Idaho News
Utilities & Economy
Idaho Power customers could soon face higher monthly bills, with the company asking regulators for a 13% rate hike. That would mean about $22 more per month for the average household. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will begin taking public comment on September 16, with hearings scheduled in Twin Falls and Boise this fall.
Idaho remains one of only five states without a governor’s mansion, so lawmakers voted to keep Governor Brad Little’s housing stipend at $4,500 a month. Some members suggested converting a state-owned property into a permanent residence.
Budget-setters are also taking a hard look at funding for the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, which serves nearly 29,000 students online. The platform’s $26 million budget has raised concerns over possible double-counting in funding formulas.
Idaho faces a nearly $80 million budget shortfall, driven by tax cuts and weaker sales tax revenue. Finance officials say income and corporate taxes remain steady, while House Speaker Mike Moyle called the forecast cautious. Lawmakers will revisit the numbers in January.
Crime & Courts
In Twin Falls, police have arrested 26-year-old Elijah Hartney on charges of sexual exploitation of a child and video voyeurism. The arrest follows a months-long investigation that began with a May tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
In Nampa, Catholic priest Robert Mendez Esquivel, 45, known as “Father Toto”, was arrested Wednesday night and charged with sexual battery of a minor aged sixteen or seventeen. He joined St. Paul’s Catholic Church in 2022 and was active in ministries aimed at those with same-sex attraction within Catholic teaching. He is being held in Canyon County Jail. The Diocese of Boise expressed sorrow, pledged cooperation with investigators, and asked parishioners for prayers.
Education
Idaho student test scores stayed flat last school year, still clearing the state’s lower benchmarks. Statewide, 53% of students were proficient in English, 42% in math, and 42% in science. None of those figures shifted more than half a point from 2024, according to the Department of Education.
Transportation & Safety
Highway 21 is closed from Grandjean to Banner Summit after a mudslide in the Wapiti Fire burn scar. With more rain in the forecast, ITD crews say they won’t assess the damage until the weather clears, leaving Labor Day travel plans uncertain. Drivers are urged to check 511 for updates.
The Idaho Department of Finance and the Scam Jam Alliance are hosting a series of fraud prevention events. Virtual Scam Jams are scheduled for September 10 and 17, followed by a Shred Event in Boise on October 14 and a Fraud Prevention Summit on October 23. Registration is available at events.aarp.org.
Sports
Rodeo action is heating up at the Twin Falls County Fair. The Junior Rodeo kicked things off last night, and now the Magic Valley Stampede PRCA Rodeo takes center stage today through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon brings the Chicks n Chaps fundraiser, supporting breast cancer programs before the evening’s rodeo finale.
In high school volleyball, the Kimberly Bulldogs pulled off a 3-1 win over Snake River in a state tournament rematch. After dropping the first set 25-16, Kimberly stormed back with three straight wins, 25-14, 25-19, and 25-13. Freshman Kynlee Klingler led with 10 kills and three aces, while Taya Plew added eight kills. Declo battled Firth, winning the opener 25-22 before falling in the next three, 25-13, 25-21, and 25-17. Around the valley, Wendell swept Shoshone 3-0, and Shelley topped Minico in straight sets, 3-0.
On the soccer pitch, CSI goalkeeper Kirstine Kent has been named Scenic West Goalkeeper of the Week after a nine-save performance against Northwest Nazarene, allowing just one goal. The sophomore and her Golden Eagles teammates open their season today on their new home field in Jerome.
Idaho State football continues its season-opening road swing Saturday night at Southern Utah. Kickoff is set for 6:30 Mountain from Eccles Coliseum. The Bengals look to rebound from a 38-31 loss to UNLV, while the Thunderbirds make their season debut in their home opener. It’s the second of three straight road games to start the year for Idaho State.
Weather
Today’s forecast calls for sunshine with patchy smoke and a high near 81. Tonight will be mostly clear with lows around 55.
Friday stays sunny with highs near 84 and light winds, though smoke may linger into the evening.
Saturday brings more sunshine with a high near 85, while Sunday continues warm and clear with highs around 87.
Labor Day Monday looks hot and sunny, topping out near 89.
The rest of the week holds steady, with highs near 88 and overnight lows close to 59.
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