The Latest: University of Alabama prohibits student events

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama has issued a temporary prohibition on student events, including off-campus parties and fraternity and sorority gatherings.

Ukraine denies Russian claim Kyiv sent drones to hit Kremlin

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on an unannounced visit to Helsinki for talks with the leaders of five Nordic countries, denied any role

Letters to the Editor - Aug. 7

My son and I live in San Francisco and come up here for the summer to visit family. Back home, I have had the hardest time helping my son learn to swim! The lessons are incredibly expensive and there are long waiting lists for classes. Well, I signed him up for lessons at the pool in Plains and it has been an amazing experience! I am so grateful to Laurel and her team for their patience and consistency. They are great instructors, and after one week, my boy is swimming with all the other fishes. Thank you so much!

Kashmir shuts down to protest India's new land laws

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Shops and businesses were shut in several parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Saturday as separatists challenging Indian rule called for a general strike to denounce new laws that allow any Indians to buy land in the disputed region.

Global shares rise after EU sets deal to support economies

Global shares advanced Tuesday after European leaders worked out a deal to support their virus-stricken economies.

World shares rise after EU reaches deal to support economies

Global stock markets rose on Tuesday after European leaders worked out a deal to support their virus-stricken economies.

Holiday spirit helps drive shine

SANDPOINT — Laura Landerman-Garber and her family were sitting around the Thanksgiving table, talking and enjoying the holiday.

Bigfork library reading loft sets sail with Viking theme

Shop teacher crafts unique area for young readers

Young Vikes and Vals can now set sail into a sea of books in their very own Viking ship at the Bigfork Elementary and Middle School Library.

Serving size

As wine consumers everywhere know size matters and whether we are talking about the normal size of a glass pour or the many size formats of wine bottles a bit of definition helps. We are all familiar with the standard wine bottle size of 750ml, but what of the alternatives and what should a consumer's expectation be when ordering wine by the glass, bottle or really big bottle?

Vintage notes new and old

As we approach the new 2011 growing season for wine grapes in the Northern Hemisphere we are getting a glimpse at some potential challenges for the coming year and we are also starting to learn more as wines from previous vintages continue to be released. We cannot overstate how much we are anticipating tasting the first releases of white wines from the troubled 2010 vintage in the United States. Unfortunately though, we have yet to see any of the wine in the market.

Varietal Emergence II

As we wrote earlier in the summer we have been pleasantly surprised at the demand for some previously over-looked wines, varietals and producers. Part of this trend has demonstrated its strength most notably though with some unusual varietals being requested more often, and garnering high marks from many consumers.

That's 'spa' as in 'ahh'

Charity Auction Trends

Local charities and those around the country frequently look to wine donations of many kinds to offer at their fundraising auctions.

Lake Cd'A fishing is improving

Fish Tips

Fishing is only going to pick up more on Lake Coeur d'Alene, said Jeff Smith with Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop and Guide Service.

WinEconomy

The Harvest issue of the Wine Spectator from last fall cited that Napa Valley Cabernet grapes at the 2008 harvest averaged $4,678 per ton; the projection for the 2009 harvest was for an average of under $2,000 per ton. Last year at the beginning of the harvest in Sonoma County a winemaker we know well received a call from a grower offering him 5 tons of premium quality Cabernet grapes for free. The grapes had been under contract to a winery, but when the bank called the winery's line of credit they went bankrupt and were unable to purchase the grapes. Recently a local distributor dropped the prices on an entire import portfolio by more than 10 percent and in some cases by 20 percent.

Gerber Collision comes to Cd'A

Business Bits

Coeur d'Alene now has the first Idaho location of Gerber Collision & Glass. The auto body repair shop opened in the former location of Lake City Auto Body at 2414 N. Fourth St. in Midtown.

Wine and art

We have long known that a better-looking label or overall packaging on wine sells better. Every time you show two bottles of equivalent price and quality to a customer, the better-looking package sells. Whether it be the great graphic designs from Jim Carey that adorn the Long Shadows wines or Dave Phinney's shatter label, it is an advantage.

Trick is a Treat

A virtually new truck is just what the doctor ordered for cancer survivor

Polson grad takes reins at Mission Mountain

The Mission Mountain golf course outside of Ronan continues to add to its business. The course, which recently opened a new pro shop, now has a new golf pro as well.

Window shopping for new president

News about the presidential caucuses are flooding America this month as we inch closer to Super Tuesday. Not that many years ago, there was a Super Sunday, but not a Super Tuesday. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, a plethora of caucuses will be held as states decide who will represent the Republican and Democratic parties in the primary election — including Montana. When I was a young man, there was campaigning geared toward the primary in August. We're seven months ahead of that pace now.