Today’s Daily Briefing – 12/09/2024

NEWS

Lava Wind Project Approved

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced over the weekend the approval of the Lava Wind Project, which could provide clean energy to as many as 500,000 homes. The project has been scaled down from 400 turbines to 241, with 231 on BLM-managed lands and 10 on land managed by the State of Idaho. The turbines will occupy 992 acres within a 38,535-acre area across Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka counties. Each turbine will be no taller than 660 feet.

Fugitive Captured in Pocatello

A local fugitive described as “armed and dangerous” was captured Friday night in Pocatello after escaping from a prison work camp in Idaho the day before. Kevin Kuintzle, 33, was apprehended by police and Idaho State Police troopers. After fleeing the St. Anthony work camp, Kuintzle allegedly stole a firearm and attempted a carjacking in Idaho Falls. He is now facing a first-degree murder charge in Jerome.

Former State Representative Elaine Smith Dies

The Idaho Democratic Party announced the passing of former state Representative Elaine Smith. Born in Gooding and a longtime Pocatello resident, Smith represented Legislative District 29 in eastern Idaho for 10 terms. She served as the Idaho House’s minority caucus chairwoman and retired from the Legislature in 2020.

Farm Income Decline Projected

Farm income in 2024 is forecasted to decline by 4% compared to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The decrease is largely attributed to reduced cash receipts from the sale of commodity crops. The forecast aligns with a similar report released in September.

California Woman Dies in I-86 Crash

A 43-year-old California woman died following a multi-car crash on I-86, just east of Declo, on Saturday afternoon. The accident was reported shortly after 2 p.m.

Greater Idaho Movement Appeals to Trump

Leaders of the Greater Idaho movement have called on President-elect Donald Trump to support their campaign to annex eastern Oregon counties into Idaho. The group argues that these counties align more closely with Idaho politically, economically, and culturally. They await a response from Trump.

SPORTS

Boise State Heads to College Football Playoff

Boise State football’s historic season continues in the inaugural expanded College Football Playoff. Ranked No. 9 and as the third-highest conference champion, the Broncos earned a first-round bye and will play in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 against the winner of Penn State vs. SMU. The Broncos secured their playoff spot with a 21-7 win over No. 20 UNLV in the Old Trapper Mountain West Championship. Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty, named Offensive MVP, rushed for 209 yards and one touchdown. Fans celebrated by storming the field and tearing down the goalposts.

Ashton Jeanty Nears Rushing Record

Boise State junior running back Ashton Jeanty, a Heisman frontrunner, will play his final home game on Friday. Jeanty finished the regular season with 2,288 rushing yards and needs 341 more to surpass Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. He has at least two more games to achieve this milestone.

CSI Women’s Basketball Dominates

The Golden Eagle Women’s Basketball team cruised to an 84-46 victory over North Dakota State College of Science at the Gillette College Tournament. CSI, now 9-1, will head to Arizona next week.

Idaho State Men’s Basketball Wins Big

The Idaho State Bengals closed the Big Sky vs. Summit League Challenge with a 71-55 victory over Oral Roberts. The team will continue their homestand next Saturday, Dec. 14, hosting Walla Walla at 6 p.m.

High School Basketball Results

Boys’ Friday Highlights:
- Butte County edged Wood River 55-53.
- Green Canyon (UT) defeated Twin Falls 73-55.
- Ridgeline (UT) overwhelmed Minico 72-39.
- Snake River triumphed over Buhl 67-40.
Girls’ Friday Highlights:
- Murtaugh beat Vision Charter 61-25.
- Timberline defeated Twin Falls 56-31.
- Wendell claimed victory over Marsing 56-47.
Girls’ Saturday Highlights:
- Highland crushed Minico 50-20.
- Declo defeated Marsing 49-40.
- Burley dominated Vallivue 62-25.

WEATHER

Today: Cloudy early, gradually clearing, high near 36°F. West northwest wind 7-10 mph, gusting up to 22 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 20°F. West southwest wind 8 mph, gusts up to 21 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 39°F. West northwest wind 5-7 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, low around 16°F. South wind 5 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 39°F. East wind 5-8 mph.
Thursday-Friday: Partly sunny with a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Highs near 40°F; lows in the 20s.
Weekend: Increasing chances of rain and snow. Highs in the mid-40s, lows in the upper 20s.