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📍 Southern Idaho News | Tuesday, October 27, 2026
From a deadly crash near Rogerson and major developments in Twin Falls to growing concerns over proposed data centers, rising housing costs, and exciting playoff action for local high school football teams, here’s a look at the latest news from Southern Idaho.
Idaho State Police are investigating a deadly head-on collision on U.S. Highway 93 just north of Rogerson.
According to troopers, the crash happened around 6:23 Monday morning when a Ford Escape driven by a 50-year-old Twin Falls man crossed the center line and collided with a southbound Honda Accord.
The Honda’s driver, a 22-year-old man from Pocatello, died at the scene. A 38-year-old passenger from American Falls was also in the Honda.
The Ford’s driver was airlifted to a local hospital, while a passenger was transported by ground ambulance. Both directions of Highway 93 were closed for approximately four hours as emergency crews responded and investigated the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Twin Falls residents will continue to have curbside recycling service, with additional materials accepted beginning next year.
The Twin Falls City Council approved a new 10-year sanitation contract Monday night, keeping the existing recycling program and expanding the range of recyclable materials.
The new agreement with PSI will allow residents to recycle mixed paper, newspapers, and number one and number two plastics starting January 1, 2027. Glass could potentially be added in the future.
A recent city survey found that approximately 85% of respondents supported keeping the recycling service.
Under the contract, monthly rates are listed at $6.53 per household for garbage collection and $5.79 for recycling.
City officials also want to reduce contamination in recycling bins. PSI will be required to notify the city when recycling loads end up in a landfill because of contamination.
The expanded program represents a continued commitment to recycling while giving residents more options for disposing of common household materials.
Idaho’s housing market remains strong, even as higher mortgage rates and affordability concerns continue to challenge prospective buyers.
New data from Redfin shows Idaho home prices rose nearly 4% in September compared with the same month last year. The statewide median selling price reached approximately $494,000, while home sales increased by more than 3%, with over 2,500 properties sold.
Twin Falls was among Idaho’s strongest markets for price growth, recording a nearly 16% increase in home prices year over year.
However, higher borrowing costs continue to make homeownership more difficult for first-time buyers, and limited housing inventory is adding further pressure to prices.
The latest figures suggest Idaho’s housing market remains resilient heading into the final months of 2026, although affordability remains a significant concern for many families.
Financial fraud is costing Idaho residents millions of dollars, prompting Governor Brad Little to establish a statewide working group focused on protecting consumers.
According to figures reported to the FBI, Idahoans lost nearly $89 million to fraud last year, an increase of 75% from 2023. Residents aged 60 and older accounted for more than $37 million in reported losses.
The new working group is scheduled to meet November 17 and will examine ways to improve fraud reporting, investigations, and prosecutions.
It will be led by Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, U.S. Attorney John Shirts, and Idaho Department of Finance Director Salvador Cruz.
Idaho currently lacks a centralized system for reporting fraud and a dedicated statewide financial crime investigation unit.
The group is expected to develop recommendations ahead of the 2027 legislative session, with particular attention to improving protections for vulnerable residents.
Officials hope the effort will help Idaho better respond to increasingly costly financial scams and strengthen the state's ability to investigate those responsible.
A legal dispute over television advertising supporting Idaho's Proposition 1 is unfolding just one week before Election Day.
The Idaho Family Policy Center and leaders of Too Extreme for Idaho have filed a lawsuit seeking to stop television advertisements supporting the abortion-rights initiative.
The lawsuit alleges that supporters improperly routed money through the Idaho Democratic Party and gubernatorial candidate Terri Pickens to obtain discounted television advertising rates typically available to political candidates.
The plaintiffs argue that the arrangement violated campaign finance disclosure laws and provided an unfair financial advantage.
Idaho Democrats have rejected the allegations, calling the lawsuit frivolous and maintaining that the advertising is legal. The Idaho Secretary of State's Office has also indicated that the advertisements comply with campaign finance laws and said it had not received a formal complaint concerning the ads.
Proposition 1 would repeal Idaho's abortion ban and establish protections involving reproductive health care, including abortion access, birth control, fertility treatments, and medical privacy.
Idaho voters will decide the measure on Tuesday, November 3.
Model, cookbook author, and television personality Chrissy Teigen is scheduled to visit Boise Wednesday to campaign in support of Proposition 1.
Teigen, who lived in Idaho Falls as a teenager, plans to meet privately with Idaho mothers to hear about their experiences under the state's abortion restrictions.
She is also scheduled to speak at a public rally from noon until 1 p.m. at Treefort Music Hall in downtown Boise.
Teigen has spoken publicly about her own experience with a medically necessary abortion, bringing a personal perspective to the ongoing debate over reproductive health care.
Her visit comes as both supporters and opponents of Proposition 1 make their final appeals to voters ahead of the November 3 election.
Several proposed data center developments are drawing attention across Southern Idaho, with residents and public officials raising questions about water use, electricity demand, land access, and the long-term effects on local communities.
In Lincoln County, the Bureau of Land Management has confirmed that Copia Digital submitted a preliminary application in January for a potential data center on federal public land. The proposal remains in its early planning stages, and the project's exact location and size have not yet been determined.
Concerns include the potential effects on public land used for farming, grazing, and recreation, as well as demands on local water and power supplies.
Meanwhile, a separate development tied to a Boise-area data center includes a proposed solar energy project covering more than 6,000 acres across Jerome, Lincoln, and Gooding counties. The project could generate up to 1,000 megawatts of solar power.
The Lincoln County proposal is likely at least a year away from formal public review, according to the BLM. Residents would have an opportunity to comment before any final decision is made.
Another major proposal in Mountain Home would include four three-story buildings totaling approximately 3.4 million square feet at the Bennett Ranch Industrial Campus, along with power generation and cooling systems.
However, Mountain Home's current zoning rules prohibit data centers. Mayor Rich Sykes says no formal application or building permits have been submitted, and the development remains a proposal.
The developer says its cooling system would be designed to minimize water consumption. City officials have been working on data-center-specific zoning regulations since July.
As these projects move through the planning process, the balance between economic development, energy infrastructure, water resources, and public land will remain an important issue for Southern Idaho.
Fall cleanup is getting a little easier for Twin Falls residents.
City utility customers can set out up to six bags of leaves and small yard debris at no additional charge. Bags should be placed next to the garbage can on the household's regular collection day.
Each bag must weigh 35 pounds or less.
City officials encourage residents to bag leaves rather than rake or blow them into streets and gutters. Keeping leaves out of storm drains can help prevent blockages and localized flooding.
If autumn leaves are piling up around your yard, the program offers a convenient way to clean up without an additional collection charge.
Idaho drivers are seeing some relief at the pump, although gasoline prices remain high compared with last year.
AAA reports Idaho's average price for regular gasoline has fallen to approximately $4.67 per gallon, down 13 cents from the previous week and 33 cents from a month earlier.
In Twin Falls, the average is about $4.71 per gallon. Boise drivers are paying a similar amount, while Pocatello has seen a 22-cent weekly drop to approximately $4.61. Rexburg remains among the more expensive markets, averaging $4.78 per gallon.
Nationally, the average is approximately $4.28 per gallon. Idaho has moved from seventh to ninth among the states with the highest gasoline prices.
Despite the recent decline, Idaho drivers are still paying about $1.27 more per gallon than they were at this time last year.
AAA Idaho points to crude oil prices above $102 per barrel as a potential concern. Global conflicts, uncertainty over supplies, and shrinking emergency oil reserves could put renewed upward pressure on gasoline prices.
For now, drivers are enjoying a modest break, but the outlook remains uncertain heading into Halloween and the colder months.
A Filer High School senior is earning national recognition, demonstrating that big achievements can come from small communities.
Ethan Huerta, who grew up in Hollister, a community of approximately 300 people, has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Huerta says the recognition means a great deal to him, particularly because of his roots in such a small town.
His accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. He serves as president of the National Honor Society, participates in speech, and recently completed his soccer season.
Huerta hopes to become a surgeon and is applying to several universities, including Yale, Vanderbilt, and Emory.
Filer High School Principal Katie Reynolds says the honor also reflects the dedication of the school's teachers.
Huerta is now waiting to learn whether he advances to finalist status, which could open the door to additional scholarship opportunities.
His achievement is a point of pride for Filer and the surrounding community, and his message to other students is simple: where you come from does not determine how far you can go. What matters is what you are willing to work for.
Health officials are encouraging Idaho families to take precautions as flu activity begins earlier than usual this year.
Influenza is appearing about a month ahead of its typical schedule, with Influenza A currently the dominant strain. In southwest Idaho, approximately 12% of symptomatic patients being tested are testing positive for the flu.
With students back in classrooms, health experts warn that schools can become early centers of respiratory illness transmission before infections spread into homes and workplaces.
Other viruses are circulating as well, although COVID-19 and RSV activity remain low.
There is some encouraging news: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is forecasting a moderate flu season, and health officials do not expect hospitals to be overwhelmed.
Still, colder weather will bring more people indoors, increasing the importance of everyday precautions.
Doctors recommend getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, and staying home when sick to help limit the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The road to an Idaho state football championship is set, and teams across the Magic Valley are preparing for postseason action.
Twin Falls defeated Minico 28–14 to capture the 5A Great Basin Conference championship. Jackson Sattelberg powered the Bruins with 219 rushing yards.
The sixth-seeded Bruins will host Bonneville in the opening round, while Minico travels to Sandpoint.
Kimberly shut out Gooding 42–0 to win the Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference title. The Bulldogs will host Gooding again in a playoff rematch.
Wood River also secured a postseason victory, beating Filer 47–7 behind Sawyer Morgan's 301 passing yards and two touchdowns. Wood River travels to Emmett, while Filer's season is over.
Declo edged Buhl 7–6 to claim the 3A Canyon Conference championship. Traecyn Thaxton connected with Paxton Matsen for the touchdown, and Bauer Sharp's extra point made the difference.
Declo earns a first-round bye, while Buhl hosts Ririe.
Hagerman blanked Raft River 42–0, earning the top 2A playoff seed and a first-round bye. Will Mavencamp accounted for five touchdowns. Raft River will host Grace.
Oakley rolled past Shoshone 54–0 and will host Idaho City. Valley defeated Hansen 38–34 but missed the playoffs, while Hansen advances.
Carey routed Lighthouse Christian 64–0 to claim another Sawtooth Conference championship. Jonah Saili rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns on just four carries. Carey earns a first-round bye.
Castleford outlasted Richfield 51–42 behind Conner Parrish's outstanding 324 rushing yards. Castleford will host Hansen, while Richfield takes on Deary.
The postseason is officially underway, and Magic Valley football fans have plenty to watch as local teams chase a state championship.
The College of Southern Idaho women's soccer team is heading to the postseason for the first time in program history.
Sophomore goalkeeper Avery Charlesworth has been named Scenic West Goalkeeper of the Week after helping the Golden Eagles secure their first-ever postseason berth.
The Hooper, Utah, native recorded shutouts against Colorado Northwestern and 15th-ranked Snow College on the road. She has six shutouts this season and 42 saves, while CSI has allowed just two goals across six October matches.
The Golden Eagles open the Scenic West Conference Tournament Thursday at 8 a.m. against Snow College in Salt Lake City.
CSI will be looking to carry its strong defensive performance into the tournament and compete for its first conference championship.
Boise State is preparing for a special Saturday night at Albertsons Stadium as the 20th-ranked Broncos host Texas State at 8 p.m.
The matchup will be the first-ever “Blue After Dark” game, featuring Halloween festivities, trunk-or-treat activities, and a tribute to one of the program's most recognizable figures.
At halftime, Boise State will unveil a bronze statue honoring legendary quarterback Kellen Moore following a performance by the Blue Thunder Marching Band.
Fans are encouraged to wear black and Halloween costumes. Parking lots open at noon, the free Ford Fan Zone opens at 4 p.m., and stadium gates open at 6 p.m.
The first 3,000 Boise State students will receive commemorative game-day T-shirts. Fans can bring individually wrapped candy into the stadium, but clear-bag rules remain in effect, and Halloween masks must be removed at security checkpoints.
The Broncos enter the game riding a six-game winning streak and ranked 20th nationally.
Freshman receiver Rasean Jones was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week after catching six passes for 78 yards in Boise State's 31–10 victory over Washington State. Jones leads the team with 437 receiving yards this season.
The Idaho State Bengals are back in the national rankings after a dominant 38–8 win over Portland State snapped a three-game losing streak.
Quarterback Jordan Cooke earned Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 334 yards and accounting for three touchdowns. He finished with 371 yards of total offense.
Freshman defensive end Trehsyn Fesili earned co-defensive honors after recording seven tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble that helped set up another Bengal touchdown.
Idaho State's defense held Portland State to just 56 rushing yards and one successful third-down conversion in 12 attempts.
The Bengals are ranked 23rd nationally and will travel to St. George, Utah, on Saturday to face Utah Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the game available on ESPN+.
Idaho kicker Owen Forsman is receiving national recognition after delivering a dramatic 53-yard field goal in the final seconds to lift the Vandals over Southern Utah.
Forsman's clutch kick earned him Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week honors and national FCS Special Teams Player of the Week recognition from Stats Perform.
The junior from Rathdrum made all three of his field-goal attempts in the game and has connected on 11 of his last 12 field-goal attempts outside of a weather-affected game at Weber State. He has also made all 24 of his extra-point attempts this season.
The Vandals head to Portland on Saturday to face Portland State at Hillsboro Stadium.
The Idaho State women's soccer team is preparing for two important home matches after earning back-to-back road victories over Montana and Portland State.
The Bengals host conference-leading Northern Arizona Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by Northern Colorado Sunday at 1 p.m. Both opponents enter the week unbeaten in conference play.
Goalkeeper Aliya Garrett has recorded six shutouts this season and earned Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. Saydree Cooke leads Idaho State offensively with three goals and four assists.
Both games will be played at Davis Field in Pocatello before the Bengals close out the regular season November 5 at Weber State.
The University of Idaho men's golf team is competing this week at the Monterrey Collegiate Classic in Monterrey, Mexico.
The tournament is being played on a challenging par-72 course measuring more than 7,100 yards at Club Campestre Monterrey.
Carter Frisby leads the Vandals' five-player lineup, joined by Charley Simpson, Henrik Koglin, Ben Buchanan, and Brae Rogalczyk. Moritz Ampenberger is also competing individually.
The event marks the final tournament of Idaho's fall schedule as the team looks to finish the first half of its collegiate season on a strong note before turning its attention to spring competition.
Tuesday starts cloudy across the Magic Valley, but sunshine is expected to return this afternoon with a high near 53 degrees.
Tonight will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 33 degrees.
Wednesday brings sunny skies and a high near 54, followed by a warmer Thursday with temperatures reaching approximately 59 degrees.
🌧️ Keep the rain gear handy for the weekend. Shower chances return Friday and could continue through Sunday.
Enjoy the midweek sunshine while it lasts, and plan for a cooler, unsettled weekend across Southern Idaho.
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