Looking Back at national News
Out of Town
As readers will know, we run a column on our front page called “News in Brief”. These are stories of national interest that we present in order to provide some context to the national, state, and regional environments in which we all live. While the selections are not always the ones that turn out to be the biggest stories of that week over the long term, they are the ones that catch our attention most on Monday when we prepare the paper contents. Here is a look at some of those we sampled over 2025, many of which have ongoing significance for 2026.
January
Former President Carter dies at 100
James Earl Carter the 39th president of the United States passed away on Sunday at 100 years of age, making him the longest lived president by a good margin. Carter was elected in the election of 1976, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford and then losing to challenger Ronald Reagan in 1980. The “new oldest living president” is now Joe Biden, at 83, followed by 79 year old Donald Trump, who is just a bit older than Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Barack Obama is 64.
Two Oregonians die in search for Bigfoot
The AP is reporting that two men from Oregon were found dead in a Washington forest after going missing on a hunt for Sasquatch. The two men, 59 and 37 years old, were believed to have died from exposure, according to Skamania County Sheriffs. The weather has been cold and wet, and the two men were reportedly not well outfitted for an extended outdoor trek. Apparently, they had headed out into Gifford Pinchot National Forest north of Portland on Christmas Eve on a Bigfoot hunting trip and family contacted authorities when they had not returned as planned.
February
Death toll rises in multi-state floods as rivers rise and rescues continue
After the initial blast of the weekend’s massive winter storm, the next phase of danger quickly set in. Water levels are still rising on some waterways in Kentucky and other portions of Ohio and the mid-Atlantic, which is now flooded by a fatal coast-to-coast winter storm. Even worse, more snow and extreme cold is on its way. At least 13 people across Georgia, West Virginia and Kentucky have been reported to have died in the initial storm.
March
Utah to ban municipal fluoridation
Fluoridation is a process whereby the element is added to drinking water supplies to help prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. Since the process was introduced, it has greatly improved the dental health of Americans across the board. A recent episode in Utah where a malfunctioning fluoride pump released excess fluoride into the water supply led to medical issues for hundreds of people. The bill does not ban fluoride, but it does prohibit municipalities from choosing to add it into their water supplies. At present, only 66 of the state’s 484 municipalities choose to fluoridate their water. Those 66 will lose the option to choose to do so after passage.
New Thermal Vent in Yellowstone
The AP reports that “a new thermal vent spewing steam in the air at Yellowstone National Park is gaining attention, mainly because it’s visible from a road rather than any significant change in the park famous for its thousands of geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pots.” The report goes on to explain that in April when car tourism is opened, tourists will be able to view the new steam column from a pullout as long as it remains active. It’s located in an area about a mile north of the Norris Geyser Basin. The vent was noticed by scientists last summer, who measured the steam at 171-degrees venting from the base of a hill. “
April
Well-known actor Val Kilmer, famous for a range of roles including Jim Morrison, Batman, Doc Holliday, and many others. The official stated cause of death was pneumonia, which Other notable celebrity deaths over the last week or so include Richard Chamberlain (90), Jay North (TV’s Dennis the Menace) (73), and Heavyweight champion George Forman (76). Sgt Joe Harris, believed to be the oldest surviving World War II paratrooper and member of the first all-Black parachute infantry battalion, died at the impressive age of 108. One World Trade Center designer David Childs died at 83. Former Utah Representative Mia Love, the first Black Republican elected to the US House, died at 43 of brain cancer. Kitty Dukakis died at 88 two weeks ago.
Pocatello youth shot by police dies
Victor Perez has died after being taken off life support. Perez, a 17-year-old with autism and cerebral palsy, was determined by doctors to be brain-dead on Friday, and removed from life support systems. Perez was shot nine times by Pocatello police officers during a domestic incident on April 5 and had since been in a medically induced coma, connected to life-support machines. On Saturday morning, two hundred members of the Pocatello community gathered to support the Perez family in their time of grief. A candlelight vigil, initially planned for Saturday night, was held at 9 a.m. to show solidarity with the injured teen and his family.
Pope Francis dies the day after Easter
The highest profile religious figure in the Western world, Pope Francis, passed away Monday at the age of 88 following a long illness that culminated in a stroke. Pope Francis is being celebrated around the world, including by religious communities from a variety of faith traditions, as a “man of peace” and an advocate for many of the world’s vulnerable communities.
May
Plans to reopen Alcatraz?
President Donald Trump floated the idea of reopening the country’s most famous prison—Alcatraz island in the Golden Gate harbor—which has been closed for prisoners since 1963. While the symbolic nature of the location is undeniable and has entered into pop culture in an indelible way, there are a number of practical problems that might prevent the idea from going very far. For one thing, as a prison that has only been operating as a tourist destination for over half a century there are many structural upgrades that will need to be undertaken to the make the location safe and functional enough to serve as a modern detention center. Those updates are estimated to cost far more than the construction of a new prison on dry land. The funds it would require would be compounded by the loss of tourism revenue reliably generated by the popular park.
June
Phase out of Penny Announced
The US Treasury Department announced Thursday it will gradually cease production of the one-cent coin it has been minting for more than 230 years. But the penny will still remain legal tender, and will still be in use at thousands of retailers around the country for some time to come. The National Retail Federation, which represents most major US store chains as well as thousands of small retailers, also said it anticipates its members will use pennies even after production stops at some point early next year, although it does anticipate that many will round cash transactions to the nearest nickel once the supply of pennies at banks starts to run short. According to experts, there are an estimated 114 billion pennies currently in circulation, but they are “severely underutilized” according to the Treasury department. Digital transactions will still be calculated to the penny, but cash transactions will have to be rounded to the nearest nickel. There is no prediction for how long the process will take.
Mall comes down
Last weekend, the last of the Pine Ridge Mall merchants moved out, leaving behind the empty shell of a once vibrant mall. On Monday, full demolition of the Pine Ridge mall was underway, and the walls coming down. A Target is the major announcement for stores eventually moving into the space, which should revitalize what had been a moribund, if beloved shopping area.
July
Suspect identified in CDA shootings
On Sunday, members of the Couer d’alene Fire department were fired upon by a shooter who had potentially started the blaze in order to ambush first responders. A suspect in the shooting has been identified as 20 year old Wess Roley. Two firefighters were killed as a result of the attack, and another was injured. Governor Brad Little ordered Idaho flags to be lowered to half-staff in remembrance of the slain firefighters. The fire, which has been named the Nettleton Gulch Fire, grew to more than 26 acres overnight, as the scene was being secured and investigated. The transport of the slain firefighters from Kootenai Health to facilities in Spokane drew a spontaneous honor guard of residents who lined the roadways to pay their respects in the midst of this unimaginable tragedy.
Epstein Drama
Despite pressure from some GOP members of Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson is not planning to schedule a vote calling for the release of additional files in the Jeffrey Epstein case before the August recess. Last week, however, Johnson became the highest-ranking Republican to say he, too, wanted to see more details from the DOJ’s investigation of the late, disgraced financier and accused sex trafficker. Earlier this month, the DOJ issued a memo that said Epstein had not been murdered in prison, nor did he leave a client list. That memo contradicted some of the conspiracy theories previously promoted by Trump and his top lieutenants. Now, a bipartisan group of House members is seeking to circumvent Johnson and force a floor vote. However, even if the group succeeds, the measure won’t be considered by the full House until after Labor Day at the earliest.
Bryan Kohberger Sentenced in Idaho College Murders
Bryan Kohberger was sentenced on July 23, 2025, to four consecutive life sentences plus 10 years for burglary after pleading guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. As part of a plea deal, the death penalty was removed. During sentencing, victims’ families and a surviving roommate gave emotional statements directly addressing Kohberger. The victims Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, were brutally stabbed in their off-campus home on November 13, 2022. Judge Steven Hippler condemned Kohberger’s actions, calling him a “coward.” Former police chief James Fry suggested more information may emerge as case documents are unsealed
August
Six people rescued from water after jumping off burning boat in Bear Lake
Six people, including two children, were rescued by nearby boaters after their 22-foot Malibu boat caught fire on Bear Lake near the Bear Lake State Park Marina. ] All six occupants jumped into the water and were safely brought to shore. Garden City Fire crews arrived to assist but were hindered by a high-pressure hose failure, which limited firefighting capabilities. The burning boat was pushed toward shore and fully extinguished by a fire engine. The boat was deemed a total loss.
September
Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University; Suspect in Custody
Authorities confirmed conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. He was 31. Police identified the suspect as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was arrested late Thursday night near St. George, roughly 250 miles from the campus. Investigators say Robinson allegedly confessed to his father, who immediately contacted authorities and secured his son until law enforcement arrived. A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack was recovered. Officials say Robinson acted alone and will face capital charges, potentially including the death penalty. Federal and state agencies are treating the killing as a political assassination. Investigators are still working to determine Robinson’s motive. Kirk, a prominent conservative voice, founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and was a frequent speaker on college campuses nationwide.
October
President Russell M. Nelson, Leader of the LDS Church, Dies at 101
President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 101. A world-renowned heart surgeon before his call as an apostle in 1984, Nelson became Church president in January 2018. His tenure was marked by sweeping global ministry, historic reforms, and the announcement of more than 200 temples worldwide. Beloved for his compassion and devotion, Nelson urged members to embrace faith in Jesus Christ. The Church now enters a period of mourning and will sustain a new prophet in coming days.
November
Government Shutdown Ends After 40 Days
After a 40-day stalemate, Congress has voted to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Lawmakers approved a bipartisan funding bill that reopens federal agencies and provides funding through late January 2026. The deal restores pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and reverses recent furloughs and terminations that had disrupted essential services nationwide. The shutdown had severely impacted air travel, food assistance programs, and state operations. While deep policy divisions remain particularly over healthcare and tax credits the breakthrough marks a significant moment of relief for federal employees, contractors, and families across the country. Leaders from both parties expressed cautious optimism that the compromise will prevent future shutdowns.
Millions Witness Unexpected Northern Lights as Solar Storm Dazzles the World
Millions of people across the globe were treated to a rare spectacle as vibrant northern lights illuminated skies far beyond their usual range. The dazzling display came from a powerful solar storm that unexpectedly intensified, sending charged particles from the sun crashing into Earth’s magnetic field. Spectators from Europe, North America, and even parts of Asia and Australia reported glowing ribbons of green, purple, and red light dancing across the night sky.
December
Wyoming Highway Patrol Tracks Down Missing Wisconsin Teen, Arrests Alleged Kidnappers En Route to Utah
A missing Wisconsin teenager was safely recovered after the Wyoming Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle carrying the girl and two alleged kidnappers along Interstate 80. A regional alert had been issued for the teen, who authorities believed was traveling with a 20-year-old man wanted on drug charges. Using cellular data, dispatchers traced the suspects’ movement between Laramie and Rawlins, allowing troopers to locate the vehicle near Sinclair. During the traffic stop, officers found the teen in the back seat and detained the two men, who claimed they had been “hired” to take her to Utah. Investigators are reviewing that claim, but both suspects now face kidnapping and custody interference charges. Highway Patrol officials praised the coordinated response, crediting communication among agencies for the girl’s safe recovery and swift resolution.
