Your Daily Briefing – November 4, 2026

ELECTION RESULTS — MAGIC VALLEY AND IDAHO

Election night brought some familiar winners across Idaho, but here in the Magic Valley, several closely watched races, school funding measures, and even a vote for Idaho’s official state gun are getting plenty of attention this morning!

LOCAL RACES — TVERDY AND DISTRICT 26 DEMOCRATS LEAD

Let’s start with local races.

Republican Scott Tverdy is leading independent Kirk Tubbs in the race for Twin Falls County Commissioner.

And in one of Southern Idaho’s most closely watched legislative contests, Democrats are leading all three races in District 26, which includes Jerome, Blaine, and Lincoln counties.

Jerome Democrat Anita Janis is ahead of Republican Representative Mike Pohanka, while Democrat Kevin Marsh and incumbent Senator Ron Taylor are also leading. Some votes remain outstanding.

SCHOOL LEVIES — MIXED RESULTS ACROSS THE MAGIC VALLEY

School funding is another big story across the Magic Valley this morning, with voters deciding the future of several local levies.

In Twin Falls, voters are supporting renewal of the school district’s 7-point-2-million-dollar annual supplemental levy, with roughly 65 percent voting yes.

Hansen’s 290-thousand-dollar annual school levy is also receiving strong support.

But in Buhl, the proposed 1-point-25-million-dollar annual levy is narrowly trailing, with about 52 percent voting against it.

Over in Jerome, voters are narrowly favoring renewal of the school district’s 1-point-75-million-dollar annual levy.

And the Gooding School District’s 903-thousand-dollar annual levy is also ahead.

Meanwhile, voters in the Valley School District have given a proposed five-year facilities levy about 52 percent support. But that measure needs 55 percent approval to pass, leaving it below the required threshold.

STATEWIDE RACES — LITTLE, RISCH, SIMPSON AND BEDKE WIN

Turning to statewide races, Governor Brad Little has won reelection to a third term.

Republican U.S. Senator Jim Risch and Congressman Mike Simpson have also won reelection, along with Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, who calls Oakley home.

BALLOT MEASURES — ABORTION, DRUG POLICY AND OFFICIAL ENGLISH

And Idaho voters made some major decisions on statewide ballot measures.

Proposition One, which would have expanded abortion access, was defeated.

Voters also rejected a constitutional amendment that would have given state lawmakers exclusive authority over legalizing marijuana and other drugs.

However, voters approved a separate amendment making English the state’s official language in the Idaho Constitution.

STATE GUN ADVISORY VOTE — WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEADS

And here’s one of the more unusual questions Idaho voters answered on Election Day!

Which firearm should become Idaho’s official state gun?

The Winchester Model 1873, famously known as the “Gun That Won the West,” is leading that statewide vote with about 32 percent support.

But don’t expect an official designation just yet. The vote is advisory only, meaning state lawmakers would still need to approve legislation before any firearm could officially receive that title.

And one important reminder this morning: Election results remain unofficial until certified, with some local races and ballot measures still being counted.

NAMPA TRANSPORTATION — FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS RAILROAD OVERPASS

A major transportation project in Nampa is getting a nearly 43-million-dollar boost from the federal government!

It’s the largest transportation grant in the city’s history, and the money will help build a new railroad overpass at Robinson Road and Greenhurst Road.

The nearly 54-million-dollar project will allow drivers to travel over the railroad tracks instead of waiting for trains to pass.

Nampa Mayor Darl Bruner says the improvements will eliminate a dangerous crossing that’s frequently blocked by trains, while reducing traffic congestion and improving emergency response times.

The city and Nampa Highway District will cover the remaining 20 percent of the funding.

But drivers will have to be patient. Construction isn’t expected to begin until early 2030, and the project could take three years to complete.

IDAHO DEMOGRAPHICS — HOUSEHOLD INCOMES RISE

Idaho continues to be one of the youngest states in the country, and families are seeing their household incomes grow!

New figures from the Idaho Department of Labor show household incomes increased again in 2025, while Idaho’s median age remained below the national average.

Idaho ranks as the seventh-youngest state in the nation, with one of the highest percentages of households raising children.

Governor Brad Little says the numbers support his goal of making Idaho a place where young families want to put down roots and build their futures.

But Little acknowledges there’s still work to do when it comes to affordability, infrastructure, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

WEDNESDAY SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL — EIGHT MAGIC VALLEY TEAMS IN PLAYOFF HUNT

The road to a state football championship continues this weekend, and eight Magic Valley teams are still in the hunt!

In Class 5A, Twin Falls heads to Hillcrest Friday night at seven, looking for revenge after losing to the Knights by just one point earlier this season.

In 4A, last year’s state runner-up, Kimberly, travels to Weiser for a seven o’clock kickoff.

Class 3A district champion Declo hosts Logos Saturday afternoon at one.

In Class 2A, unbeaten Hagerman opens its playoff run at home against Kamiah Friday night at seven.

Castleford travels to Rockland for a two o’clock kickoff, Oakley heads north to Wallace for a five-thirty matchup, and Raft River visits Butte County at six, looking for another win after beating them 34 to 28 earlier this season.

And in Class 1A, defending state champion Carey hosts Salmon River Friday afternoon at three. The Panthers defeated Salmon River 30 to 22 back in October.

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL — BRONCOS ENTER PLAYOFF RANKINGS AT NUMBER 25

Boise State is back in the national spotlight, and the Broncos are already in the conversation for another trip to the College Football Playoff!

The Broncos checked in at number 25 in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season, released Tuesday night.

And here’s what makes that significant. Boise State is the only Group of Six program ranked by the selection committee!

The Broncos are 7-and-1 overall, undefeated at 4-and-0 in Pac-12 play, and riding a seven-game winning streak, one of the longest in the country.

Boise State has scored at least 30 points in every game during that streak, something the program hasn’t accomplished since 2014.

And running back Dylan Riley continues to lead the nation in rushing, with 1,049 yards. He’s one of just three FBS running backs to surpass the thousand-yard mark this season.

Now, if the season ended today, Boise State is projected to earn the number 12 seed in the College Football Playoff as the highest-ranked Group of Six champion.

That projected matchup would send the Broncos to fifth-seeded Alabama in the opening round, with the winner advancing to face fourth-seeded Indiana.

Miami, Georgia, Utah, and Indiana currently hold the top four spots in the projected bracket, followed by Alabama, Kentucky, Texas, UCLA, BYU, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Boise State.

This marks Boise State’s 27th appearance in the playoff rankings since 2014, and the Broncos are hoping to return to the 12-team playoff after making the field in 2024.

Up next, Boise State looks for its eighth straight victory Saturday afternoon against Colorado State in Fort Collins.

Kickoff is set for 4 o’clock Mountain Time, with national television coverage on USA Sports.

IDAHO FOOTBALL — VANDALS HOST EASTERN WASHINGTON FOR CHE-SCOW CUP

The Idaho Vandals are heating up at just the right time, and this Saturday, they’ll be looking to bring a familiar rivalry trophy back to Moscow!

Idaho hosts Eastern Washington in the annual battle for the Che-Scow Cup, with kickoff set for 3 o’clock Mountain Time at the Kibbie Dome.

The Vandals enter the matchup at 4-and-5, but they’ve won three straight and four of their last five games!

And they’ve knocked off some impressive competition along the way, including nationally ranked Montana and defending national champion Montana State.

In fact, Idaho swept both Montana schools this season for the first time since 1989!

Quarterback Joshua Wood has been a major part of that success, averaging more than 276 passing yards per game while adding nine rushing touchdowns.

Eastern Washington comes in at 2-and-7, but the Eagles have been competitive against some of the nation’s top teams.

Quarterback Nate Bell has thrown for nearly 2,500 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.

Idaho leads the all-time series 20-to-10 and is looking for its first four-game winning streak since 2024.

Saturday’s game is also a blackout, with Vandal fans encouraged to wear black.

Kickoff is set for 3 o’clock Mountain Time, with coverage on ESPN Plus and SWX.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL — BLUE TEAM WINS DISTRICT FOUR ALL-STAR GAME

The high school volleyball season may be over, but some of the Magic Valley’s best seniors got one more chance to take the court Tuesday night!

Twin Falls High School hosted the District Four Volleyball All-Star Game, bringing together 32 seniors from 19 area high schools for one final night of competition.

Players were divided into four teams for a round-robin tournament, and it was the Blue Team, coached by Valley’s Katie Clark, that finished undefeated at 3-and-0!

Blue defeated Red 25-to-18, Yellow 25-to-21, and Green 25-to-20.

The Blue roster included Valley standouts Sophie Crumrine and Hailey Malone, along with players from Minico, Canyon Ridge, Buhl, Declo, Raft River, and Dietrich.

The Green Team, coached by Filer’s Lexie Foster, finished second at 2-and-1, defeating Yellow 26-to-24 and Red 25-to-19.

Yellow, coached by Kimberly’s Melissa Edwards, finished 1-and-2, with its lone victory coming against Red, 25-to-19.

And the Red Team, coached by Twin Falls’ Aubrey Nielsen, finished 0-and-3.

The tournament featured seniors from across the Magic Valley, giving players who spent years competing against one another the opportunity to play together and represent their schools one final time.

CSI VOLLEYBALL — HEATWOLE HONORED AS REGION 18 TOURNAMENT BEGINS

A former Kimberly Bulldog continues to make her mark on the volleyball court at the College of Southern Idaho!

CSI sophomore Emerson Heatwole has been named the Scenic West Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the fourth time this season!

Heatwole recorded 22 digs and eight assists as the Golden Eagles swept Colorado Northwestern in back-to-back matches over the weekend.

And those victories helped CSI claim a share of the regular-season conference championship with Salt Lake!

The Kimberly native has now collected 405 digs this season, averaging more than four digs per set. She also reached a major career milestone Friday night, surpassing 500 career digs!

Now the Golden Eagles turn their attention to the postseason, hoping to capture their first conference tournament championship since 2018, the same year CSI last won a national title.

CSI opens the Region 18 Tournament tonight against Utah State Eastern, with first serve set for 7 o’clock in Salt Lake City.

BUHL WRESTLING — SENIORS HOST GIRLS YOUTH CAMP

Two of Buhl High School’s top wrestlers are giving back to their community, and they’re hoping to inspire the next generation of girls on the mat!

With winter sports just around the corner, Buhl seniors Roxy Sheen and Ali Svancara are hosting the first-ever Buhl Girls Youth Wrestling Camp this Saturday, November 7th.

The camp is part of their senior projects, and both athletes bring some impressive credentials!

Sheen is a three-time state champion and Fargo All-American, while Svancara is a three-time state placer and two-time Fargo All-American.

The camp is open to girls in kindergarten through eighth grade, with a registration fee of 25 dollars per camper.

And every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting the Buhl High School girls wrestling program.

Families can register online using the QR code on the event flyer, or simply sign up the day of the camp.

It’s a great opportunity for young athletes to learn from two of Southern Idaho’s accomplished wrestlers!

CSI MEN’S BASKETBALL — CUTTER BEUS EARNS CONFERENCE HONOR

The fourth-ranked CSI men’s basketball team is off to a winning start, and one Golden Eagle freshman is already turning heads!

Melba native Cutter Beus has been named the Scenic West Athletic Conference Player of the Week after leading CSI to a pair of victories over the weekend.

Beus scored a team-high 18 points in Friday’s 65-to-61 win over Eastern Wyoming, with 16 of those points coming in the second half!

Then on Saturday, he turned things up another notch, pouring in a game-high 29 points, including 23 after halftime, as CSI rolled to a 105-to-56 victory over Central Wyoming.

Beus also collected 14 rebounds and three steals over the two games, shooting 56 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range.

Up next, the Golden Eagles return home November 12th for the Battle for the Boot in Twin Falls, taking on Western Nebraska at noon.

CSI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL — WHITAKER HONORED AFTER 2-AND-0 START

The CSI women’s basketball team is off to a perfect start, and one Lady Golden Eagle is already earning conference honors!

Sophomore Emma Whitaker has been named the Scenic West Athletic Conference Player of the Week after helping CSI pick up two victories at the ICCU Invitational over the weekend.

The Bonifay, Florida native opened the season with an impressive double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, including nine on the offensive glass!

Whitaker also grabbed four steals and knocked down two clutch free throws in the closing seconds to help CSI secure a two-point victory.

Then on Saturday, she added eight points and seven rebounds, shooting a perfect three-for-three from the field, as the Lady Golden Eagles improved to 2-and-0.

And fans will have a chance to catch the team right here in Twin Falls this weekend!

CSI hosts the CSI Invitational, taking on Dawson Community College Friday night at 7, followed by Treasure Valley Community College Saturday afternoon at 4.

BOISE STATE BASKETBALL — BRONCOS OPEN SEASON TONIGHT

A new era of Boise State basketball officially tips off tonight, as the Broncos begin their first season in the Pac-12 Conference!

Boise State opens the 2026-27 season against West Coast Baptist at ExtraMile Arena, with tipoff set for 7 o’clock.

It’s the first-ever meeting between the two programs, and the Broncos are coming off an impressive exhibition season!

Boise State averaged more than 98 points per game in three exhibition victories, including a 104-to-37 blowout of Bismarck State last Thursday.

All 12 Broncos who played in that game scored, led by Bhan Buom with 14 points, Jikany Deang with 13, and Julian Bowie with 11 points and seven assists.

Head coach Leon Rice enters the season with eight new faces on the roster, including former Summit League Tournament MVP Damari Wheeler-Thomas and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Jerquarius Stanback.

The Broncos are coming off their fifth consecutive 20-win season, finishing last year at 20-and-12.

Tonight’s game tips off at 7.

IDAHO STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL — BYU PULLS AWAY IN SEASON OPENER

The Idaho State women’s basketball team gave BYU a battle in its season opener Tuesday night, but a tough second half proved costly for the Bengals!

Idaho State led for nearly 15 minutes and trailed by just one point at halftime, 25-to-24, before BYU pulled away for a 67-to-50 victory in Provo.

The Bengals actually led by as many as six points in the first half, and regained the lead early in the third quarter.

But turnovers became the difference, with BYU converting 20 Idaho State turnovers into 28 points.

Montana transfer Maggie Hutka led the Bengals with 12 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

Clare Valentine added 11 points and six rebounds in her first collegiate start, while Krystal Arnason chipped in seven off the bench.

Delaney Gibb led BYU with 17 points.

Head coach Seton Sobolewski says despite the loss, there were plenty of positives for his young team to build on.

The Bengals return home Friday night to face Westminster at Reed Gym in Pocatello. Tipoff is set for 7 o’clock.

IDAHO STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER — TOURNAMENT BERTH ON THE LINE

The Idaho State women’s soccer team has a big game ahead tomorrow, with a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament on the line!

The Bengals travel to Ogden, Utah, to face conference-leading Weber State in their regular-season finale Thursday afternoon.

Idaho State enters the matchup at 4-8-and-5 overall and 2-3-and-3 in conference play, currently sitting sixth in the Big Sky standings.

And a victory tomorrow would secure the Bengals a spot in the conference tournament!

But it won’t be easy. Weber State is 10-6-and-2 overall, leads the Big Sky at 6-1-and-1, and has won three straight games.

Idaho State is led offensively by Saydree Cooke, with three goals and four assists, while goalkeeper Aliya Garrett ranks third in the conference with six shutouts.

The Bengals are also looking for their first victory over Weber State since 2016.

Kickoff is set for 1 o’clock tomorrow afternoon in Ogden, with the match streaming on ESPN Plus.

The Big Sky Tournament begins November 11th in Missoula, Montana.

IDAHO WOMEN’S SOCCER — TORI PETERS EARNS BIG SKY HONOR

Talk about saving your best for last! An Idaho Vandals soccer senior is finishing her college career with some impressive recognition!

Midfielder Tori Peters has been named the Big Sky Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week after scoring the first two goals of her collegiate career in back-to-back games!

Peters scored her first career goal in Idaho’s 2-to-nothing shutout of Portland State, with Hallie Prinos-Grumbach picking up the assist.

Then against Montana, Peters found the back of the net again, this time scoring the game-winner in a 2-to-1 victory over the Grizzlies!

After going her entire college career without a goal, Peters has now scored twice in two games, earning her first career Big Sky weekly honor.

The Vandals are looking to carry that momentum into the postseason, but first, they’ll wrap up the regular season tomorrow afternoon against Eastern Washington in Cheney.

Kickoff is set for 2 o’clock Mountain Time.

WEATHER — MAGIC VALLEY

MORNING DRIVE

We’re starting Wednesday with plenty of clouds across the Magic Valley, but look for gradual clearing by late morning, with a high near 53. Clouds return tonight, with a low around 34. Tomorrow, more morning clouds giving way to sunshine, with a high of 53. And a beautiful weekend ahead! Sunshine Friday through Sunday, with temperatures climbing into the lower 60s!

AFTERNOON DRIVE

We’re seeing some clearing across the Magic Valley this Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures topping out near 53. Tonight, clouds increase with a low around 34. Tomorrow, morning clouds give way to afternoon sunshine, with another high near 53. And we’re warming up heading into the weekend! Sunshine Friday through Sunday, with highs climbing into the lower 60s!

EVENING/OVERNIGHT

Clouds will increase across the Magic Valley tonight, with overnight lows dropping to around 34. Tomorrow, we’ll start with cloudy skies before gradually clearing, with a high near 53. Tomorrow night, mostly clear and chilly, with a low around 31. And we’re looking at a beautiful weekend ahead! Sunshine Friday through Sunday, with highs warming into the lower 60s!