Spokane Police Major Scott Stephens, center, listens as Mayor David Condon names him the interim Police Chief at a press conference today. At left is Nancy Isserlis who will serve on the Mayors Advisory Board on Policing. Story here.

• Montana's population estimated to pass 1 million/AP
• State Treasurer Crane scrutinized for credit card use/AP
• BSU's Petersen agrees to 5-year pact w/$2M in first year/Chadd Cripe, Statesman
• Judge voids 2 new Idaho anti-union laws/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise
• Top 10 Silver Valley stories of 2011 listed/Shoshone News-Press
• New Taliban liaison office could be step toward Bergdahl release/AP
• 5 Oregon WalMart workers claim $1M Idaho lottery/Katy Moeller, Statesman
• Police credit series of arrests for decline in Lake City home invasions/AP, KREM
• Watchdog group wants Idaho medical board to check on docs/Audrey Dutton, Statesman