🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY & HEALTH
📞 911 SERVICE RESTORED — MAGIC VALLEY
911 service is back up in Twin Falls and surrounding counties after problems disrupted the system Tuesday.
Twin Falls Police and the Southern Idaho Regional Communications Center, known as SIRCOMM, issued public safety alerts during the outage, which affected Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln and Twin Falls counties.
Residents were temporarily directed to local nonemergency numbers or 311 for emergency help.
Service has now been restored, and residents can once again call 911 for emergencies.
🚑 HIGHWAY 93 CRASH — TWO DRIVERS HOSPITALIZED
Two drivers were taken to the hospital after a crash south of Twin Falls Tuesday afternoon.
Idaho State Police say it happened around three-thirty-six on Highway 93 near milepost forty-five-point-five.
Investigators say a seventy-nine-year-old Twin Falls woman was turning left onto 2600 East when she failed to yield to an oncoming car driven by a juvenile boy from Twin Falls.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts. One went to the hospital by ambulance, the other by private vehicle.
Northbound lanes were blocked for about an hour and twenty minutes. The crash remains under investigation.
🦠 SECOND FLU DEATH — IDAHO
Idaho has reported its second flu death of the season, as health officials warn the virus is spreading earlier than usual.
Central District Health says an Elmore County resident in their eighties has died. The announcement Tuesday follows last week’s reported death of an Owyhee County man older than sixty-five.
State officials say flu-related emergency room and urgent care visits are running above this time last year.
Idaho has averaged about sixty reported flu deaths a year over the past five seasons.
Health officials say vaccination offers the best protection against severe illness, especially for older adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions.
🚧 TWIN FALLS INFRASTRUCTURE & TRAFFIC
💧 WATER LINE BREAK — WASHINGTON AND FILER
Twin Falls water department crews were called out overnight to repair a broken water line at the intersection of Washington Street and Filer Avenue.
The break was reported last night, prompting lane closures and traffic delays as crews worked to make repairs. Drivers traveling through the area were urged to use caution and expect possible delays.
So far, the City of Twin Falls has not released any information about what caused the break or how long repairs could take.
🚦 TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES — KIMBERLY ROAD
Plan for delays at two busy Twin Falls intersections starting tomorrow.
Idaho Transportation Department contractors will upgrade traffic signals on Kimberly Road at Locust Street and Blue Lakes Boulevard. Work continues through Friday, October thirtieth.
Lane closures begin at nine each morning, and signals will be offline for about six hours a day. Flaggers will direct traffic.
Crews will install new left-turn signals at Kimberly and Locust and replace signal equipment at both intersections.
Drivers should use another route if possible. Otherwise, allow extra time, slow down and follow flaggers’ directions.
🏛️ GOVERNMENT, DEVELOPMENT & ECONOMY
🗳️ DISTRICT 26 CANDIDATE FORUM — JEROME
A chance to meet the candidates for Idaho’s Legislative District twenty-six tonight in Jerome.
The Jerome Civic Club is hosting a public forum at seven at the Jerome Public Library, at one hundred First Avenue East.
Questions will be submitted in writing and read by the moderator.
A no-host meet-and-greet follows the forum, giving residents a chance to visit with the candidates.
🏢 DATA CENTER MORATORIUM — MOUNTAIN HOME
Mountain Home is putting new data center proposals on hold after residents packed Tuesday night’s City Council meeting to oppose a massive project.
The mayor and council moved to adopt an emergency moratorium on accepting applications and issuing permits for data centers within city limits.
The proposed Weitz and Company development would span three-point-four million square feet at the Bennett Ranch Industrial Complex, near West Fifth North Street.
Mayor Rich Sykes says data centers aren’t currently allowed as either a permitted or conditional use in any city zone.
He also says the company has not submitted a formal land-use application or building permit. Residents urged the city to prohibit data centers altogether.
💵 MICRON COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS — TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND SAVINGS
Micron is committing another sixty-seven million dollars to Idaho communities, with money for transportation, affordable housing and children’s savings accounts.
The company says it has already exceeded a seventy-five-million-dollar community pledge made three years ago — seven years ahead of schedule.
The new commitments include eleven-point-six million dollars for Valley Regional Transit, supporting a seven-day bus route connecting Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian and Boise.
Another ten-point-five million goes toward housing, including thirty workforce rental homes in Mountain Home and down-payment assistance for as many as two hundred households.
The largest share — more than forty-five million dollars — would provide two-hundred-fifty-dollar deposits into savings accounts for eligible children in five southwestern Idaho counties.
The announcement comes as Micron continues its multibillion-dollar Idaho expansion.
🏠 PROPERTY TAX RANKINGS — IDAHO
Idaho homeowners may not always feel it when their tax bill arrives, but the Gem State continues to have some of the lowest property taxes in the nation.
According to the latest rankings from the Tax Foundation, Idaho’s effective property tax rate is about half of one percent of a home’s value. That’s well below the national average of nine-tenths of a percent, putting Idaho among the six lowest states in the country.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone’s property tax bill is going down.
Property taxes are collected locally, and what homeowners pay depends on property values, exemptions, and local taxing districts.
Here in the Magic Valley, those tax dollars help support schools, law enforcement, fire protection, and other essential services.
So while Idaho continues to compare favorably with much of the country, the actual amount homeowners pay can vary considerably depending on where they live.
🎿 WINTER RECREATION
🏔️ IDAHO SKI NOMINATIONS — USA TODAY 10BEST
Idaho is getting some national attention as ski season approaches, and this time, the Gem State is making a clean sweep!
Idaho ski resorts, mountain towns, and businesses have earned nominations in all ten categories of USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for skiing and winter recreation.
Sun Valley Resort and Schweitzer are competing for Best Ski Resort in the country, while Ketchum and McCall are in the running for Best Ski Town.
Other nominations recognize everything from snowboarding and cross-country skiing to ski hotels, restaurants, shops, and schools.
Brundage Mountain’s sports school is competing for Best Ski School, while The Reserve at Tamarack Resort is nominated for Best Ski Restaurant.
The awards put Idaho’s winter recreation industry in the national spotlight, showcasing everything from major destination resorts to smaller mountain communities.
And here’s where Idahoans can help. Voting is open through November 9th, with readers allowed to cast one vote per category each day. Winners will be announced November 18th.
Voting information is available through USA TODAY’s 10Best website.
🏈 WEDNESDAY SPORTS — HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
🐯 JEROME FOOTBALL — RICH BISHOP RESIGNS
A major change is coming to the Jerome High School football program. Head coach Rich Bishop announced his resignation Tuesday, following a 2-and-7 season that saw the Tigers miss the state playoffs.
Bishop, a Jerome graduate, spent four seasons leading his alma mater after 24 years coaching at Kimberly.
In an emotional statement, Bishop said he had hoped to rebuild Jerome into a conference contender and playoff team, but acknowledged the program had not met his expectations.
After 30 years in coaching, Bishop says the demands of the job have taken their toll, and he no longer has the energy and passion needed to give the program his best.
He thanked his players, assistant coaches, parents, and the Jerome community for their support, saying he believes brighter days are ahead for Tiger football.
🏆 FINAL FOOTBALL RANKINGS — MAGIC VALLEY PLAYOFF TEAMS
The final Idaho high school football rankings are out, and the Magic Valley is well represented as the state playoffs kick off Friday!
In 5A, Twin Falls holds steady at number four. Kimberly and Wood River are receiving votes in 4A, while Declo remains number two in 3A, with Buhl also picking up votes.
In 2A, Hagerman is the unanimous number-one team, followed by Raft River at number two and Oakley at number five.
But here’s an interesting twist! Despite being ranked second, Raft River must play a first-round game, while two teams ranked below the Trojans receive byes.
In 1A, Carey holds the number-four spot.
The other top-ranked teams statewide are Coeur d’Alene in 6A, Bishop Kelly in 5A, Homedale in 4A, West Side in 3A, and Kendrick in 1A.
Eleven Magic Valley teams begin their playoff runs Friday, with state championships now the ultimate goal.
🦅 COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO
🏀 CSI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL — SEASON OPENER
It’s a whole new era for College of Southern Idaho women’s basketball, with a new head coach, a nearly rebuilt roster, and some big expectations!
After a 29-and-5 season that ended in the second round of the national tournament, longtime coach Randy Rogers retired. Now, Brendan Wheeler, a former assistant at Saint Mary’s College, takes over his first head coaching job.
Just three players return from last season, joined by seven freshmen and four sophomore transfers.
Wheeler says returning players Sarah Walker and Eva Birkeland have stepped up as leaders, while transfer Emma Whitaker is making an immediate impact.
The Golden Eagles open with nine straight home games, giving this young team a chance to build chemistry and confidence.
And the goal? Wheeler says it’s simple: get back to the national tournament and win it all.
CSI tips off its season Friday at 5 against Eastern Wyoming in Twin Falls.
🏐 CSI VOLLEYBALL — EMMA PANNELL HONORED
A big honor for a College of Southern Idaho volleyball standout, as freshman Emma Pannell has been named the Scenic West Conference Player of the Week!
The Rexburg native helped the 11th-ranked Golden Eagles sweep a pair of matches against rival North Idaho last weekend, including a career-best performance Saturday with 21 kills and 20 digs.
Pannell finished the weekend with 34 kills and 29 digs. She now leads CSI with 216 kills this season and ranks second on the team with 210 digs.
The Golden Eagles wrap up their regular season on the road this weekend against Colorado Northwestern, where two wins and a Salt Lake loss would give CSI the conference championship.
🏈 COLLEGE FOOTBALL
🏈 IDAHO VANDALS — PORTLAND STATE PREVIEW
The Idaho Vandals are riding some serious momentum into Halloween weekend, and they’re looking to keep it rolling Saturday against Portland State!
Idaho has won three of its last four games, including two victories over top-ten opponents. The Vandals also knocked off both Montana and Montana State in the same season for the first time since 1989.
Now they head to Portland, where history is on their side. Idaho leads the all-time series 15-and-2 and crushed the Vikings 45-to-6 last season.
Quarterback Joshua Wood has been leading the charge, averaging more than 273 passing yards per game while adding eight rushing touchdowns.
Portland State enters Saturday’s matchup at 2-and-6 under first-year head coach Chris Fisk.
And here’s a number to watch. Idaho is averaging 433 yards of offense against FCS opponents this season.
The Vandals and Vikings square off Saturday in Portland, with the game available on ESPN Plus.
📅 IDAHO VANDALS — 2027 BIG SKY SCHEDULE
The Idaho Vandals have their 2027 Big Sky football schedule, and it’s shaping up to be a big year inside the Kibbie Dome!
Idaho will play nine conference games, including five at home, opening August 28th against Northern Colorado.
After non-conference play, the Vandals travel to Eastern Washington September 25th, then return home for back-to-back games against Montana October 2nd and Northern Arizona October 9th.
Idaho heads to Southern Utah October 16th, followed by a bye week, before traveling to Montana State October 30th.
November brings a home matchup with Utah Tech on the 6th, followed by a road trip to UC Davis on the 13th.
And circle November 20th! The Vandals close out the regular season at home against in-state rival Idaho State, with the coveted Potato State Trophy on the line.
The 2027 season also marks the second year of the expanded Big Sky Conference, featuring Utah Tech and Southern Utah.
📅 IDAHO STATE BENGALS — 2027 BIG SKY SCHEDULE
Idaho State football fans can start marking their calendars! The Big Sky Conference has released its 2027 schedule, and the Bengals will play nine conference games, including four at home and five on the road.
Idaho State opens conference play August 28th at Montana State, before hosting rival Weber State September 25th in the annual Battle for the Train Bell.
October begins on the road at Northern Colorado, followed by a home matchup with Montana on October 9th. The Bengals then travel to Northern Arizona October 16th and UC Davis October 23rd, before returning to Pocatello to host Southern Utah October 30th.
After a bye week November 6th, Idaho State welcomes Eastern Washington November 13th.
And here’s a big one! The Bengals close out the regular season November 20th in Moscow against in-state rival Idaho.
Kickoff times will be announced later, with all nine conference games airing on ESPN Plus.
🏐 COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL & GOLF
🏐 IDAHO STATE VOLLEYBALL — WEBER STATE LOSS
A tough night on the volleyball court for Idaho State, as the Bengals fell to rival Weber State in four sets Tuesday night in Ogden.
Idaho State dropped the opener 25-17, bounced back to win the second set 25-19, but Weber State took the final two, 25-21 and 25-22.
The Bengals actually finished with more kills, 54 to 51, but a season-high 28 attack errors proved costly.
Jaydin Watts led Idaho State with 13 kills and 10 blocks, while freshman Mia Walsh added 12 kills and 14 digs. Abby McClain finished with 11 kills, Nora Waddoups handed out 35 assists, and Aspen Boice collected 24 digs.
The Bengals look to bounce back Saturday when they travel to Greeley, Colorado, to face Northern Colorado in another Big Sky Conference matchup.
⛳ BOISE STATE GOLF — RECORD WOMEN’S FINISH
A record-breaking finish for Boise State women’s golf, as the Broncos wrapped up their fall season with the best tournament performance in school history!
Boise State finished second at the Clash at Boulder Creek in Nevada, shooting 39 under par, smashing the previous school record by 21 strokes. The Broncos also set new program records for 18-hole and 36-hole scores.
Leia Chung led the way, finishing second individually at 12 under par. Teal Matsueda placed seventh at 8 under, while Jillian Hui tied for tenth at 6 under. All five Broncos finished in the top 20.
Meanwhile, the Boise State men’s golf team closed its fall season with a 16th-place finish at the Ka’anapali Classic in Hawaii.
Luke Cushman led the Broncos, tying for 32nd at 2 over par, while Chase Gorder shot 3 under over the final two rounds.
Both Boise State golf teams return to competition in February.
🌤️ WEATHER
🌅 MORNING DRIVE
A frosty start across the Magic Valley today, but plenty of sunshine ahead with a high near 54. Tonight, clear skies and widespread frost, with lows around 30. Tomorrow brings partly sunny skies and a warmer high of 59. Clouds roll in Friday, with showers possible through the weekend and highs in the 50s.
☀️ AFTERNOON DRIVE
Plenty of sunshine across the Magic Valley this afternoon, with highs near 54. Tonight, clear and cold, with widespread frost and lows around 30. Tomorrow, partly sunny and warmer, with highs near 59. Clouds increase Friday, bringing a chance of showers that continues through the weekend. Temperatures cool into the upper 40s by Sunday.
🌙 EVENING/OVERNIGHT
Clear skies and chilly temperatures across the Magic Valley overnight, with widespread frost and lows around 30. Tomorrow, partly sunny and warmer, with highs near 59. Clouds increase tomorrow night, with lows around 40. Friday brings a chance of showers, with highs near 58. Rain chances continue through the weekend, with cooler temperatures by Sunday.
🗓️ EXTENDED FORECAST
Thursday: Widespread frost, mainly before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 59. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Thursday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 40. East southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.
Saturday Night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 49.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
- Your Daily Briefing – 10/26/2026 - October 28, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 10/27/2026 - October 27, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 10/26/2026 - October 26, 2026
