ELECTIONS & VOTING
IDAHO BALLOT GUIDANCE
Leaving a race blank won’t cancel your ballot. That’s one message from Idaho election officials as voters prepare for the November 3 general election.
Secretary of State Phil McGrane’s office says voters can skip any contest or question, and their other selections will still count.
Write-in votes count only for candidates who filed the required paperwork. The office says independent candidate for governor Jacob Burnett is the only write-in candidate who filed this year. The state gun advisory question offers 6 choices, with no write-in option.
Voting absentee? Sign your own return envelope, and make sure you haven’t accidentally switched envelopes with your spouse. Election workers verify those signatures against voter records.
If your registration isn’t showing up at Vote Idaho dot gov, use your name exactly as you registered it, and remove extra spaces. McGrane says tighter search requirements have caused some lookup problems. Voters who moved, changed names or haven’t voted in 4 years should update their registration.
PROPOSITION 1 PETITION RECORDS
And those online lists of people who signed the Proposition 1 petition? Officials say petition signatures are public records, but the posted lists include unverified entries. Duplicate signatures count only once, and McGrane says the abortion-rights initiative had enough valid signatures to qualify.
GOODING SCHOOL LEVY
Gooding voters are being asked to renew a school levy—but this time, local taxpayers would pick up the bill. The 2-year, $903,000 supplemental levy goes before voters November 3, with a proposed tax rate of $93 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.
The district has had a supplemental levy since 2011. State property tax relief covered the cost for the past 2 years, but Superintendent David Carson says those dollars are running out. Without that offset, the cost would shift back to property owners.
Carson says the money would maintain current operations, helping pay for teachers and staff, school security, classroom supplies, technology, maintenance and transportation.
But Gooding Senior Center Manager Kathy Molt says going from no levy payment to an added expense could be difficult for seniors living on fixed incomes.
The measure needs a simple majority to pass. Carson says putting it on the November ballot gives the district another opportunity to ask voters in May if it fails—before the current levy expires.
SENATE RACE: IRAN WAR & FUEL PRICES
The Iran war and its effect on fuel prices have become central issues in Idaho’s U.S. Senate race. Republican Sen. Jim Risch defended Trump’s decision to enter the conflict but called for it to end soon. Independent challenger Todd Achilles says the operation lacks clear objectives and a path to victory.
ECONOMY, LABOR & AGRICULTURE
IDAHO GAS PRICES
Gas prices are inching lower across Idaho, but drivers may not want to count on that relief lasting. AAA says the statewide average for regular is $4.87 a gallon this morning, down 7 cents from a week ago. Here in Twin Falls, the average is $4.94.
Idaho’s average is still 9 cents higher than a month ago and $1.42 above this time last year. The national average is $4.34, keeping Idaho in 7th place for the country’s most expensive gas. California tops the list at $6.28 a gallon, while Georgia has the lowest average at $3.79.
AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde says ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to create uncertainty in the oil market. U.S. crude is trading near $94 a barrel, up from about $89 a week ago. That increase could put the brakes on recent declines at the pump.
Across Idaho, drivers in Coeur d’Alene are paying an average of $4.52, compared with $4.55 in Lewiston and $4.82 in Franklin. Idaho Falls and Pocatello are both at $4.88, Boise is at $4.93, and Rexburg averages $4.97. Clark County has the state’s highest average at $5.32 a gallon.
MICRON EXPANSION & COMPETITION FOR WORKERS
Micron’s expansion is opening doors for skilled workers in the Boise area—but some smaller businesses say they’re struggling to compete. Cloverdale Plumbing owner Justin Wardle says he’s lost 2 employees to jobs tied to the project, with union pay offers nearly double his company’s starting baseline at the time. He says Cloverdale has raised prices twice this year while working to stay competitive.
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 296 business manager Mark Hosick says workers are also looking for training, health coverage, pensions and long-term job security. He disputes the idea that higher union wages automatically mean higher customer prices.
Wardle says he doesn’t blame employees for pursuing better opportunities. His company is reviewing benefits, looking for ways to improve efficiency and considering an in-house training facility. Both men say the competition for workers reaches beyond plumbing into electrical work, heating and air conditioning.
SUGAR BEET HARVEST
Sugar beet harvest is picking up across Idaho, but a Rupert grower says a tough growing season will mean a smaller crop. Duane Grant of Grant 4-D Farms expects yields to fall about 10%. He says an April cold snap forced him to replant 90% of his beets—the worst frost damage he’s seen in 45 years.
Summer wildfire smoke also slowed growth, and water shortages forced the farm to cut its barley crop early so irrigation water could go to potatoes and sugar beets. Harvest is expected to wrap up in early November.
Sugar beets rank as Idaho’s 5th-largest agricultural commodity, bringing in $508 million in farm revenue in 2024. More than 400 Idaho farmers typically grow about 170,000 acres for grower-owned Amalgamated Sugar.
Beyond this year’s harvest, Grant says low prices and competition from foreign sugar threaten growers’ livelihoods. He says the industry is lobbying Congress for stronger protections against subsidized imports.
CRIME & COURTS
LINCOLN COUNTY YOUTH CENTER THEFT CASE
A former Lincoln County Youth Center employee faces 32 felony charges after investigators say she wrote herself checks totaling more than $37,000 over 2 years. Court records obtained by Idaho News 6 identify the former employee as Huffman, who worked at the center until August. Charging documents allege some checks went beyond payroll payments. The center provides after-school programs and low-cost child care to dozens of families. Founder and Lincoln County Commissioner Rebecca Wood reported the alleged thefts in late September. Huffman was arrested October 9 and assigned a public defender at Tuesday’s arraignment. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 20.
KIMBERLY INTERSECTION DAMAGE
Kimberly Hansen Police are looking for a truck and its driver after damage at a Kimberly intersection. Police say the truck appears to have cut a corner at 3600 North and 3400 East on October 5, hitting a stop sign, telecommunications box and irrigation culvert. Anyone who recognizes the truck or has information is asked to call 208-423-4153, extension 18, and ask for Chief Bunderson.
KOHBERGER HEARING CANCELED
A court hearing scheduled for tomorrow for Bryan Kohberger has been canceled. Kohberger, convicted of killing 4 University of Idaho students, claims his lawyers misled him about his plea agreement and withheld evidence. He has requested a new judge and a retrial. The October 15 hearing has been vacated, along with another hearing that had been scheduled for June. The case remains active, with no changes to the judge or attorneys.
IDAHO SUPREME COURT HEARINGS
Idaho’s highest court is taking its work on the road this week, with hearings open to the public in eastern Idaho. The Idaho Supreme Court will hear 3 cases starting at 8:45 this morning at the Bonneville County Courthouse in Idaho Falls. Tomorrow, justices will hear 2 cases beginning at 8:45 at the Bannock County Courthouse in Pocatello. The court is based in Boise but is required to hear cases around the state. Anyone attending should leave food, drinks and backpacks outside the courtroom and silence electronic devices. Cameras and recording equipment require advance permission.
WILDFIRES & OUTDOOR SAFETY
HUMAN-CAUSED WILDFIRES & STATE COSTS
People caused more than 80% of the wildfires Idaho Department of Lands crews responded to this year—and lawmakers want to know whether stronger penalties would help prevent them. Director Dustin Miller told a legislative committee Tuesday that causes include escaped debris burns, equipment sparks, discarded cigarettes and campfires that weren’t fully extinguished.
Through September, fires had burned about 10,000 acres under the department’s protection. That does not include federal lands, such as national forests. State firefighting costs topped $47 million, with an estimated $19.8 million potentially reimbursable by partner agencies.
Miller says the state investigates every fire and seeks repayment when negligence is involved. But recovering that money can take years, and settlements often fall short of the full firefighting bill. He says the damage also extends to property, public safety and state timberlands that help fund schools.
A roughly $32 million funding boost from lawmakers helped keep the state’s wildfire suppression fund in the black this season. The department is now estimating what it will need next year.
GALENA SUMMIT HUNTER RESCUE
An injured hunter is safely out of the backcountry after a rescue near Galena Summit Monday evening. Fire crews in Blaine County carried the hunter out after he suffered a lower-leg injury. He was taken to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center for treatment. The extent of his injuries hasn’t been released. Officials say he was prepared for winter weather, had a way to call for help and had told someone where he planned to hunt. Crews from Ketchum, Smiley Creek and Sun Valley assisted. Rescuers remind anyone heading into the backcountry to dress for winter conditions, carry reliable communication and share their plans before leaving.
WEDNESDAY SPORTS
State titles for Twin Falls, another district crown for Kimberly, and tournament races heating up across the Magic Valley.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF: STATE RESULTS
In 6A, Canyon Ridge’s Danika Humphries finished 4th at 153. She tied for 3rd over the 2 rounds before a scorecard tiebreaker determined the final placement. On the boys’ side, Twin Falls finished 4th in 5A, Minico took 9th and Mountain Home finished 10th. James Dunn led the Bruins in a tie for 20th.
Back-to-back state championships for Twin Falls girls golf! The Bruins successfully defended their 5A title Tuesday, finishing at 661—53 strokes ahead of runner-up Century. Katie Thompson also brought home the individual state championship at 157, finishing 2 strokes ahead of teammate Mae Lickley. Kolette Jenkins added a 4th-place finish.
Jerome’s girls placed 5th as a team. Capreece Beilke led the Tigers in a tie for 14th, followed by Dempsey Smith in 17th. Twin Falls’ Adrie Western finished 18th, and teammate Hadley Christensen took 21st.
In 6A, Canyon Ridge’s Danika Humphries shot 7-over-par for the tournament, tying for 3rd on total score before a scorecard tiebreaker placed her 4th.
On the boys’ side, Twin Falls finished 4th in 5A, with Minico taking 9th. James Dunn led the Bruins in a tie for 20th at 157. Teammates Brigg Payne and Jake Thompson tied for 23rd, while Braden Scott tied for 26th. Jerome’s Kyler Barker and Minico’s Kamden Rutschke finished tied for 31st.
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER: DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
On the soccer field, Kimberly’s girls are district champions for the 2nd straight year. The Bulldogs shut out Wendell 4-0 behind a first-half hat trick from Johnson and another goal from Renetta Welch. Kimberly heads to state in Twin Falls after finishing 4th last year. The Bulldogs will learn their opening opponent Sunday.
Wendell made its first district championship appearance after upsetting Sun Valley Community School 3-2 Monday. The Trojans still have a chance to reach state through Saturday’s play-in round.
In boys soccer, Sun Valley Community School edged Wendell 1-0 for the 4A District 4 championship. Rasmus Lahdesmaki scored the winner as the Cutthroats avenged last year’s title-game loss and secured a state berth. Wendell heads to a state play-in game Saturday.
Canyon Ridge fell to Highland 1-0. The Riverhawks now need an at-large berth to keep their season alive, with play-in games also scheduled for Saturday.
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS
Burley and Minico move on, while district volleyball ends for Canyon Ridge and Jerome. The Bobcats swept the Riverhawks 25-15, 25-15 and 25-21 Tuesday. Burley visits top-seeded Twin Falls tomorrow at 6, with a spot in the 5A district championship match on the line.
Minico swept Jerome 3-0 and heads to Wood River for tomorrow’s other semifinal, also at 6. The Spartans and Wolverines split their regular-season meetings, with the visiting team winning both.
In 2A, top-seeded Valley swept Glenns Ferry, Murtaugh swept Raft River, and Hagerman swept Oakley. Ava Chizum powered the Pirates with 18 kills and 11 digs. Addi Chizum added 38 assists, and Payge Nyborg served 5 aces.
Sun Valley Community School needed 5 sets to get past Shoshone, taking the deciding set 15-10. Reminyu Wadsworth had 24 kills for the Indians, and Nancy Tellez added 15.
Tomorrow’s 2A semifinals begin at 7:30, with Valley hosting Community School and Hagerman hosting Murtaugh. Consolation matches start at 5:30: Shoshone meets Glenns Ferry at Valley, while Raft River faces Oakley at Hagerman.
The 1A tournament opens today with all 3 matches at Castleford High School. Dietrich faces Richfield at 4:30, Lighthouse Christian meets Camas County at 6, and Castleford takes on Hansen at 7:30. Top-seeded Carey has a first-round bye.
In 4A, Filer hosts Gooding tomorrow at 6. And in 3A, Declo faces Wendell Saturday morning at 10 at Buhl High School.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: STATE RANKINGS
Twin Falls breaks into the rankings, Hagerman holds the top spot, and Carey slips as Idaho high school football heads into the final 2 weeks of the regular season.
The Bruins debut at No. 5 in the 5A media poll after beating Burley 38-18 to improve to 4-3. Bishop Kelly remains No. 1, followed by Hillcrest, Columbia and Sandpoint. Two of Twin Falls’ losses came against Hillcrest and Sandpoint.
In 2A, Hagerman stays No. 1 at 6-1, just 3 voting points ahead of unbeaten Raft River. The Pirates received 5 first-place votes, Raft River picked up 1, and 3rd-ranked Wallace claimed the other 2. Prairie is 4th, and Oakley holds at No. 5. Hagerman and Raft River meet in the regular-season finale.
Declo remains No. 2 in 3A at 6-1, behind unanimous No. 1 West Side. West Jefferson, Melba and Priest River round out the top 5. Buhl also received a vote.
In 1A, Carey drops from 2nd to 4th after a 2-point loss to Council. The Panthers are 6-1, trailing Kendrick, Coeur du Christ and Rockland. Salmon River is 5th.
Elsewhere, Homedale leads 4A ahead of Sugar-Salem, Weiser, Fruitland and Emmett. Coeur d’Alene tops 6A, followed by Rigby, Rocky Mountain, Eagle and Madison.
CSI WOMEN’S SOCCER: CONFERENCE HONORS
Two shutouts, two wins over nationally ranked opponents—and two conference awards for CSI women’s soccer. Avery Charlesworth is the Scenic West Goalkeeper of the Week, while sophomore defender Alivia Marshall earns Player of the Week honors.
Charlesworth made 8 saves in back-to-back 1-0 victories over USU-Eastern and Salt Lake, including 5 against USU-Eastern. The Hooper, Utah, native now has 31 saves this season and a goals-against average of 0.91.
Marshall, a Pocatello native, played all 90 minutes in both wins, anchoring a defense that limited those opponents to 8 shots on goal combined.
CSI now has 3 victories over ranked opponents this season and is pushing for the first postseason berth in program history. The Golden Eagles finish the regular season with 4 straight road games, beginning tomorrow against North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene.
CSI VOLLEYBALL: GOTO HONORED
A career-best performance has earned CSI’s Vivian Goto conference honors—and helped set up a showdown for first place. The sophomore is the Scenic West Volleyball Player of the Week after leading the Golden Eagles to 2 home wins over 14th-ranked Snow College.
Goto had 12 kills in Friday’s sweep, then delivered a career-high 25 kills with just 1 error in Saturday’s 4-set victory. She finished the weekend with 37 kills and 20 digs, adding a season-high 3 aces Saturday.
Next up, CSI faces Salt Lake Community College, with the teams tied atop the Scenic West standings. The 2-match series begins Friday at 6 p.m. and wraps up Saturday at noon.
CSI RODEO: FALL SEASON RESULTS
CSI rodeo heads into the winter break with the men still leading the Rocky Mountain Region after a runner-up finish at the Utah Valley University Rodeo in Spanish Fork.
The Golden Eagle men scored 695 points. Trey Smith won steer wrestling, and Makarty Larsen took first in saddle bronc riding. Ruger Smith finished 4th in the all-around, highlighted by a runner-up finish in tie-down roping. In bareback riding, Sean Mahoney placed 2nd and Britt Wells finished 4th.
The CSI women closed their fall schedule with a season-best 170 points and a 4th-place team finish. Bailee Webster scored all 170 points, placing 2nd in the women’s all-around. She finished 3rd in goat tying and 5th in team roping.
Heading into the spring season, CSI’s men lead the regional standings with 3,980 points. The women are 8th with 300.
BOISE STATE: ATHLETICS REVENUE LEADERSHIP
Boise State is bringing in a new leader to grow ticket sales, strengthen donor relationships and improve the fan experience. Austin Tyrrell has been named associate athletic director of revenue generation and membership development. He’ll oversee ticket operations, premium seating, parking and Bronco Athletic Association membership.
Tyrrell comes to Boise after 5 years with Learfield Amplify, including stops at Alabama, St. Thomas and Vanderbilt. During his time at Alabama, his team increased softball ticket revenue by 31% and delivered consecutive men’s basketball season-ticket sellouts.
Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey says Tyrrell’s experience will help generate resources for Boise State athletes while building stronger relationships with fans. Tyrrell is also a former college football tight end, having played at Stetson University.
BOISE STATE: DANIELSON DODD TROPHY WATCH LIST
Boise State’s Spencer Danielson is getting national recognition as the Broncos head into the second half of the season. He’s 1 of 18 coaches on the Dodd Trophy midseason watch list—and the only Pac-12 coach selected. The award recognizes success on the field, along with academics, leadership and integrity.
Boise State is 5-1, riding a 5-game winning streak and ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press poll and No. 24 in the coaches poll.
Danielson will pursue his 30th career victory October 24 against Washington State. He’s 29-9 and has guided the Broncos to 3 consecutive conference championships, joining Lincoln Riley as the only coaches to win FBS conference titles in each of their first 3 seasons.
This is Danielson’s second appearance on the midseason watch list. The winner will be announced during Peach Bowl week in Atlanta.
IDAHO STATE VOLLEYBALL: WEBER STATE LOSS
Three double-doubles weren’t enough for Idaho State volleyball Tuesday night, as the Bengals fell to Weber State in 4 sets in Pocatello. ISU took the second set, but the Wildcats won the match 25-14, 23-25, 25-19 and 25-23.
Annelie Wilson led Idaho State with 15 kills and 11 digs. Mia Walsh added 12 kills and 13 digs, while setter Nora Waddoups finished with 21 assists and 23 digs.
The Bengals had a slight edge in kills, 53-52, but committed season highs of 26 attack errors and 10 service errors. Weber State finished with the better hitting percentage.
Idaho State looks to bounce back tomorrow when Northern Colorado visits Reed Gym.
IDAHO STATE FOOTBALL: TRAIN BELL RIVALRY
The Train Bell is on the line Saturday—and Idaho State has a chance to do something it hasn’t done in more than 60 years. The 21st-ranked Bengals visit Weber State looking for their 3rd straight win in the rivalry, a streak they last put together from 1962 through 1964. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. in Ogden, with coverage on ESPN+.
Idaho State is 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the Big Sky after a heartbreaking 25-24 loss to Cal Poly. The Mustangs scored the winning touchdown with 40 seconds left, despite a perfect 5-for-5 field-goal performance from Bengal kicker Mason Lindberg.
Weber State comes in at 4-3, with a 3-1 conference record after beating Idaho 38-27. The Wildcats ran for 305 yards in that victory and average nearly 38 points a game.
Turnovers could be a deciding factor. Idaho State is plus-10 in turnover margin, while Weber State is minus-8. The Bengals are also unbeaten in 2 road games this season as they look to bring the Train Bell home again.
IDAHO STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER: ROAD PREVIEW
Idaho State women’s soccer is taking its search for a first Big Sky win on the road. The Bengals visit Montana tomorrow at 3 p.m., then face Portland State Sunday at 2 p.m. Mountain Time. Both matches stream on ESPN+.
ISU enters the trip at 2-7-4 overall and 0-2-2 in conference play. Both Bengal victories this season came away from home, and they’re averaging just over 13 shots a game—3rd in the Big Sky.
Saydree Cooke leads Idaho State with 7 points on 2 goals and 3 assists. Samantha Fenske leads the team with 30 shots, including 13 on goal, while goalkeeper Aliya Garrett has recorded 4 shutouts and 40 saves.
Montana is 3-7, and the Bengals are looking for their first win over the Grizzlies since 2017. Portland State enters the week at 2-9. Idaho State beat the Vikings 1-0 last season.
IDAHO FOOTBALL: LITTLE BROWN STEIN RIVALRY
The Little Brown Stein is up for grabs Saturday as Idaho football heads to Missoula to take on Montana. It’s the 92nd meeting between the rivals, with the Vandals leading the series 57-32-2. Their last 3 matchups have all been decided by 11 points or fewer.
Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood leads the Big Sky with nearly 284 passing yards per game. The Vandals are coming off a season-high 496 yards of offense against Weber State.
But Montana brings plenty of firepower. Running back Eli Gillman leads the conference with 877 rushing yards, quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat has thrown 17 touchdown passes against just 2 interceptions, and Brooks Davis leads the league in catches and receiving yards.
The Grizzlies have been ranked in the top 10 all season. Idaho has already knocked off then-No. 1 Montana State and now looks for another major win—with a rivalry trophy attached. Saturday’s game will air on Scripps Sports.
IDAHO VOLLEYBALL: HOME MATCHES
Idaho volleyball is back home and looking to climb the Big Sky standings. After 4 straight road matches, the Vandals host Portland State tomorrow and Northern Arizona Saturday at Memorial Gym. Both matches start at 7 p.m. Mountain Time and stream on ESPN+.
Idaho is 10-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play, chasing its first conference tournament appearance in 6 years. Portland State comes in at 6-11 and has yet to win on the road in 8 tries.
Saturday brings a tougher test against Northern Arizona, which enters the week at 11-7, with a 4-2 conference record and 3 straight wins.
Saturday is also Idaho’s Spike Out Cancer match. Fans are encouraged to wear pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
WEATHER
MORNING DRIVE
A frosty start to your Wednesday, then sunshine and a high of 61. Winds could gust to 21 miles an hour. Mostly clear tonight, down to 38, with patchy frost by morning. Thursday brings sunshine and 66 after early frost and patchy fog. We’ll warm into the low 70s Friday and this weekend.
AFTERNOON DRIVE
Sunshine this afternoon with a high near 61, and winds gusting to 21 miles an hour. Mostly clear tonight, dropping to 38, with patchy frost by daybreak. Thursday starts with frost and patchy fog, then sunshine and a high of 66. The warming trend continues with low 70s and sunshine Friday through the weekend.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT
Mostly clear tonight, with a low of 38 and patchy frost toward daybreak. Thursday starts with areas of frost and a little patchy fog, then sunshine takes over with a high of 66. Clear to mostly clear Thursday night, back down to 38. Sunshine sticks around Friday through the weekend, with highs in the low 70s.
EXTENDED FORECAST
Thursday: Patchy fog between 8am and 9am. Areas of frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Areas of frost after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 38. East southeast wind around 6 mph.
Friday: Areas of frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 41.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 72.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 46.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
- Your Daily Briefing – 10/14/2026 - October 14, 2026
- Cornell University faculty to begin debating no-confidence resolution - October 14, 2026
- Following gang rape allegations, Cornell suspends frat parties for remainder of year - October 13, 2026
