Idaho

From combat to construction: Union helps veteran build a new path in Idaho

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2025

From combat to construction: Union helps veteran build a new path in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho — For many Idaho construction workers, the path to a skilled career begins with personal struggle and transformation. One Iraq War veteran says joining the carpenters union helped him rebuild his life – and ultimately led him to one of the Treasure Valley’s biggest construction projects.

Private First Class Ryan Cullenward joined the U.S. Marine Corps just 10 days after graduating high school, motivated by the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Like, all right, well, it’s time for me to do that. So the second I could, I joined the delayed entry program. And then about 10 days after graduating high school, I was on my way. That was June 2003,” Cullenward said.

WATCH | Bronze Star Marine finds new purpose in Idaho construction—

From combat to construction: Union helps veteran build a new path in Idaho

He served four years, deployed to Iraq, and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. After returning home, he says transitioning into civilian life was extremely difficult.

“Strange. Very different. That’s a lot slower pace, you know… It was just different,” he said.

After moving to Idaho, Cullenward said he found stability and support through the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

“I bought a house, a new truck, married, kid on the way, everything has been substantially better knowing that you have someone helping to ensure that you’re getting treated fairly… making sure that you have a pension to fall back on… So it’s all around been amazing,” Cullenward said.

Today, he works on Micron’s multi-billion-dollar semiconductor expansion in Boise — the largest job he has ever been part of.

“It’s very different… definitely the biggest job I’ve ever been on… It’s a great project and knowing it’s going to be around for a long time,” he said.

Union leaders say stories like Cullenward’s highlight the impact of training, benefits, and community.

“The benefits are training, structure, a brotherhood, first and foremost… good wages, benefits, and working conditions… and retire with dignity,” said Gil Ruxette of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Cullenward hopes other veterans and workers struggling to find direction consider the trades.

“You know, find out what you can… get in touch with the representative. They’ll show you the right way,” he said.

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Idaho

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

Published

3 minutes 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

12 hours ago

April 18, 2026

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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.