ELECTIONS & BALLOT MEASURES
PROPOSITION 1 — CHURCH DONATIONS BOOST OPPOSITION
Two large church donations are boosting the campaign against Idaho’s Proposition 1 abortion rights initiative. The Too Extreme for Idaho political action committee raised nearly $1.5 million since late September, including $1 million from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and $300,000 from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise. That brings the opposition PAC’s total fundraising to just over $4 million.
Supporters still lead in overall fundraising. Idahoans United for Women and Families has collected more than $5.6 million, including more than $630,000 since September 29. Its largest recent contributions were $250,000 from the Washington, D.C.-based Government That Works PAC and $200,000 from Oklahoma billionaire philanthropist Lynn Schusterman.
Meanwhile, reported spending directly supporting or opposing Proposition 1 has topped $2.5 million. Opponents reported more than $1.4 million, while Idahoans United reported $1.1 million in support.
Those spending figures come with some context: Idaho’s secretary of state asked campaign finance filers to reclassify ballot-measure spending as independent expenditures. That reporting change likely explains part of the increase in that category.
HJR 6 — ENGLISH LANGUAGE AMENDMENT
English is already Idaho’s official language, but voters will decide November 3 whether to put that requirement into the state constitution.
House Joint Resolution 6 would require English in public proceedings, documents, instruction and other public acts, except when federal law requires otherwise. A constitutional requirement would be harder to change than existing state law.
University of Idaho law professor Richard Seamon says questions remain about how the amendment could affect existing exceptions, including foreign language classes and services for students learning English. He expects federal law would still require schools to help students access their education, but says interpretation of the amendment could lead to lawsuits.
Idaho Hispanic Foundation Executive Director Mari Ramos says her organization supports helping people learn English. Her concern is whether families could lose access to important information while they’re learning.
STATE GOVERNMENT & COURTS
HEALTH INSURANCE — LAWMAKERS ADVANCE PROPOSALS
Long waits for insurance approvals and delayed payments to medical providers are drawing attention at the Idaho Statehouse. A legislative working group voted yesterday to move forward with plans for health insurance bills that lawmakers could consider in January.
One priority is prior authorization—the process insurers use to decide whether they’ll cover certain treatments before patients receive them. Patients and providers say that process can delay care and create more paperwork. A bill seeking clearer timelines and more transparency failed to get a committee hearing earlier this year.
Other proposals would establish standards for timely payments, create a uniform process for approving providers to participate in insurance networks, and require the Idaho Department of Insurance to report data on payment delays and coverage denials.
The working group formed after a contract dispute between Portneuf Medical Center and Regence BlueShield of Idaho. That dispute has since been resolved.
The proposals are still being developed. Any changes would need approval from the Legislature.
OPENAI LAWSUIT — IDAHO ALLEGES CONSUMER PROTECTION VIOLATIONS
Idaho is taking OpenAI to court, alleging the company behind ChatGPT misled consumers about its safety and put children at risk.
Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced the lawsuit yesterday, joining attorneys general in 7 other states filing separate cases against the company.
Idaho’s complaint, filed in Ada County, alleges violations of the state’s Consumer Protection Act. It accuses OpenAI of overstating ChatGPT’s safety and reliability, failing to disclose data collection from children under 13, and failing to adequately warn users about potential harm.
The state is seeking $5,000 for each alleged violation, along with damages, restitution and additional safety requirements. The allegations have not been proven in court.
OpenAI says it continues to strengthen safeguards, including parental controls, break reminders and age-specific protections. A company spokesperson says no system is perfect and that OpenAI is committed to working with states on policies covering the entire artificial intelligence industry.
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE PROTEST — SECOND TRESPASSING CONVICTION
A 2nd protester has been convicted of trespassing following an April demonstration inside Governor Brad Little’s office. An Ada County jury found Andrea Rane guilty of the misdemeanor Tuesday. She was among 9 people arrested April 1 after refusing to leave during a protest over legislation affecting transgender Idahoans.
Prosecutors said Rane stayed after the office closed at 5 p.m., despite repeated warnings from Idaho State Police. Jurors watched body camera footage showing a trooper giving protesters 5 minutes to leave.
The defense questioned whether someone with the proper authority had ordered Rane out. Rane testified she wanted to speak with an elected official about the legislation, and that no governor’s office employee directly told her to leave.
The Reverend Sara LaWall was convicted of trespassing in September in connection with the same protest. Rane’s sentencing is scheduled for October 23.
LOCAL SCHOOLS & PUBLIC SERVICES
MINICO HIGH SCHOOL — HVAC WORK CLOSES CAMPUS
No school today or tomorrow for Minico High School students while crews work on the building’s heating and ventilation system. The Minidoka County School District has also canceled parent-teacher conferences for both days.
The closure follows an unusual odor in a classroom Tuesday after the furnace was turned on. Students and staff moved to the library while first responders and Intermountain Gas investigated. The district says testing found levels well below toxic thresholds, and a faulty component was identified in an HVAC unit.
Intermountain Gas and the fire department returned Wednesday. The district says readings remained extremely low and nontoxic. Three of the school’s 4 HVAC units have been shut off while work continues.
Student progress reports will be sent home. Families can contact teachers to arrange a conversation next week.
Sporting events will continue because they’re being held outdoors or away from campus.
RUPERT — HIGHWAY 25 RAILROAD CROSSING CLOSURE
Drivers in Rupert will need to plan a different route next week. The railroad crossing at State Highway 25 and Oneida Street will close October 22 through October 26 for replacement.
The crossing will be completely closed to traffic in both directions. Rupert Police urge drivers to use alternate routes and allow extra travel time.
The department says the full closure will help crews finish the work as quickly as possible.
TWIN FALLS — IRRIGATION SEASON ENDS MONDAY
Irrigation season is wrapping up in Twin Falls. The Twin Falls Canal Company will close its diversion gates at Milner Dam Monday, October 19, ending seasonal deliveries to the canal system.
The city will then begin shutting down and winterizing its pressurized irrigation stations. Subdivisions connected to that system won’t receive irrigation water again until next spring, typically in April.
Homeowners are responsible for winterizing their own sprinkler systems. Shutting off the water supply alone won’t protect pipes, valves and sprinkler heads from freezing. Turn off your irrigation valve and automatic timer, and arrange to have remaining water removed from the system.
Not every neighborhood uses pressurized irrigation. You can check your subdivision’s station status on the City of Twin Falls website.
MISSING PERSONS & LOCAL COURTS
KEVIN JAY BOWMAN — MISSING PERSON CASE REACHES 16 YEARS
A Twin Falls missing person case reached the 16-year mark yesterday, and detectives are renewing their call for information. Kevin Jay Bowman’s last known contact with family, friends and his employer was October 14, 2010. His mother reported him missing in July 2011. About 4 months later, investigators found his vehicle abandoned in a remote area outside Wells, Nevada.
Bowman’s last confirmed location was Twin Falls, although he also had family connections in Nevada and California. Twin Falls Police say the case remains active, and their Special Investigations Unit continues to pursue leads.
Detectives want to hear from anyone who knows something about Bowman, his vehicle or his disappearance—even details that might seem insignificant. Call Twin Falls Police at 208-735-4357, or send a tip through the department’s Facebook Messenger. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 208-343-COPS.
TWIN FALLS EMBEZZLEMENT — SENTENCING POSTPONED
Sentencing has been postponed until Friday afternoon for a woman who pleaded guilty to stealing from a Twin Falls engineering firm.
Jennifer A. Williamson, 52, was scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday for grand theft and forgery. But an illness involving her public defender kept her from fully reviewing her pre-sentence investigation.
Prosecutors say Williamson is also about $3,000 short of the roughly $30,000 in restitution she promised to pay before sentencing. Deputy prosecutor Kevin Kohtz says he would not consider that shortfall a breach of her plea agreement.
Williamson originally faced 10 felony charges after investigators said she embezzled money from the firm over 2 years. She pleaded guilty in July to 1 count each of grand theft and forgery. Both sides can argue for the sentence they believe is appropriate.
BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT
ALBERTSONS-KROGER — FAILED MERGER RETURNS TO COURT
The failed Albertsons-Kroger merger is headed back to court—with billions of dollars now at stake. Boise-based Albertsons is seeking $8 billion in damages, plus a $600 million breakup fee, in a Delaware trial scheduled to begin October 19.
Albertsons argues Kroger failed to do enough to win regulatory approval for the deal. It accuses Kroger of protecting its profit targets, refusing to sell off enough valuable assets and ignoring regulators’ concerns.
Kroger disputes those claims, saying it spent more than $1 billion trying to complete the merger before regulators and the courts blocked it. Kroger also argues Albertsons pulled out too quickly after the ruling, leaving no opportunity for an appeal or another agreement with federal regulators.
The companies also disagree over the breakup fee. Albertsons says it’s owed the money under their contract. Kroger says Albertsons failed to meet its own obligations, making that fee invalid.
MOUNTAIN HOME — TRIBAL CASINO RESORT PROPOSAL
A proposed casino resort near Mountain Home could bring a major development to 157 acres near exit 95. Shoshone-Bannock tribal leaders met with the mayor and City Council Tuesday, asking for continued support as the project moves through federal review.
Plans include a casino with 2,000 gaming machines, a 250-room hotel, 6 dining options, an event center, a movie theater and a bowling alley. The initial cost estimate was $311 million.
Tribal leaders say the Department of the Interior’s environmental assessment is in its final stages, including a review of water and sewage concerns. The land would then need to be placed into trust before the project could move forward.
Tribal Chairman Nathan Small says construction and demand for local goods and services would benefit the community. The tribes estimate the development would bring at least 1,200 jobs to Mountain Home.
FIRE SAFETY & PUBLIC LANDS
IDAHO — CLOSED FIRE SEASON ENDS OCTOBER 20
Idaho’s closed fire season ends next Tuesday—but fire officials say the wildfire risk doesn’t end with it. October 20 marks the end of the annual period when state burn permits are required for most outdoor burning. Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management Chief Josh Harvey urges people to keep using caution, whether they’re burning yard waste, clearing slash or gathering around a hunting campfire. Free burn permits remain available year-round to help authorities tell planned burns from possible wildfires. Crop residue permits are handled separately through the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Before lighting a fire, clear vegetation within 10 feet, keep water and a shovel nearby, and never leave it unattended.
OWYHEE COUNTY — BIG GRASS FIRE CLOSURE LIFTED
Public access is back open on BLM-managed lands in Owyhee County that had been closed because of the Big Grass Fire. The Bureau of Land Management’s Owyhee and Bruneau field offices lifted the closure yesterday, October 14. The announcement reopens the affected public lands in southwestern Idaho.
THURSDAY SPORTS — HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL — RESULTS & TODAY’S MATCHUPS
District tournament volleyball is keeping courts busy across the Magic Valley, with Dietrich, Lighthouse Christian and Castleford all picking up wins yesterday.
At Castleford, Dietrich beat Richfield 3 sets to 1, Lighthouse Christian topped Camas County 3 to 1, and Castleford swept Hansen 3 to nothing.
Today’s schedule starts at Carey, where Hansen faces Camas County at 4:30. Lighthouse Christian meets Castleford at 6—a matchup of teams with 14 wins apiece. Dietrich takes on Carey at 7:30.
At Hagerman, Oakley and Raft River open at 5:30, followed by Murtaugh against Hagerman at 7:30.
At Valley, Glenns Ferry faces Shoshone at 5:30. Then Sun Valley Community School takes on a Valley team sporting a 21-and-2 record at 7:30.
Also tonight, Twin Falls hosts Burley and Wood River hosts Minico, both at 6. Mountain Home visits Nampa at 6:30.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
BOISE STATE — TELEVISION SCHEDULE RELEASED
Boise State basketball fans can start planning their viewing schedules—and circle a February visit from Gonzaga. The Pac-12 released its television lineup yesterday, with 22 of the Broncos’ 31 regular-season games set for TV, including all 16 conference matchups.
USA will carry 9 games, CBS Sports Network gets 7, the CW has 5, and the Big Ten Network will show 1. The first televised game is November 8, when Boise State hosts Butler at noon Mountain Time on USA.
One of the biggest dates is February 10. Gonzaga visits ExtraMile Arena for the first time in more than 25 years, with tipoff at 6 on the CW.
The Broncos open conference play January 6 at Utah State. Their final home game is March 3 against Colorado State, before closing the regular season March 6 at San Diego State.
Games outside the television lineup will stream on the Pac-12’s YouTube page. The season begins November 4. Season tickets are available now, with single-game tickets coming later this month.
BIG SKY — IDAHO STATE PICKED NINTH
A nearly new roster and a chance to beat expectations—that’s the outlook for Idaho State men’s basketball. The Bengals were picked 9th in both Big Sky preseason polls released yesterday.
Coach Ryan Looney enters his 8th season with just 2 returning players: Quin Patterson and Landen Birley. The Bengals bring back less than 2 percent of last season’s scoring, and their roster includes 10 underclassmen. Idaho State finished last season 13-and-20 overall and 5-and-13 in conference play.
Montana State is the favorite in both polls, followed by Northern Colorado and Eastern Washington. Idaho, the defending Big Sky Tournament champion, was picked 6th in both.
The conference has a different look this season, too. Southern Utah and Utah Tech join, while Sacramento State leaves for the Big West, giving the Big Sky 11 men’s basketball teams.
Northern Colorado’s Langston Reynolds is the preseason Most Valuable Player. Idaho State opens November 2 on the road against Utah State in Logan.
BIG SKY — IDAHO PICKED SIXTH
Idaho has a Big Sky Tournament trophy to defend, but the preseason polls put the Vandals in the middle of the pack. Idaho was picked 6th by both coaches and media, although the Vandals did receive 1 first-place vote from the coaches.
Coach Alex Pribble brings back 4 players, including Kristian Gonzalez, who missed nearly all of last season with an injury. He returned with a game-high 24 points in Saturday’s exhibition against Boise State. Seth Joba, Miles Klapper and Will Jenson also return.
Among the newcomers is former Lapwai standout Kase Wynott, Idaho’s high school career scoring record holder, who transfers from Washington State. Another addition, Brady Kennison, led junior college basketball with 111 made 3-pointers last season.
The Vandals are also looking to build on a defense that made major strides during their championship run. They outrebounded Boise State 36 to 29 in the exhibition.
Idaho opens November 2 against George Fox at 7 p.m. in Moscow’s ICCU Arena. The schedule features 17 home games, with conference play beginning December 3 at Northern Colorado.
IDAHO BASKETBALL — “CHAMPIONS” DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
A championship season for Idaho basketball is heading to the big screen. Idaho Athletics will show “Champions,” a documentary following last season’s men’s and women’s teams, Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre in downtown Moscow.
The 90-minute film combines behind-the-scenes footage with interviews with head coaches Alex Pribble and Arthur Moreira, tracing both teams’ runs to Big Sky Tournament championships in Boise.
The men posted their first 20-win season in nearly a decade. The women set a program record with 29 wins and also captured the conference’s regular-season title. For the first time in school history, both teams reached the NCAA Tournament in the same season.
The film follows that journey from season-opening wins over Washington State to NCAA Tournament trips to Oklahoma. After Sunday’s screening, Pribble will take questions from the audience.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
IDAHO STATE — TRAIN BELL RIVALRY AT WEBER STATE
The Train Bell is on the line, and Idaho State is looking to get back on track. The Bengals head to Ogden Saturday to face rival Weber State, carrying a 4-and-2 record after 2 straight losses.
Coach Cody Hawkins says a faster offensive start comes down to execution: establish the run, avoid early mistakes and connect with open receivers. He wants the rivalry’s emotion to show up in the team’s preparation.
Defensive coordinator Grant Duff faces a familiar program in his first trip back to Ogden as a Bengal. He says slowing Weber State starts with stopping the Big Sky’s 2nd-leading rushing offense without leaving the secondary exposed.
Idaho State held Cal Poly to 118 rushing yards last week. Duff says disciplined play and forcing turnovers will be critical against a Weber State offense that can move the ball on the ground and through the air.
Special teams could also be a factor. Bengals kicker Mason Lindberg is coming off a 5-for-5 performance, while Hawkins warns the Wildcats have been dangerous blocking kicks.
Idaho State is trying to keep the rivalry’s Train Bell trophy in Pocatello.
BOISE STATE — KELLEN MOORE STATUE UNVEILING
One of Boise State’s biggest football legends is getting an 11-foot tribute. The Broncos will unveil a bronze statue of former quarterback Kellen Moore on October 31 outside Albertsons Stadium.
The statue will show Moore in his Boise State uniform near Entry 1 Plaza at the stadium’s northeast corner, close to the main entrance of the Bleymaier Football Center.
Moore led Boise State to a 50-and-3 record, earning more wins than any starting quarterback in college football history. He was also the program’s first Heisman Trophy finalist and entered the Boise State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
He later won a Super Bowl as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator and now leads the New Orleans Saints as head coach.
Moore’s statue will join the stadium’s tribute to legendary coach Lyle Smith. Fans are invited to the October 31 celebration, with the unveiling time still to be announced.
COLLEGE GOLF
IDAHO STATE — WOMEN CLOSE FALL WITH RECORD-BOOK PERFORMANCE
Idaho State women’s golf heads into its winter break with another entry in the school record book. The Bengals wrapped up their fall season yesterday in Las Cruces, New Mexico, shooting the 4th-lowest 54-hole total in program history.
Idaho State finished 14th out of 19 teams at the Golf Iconic Classic with a 902, finishing 38 over par. Erica Wang, Venus Yong and Sarah Chen shared the team lead at 8 over, tying for 42nd. Wang delivered the Bengals’ best round of the tournament with an even-par 72.
That closes a fall in which all 5 of Idaho State’s tournament totals landed among the program’s 20 best. The Bengals also shared the team championship at the Bradley Coyote Creek Classic and finished 2nd at the Sun Mountain Intercollegiate.
Senior Kaylie Parola led Idaho State with a 75.8 scoring average and 3 top-10 finishes. The Bengals return to competition March 4 through 7 in St. George, Utah.
WEATHER
AM DRIVE
Watch for patchy fog between 8 and 9 this morning. Otherwise, sunshine today with a high of 62 and light east winds this afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, down to 37. Sunny and warmer Friday, reaching 67. Weekend sunshine continues, with 71 Saturday and 67 Sunday. A slight shower chance returns Tuesday.
PM DRIVE
Sunshine for your afternoon drive, with a high near 62 and east winds up to 9 miles an hour. Mostly clear tonight, cooling to 37. Friday brings sunshine and a high of 67. A beautiful weekend ahead: sunny skies, 71 Saturday and 67 Sunday. A slight chance of showers returns Tuesday.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT
Mostly clear skies overnight, with a low of 37 and light southeast winds. Sunshine returns Friday, warming us to 67, then clear Friday night with a low of 39. Your weekend stays sunny, reaching 71 Saturday and 67 Sunday. Sunshine holds through Monday before a slight chance of showers Tuesday.
EXTENDED FORECAST
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 67. East wind 6 to 9 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. East wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 67.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 70.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
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