Flood Awareness Week: Snowmelt, seasonal rains add to risk

The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is joining the annual observance to remind Idahoans of the importance of flood preparedness and awareness, especially as spring snowmelt and seasonal rains increase the risk of flooding across the state.

Mental health fair returns to Silver Valley

Mental health resource fair takes place Saturday

When Silver Valley CARES proposed the idea for a mental health fair last year, residents had been rocked by tragedy. Going into the second year of the event, organizer Jenna Grant-Arthun felt though many of the same overarching needs remain, the immediate concern level for the mental health across the community has emerged from a higher crisis level.

District readies for cadet program

Fireboat with a demonstration from 5 to 7 p.m. May 16 at Hayden Lake Marina.

Firefighters Mike Cunningham and Shay Carlock, both former cadets, developed and will oversee the program, according to a press release.

Two local agencies honored by Idaho Children’s Trust Fund

Idaho Children’s Trust Fund Board began a new tradition to recognize people and groups who have made significant contributions in the past year and the organization’s Pinwheel Awards were announced for 2023-2024 in Boise. Locally, two agencies were praised for their efforts to help children and families.

Lake City High School student wins mental health awareness award

The Sharon siblings, Luke and Emma have both sought to turn the rollercoaster effect of mental health crises into tools and resources others can use to intervene.

VETERANS PRESS: What basic health care services does VA cover?

We cover preventive care services, like: Health exams (including gender-specific exams), health education (including nutrition education), immunization against infectious diseases (like flu shots), counseling on genetic diseases (diseases that run in families)

Sheriff says 'no arrests' during disaster emergency

In response to growing concerns regarding the County's Emergency Operations Plan, Sheriff Robert Norris reaffirmed today that individuals will not be arrested for refusing to evacuate during a Disaster Emergency.

WHO declares mpox outbreaks in Africa a global health emergency as a new form of the virus spreads

The World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and elsewhere in Africa a global emergency, with cases confirmed among children and adults in more than a dozen countries and a new form of the virus spreading.

Idaho mobilizes firefighting teams, local agencies to support California’s wildfire efforts

Idaho is mobilizing five task forces to assist in protecting communities threatened by wildfires burning in Southern California.

When every second counts: Recognizing pet emergency signs

As a pet owner, it’s natural to be concerned about your furry friend’s health and well-being, but knowing when to seek emergency veterinary care can sometimes be challenging.

Emergency food, shelter funding available to Kootenai County nonprofits

Local food and shelter organizations can apply for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Critics warn staff cuts at federal agencies overseeing US dams could put public safety at risk

Trump administration workforce cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams are threatening their ability to provide reliable electricity, supply farmers with water and protect communities from floods, employees and industry experts warn.

After Roe, the network of people who help others get abortions see themselves as 'the underground'

Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, said such laws protect the unborn. While she doesn’t know if anything can be done to prevent people from helping others get abortions, she said, “I would certainly wish that they wouldn’t do it.”

‘Significant’ amounts of lightning with Monday’s storms spark wildfires across Idaho

Officials say five new fires were burning in the Boise Bureau of Land Management area, nine in the Payette National Forest and 20 in the Boise National Forest.

Rural North Idaho volunteer EMS service temporarily exempt from 24-hour response requirement

Department of Health and Welfare’s board approved waiver for J-K Ambulance, serving Juliaetta and Kendrick in Latah County.

EDITORIAL: Shield law signals Idaho's commitment to press freedom

The Idaho Legislature has unanimously passed House Bill 158, creating a much-needed shield law to protect journalists' confidential sources. This legislation, now awaiting Governor Brad Little's signature, represents a significant step forward for press freedom in our state and deserves wholehearted praise.

OPINION: Kootenai County's Call to Action: Fostering local unity through preparedness

It’s more than obvious we are living in historic times. Unfortunately, historic times are usually not tranquil times. Here in our beloved Kootenai County, we have recently experienced a spate of tumultuous events, including the racial incident involving the Utah Women’s basketball team, the arrest of an 18-year-old man on terrorist suspicions, a politicized defamation trial, and most recently, another racial incident, concerning the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Council seeking housing solutions

The Panhandle Area Council is an economic development 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that provides small businesses with loans, project financing and community development services to advance economic development across Idaho. It has been connecting businesses to resources since 1972.

OPINION: Risch, Crapo, Simpson — Stop federal usurpation of state water rights

Without prior warning to state water managers in California’s Tulare County, federal officials suddenly dumped a torrent of water from two lakes in the state’s Central Valley. The deluge almost caused flooding on its way to the ocean, where it served absolutely no useful purpose. Farmers were incensed that they would not have the precious water for this year’s growing season. The water community was left scratching its head.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Auto-immune insights

From a Western Medical perspective, an autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues and organs. Instead of focusing on harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses, it appears to get confused between healthy cells and harmful invaders, leading it to attack normal cells. Treatment involves suppressing this crazy, aberrant immune system, in order to control the behavior that appears to be defiant.