Author: Andrew Rogers

The Idaho Revenue Forecast got a boost Monday as the state’s budget committee voted unanimously to adopt a more optimistic projection than Governor Brad Little had recommended. The decision sets the stage for the 2026–2027 state budget and gives lawmakers more flexibility in spending. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC, delayed the vote by a day last week but ultimately agreed to use the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment’s recommendations. The committee approved revenue projections of more than $5.6 billion for fiscal year 2026 and about $5.8 billion for fiscal year 2027. Both figures are higher than those recommended by…

Two Ohio men were among three people fatally shot in central Florida over the weekend in what authorities called a “random, tragic act.” Douglas Kraft, 68, of Columbus, and James Puchan, 68, of Galena, Ohio, were killed Jan. 17 near Kissimmee, along with Douglas Kraft’s brother, Robert Kraft, 70, of Holland, Michigan. Families described the deaths as senseless and devastating. “These three wonderful men did not deserve this,” the families said in a joint statement. “Our families are left with an unexpected, unimaginable loss that cannot be put into words. We ask for privacy, prayers, and respect as we mourn…

A Coachella Valley Earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 shook parts of Southern California on January 19, according to federal seismic data. The quake struck at about 5:56 p.m. local time and was felt across a wide area. Many residents reported strong shaking, especially in cities near the epicenter. The earthquake hit roughly 12 miles northeast of Indio. The Coachella Valley sits about 130 miles east of Los Angeles. Officials said the quake was shallow, with an estimated depth of about 1.8 miles beneath the surface. Shallow quakes often cause stronger shaking because they are closer to the ground. Within…

The upcoming Alaska Legislative Week is expected to be busy and closely watched. Lawmakers, judges, and state boards are preparing for a full schedule of meetings and hearings. Budget plans, energy policy, public safety, and legal disputes will all be discussed. The week marks the start of the second year of the current legislative session, a time when many major decisions begin to take shape. Each week, public schedules and notices give a glimpse of what is ahead. Still, many important moments remain uncertain. One key question is when the governor will release a full fiscal plan and speak publicly…

Russia is preparing a major strike on power lines connected to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, according to a source familiar with the situation. The attack could happen within days and may target key electricity lines that support nuclear safety systems in southern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials say the plan does not involve direct strikes on nuclear reactors. Instead, the focus appears to be on high‑voltage transmission lines that provide external power to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Even though the reactors are not producing electricity, the plant still depends on these power lines to run cooling and safety systems. On…

A group of anti-ICE protesters disrupted a worship service Sunday at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, claiming one of the pastors had ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Videos from the event show demonstrators chanting inside the sanctuary, raising concerns among religious leaders and law enforcement about targeting houses of worship during ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations. In one clip, protesters can be heard shouting “Justice for Renee Good” as they stood in the middle of the sanctuary while the service was underway. The disruption was described as a “clandestine mission,” with organizers claiming they had learned a pastor at…

Countries will need to pay $1 billion for a permanent seat on U.S. President Donald Trump’s new “Board of Peace,” documents reveal. The international body, chaired by Trump, was designed to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, with U.S. officials announcing the start of phase two of the territory’s peace plan. However, the Board’s charter suggests it could have a broader global role, potentially creating overlap or conflict with the United Nations, which Trump has frequently criticized. The proposal has already sparked concern from Israel, which questioned the committee’s composition. The Gaza-focused committee includes a Turkish minister but no Israeli officials, raising potential…

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, acknowledged on Saturday that thousands of people were killed during more than two weeks of nationwide protests, blaming the unrest on U.S. influence. In a televised address, Khamenei accused President Donald Trump of “openly encouraging” demonstrators by promising military support, calling him a criminal responsible for both casualties and damage. The unrest began in late December over economic hardships, quickly spreading across cities in Iran. Witnesses and human rights groups reported that government forces fired on protesters from rooftops and military drones, though Khamenei did not mention these actions in his speech. According to…

At least 21 people have died, and dozens more were injured after two high-speed trains derailed and collided near Adamuz in southern Spain on Sunday evening, authorities said. The crash happened around 6:40 p.m. local time in Córdoba province, when an Iryo train traveling from Málaga to Madrid left its track and crossed onto a parallel line. That train then struck a Renfe service heading from Madrid to Huelva, causing the second train to derail. Police and emergency officials confirmed at least 21 fatalities. Health authorities said at least 73 people were wounded and transported to six hospitals for treatment. Some…

Hawaii state officials have released $8 million in Capital Improvement Funds to rebuild a key section of the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. The funding will go toward reconstructing the outer marginal wharf, which was destroyed in the devastating wildfires of August 2023. State Senator Angus McKelvey, who represents West Maui, Maalaea, and Waikapu, described the funding release as a positive step for Lahaina’s recovery. At the same time, he acknowledged local concerns about moving too quickly. “There’s a concern that as things rush forward, with so many entities that are gone and lost, outside entities, many who are very well…