📰 Southern Idaho News — Friday, October 23, 2026

Your Friday headlines from Kat Kountry 106

 🌄 Federal immigration agents in Twin Falls, worldwide website security concerns, a major water project at Magic Valley Regional Airport, and big developments in Idaho’s election season lead today’s headlines. Plus, we have championship soccer, a pivotal night of high school football, and a wet and windy forecast to get you ready for the weekend.

🚔 Federal Agents Serve Arrest Warrant in Twin Falls

Federal immigration agents served an arrest warrant in Twin Falls Thursday morning, with local sheriff’s deputies providing security around the scene.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office says ICE agents served the warrant around 8:40 a.m. near Harrison Street South and Highland Avenue. Deputies maintained a perimeter while federal agents carried out the operation.

Video provided to Kat Kountry 106 shows a person in handcuffs being placed into a vehicle. Twin Falls Police confirmed their department was not involved in the operation.

Officials have not provided additional details about the person taken into custody.

💻 Worldwide Website Shutdowns Follow Security Concerns

A wave of precautionary website shutdowns around the world is disrupting online services after critical security flaws were discovered in PHP, a programming language widely used across the internet.

Governments, banks, airlines, and rail services in several countries took websites offline while organizations worked to install emergency security fixes. Cloudflare reported millions of attempted cyberattacks following the disclosure of the vulnerabilities.

Here in Idaho, the Department of Fish and Game replaced its full website with a basic page to reduce potential security risks. The agency has not confirmed whether its decision is directly connected to the worldwide disruptions.

Hunters and anglers can still access hunting seasons and rules, licensing information, hunter education resources, and agency contacts. There is no timeline yet for the full website to return.

💧 Magic Valley Regional Airport Tests New Water Well

Drilling is underway at Magic Valley Regional Airport as Twin Falls works to secure a long-term water supply for the airport.

Crews are developing a test well to evaluate water quality and determine how much water the site can produce. Those findings will help officials decide whether the location can meet the airport’s future needs and guide the next stages of development.

The city has spent several years testing, designing, and developing the proposed wells. The overall project is expected to be completed in 2029.

🏛️ Idaho Health and Welfare Director Plans to Step Down

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Charron plans to leave her position by the end of the year to spend more time supporting her family.

The governor’s office says Charron’s father is facing significant health challenges. Her final day has not been established, and an interim director has not yet been announced.

Charron took over the department in September 2025 after leading Idaho’s Medicaid program since 2021. Governor Brad Little thanked her for her service and expects to announce new leadership before the end of the year.

The department oversees Medicaid, food assistance, child welfare, and other public services, with a budget exceeding $5 billion, most of it supported by federal funding.

Her departure comes as the department prepares to distribute rural health funding and continues planning to move the entire Medicaid program to private managed care by 2030.

🗳️ Fewer Candidate Debates Leave Idaho Voters With Questions

Idaho voters are getting fewer opportunities to compare candidates side by side this election season.

Idaho Public Television says staffing shortages prevented it from producing its traditional statewide debates. Other candidate forums have moved forward, but several Republican incumbents have declined invitations.

Governor Brad Little and U.S. Senator Jim Risch both declined League of Women Voters forums. Little’s campaign pointed to his record and meetings with Idahoans, while Risch’s campaign previously raised concerns about an invitation from someone who had endorsed his opponent.

Congressman Mike Simpson’s campaign cited a scheduling conflict with congressional duties.

State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield participated in three debates or forums but withdrew from another because one of her opponents was excluded.

Idaho Press Club President Melissa Davlin says declining debates is part of a national trend involving candidates from both major political parties.

🇺🇸 Idaho Voters Will Decide on English as a Constitutional Official Language

English is already Idaho’s official language under state law. On November 3, voters will decide whether that designation should also be included in the state constitution.

House Joint Resolution 6 would establish English as the official language of government in the constitution. A yes vote supports the amendment, while a no vote leaves the existing state law in place.

Supporters say the change would promote unity around a shared language. Critics question whether a constitutional amendment is necessary and how it could affect access to government information for residents who speak other languages.

Boise State professor Stephanie Witt says approximately 11% of Idaho households speak a language other than English at home.

The proposal includes an exception for federal requirements, meaning federally required translated election materials would remain available. It also does not explicitly prohibit all government communications in other languages.

💰 Idaho's $1 Million Raffle Returns for Its 20th Year

A $10 ticket could win a million dollars as the Idaho Lottery’s $1,000,000 Raffle returns for its 20th year.

Tickets are now available through authorized Idaho Lottery retailers. This year's raffle features two $1 million winners, a $100,000 prize, a $50,000 prize, and more than 21,500 prizes overall.

The anniversary celebration includes additional opportunities to win. During the first 20 days of sales, the lottery will draw a daily $1,000 winner from tickets purchased the previous day. Another 20 players will win $1,000 by purchasing every 25,000th ticket sold.

Only 500,000 tickets are available, and Idaho Lottery Director Andrew Arulanandam expects the raffle to sell out.

Winning numbers are scheduled to be announced December 29 at 12:20 p.m.

⚡ Idaho Researchers Test Power Grid Equipment on an Earthquake Simulator

Researchers from Idaho National Laboratory are working to make the nation's electrical grid more resilient by deliberately shaking a full-size power transformer.

The team tested a 230-kilovolt transformer on a giant earthquake simulator at the University of California, San Diego. INL says it is the first test of its kind involving a complete transformer of that size.

These transformers help deliver electricity to homes, hospitals, and water systems. Replacing a damaged unit can take five years or longer, and an earthquake that damages multiple substations could leave communities without power for months.

Researchers tested ways to protect vulnerable electrical connections and reduce the amount of shaking reaching the transformer. They also collected data to improve predictions of how the equipment responds during an earthquake.

The findings will be made public to help improve transformer designs and strengthen industry standards.

🚜 AAA Urges Drivers to Watch for Farm Equipment During Harvest

Harvest season means more tractors, combines, and other slow-moving equipment on Southern Idaho roads.

AAA Idaho is reminding motorists to give farmers room to work and remain alert on rural and county roads as crews bring in potatoes, sugar beets, onions, and other fall crops.

Drivers should pass farm equipment only when the road ahead is clear and the maneuver can be completed safely. Motorists should also watch for spilled crops, debris, farmworkers near the roadside, and people crossing roads on foot or ATVs.

AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde says even a collision without injuries can leave farmers facing expensive repairs and costly downtime during one of their busiest times of the year.

⚖️ Idaho Supreme Court Revives Twin Falls Construction Injury Lawsuit

A Twin Falls plumber will get another opportunity to pursue a construction injury lawsuit after the Idaho Supreme Court overturned the dismissal of his case.

Alexander Bauer, who worked for Evans Plumbing, was injured when a temporary wooden balcony railing gave way at an apartment complex. Bauer alleges Scott Myers and Sons Roofing and Construction improperly reinstalled the railing after removing it to perform roofing work.

His employer’s workers’ compensation insurer paid more than $245,000 in medical expenses and other benefits.

A lower court dismissed the lawsuit because both companies worked under the same general contractor, Stack Construction. The court considered them co-employees protected from liability under Idaho workers’ compensation law.

The Idaho Supreme Court ruled that the question of protection depends on whether the general contractor controlled how the roofing company performed its work, not simply on how the companies were classified.

The case returns to the lower court to determine whether the roofing company was an independent contractor that could be held liable. The ruling does not determine whether the company caused Bauer’s injuries.

🏛️ Idaho Lawmaker Puts $555,000 Into Political Action Committee

Coeur d’Alene Representative Jordan Redman has contributed $555,000 of his own money this year to a political action committee supporting Republican legislative candidates and opposing Proposition 1.

Redman reported another $205,000 contribution Wednesday to the 36-18-1 PAC. Since its formation in April, the committee has reported more than $355,000 in independent spending supporting legislative candidates and nearly $146,000 opposing Proposition 1 over the past week.

Proposition 1 would rescind Idaho’s near-total abortion ban.

The PAC has also reported support for several candidates in competitive legislative districts, including Bryan Hyde, Mike Pohanka, and Lyle Johnstone.

Redman owns businesses in insurance, real estate, and pharmacies. The committee reported having $51,250 remaining as of Thursday.

🐎 Idaho Tightens Animal Inspections After Screwworm Discovery in Texas

Idaho is tightening inspection requirements for animals arriving from Texas after screwworm larvae were discovered in an elk at a ranch there.

The parasite’s larvae feed on living tissue in open wounds and can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, and people.

Idaho State Veterinarian Dr. Scott Leibsle says animals moving from Texas to Idaho must now be inspected within five days of travel, replacing reliance on a health certificate that could remain valid for 30 days.

Officials say the discovery highlights the importance of expanding efforts to control the parasite, including a program that releases sterile flies to prevent screwworms from reproducing.

Idaho's Animal Industries Division has trained employees to respond to possible infestations. Officials also say the state's dry climate helps reduce the risk.

The discovery described by officials occurred in Texas, not Idaho.

📊 Governor Brad Little Receives High Rankings in Two Reports

Governor Brad Little is receiving favorable marks in two reports measuring voter approval and public policy.

A Morning Consult poll gives Little a net approval rating of plus 28 percentage points, placing him fifth among governors seeking reelection this year and second among Republicans.

Separately, the libertarian Cato Institute ranks Little sixth among governors in its Freedom in the 50 States report. Idaho ranks fifth overall in the organization's index of economic and personal freedom.

The report places Idaho first in firearm and housing freedom categories and second in occupational and economic freedom. Cato says its governor ratings evaluate records across 97 policy variables.

Little welcomed the rankings, saying his administration remains focused on government accountability and delivering results for Idahoans.

🦃 Boise Takes Aim at Rats and Wild Turkeys in Neighborhoods

Boise residents are being asked to make neighborhoods less attractive to rats and wild turkeys under a newly approved city ordinance.

The rules require residents to secure garbage, keep pet food and animal feed out of reach, protect compost piles, and pick up fallen fruit and nuts. Bird and squirrel feeders must also be raised beyond the animals’ reach.

The ordinance is already in effect, but enforcement begins December 1. City officials will spend November educating residents about the requirements, while city facilities must comply starting November 1.

Property owners who fail to address a nuisance could be billed for the cost of cleanup.

⚽ Local Sports: Championship Hopes Alive in the Magic Valley

🏆 Three Magic Valley Soccer Teams Advance to State Semifinals

Three Magic Valley soccer teams are moving forward in the state tournament after opening-round victories.

⚽ Wood River boys: The Wolverines edged Columbia 1–0 on Hayden Gvozdas’ goal. Wood River faces Caldwell in the 5A semifinals at 11 a.m. Friday.

⚽ Twin Falls girls: The Bruins held off Vallivue 2–1 and face Skyline in the 5A semifinals at 5 p.m.

⚽ Sun Valley Community School boys: The team blanked Fruitland 3–0, with Rasmus Lahdesmaki scoring twice and Finnley Curtis adding another goal.

Other local teams continue in consolation play. Jerome’s boys face Century at 11 a.m., Wood River’s girls meet Sandpoint at 9:30 a.m., Wendell plays at 9 a.m., and Kimberly’s girls face Timberlake at 9 a.m.

🦅 CSI Women's Soccer Makes Program History

The College of Southern Idaho women's soccer team has clinched its first conference tournament berth in program history.

The 20th-ranked Golden Eagles defeated Colorado Northwestern 5–0, securing a top-four finish in the Scenic West Conference in just their third season.

Macey Call scored on a penalty kick and added two assists. Presley Houghton, Halle Hall, Maggie Anderson, and Brielle Cooper also scored, while Avery Charlesworth made two saves.

CSI improves to 9–4 and visits 15th-ranked Snow College Saturday to finish the regular season. Tournament seeding remains to be determined.

The CSI men's team also earned a shutout victory, beating Colorado Northwestern 2–0. Rodrigo Julian Olmos and Jakob Hollon scored, while goalkeeper Lasse Brier recorded his third shutout.

The men now face a crucial matchup at Snow College. A win would send the Golden Eagles to the postseason.

🏈 Friday Night Football Features Big Local Matchups

High school football takes center stage across the Magic Valley, with an unbeaten Raft River team facing a serious test and a local rivalry renewing at Minico.

🔥 Raft River (8–0) hosts Hagerman (7–1) in a matchup featuring two of the area's strongest records.

🏈 Twin Falls (5–3) travels to Minico (5–3) for a rivalry showdown.

Other games include Buhl at Declo, Richfield hosting Castleford, Carey hosting Lighthouse Christian, Kimberly visiting Gooding, and Wood River hosting Filer.

Canyon Ridge visits Jerome, Burley travels to Mountain Home, Oakley heads to Shoshone, and Murtaugh visits Glenns Ferry.

Cascade visits Dietrich in an early 4 p.m. kickoff. The remaining games are scheduled for 7 p.m. Hansen has been awarded a 21–0 forfeit victory over Camas County.

🏈 Boise State Football Takes Five-Game Win Streak to Washington State

The 21st-ranked Boise State Broncos have won five straight games, but their next challenge comes at a place where they have never won: Pullman, Washington.

Boise State visits Washington State Saturday at 4 p.m. Mountain Time at Gesa Field. The Broncos are 0–3 in Pullman, including a triple-overtime loss in 2017.

Quarterback Maddux Madsen has thrown 13 touchdown passes without an interception, while running back Dylan Riley averages more than 139 rushing yards per game.

Washington State head coach Kirby Moore and offensive coordinator Matt Miller both have ties to Boise State, having played receiver for the Broncos. Miller also spent six seasons coaching at Boise State.

The game airs nationally on USA Sports, with radio coverage on the Bronco Radio Network and SiriusXM channel 385.

🏐 Boise State Volleyball Sweeps Utah State

Boise State volleyball picked up another straight-set victory, defeating Utah State 25–21, 25–17, and 25–21.

Sydney Dreves led the Broncos with 12 kills and 10 digs, recording her third consecutive double-double. Azlynn Tittmann added 11 kills.

The victory was Boise State's 11th sweep of the season and its first home win over Utah State since 2021.

The Broncos improve to 13–8 overall and 5–3 in Pac-12 play. Next up is a Saturday noon matchup at home against conference-leading Colorado State, which enters 14–3 overall and unbeaten in conference play.

⚽ Boise State Women's Soccer Shares First Place

Boise State's women's soccer team battled Colorado State to a scoreless draw, leaving the Broncos tied with Utah State atop the Pac-12 standings with 13 points.

Goalkeeper Ava de Leest made four saves for her ninth shutout of the season and the 15th of her career.

Boise State is now 12–2–2 overall and 4–1–1 in conference play. The Broncos finish their regular-season road schedule Friday, October 30, at Texas State, with kickoff at 7 p.m. Mountain Time.

🏐 Idaho State Beats Montana in Four Sets

Freshman Mia Walsh matched her career high with 20 kills and added 12 digs to lead Idaho State to a four-set victory over Montana.

The Bengals won 29–27, 25–18, 20–25, and 25–17. Jaydin Watts added 12 kills and five blocks, Annelie Wilson finished with 11 kills and 10 digs, and setter Kadence Marsh delivered 48 assists.

Aspen Boice led the defense with 21 digs as Idaho State outblocked Montana 11–5.

The Bengals travel to Bozeman Saturday to face Montana State. The match streams on ESPN+.

⚽ Idaho Women's Soccer Plays Utah Tech to a Draw

The University of Idaho women's soccer team played Utah Tech to a scoreless draw during its Homecoming matchup at the Kibbie Dome.

The Vandals outshot the Trailblazers 11–7, but neither side found the net. Paula Flores played all 90 minutes in goal and made two saves.

Idaho moves to 7–3–5 on the season and hosts Southern Utah Sunday for Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

🌦️ Southern Idaho Weekend Weather

🌧️ Friday: Showers and a possible thunderstorm, with a high near 46°F. Wind gusts could reach 34 mph. A few showers may linger tonight before skies clear, with a low around 36°F.

❄️ Saturday: Patchy morning frost, followed by sunshine and a high near 55°F. The overnight low drops to around 30°F, with widespread frost expected.

☀️ Sunday: Patchy fog and frost early, then sunny skies and a high near 63°F. The overnight low will be around 37°F.

🌤️ Monday: Mostly sunny with a high near 63°F. A 20% chance of showers Monday night, with a low around 36°F.

🌥️ Tuesday: A 20% chance of showers before noon, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 56°F. The overnight low drops to around 31°F.

🌤️ Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a high near 57°F and a low around 34°F overnight.

🌥️ Thursday: Partly sunny with a high near 59°F.

🌬️ Friday's reminder: Keep an eye on changing weather, secure loose outdoor items in the wind, and watch for farm equipment on rural roads.

Stay informed with the latest Southern Idaho news, sports, and weather from Kat Kountry 106!