NEWS
IDAHO SCHOOL ENROLLMENT DECLINES
Idaho public school enrollment has fallen by more than 5,000 students since its 2022 peak, dropping from about 315,000 to 310,000. In Southern Idaho, Blaine County enrollment is down 8% over five years, while Twin Falls is down nearly 7% as charter school enrollment continues to grow.
ELEVATE ACADEMY OPENS IN TWIN FALLS
Elevate Academy has opened its new Twin Falls charter school, welcoming 350 students after two years of planning and construction. The school combines academics with hands-on trade programs, allowing students to work toward both a high school diploma and a trade certification.
AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE BILL
A new federal bill could give Idaho farmers and dairies more options to address ongoing labor shortages. The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would expand the H-2A visa program to year-round operations, including dairy and livestock. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is co-sponsoring the legislation, which remains in its early stages.
JUDGE EXPANDS ABORTION-BAN EXCEPTIONS
A federal judge has expanded exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban, ruling abortions may be provided when pregnancy poses serious risks to a woman’s life or health, including a high risk of self-harm. Judge B. Lynn Winmill’s decision blocks enforcement of Idaho’s criminal abortion laws in those narrow circumstances.
BRODY TO BECOME IDAHO CHIEF JUSTICE
A former Magic Valley attorney will become Idaho’s next chief justice. Justice Robyn Brody, who practiced law in Magic Valley and opened her own firm in Rupert in 2010, takes over October 1st. Brody has served on the Idaho Supreme Court since 2016 and succeeds retiring Chief Justice Richard Bevan.
IDAHO TRAFFIC DEATHS INCREASE
Idaho traffic deaths increased 5% last year, according to the state’s new crash report. There were 252 fatalities in 2025, up from 238. While most crashes happened in urban areas, two-thirds of fatal crashes occurred on rural roads. Aggressive driving contributed to nearly half of all crashes statewide.
WATKINS TO CHAIR TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Twin Falls businessman Mitch Watkins will become the next chairman of the Idaho Transportation Board. Watkins, who represents south-central Idaho, replaces Bill Moad, who chaired the board for seven years. Watkins takes over during the board’s August 19th and 20th meeting in eastern Idaho.
IDAHO POTATO DROP MAY MOVE
The Idaho Potato Drop could be leaving downtown Boise. Organizers are exploring a move to Expo Idaho following safety and planning concerns surrounding last New Year’s Eve celebration. A fireworks-related blast shattered several windows and injured a young girl. Expo Idaho officials say a proposed contract has not yet been finalized.
SPORTS
BUHL MOVES DOWN TO 3A FOOTBALL
The Buhl Indians are moving down to 3A football this season after finishing second in the Great Basin Conference last year. Head coach Josh Creasey says the more physical style of 3A should fit Buhl’s strengths. The Indians return just five seniors and will lean heavily on a young roster. Buhl opens August 28th against New Plymouth.
CAREY CHASES HISTORIC THREE-PEAT
The Carey Panthers enter the football season chasing history after winning back-to-back state championships. Head coach John Saili’s Panthers are looking for their first-ever three-peat, with defending power Kendrick among the potential postseason obstacles. Carey opens the 2026 season August 28th against North Gem.
NEW FACES FOR TWIN FALLS FOOTBALL
The Twin Falls Bruins enter 2026 with plenty of new faces after their best football season since 2009. Twin Falls went 9-and-3 and reached the state semifinals last year. Coach Ben Kohring says depth will be a challenge, but the Bruins return several key players. Twin Falls opens on August 21st at Sandpoint.
BOISE STATE FACES POSSIBLE DEFICIT
Boise State Athletics could face a budget deficit of up to 18 million dollars this fiscal year. University officials blame rising athlete payments and costs associated with the Broncos’ move to the Pac-12. Boise State says university reserves can cover the shortfall without hurting the school’s overall financial position.
RECORD 11 CSI PLAYERS MOVE ON
A record 11 College of Southern Idaho softball players are moving on to four-year programs after a 43-and-13 season. Among them, All-American Adi Hansen is headed to national powerhouse Oklahoma, becoming CSI’s first softball player in the SEC. Rilyne Keck and Maile Ha’o are headed to BYU. The Golden Eagles won the Scenic West and Region 18 titles and reached the NJCAA National Tournament for a fifth straight year.
In soccer, CSI’s Kellie Christensen is transferring to Idaho State, while Jael Montalvo heads to Central Methodist.
CHARLES PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COACH
Boise State men’s basketball coach Leon Rice has promoted Matt Charles to assistant coach. Charles enters his fourth season with the Broncos after serving as director of operations. During his three seasons in Boise, the Broncos have posted three 20-win seasons and a 68-and-34 overall record.
IDAHO STATE AND SNOW FINISH EVEN
Idaho State women’s soccer battled Snow College to a 1-all draw. Lacie Poll scored late in the first half to erase an early deficit. The Bengals dominated offensively, outshooting Snow 23-to-9 and earning 11 corner kicks. Goalkeeper Aliya Garrett made four saves as Idaho State held Snow scoreless over the final 72 minutes.
VANDALS SHUT OUT WASHINGTON STATE
Idaho soccer opened the season with a statement, shutting out Washington State 3-nothing in Pullman. The Vandals scored all three goals in the first 10 minutes, with Calli Chiarelli, Hallie Prinos-Grumbach and Alyssa Hamilton finding the net. It’s just Idaho’s second-ever win over Washington State. The Vandals host CSUN Saturday at 6.
MICKEY NAMED TO THORPE WATCH LIST
Boise State defensive back Jaden Mickey has been named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, honoring the nation’s top defensive back. Mickey started 11 games for the Broncos last season, recording 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
WEATHER
WEEKEND SHOWERS AND STORMS
Scattered showers and thunderstorms today, mainly before 2, with partly sunny skies and a high near 80. Tonight, partly cloudy with a low of 58. Saturday brings a 30% chance of showers and storms and a high near 86. Sunday turns sunny and hot, reaching 90. Monday, another chance of afternoon storms with a high near 89.
FRIDAY
Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. East-southeast wind 3 to 7 mph.
SATURDAY
A chance of showers before 3 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East-northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. East-southeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
SUNDAY
Sunny and hot, with a high near 90.
SUNDAY NIGHT
Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.
MONDAY
A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
MONDAY NIGHT
A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
TUESDAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
TUESDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
WEDNESDAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
THURSDAY
Sunny, with a high near 87.
- Your Daily Briefing –08/14/2026 - August 14, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 08/13/2026 - August 13, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – August 12, 2026 - August 12, 2026
