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31 Have Died on Idaho Roads Since Memorial Day; Local Police to put Extra Patrols on Road for July 4
LEWISTON - The Fourth of July travel period comes during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads - the summer days between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends when there is an increase in fatal crashes. According to preliminary data from the Idaho Office of Highway Safety, 31 people have been killed in crashes in Idaho since Memorial Day weekend this year.
Judge Lifts ban on Idaho Medicaid Gender-Affirming Care for Seven Suing Patients
For seven transgender and nonbinary Idahoans on Medicaid, a federal judge has temporarily blocked a new law that bans public funds for their gender-affirming care. On Saturday, federal judge Raymond E. Patricco, chief magistrate judge in the District of Idaho, issued a temporary restraining order that began Monday, blocking the new law only for the seven patients, who are plaintiffs in a lawsuit.
Traffic Flows Again at Teton Pass, Less Than 3 Weeks After Landslide
JACKSON — The pace picked up in Wilson as soon as Teton Pass reopened at noon Friday. Cars lined up to drive up Highway 22. Gas pumps at Basecamp bustled. Travelers, locals and construction workers grabbing lunch could only discuss one thing: the road. A paved, two-lane bypass reconnected...
U.S. Marshals Rescue 200 Missing Children During 6-Week Operation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Marshals Service rescued and located 200 missing or endangered children over a six-week period, the agency announced on Monday. "Operation We Will Find You 2" focused on several hot spot cities such as Phoenix, Arizona, and Miami, Florida, where there were kids missing, it said.
Stites man Hospitalized Following Monday Motorcycle Crash Near Orofino
OROFINO - A Stites man was injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Monday. According to the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office, at approximately 4:18 p.m. on Monday, deputies and medics from Clearwater County Ambulance responded to a motorcycle accident on US12 at milepost 46, near Orofino. According to the Sheriff's...
Key Idaho laws now in effect, more coming soon
A myriad of far-reaching laws went into effect Monday. Much of the legislation passed included “emergency provisions,” making them effective July 1, rather than at the start of the new calendar year. Below are some of the notable laws addressing a wide range of issues including health care access, library materials, transgender rights, drug use and housing fee restrictions.
Man arrested for a drive-by shooting and assault after firing at a home in a domestic violence incident
SPOKANE - On Saturday, June 29, 2024, just before midnight, Spokane Police responded to a call of a shooting in the 3000 block of E. Jackson St. Upon arrival, officers learned that an argument had taken place between family members of a boyfriend and girlfriend after the boyfriend assaulted her.
Supreme Court says Trump has some immunity, further delaying trial
WASHINGTON DC - The US Supreme Court ruled Monday that Donald Trump enjoys some immunity from prosecution as a former president, a decision set to delay his trial for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election. The 6-3 ruling split along ideological lines comes four months ahead of the presidential election...
State and Local Minimum Wage Hikes Kick In Around U.S.
Minimum wage workers got a pay bump beginning Monday in Washington, D.C., Nevada and Oregon, as well as in some cities and counties across the U.S. In Washington, D.C., minimum wage workers are set to earn $17.50 per hour, an increase of 50 cents. It’s higher than any state-level minimum wage in the nation and $10.25 more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The D.C. minimum wage is increased annually on July 1 and is set based on inflation growth, usually tied to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, or CPI.
Attention Hunters: Controlled Hunt Results Information Posted on Blue Postcards is Incorrect
Hunters who recently applied for 2024 big game controlled hunts - as well as some who did not apply - are receiving blue postcards with incorrect information that the hunter drew a tag (or tags) this year. The controlled hunt drawing results that are posted on hunters’ online profiles, and that were emailed to hunters, have the correct information, but the blue postcards do not.
King County Sheriff still won’t arrest Burien homeless despite SCOTUS ruling
SEATTLE – Despite a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, the King County Sheriff’s Office is still refusing to enforce the City of Burien’s ban on public camping. On Friday, the nation's highest court decided 6 to 3 that banning homeless encampments on public property does not constitute “cruel and unusual” punishment.
Lewis Clark Animal Shelter Maintains Over 90% Save Rate in 2023
LEWISTON – The Lewis Clark Animal Shelter has been recognized for its impressive save rate, maintaining a no-kill status throughout 2023. According to Best Friends Animal Society’s annual data report, the shelter saved more than 97% of the dogs and cats in their care last year, earning them a recognition award from the national animal welfare organization.
Breaching Snake River Dams Could Drop Reservoirs, Groundwater Levels by 100 Feet
(The Center Square) – As the Biden administration attempts to gain support for breaching hydroelectric dams in Washington, state and federal agencies are preparing for a study on the potential implications. The Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation held two virtual meetings last week...
Idaho Talking Book Service Launches New Website
BOISE - The Idaho Talking Book Service (TBS) has unveiled a new website, https://idahotalkingbooks.org/, designed to be user-friendly for both current and potential patrons, as well as their caregivers. TBS is a free audiobook library service for Idahoans who cannot read standard print due to low vision, blindness, or other...
Idaho Implements New Measures to Combat Invasive Species
BOISE - The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has announced the implementation of new laws starting July 1 to combat aquatic invasive species. The changes include mandatory inspection and decontamination for out-of-state watercraft, requirements for removing drain plugs, and new opportunities for local watercraft inspection stations. “Since Idaho’s Legislature...
Idaho Transportation Department celebrates 50 years
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) turns 50 years old today, celebrating half a century of connecting Idaho’s travelers with their many destinations. On July 1, 1974, the Idaho Transportation Department was officially established, bringing together the Department of Highways, Aeronautics, Public Transportation, and the Traffic Safety Commission under one department.
Idaho State Police Release Annual Crime in Idaho Report for 2023
MERIDIAN - The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification has published the annual Crime in Idaho 2023 Report, offering a comprehensive overview of crime statistics from across the state. This report compiles data submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho by a specified deadline, presenting a thorough analysis of the state's crime landscape.
Deadline Approaching for Public Assistance Requests in Idaho
BOISE – The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is reminding eligible state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofits, that the deadline to submit Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) for costs related to the severe storm, flooding, landslides, and mudslides on April 14-15, 2024, is fast approaching. The...
Pullman Regional Hospital Expands Gastroenterology Team
PULLMAN - Pullman Surgical Associates, a department of Pullman Regional Hospital, is expanding gastroenterology services with the addition of Gastroenterologist Justin Cochrane, DO, and Nurse Practitioner, Lisa Arrett. Dr. Cochrane is Board-Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, is an American College Osteopathic Internist, and an American College Osteopathic...
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