Your Daily Briefing – 06/18/2026

๐Ÿ“ฐ NEWS

๐Ÿ”ฅ WILDFIRE | Wendell-Gooding Fire Burns Nearly 8,000 Acres

A fast-moving wildfire between Wendell and Gooding burned nearly 8,000 acres yesterday, destroying two structures and forcing temporary evacuations.

State Highway 46 reopened by 6:30 p.m., and crews expect full containment by this evening.

๐Ÿšจ PUBLIC SAFETY | Blaine County Joins Tri-County Sheriffโ€™s Association

Blaine County is joining the Tri-County Sheriffโ€™s Association.

Officials say the mutual aid agreement will provide extra resources during emergencies like wildfires and major events, while also expanding training opportunities.

The annual cost to join is just $400.

๐Ÿ๏ธ FATAL CRASH | Three Motorcyclists Killed on U.S. Highway 12

Three motorcyclists were killed Tuesday afternoon in a crash on U.S. Highway 12 east of Kooskia.

Idaho State Police say a Colorado woman driving a Ford pickup crossed the double yellow line in a no-passing zone and collided with the motorcycles.

The 60-year-old driver was later arrested on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter.

๐Ÿš— DMV | Idaho Updates Abandoned Vehicle Portal

The Idaho DMV has rolled out improvements to its Abandoned Vehicle Portal, making it easier for Idahoans to locate and reclaim towed vehicles.

Drivers who create an account at the DMV website can sign up for electronic notifications and receive towing alerts faster than regular mail.

A new requirement also means tow companies must report vehicles within 24 hours, reducing the wait time to find out where their vehicle has been taken.

๐ŸฆŒ WILDLIFE CRIME | Pocatello Man Sentenced in Illegal Guiding Operation

A Pocatello man has been sentenced after Idaho Fish and Game uncovered an illegal guiding operation in eastern Idaho.

Joelseph Jenkins received prison time, lifetime hunting revocation, and nearly $11,300 in restitution, fines, and costs after investigators linked him to multiple unlawful wildlife violations involving bears and elk.

โšก ENERGY | Idaho Power Proposes New South Hills Power Plant

Idaho Power is proposing a new natural gas power plant near the Milner Hydroelectric Facility in Twin Falls County.

The South Hills Power Plant would generate enough electricity for about 180,000 homes and help meet growing energy demand across Southern Idaho.

Construction could begin in 2027, with the plant expected to come online in 2029.

Public comments are being accepted through July 31.

๐Ÿ† SPORTS

๐Ÿ‚ PBR | Idaho PBR Classic Returns to Filer

Bull riding fans, the Idaho PBR Classic returns to Shouse Arena in Filer this Saturday night.

The Professional Bull Riders Challenger Series event features rising stars chasing a spot on the sportโ€™s top tour.

Gates open at 5 p.m., live music is planned before and after the action, and the bull riding begins at 8.

Tickets are available through the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds.

๐Ÿซ HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | Twin Falls Names New Activities Director

Twin Falls High School has named Brady Trenkle as its new Activities Director beginning next school year.

A 1994 Twin Falls graduate, Trenkle currently serves as Minidoka Schools’ District Athletic Director and brings nearly 20 years of college basketball coaching experience.

He replaces Shaun Walker, who recently became principal at Wood River Middle School.

๐Ÿšต SUN VALLEY | Summer Operations Begin June 26

Summer fun is back at Sun Valley Resort.

Summer operations begin June 26 with scenic gondola rides, hiking, biking, and lunch service at Roundhouse Restaurant.

Lift-assisted mountain biking opens July 1, while major upgrades continue on the Lookout and Christmas chairlifts.

Summer passes and tickets are available now at River Run.

โšพ BASEBALL | Buhl and Canyon Ridge Show Early Promise

American Legion baseball is giving fans an early glimpse at the future for Buhl and Canyon Ridge.

Both schools will move down a classification next year, and early summer results are encouraging.

Buhl is off to a 6-and-4 start with wins over Twin Falls teams, while several Canyon Ridge players have starred for the Twin Falls Red Hawks.

It’s an early sign both programs could be competitive in their new classifications.

๐ŸฅŽ SOFTBALL | Idaho State Coach Andrew Rich Leaves for Boise State

Idaho State softball coach Andrew Rich is leaving Pocatello to become the new head coach at Boise State.

Rich led the Bengals to their first-ever Big Sky Tournament title and NCAA Regional appearance this past season.

He leaves as the winningest coach in Idaho State softball history with 144 career victories in five seasons.

๐Ÿ VOLLEYBALL | Idaho Crush 16U Heads to Nationals

The Idaho Crush 16U volleyball team is headed to Indianapolis for the USA Volleyball Nationals later this month.

The team earned its bid through qualifying tournament success and features players from six Idaho high schools, including Kimberly, Twin Falls, Canyon Ridge and Valley.

Competition runs June 30th through July 2nd.

โ›ณ GOLF | Canyon Springs Golf Course Listed for Sale

Canyon Springs Golf Course is up for sale, and the future of nearly 277 acres of Twin Falls canyon property is drawing plenty of attention.

Listed at $14.9 million, the property includes the golf course, fish farm, waterfront land, and more.

Potential buyers are exploring recreational, commercial, and residential possibilities, while many residents hope the area remains accessible to the public.

๐ŸŒค๏ธ WEATHER

โ˜€๏ธ MAGIC VALLEY FORECAST | Sunny, Hotter Tomorrow

Here’s your Magic Valley weather forecast:

Sunny today with a high near 88 and a few afternoon wind gusts.

Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 57.

Tomorrow heats up to 94 under mostly sunny skies, with a slight chance of showers tomorrow night.

The weekend looks comfortable, with highs in the mid-80s Saturday and upper 80s Sunday.

Next week turns hotter, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

๐ŸŒค๏ธ TODAY

Today: Sunny, with a high near 88.

South southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.

Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

๐ŸŒ™ TONIGHT

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

West northwest wind 5 to 11 mph becoming south southwest after midnight.

Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

โ˜€๏ธ TOMORROW

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 94.

Light and variable wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon.

๐ŸŒง๏ธ TOMORROW NIGHT

Tomorrow Night: A 20 percent chance of showers.

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Northwest wind around 8 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

โ›… SATURDAY

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

โ˜€๏ธ SUNDAY

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 56.

โ˜€๏ธ MONDAY

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 58.

๐Ÿ”ฅ TUESDAY

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

๐Ÿ”ฅ WEDNESDAY

Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 94.