🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL
It’s back to school today for thousands of Southern Idaho students. Twin Falls, Jerome, Filer, Gooding and Minidoka County schools begin classes today, while Kimberly students head back next Tuesday.
💉 KINDERGARTEN VACCINATION RATES
Idaho now has the nation’s lowest kindergarten vaccination rate. CDC data shows just 75 percent are vaccinated while Idaho’s exemption rate has climbed to a record 17-and-a-half percent.
🦟 WEST NILE VIRUS
Idaho has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus meningitis this year. Health officials say a Canyon County resident over 65 was hospitalized but is now recovering at home.
🏫 JEROME SCHOOL START TIMES
Jerome School District is considering staggered school start times beginning in the 2027-28 school year. Elementary classes would start at 7:30, with middle and high school beginning at 9. The proposal would separate bus routes by age group, reduce the number of buses and drivers needed, and ease traffic congestion. The district is gathering community feedback.
🔥 IDAHO WILDFIRE SEASON
Nearly 700,000 acres have burned across Idaho this year, with above-average fire danger expected through September. The Idaho Department of Lands has spent an estimated 31 million dollars fighting fires so far. Officials are now seeking additional funding to strengthen the state’s resources.
🚔 FORMER TWIN FALLS FIRE CAPTAIN CHARGED
A retired Twin Falls Fire Department captain is facing six felony charges following an alleged domestic violence incident in Kimberly. Court records say 54-year-old Justin James faces charges including rape, kidnapping, aggravated battery and attempted strangulation. James was arrested with bond set at 500-thousand dollars. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 28th.
💰 TWIN FALLS 2027 BUDGET
Twin Falls residents will have a chance to weigh in on the city’s proposed 102-million-dollar budget for 2027. The plan includes 23 million dollars for capital improvements, including police and fire facilities and Harmon Park. A public hearing is scheduled for August 24th at 5 p.m.
🚧 KIMBERLY ROAD PAVING
Paving on Kimberly Road in Twin Falls begins August 24th and is expected to take about five days. Most work will happen at night to limit disruptions, with traffic reduced to one lane during the day. Additional signal upgrades at Blue Lakes and Kimberly Road begin in October.
🏆 SPORTS
🏈 SOUTHERN IDAHO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Southern Idaho high school football kicks off this week. Friday night, Twin Falls travels north to face Sandpoint, Minico visits Madison, Burley is on the road against Ridgevue, and Filer opens at Declo. Murtaugh travels to Grace, while Mackay visits Castleford. Then Saturday night, Kimberly hits the road for a big early-season matchup against Fruitland. Most games kick off at seven.
🏈 MINICO SPARTANS
With high school football games set to begin soon, we continue our look at individual schools. The Minico Spartans are looking for a deeper playoff run after finishing 6-and-4 last season and falling in the opening round. Fourth-year head coach Sherman Blaser says this senior class has helped build the program’s blue-collar, physical identity. Senior quarterback Logan Wayment steps into a bigger leadership role, while center Alexis Acosta says the goal is a conference title and ultimately Minico’s first state championship. Blaser says Twin Falls could determine the Great Basin title. The Spartans open the 2026 season against Madison.
🏈 WOOD RIVER WOLVERINES
The Wood River Wolverines are looking to make history after finishing 1-and-7 last season. Head coach Shane Carden says a larger, more experienced senior class has helped build stronger chemistry and leadership. The goal is clear: reach the playoffs and earn the first postseason victory in program history. The Wolverines open the 2026 season August 28th against Nyssa.
🏈 BOISE STATE — OSCAR DOYLE
Boise State punter Oscar Doyle is turning his performance on the field into support for Idaho kids. Doyle will donate 50 dollars to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital for every punt he places inside the 20-yard line this season. He had 17 such punts last year, which would equal an 850-dollar donation. Doyle is also encouraging Bronco fans to contribute.
⚽ IDAHO SOCCER
Idaho soccer remains unbeaten after battling Western Michigan to a 1-1 draw Tuesday night in Hawaii. Hallie Prinos-Grumbach scored her second goal of the season, while Western Michigan ended Idaho’s nearly 256-minute scoreless streak. The Vandals are now 2-0-and-1 and will face host Hawaii Saturday evening in Honolulu.
⚽ BOISE STATE SOCCER TICKETS
Boise State soccer fans can now grab a Sunday-match mini plan for the 2026 season. For 20 dollars, fans get admission to three Sunday home matches against Idaho State, Gonzaga and Utah State. Single-match tickets are also available, starting at five dollars for kids and 10 dollars for adults. Boise State will host nine matches this season, with the home finale against Washington State November 5th.
🌤️ WEATHER
☀️ MAGIC VALLEY FORECAST
Mostly sunny and hot across the Magic Valley today, with a high near 93. Tonight, will be mostly clear with a low around 63. Thursday heats up to around 98 under mostly sunny skies, and Friday stays near 98. A 40 percent chance of thunderstorms moves in Friday night, with another slight chance Saturday. Sunday cools down a bit, with sunshine and a high near 87.
☀️ WEDNESDAY
Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming north northwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the evening.
🔥 THURSDAY
Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast in the evening.
⛈️ FRIDAY
Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
🌦️ SATURDAY
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.
☀️ SUNDAY
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.
🌦️ MONDAY
Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
☀️ TUESDAY
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
- NEWS FOR THURSDAY 8/19/26 - August 19, 2026
- DAILY BRIEFING FOR TUESDAY 8/18/26 - August 18, 2026
- Local News for Monday 8/17/26 - August 17, 2026
