Albertsons Ends Merger with Kroger
Albertsons announced the end of its $24.6 billion merger with Kroger just a day after the deal was rejected in two court rulings. The grocery chain is suing Kroger, claiming it did not do enough to secure regulatory approval. One of the rulings, issued by a Washington judge, permanently barred the merger, stating it would reduce competition and violate consumer-protection laws.
Wendell Announces New School Superintendent
The Wendell School District will welcome Ryan Bowman as its new superintendent in July 2025. Bowman, currently the operations manager for Twin Falls School District, will replace Tim Perrigot. The school board approved Bowman’s contract earlier this week.
Lava Ridge Opponents Consider Legal Action
Opponents of the Lava Ridge wind project are deliberating the timing of a potential lawsuit following the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) approval last Friday. The group may wait until President-elect Trump takes office in January. A lawsuit could cost an estimated $500,000.
Medicaid Budget Request in Idaho
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has requested an additional $108 million from the state legislature to fund Medicaid mental health contractors. If approved, the supplemental budget would allow the agency to exceed the 2024 spending levels originally approved by lawmakers.
Micron Secures CHIPS Act Funding
Boise-based Micron Technology will receive $6.2 billion in federal funding through the CHIPS Act. Micron has already begun a $25 billion expansion in Boise, set to create over 10,000 jobs by the end of the decade.
Record Holiday Travel Expected
AAA estimates 119 million Americans, including 700,000 Idahoans, will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday season, setting a new record for year-end travel. This surpasses the 2019 record by 64,000 travelers.
Sports Update
College Football: Idaho State kicker Gabe Panikowski has won the Fred Mitchell Award, honoring top collegiate kickers in FCS and lower divisions for on-field performance and community service. He is the third Big Sky Conference player to win.
High School Basketball:
- Boys: Wood River defeated Buhl (60-53), Gooding edged Wendell (56-53), and Carey dominated Richfield (46-12).
- Girls: Oakley beat Murtaugh (46-22).
Upcoming Games:
Boys: Dietrich plays Castleford, Minico competes in the Capital Classic, and Canyon Ridge heads to the Pro Image Sports Holiday Classic.
Girls: Richfield visits Camas County, and Carey travels to Hansen.
Weather Forecast
Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 42°F.
Tonight: Slight chance of snow, low around 28°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 44°F.
Saturday: Rain likely, high near 42°F.
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 39°F.
Monday: Snow chance increases, high near 37°F.
