00:00 / 00:00
Slide
previous arrow
next arrow

CALL THE KAT KOUNTRY 106 REQUEST LINE!  (208) 436-KATT

Southern Idaho News - Friday, October 30th, 2026

Kat Kountry 106 - Southern Idaho News

🚨 LOCAL NEWS Friday October 30th

πŸš— Crash Shuts Down Eastbound I-84 Near Gooding-Jerome County Line

A traffic nightmare unfolded Thursday afternoon after a crash shut down eastbound Interstate 84 near the Gooding-Jerome County line.

The crash was reported around 2 p.m. near milepost 162, forcing authorities to close all eastbound lanes and leaving motorists stuck in significant delays.

Traffic was finally moving again about three hours later after crews reopened the highway.

So far, officials have not released information about what caused the crash or whether anyone was injured.

Drivers traveling through the area were reminded just how quickly an accident can bring traffic along one of Southern Idaho's busiest highways to a standstill. 🚧

πŸš” Twin Falls Police Pursuit Ends With Pickup Rolling, Driver Facing Felony Charges

A disturbance call in Twin Falls Wednesday night turned into a high-speed police pursuit, ending with a pickup truck rolling and a driver facing multiple felony charges.

Twin Falls County Sheriff's deputies say the incident began around 6:30 p.m. at Idaho Materials and Construction on Addison Avenue West.

As a deputy arrived, an adult male reportedly took off in an older Ford F-250.

The driver headed north on 2700 East, eventually leaving the roadway and traveling through a yard near 4000 North before returning to the road.

A deputy then used a PIT maneuver to stop the pickup. The truck struck the soft shoulder and rolled.

The suspect was taken to St. Luke's Magic Valley for a medical evaluation before being transported to the Twin Falls County Jail.

He's now facing charges of felony eluding, felony DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

πŸ—³οΈ Last Chance for Early Voting in Twin Falls County!

Time is running out for voters who want to cast their ballots before Tuesday's general election.

Friday is the final day of in-person early voting in Twin Falls County, with voting locations closing at 5 p.m.

And turnout is already running well ahead of the last midterm election.

County Clerk Kristina Glascock reports nearly 6,000 early ballots have been cast, almost 2,000 more than during the 2022 midterm election.

Voters will face a lengthy ballot this year, including candidates, resolutions, Proposition One and local levies depending on where they live.

Twin Falls voters will receive a two-page ballot printed on both sides, making it especially important to review the candidates and issues ahead of time.

You can preview your sample ballot at VoteIdaho.gov.

If you're voting absentee, completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Election officials recommend dropping them off in person rather than relying on mail this close to the deadline.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd, with polls open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

πŸ›οΈ Federal Election Monitors Heading to Idaho

With Election Day approaching, the Trump administration is sending federal election monitors to Idaho's largest county.

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane confirms approximately six Justice Department monitors will be stationed near polling locations in Ada County on Tuesday, November 3rd.

The monitors will wear plain clothes and will not be permitted inside polling places.

They're part of a nationwide effort involving approximately 1,000 federal observers across all 50 states. Their responsibility is to watch for potential violations of federal voting rights laws, including accessibility requirements for voters with disabilities.

McGrane says federal election monitoring is routine and has taken place under previous administrations. He doesn't expect voters to even notice the observers.

Meanwhile, nearly 157,000 absentee ballots have been issued statewide, compared with approximately 138,000 during the 2022 midterm election.

More than 98,000 absentee ballots have already been returned, with another 94,000 votes cast through early voting.

πŸš™ Deadly Pedestrian Crash on I-84 Near Meridian

A 26-year-old Nampa man is dead following an early Thursday morning crash on Interstate 84 near Meridian.

Idaho State Police say the collision happened around 3 a.m. near milepost 42.

Investigators report a 20-year-old Nampa man was driving a 2017 Ford Mustang eastbound when he struck a pedestrian walking in the eastbound lane of traffic.

The pedestrian died at the scene.

The eastbound on-ramp at the Ten Mile Road exit was closed for approximately three hours while emergency crews responded and investigators worked to determine what happened.

Idaho State Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

πŸŽ“ Idaho College Enrollment Drops for First Time Since Pandemic

Idaho's public colleges and universities are seeing enrollment decline for the first time since the COVID pandemic.

New figures show enrollment across the state's eight public colleges and universities dropped by nearly 600 students this fall, a decrease of approximately seven-tenths of one percent.

Here in the Magic Valley, the College of Southern Idaho reported 10,435 students, down about one percent from last year.

Idaho State University experienced a larger decline of nearly three percent, while Boise State enrollment remained relatively flat.

Education officials say it's too early to identify one specific reason for the decline. However, declining birth rates and increased competition for students are concerns being felt by colleges nationwide.

The numbers could also influence future decisions involving college funding, tuition and student financial aid.

🏫 Boise State Sets Record for Incoming Idaho Students

While college enrollment is slipping statewide, Boise State University has something to celebrate.

The university welcomed more than 2,300 new students from Idaho this fall, marking the largest incoming class of Idaho residents in school history.

That's an increase of nearly 26 percent since 2022.

Overall enrollment is holding steady at nearly 28,500 students, with the freshman class approaching 4,000.

Boise State says students are increasingly choosing career paths where Idaho needs workers, including nursing, engineering, construction management and medical technology.

University President David Hahn says the goal is to prepare graduates for careers that strengthen Idaho's economy.

The university also awarded more than 5,700 degrees during the last academic year, setting another school record. πŸŽ“

πŸ“£ Chrissy Teigen Visits Boise to Support Proposition One

A familiar celebrity stepped into Idaho's abortion debate Wednesday.

Model, author and television personality Chrissy Teigen visited Boise to campaign in support of Proposition One, which would expand abortion access and reproductive healthcare protections in Idaho.

Before speaking at a rally, Teigen met privately with Idaho women who shared stories about pregnancy complications that forced them to seek medical care outside the state.

Teigen also discussed her own experience losing her son Jack at 20 weeks in 2020 following a serious pregnancy complication.

Proposition One would establish abortion rights before fetal viability, with exceptions afterward for medical emergencies. It would also protect access to contraception and fertility treatments.

Supporters say the measure would protect reproductive healthcare decisions, while opponents argue it goes too far in expanding abortion access.

Idaho voters will decide the issue Tuesday, November 3rd.

🌳 Twin Falls Approves 2040 Strategic Plan

Twin Falls city leaders are looking ahead with a new roadmap for the community's future.

The City Council has approved its 2040 Strategic Plan, outlining priorities for growth, community services and quality of life over the next 14 years.

City Manager Travis Rothweiler says the plan builds on previous city goals while incorporating feedback from more than 500 survey respondents.

Residents gave high marks to city parks, recreation opportunities and public library services.

However, the survey also identified areas needing improvement, including health and wellness, education and access to affordable mental health care.

The 52-page plan calls for expanding parks and trails, increasing urban forestry efforts and working with healthcare partners to address community needs.

City leaders say the goal is continuous improvement as Twin Falls continues to grow. 🌱

🏐 LOCAL SPORTS

πŸ† Magic Valley Volleyball Teams Battle for State Championships

The road to a state volleyball championship is underway, and Magic Valley teams are making some serious noise!

Nine area teams opened tournament play Thursday, with four picking up victories and five fighting to keep their seasons alive.

Twin Falls defeated Hillcrest in four sets, led by Sienna Billings with 18 kills, Ivie Bohrn with 44 assists and Kaitlyn Hudson with 18 digs. The Bruins now face top-seeded Idaho Falls.

Kimberly also advanced with a four-set victory over Sugar-Salem. The Bulldogs take on Preston.

Valley swept Tri-Valley in three straight sets, finishing with 40 kills, 11 blocks and 12 aces. The Vikings face Troy.

Murtaugh also delivered a sweep over Potlatch, winning the first two sets by identical 26-24 scores. The Red Devils now face top-ranked Butte County.

Meanwhile, five other Magic Valley teams are fighting to stay alive.

Carey, Hagerman, Buhl, Filer and Wood River all face elimination matches Friday.

Four teams have advanced, five are fighting for survival, and there's plenty of Magic Valley pride on the line! 🏐

🏈 High School Football Playoffs Kick Into High Gear

It's win or go home for Magic Valley high school football teams as the state playoffs get underway!

One of tonight's biggest matchups features Castleford and Hansen in a rematch of an exciting Week Three battle.

Castleford rallied from a 14-0 deficit to defeat Hansen 16-14. Now the Huskies get another opportunity to even the score.

Castleford is making its first playoff appearance since 2022 under first-year head coach Jamie Allen. Hansen is looking to make a statement under interim coach Todd Stimpson.

Elsewhere, top-ranked Raft River hosts Grace, while second-seeded Oakley takes on Idaho City.

Buhl faces Ririe, Kimberly meets Gooding, and Wood River travels to Emmett.

In 5A, Twin Falls hosts Bonneville, while Minico travels to Sandpoint.

Richfield takes on Deary Saturday morning.

Every possession matters, every mistake could end a season, and the road to a state championship officially begins! 🏈

🌲 New Chobani Wellness Park Opens Along Twin Falls Canyon Rim

Twin Falls has a brand-new place for residents to get moving, relax and enjoy the outdoors!

The Chobani Wellness Park is officially open along the Canyon Rim Trail, bringing a new outdoor recreation destination to the community.

The park features outdoor fitness equipment, climbing features, open green space, shaded pavilions, restrooms and parking.

Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis says the project has been in the works for approximately 10 years.

Chobani contributed $500,000 through its Legacy Project, which allows company employees to help select community investments.

And there's more planned for the future.

City officials hope to introduce fitness classes, yoga and other wellness activities at the park as early as next spring.

After a decade of planning, the project is finally complete, giving Twin Falls residents another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. 🌳

⚽ CSI Women's Soccer Makes History Despite Tournament Loss

The College of Southern Idaho women's soccer season came to an end Thursday, but the Golden Eagles have plenty to celebrate.

CSI fell to Snow College 5-1 in the opening round of the Scenic West Tournament in Salt Lake City.

Snow took control early, scoring in the 20th minute before adding two quick goals to begin the second half.

CSI's Macey Call got the Golden Eagles on the scoreboard with a penalty kick in the 58th minute, but Snow answered with two more goals to secure the victory.

Goalkeeper Avery Charlesworth finished with 10 saves.

Despite Thursday's loss, this was a historic season for CSI.

The Golden Eagles set a program record with 11 wins, earned their first-ever national ranking and made their first postseason appearance in school history.

CSI finishes the season 11-5, establishing a new standard for Golden Eagles women's soccer! ⚽

πŸ€ Boise State Basketball Rolls Past Bismarck State

The Boise State men's basketball team is looking ready for the regular season after putting on quite a show Thursday night.

The Broncos crushed Bismarck State 104-37 at ExtraMile Arena, topping the 100-point mark for the second consecutive game.

Bhan Buom led Boise State with 14 points, while Jikany Deang added 13 in his Bronco debut.

The defense was just as impressive. Boise State held Bismarck State scoreless for more than seven minutes during the first half, putting together a 26-0 run and taking a commanding 53-12 lead into halftime.

All 12 Broncos who played got into the scoring column.

Boise State finished exhibition play a perfect 3-0.

Now the games start counting! The Broncos open the regular season Wednesday, November 4th, hosting West Coast Baptist at ExtraMile Arena. πŸ€

🐎 Boise State Football Looks for Seventh Straight Victory

The 20th-ranked Boise State Broncos are rolling and looking to make it seven straight wins when they host Texas State tomorrow on The Blue.

Boise State is coming off a convincing 31-10 victory over Washington State, improving to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Pac-12 play.

Running back Dylan Riley continues to lead the way. The junior leads the nation with 963 rushing yards and more than 1,150 all-purpose yards.

Quarterback Maddux Madsen is having an impressive season as well, throwing 14 touchdown passes without an interception.

Defensively, Boise State ranks fourth nationally in stopping opponents on third and fourth downs.

The Broncos have won 21 of their last 22 games at home.

Saturday's matchup will also be the first-ever meeting between Boise State and Texas State.

And there's something special planned for halftime: Boise State will unveil a bronze statue honoring legendary quarterback Kellen Moore.

It's shaping up to be a big Halloween Saturday in Boise! 🏈

⚽ Idaho State Women's Soccer Settles for Tie

A two-goal lead slipped away from the Idaho State women's soccer team Thursday night.

The Bengals battled Northern Arizona to a 2-2 draw in Pocatello.

Idaho State came out firing, with Syleena Hogan scoring just six minutes into the match. Amanda Brayton added her first career goal in the 37th minute, giving the Bengals a 2-0 advantage at halftime.

But Northern Arizona wasn't finished.

The Lumberjacks scored in the 58th minute before finding the equalizer in the 87th minute.

Bengals goalkeeper Aliya Garrett matched her season high with seven saves.

The Bengals return home Sunday afternoon to host Northern Colorado at 1 p.m. at Davis Field.

πŸ€ Idaho State Basketball Prepares for 100th Season

It's a whole new look for Idaho State men's basketball as the Bengals prepare for their 100th season.

Head coach Ryan Looney has a major rebuilding project ahead of him, with just two players returning from last year's team: Quin Patterson and Landen Birley.

That means 14 newcomers will be joining the program.

Among the new faces are Ike Palmer, who averaged 16 points per game at Utah State Eastern, and Malachi Johnson, who earned Freshman of the Year honors at Stanislaus State.

Idaho State was picked to finish ninth in the Big Sky Conference.

The Bengals open their regular season Monday on the road against Utah State, followed by a trip to Wyoming next Friday.

A milestone season, a mostly new roster and plenty of opportunities ahead for Bengal basketball! πŸ€

πŸ“Ί Idaho Vandals Earn National Television Spotlight

The Idaho Vandals men's basketball team is headed for the national spotlight!

Idaho's February 11th home showdown against Montana State has been selected for a national television broadcast on ESPNU.

It will mark the first nationally televised game ever played at ICCU Arena in Moscow.

The matchup carries plenty of history.

Last season, Idaho erased a 21-point second-half deficit to stun Montana State 92-89. The Vandals then defeated the Bobcats again in the Big Sky Tournament, helping Idaho reach March Madness for the first time since 1990.

Montana State enters the new season as the Big Sky preseason favorite, setting up another highly anticipated showdown.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Pacific on Thursday, February 11th.

🌧️ MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER

A wet weekend is on the way for Southern Idaho!

Friday brings cloudy skies and scattered showers across the Magic Valley, with afternoon temperatures reaching around 58 degrees.

Tonight, expect cloudy skies, a low near 41 and the possibility of patchy fog developing overnight.

Saturday looks unsettled, with additional showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms. High temperatures will once again reach around 58 degrees.

Rain becomes more widespread Saturday night, with a 90% chance of precipitation and lows near 42.

Sunday turns cooler and wetter, with showers likely throughout the day and highs struggling to reach around 49 degrees.

The good news? Sunshine returns Monday!

Monday will bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 51, with temperatures gradually climbing into the mid-50s through the middle of next week.

🌦️ Weekend outlook: Keep the rain gear handy, watch for slick roads and enjoy the sunshine when it finally returns Monday!

Idaho Statewide News

Spooky creatures save Idaho over $300 million annually

kivitv.com

As Halloween approaches, bats may be associated with spooky decorations and nighttime scares, but wildlife experts say the real animals play an important role in Idaho’s ecosystems and economy.