Idaho
Northern Lights Alert: New York To Idaho May See Aurora On Wednesday

The northern lights fill the sky with green ribbons of electrical charged particles over the barn … [+]
Getty Images
The Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—may become visible in the early hours of Wednesday in northern U.S. states as the after-effects of a “halo CME” arrive at Earth.
The fabulous natural phenomenon results from the solar wind, charged particles from the sun accelerating down the magnetic field lines at the north and south poles into Earth’s atmosphere.
‘Halo CME’
Experts modeling the solar wind sounded the alarm Monday after multiple separate coronal mass ejections left the sun on July 21, all aimed toward Earth, creating a rare “halo CME.” A CME is a cloud of magnetic fields and charged particles from the sun that stream into space at up to 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometers) per second. They can take a few days to reach Earth (if they’re Earth-directed).
A G2 Watch is in effect for July 24, 2024 due to the likely arrival of a halo CME that erupted on … [+]
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
Exact Timings
According to an alert issued on Monday, July 22, by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, displays of Northern Lights could be seen over some northern and upper Midwest U.S. states from New York to Idaho between 06:00-09:00 Universal Time on July 24—that’s 01:00-04:00 EDT.
The “halo CME” is expected to trigger a G2-class geomagnetic storm at that time. This refers to the severity of the storm, which also affects how far south it can be seen.
Generally speaking, G2 storms can be seen as far south as New York and Idaho; for G3, it’s Illinois and Oregon; and for G4, it’s Alabama and northern California.
Wednesday’s display is therefore not expected to be as strong—or reach as far south as—May 10’s extreme G5 geomagnetic storm, which caused displays of aurora across the world. Expect “photographic aurora,” which only a smartphone or manual camera can capture to show significant color.
An early prediction for the latitude of aurora displays in the early hours of July 24, 2024.
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
Thirty Minute Forecast
U.S. states that may get a glimpse of aurora may include Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, the northernmost part of New York and Maine.
It’s wise to have a Dark Sky Place or somewhere away from light pollution in mind, but since forecasts can change quickly, check the latest advice from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center for exact timings—particularly its 30-minute forecast page. Frequent checking of apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, AuroraWatchUK or the online Aurora – 30 Minute Forecast – Space Weather Prediction Center is also recommended.
Before you head out, check the weather forecast because clear skies are required to have any chance of seeing aurora.
Predicting Aurora
Last week, researchers at Aberystwyth University presented new research suggesting that it’s now possible to predict the precise speed at which a CME travels and, therefore, accurately predict when a geomagnetic storm will begin.
That’s important because very strong geomagnetic storms can mean strong currents that can potentially damage power transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines, railways and submarine cables.
Pick up my books Stargazing in 2024, A Stargazing Program For Beginners, and When Is The Next Eclipse?
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

Idaho
3 Californians Among 7 Dead In Fiery Idaho Crash

IDAHO — Idaho State Police have identified seven people who died earlier this month in a fiery crash near Yellowstone National Park, including a tour van driver from Riverside County.
Just before 7:15 p.m. on May 1, Yu Zhang, 30, of Eastvale was behind the wheel of a Mercedes tour van heading east on U.S. Highway 20, near Henry’s Lake in Idaho, toward nearby Yellowstone.
The van driver was carrying nine passengers when a Dodge Ram pickup truck crossed the center line and smashed into the tour vehicle, according to Idaho State Police.
On May 16, Idaho State Police identified seven killed in the crash, including Yu Zhang, and the pickup driver identified as 25-year-old Isaih Moreno of Humble, Texas.
The deceased tour van passengers were named as:
- Ivana Wen, age 28, of Milan, Italy
- Jianping Li, age 71, of Guangxi, China
- Li Nie, age 64, of Arcadia, California
- Aifeng Wan, age 53, of Arcadia, California
- Xiaoming Jiang, age 66, of Guilin, Guangxi Province, China
DNA experts at Idaho State Police Forensic Services and forensic pathologists and investigators at the Ada County Coroner’s Office “allowed for a timely, thorough, coordinated, and comprehensive identification of the decedents,” according to Captain Chris Weadick, Idaho State Police District 6.
At the time of the two-vehicle crash, a passerby and Fremont County law enforcement were the first to arrive at the scene, police said. The officers saved multiple people trapped in the burning wreckage.
“Emergency medical personnel responded and treated at least sixteen patients,” Idaho State Police reported shortly after the crash.
The reason for the pickup’s movement remains under investigation; crash reconstruction and additional testing are still underway, Idaho State Police said Friday.
“Given the dynamic nature of the crash, the number of casualties, and the involvement of foreign nationals, this has been a highly complex investigation,” Weadick said. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we’ve worked to confirm facts and provide verified information.”
Idaho
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on May 18, 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 Sunday, May 18, 2025 results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 18 drawing
Day: 9-0-7
Night: 2-3-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 18 drawing
Day: 1-7-0-7
Night: 7-5-4-7
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 18 drawing
01-03-04-18-30, Lucky Ball: 08
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Idaho Cash numbers from May 18 drawing
04-11-12-14-41
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 submits waiver request to exclude soft drinks, candy from SNAP purchases – East Idaho News

The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
Following direction from Idaho Gov. Brad Little, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare submitted a formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Friday seeking approval to implement House Bill 109, signed by Gov. Brad Little in April.
Idaho is among just a few states to move quickly on submitting the waiver, a step that is required to implement the new law. House Bill 109 aims to promote healthier food choices by removing soft drinks and candy from the list of items eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps.
“My administration is committed to securing the necessary waiver as quickly as possible so we can improve lives and Idahoans’ overall health,” Little said. “I appreciate the support of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Idaho Legislature as we promote the MAHA movement in Idaho.”
Health and Welfare’s Division of Self-Reliance submitted the formal request.
“Idaho supports the health and well-being of families who rely on SNAP,” said Self-Reliance Division Administrator John Bernasconi. “By aligning SNAP benefits with basic nutrition standards, we hope to reduce preventable chronic health conditions and encourage healthier habits across the state.”
Once finalized, Idaho’s waiver request will ask the USDA to approve specific modifications to SNAP’s allowable food categories. If approved, SNAP benefits would no longer cover the purchase of soda, energy drinks, or candy. These changes reflect growing public health concerns over the role of added sugars and processed foods in contributing to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
House Bill 109 received strong support in the 2025 legislative session and builds on a national conversation about the role of nutrition in federal food assistance programs. According to USDA data, a significant portion of SNAP purchases—approximately 20% nationally—are spent on sugary beverages and snacks.
“This effort is not about limiting choice—it’s about encouraging better options for families and making sure public resources are supporting long-term health,” Bernasconi said.
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