured. ISP is investigating.
SPORTS
High School Football Coaching Shuffle:
- Filer: Promoted assistant Aaron Rife to head coach.
- Gooding: New AD Tanner Baumann hired Jon Helmandollar from Wendell.
- Wendell: Promoted Josh Yon.
- Castleford: Hired D-II champ Brock Campbell.
- Richfield: Matt Kent takes over for Buck Hendren.
- Camas County: Still looking for a coach.
Wrestling All-Americans:
- Amie Hartman (Mountain Home) won 207-lb junior women’s freestyle national title; headed to Dickinson State.
- Olivia Bezdicek (Jerome) took 2nd in 16U 130-lb.
- Ali Svancara (Buhl) finished 7th in consolation. All represented Magic Valley with pride at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals.
CSI Baseball = Academic Champs:
The College of Southern Idaho baseball team earned NJCAA Academic Team honors with a 3.43 GPA and led the nation with 16 players recognized:
- Jack Ryan & Braxton Yates: 4.0 GPAs
- Calvin Morrow & Degan Rigby: 2nd Team
- 12 others: 3rd Team
CSI continues to dominate—on the field and in the classroom.
Poaching Investigation: Idaho Fish and Game is investigating the illegal killing of a cow and calf moose near Kamiah on July 19. Both were killed out of season, and meat was wasted. Report tips anonymously to the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline.
WEATHER OUTLOOK
Smoke Lingers — Expect hazy skies with warm temps through the weekend:
Today (Friday)
- Sunny, high near 87°F
- Breezy, gusts up to 20 mph
- Areas of smoke
Tonight 
- Increasing clouds
- Low around 63°F
- More smoke
Saturday 
- Smoke early, then sun
- High near 87°F
- Gusts up to 20 mph
Saturday Night 
- Mostly clear
- Low near 59°F
Sunday
- Sunny and hot
- High near 90°F
Next Week Forecast:
- Monday: Sunny, 82°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, 86°F
- Wednesday: Hot, 90°F
- Thursday: Sunny, 88°F
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