Your Daily Briefing – 11/06/2025

STATE GOVERNMENT

Luma System Delays Idaho Budget Audit

Idaho’s annual state budget audit is running months behind due to problems with the new Luma accounting system, leading to major financial errors and delays in required federal audits. Lawmakers warn the issues could jeopardize future federal funding, though the state’s AAA bond rating remains intact for now.

CRIME & COURTS

Restitution Hearing in Kohberger Case

A hearing was held on restitution in the Kohberger case. The state is seeking about $3,000 more for funeral urns, but Kohberger’s attorney argues he can’t pay while serving multiple life sentences. The judge says the request fits the plea deal and will issue a decision later.

LOCAL NEWS

New Recycling Center Opens in Twin Falls

PSI Environmental Systems has opened a new recycling center in Twin Falls, filling the gap left after Magic Valley Recycle closed last year. The facility accepts aluminum, cardboard, and tin, and sends materials to a Seattle plant that supports workers in addiction recovery. Expansion is planned as demand grows.

Two-Vote Victory in Minidoka

In the city of Minidoka, population 84, the mayor’s race was decided by just two votes — Julie Peterson winning 9 to 7. Overall turnout was only 16% of registered voters, but several city council seats were also decided by just a handful of ballots. Mayor Peterson says her goal is simple: “Keep Minidoka alive.”

Idaho Foodbank Ramps Up During Shutdown

The Idaho Foodbank is boosting purchases and volunteer shifts to meet rising demand during the government shutdown. Even in normal times, about 12% of Idahoans face food insecurity, and one in six children aren’t sure where their next meal will come from. Idaho also has one of the highest debt-to-income ratios in the nation.

Vigil for Migrants at Idaho Capitol

Catholic lay leaders in Boise will hold a public vigil at the Capitol on Nov. 13 as part of a national campaign supporting migrants and refugee families. The event marks the feast day of St. Frances Cabrini and will include prayer, cultural dance, and reflections promoting solidarity over fear.

Students Observe Idaho Supreme Court

Students from across the Magic Valley observed the Idaho Supreme Court in action during an appeal hearing this week. The visit is part of the court’s effort to hold sessions statewide and promote civic education. Students asked justices questions afterward, many saying the experience helped them better understand their rights and the legal system.

SPORTS

Valley’s Sophie Crumrine Named Player of the Year

The 2A Snake River Conference has announced its all-conference volleyball teams, and Valley’s Sophie Crumrine has been named Conference Player of the Year. Valley head coach Katie Clark earned Coach of the Year honors after leading the Vikings to state. First Team selections include standouts from Oakley, Hagerman, Murtaugh, and Sun Valley Community School, with several local athletes also earning Second Team and Honorable Mention recognition.

CSI Falls in Region 18 Semifinal

The 16th-ranked CSI Golden Eagles fell to Snow College in five sets in the Region 18 semifinal. CSI struggled to score at the net but led from the service line. Isabel Smart had 12 kills. At 18-9 on the season, the Golden Eagles now wait to see if they’ll receive an at-large bid to nationals.

Tamarack Resort to Open Nov. 28

Tamarack Resort opens the 2025-26 ski season on Friday, November 28th, with major upgrades across the mountain. New runs south of Bliss expand terrain after post-fire restoration, and the main green run, Waltz, has been widened with added snowmaking. The Mid-Mountain Lodge returns with expanded dining and live music, plus new Nordic options and even a DJ Snowcat this season.

Boise State Women Advance to Championship

Boise State women’s soccer advanced to the Mountain West championship, winning 3–2 in penalty kicks over San Diego State. Keeper Ava de Leest made two clutch PK saves, and Jillian Anderson scored in regulation. The Broncos face Utah State Saturday night in the final.

Idaho Vandals Move to Semifinals

Idaho women’s soccer advanced in the Big Sky quarterfinals, beating Portland State 1–0. Naomi Alvarez scored the game-winner in the 78th minute, and goalkeeper Paula Flores recorded her ninth shutout. The Vandals face top-seeded Montana next.

Bengals Focused on Finishing Strong

Idaho State head coach Cody Hawkins says the Bengals are focused on finishing strong as they host Cal Poly Saturday at 4 in the Dome. Hawkins says last week’s win brought confidence, but momentum only matters if they stay locked in. He expects a challenge from a Cal Poly team with strong receivers and a tougher defense this season. The Bengals are aiming to close out their final three games on a high note.

ISU Coach Nears 400th Career Win

Idaho State men’s basketball hits the road for two in California. The Bengals face San Diego on Friday and San Diego State Sunday. Head coach Ryan Looney is just one win away from 400 career victories after ISU opened the season with an 81–71 win behind big performances from Connor Hollenbeck, Caleb Van De Griend, Quin Patterson, and Jamison Guerra.

Boise State Fans Hold “Energy-Cleansing” Vigil

Boise State men’s basketball suffered a shocking 79–78 loss to Division II Hawaii Pacific, prompting some fans to hold a midnight “energy-cleansing” vigil outside ExtraMile Arena. Supporters say it was a symbolic reset after back-to-back tough losses. The Broncos look to rebound Saturday against Utah Valley.

WEATHER

A slight chance of showers early today, then mostly sunny with a high around 55. Tonight, clouds return with a chance of showers and a low near 40. Friday brings a few morning showers and a high in the mid-50s. The weekend looks cool but pleasant — sunny Saturday near 51, and mostly sunny Sunday warming back to the upper 50s and low 60s into early next week.

Detailed Forecast:

Today: A 20% chance of showers before 11am. Mostly sunny, high near 55. West wind 6–14 mph, gusts up to 23 mph.
Tonight: 40% chance of showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, low around 40. Southeast wind 6 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Friday: 30% chance of showers before 11am. Partly sunny, high near 54. West-northwest wind 8–15 mph, gusts up to 26 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 31. Southwest wind 6–10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 51.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 31.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 57.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 34.
Monday: Partly sunny, high near 61.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 39.
Veterans Day: Mostly sunny, high near 62.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 40.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 62.