ELECTIONS & CIVICS
With Election Day a month away, early voting in Idaho runs October 20th–31st. Absentee ballot requests and voter pre-registration close October 24th, though same-day registration is available. Twin Falls County has updated some polling sites—voters can check locations and sample ballots at vote.idaho.gov.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Idaho will receive an $8 million federal workforce grant to expand training in advanced manufacturing, mineral production, and nuclear energy. Managed by the Idaho Department of Labor, the funds will support employer-led training programs to boost innovation, fill critical jobs, and strengthen the state’s economy.
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
Repairs to the Vinyard Bridge near Kimberly on I-84 begin October 13th, a year after it was damaged by an over-height vehicle. The $605,000 project includes new girders and a bridge deck, with work wrapping up by mid-December. ITD says the driver responsible will cover the repair costs.
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
Former Idaho lawmaker and U.S. Senate candidate Todd Achilles has filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, accusing U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz of violating the Hatch Act. Achilles says partisan shutdown messages appearing on Forest Service websites are improper and has asked for a federal investigation.
FEDERAL PRESENCE
Federal officials are seeking new office space in 21 U.S. cities, including Boise and Spokane, as part of what the GSA calls an effort to “optimize the federal footprint.” The lease request would house federal law enforcement operations, aligning with the Trump administration’s goal to expand ICE staffing and presence nationwide.
EDUCATION
After nearly 40 years in education, Cassia County Superintendent Sandra Miller will retire at the end of the school year. Miller, who’s held nearly every role in local schools, says growing political pressures and funding challenges influenced her decision. She plans to spend retirement relaxing and enjoying time with family.
CULTURE & EVENTS
The annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival returns to the Wood River Valley this weekend, celebrating Idaho’s rich sheep ranching heritage. Events include the famous sheep parade through Ketchum, wool craft fairs, lamb feasts, and cultural performances.
SPORTS
High School Soccer
In boys’ soccer yesterday, Wood River dominated Mountain Home 10-0, while Sun Valley Community School also rolled past Declo 10-0. Filer edged Kimberly 2-0, and Gooding and Buhl battled to a 1-1 draw. Wendell and Bliss also finished in a 1-1 tie.
On the girls’ side—Kimberly stayed hot, shutting out Filer 5-0, and Sun Valley blanked Declo 10-0. Buhl took a 3-1 win over Gooding, while Century slipped past Preston 1-0. McCall-Donnelly downed Homedale 3-1, Thunder Ridge topped Madison 2-1, and Timberlake crushed Priest River 11-0. South Fremont handled Firth 7-1, and Wood River earned a 3-0 shutout over Mountain Home. Wendell and Bliss were scoreless in their matchup.
High School Volleyball
The Lighthouse Christian Lions roared to their 10th win of the season with a clean 3-0 sweep over Raft River. Lighthouse jumped out early in the first set 17–6 behind strong play from Reese Franklin and Baylee Hagan and never looked back. The Trojans rallied in set two to tie it at 17, but the Lions’ offense proved too strong, closing out the match in three straight.
Elsewhere in Magic Valley volleyball—Castleford topped Richfield 3-1, Rockland swept Hagerman, Carey downed Dietrich, Oakley beat Valley 3-1, Murtaugh blanked Sun Valley, and both Kimberly and Filer swept Buhl and Gooding respectively.
College Rodeo
The College of Southern Idaho rodeo teams wrapped up the fall season strong at USU Eastern. The Golden Eagle women stand first in the Rocky Mountain Region, while the men are fourth overall. Freshman Celie Davis led the way—winning the all-around and Breakaway Roping. Dahl Winters took first in Bareback Riding, extending his regional lead. The next rodeo action resumes this spring for CSI.
College Football
The No. 11 Idaho Vandals return home to the Kibbie Dome for Homecoming, hosting Northern Colorado Saturday. Idaho’s 2-1 all-time against the Bears and has won eight straight at home. The Vandals enter 2-3 overall, led by a dominant offensive line ranked among the nation’s best in protection.
College Soccer
Idaho State women’s soccer continues Big Sky play this week, hosting Sacramento State Thursday before visiting Montana Sunday. The Bengals are 4-5-3 after a 1-0 win over Portland State, with Isabella Winton scoring the game-winner and goalie Hannah Wieler earning her fourth shutout. Sacramento State enters hot off a 5-0 victory, while Montana brings one of the league’s top defenses into the matchup.
WEATHER
Sunny skies today with highs around 76°F and light north breezes. Clouds move in tonight with lows near 48°F. Thursday warms up to 81°F under sunshine before breezy south winds arrive. A few showers and storms possible late Friday into Saturday, with highs in the upper 70s Friday dropping to the upper 50s by Saturday. Cooler air sticks around through Columbus Day, with a slight chance of showers and highs near 58°F.
Detailed Forecast:
- Today: Sunny, high near 76°F. Light NNE wind 5–7 mph.
- Tonight: Increasing clouds, low around 48°F. Winds shift south 5–8 mph.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 81°F. South winds 13–18 mph, gusts up to 25 mph.
- Friday: Slight chance of showers/thunderstorms, high near 79°F.
- Friday Night: 50% chance of showers/storms, low near 49°F.
- Saturday: 40% chance of showers, partly sunny, high near 58°F.
- Sunday–Tuesday: Cooler, partly sunny, scattered showers possible, highs mid-50s to upper-50s.
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