Good morning, Lewiston.

The Lewiston City Library is planning to review its budget as it faces funding cuts from the IMLS following an executive order and may cut programs like the book mobile and Everybody Reads Program if it does not find new funding—Library Director Lynn Johnson said the library has long depended on IMLS grants for services such as large print books for those with vision challenges and is seeking alternative grants to support its work.

Firefighters responded Tuesday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. to a shop fire at Vineland Cemetery in West Clarkston and found black smoke coming from a maintenance building — crews from Clarkston and Lewiston quickly contained the flames while Lewiston Fire is investigating the cause with no reported injuries.

Lewis-Clark State College officials received unanimous approval from the Idaho State Board of Education on Wednesday to change the school name to Lewis-Clark State University.

The proposal will move to the legislature for consideration and is expected to better represent the college's full range of programs—backed by feedback from over 25 focus groups.

American Rivers added Clearwater River—covering the North, South and Middle Forks—to its list of America’s most endangered rivers.

The group cited risks from dredge-mining, dam-building and increased logging under a new land management plan and is urging the Forest Service to update protections for 700 miles of at-risk streams.

Idaho law requires debt settlement and credit repair companies to be licensed and follow federal guidelines — these companies help consumers negotiate lower payments on unsecured debts or dispute credit errors and limit fees to 20% and 15% of monthly payments respectively — so people can compare options before signing up.

Crews in Lewiston will begin replacing a section of the downtown water main along 3rd Street from Main Street to D Street and along D Street from 3rd to 5th Streets next week during work hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The City of Lewiston contracted the firm Kenaston, Leone and Keeble Group, LLC—the project is expected to be completed by June and will result in road closures, one-lane travel on D Street and reduced street parking.

On March 28, Lewiston’s city council approved an update to the zoning code that allows shipping containers to be used permanently on residential and commercial properties.

Containers used as homes must include proper plumbing, electrical or mechanical systems and require a permit for areas over 200 square feet — one non-profit, LEAP Housing, has built affordable housing communities with these structures.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Idaho as the state police and commercial vehicle safety division join partners to urge drivers to avoid distractions—3,275 lives were lost in 2023 from crashes involving distracted driving which made up 8% of all fatal crashes.

They advise drivers to use Do Not Disturb while driving or pull over if a message is needed.

Kailee Lerew, a state champion at Weiser High School known for winning the 400m and relay, has been added to LC State’s Warrior Women’s Cross Country program and will join the team in the fall—her record is expected to boost team performance.