Good morning, Lewiston.

Avista restored power for local customers on Monday, Dec.

22 after crews spent six days fixing windstorm damage, clearing fallen trees, and rebuilding damaged poles (local groups provided meals and support during the outage). Customers can update their information for text alerts on Avista’s website.

Following last Wednesday’s windstorm, Clearwater Power crews replaced a broken pole near Juliaetta on Sunday — restoring power for about 400 customers east of Troy while 250 customers in rural Latah County remain without service.

Lottery officials announced that the jackpot has risen to an estimated $1.6 billion for Monday night’s drawing, with winners choosing between an annuity and a lump-sum cash option of $735.3 million.

Ticket sales from local buyers contribute to nationwide funds that support public programs.

Gas prices have dropped across Idaho as holiday travel picks up; AAA Idaho says regular gasoline now averages $2.89 per gallon which is 10 cents lower than last week.

The agency estimates 700,000 residents will drive and lighter road traffic is expected on December 24 + 25.

AAA reports that Idaho drivers paid an average of $2.89 for regular gas today (marking a drop of 10 to 39 cents compared with recent weeks) as roughly 700,000 holiday travelers benefit from lower fuel costs while the state price nears the national average.

Idaho ordered cuts to Medicaid mental health services to address a projected $40.3M shortfall after Gov. Brad Little's budget cuts.

Health officials say they lack long-term data to confirm savings and warn the reductions may risk patient care, with further cuts possible if savings do not materialize.

University of Idaho has received $1.33 million from the Department of Defense for two research projects that use machine learning to improve PTSD diagnosis and study deployment stress in military families.

The wearable tech project will run for four years and the family health study—beginning in 2025—will span three years.

Lookout Pass reopened today with early-season snow, operating two frontside lifts and offering discount passes for Santa costumes (with proceeds benefiting Silver Valley children); the move aims to boost a hopeful ski season.