Idaho

'Craving for mayhem and murder': Idaho teen arrested by the FBI for providing support to ISIS

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2024

'Craving for mayhem and murder': Idaho teen arrested by the FBI for providing support to ISIS

The FBI arrested an Idaho teenager on April 6 for providing material support and resources to ISIS, according to a Justice Department statement.

According to the FBI, Alexander Scott Mercurio, 18, pledged allegiance to ISIS and intended to commit attacks on its behalf, planning to attack people at churches in his hometown of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

He planned to use weapons, including knives, firearms, and fire.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) conducted the investigation and thwarted Mercurio’s violent plot. Mercurio is currently in custody, awaiting his initial appearance, which the Court will set.

“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant swore an oath of loyalty to ISIS and planned to wage an attack in its name on churches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

An ISIS fighter poses in front of an Islamic State flag (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

“Thanks to the investigative efforts of the FBI, the defendant was taken into custody before he could act, and he is now charged with attempting to support ISIS’s mission of terror and violence.”

Providing material support

A federal complaint charges Mercurio with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

If convicted, Mercurio faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A judge will determine any sentence after considering sentencing guidelines and other factors.

“The defendant allegedly pledged loyalty to ISIS and sought to attack people attending churches in Idaho, a truly horrific plan which was detected and thwarted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

“This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalization, which is a real threat to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI.

“We applaud the swift action taken by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, JTTF, the FBI, and local law enforcement to mitigate the threat posed by the arrestee: his own words note a ‘craving for mayhem and murder’ and a desire to slit the throats of people peacefully gathered in prayer. This arrest highlights the threats we face and the ongoing potential for international terrorist organizations to inspire local individuals to hate and violence,” said SCN National Director & CEO Michael Masters.

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Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on April 18, 2026

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on April 18.

Winning Powerball numbers from April 18 drawing

24-25-39-46-61, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 5

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 18 drawing

Day: 9-5-1

Night: 0-2-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 18 drawing

Day: 4-6-0-4

Night: 9-9-8-2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from April 18 drawing

18-21-22-32-42, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from April 18 drawing

08-19-22-31-44

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 18 drawing

17-19-47-48-55, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Idaho

League of Women Voters of Idaho partners to host candidate forums ahead of 2026 primary elections

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

League of Women Voters of Idaho partners to host candidate forums ahead of 2026 primary elections

The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.

The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and in legislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.

The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.

Here’s when and where the forums are:

Ada County Commissioner District 2: 7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1: 7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11: 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner: 6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.

Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide, VOTE411.ORG.

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Idaho

Check out Idaho’s newest license plate — with a patriotic flair (and no potatoes) – East Idaho News

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Check out Idaho’s newest license plate — with a patriotic flair (and no potatoes) – East Idaho News

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.

The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”

The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.

“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”

The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department

Idaho’s favorite license plate

The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.

The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.

The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.

“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.