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A head-on collision on U.S. Highway 195 south of Colfax resulted in a fatality on Friday evening. The Washington State Patrol reported the crash occurred around 7 p.m., fully blocking the highway and diverting traffic to nearby routes.
Colton Bennett, a Republican medical assistant, announced his candidacy to challenge Rep. Lori McCann in the May 2026 Idaho primary. Bennett previously ran against McCann in the May 2024 District 6 primary election. His military background includes five years of service as a U.S. Army Combat Medic.
The Pullman City Council appointed Sean Wells as the new city administrator, effective September 16. Wells, who has served as the city's Public Works director since 2023, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and aims to build trust within the community. He succeeds Mike Urban, who resigned amid controversy earlier this year.
Weather changes promise higher humidity and cooler temperatures in Idaho's mountainous regions, aiding firefighters battling wildfires. However, significant rainfall poses a risk of flash flooding, particularly in areas affected by recent fires. The Island Creek Fire, the largest in the region, has burned over 10,000 acres and is only 5% contained.
Latah County Commissioners approved a budget exceeding $43 million, including wage increases for employees and funds for a future jail land purchase. Commissioner Tony Johnson opposed the wage hikes, citing fiscal conservatism, while others expressed support for the raises during public hearings. The county plans to cease full-time jail operations this fall, necessitating transport to a neighboring facility.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will reopen six recreational areas along the lower Snake River ahead of Labor Day weekend. Staffing shortages prompted earlier closures, but the agency recently onboarded five new employees to manage these sites.
The Island Creek Fire has expanded to 10,743 acres, prompting ongoing firefighting efforts and a closure of Selway River Road. Smoke from the fire has caused hazardous air quality in Kamiah, where conditions are now rated as "very unhealthy." Other nearby fires, including the Mire Fire and the Sunset Fire, have also seen growth in recent days.
WSU police detained a man at the Courtyard by Marriott in Pullman on Sunday after he allegedly reported a gunman in his hotel room. Officers used a stun gun to subdue the uncooperative suspect, who was later taken to Pullman Regional Hospital for evaluation. No firearms were found in the room.
A suspect attempted to break into an ATM in Uniontown on Sunday morning, using power tools but failing to access any cash. The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office seeks help identifying the suspect, who was reportedly driving a black Dodge Challenger.
A fire damaged a Moscow home early Sunday morning, prompting a response from firefighters who extinguished the flames and prevented further spread. A family of five evacuated safely, and the American Red Cross is assisting them as the cause of the fire remains under investigation.