Today’s Daily Briefing – 11/27/2024

Thanksgiving Holiday Travel and Weather

As Thanksgiving travel begins, expect dense fog in parts of the Magic Valley, particularly near Gooding, Highway 26, and I-84. Visibility warnings are in effect. Once the fog lifts, increasing winds are forecasted. With holiday traffic, expect an increased police presence as Idaho State Police partner with local agencies for high-visibility patrols targeting impaired driving. Thanksgiving remains one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Business Update: Kroger and Albertsons Deal

Kroger is extending its offer to buy Albertsons, pushing the expiration date from today to December 3. The Boise-based grocer’s acquisition remains under review, leaving the deal in a “wait and see” status.

Local News Highlights

Traffic Accident in Twin Falls

A vehicle rollover yesterday afternoon near Blue Lakes and Caswell Avenue in Twin Falls snarled traffic. A car turning northbound was T-boned, leading to lane closures and detours.

Kuna Fire

A fire destroyed the former Tyson Foods plant in Kuna Monday night. The vacant structure, closed since 2006, sustained severe damage. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.

Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting

Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little invite all Idahoans to the Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3 at 5:30 p.m. The event includes entertainment and remarks, with the lighting at 6:30 p.m.

Election Results Certified

The Idaho State Board of Canvassers certified the state’s 2024 general election results yesterday, confirming no outcome changes after audits in eight counties.

Sports Updates

Ski Season Opens

Sun Valley Resort opens its 89th ski season on Thanksgiving. Bogus Basin, Brundage, and Tamarack resorts also plan holiday openings, weather permitting.

Boise State Football

The Boise State Broncos achieved their highest College Football Playoff ranking, now at No. 11. They face Oregon State on Friday at 10 a.m. on FOX.

Boise State Basketball

In men’s basketball, Boise State narrowly lost to Boston College, 63-61, in the Cayman Islands Classic. The Broncos return home to play Utah Tech on Tuesday.

Idaho State Football

Idaho State University announced Grant Duff as the new Defensive Coordinator. Duff was previously with Weber State University.

Women’s Basketball

The Idaho Vandals face Montana Tech today in a game that counts as an exhibition for Montana but regular season for Idaho.

Girls’ High School Basketball

Teams wrapped up play before the holiday:

Parma 56, Valley 39
Middleton 59, Twin Falls 27
Burley 62, Vallivue 22
Melba 40, Buhl 10
Ririe 46, Declo 28
Oakley 55, Shoshone 19

Snake River All-Conference Awards

Valley’s Brian Ayers was named Coach of the Year. Hagerman’s Wyatt Mavencamp and Shaymus Merrill earned Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors, respectively.