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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The mom of two children missing since September failed to meet a court-ordered deadline to bring the kids to authorities in Idaho on Thursday. That clears the way for a judge to potentially hold Lori Vallow in contempt of court, a move that would allow prosecutors to seek her extradition from Hawaii to Idaho. Seven-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 17-year-old Tylee Ryan haven't been seen since late September, and police in Rexburg, Idaho, have said they “strongly believe that Joshua and Tylee's lives are in danger.” JJ's grandmother says she's disheartened but still hopes to find her grandson.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Republican Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill says he won't seek re-election. Hill announced his decision Thursday. Hill has served in the Idaho Senate for 19 years, more than half of that as Senate president pro tempore. He served under four governors. The retired accountant from Rexburg says he plans to more fully enjoy spending time with his wife and 20 grandchildren. Hill's term ends in November. He says serving in the Senate has been an incredible experience he will always treasure.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho billionaire Frank VanderSloot is asking state lawmakers to back a measure to help people facing medical debt. The founder of wellness shopping club Melaleuca says the legislation is needed to protect families from unethical debt collectors. The measure would require doctors and medical facilities to provide timely and clear payment bills for their clients. It would also limit how much attorneys can get paid in specific circumstances involving medical debt collection. VanderSloot says he got involved after a debt collection company tried to collect thousands of dollars in legal and collection fees for an unpaid $294 medical bill for one of his employees.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A report has revealed that Idaho saw its worst suicide rate in 2018. Boise State Public Radio said Tuesday that the state Department of Health and Welfare confirmed 418 people died by suicide in 2018, a rate of 23.8 for every 100,000 people. The agency said th rate for teens, young adults, Native Americans and older people in the state increased considerably between 2014 and 2018. Health officials say Idaho had the fifth-highest suicide rate in the country in 2017. Health officials say the department has considered multiple initiatives to combat the increase, including streamlining intervention efforts.
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