RAFT RIVER — FALLEN FIREFIGHTER IDENTIFIED
We’re learning the identity of the Southern Idaho firefighter who lost his life in a tragic firetruck crash earlier this week.
Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner has identified the fallen firefighter as 24-year-old Joseph Wyatt Gates of Raft River.
Gates was one of two volunteer firefighters inside a Raft River Fire District truck that went off East Yale Road in Cassia County around 9 o’clock Monday night.
Both firefighters suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, where Gates later died.
The condition of the second firefighter has not been released.
Coroner Danner praised Gates for his courage, dedication and commitment to serving his community, while offering heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate what caused the crash.
Gates was just 24 years old.
HAGERMAN — MONDAY WATER SHUTDOWN AND BOIL-WATER NOTICE
Some Hagerman residents will be without water Monday, and they’ll need to take extra precautions even after service is restored.
City officials say construction crews will shut off water to portions of northeastern Hagerman on Monday, November 9th, from 9 in the morning until approximately 2 in the afternoon.
The affected area includes neighborhoods near Highway 30, Cemetery Road, Valley Road, Hagerman Cemetery and the Billingsley Creek Campground area.
And here’s what’s important. Once water service is restored, affected residents will be under a boil-water notice for up to two days.
That means water used for drinking, cooking and food preparation must be boiled before use.
The shutdown only affects properties within the designated orange area on the city’s map.
Residents are encouraged to stock up on drinking water ahead of Monday’s shutdown and watch for updates on when the boil-water notice is lifted.
IDAHO ELECTION — RECORD MIDTERM TURNOUT AND HOURS-LONG LINES
Idaho voters turned out in record numbers for Tuesday’s midterm election, but for some, casting a ballot meant waiting well into Wednesday morning!
Secretary of State Phil McGrane says the final voter in Canyon County didn’t cast their ballot until 12:20 Wednesday morning, more than four hours after polls officially closed.
Some voters waited in line for more than four hours, with high turnout, lengthy ballots and limited polling space contributing to the delays.
Statewide, nearly 732-thousand Idahoans cast ballots, setting a new midterm election record.
Preliminary figures show turnout at about 69 percent, although that percentage is expected to drop as more than 43-thousand Election Day registrations are processed.
Proposition One, the abortion rights ballot initiative that voters rejected, was among the biggest drivers of turnout.
McGrane says election officials are reviewing what went wrong in Canyon County, including whether more polling locations are needed.
Idaho’s election results are scheduled to become official November 24th.
IDAHO AMENDMENTS — DRUG AUTHORITY REJECTED, OFFICIAL ENGLISH APPROVED
Idaho voters have made their voices heard on two proposed changes to the state constitution, rejecting one amendment while overwhelmingly approving another.
House Joint Resolution Four, which would have given the Idaho Legislature exclusive authority to legalize psychoactive substances, including marijuana, was defeated by a wide margin.
More than 470-thousand voters said no, compared to nearly 240-thousand voting yes. The measure received just 34 percent support.
The defeat means Idaho citizens retain their ability to pursue legalization through the state’s ballot initiative process.
Meanwhile, voters approved House Joint Resolution Six, making English the official language of Idaho’s constitution.
The measure passed with more than 63 percent support and establishes English as the language for official government proceedings, documents and public school instruction, with exceptions required by federal law.
Twin Falls School District officials say they don’t expect the amendment to affect their English-Spanish dual immersion program, noting that foreign language instruction is not prohibited.
Both amendments required a simple majority to pass.
POCATELLO — COUNCIL AUTHORIZES FUNDING FOR VICTOR PEREZ SETTLEMENT
A major development in the case of a Pocatello teenager who was fatally shot by police last year.
The Pocatello City Council voted unanimously last night to authorize funding for a 4-point-5-million-dollar settlement with the family of Victor Perez.
Perez was a 17-year-old nonverbal autistic teenager with cerebral palsy who was shot by police in April of 2025.
Officers were responding to a reported disturbance when they encountered Perez holding a knife. The shooting happened within seconds of their arrival. The officers were later cleared of criminal wrongdoing.
Under the proposed settlement, Perez’s grandfather, mother and sister would receive compensation, with funding coming from city reserves and insurance.
During last night’s meeting, council members raised concerns about transparency and how the city has handled the case publicly.
Mayor Mark Dahlquist says the payment has been authorized, but the settlement isn’t completely finalized.
The city expects that process to be completed next week, when officials plan to release additional details.
ADA COUNTY — COURT ORDERS PARTIAL RELEASE OF DEPUTY’S BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE
The Idaho Supreme Court has ruled that portions of body camera footage from an Ada County deputy killed in the line of duty must be made public.
Deputy Tobin Bolter was shot and killed during a traffic stop in April of 2024.
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford announced the court’s decision yesterday, saying his office had fought for more than two years to protect Bolter’s family from having to relive the tragedy.
Under the ruling, portions of the footage leading up to the shooting can be released, but video showing Bolter’s final moments and first responders’ efforts to save his life will remain private.
Clifford says the decision establishes an important precedent for protecting the privacy of fallen officers and their families.
While expressing disappointment that any footage would be released, the sheriff says his office will comply with the ruling.
He also thanked Idahoans for their continued support of Bolter’s family and the sheriff’s office.
ALBERTSONS — $900 MILLION OPIOID JUDGMENT
Boise-based grocery giant Albertsons has been ordered to pay 900-million dollars in a major opioid lawsuit in Washington state.
A King County Superior Court judge ruled yesterday that the company’s pharmacies repeatedly failed to prevent the misuse of prescription opioids, contributing to Washington’s opioid crisis.
According to the state’s Attorney General’s Office, Albertsons pharmacies dispensed more than 641-million opioid pills between 2006 and 2022.
Investigators say the company filled prescriptions flagged for potential misuse more than 6-point-5-million times without properly documenting efforts to verify their legitimacy.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says the judgment will help fund addiction treatment and prevention programs.
Albertsons, which operates pharmacies under the Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen names, says it strongly disagrees with the ruling and is considering an appeal.
The case dates back to 2022, and Albertsons was the last remaining defendant after other pharmacy chains settled or declared bankruptcy.
BYU-IDAHO — MISSIONARY DEFERMENTS INCREASE, ENROLLMENT REMAINS STEADY
A major increase in students leaving to serve church missions is having an impact on enrollment at BYU-Idaho, but university officials say overall numbers remain relatively stable.
The Rexburg university reports about a thousand more students deferred their enrollment this fall compared to last year to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The increase follows the church’s decision last November to lower the minimum missionary age for women from 19 to 18.
Despite those additional deferments, campus-based enrollment dropped just 1-point-4 percent, with more than 24-thousand students enrolled this semester.
The university estimates approximately 22-thousand students are currently living in Rexburg.
And when you include more than 24-thousand online students enrolled through a partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide, total enrollment in BYU-Idaho courses reaches more than 48-thousand students this fall.
FRIDAY SPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA — MAGIC VALLEY FOOTBALL QUARTERFINALS
The road to an Idaho high school football state championship continues today, and eight Magic Valley teams are still in the hunt! Seven take the field today, with one more playing tomorrow!
In Class 5A, the Twin Falls Bruins travel to Hillcrest for a 7 o’clock kickoff tonight, following last week’s 6-nothing victory over Bonneville.
In 4A, the Kimberly Bulldogs head to Weiser, with kickoff also set for 7 tonight.
Three area teams are in action tonight in Class 2A. Oakley visits Wallace at 5:30, Raft River travels to Butte County for a 6 o’clock kickoff, and Snake River Conference champion Hagerman hosts Kamiah at 7.
In Class 1A, two afternoon matchups highlight today’s schedule. Castleford visits unbeaten Rockland at 2, while Carey hosts Salmon River at 3.
And tomorrow afternoon, the 8-and-1 Declo Hornets open their Class 3A postseason run at home against Logos. Kickoff is set for 1 o’clock Saturday.
Eight area teams, eight quarterfinal matchups, and a trip to the state semifinals on the line!
BOISE STATE FOOTBALL — BRONCOS SEEK EIGHTH STRAIGHT WIN
The Boise State Broncos are riding a seven-game winning streak, and tomorrow they’re looking to make it eight in a row!
The 20th-ranked Broncos head to Fort Collins to take on Colorado State, with kickoff set for 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon.
Boise State is coming off a thrilling 46-to-45 comeback victory over Texas State, improving to 7-and-1 overall and remaining the only unbeaten team in Pac-12 conference play at 4-and-0.
Freshman receiver Rasean Jones had a breakout performance last week, hauling in nine catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns.
And running back Dylan Riley continues to lead the nation in rushing, with 1,049 yards on the season.
The Broncos also debuted at number 25 in the first College Football Playoff rankings.
Boise State has won 13 of its 14 all-time meetings with Colorado State, including a 49-to-21 victory last season.
A win tomorrow would also secure the Broncos’ 29th consecutive winning season, the longest active streak in college football.
Kickoff tomorrow is at 4 o’clock Mountain Time, with national television coverage on USA Sports.
CSI VOLLEYBALL — DISTRICT PLAYOFF BERTH AFTER CONFERENCE FINAL LOSS
The College of Southern Idaho volleyball team came up just short of a conference championship, but the Golden Eagles still have a shot at the national tournament!
Ninth-ranked CSI fell to third-ranked Salt Lake in four tightly contested sets yesterday afternoon, 25-19, 23-25, 25-27 and 23-25.
The Golden Eagles came out strong, winning the opening set, but Salt Lake rallied to take the next three, each by just two points.
Vivian Goto led CSI with 14 kills, while Emma Pannell and Laura Grasel added 13 apiece. Emerson Heatwole recorded a match-high 22 digs.
Goto, Grasel and Heatwole were all named to the Region 18 All-Tournament Team.
Now, CSI heads to Yuma, Arizona, for a must-win district playoff against 12th-ranked Arizona Western on Monday.
The winner earns an automatic berth to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, beginning November 18th.
For the Golden Eagles, the road to a national championship is still very much alive!
IDAHO STATE VOLLEYBALL — BENGALS END UTAH TECH’S WINNING STREAK
One of the biggest upsets of the college volleyball season happened last night in Pocatello, where Idaho State knocked off Utah Tech and ended the nation’s longest winning streak!
The Bengals stunned the Trailblazers in four sets, winning 25-16, 18-25, 25-20 and 29-27 inside Reed Gym.
Utah Tech entered the match riding a 16-match winning streak and was unbeaten in Big Sky Conference play.
Freshman Mia Walsh delivered a career-defining performance, leading Idaho State with 21 kills and 10 digs. Watts added 16 kills, while Gracie Vohs contributed 13.
Aspen Boice recorded 21 digs and 10 assists as the Bengals finished with 67 kills on the night.
The victory improves Idaho State to 16-and-9 overall and 8-and-5 in conference play, while handing Utah Tech its first conference loss of the season.
Now, the Bengals look to build on that momentum when they host Southern Utah tomorrow afternoon.
First serve is set for noon Saturday at Reed Gym in Pocatello!
IDAHO VOLLEYBALL — VANDALS LOOK TO REBOUND AGAINST EASTERN WASHINGTON
The Idaho Vandals volleyball team is looking to bounce back after a tough night at home against Northern Colorado!
The Vandals fell in straight sets yesterday evening at Memorial Gym in Moscow, despite jumping out to early leads in the first two sets.
Idaho held a 20-to-13 advantage late in the opening set before Northern Colorado rallied to steal the win, 25-to-23.
The Bears carried that momentum into the next two sets to complete the sweep.
Kiana Greer led the Vandals with 11 kills and 13 digs, recording another double-double. Csenge Krakoczki added 16 assists, while she and Keira Kleidon each finished with 12 digs.
Now, Idaho looks to get back on track tomorrow night when the Vandals host Eastern Washington at 7 o’clock inside Memorial Gym.
And it’s a full day of Vandal athletics in Moscow, with Idaho football also hosting Eastern Washington tomorrow afternoon.
Fans attending the football game can get into the volleyball match free by showing their football ticket!
BOISE STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER — THIRD STRAIGHT CONFERENCE TITLE — VERSION 1
Make it three straight conference championships for the Boise State women’s soccer team!
The Broncos captured a share of the Pac-12 regular-season title last night with a 1-nothing shutout victory over Washington State.
The match remained scoreless until the 77th minute, when Cindy Conner found the back of the net off an assist from Madie Donovan.
Goalkeeper Ava de Leest was outstanding, recording six saves and earning her 11th shutout of the season.
Boise State finishes the regular season at 14-2-and-2, sharing the conference championship with Utah State. It’s the first time in program history the Broncos have won three consecutive regular-season conference titles.
The victory was also Boise State’s first-ever win over Washington State.
Next up, the Broncos head to Logan, Utah, as the number two seed in the Pac-12 Tournament.
They’ll face third-seeded San Diego State in Wednesday’s semifinals, with kickoff set for 4 o’clock Mountain Time.
BOISE STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER — THIRD STRAIGHT CONFERENCE TITLE — VERSION 2
Three straight conference championships! The Boise State women’s soccer team has done something never before accomplished in program history!
The Broncos secured a share of the Pac-12 regular-season title last night with a 1-nothing victory over Washington State.
Cindy Conner delivered the game-winning goal in the 77th minute off an assist from Madie Donovan, while goalkeeper Ava de Leest recorded six saves for her 11th shutout of the season.
Boise State finishes the regular season at 14-2-and-2, sharing the conference championship with Utah State.
It’s the Broncos’ third consecutive regular-season conference title and their first-ever victory over Washington State.
Now, Boise State heads to Logan, Utah, as the number two seed in the Pac-12 Tournament.
The Broncos face third-seeded San Diego State Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock in the semifinals, with a trip to the championship match on the line!
IDAHO STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER — BENGALS SECURE TOURNAMENT BERTH
The Idaho State women’s soccer team is headed back to the postseason for the first time in three years, despite a tough finish to the regular season!
The Bengals suffered a 9-to-1 loss to Weber State yesterday afternoon in Ogden, Utah, but still secured the sixth and final spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament.
Samantha Fenske scored Idaho State’s lone goal on a penalty kick in the 19th minute, briefly tying the match at one apiece.
Weber State took a 2-to-1 lead into halftime before erupting for seven goals in the second half.
Despite the loss, the Bengals have earned their first conference tournament appearance since 2023.
Now, Idaho State heads to Missoula, Montana, where they’ll face third-seeded Northern Arizona in Wednesday’s opening round.
The two teams battled to a 2-to-2 draw in their last meeting on October 29th.
Kickoff Wednesday morning is set for 10:30, with a chance to advance in the Big Sky Tournament!
IDAHO WOMEN’S SOCCER — VANDALS TURN TO POSTSEASON AFTER FINALE LOSS
The Idaho Vandals women’s soccer team dominated the shot count but couldn’t find the back of the net in their regular-season finale yesterday afternoon.
Idaho fell to Eastern Washington 1-nothing in Cheney, Washington, despite outshooting the Eagles 14-to-6.
Eastern Washington scored the game’s only goal in the 29th minute, when Ella Hyde found the net to give the Eagles the lead.
The Vandals kept the pressure on throughout the match, putting six shots on goal and holding Eastern Washington to just one shot in the second half.
Miranda Goldner led Idaho with three shots, while freshman Quinn Mueller added two shots on goal.
Now, the Vandals turn their attention to postseason play, where they’ll face Utah Tech in Missoula, Montana.
Kickoff for that matchup is scheduled for 1:30 Mountain Time, with Idaho looking to keep its championship hopes alive!
IDAHO WOMEN’S BASKETBALL — VANDALS VISIT GONZAGA
It’s an early-season showdown between two defending conference champions tonight, as the Idaho Vandals women’s basketball team travels to Spokane to take on Gonzaga!
Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 1-and-0.
Idaho opened its season with an impressive 24-point victory over Saint Martin’s, led by Ella Uriarte with 12 points and a career-high four steals.
Hope Hassmann, Keanna Salave’a and Brynna Pukis each added 11 points, while Salave’a pulled down nine rebounds.
The Vandals are coming off a championship season that saw them capture both the Big Sky regular-season and tournament titles.
Gonzaga also reached last year’s NCAA Tournament after winning the West Coast Conference Tournament championship.
Tonight marks the 37th all-time meeting between the two programs and their first since 2018.
Following tonight’s game, Idaho heads to Pullman on Monday to face Washington State, with tipoff set for 11 o’clock in the morning.
MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER — MORNING DRIVE
We’re wrapping up the workweek with plenty of sunshine across the Magic Valley! Look for sunny skies today with a high near 54 and light winds. Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 34. Tomorrow, mostly sunny and 58, with temperatures climbing to 60 on Sunday and 61 Monday. A beautiful weekend ahead!
MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER — AFTERNOON DRIVE
A beautiful Friday afternoon across the Magic Valley, with plenty of sunshine and highs near 54. Tonight, we’ll see partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to around 34. Tomorrow looks even better, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 58. Sunday warms up to 60, and we’re looking at more sunshine and highs in the lower 60s to start next week!
MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER — EVENING/OVERNIGHT
A beautiful weekend is shaping up across the Magic Valley! Tonight, look for partly cloudy skies with temperatures dipping to around 34. Tomorrow brings plenty of sunshine and a high near 58. Saturday night, mostly clear with a low around 35. Sunday looks even warmer, with sunshine and a high near 60. And that pleasant weather continues into next week, with highs in the lower 60s!
MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER — EXTENDED FORECAST
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. East wind 5 to 9 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. East wind 7 to 9 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
Veterans Day: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
- Your Daily Briefing – 11/06/2026 - November 6, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – 11/05/2026 - November 5, 2026
- Your Daily Briefing – November 4, 2026 - November 5, 2026
