Just want to thank Sholeh Patrick for her column on Islam and Sharia law. It was so helpful to understand the differences among Muslims, where Shi’a and Sunnis reside, how conservative and more mainstream versions of Islam exist today. Sholeh’s personal experience in Iran added to the credibility of the information (given there are so many skeptics out there).

I have appreciated The Press’ coverage this year of legislative news, especially specifics about the actions of our local legislators. While there are a number of sources covering the Legislature, having our local paper detail the votes, opinions and activities of our local legislators serves the readers and citizens here very well. Smaller, local papers have a very different purpose than larger metropolitan news sources. We need both.

MICHELLE BRITTON

Coeur d’Alene