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☀️ Here's a look at the latest headlines making news across Southern Idaho and around the state, along with Thursday's sports action and a look at the weekend forecast.
A Southern Idaho fire department is mourning the loss of one of its own following a tragic firetruck crash in Cassia County Monday night.
Authorities say two Raft River Fire District firefighters were inside a firetruck when it left the roadway along East Yale Road around 9 p.m. Both firefighters suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.
One firefighter later died from those injuries, while the second remains hospitalized.
The identities of the firefighters have not yet been released. Idaho State Police are investigating the crash, and the Bannock County Coroner says the fallen firefighter's name is expected to be released in the coming days.
Our thoughts are with the firefighter's family, fellow first responders, and everyone in the Raft River community. ❤️
Idaho voters have rejected Proposition One, keeping the state's existing abortion restrictions in place.
Unofficial election results show approximately 56% of voters opposed the measure, while 44% supported it.
Proposition One would have legalized abortion up to fetal viability and allowed abortions later in pregnancy to protect a patient's health.
Supporters argued the measure was necessary to protect reproductive healthcare access, while opponents maintained that Idaho's existing laws provide important protections for unborn children.
The group Idahoans United for Women and Families conceded defeat early Wednesday morning, while the Stop Prop One campaign celebrated the results.
Election results will remain unofficial until certification by the Idaho State Board of Canvassers on November 24th.
Tuesday's election is bringing some changes to Idaho's political landscape, with Democrats gaining six seats in the state Legislature, including two right here in the Magic Valley!
In Legislative District 26, Democrat Anita Janis defeated Republican incumbent Mike Pohanka of Jerome, capturing approximately 51% of the vote.
Democrat Kevin Marsh also won an open House seat, defeating Republican Lyle Johnstone with nearly 59% of the vote.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Ron Taylor also won reelection, giving Democrats all three legislative seats in District 26.
Elsewhere, Democrats picked up two seats in west Boise and two more in Pocatello.
The gains increase Democratic representation in Idaho's 105-member Legislature from 15 to 21 seats. However, Republicans will retain supermajority control of both the House and Senate, along with every statewide constitutional office.
All results remain unofficial until November 24th.
A major change is coming to fire protection in Blaine County after Hailey voters overwhelmingly approved joining Blaine County Fire and Rescue.
Nearly 76% of voters supported the proposal, clearing the way for Hailey's fire department to become part of the larger district.
Fire officials are now working on an annexation agreement outlining how personnel, equipment, firetrucks, and the city's fire station will transition into the district.
The goal is to begin operational changes as early as January.
Hailey Fire Chief Mike Baledge says all current personnel will remain, although some positions may change.
The consolidation is designed to improve emergency response by moving toward around-the-clock staffing as emergency calls increase.
The financial transition will take longer, with the new tax scheduled to take effect October 1st, 2027.
Idaho voters have weighed in on what should become the state's official firearm, and the famous Winchester Model 1873 came out on top!
Known as the "Gun That Won the West," the historic rifle received just over 31% of the votes in Tuesday's advisory election.
The Winchester Model 1894 finished second with just over 25%, followed by the Colt Peacemaker revolver with approximately 15%.
However, Idaho won't necessarily be getting an official state firearm just yet.
The vote was advisory, meaning lawmakers will make the final decision on whether to recognize a firearm as an official state symbol.
None of the six choices received a majority of the vote, and approximately 70% of Idaho voters participated in the question.
A little Christmas magic is rolling into the Magic Valley today!
The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the "People's Tree," is making a special stop at Twin Falls City Park this afternoon from 4 until 6.
The 76-foot Engelmann spruce was selected from Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and is making its way to Washington, D.C., where it will stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Visitors will have an opportunity to see the enormous tree and its decorated transport truck, take pictures, meet the hauling crew, and sign a commemorative traveling banner.
An Idaho fourth grader has also been selected to attend the Capitol's tree-lighting ceremony after winning an essay contest about healthy forests and clean water.
It's a special opportunity for the Magic Valley to celebrate Idaho's role in a Christmas tradition that dates back to 1964! 🎅🎄
Criminal charges against former Jerome police officer Michael Mulliner, who was accused of sex crimes involving a child, have been dismissed following a judge's ruling concerning the search warrants used in the investigation.
Judge Rosemary Emory determined investigators failed to establish probable cause connecting the alleged crimes to Mulliner's cellphone.
The judge also excluded evidence obtained through a second search warrant because it relied on information from the original search.
Mulliner was charged in two separate cases in 2025 and denied any sexual wrongdoing. His employment with the Jerome Police Department was terminated in January.
Jerome County Prosecutor Sam Beus says his office continues to monitor the case and charges could potentially be refiled.
The ruling involved the legality of the search warrants and was not a determination of guilt or innocence.
Idaho grape growers are wrapping up a challenging harvest season, but there's reason for optimism among local winemakers.
The Idaho Wine Commission reports smaller harvests in parts of the state following an unusually warm winter, damaging hailstorms, summer heat, and wildfire smoke.
Here in the Magic Valley, Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery near Buhl reported that a spring cold snap damaged some Chardonnay grapes, while Merlot and Syrah held up considerably better.
Despite the smaller harvest, growers in the Snake River Valley say smaller berries are producing rich, concentrated flavors.
That has winemakers optimistic that Idaho's 2026 vintage could deliver some exceptional wines.
Sometimes, less really can mean more! 🍷
The College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles are one win away from a Region 18 volleyball championship!
CSI punched its ticket to the title match Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, sweeping Utah State Eastern in three straight sets, 25-20, 25-20, and 25-18.
Vivian Goto led the Golden Eagles with 13 kills and nine digs, while Emerson Heatwole contributed 12 digs.
CSI is now headed to the Region 18 championship for the first time since 2023!
The Golden Eagles face top-seeded Salt Lake Community College this afternoon at 1 o'clock. The teams split their regular-season meetings in October, setting up an exciting championship showdown! 🏐
The high school volleyball season may be over, but postseason recognition is rolling in for some of the Magic Valley's best players!
In the 1A Sawtooth Conference, Dietrich's Lily Hanson and Lighthouse Christian's Reese Franklin share Co-Player of the Year honors.
Castleford's Emma Mitton was named Offensive Player of the Year, while Carey's Andie Simpson earned Defensive Player of the Year. Carey's Teresa Simpson was selected Coach of the Year.
In the 3A Canyon Conference, Buhl swept the top individual honors, with Addy Vulgamore earning Player of the Year and Kylie Crossland named Coach of the Year.
Congratulations to all the players and coaches recognized for outstanding seasons! 👏
What a way to start the basketball season!
The Boise State Broncos crushed West Coast Baptist 132-53 Wednesday night at ExtraMile Arena, setting program records for points scored, field goals, rebounds, and largest margin of victory!
The Broncos knocked down 51 field goals, grabbed 67 rebounds, and won by an incredible 79 points.
Even more impressive, eight Boise State players finished in double figures.
Dovydas Butka led the way with 18 points, while Damari Wheeler-Thomas added 17 and Bhan Buom chipped in 16.
The Broncos are now 1-and-0 and will host Butler Sunday afternoon at noon.
A conference championship is on the line tonight in Boise!
The Boise State women's soccer team hosts Washington State at 7 o'clock in its final home match of the regular season.
A victory would guarantee the Broncos at least a share of the Pac-12 regular-season championship.
Freshman standout Campbell Wilson has been outstanding this season, recording 12 goals and 32 points, the most of any freshman in the country.
Goalkeeper Ava de Leest has also recorded 10 shutouts.
The Broncos have already secured a spot in next week's Pac-12 Championship tournament, but tonight they'll be looking to add another conference title to their resume!
The Idaho State men's basketball team is looking to bounce back after dropping its season opener to Utah State, 94-58.
The Bengals travel to Laramie tomorrow night to face Wyoming before heading to Colorado Springs for a Sunday matchup against Air Force.
Macarhy Morris led Idaho State with 15 points against Utah State, while Kenyon DeMuynck added 14.
Tomorrow night's game against Wyoming tips off at 6:30, with Sunday's matchup against Air Force scheduled for 1 o'clock.
Both games will be streamed on Mountain West Plus.
One of the biggest football games of the season is coming to the ICCU Dome Saturday!
The 22nd-ranked Idaho State Bengals welcome third-ranked and defending national champion Montana State for a major FCS showdown.
Idaho State is coming off an exciting 34-27 victory over Utah Tech and enters the weekend with a 6-and-3 record.
The Bengals are chasing their first FCS playoff appearance since 1983.
Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for 4 o'clock, with coverage on ESPN Plus and Scripps Sports.
And there's more exciting news for Bengals fans!
Idaho State's November 14th showdown against 12th-ranked Montana will be televised nationally on ESPN2. That game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time.
The Idaho Vandals men's basketball team is off to a strong start after opening the season with a 97-56 victory over George Fox.
Lapwai native Kase Wynott led the Vandals with a career-high 20 points, including four three-pointers.
Idaho now travels to Fort Collins tomorrow night to take on Colorado State. Both teams enter the matchup at 1-and-0.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 o'clock Mountain Time.
The Vandals return home Sunday to face Lincoln at 3 o'clock.
The Idaho Vandals women's soccer team closes out its regular season today at Eastern Washington.
Idaho has already secured a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament, thanks in large part to a strong defensive effort.
Senior goalkeeper Paula Flores has recorded 10 shutouts this season and leads the conference in shutout percentage and goals-against average.
The Vandals will look to finish the regular season strong before heading to Missoula, Montana, for the conference tournament.
Hockey fans in Boise will have to wait a little longer to see the Idaho Steelheads back on the ice.
The team has postponed three home games against the Rapid City Rush because of problems with ice conditions at Idaho Central Arena.
The games originally scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday have all been postponed.
No makeup dates have been announced.
The good news for ticket holders is that tickets will be honored for the rescheduled games. Fans unable to attend the new dates can request a refund or receive credit toward another game.
We're starting Thursday with clouds across the Magic Valley, but sunshine returns later today!
🌤️ Thursday: Clouds giving way to sunshine with a high near 53 degrees. Overnight, mostly clear with a low around 33.
☁️ Friday: Increasing clouds with a high near 53. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 33.
☀️ Saturday: Beautiful sunshine with a high near 58. Overnight low around 37.
🌞 Sunday: More sunshine and even warmer temperatures, with a high near 62. Sunday night, partly cloudy with a low around 37.
🌤️ Monday: Mostly sunny with a high near 62.
☀️ Tuesday: Sunny skies and a high near 60.
🇺🇸 Veterans Day: Looking beautiful with sunshine and a high near 63!
It looks like the Magic Valley is in for a fantastic stretch of mild November weather. Enjoy that sunshine while it lasts!
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