IDAHO

Judge rebukes agency over species ruling

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ignored expert advice when it decided to deny federal protection to the sage grouse and must reconsider its decision, a federal judge ruled in Boise.

In a decision highly critical of the agency and its decision-making process, U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill said the service also failed to use the "best science" available when deciding to deny the species protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Winmill also found that Julie MacDonald, a former Interior Department official charged with overseeing the Fish and Wildlife Service, used pressure and intimidation tactics and even edited scientific conclusions to keep the birds from being listed as endangered.

No charges in Web suicide case

People who sent cruel Internet messages to a 13-year-old girl before she committed suicide won't face criminal charges, a prosecutor announced.

St. Charles County prosecutor Jack Banas said that although he understood the public outrage over Megan Meier's death, he could not find statutes allowing him to charge anyone in the case.

Ex-lawmaker's aide to plead guilty

Former congressman Curt Weldon's chief of staff has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges for allegedly helping a consulting firm championed by Weldon to obtain federal funds and concealing money the firm paid him and his wife, according to court papers.

Russell James Caso Jr. and a top official at the unnamed nonprofit consulting firm met repeatedly with Weldon to seek the Pennsylvania Republican's help in obtaining federal funds, according to the court papers.

Dazzling farewell for Evel Knievel

The final tribute to Evel Knievel will include a fireworks show, the family of the motorcycle stuntman said. The fireworks show Sunday night in his hometown of Butte will be followed by a funeral the next morning at the Butte Civic Center.

From Times Wire Reports