Bloglander

HERE

Authorities continue to search for two men who allegedly stole a woman's GPS device at gunpoint in Spokane Valley this morning. (KREM)

Hundreds willingly jump in Lake Coeur d'Alene for annual Polar Bear Plunge. None of it made any sense. (CDA Press)

Idaho state workers saw their salaries drop to 19 percent below market rates following cuts and few raises in recent years. (S-R)

Meanwhile, Washington state's minimum wage went up again, remaining the highest in the nation. (AP via Olympian)

THERE

Seattle endures violent New Year's with four shootings, a double-fatality car wreck and an arson at a popular nightclub. (Seattle Times)

Boise Police suspect jail deputy had sexual contact with an inmate. (Idaho Statesman)

First legal recreational marijuana sales opened in Colorado with mellow celebration. (Denver Post)

ELSEWHERE

Rescuers used helicopters to safely evacuate 52 passengers aboard an Antarctic cruise vessel that spent a week trapped in ice. About 22 crew members remain aboard. (BBC)

The New York Times calls for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden to be allowed back in U.S. (NYT)