POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
DISTRICT 25 APPOINTMENT SHORTLIST
The Legislative District 25 committee has selected three nominees to replace Rep. Lance Clow: Don Hall, Lucy Wills, and Char Alexander. Their names now head to Gov. Brad Little, who has 15 days to make the appointment.
FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS RELEASE AFTER ICE RAID
A federal judge has ordered the release of several people detained during last month’s ICE raid at a Wilder horse track. At least 15 detainees—including eight held at Elmore County Jail—were freed after Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled one woman had been unlawfully detained and denied due process. Others transferred out of state remain in limbo.
WILDFIRE FUNDING SHORTFALL
Idaho’s wildfire suppression fund is expected to drop to $15 million after the 2025 fire season—far below what’s needed for 2026. State officials say fixed costs alone exceed $5 million before the first fire even starts, and Governor Little warns aircraft and crew contracts could push costs well past $10 million.
FLAG & BANNER LAW COMPLAINTS
Since Idaho’s new flag-and-banner law took effect in July, only two complaints have been filed statewide. One “In God We Trust” poster was ruled allowable. A second complaint in Jerome prompted the removal of an “Everyone Is Welcome Here” sign after discussion with the teacher.
INFANT BOTULISM ALERT
Idaho health officials say an Ada County infant hospitalized with suspected botulism is linked to a national recall of ByHeart infant formula. The recalled product was sold statewide. Parents are urged to stop using it immediately. Symptoms can appear quickly—including constipation, weak feeding, or loss of head control.
LAND BOARD APPROVES 160-ACRE AUCTION
The Idaho Land Board, chaired by Gov. Brad Little, again voted 4–1 to auction a 160-acre parcel near Driggs, despite opposition from local leaders and residents. The sale will break a grazing lease held by the Beard ranching family through 2032.
BASIN MOISTURE UPDATE
Idaho’s latest basin numbers show strong early-season moisture:
Big Wood 109%, Little Wood 115%, Big Lost 115%, Little Lost 113% of median.
Snake Basin is 127% above Palisades and 119% above American Falls.
Henrys Fork/Teton 98%, Goose Creek 89%, Salmon Falls 109%—all based on year-to-date precipitation.
SPORTS
STATE FOOTBALL: CAREY ONE WIN FROM REPEAT
The Carey Panthers are one win away from repeating as state champs, facing Tri-Valley Saturday at 11 a.m. in Middleton. Carey fought through a tough playoff road, including a win over top-seeded Council. A victory would be the Panthers’ ninth title in school history.
FILER TAKES FIRST WIN
The Filer Wildcats earned their first win of the season, edging Declo 48–46 in a tight cross-classification matchup. Both teams now sit at 1–1.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: FULL SLATE TONIGHT
A huge night of girls’ basketball across Southern Idaho:
- Burley vs. Preston – 7:30 p.m. (Burley unbeaten)
- Canyon Ridge vs. Buhl
- Jerome vs. Centennial (Tiger Gym)
- Kimberly vs. Twin Falls
- Valley at Carey
- Raft River at Dietrich
- Murtaugh vs. Rockland
- Hansen at Shoshone
- Lighthouse Christian vs. Camas County – 6:00 p.m.
Cascade Invitational: Richfield at 5, Castleford at 6:30
TEAM PREVIEWS: THE JEROME TIGERS
Jerome gears up for a big winter:
- Boys: returning guard strength, high tempo, gritty defense.
- Girls: key scorers back, strong post presence, building on last year’s momentum.
Both squads are expected to bring hustle, speed, and a fierce fight in the Great Basin Conference.
TEAM PREVIEWS: TWIN FALLS BRUINS
- Boys: strong junior core with major varsity minutes, leaning on speed, ball movement, and perimeter shooting.
- Girls: balanced scoring and defense-first mentality, often holding opponents under 40. Led by experienced guards, the Bruins look poised for another deep postseason run.
BIG SKY REPRIMANDS IDAHO VANDALS COACH
The Big Sky Conference issued a reprimand and $2,500 fine to Idaho Vandals head coach Thomas Ford, saying he violated the league’s sportsmanship policy by publicly commenting on officiating. This comes a day after the conference suspended multiple officials over an “incorrect judgment” on a crucial fourth-quarter catch that set up Sacramento State’s game-winning touchdown. Idaho now turns the page to its next matchup.
WEATHER
A few spotty showers this morning with a 30% chance, then partly sunny with a high near 49°F.
Tonight: Increasing clouds, low around 37°F.
Friday starts cloudy before clearing to 46°F.
Weekend: Mostly sunny Saturday near 47°F, sunny Sunday near 50°F.
Early next week stays mild near 50°F, before cooler temps return Tuesday.
FULL FORECAST
Today: 30% chance of showers. Partly sunny, high 49.
Tonight: Increasing clouds, low 37.
Friday: Cloudy then clearing, high 46.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low 30.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 47.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low 29.
Sunday: Sunny, high 50.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low 29.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high 50.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, low 25.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 40.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, low 21.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 41.
