Your Daily Briefing – 10/30/2026

ELECTIONS & VOTING

TWIN FALLS COUNTY — EARLY VOTING ENDS TODAY

Early voting wraps up today in Twin Falls County, and voters are turning out in big numbers ahead of Tuesday’s general election!

County Clerk Kristina Glascock says nearly 6,000 ballots have already been cast, almost 2,000 more than during the 2022 midterm election.

And with a lengthy ballot this year, Glascock is encouraging voters to do their homework before heading to the polls. Twin Falls voters will see a two-page ballot, printed front and back, covering candidates, resolutions, a proposition and, depending on where they live, local levies.

You can review your sample ballot ahead of time at VoteIdaho.gov.

Early voting ends today at 5 p.m.

And if you’re voting absentee, your completed ballot must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Ballots can be dropped off at the County West building in Twin Falls, including at the elections office on the second floor.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd.

IDAHO — STATEWIDE EARLY VOTING DEADLINE

Time is running out for Idaho voters who want to cast their ballots early! Today is the final day of in-person early voting across the state, with voting locations closing at 5 o’clock this afternoon.

And there’s plenty on the ballot this year, including races for governor, congressional seats, state lawmakers and local offices.

Voters will also decide on Proposition One, dealing with abortion and reproductive rights, along with constitutional amendments addressing drug legalization authority and English as Idaho’s official language.

If you miss today’s deadline, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls will be open from 8 in the morning until 8 at night, and Idaho allows same-day voter registration.

Absentee ballots must also be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Election officials recommend dropping them off in person rather than mailing them this close to the deadline.

You can find your polling location, check your registration and preview your ballot at VoteIdaho.gov.

ADA COUNTY — FEDERAL ELECTION MONITORS

With Election Day just around the corner, the Trump administration is sending federal election monitors to Idaho’s largest county.

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane confirms about six Justice Department monitors will be stationed near polling locations in Ada County next Tuesday, November 3rd. They’ll be dressed in plain clothes and will not be allowed inside polling places.

The monitors are part of a nationwide effort involving about a thousand federal observers across all 50 states. Their job is to watch for potential violations of federal voting rights laws, including accessibility requirements for voters with disabilities.

McGrane says the practice is routine and has happened under previous administrations. He doesn’t expect voters to even notice.

Meanwhile, absentee voting is picking up across Idaho. Nearly 157-thousand absentee ballots have been issued statewide, compared to about 138-thousand during the 2022 midterm election.

More than 98-thousand absentee ballots have already been returned, and another 94-thousand votes have been cast through early voting.

Officials remind voters that absentee ballots must reach election offices by the time polls close Tuesday night to be counted.

PROPOSITION ONE — CHRISSY TEIGEN CAMPAIGNS IN BOISE

A familiar celebrity is stepping into Idaho’s abortion debate, just days before voters head to the polls.

Model, author and television personality Chrissy Teigen was in Boise Wednesday, campaigning in support of Proposition One, which would expand abortion access in Idaho.

Before speaking at a rally, Teigen met privately with Idaho women who shared stories of pregnancy complications that forced them to seek medical care outside the state.

Teigen also shared her own experience, losing her son Jack at 20 weeks in 2020 after a serious pregnancy complication. She says it took two years to understand that the medical procedure she underwent was considered an abortion.

Proposition One would establish abortion rights before fetal viability, with exceptions afterward for medical emergencies, while also protecting access to contraception and fertility treatments.

Supporters say the measure would protect reproductive healthcare decisions, while opponents argue it goes too far in expanding abortion access.

Idaho voters will decide the issue Tuesday, November 3rd.

PUBLIC SAFETY & TRAFFIC

GOODING–JEROME COUNTY LINE — I-84 CRASH SHUTS DOWN EASTBOUND LANES

A crash on Interstate 84 brought eastbound traffic to a standstill near the Gooding-Jerome County line yesterday afternoon.

The crash was reported around 2 o’clock near milepost 162, shutting down all eastbound lanes and causing significant travel delays.

Traffic was finally moving again about three hours later, after the highway reopened.

So far, authorities haven’t released details about what caused the crash or whether anyone was injured.

TWIN FALLS — PURSUIT ENDS IN PICKUP ROLLOVER

A disturbance call in Twin Falls Wednesday night turned into a high-speed pursuit, ending with a pickup truck rolling and a suspect facing multiple felony charges.

It started around 6:30 at Idaho Materials and Construction on Addison Avenue West. Twin Falls County Sheriff’s deputies say an adult male took off in an older Ford F-250 as a deputy arrived.

The driver headed north on 2700 East, went off the road and through a yard near 4000 North, before getting back onto the roadway.

A deputy then used a PIT maneuver to stop the pickup. The truck hit the soft shoulder and rolled.

The suspect was taken to St. Luke’s Magic Valley for a medical evaluation before being transported to the Twin Falls County Jail.

He’s facing charges of felony eluding, felony DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

MERIDIAN — PEDESTRIAN KILLED ON I-84

A deadly crash on Interstate 84 near Meridian early yesterday morning claimed the life of a 26-year-old Nampa man.

Idaho State Police say it happened around 3 o’clock this morning near milepost 42.

Investigators say a 20-year-old man from Nampa was driving a 2017 Ford Mustang eastbound when he struck a pedestrian who was walking in the eastbound lane of traffic.

The pedestrian, also from Nampa, died at the scene.

The eastbound on ramp at the Ten-Mile Road exit was closed for about three hours while emergency crews responded and investigators worked at the scene.

Idaho State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

TWIN FALLS — CITY & COMMUNITY

TWIN FALLS — COUNCIL APPROVES 2040 STRATEGIC PLAN

Twin Falls is looking to the future, and city leaders have a new roadmap for the next 14 years!

The Twin Falls City Council approved its 2040 Strategic Plan Monday, outlining priorities for growth, community services and quality of life.

City Manager Travis Rothweiler says the plan builds on the city’s previous goals while incorporating feedback from more than 500 survey respondents.

The good news? Residents gave high marks to city parks, recreation opportunities and public library services.

But the survey also identified areas needing improvement, including health and wellness, education and access to affordable mental health care.

The new 52-page plan calls for expanding parks and trails, increasing urban forestry efforts and working with healthcare partners to address community needs.

Rothweiler says the goal is continuous improvement as Twin Falls continues to grow.

TWIN FALLS — CHOBANI WELLNESS PARK OPENS

There’s a brand-new place to get moving, relax and enjoy the outdoors in Twin Falls, and it’s been about a decade in the making!

The Chobani Wellness Park is officially open along the Canyon Rim Trail, offering outdoor fitness equipment, climbing features, open green space, shaded pavilions, restrooms and parking.

Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis says the project has been in the works for about 10 years and brings something completely new to the community.

Chobani contributed 500-thousand dollars through its Legacy Project, which allows company employees to help choose where community investments are made.

And there’s more on the horizon. City officials are hoping to introduce fitness classes, yoga and other wellness activities at the park as early as next spring.

Davis says completing the long-awaited project is a major milestone for Twin Falls and something the entire community can be proud of.

HIGHER EDUCATION

IDAHO — COLLEGE ENROLLMENT DROPS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE PANDEMIC

For the first time since the COVID pandemic, enrollment at Idaho’s public colleges and universities is heading in the wrong direction.

New figures show enrollment across the state’s eight colleges and universities dropped by nearly 600 students this fall, a decline of about seven-tenths of a percent.

Here in the Magic Valley, the College of Southern Idaho reported 10,435 students, down about one percent from last year. Idaho State saw a larger decline of nearly three percent, while Boise State enrollment remained relatively flat.

Education officials say it’s too early to pinpoint a cause, but declining birth rates and growing competition for students are raising concerns nationwide.

The numbers could also influence upcoming decisions about college funding, tuition and student financial aid in Idaho.

BOISE STATE — RECORD INCOMING CLASS OF IDAHO STUDENTS

While college enrollment is slipping statewide, Boise State University has something to celebrate, and Idaho students are leading the charge!

The university welcomed more than 2,300 new students from Idaho this fall, the largest incoming class of Idaho residents in school history. That’s an increase of nearly 26 percent since 2022.

Overall enrollment is holding steady at nearly 28,500 students, with a freshman class approaching 4,000.

And students are increasingly choosing careers where Idaho needs workers, including nursing, engineering, construction management and medical technology.

Boise State President David Hahn says the goal is to prepare graduates for jobs that strengthen Idaho’s economy.

The university also reports awarding more than 5,700 degrees during the last academic year, another school record.

FRIDAY SPORTS

STATE VOLLEYBALL — FOUR MAGIC VALLEY TEAMS ADVANCE

The road to a state volleyball championship is underway, and Magic Valley teams are making some serious noise! Nine area teams opened tournament play Thursday, with four picking up victories and five fighting to keep their seasons alive today.

Let’s start with Twin Falls! The Bruins knocked off Hillcrest in four sets, led by Sienna Billings with 18 kills, Ivie Bohrn with 44 assists, and Kaitlyn Hudson with 18 digs. Twin Falls now faces top-seeded Idaho Falls in today’s quarterfinals at 1:30 Pacific.

Top-ranked Kimberly also advanced, defeating Sugar-Salem in four sets. The Bulldogs take on Preston this afternoon at 1:30 Pacific.

Valley was impressive, sweeping Tri-Valley in three straight sets. The Vikings finished with 40 kills, 11 blocks, and 12 aces. They’ll face Troy today at 3:30.

And Murtaugh pulled off a big sweep over Potlatch, winning the first two sets by identical 26-24 scores. The Red Devils now face number-one Butte County at 1:30 this afternoon.

Meanwhile, it’s win or go home for five other Magic Valley teams!

Carey fell to top-seeded Rockland and faces Clark Fork at 11 this morning. Hagerman lost to Troy and meets Tri-Valley at 9.

Buhl was swept by Ambrose and takes on Malad at 11 Pacific. Filer fell to Preston and faces Sugar-Salem, also at 11 Pacific. And Wood River, after losing to Pocatello, battles Bonneville at 9 Pacific.

Four teams advancing, five fighting for survival, and a whole lot of Magic Valley pride on the line as state volleyball tournament action continues today!

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL — MAGIC VALLEY PLAYOFF MATCHUPS

It’s win or go home for Magic Valley high school football teams, as the state playoffs kick into high gear tonight! And one of the biggest matchups is a rematch between two familiar rivals!

Castleford and Hansen square off tonight at 7, after the Wolves pulled off a thrilling 16-14 comeback victory over the Huskies back in Week Three. Hansen led that game 14-nothing before Castleford rallied in the second half.

Both teams say stopping the running game will be the key. For Castleford, it’s their first playoff appearance since the 2022 season, and first-year head coach Jamie Allen says his players have bought into the program. Meanwhile, Hansen is looking to make a statement under interim coach Todd Stimpson, who took over during Week Three.

Elsewhere around the Magic Valley, top-ranked Raft River hosts Grace tonight at 6, while second-seeded Oakley takes on Idaho City, also at 6.

Buhl opens postseason play against Ririe. Kimberly faces a familiar opponent in Gooding, while Wood River travels to Emmett.

In 5A, sixth-seeded Twin Falls hosts Bonneville, and Minico hits the road to face Sandpoint.

And Richfield will have to wait until tomorrow morning, when the fourth-seeded Tigers take on Deary at 11.

It’s playoff football across Southern Idaho, where every possession matters, every mistake could end a season, and the dream of a state championship is officially on the line!

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL — TEXAS STATE VISITS THE BLUE

The Boise State Broncos are rolling, and they’re looking to make it seven straight wins when they host Texas State tomorrow on The Blue!

Ranked 20th in the nation, Boise State is coming off a convincing 31-10 victory over Washington State, improving to 6-and-1 on the season and 3-and-0 in Pac-12 play.

And how about running back Dylan Riley? The junior leads the entire nation with 963 rushing yards and more than 1,150 all-purpose yards. He’s averaging nearly 138 rushing yards per game and has already broken loose for four runs of more than 70 yards!

Quarterback Maddux Madsen is putting together quite a season himself, throwing 14 touchdown passes without a single interception. He’s the only quarterback in the country with double-digit touchdown passes and no picks!

Defensively, Boise State ranks fourth nationally in stopping opponents on third and fourth downs.

The Broncos have won 21 of their last 22 games on The Blue, and tomorrow’s matchup marks their first-ever meeting with Texas State.

And there’s something special planned at halftime! Boise State legend Kellen Moore will be on hand as the university unveils a bronze statue honoring the winningest quarterback in college football history.

It’s a big Halloween Saturday in Boise, with the Broncos looking to keep their winning streak alive!

CSI WOMEN’S SOCCER — RECORD SEASON ENDS AT CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

A historic season has come to an end for the College of Southern Idaho women’s soccer team, but the Golden Eagles have plenty to be proud of!

CSI fell to Snow College 5-1 Thursday morning in the opening round of the Scenic West Tournament in Salt Lake City.

Snow took control early, scoring in the 20th minute before adding two quick goals to start the second half. CSI’s Macey Call got the Golden Eagles on the board with a penalty kick in the 58th minute, but Snow answered with two more goals to seal the victory.

Goalkeeper Avery Charlesworth finished with 10 saves.

Despite the loss, this was a record-breaking year for CSI! The Golden Eagles set a program record with 11 wins, earned their first-ever national ranking, and made their first postseason appearance in school history.

CSI finishes the season 11 and 5, setting a new standard for Golden Eagles women’s soccer!

IDAHO STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER — BENGALS DRAW WITH NORTHERN ARIZONA

A two-goal lead slipped away from the Idaho State women’s soccer team Thursday night, as the Bengals battled Northern Arizona to a 2-2 draw in Pocatello.

Idaho State came out firing! Syleena Hogan scored just six minutes into the match, and Amanda Brayton added her first career goal in the 37th minute, giving the Bengals a commanding 2-nothing lead at halftime.

But Northern Arizona wasn’t finished. The Lumberjacks scored in the 58th minute, then delivered the equalizer in the 87th to force the tie.

Bengals goalkeeper Aliya Garrett turned in a strong performance, matching her season high with seven saves. Brayton finished with a goal and an assist, while Saydree Cooke led Idaho State with four shots.

The Bengals are back home Sunday afternoon, hosting Northern Colorado at 1 o’clock at Davis Field.

BOISE STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL — BRONCOS COMPLETE UNBEATEN EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

The Boise State men’s basketball team is looking ready for the regular season, and the Broncos put on quite a show Thursday night!

Boise State crushed Bismarck State 104 to 37 at ExtraMile Arena, topping the 100-point mark for the second straight game!

Bhan Buom led the way with 14 points, while Jikany Deang added 13 in his Bronco debut, including three three-pointers. Julian Bowie chipped in 11 points and seven assists.

And how about that defense? Boise State held Bismarck State scoreless for more than seven minutes in the first half, going on a 26-nothing run and taking a commanding 53-12 lead into halftime!

All 12 Broncos who played got into the scoring column, and Boise State finished exhibition play a perfect 3-and-0.

Now the games start counting! The Broncos open the regular season Wednesday, November 4th, hosting West Coast Baptist at ExtraMile Arena.

IDAHO STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL — BENGALS PREPARE FOR 100TH SEASON

It’s a whole new look for Idaho State men’s basketball, and when we say new, we mean almost everybody!

The Bengals are getting ready for their 100th season of basketball, and head coach Ryan Looney has quite the rebuilding job ahead of him.

Idaho State returns just TWO players from last year’s team, Quin Patterson and Landen Birley. That’s right, 14 newcomers, with less than two percent of last season’s scoring returning!

Among the new faces, Ike Palmer arrives after averaging 16 points a game at Utah State Eastern, while Malachi Johnson joins the Bengals after earning Freshman of the Year honors at Stanislaus State.

Idaho State was picked to finish ninth in the Big Sky Conference, but they’ll get an early opportunity to make a statement.

The Bengals open the regular season Monday on the road against Utah State, a team that went a perfect 3-and-0 in exhibition play. And history isn’t on Idaho State’s side. The Bengals have lost 17 straight meetings with the Aggies.

Following Monday’s opener, Idaho State travels to Wyoming next Friday.

New players, new opportunities, and a milestone season ahead for Bengal basketball!

IDAHO MEN’S BASKETBALL — ICCU ARENA TO HOST FIRST NATIONALLY TELEVISED GAME

The Idaho Vandals men’s basketball team is headed for the national spotlight, and they’re bringing a familiar rival along for the ride!

Idaho’s February 11th home showdown against Montana State has been selected for a national television broadcast on ESPNU. It’ll be the first nationally televised game ever played at ICCU Arena in Moscow!

And this matchup has some serious history! Last season, Idaho erased a 21-point second-half deficit to stun Montana State 92-89, then knocked off the Bobcats again in the Big Sky Tournament, helping the Vandals punch their ticket to March Madness for the first time since 1990!

Montana State enters this season as the Big Sky preseason favorite, setting up another highly anticipated showdown.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. Pacific on Thursday, February 11th.

And for Idaho, it’s the second straight season the Vandals have been selected for a nationally televised Big Sky game on an ESPN network!

WEATHER

MAGIC VALLEY — MORNING DRIVE

Rain is back in the Magic Valley! Look for cloudy skies and scattered showers today, with a high near 58. Tonight, a low of 41 with some patchy fog. Tomorrow brings more showers and possible thunderstorms, with a high of 58. Sunday turns cooler and wetter, near 49, before sunshine returns Monday.

MAGIC VALLEY — AFTERNOON DRIVE

Rain is making for a soggy Friday across the Magic Valley, with scattered showers continuing this afternoon and a high near 58. Tonight, cloudy skies and patchy fog, with a low of 41. Tomorrow brings more showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms, with highs near 58. Sunday turns cooler and wetter, with a high of just 49. Sunshine returns Monday!

MAGIC VALLEY — EVENING/OVERNIGHT

A damp weekend ahead for the Magic Valley! Tonight, cloudy skies with a chance of showers and patchy fog developing overnight. Temperatures dropping to around 41. Tomorrow brings more showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms, with a high near 58. Rain becomes more widespread Saturday night, with a low of 42. Sunday stays wet and cooler, with highs near 49. Sunshine returns Monday!

MAGIC VALLEY — EXTENDED FORECAST

Saturday: A chance of showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers after midnight. Low around 42. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: Showers. High near 49. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Breezy.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.