Looking Back: Whitefish High School nearly loses accreditation

The Whitefish School Board learned that Whitefish High School was “warned” by the Northwest Accreditation Association in that body's annual report for inadequate facilities in science, industrial arts, music, special education, vocational and technical training and faculty workrooms and lounges.

Letter on clean energy

I would like to thank Senators Daines and Sheehy and Representative Zinke for their consideration in addressing energy reforms and protecting our clean energy tax credits.

Legals for January, 14 2026

WA Legislature kicks off session

Budget deficit, ‘millionaires tax’ and affordability crisis at center stage.

OLYMPIA — Washington legislators convened in Olympia last week for the 2026 Legislation Preview, highlighting priorities ahead of the short 60-day session that began Monday.

Inflation cooled slightly in December though it remains above Fed's target

Signs that inflation is cooling could make it more likely that the Federal Reserve will reduce its key interest rate later this year, which could translate into lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. Even so, the large price increases in recent years for necessities such as groceries, rent, and utilities have left many American households feeling squeezed, turning “affordability” issues into high-profile political concerns. Food prices have jumped about 25% since the pandemic.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Sam Darnold bandwagon is filling up quickly

Cowherd: “The other team had Russell Wilson, who wasn’t really a unifier. He and Pete Carroll never really saw eye-to-eye, and that is the difference. “Everybody in that building loves Sam Darnold. Everybody in San Francisco, USC, Minnesota loves Sam Darnold.

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Ballard wins 200 fly in 167-133 dual win over Hawaii

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Ballard wins 200 fly in 167-133 dual win over Hawaii

‘Nasty Nine’ work with liberal Democrats

During the legislative session, the Montana state GOP called out nine Republican senators deemed the “Nasty Nine” and rightfully stated they are not recognized by the Republican Party based on their voting records that supported the liberal agenda.

Washington average fuel cost under $4 for 4 weeks

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices decreased nationally, in Washington state and Grant County. However, Adams County saw a slight increase of one cent this week.

Wall Street ticks to records after shaking off worries about Trump's feud with the Fed

Wall Street ticked to more records after bouncing back from early losses taken because of worries about the worsening feud between the White House and the Federal Reserve.

Wall Street ticks to records after shaking off worries about Trump's feud with the Fed

Some nervousness was still evident in the market, though, amid concern that the Fed may be on the path to less independence in setting interest rates to keep inflation under control. Prices for gold and other investments that tend to do well when investors are nervous rose, while the value of the U.S. dollar dipped against other currencies.

Coeur d'Alene Charter seniors to serve as pages in Idaho House

Coeur d'Alene Charter seniors to serve as pages in Idaho House

Another pair of North Idaho students will be front and center in Boise when the 2026 Idaho legislative session begins Monday.

THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: National title ties, Palouse ties and other stuff

Montana State was coming off football seasons of 7-5, 8-5 and 5-6 when the Bobcats decided to led coach Rob Ash go after nine seasons, despite an overall record of 70-38 in Bozeman. The Bobcats were three years removed from their third straight FCS playoff appearance. Also, Montana State had lost its last three to rival Montana — and lost seven of nine to the Griz under Ash.

Pay (way) less at the pump on Tuesday in Post Falls

The new Local Market and Chevron fueling station at Highway 41 and Hope Avenue created quite a buzz with its January 5 grand opening, drawing crowds with a major fuel markdown. The enthusiasm was so strong, in fact, that owners Andy Singh and Pasquale Mastantuono are running the promotion again.

EDITORIAL: Budget must be legislative focus this session

Where to cut? Not education. Little ordered 3% holdbacks across executive agencies in August, but they exempted K-12 education funds, which was the right call. Idaho isn't known for pouring money into public education

2026 can be our best of times

Times are tough for a lot of Montana families right now. Interest rates are high, housing is expensive and grocery bills aren’t getting any smaller.

Shots from the sideline: Daily Inter Lake photographer provides a peek behind the photos from the FCS Championship game

I sent my wife a text at halftime. “0 for 3,” it read. Referring to the number of touchdowns Montana State had scored in the first two quarters of their FCS Championship game against Illinois State, 3, and the number of quality photographs I had of each play, 0.

Legals for January, 11 2026

Vikings fall short despite second half rally

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (8-9) fell short at home to the Treasure Valley Chukars 77-88. Head Coach Jason Hopkins was humble in defeat.

Cougars defend home court, beat Spartans 61-50

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (6-5) snapped a three-game rut by defeating the Granger Spartans 61-50 Friday. Head Coach Brent Erdmann said his players fought hard to get back in the win column. “They've been battling all year. Any win is a good win for us right now. We had a pretty rough run for a little bit, to actually come back and get a (win) for these guys, we'll take it,” Erdmann said.