Idaho
Meridian State of the City: Transportation and public safety challenges take center stage
MERIDIAN, Idaho — Meridian Mayor Robert Simison took to the stage Wednesday to address his community in the annual State of the City. He outlined his vision for Idaho’s second-largest city, emphasizing investment in public safety, transportation, and economic development amid the rapid growth in Meridian Neighborhoods.
“We have been taking steps to address these issues where possible, with my direction of reducing or holding our spending flat on discretionary expenses over the last several years. Yet expenses continue to grow, and the revenues aren’t able to keep up,” said Mayor Simison.
96th annual Meridian Dairy Days returns to Storey Park
Transportation remains a top concern, as the Linder Road Overpass project breaks ground, Eagle Road is expecting slower speeds in the fall, and ITD continues progress on Highway 16.
With over 4,500 new residents in 2024, Simison is looking to strengthen public safety departments. He proposed a levy for the November ballot to fund police recruitment, firefighter positions, and new in-house prosecution services.
“If we are going to attract the best talent from the start and retain the people who we have made huge investments in the Meridian Police Department, we need to increase the wages to our sworn officers,” said Mayor Simison.
The public safety levy needs to be approved by Meridian’s City Council before voters can see it on their ballot in November. Mayor Simison says the community will have the chance to weigh in on the levy’s details in the coming months.
On the economic front, Meridian reports adding over 1,800 jobs last year, with average wages rising nearly 5%. Simison also outlined a bold vision to make the city Idaho’s healthcare education hub, citing investments from Grand Canyon University and Idaho State University.
Closing his speech, Simison stressed the importance of investing in youth, businesses, and infrastructure to ensure Meridian’s continued success.
“As we look to the future, we will see the need for more transportation projects, rising costs, and shrinking revenue. We will also see growing healthcare needs, public safety challenges, legislative changes, and more. When that happens, I will say “Challenge Accepted,” said Mayor Simison.
Idaho
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Mega Millions, Pick 3 on Dec. 9, 2025
Looking to win big? The Idaho Lottery offers several games if you think it’s your lucky day.
Lottery players in Idaho can chose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Lucky For Life, 5 Star Draw, Idaho Cash, Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here’s what experts say to do first.
Here’s a look at Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 9 drawing
19-32-41-49-66, Mega Ball: 06
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 9 drawing
Day: 2-2-0
Night: 0-7-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 9 drawing
Day: 2-8-4-0
Night: 3-3-0-4
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 9 drawing
19-24-33-39-40, Lucky Ball: 06
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Dec. 9 drawing
04-12-24-28-45
Check Idaho Cash 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.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
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.
Idaho
Idaho families feel effects of new refugee restrictions after D.C. shooting
BOISE, Idaho — The U.S. refugee system has faced major disruptions over the last year, and new federal restrictions issued just last week are now affecting families here in the Treasure Valley.
The latest changes follow a November ambush-style shooting in Washington, D.C., in which one National Guard member was killed and another wounded. An Afghan man has been charged in the case. In response, the federal government placed additional limits on Afghan immigration processing as part of a broader national security review.
WATCH | Idaho families navigate new delays under tightened federal refugee rules
Idaho families feel effects of new refugee restrictions after D.C. shooting
Under the new restrictions, most new visas for Afghan nationals are on hold. Many immigration and family-reunification cases have been paused, and federal review of pending cases has tightened.
This is not the first major federal policy shift to impact refugees this year.
In January, all U.S. refugee admissions were halted nationwide, immediately affecting families in Idaho who were preparing to reunite with loved ones.
Holly Beech, communications manager with the Idaho Office for Refugees, said the sudden pause triggered an immediate wave of disruptions for families across the state.
“People in Idaho who had loved ones very close, had those flight dates on the calendar, and then those got canceled,” Beech said.
Later in June, the broad shutdown shifted to a country-specific travel ban, restricting travel from 19 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia.
“And people were no longer able to get those visas for their loved ones to come here,” Beech added.
Beech said the deadly shooting in Washington, D.C., has continued to ripple through refugee communities nationwide and right here in Idaho.
RELATED | West Boise YMCA creates special swimming lessons for refugees with special challenges around water
“That kind of violence should never happen to anybody,” Beech said. “So now, due to that, the whole group is having to carry the weight of what one individual did. None of us would want to be held responsible for the actions of somebody else.”
For families already living in Idaho, Beech said even routine legal steps toward permanent residency have stalled under the new restrictions.
“Some people have been waiting over a year to get their green card,” explained Beech.
And for others still separated from family members overseas, the future remains uncertain.
“Any hope of that is in limbo right now,” Beech said.
Federal officials say the pauses and restrictions are part of a broader national security review.
For now, most Afghan visa and immigration processing remains largely on hold.
Idaho
Dozens of horses killed, 2 people hurt in Idaho barn fire – East Idaho News
NEW PLYMOUTH, Idaho (KIVI) — 28 horses died, and two people suffered injuries as a result of a large barn fire on Little Road in New Plymouth.
According to a press release from the New Plymouth Fire Protection Department, crews responded to reports of a barn fire at 6:44 a.m. on Sunday, December 7.
Upon arrival, the barn was engulfed in flames, and roughly 40 firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.
Twenty-eight horses died from the fire, and two employees of the property were treated on scene for their injuries. The employees were then transported by Payette County Paramedics for smoke inhalation. The press release states that no firefighters were injured in the incident.
Crews with Sand Hollow, Fruitland, Gem County #1, Parma, Nyssa, and Payette fire departments all aided in fire efforts.
Chief Joseph Wyatt of the New Plymouth Fire Protection District commented on the crews’ firefighting efforts during this incident as well as in previous situations:
“Over the past several weeks, the New Plymouth Fire Protection District has been extremely busy. Our crews have been responding to back-to-back calls—structure fires, medicals, and everything in between. It has pushed all of us hard, and our firefighters have answered every call with professionalism, dedication, and heart. To our New Plymouth firefighters: thank you. Your commitment, long hours, and willingness to drop everything for this community is the foundation of our district. I am proud of each and every one of you. Your service does not go unnoticed, and neither does the support of your families who stand behind you. We also want to extend a sincere thank-you to our neighboring departments and mutual-aid partners, and all agencies who responded alongside us—your teamwork and support during our busiest moments make all the difference. We are stronger because we stand together. I could not ask for a better crew or better partners. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission and this community. We are proud to serve New Plymouth District, and even more proud of the people who make this work possible.”
The barn fire is under investigation by the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.
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