This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news about Idaho’s Vaccine Freedom Law. (See the Idaho section.)
Idaho
Idaho Governor Signs Bill Banning Businesses, Schools From Requiring Medical Procedures, Including Vaccines. An excerpt:
“Republican Governor Brad Little has signed legislation, the Idaho Medical Freedom Act, that bans businesses and schools from requiring customers, employees, and students to receive vaccines or other medical procedures.
A medical intervention is defined in the legislation as ‘a medical procedure, treatment, device, drug, injection, medication, or medical action taken to diagnose, prevent, or cure a disease or alter the health or biological function of a person.'”
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Judge hears arguments on autism diagnosis, DNA evidence, more in University of Idaho murders case.
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Boise inmate gets life for cellmate murder; parole possible after 35 years.
Montana
First known deer tick in Montana found on couple’s dog after hunting trip.
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Driver arrested after law enforcement pursuit from Superior to near Idaho border.
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Two people arraigned in Great Falls on immigration charges.
Central & Eastern Oregon
Oregon reports 15% rise in wolf population in 2024; number of packs also on the rise. The article begins:
“The minimum known count of wolves in Oregon at the end of 2024 was 204 wolves, up from 178 last year, according to the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management annual report released Friday by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The population also hit an important threshold, with seven breeding pairs documented in the West Zone (west of Highways 97-20-395).
The annual count is based on verified wolf evidence (like visual observations, tracks, and remote camera photographs). The number represents the minimum number of wolves in Oregon, as not all individuals present in the state can be located during the winter count.
A total of 25 packs were documented (up from 22 last year), and 17 of those packs met the criteria as breeding pairs, with another 18 groups of two or three wolves also identified.
Wolves continued to expand westward in Oregon, with new packs and breeding pairs in the West Zone, which is still in Phase 1 of wolf management.”
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Sisters homeowner unaware as debris piles reignite and spread flames, firefighters say.
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Reversing graffiti uptick with new eyes.
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Central & Eastern Washington
Central Washington facing third consecutive drought year. Here is a pericope:
“Residents in Yakima, Benton, and Kittitas County are experiencing a drought for the third consecutive year. The Washington State Department of Ecology reported that Yakima Reservoir storage is at 59% capacity, the fifth lowest since 1971.
The department’s director, Casey Sixkiller, stated, “The time for miracles has passed.” While the drought is not expected to significantly impact those who get their water from city utilities, those in agriculture will feel the effects more acutely.
The Yakima region’s agricultural economy generates about $4.5 billion annually. The drought’s impact on water availability for irrigation is a major concern.“
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Two suspects appear in court after shooting near Columbia Center Mall injures teen.
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Suspect arrested after chase and PIT maneuver in Richland.
Wyoming
Cheyenne Man Accused of Stealing $3.3K Pokémon Card.
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Wyoming drivers licenses, ID cards are ‘Real ID’ compliant.
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Castaner appeals 42- to 75-year sentence for murder of ex-girlfriend.
Send Your News Tips
Please send your American Redoubt region news tips, event announcements, and American Redoubt-based companies worthy of a mention to JWR. You can do so either via e-mail or via our Contact form.