Idaho briefs

• Idaho in top half for federal dependency

BOISE - Idaho ranks in the top half of states with the highest dependence on federal dollars, according to a new study.

The Idaho Statesman reports the Gem State is ranked 31st in the nation for dependence on the federal government, with a higher ranking meaning more dependency.

That means Idaho's reliance on government funds is higher than every neighboring state except for Wyoming, which comes in at a national ranking of 43rd, according to the study released last week by personal finance website WalletHub. The study examined states' return on federal taxes, federal funding as a percentage of state revenue and number of federal employees per capita.

Only 20 states depend more on money from the government than Idaho. Delaware was ranked as the least-dependent state, while Mississippi and New Mexico tied for the most-dependent spot.

Although federal money makes up more than 35 percent of Idaho's total revenue, Idahoans aren't forking over the most in taxes: The state gets back $1.40 for every dollar its residents pay in federal taxes. WalletHub ranked Idaho 29th in the nation for the percentage of federal dollars it gets versus the taxes it pays. (More info: WalletHub.com)

Those federal dollars flow to citizens for Social Security payments and federal salaries as well as to the state government to address issues like highway upkeep.

• Eatery worker hit complaining customer

BOISE - A Garden City woman was arrested Saturday after police say she attacked a customer who complained about poor service at the restaurant where she worked.

The suspect, 29-year-old Truc Huynh, became confrontational after Boise police officers arrived at the restaurant, located in the 7300 block of West State Street.

When the officers asked Huynh to speak with them in another room, she grabbed a butter knife and assumed a fighting stance, they said.

After being persuaded to put the knife down, she kicked one of the officers twice in the leg as they handcuffed her.

Huynh was booked into the Ada County Jail and charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor resisting and obstructing.

The customer, who suffered a bruised jaw, declined to press charges.

- Associated Press