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A Pullman man, Alexander Palenzuela, pleaded guilty to communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, reducing a felony charge to a misdemeanor. He received a two-year probation sentence, must register as a sex offender for ten years, and comply with treatment recommendations following a psychological evaluation.
Washington State University merged its Human Resource Services and Finance and Administration into a new Finance and Business Services department. Matt Skinner will serve as vice president, while Jennifer Klein becomes vice president and chief human resources officer. The consolidation aims to improve coordination in fiscal planning amid a changing higher education landscape.
Washington State University’s insect museum received a $250,000 donation from Terry and Faye Whitworth to expand its collection. The funds will support a new compactor storage system, potentially doubling the museum's capacity to house millions of specimens.
Whitman County Public Health confirmed a pertussis outbreak, marking the first in three months. Close contacts of infected individuals should consult healthcare providers, as early treatment with antibiotics can mitigate the spread. Immunizations remain the most effective prevention method, especially for infants and pregnant women.
Gerald Hoff, 24, settled a fourth-degree assault charge involving a Washington State University student who wore pro-Trump attire. The charge was dismissed in exchange for a misdemeanor, and Hoff must pay the victim $150 in restitution. The incident occurred on February 28, highlighting tensions between opposing political groups on campus.
A two-vehicle crash in Hayden early Tuesday morning left one person hospitalized. A 78-year-old man driving a log truck failed to yield at a red light, colliding with a 2015 Ram pickup driven by a 64-year-old Hayden man. The crash blocked U.S. Highway 95 for approximately 2½ hours while authorities managed the scene.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson apologized for inviting former aide Mike Webb on a state plane for a trip that included official business and a political fundraiser. Webb, who resigned amid allegations of a hostile work environment, sparked tensions within the administration, as staff expressed concerns about his ongoing association with the governor. Ferguson acknowledged the decision as "stupid" and stated that it would not happen again.
A small field fire ignited at Washington State University’s Spillman Farms on Monday afternoon, burning approximately four acres of grain. The fire, sparked by a combine, was quickly brought under control by volunteer firefighters and local tractors. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Gerald Hoff, 24, resolved a fourth-degree assault charge against him in connection with an incident involving a Washington State University student wearing pro-Trump attire. The charge was dismissed in exchange for a misdemeanor, and Hoff must pay the victim $150 in restitution. The incident occurred on February 28, when Hoff and another man allegedly assaulted the student after a political confrontation.
Idaho legislators convened to discuss the formation of a new task force aimed at enhancing government efficiency, modeled after the federal Department of Government Efficiency. The task force will focus on consolidating state agencies and reviewing unnecessary positions, with a goal of implementing changes in the upcoming legislative session.