Auto sales boost otherwise weak retail sector

WASHINGTON - Americans spent less at most retail stores in July and inflation remained tame as high unemployment and weak job growth fueled fears of a slowing economic recovery.

Jobs crisis eases

Signs indicate economy has long way to go

WASHINGTON - The jobs crisis eased just a bit last month as the American economy added 151,000 jobs, its best showing since April - yet still not enough to make a significant dent in unemployment.

Economy still looks sluggish

Trade gap likely points to slower growth

WASHINGTON - The United States is selling fewer products around the world and spending more on cheap imported goods, an imbalance that hurts the job market at home and means the economy is even weaker than previously thought.

Risch: Voters aren't happy

Senator says GOP could take eight seats in Senate

COEUR d'ALENE - U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, is surprised by the difference a year can make.

Cd'A tribal leader, former pastor square off

The only Democratic legislative primary in northern Idaho pits an energetic tribal councilor, Paulette Jordan, against James Stivers, a multifaceted former Republican pastor.

Homeowner exemption adjustment passes Idaho House

Proposed legislation would fix maximum figure at $100,000

The Idaho House has approved legislation to cap the state's homeowner property tax exemption, but opposition says the move could cause tax shifts between residential and commercial property.

Optimism on the job front

Kootenai County’s unemployed keep returning to work

POST FALLS — Kootenai County's economic engine is revving up for a promising 2014, labor analysts say.

Movers and Shakers

Candidates laud downtown plan; pinpoint traffic concerns

Kalispell City Council members Sandy Carlson of Ward 1 and Chad Graham of Ward 2 will run uncontested in the upcoming municipal election Nov. 7. Ward 1 is the northwest portion of town, west of Meridian Road and north of Railroad Street. Ward 2 encompasses the northeast sector of Kalispell, which runs east of Meridian and north of the railroad tracks.

US hiring was likely solid in February before virus spread

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy likely added jobs at a solid pace in February before an escalation of the coronavirus outbreak disrupted factory supply chains, slowed business travel and heightened economic fears.

Crisis-hit Lebanon to default on $1.2 billion loan payment

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon's prime minister said Saturday the government will suspend payment of $1.2 billion in loans, marking the crisis-hit country's first-ever default on its sovereign debt amid ongoing popular unrest.

Governor vetoes spending on oil-price, coronavirus concerns

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's governor vetoed hundreds of local roadway projects Monday as a plunge in world oil prices threatened to reverse budget surpluses that have allowed the state to make major new investments in government salaries, public school education, health care and business incentives.

Economy improving on local, national level

SANDPOINT — It may not be pretty and it may be slow, but the country has turned the corner on the worst recession since the 1930s.

Trying to rock the vote in North Idaho

COEUR d’ALENE — The Civic Engagement Alliance’s first Civic Action Festival went off without a hitch Saturday. More than two dozen candidates and groups were represented at the event, which organizer Jessica Mahuron said was designed to get more people involved in the electoral process this year.

Manufacturing real change in U.S. economy

The government is in the process of spending $800 billion for 'stimulus' of the economy.

Let's look under hood of Constitution

Maybe it's me. I could just be missing something in the Constitution that authorizes the federal government to run private businesses or to enter into business on its own.

Ceremony honors agent who died in 1925

Joseph Riley was the first U.S. Border Patrol inspector to die in the line of duty along the Canadian border

Social programs 'historical failures'

History has taught us that Government Social Programs are almost always unsuccessful. Most of the past social programs have been started by Democrats. They have always had good intentions, but their results have almost always been a failure. Politicians always want to be judged on their good intentions rather than the results of their efforts. Do you need proof? Then let's examine the following historical facts;

Money sources vary for congressional candidates

U.S. House election

HELENA — Democrat John Lewis and Republican Ryan Zinke are taking opposite approaches in their campaign fundraising for the U.S. House, with Lewis relying heavily on individual Montana donors as Zinke depends more on out-of-state contributors.

County jobless rate up 1.5 percent