Lawsuit Against Buhl Police Chief
A federal judge heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit against Buhl Police Chief Jeremy Engbaum, who is accused of violating a man’s constitutional rights by entering his home without a warrant and using a stun gun during a 2023 misdemeanor arrest. No ruling has been made yet.
Blaine County May Seek Levy
Blaine County School District may ask voters in November to approve a $3.85 million supplemental levy to address a budget shortfall. Officials cite inflation, changes in state funding, and declining enrollment. A final decision is expected in August.
Crash Near Jerome
A 20-year-old Caldwell woman was airlifted to the hospital after a crash north of Jerome on Highway 93. Idaho State Police say she made an illegal U-turn and was hit by a semi. The highway was blocked for about an hour.
PILT Funding for Counties
Idaho counties will receive $42.9 million in federal PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) funds to make up for lost property tax revenue from federal lands. Elmore County leads with $3.4 million, followed by Idaho and Owyhee counties. The money supports local services.
Red Flag Warning Across Southern Idaho
A Red Flag Warning is in effect this afternoon and evening in Twin Falls, Jerome, Cassia, and Blaine counties. Scattered thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 60 mph could ignite wildfires. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
Mill Fire in Pahsimeroi Valley
The Mill Fire, caused by lightning Tuesday near Patterson, has burned approximately 1,800 acres. Crews face steep terrain and gusty winds. No evacuations yet, but structures nearby are under threat.
Geothermal Leasing Proposal
The BLM is seeking public input on a plan to lease nearly 20,000 acres in Blaine, Camas, and Cassia counties for geothermal development. Comments are open until August 29. Revenues will benefit local counties, Idaho schools, and state energy initiatives.
Repeat Child Sex Offender Sentenced
Terry Martindale Jr., already convicted in 1997 for child sex abuse, was sentenced Monday to 35 years to life for molesting another young girl in Twin Falls County. A judge called his actions “unconscionable.” He is permanently barred from contacting any victims.
SPORTS
Boise State Basketball Nonconference Slate
Boise State men’s basketball announced four nonconference home games for the 2025–26 season:
- Utah Valley (Nov. 8)
- UTRGV (Nov. 11)
- Montana State (Nov. 15)
- Duquesne (Dec. 10)
It’ll be their first-ever matchups with UTRGV and Duquesne. The Broncos are on a 17-game nonconference home win streak.
CSI Women’s Soccer Honored
The College of Southern Idaho Women’s Soccer Team earned NJCAA Academic Team honors with a 3.41 GPA. Seven players made Academic All-American, including Jessika Lassen and Alyssa Harris with 4.0 GPAs. Practice for the 2025 season begins tomorrow.
Idaho Vandals Open Fall Camp
The Idaho Vandals opened fall camp under new head coach Thomas Ford. Ford praised the team’s energy and focus in their first of four consecutive practices. The Vandals return 56 letterwinners from a 10-win season and open against Washington State on August 30.
Idaho State Bengals Scrimmage
Full-contact football returned to the ICCU Dome Saturday as Idaho State held its first fall scrimmage. Over 120 live plays were logged, with strong showings by quarterbacks Davis Harsin and Wyatt Horton. Veteran linemen said it felt like “iron sharpening iron.”
WEATHER
Forecast Overview
Scattered thunderstorms could hit this afternoon with a 30% chance of rain and highs near 90°F. Winds could gust up to 20 mph. Tonight will clear with lows around 59°F. Expect sunny, warm days and cooler nights through the weekend.
Detailed Forecast
Today (Thursday): Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Increasing clouds, hot, high near 90°F.
Winds: SSW 5–10 mph shifting west, gusts up to 20 mph.
Chance of rain: 30%.
Tonight:
Mostly cloudy becoming mostly clear. Low around 59°F.
Winds: West 6–10 mph becoming south. Gusts to 20 mph.
Friday:
Sunny, high near 88°F.
Winds: SSW 6–9 mph shifting to WNW.
Friday Night:
Partly cloudy, low around 62°F.
Winds: WNW 5–9 mph becoming SSW.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 88°F.
Winds: SW 5–10 mph shifting to WNW.
Saturday Night:
Mostly clear, low around 58°F.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 89°F.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 59°F.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 84°F.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, low around 57°F.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 85°F.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 58°F.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, high near 91°F.
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