STATE BUDGET & GOVERNMENT
IDAHO FACES $58.3M BUDGET SHORTFALL
Idaho’s projected budget deficit has grown to $58.3 million, as state revenues came in below expectations for three of the first four months of fiscal year 2026. Lawmakers are split — Democrats call the outlook “dire,” while Republicans say Idaho’s savings and tax cuts keep the economy strong. Legislators must still pass a balanced budget when the session begins January 12th.
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
DROUGHT IMPROVES ACROSS SOUTHERN IDAHO
Drought conditions in Southern Idaho have improved to moderate levels after recent storms, according to the National Weather Service. With a weak La Niña expected, forecasters say above-normal precipitation could continue easing drought into winter.
TRAFFIC & PUBLIC SAFETY
PERRINE BRIDGE CRASHES CAUSE MAJOR BACKUP
Traffic on U.S. Highway 93 was backed up for nearly two hours Saturday after two simultaneous crashes on the Perrine Bridge. Jerome County deputies say two bumper-to-bumper wrecks blocked the right southbound lane, causing a bottleneck all the way to Exit 173. The left lane reopened around 1:10 p.m. Deputies cited both drivers involved.
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON BLUE LAKES
Idaho State Police are investigating after an Impala hit an 80-year-old pedestrian on Blue Lakes in Twin Falls Thursday night. The man was seriously hurt, and southbound lanes were blocked for two hours.
COMMUNITY & LOCAL IMPACT
$2.9M SECURED FOR JEROME BOYS & GIRLS CLUB EXPANSION
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has secured nearly $2.9 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Magic Valley’s Jerome Expansion Project. The funding — now signed into law by President Donald Trump — will help build a 20,000-square-foot youth center with daycare, meal services, and space to serve up to 300 kids each day.
UNITED WAY OF SOUTH-CENTRAL IDAHO TO CLOSE
After 53 years serving the Magic Valley, the United Way of South-Central Idaho says it will cease operations on December 19th, 2025. The organization is working with local partners to transition programs and resources, and is in early talks with neighboring United Ways about expanding their service footprint.
SCAM VICTIM GETS MONEY BACK
An Idaho resident is getting more than $17,000 back after falling victim to a mail-fraud scam. The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida says deputies intercepted the package before the scammers could collect, returning the money to Idaho.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE PLAYOFFS
CAREY BACK TO THE 1A STATE TITLE GAME
The Carey Panthers are heading back to the 1A state championship after a 32–26 win over top-seeded Council. Jonah Saili hit Gabe Saili for the game-winning touchdown in the final minutes. Carey faces No. 2 Tri Valley next Saturday at 11 a.m. in Middleton.
TWIN FALLS FALLS IN 5A SEMIS
Twin Falls’ season came to an end Friday as Hillcrest beat the Bruins 43–20 at Westmark Stadium to advance to the 5A state title game. TF trailed just 23–20 at halftime but couldn’t keep pace after the break.
KIMBERLY STUNS FRUITLAND — HEADS TO 4A TITLE GAME
Kimberly pulled off a huge upset Friday, knocking off undefeated Fruitland 28–21 to reach the 4A state title game. QB MaCraye Bruning powered the Bulldogs with four rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner. It’s Kimberly’s first championship appearance since 1981. They’ll face Homedale at the Mini-Dome.
GIRLS BASKETBALL – OPENING NIGHT
Burley rolled past Century 56–27 — Ines Lucena led with 15, Jocelyn Lloyd added 13, and Ady Olmos scored 10.
Highland topped Minico 55–23.
Other scores: Hagerman 50–21 over Watersprings, Butte County beat Jerome 55–51, Idaho Falls 58–44 over Canyon Ridge, Rockland 53–28 over Dietrich, and Mountain Home routed Kimberly 70–41.
CSI ATHLETICS
24 FORMER CSI MEN ON FOUR-YEAR ROSTERS
CSI men’s basketball continues to shine nationwide, with 24 former Golden Eagles now on four-year college rosters. Early-season highlights:
• Syracuse: Nate Kingz (starter)
• Nevada: Joel Armotrading
• Kent State: Rob Whaley
• Eastern Washington: Isaiah Moses (Big Sky Player of the Week)
CSI WOMEN ALSO MAKING WAVES
Fourteen former CSI women’s basketball standouts are now competing nationwide.
Local ties include Macie Brown & Jamisyn Heaton at Utah State, Kaylee Headrick at Utah Valley, and Tylie Jones at Idaho State.
Headrick is averaging over 10 points per game for UVU, while Heaton and Kali Haizlip are contributing key minutes.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
BOISE STATE DROPS SECOND STRAIGHT
Boise State fell 17–7 to San Diego State Saturday. The Broncos (6–4) return home for Colorado State at 5 p.m. Nov. 22 on FS1. Albertsons Stadium is nearing its 14th straight sellout — tickets are at 99% — and BSU leads the series 12–1.
IDAHO LOSES HEARTBREAKER TO SAC STATE
Idaho fell 23–20 to Sacramento State. QB Joshua Wood led with 162 passing yards, 117 rushing yards, and a touchdown. The Vandals (4–7) host Idaho State next Saturday at 1 p.m. for Senior Day.
IDAHO STATE ROUTS WEBER STATE
ISU dominated Weber State 31–3 in the ICCU Dome, keeping the Train Bell Trophy in Pocatello. It’s the first back-to-back ISU wins over Weber since 1984. The Bengals (5–6) face Idaho next week.
RODEO
HUTCHINGS HEADED TO 4TH NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
Monteview’s Tristen Hutchings is headed to his fourth National Finals Rodeo, ranked fourth in the world. He battled back from an MCL tear last season, won big in Houston, will carry the Idaho flag in Las Vegas, and says he’s aiming for a world championship.
WEATHER FORECAST
(Full, Not Shortened)
Clouds early today before skies turn mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Tonight mostly cloudy, low around 35. Tuesday stays mostly sunny with a high of 56. Mid-week holds steady — Wednesday mostly sunny and near 50. A slight chance of rain returns Thursday afternoon, then clearing again into Friday and the weekend, with highs around 50 and lows in the low 30s.
Today: Cloudy becoming mostly sunny, high near 55.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low around 35.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 56.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 34.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 50.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 31.
Thursday: 20% chance of rain after 11 a.m., mostly sunny, high near 51.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, low near 31.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 50.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, low near 30.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 50.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 33.
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 51.
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