Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
IDAHO-DRUG TRAFFICKING
US designates Northern Idaho county as drug-trafficking area
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Federal officials say a northern Idaho county has a drug-trafficking problem and is being included in a regional network that will help with a crackdown. The Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy on Thursday designated Kootenai County as part of the Idaho/Oregon High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Authorities say drug traffickers transporting marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs use Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 95 to transport drugs. Idaho State Police say the area has had the most illegal drug seizures in Idaho in recent years. Ada, Canyon and Bannock counties in Idaho are already part of the regional network.
HOMICIDE SUICIDE-MOTHER
Idaho woman kills 5-year-old son and self, authorities say
KIMBERLY, Idaho (AP) — Police say a mother killed her 5-year-old son and then herself at their home in Idaho. The Times-News reported police in Kimberly are investigating the deaths that were discovered by the woman’s boyfriend May 24. Kimberly Police Chief Jeff Perry says they each died of a single gunshot wound and the mother’s wound was self-inflicted. The victim’s names were not immediately released. Perry says the woman’s boyfriend was camping but cut the trip short when he became worried about the woman. He returned around 1:30 a.m. and found the pair in the community east of Twin Falls.
AMERICA PROTESTS-IDAHO
Thousands attend vigil at Idaho Statehouse in Boise
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Thousands of people attended a vigil in front of the Idaho Statehouse in Boise to protest the killing of George Floyd in a largely peaceful demonstration. Organizers of the Black Lives Matter Candlelight Vigil on Tuesday evening said the intention was to remember black Americans killed in recent years, many by police. Similar but smaller gatherings took place in other parts of the state, including Ketchum, Hailey, Twin Falls, Sandpoint, Idaho Falls and Rexburg. After the vigil in Boise ended about 10 p.m., tensions rose between protesters and counter-protesters. But police reported no arrests, injuries or damage to property in the area.
AMERICA PROTESTS-WASHINGTON STATE
Police chief: Badge numbers will be 'prominently displayed'
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle’s police chief says officers’ badge numbers will be “prominently displayed” following complaints by people protesting the death of George Floyd that black bands obscured the digits. Chief Carmen Best said Thursday officers sometimes wear bands over badges to honor colleagues who have been killed while on duty. Mayor Jenny Durkan says authorities continue to speak to community leaders about ways to reduce tensions and improve communication and police policies. Also on Thursday, the largest labor union in Seattle demanded that the Seattle Police Officers Guild admit racism is a problem in law enforcement and agree to address it or face being thrown out of the umbrella organization.
LAWMAKER APPOINTED
Governor makes appointment to fill N. Idaho House seat
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. Brad Little has appointed Aaron von Ehlinger to immediately fill a northern Idaho House seat until November's general election. The Republican governor made the appointment Wednesday, one day after von Ehlinger won the Republican primary for the seat. Von Ehlinger had challenged incumbent Republican Rep. Thyra Stevenson for the seat representing Nez Perce and Lewis counties. But Stevenson died on May 11 following a heart attack. The 6th Legislative District Republican Central Committee then nominated von Ehlinger and two others as potential picks for Little. That makes von Ehlinger the incumbent in the November general election, where he is running unopposed.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
