Committee approves tax conformity bill

Public hearing centers on budget cut concerns

Mark Wynn, vice president of tax for Lamb Weston, said conformity is “the right choice for Idaho” but maintained concerns about several business provisions. He pointed to a restriction in the bill barring Idaho businesses from using research and development expenses for the state’s own tax credit and the federal deduction. Not allowing the use of the state tax credit in tandem, Wynn said, represented a tax increase for innovators in the state.

Grant, Adams well-represented on CWU Honor Roll

ELLENSBURG — More than 100 students from Grant and Adams counties were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for fall quarter 2025, according to an announcement from the university. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum of 12 graded credits in the quarter earned with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Speaker Johnson faces tough choices on partial government shutdown and debate over ICE

Democrats are demanding restraints on ICE that go beyond $20 million for body cameras that already is in the bill and want to require that federal immigration agents unmask and identify themselves and are pressing for an end to roving patrols, amid other changes.

Patrick O'Connell: 'Stay ready so you don't have to get ready'

This journey that has Patrick O’Connell’s next stop in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX seems amazing enough.

After decades of struggle, local man finds stability through Community Court

EPHRATA — Wednesday afternoon, as supporters filled the Grant County Community Courtroom, 54‑year‑old Johnny Metzker walked to the front of the room to accept something he once thought impossible – graduation. For decades, Metzker’s life was defined by addiction, homelessness and a long list of driving‑related offenses that began when he was 19. His record included multiple DUIs, habitual driving offenses and more than a dozen charges for driving while license suspended, dating back to 1989. For much of his adult life, the only constant was chaos, he said.

Family-owned and budget-friendly

Furniture Now opens Feb. 3 in Coeur d'Alene

These days, people often look to online retailers for budget-friendly furniture. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re satisfied with what they get. “We are consistently hearing from customers that once they receive it, they are not satisfied with the product,” said Luke Thompson, a manager and design team member with Hayden Furniture Depot. Attention to quality and customer service has allowed Hayden Furniture Depot — owned and operated by the Thompson family — to thrive at 310 W. Haycraft Avenue over the past seven years.

Idaho must do its best to protect education funding

Idaho’s economy, while facing slower revenue growth, remains strong enough to prioritize education without resorting to holdbacks.

Ahead of potential final game with Seahawks, RB Kenneth Walker III is firing on all cylinders

Ahead of potential final game with Seahawks, RB Kenneth Walker III is firing on all cylinders

Artificial Intelligence in the real world: How students are being prepped to use AI

Though there is hesitancy around AI, there is enthusiasm about how the technology will be used in the future, particularly when it comes to career development.

WA-OR Potato conference draws record crowd

KENNEWICK — Potatoes took center stage last week in the Tri-Cities “I want to welcome you to the largest potato conference in North America,” Washington Potato Commission Executive Director Chris Voigt told attendees at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference Wednesday. “Last year we had over 3,000 attendees. This morning, I checked and we have about 260 more to break our record.”

Pinehurst woman sentenced in drug, child abuse case

Judge retains jurisdiction

Freese and Stevenson were at the Shoshone County Courthouse the same day for a hearing regarding the child. Both were arrested before leaving. According to the probable cause affidavit, Freese was taken into custody immediately after the hearing, while Stevenson was arrested outside the courtroom.

'Academic integrity' key to district policy

Students urged to credit use of ChatGPT, other AI sources

West Bonner County School District’s trustees approved the first reading of an amended academic integrity policy at last Wednesday’s board meeting.

Pinehurst woman sentenced in drug, child abuse case

Judge retains jurisdiction

Legals for January, 30 2026

Legals for January, 30 2026

Kalispell tourism saw decline in international travel in 2025

International visitor spending in Kalispell declined significantly in 2025, reflecting a sharp drop across the country in overseas inbound travel, according to the city's tourism bureau.

Man suspected of damaging vehicles in Columbia Falls receives suspended jail sentence

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Idaho public schools, Medicaid program now told to plan for new state budget cuts

Idaho School Boards Association warns school cuts will negatively impact every student and community in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Correction is still excluded from submitting plans for additional new budget cuts because Sen. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, said officials did not want to risk furloughing or reducing the staff of prison guards.

Vikings women defend home court against Wenatchee Valley

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Lady Vikings (20-2) claimed a 54-43 victory at home against the Wenatchee Valley Knights (11-7) Wednesday. The game was a tight match throughout, but the Vikings pulled through with the win.

Agencies told to submit additional budget cuts

Idaho state agency directors were told this week to submit plans to cut their budgets by up to an additional 2% for the current fiscal year to balance the state budget, according to a new budget memo

Idaho state agency directors were told this week to submit plans to cut their budgets by up to an additional 2% for the current fiscal year to balance the state budget, according to a new budget memo released Monday.