CDH puts $250K toward rat infestation + Proceeds from medallion sales benefit vet cemeteries + Flock updates safeguards

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“We’re just trying to be responsive to our community’s needs, and this is a high priority for our communities in Ada County.” - Central District Health Director Kristin Ryan

The two common rat species in Idaho are the non-native Norway rat, pictured, and the roof rat, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

HEALTH

In Idaho, public health officials are trying to curb the rat infestation — with a $250K fund

By Kyle Pfannenstiel

The board that oversees Idaho’s largest public health district on Friday approved a quarter million dollar fund to fight invasive rats.

Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, third from left, presents a $47,675 check to the Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries. Proceeds from the sale of the Idaho Women Veterans Medallion will help cover the cost of maintenance and operations at the Blackfoot and Boise state veterans cemeteries. (Photo courtesy of the Idaho State Treasurer’s Office)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

Proceeds from Idaho Women Veterans Medallion to benefit Boise, Blackfoot state veterans cemeteries

By Christina Lords

The funds will be used at the state’s Boise and Blackfoot sites for the “continued care of these places of honor for Idaho veterans and their families,” according to the Idaho State Treasurer’s Office.

Flock Safety license plate readers are typically mounted on tall poles, with a camera and solar panel on top. The company says its technology is used in more than 6,000 communities across 49 states in partnership with thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide. (Photo courtesy of Flock Safety)

COURTS + POLICING

Flock Safety tightens safeguards as states, cities question surveillance network

By Amanda Watford

Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight controls for its nationwide network of automated license plate readers as more communities pull back from the technology and lawmakers across the political spectrum push for new restrictions.

ICYMI: OUR TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Idaho judge ruling allows abortion if it protects mother’s health, prevents self-harm | Laura Guido
Little’s challengers in Idaho gubernatorial race express concern over nuclear innovation campus deal | Clark Corbin
Justice Robyn Brody to become chief justice of Idaho Supreme Court | Clark Corbin
Crews building transmission line use equipment to help fight wildfires near Oregon-Idaho order | Clark Corbin
Idaho community fund helps farmworkers fight heat, wildfire smoke | Valentin Termite
If Idaho insurer met hospital’s pay raise, state employees’ costs would rise, official says | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Australia and New Zealand fire personnel arriving in Boise to help fight US wildfires | Clark Corbin
These paramedics do more than emergency calls. Idaho wants more of them. This grant could help. | Kyle Pfannenstiel

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Idaho EdNews: Boise State Athletics faces budget deficit after Pac-12 move, athlete payments
Idaho News 6: Emmett's iconic high school domes show cracks, moisture, and structural concerns ahead of community meeting
Local News 8: Pocatello City Council hears from police about procedures for Flock Cameras
Moscow-Pullman Daily News: UI projects go forward with state approval

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