- Sen. Mike Crapo recently announced several staff promotions and hires in his Washington, D.C., office. Molly Carpenter is the new military legislative assistant, Ellie Bender has been promoted to legislative correspondent and Nate Favero joined the office as staff assistant and office manager.

- The Lakeland Literacy Program is hosting a fundraiser from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 16, at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., in Post Falls. Tickets are on sale now for this inaugural murder mystery, dinner and silent auction event for $35 at Eventbrite.com. Call 208-687-4371 for more information.

- The Washington Post featured Sorensen Magnet School in an Oct. 28 article titled, ‘What’s for Lunch?’ which spotlighted eight elementary schools and their nutrition programs in the face of recent talks of trimming costs associated with food assistance programs. The article highlights how schools are dealing with not only picky eaters, but federal regulations, budget realities, tighter schedules, cultural sensitivities and aging kitchen facilities.