Good morning, Lewiston.

Local grassroots group LC Valley Indivisible is hosting a food drive to help three local food banks on Thursday, April 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at New Connections United Methodist Church in Clarkston (donate via Venmo to @LCVI-SpringFoodDrive if you cannot attend).

Idaho's unemployment rate increased to 3.7% in January from 3.6% in December while overall employment fell by 504 jobs.

In Lewiston, nonfarm jobs dropped 1.0% that month — the largest decline among local areas.

LC State administrators announced Monday that they will create a physical wolverine mascot after a student-led initiative, and a working group is finalizing launch plans + the mascot is slated to be unveiled in fall.

Washington State University professor David James will tag 100 Idaho monarch butterflies with new solar-powered trackers before they depart in late summer (project run with nonprofit Wings Rising) so scientists can map migration paths and plan conservation measures.

Idaho Transportation Department warns drivers as phone use spikes during major sporting events like March Madness.

Approximately 60 law enforcement agencies will patrol until April 15 to enforce the hands-free law (which prohibits handheld device use) and reduce road distractions.

Idaho State Tax Commission announced residents earning $89,000 or less can file federal & state taxes online for free before the April 15 deadline, with free in-person help available for seniors and low-income taxpayers.

TriState Health Foundation (local nonprofit) will host its 8th Annual High Tea Fundraiser on Friday, April 17 at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel in Lewiston.

Doors open at 4 p.m. for vintage clothing displays, tea, dessert and a Dessert Dash to support local healthcare programs.

Athletes from the Lewis-Clark Valley earned medals in Las Vegas at the North American Open karate tournament over Easter weekend; Milo Jones secured four medals while Luke Heavrin and Maverick Campbell complemented the Inland Empire AAU team's performance led by Coach Jon Morrow.