To surf or not to surf? Wave riders ponder pandemic rules

For Ray Booth, surfing is more than just a sport. It's a passion, a way of life, a therapy. Maybe even an obsession.

Stocks up 3.4% on Wall Street as hopes build for virus peak

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks shot 3.4% higher on Wall Street Wednesday as investors chose to focus on the optimistic side of data about the coronavirus outbreak’s trajectory. It’s the latest about-face in this brutally volatile stretch for the U.S. stock market, which has flip-flopped between gains and losses for six straight days. The up moves have recently been bigger than the downward swings, though, amid signs that deaths and infections may be nearing a peak or plateau in some of the world’s hardest-hit areas. The S&P 500 has jumped nealry 23% since it hit a low two and a half weeks ago.

Hurricane Idalia unleashes fury on Florida and Georgia, swamping wide stretch of coast

Idalia came ashore in the lightly populated Big Bend region, where the Florida Panhandle curves into the peninsula

Man questioned in Montana after Arizona woman reappears following four years missing

A man was detained and questioned by police and his Montana apartment searched as authorities tried to piece together the mysterious disappearance and sudden reappearance this week of Alicia Navarro, who was 14 when she vanished from her Arizona home four years ago.

The Latest: Spanish health workers isolated after 5 infected

BEIJING (AP) — The Latest on the virus outbreak (all times local):

Sandpoint police officer promoted to lieutenant

Family, friends and colleagues of Michael Aerni packed Sandpoint’s City Council chambers last Wednesday ahead of his ceremonial badge pinning as he was promoted to lieutenant.

Peruvians fill streets as lockdown ends despite infections

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Blocks-long lines formed at bus stops, food markets and shopping centers in Peru's capital Wednesday as people left their homes en masse to go to work or shop as a 106-day coronavirus lockdown ended in many parts of the country.

Peruvians fill streets as lockdown ends despite infections

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Blocks-long lines formed at bus stops, food markets and shopping centers in Peru's capital Wednesday as people left their homes en masse to go to work or shop as a 106-day coronavirus lockdown ended in many parts of the country.

Stop and smell the roses

Flower shops do brisk business ahead of Valentine’s Day

During the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, the phone never seems to stop ringing at Hansen’s Florist & Gifts.

Phoenix freeway shooting suspect: I'm the wrong guy

UTV problems? Pegasus UTV has you covered

Tim Foust, is the owner and operator of Pegasus UTV in Osburn and he is looking forward to keeping local machines out of the shops and on the trails here in Shoshone County.

Grab some convenient snacks at Silver Mountain's new shop

KELLOGG — Silver Mountain Ski Resort has continuously upgraded their facilities and amenities over the years to provide their customers with a quality experience, but they may have just hit a homerun with their newest venture.

Outback Ski Shack changes hands

Glacier Cyclery is ready to trade in their stock of NordicTrack exercise equipment for an actual snow-covered Nordic track.

Man admits to stealing from Libby resident

Henry Mareman Yeadon entered his plea during a hearing on Nov. 6

Outback Ski Shack changes hands

Glacier Cyclery is ready to trade in their stock of NordicTrack exercise equipment for an actual snow-covered Nordic track.

Car fire in repair shop garage contained

Outback Ski Shack changes hands

Glacier Cyclery is ready to trade in their stock of NordicTrack exercise equipment for an actual snow-covered Nordic track.

Annual Christmas Stroll planned

With Thanksgiving over and the leftover Turkey in the fridge, thoughts are now turning to Christmas and what’s going to be under the tree. The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its third annual Christmas Stroll on December 17 in Superior.

Barber happy to be in Columbia Falls

Lance Wright started cutting hair informally when he was in college, in the Craig Hall dorm on the University of Montana campus.

FireAid, a benefit for LA wildfire relief, is almost here. Here's how to watch and donate

FireAid will be broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music, Apple TV+, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudum, Paramount+, Prime Video, the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps and YouTube. It will also be shown at select AMC Theatre locations in the U.S.