WASHINGTON (AP) — All the handwringing over a potential government default if Congress doesn’t increase the government’s $31.4 trillion debt ceiling has conjured up images of past government shutdowns. In shutdowns, “essential” workers — TSA agents and such — showed up, but most federal employees stayed home. Work piled up in offices, and litter piled up in untended national parks.

Emily Stephens wins national championship

Recent Clinton High School graduate Emily Stephens is a national champion after receiving the first-place award in the National Courtroom Journalist contest held last weekend in Little Rock, Ark. Stephens was awarded the opportunity to attend the contest and represent the state of Oklahoma and Clinton High School after placing first in the state competition in March.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A judge entered not guilty pleas Monday for a man charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, setting the stage for a trial in which he could potentially face the death penalty.

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FRIDAY DAY SHIFT Responded to a report of fraud in the 1700 block of S. U.S. Highway 183.

WASHINGTON (AP) — One woman had to carry her baby, missing much of her skull, for months knowing she’d bury her daughter soon after she was born.

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