Good morning, Boise.

The Western Idaho Fair will run from Friday, Aug.

21 through Sunday, Aug. 30 at Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood Street. It offers carnival rides & free grandstand concerts starting at 7:30 p.m. along with special promotions like free entry on Armed Forces Day and $2 Tuesday.

The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic will take place Sept.

2 through Sept. 6 at Ann Morrison Park with Kid’s Day on Wednesday, a tribute launch on Friday, and a Nite Glow spectacular with an inflatable fun zone — organizers advise arriving early and using rideshare due to park closures.

Dillon Francis will perform at Blue Bird Social on Oct.

30 — the new venue on the Boise River Greenbelt is set to host the popular DJ for a night of Halloween fun.

AAA said gas prices in Idaho jumped 7 cents over the past week, with regular unleaded now costing $4.42 and diesel $5.42 + in Boise, the lowest price was reported at a Cole Road Costco.

Charter and online schools are growing fast in Idaho as public school enrollment declines; Boise School District lost over 1,600 students in the past five years while K-3 enrollment statewide dropped more than 5,100, showing that most new residents do not have school-aged children.

A massive blue fireball lit up skies Friday morning in Idaho and Washington, captured on dashcams and home cameras.

The meteor, part of the Perseid shower that continues until Aug. 29, was seen between 12:45 and 12:50 a.m.—a dazzling display.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture reports a 77% drop in quagga mussel veligers in the Snake River due to aggressive diving and early detection.

It will launch a multiphase treatment in the infested area late August — a crucial step to safeguard local water systems.

Idaho Department of Labor reported an increase in benefit denials when unemployed workers fail to show five documented work search actions weekly as revised by a 2024 law.

Claimants are advised to retain proof of applications and interviews – including emails and records – to support their weekly certifications.

Central District Health approved $250,000 from reserve funds to fight an invasive rat infestation in Ada County, planning to offer free traps and a rat sighting tracker.

Health Director Kristin Ryan said officials are acting proactively to protect public health, even though current infection rates remain stable.

Christine (Chrissy) Turpin from Meridian became the first Idahoan to swim the English Channel, finishing her roughly 30-mile crossing in 15 hours 5 minutes after starting early on Aug.

7 off the coast of England. Her feat follows years of local endurance training.