Your Daily Briefing – 12/11/2024

NEWS

Federal Judge Blocks Kroger-Albertsons Merger

Yesterday, a federal judge in Oregon blocked Kroger’s proposed $25 billion merger with Albertsons, ruling that the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history would limit competition and harm consumers. The ruling is a significant setback for both grocery chains and jeopardizes the merger’s likelihood. Kroger and Albertsons collectively own numerous grocery brands, including Safeway, Vons, Harris Teeter, and Fred Meyer.

Juvenile in Custody Following Shoshone School Threat

Following threats made to Shoshone School on December 5, a juvenile is now in custody. Authorities responded to the school Thursday afternoon after a reported gun threat. The threat was found to be verbal, and no weapons were discovered on school grounds. School officials stated that the threat was directed at staff, with no students at risk.

Legal Battle Over Idaho’s Abortion Ban

A major legal battle over abortion rights and emergency medical care is unfolding in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case centers on whether Idaho’s strict abortion ban conflicts with federal law in emergency situations. Idaho’s attorneys argue there is no conflict, but doctors express concerns over the implications for medical care.

Trump’s Immigration Policies Could Impact Agriculture

If President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his pledge to deport millions of immigrants, it could severely disrupt the economies of states reliant on farming and other food-related industries, where labor shortages are already an issue. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, immigrants constitute about two-thirds of the nation’s crop farmworkers, with approximately 40% lacking legal work authorization in the United States.

Murder Trial Begins in Eastern Idaho

The trial for Mark Bent, accused of murdering 23-year-old Nikolas Todd Bird, began yesterday in eastern Idaho. Bent, 43, allegedly confessed to the murder in a Facebook post and now faces a first-degree murder charge.

Keith Urban Announces Nampa Concert

Keith Urban will visit Nampa on July 19 as part of his “High and Alive World Tour.” The concert will take place at the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater. Tickets go on sale this Friday.

Fentanyl Traffickers Sentenced in Pocatello

Andrew George Haney, 41, and Anthony Michael Stratton, 35, were sentenced to prison yesterday for trafficking fentanyl in Pocatello. Police stopped their vehicle and discovered 2,000 fentanyl pills during a search.

SPORTS

Boise State’s 2025 Mountain West Football Schedule Announced

Boise State will host Colorado State, Fresno State, New Mexico, and UNLV during its 2025 Mountain West schedule. The Broncos, who have won the Mountain West title four times in the past eight years, will face three of the top-four teams in the 2024 conference standings at Albertsons Stadium. Road games will include matchups against Air Force, Nevada, San Diego State, and Utah State.

Idaho State Men’s Basketball Continues Homestand

The Idaho State men’s basketball team continues its three-game homestand this Saturday, December 14, at 6 P.M. against Walla Walla University. Walla Walla enters the game with a 1-5 record, their sole win coming against The Evergreen State College. WWU has three players averaging double digits in scoring and two players averaging over six rebounds per game.

High School Basketball Results

Boys’ Games:
Dietrich 81, Hansen 29
Preston 62, Minico 34
Wendell 66, Kimberly 64
Twin Falls 61, Canyon Ridge 51
Filer 61, Mountain Home 30
Rockland 55, Murtaugh 33
Declo 49, Firth 40
Hagerman 67, Raft River 64
Valley 52, Glenns Ferry 45 (OT)
Shoshone 61, Sun Valley Community School 45
Carey 46, Richfield 12
Girls’ Games:
Castleford 44, Camas County 25
Burley 50, Century 19
Kimberly 66, Marsh Valley 50
Ridgevue 63, Minico 48
Wendell 41, Shoshone 20
Declo 37, Buhl 35

Upcoming High School Basketball Schedule

Boys’ Games:
Wood River at Buhl
Wendell at Gooding
Carey at Richfield
Girls’ Games:
Highland (Pocatello) at Canyon Ridge
Glenns Ferry at Hagerman
Murtaugh at Oakley
Shoshone at Valley

WEATHER

Today:
Partly sunny, high near 39°F. East-northeast wind at 5-7 mph.

Tonight:
Mostly cloudy, low around 23°F. East wind around 6 mph.

Thursday:
50% chance of snow, mainly after 11 A.M. Cloudy, high near 42°F. East wind at 3-7 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Thursday Night:
Chance of rain and snow before 11 P.M., then snow likely. Mostly cloudy, low around 28°F. Light west wind becoming west-southwest at 5-9 mph. 50% chance of precipitation.

Friday:
Partly sunny, high near 44°F. West-southwest wind at 7-9 mph.

Friday Night:
30% chance of rain and snow after 11 P.M. Mostly cloudy, low around 30°F.

Saturday:
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, high near 43°F. 60% chance of precipitation.

Sunday:
Chance of rain and snow before 11 A.M. Mostly sunny, high near 41°F. 40% chance of precipitation.