'Surreal': NY funeral homes struggle as virus deaths surge

NEW YORK (AP) — Pat Marmo walked among 20 or so deceased in the basement of his Brooklyn funeral home, his protective mask pulled down so his pleas could be heard.

Hard to-pronounce-hike produces big views

Some lakes have names that are descriptive and easy to remember—like Scenic Lake, Crystal Lake, Spruce Lake, Goat Lake, Mirror Lake, Strawberry Lake and countless others that come to mind. Unless you are fluent in tribal dialects Otokomi Lake is not likely to be remembered as one of those, but it does make for a decent hike and backcountry camping destination.

Long Ear music store wants to bend yours

Listen up: A great local business is evolving as it battles competition from the Internet. This story is a preview from the December issue of North Idaho Business Journal, which will be distributed next Tuesday in The Press.

Patriotic display reaches new home

Woman buys military pin collection for public to enjoy at Legion, future vet home

POST FALLS — When Barb Nelson saw an elaborate collection of military pins and ribbons at a local business that's closing, she immediately thought the pins should be kept together and available for public viewing.

Costco's 4Q profit up

Company to raise membership fees 10 percent

Costco Wholesale Corp. is raising its membership fees 10 percent as the wholesale club operator tries to keep its prices on products low to keep drawing value-focused shoppers.

Law enforcement roundup

Columbia Falls Police are hunting for the man seen stuffing frozen steaks down his pants at a grocery on U.S. 2 West Tuesday.

Mystery checks arrive for girl

A confused Kickbusch Lane father in Coram contacted the

Klain brings decades of DC experience to Biden White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ron Klain has checked all the boxes of a classic Washington striver: Georgetown, Harvard Law, Supreme Court clerk and Capitol Hill staffer, White House adviser and, along the way, of course, lobbyist and lawyer.

Klain to lead Biden White House in return of professionals

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ron Klain has checked all the boxes of a classic Washington striver: Georgetown, Harvard Law, Supreme Court clerk and Capitol Hill staffer, White House adviser and, along the way, of course, lobbyist and lawyer.

Circus raises questions about animal acts

The Culpepper & Meriweather Circus is making the rounds in the Northwest, having visited Cle Elum and Kittitas this past week. Soap Lake was their stop in Grant County last night. Organizers tout the event as a one-ring, big top circus that’s been showcased on National Geographic Explorer’s TV series, Entertainment Tonight, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune and Arizona Highways Magazine.

Iowa Gov: Perry 2012 run likely

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says he think it's very likely that Texas Gov. Rick Perry will jump into the Republican presidential race and reshape the campaign for Iowa's leadoff presidential caucuses.

The Latest: Jordan receives first shipment of Pfizer vaccine

AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan has received its first shipment of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine before its vaccination drive kicks off this week.

The Latest: Spain extends its state of emergency by 2 weeks

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

The Latest: Sri Lankans protest quarantine near capital

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The Latest on the

AP News Digest 2:25 p.m.

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All Times EST. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org.

Gates, Buffett again top Forbes' list

Walton family members remain in top 10

NEW YORK (AP) - Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates remains the nation's richest man by far, as the tech and philanthropy giant took the top spot on the Forbes 400 list for the 19th year running, with a net worth of $66 billion.

AP News Digest 3 a.m.

Here are the AP's latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org.

South Korean firm quits petrochemical plant effort in Ohio

CLEVELAND (AP) — The prospects for construction of a multibillion-dollar petrochemical plant in Ohio appear to have dimmed after a U.S. subsidiary of a South Korean company announced it was withdrawing as a partner in the project.

South Korean firm quits petrochemical plant effort in Ohio

CLEVELAND (AP) — The prospects for construction of a multibillion-dollar petrochemical plant in Ohio appear to have dimmed after a U.S. subsidiary of a South Korean company announced it was withdrawing as a partner in the project.

The eagle has landed

Several popular Priest Lake campsites have been closed to protect bald eagles.