🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY
🚗 HIGHWAY 93 — FATAL HEAD-ON CRASH
A deadly head-on crash on Highway 93 just north of Rogerson is under investigation by Idaho State Police.
Troopers say the crash happened around 6:23 yesterday morning when a Ford Escape, driven by a 50-year-old Twin Falls man, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a southbound Honda Accord.
The Honda’s driver, a 22-year-old man from Pocatello, died at the scene. A 38-year-old passenger from American Falls was also in the Honda.
The driver of the Ford was airlifted to a local hospital, while a passenger was taken by ground ambulance.
Both directions of Highway 93 were shut down for about four hours as crews worked the scene.
💳 IDAHO — FINANCIAL FRAUD WORKING GROUP
Financial fraud is costing Idahoans millions, and Governor Brad Little wants to do something about it.
The governor has announced a new statewide financial fraud working group that will meet November 17th to look at ways to better protect Idaho residents, especially seniors.
The numbers are staggering. Idahoans reported nearly 89 million dollars in fraud losses to the FBI last year, up 75 percent from 2023. Residents 60 and older accounted for more than 37 million dollars of those losses.
The group will be led by Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, U.S. Attorney John Shirts, and Idaho Department of Finance Director Salvador Cruz.
Right now, Idaho has no centralized system for reporting fraud and no dedicated statewide financial crime investigation unit.
The group will explore ways to improve reporting, investigations, and prosecutions, with recommendations expected ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
🗳️ ELECTIONS — PROPOSITION 1
⚖️ PROP 1 — TELEVISION ADVERTISING LAWSUIT
A legal battle over television advertising for Idaho’s Proposition 1 is heating up just one week before Election Day.
The Idaho Family Policy Center and leaders of the group Too Extreme for Idaho filed a lawsuit yesterday in Canyon County, seeking to pull political ads supporting the abortion rights initiative.
The lawsuit alleges that Proposition 1 supporters funneled money through the Idaho Democratic Party and gubernatorial candidate Terri Pickens to take advantage of discounted television advertising rates normally reserved for political candidates.
Opponents argue the arrangement violated campaign finance disclosure laws and gave supporters an unfair financial advantage.
But Idaho Democrats are pushing back, calling the lawsuit frivolous and maintaining the advertising is legal.
The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office has also said the ads comply with campaign finance laws and that it has not received a formal complaint concerning the advertisement.
Proposition 1 would repeal Idaho’s abortion ban and establish new reproductive healthcare protections.
Voters will decide the measure next Tuesday, November 3rd.
📣 PROP 1 — CHRISSY TEIGEN BOISE VISIT
A familiar face is heading to Boise tomorrow as the debate over Idaho’s abortion laws continues ahead of Election Day.
Model, cookbook author, and television personality Chrissy Teigen will be in the capital Wednesday to campaign in support of Proposition 1.
Teigen, who lived in Idaho Falls as a teenager, will meet privately with Idaho mothers to discuss their experiences under the state’s abortion restrictions.
She’s also scheduled to speak at a public rally from noon to 1 at Treefort Music Hall in downtown Boise.
Proposition 1 would repeal Idaho’s abortion ban and establish protections for abortion access, birth control, fertility treatments, and healthcare privacy.
Teigen has also spoken publicly about her own experience with a medically necessary abortion.
Idaho voters will decide the fate of Proposition 1 next Tuesday, November 3rd.
🏗️ DEVELOPMENT — DATA CENTERS
🖥️ LINCOLN COUNTY — PUBLIC LAND DATA CENTER PROPOSAL
Another major data center could be coming to Southern Idaho, this time on federal public land in Lincoln County.
The Bureau of Land Management confirms Copia Digital submitted a preliminary application back in January, but the project is still in the early planning stages. The exact location and size haven’t been determined.
And already, there are concerns about water supplies, electricity costs, and the potential loss of public land used for farming, grazing, and recreation.
State Senator Ron Taylor and his Republican challenger Bryan Hyde have both raised questions about the proposal and its potential impact on local communities.
Meanwhile, a separate data center proposal south of Boise is tied to a massive solar energy project covering more than 6,000 acres across Jerome, Lincoln, and Gooding counties.
That project could generate up to 1,000 megawatts of solar power.
The BLM says the new Lincoln County proposal is likely at least a year away from formal public review, and residents would have an opportunity to weigh in before any final decision is made.
🖥️ MOUNTAIN HOME — DATA CENTER ZONING
A massive data center proposed for Mountain Home is raising concerns among residents, but there’s one major roadblock. Right now, city zoning laws don’t allow it.
Developer Weitz and Company is proposing four three-story buildings at the Bennett Ranch Industrial Campus, totaling about 3.4 million square feet, along with power generation and cooling systems.
But Mountain Home Mayor Rich Sykes says no formal application or building permits have been submitted, and the project remains just a proposal.
Residents are raising questions about water use, electricity demands, and whether a facility that size belongs near residential neighborhoods.
The developer says its cooling system would be designed to minimize water consumption.
City officials have been working since July on zoning regulations specifically addressing data centers.
For now, they’re prohibited under existing city code, and any project would have to go through the appropriate approval process before construction could begin.
🏘️ ECONOMY — HOUSING AND FUEL
🏠 IDAHO — HOME PRICES AND SALES
Idaho’s real estate market is holding strong, despite higher mortgage rates, inflation, and ongoing concerns about affordability.
New housing data from Redfin shows home prices across Idaho climbed nearly 4% in September compared to a year ago, with the median selling price reaching about $494,000.
Home sales were also up more than 3%, with over 2,500 properties sold statewide.
Twin Falls was among the state’s strongest markets for price growth, posting a nearly 16% increase compared to last year.
But challenges remain. Higher borrowing costs are making it harder for first-time buyers to enter the market, while limited housing inventory continues to put pressure on prices.
Still, the numbers suggest Idaho’s housing market remains resilient heading into the final months of 2026.
⛽ IDAHO — GAS PRICES DECLINE
Idaho drivers are getting a little relief at the gas pump heading into Halloween, but those savings could be short-lived as crude oil prices continue to climb.
AAA says Idaho’s average price for regular gas has dropped to $4.67 a gallon. That’s down 13 cents from last week and 33 cents from a month ago. But drivers are still paying $1.27 more per gallon than they were at this time last year.
Here in Twin Falls, gas is averaging $4.71 a gallon. Boise drivers are paying the same, while Pocatello has seen a 22-cent drop in just 1 week, bringing its average to $4.61. Rexburg has some of the highest prices at $4.78.
Nationally, gas is averaging $4.28 a gallon, and Idaho has slipped from 7th to 9th place for the most expensive fuel in the country.
AAA Idaho says the concern now is crude oil, which is trading above $102 a barrel. Global conflicts, supply uncertainty and shrinking emergency oil reserves could send pump prices climbing again.
So while Idaho drivers are saving a few cents heading into Halloween, AAA warns there could be another frightening surprise at the pump just around the corner.
🏙️ TWIN FALLS — CITY SERVICES
♻️ TWIN FALLS — RECYCLING CONTRACT APPROVED
Twin Falls residents have spoken, and curbside recycling isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s getting bigger.
The Twin Falls City Council approved a new 10-year sanitation contract Monday night, keeping the recycling program and expanding the list of materials residents can recycle.
Mayor Jason Brown says about 85 percent of residents responding to a recent city survey supported keeping the service.
Under the new contract with PSI, residents will be able to recycle mixed paper, newspapers, and number one and number two plastics. Glass could be added down the road.
The monthly contract rates are $6.53 per household for garbage collection and $5.79 for recycling.
City officials also want to reduce contamination caused by people putting non-recyclable items in those orange-lidded bins. PSI will now be required to notify the city whenever recycling loads end up in the landfill.
The expanded service begins January 1st, 2027.
🍂 TWIN FALLS — FALL LEAF COLLECTION
If you’ve got leaves piling up in your yard, the City of Twin Falls is making it a little easier to get rid of them this fall.
City utility customers can put out up to 6 bags of leaves and small yard debris at no extra charge. Just set them next to your garbage can on your regular collection day. Each bag must weigh 35 pounds or less.
City officials say keeping leaves out of streets and gutters helps prevent clogged storm drains and localized flooding. Residents are encouraged to bag those leaves rather than rake or blow them into the street.
🩺 HEALTH
🤒 IDAHO — EARLY FLU SEASON
Flu season is getting an early start in Idaho, and families across Twin Falls and the Magic Valley are being reminded to take precautions.
Health officials say influenza is showing up about a month earlier than usual, with Influenza A currently the dominant strain. In southwest Idaho, about 12 percent of symptomatic patients being tested are coming back positive for the flu.
And with students back in classrooms across Southern Idaho, health experts say schools are often where respiratory illnesses begin spreading before making their way into homes and workplaces.
Other viruses are circulating as well, although COVID and RSV activity remain low.
The good news? The CDC is forecasting a moderate flu season, and health officials aren’t expecting hospitals to be overwhelmed.
Still, with colder weather keeping more people indoors, doctors recommend getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, and staying home when you’re sick.
🎓 EDUCATION
🏅 FILER — NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST
A Filer High School senior is proving that big achievements can come from small towns.
Ethan Huerta, who grew up in Hollister, a community of about 300 people, has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Huerta says earning national recognition means a lot, especially coming from such a small community.
And he’s not just excelling in the classroom. He’s president of the National Honor Society, participates in speech, and recently wrapped up his soccer season.
Huerta hopes to become a surgeon and is applying to several prestigious universities, including Yale, Vanderbilt, and Emory.
Filer High School Principal Katie Reynolds says the recognition also reflects the dedication of the school’s teachers.
Huerta is now waiting to see whether he’ll advance to finalist status, which could open the door to additional scholarship opportunities.
His message to other students? It doesn’t matter where you come from. What matters is what you’re willing to work for.
🏆 SPORTS — TUESDAY SPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA
🏈 MAGIC VALLEY — HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
The road to an Idaho state football championship is officially set, and Magic Valley teams are heading into the playoffs with some serious momentum!
Let’s start in 5A, where Twin Falls claimed another Great Basin Conference championship, beating Minico 28 to 14. Jackson Sattelberg rushed for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The sixth-seeded Bruins will host Bonneville in the opening round, while tenth-seeded Minico travels to Sandpoint.
In 4A, Kimberly dominated Gooding 42 to nothing to capture the Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference title. And here’s the twist! The two teams meet again in the playoffs, with sixth-seeded Kimberly hosting eleventh-seeded Gooding.
Wood River punched its playoff ticket with a 47 to 7 win over Filer. Sawyer Morgan threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolverines head to Emmett, while Filer’s season ends without a win.
In 3A, what a finish between Declo and Buhl! The Hornets held on for a 7 to 6 victory to claim the Canyon Conference championship. Traecyn Thaxton connected with Paxton Matsen for the touchdown, and Bauer Sharp’s extra point proved to be the difference. Second-seeded Declo gets a first-round bye, while Buhl hosts Ririe.
In 2A, Hagerman made a statement, shutting out Raft River 42 to nothing. Will Mavencamp accounted for five touchdowns as the Pirates secured the top playoff seed and a first-round bye. Raft River hosts Grace.
Oakley rolled past Shoshone 54 to nothing. The fourth-seeded Hornets host Idaho City, while Shoshone’s season is over.
Valley defeated Hansen 38 to 34, but despite the victory, Valley missed the playoffs. Hansen advances in 1A.
And speaking of 1A, Carey crushed Lighthouse Christian 64 to nothing to win another Sawtooth Conference championship. Jonah Saili rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns on just four carries. The Panthers earn a first-round bye.
Castleford outlasted Richfield 51 to 42 behind Conner Parrish’s incredible 324 rushing yards. Castleford opens the playoffs against Hansen, while Richfield is matched up with Deary.
⚽ CSI — CHARLESWORTH HONORED, POSTSEASON BERTH
The CSI women’s soccer team is making history, and sophomore goalkeeper Avery Charlesworth is a big reason why!
Charlesworth has been named Scenic West Goalkeeper of the Week after helping the Golden Eagles clinch their first-ever postseason berth.
The Hooper, Utah native shut out both Colorado Northwestern and 15th-ranked Snow College on the road, recording five saves and bringing her season total to six shutouts.
She’s now collected 42 saves this season, averaging just point-81 goals allowed per game.
And CSI is heading into the playoffs with some serious momentum, allowing just two goals in six matches during October.
The Golden Eagles open the Scenic West Conference Tournament Thursday morning at 8 against Snow College in Salt Lake City, looking to capture their first conference championship.
🏈 BOISE STATE — RASEAN JONES CONFERENCE HONOR
Boise State freshman wide receiver Rasean Jones is making a name for himself in the Pac-12!
Jones has been named the conference’s Freshman of the Week after helping the Broncos knock off Washington State 31 to 10 Saturday.
The Baker City, Oregon native led Boise State with six catches for 78 yards, including a 33-yard reception, and added 13 yards rushing.
And he’s quickly becoming one of the Broncos’ biggest offensive weapons. Jones leads the team with 29 receptions for 437 yards this season and ranks third among freshmen nationally, averaging nearly 73 receiving yards per game.
It’s his first career conference honor and the third weekly award for Boise State this season.
The 20th-ranked Broncos have now won six straight, improving to 3 and 0 in Pac-12 play.
Up next, Boise State returns home for a Halloween night showdown with Texas State Saturday at 8 o’clock on the Blue.
🎃 BOISE STATE — BLUE AFTER DARK AND KELLEN MOORE TRIBUTE
It’s going to be a Halloween night to remember on the Blue, as Boise State gets ready to host Texas State Saturday night at Albertsons Stadium!
The Broncos are calling it their first-ever “Blue After Dark” game, with kickoff set for 8 o’clock.
Fans are encouraged to wear black, dress in Halloween costumes, and take part in trunk-or-treat festivities throughout the stadium parking lots.
And there’s a special tribute planned at halftime! Following a light-filled performance by the Blue Thunder Marching Band, Boise State will unveil a bronze statue honoring legendary quarterback Kellen Moore.
The first 3,000 Boise State students will also receive a commemorative game-day T-shirt.
Parking lots open at noon, the free Ford Fan Zone opens at 4, and stadium gates open at 6.
Fans can bring individually wrapped candy inside, but clear bag rules still apply, and Halloween masks must be removed at security checkpoints.
It’s football, Halloween, and a celebration of Bronco history, all rolled into one Saturday night in Boise!
🏈 IDAHO STATE — BENGALS RANKED, PLAYERS HONORED
Idaho State football is back in the national rankings, and two Bengals are bringing home Big Sky Conference honors after a dominating performance!
The 23rd-ranked Bengals snapped a three-game losing streak Saturday, crushing Portland State 38 to 8.
Quarterback Jordan Cooke earned Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 334 yards and accounting for three touchdowns. Cooke completed 29 of 45 passes, including a touchdown to Tommy Poe, and added two rushing scores. He finished with 371 yards of total offense.
Meanwhile, freshman defensive end Trehsyn Fesili was named Co-Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble that set up another Bengal touchdown.
Idaho State’s defense held Portland State to just 56 rushing yards and one third-down conversion in 12 attempts.
Cooke now ranks fourth in school history with 7,595 career passing yards, while the Bengals lead the Big Sky in passing offense, averaging more than 292 yards per game.
Up next, Idaho State heads to St. George, Utah, for a Halloween showdown with Utah Tech. The Trailblazers are 1 and 7 after picking up their first victory over Cal Poly Saturday.
Kickoff is set for 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon on ESPN Plus.
⚽ IDAHO STATE — FINAL HOME MATCHES
The Idaho State women’s soccer team is heading into its final two home games with some momentum, and a pair of big challenges ahead!
The Bengals are coming off back-to-back road victories over Montana and Portland State, improving to 4-7-4 overall and 2-2-2 in Big Sky Conference play.
Idaho State hosts conference-leading Northern Arizona Thursday night at 7, followed by second-place Northern Colorado Sunday afternoon at 1. Both opponents enter the week unbeaten in conference play.
Keep an eye on Bengals goalkeeper Aliya Garrett, who’s earned Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week honors twice this season and has recorded six shutouts.
Offensively, Saydree Cooke leads Idaho State with three goals and four assists.
The Bengals are averaging nearly 14 shots per game, third-best in the conference.
Both home matches will be played at Davis Field in Pocatello, before Idaho State wraps up its regular season November 5th at Weber State.
🏈 IDAHO — FORSMAN EARNS NATIONAL HONOR
Talk about coming through in the clutch! Idaho Vandals kicker Owen Forsman is earning national recognition after delivering a dramatic Homecoming victory!
Forsman nailed a career-long 53-yard field goal in the final seconds Saturday, lifting Idaho past Southern Utah in the Kibbie Dome.
And that game-winner earned him two major honors! The Big Sky Conference named Forsman its Special Teams Player of the Week, while Stats Perform selected him as the FCS National Special Teams Player of the Week.
The junior from Rathdrum was a perfect three-for-three on field goals Saturday, and he’s been nearly automatic all season.
Forsman has connected on 11 of his last 12 field goal attempts outside of a weather-plagued game at Weber State, and he’s perfect on all 24 extra-point attempts this year.
The Vandals are back on the road Saturday, heading to Portland to take on Portland State at Hillsboro Stadium on Halloween.
⛳ IDAHO — MONTERREY COLLEGIATE CLASSIC
The University of Idaho men’s golf team is heading south of the border to wrap up its fall season!
The Vandals are competing this week in the Monterrey Collegiate Classic in Monterrey, Mexico, taking on a challenging par-72 course stretching more than 7,100 yards at Club Campestre Monterrey.
Carter Frisby leads Idaho’s five-man lineup, followed by Charley Simpson, Henrik Koglin, Ben Buchanan, and Brae Rogalczyk.
Moritz Ampenberger will also represent the Vandals, competing individually.
It’s the final tournament of the fall schedule for Idaho, as the Vandals look to finish the first half of their collegiate golf season on a strong note before turning their attention to spring competition.
🌤️ WEATHER
🌅 MORNING DRIVE
A cloudy start to your Tuesday, but sunshine returns this afternoon with a high of 53. Tonight, mostly clear and down to 33. Wednesday looks sunny and 54, with temperatures warming to 59 Thursday. Then keep the rain gear handy! Shower chances return Friday and continue through the weekend.
🌞 AFTERNOON DRIVE
Sunshine is breaking through the clouds across the Magic Valley this Tuesday afternoon, with highs near 53. Tonight, skies turn mostly clear with lows around 33. Wednesday brings plenty of sunshine and a high of 54, warming to 59 Thursday. Looking ahead, shower chances return Friday and stick around through the weekend.
🌙 EVENING/OVERNIGHT
A chilly night ahead across the Magic Valley, with mostly clear skies and temperatures dropping to around 33. Wednesday brings plenty of sunshine and a high near 54, with overnight lows around 30. Thursday warms up nicely to 59, but changes are coming! Shower chances return Friday and continue through the weekend, with highs in the lower 50s.
📅 EXTENDED FORECAST
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 54. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Light and variable wind becoming east around 6 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.
- Your Daily Briefing – 10/27/2026 - October 27, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 10/26/2026 - October 26, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 10/23/2026 - October 23, 2026
