Idaho National Guard has been in D.C. since February + Study: Wildfire smoke now primary pollutant affecting pregnancy

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“Given the heightened operational activity, the Idaho National Guard, in coordination with state and federal leadership, determined that publicly announcing troop movements would have increased operational security and force protection risks.” - Idaho National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Chris Borders

Idaho National Guard members conduct patrol operations in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Feb. 27. (Screenshot from D.C. Air National Guard video by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

Idaho National Guard members have been deployed in D.C. since February

By Laura Guido

Members of the Idaho National Guard have been deployed in Washington, D.C., since February. Idaho officials did not previously make a public announcement about the deployment.

After a D.C. resident filed a $3 million legal claim this week against the Idaho National Guard for an incident that occurred at her home in May, the Idaho Capital Sun asked about how long troops from Idaho had been in the nation’s capital.

Wildfire smoke caused unhealthy levels of air pollution across Washington, D.C., in mid-July as fires raged across Ontario, Canada. A new study examining years between 2003 and 2019 found that the primary pollutant affecting pregnancies was wildfire smoke. (Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

HEALTH

Wildfire smoke is now the primary pollutant affecting pregnancy, study shows

By Kelcie Moseley-Morris

A new study examining pollution levels across a 16-year span found that while general pollution levels from sources such as cars and industry have significantly declined, recent increases in wildfire smoke air pollution have offset those gains and could be contributing to negative outcomes for pregnant women and babies such as low birth weight and preterm births.

Gov. Brad Little, left, and State Controller Brandon Woolf announce the new Townhall Idaho public meeting website on March 22, 2022, at the Idaho State Capitol. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

Controller declares ‘Idaho Transparency Month’ with stakeholder discussions, government access tips

By Abigail Gerstein

Idaho’s transparency platforms, including Transparent Idaho and Townhall Idaho, offer online searchable databases of public spending, financial reports, local government information, and public meetings.

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Trump defends massive settlement for ‘great American Patriots’ of Jan. 6, attacks GOP senators | Ashley Murray
US Senate panel advances bill to reject Education Department transfers | Shauneen Miranda

ICYMI: OUR TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Idaho Gov. Little declares wildfire disaster emergency, authorizes Guard to help along Oregon border | Clark Corbin
Idaho Democrat David Roth ends campaign for US Senate seat held by Risch | Laura Guido
Woman files $3 million claim against Idaho National Guard for detaining her in D.C. | Laura Guido
An Idaho law penalizes people sleeping in public spaces. Advocates say it harms more than it helps. | Abigail Gerstein
Idaho to submit ‘Opportunity Zone’ proposals seeking tax breaks for economic development | Laura Guido
Unhealthy air from wildfires could linger in Boise. Here are trusted air quality tools in Idaho. | Clark Corbin
Idahoans who are ‘medically frail’ are exempt from Medicaid work requirements. How do you prove it? | Kyle Pfannenstiel
Idaho selected as potential host site for new DOE Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus | Clark Corbin

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

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

Boise State Public Radio: North Idaho faces planned power outages amid wildfire risk
Coeur d’Alene Press: Idaho Department of Lands seeks help with Coeur d'Alene fire investigations
Idaho State Journal: Bannock County enacts data center moratorium as Hoku land use battle rages in Pocatello
Sandpoint Reader: Zoning Commission recommends denial of Ellisport Bay rezone

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