'Can you believe we live here?'

I’m not sure anything beats morning swims at Sanders Beach, when I often have the place to myself, and when finished, just looking out at the scenery and if I’m lucky, an osprey will soar past. Or biking home from Higgens Point, when I look out on Lake Coeur d’Alene and watch the boats and kayakers. My favorite stretch on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is from Harrison to Heyburn, but really, any direction is good.

Idaho's weekly initial claims exceed total filed in 2019

BOISE – Idahoans filed more initial claims for unemployment benefits in the four weeks since the state of emergency was declared - 95,961 - than the total filed during all 2019 by 60 percent.

France tries forcing change on Lebanon's politicians

BEIRUT (AP) — During his visit this month, French President Emmanuel Macron gave Lebanon’s politicians a road map for policy changes and reform, set deadlines for them to take action and told them he’d be back in December to check on progress.

France tries forcing change on Lebanon's politicians

BEIRUT (AP) — During his visit this month, French President Emmanuel Macron gave Lebanon’s politicians a road map for policy changes and reform, set deadlines for them to take action and told them he’d be back in December to check on progress.

Mavs suffer loss in districts, conclude season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (16-4) fell 11-1 to the West Valley Rams Saturday, bringing an end to their season.

Flathead Business Watercooler

Happenings related to business

Trumbull Creek fire contained Tuesday

Crews from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Columbia Falls Fire Department contained a fire under one acre in size near Trumbull Creek on Tuesday, July 21.

Medicaid cuts threaten rural healthcare access in North Idaho

Rural communities in North Idaho could face significant reductions in access to healthcare in the coming years as the region’s clinics and hospitals brace for major financial losses tied to upcoming changes in Medicaid.

SEPT. NIBJ: Medicaid cuts threaten healthcare access in Boundary County

Rural communities in North Idaho could face significant reductions in access to healthcare in the coming years as the region’s clinics and hospitals brace for major financial losses tied to upcoming changes in Medicaid.

Sharps disposal rising in Kootenai County

Growing population, aging residents generating more medical waste

Kootenai County accepts used sharps from county residents, as long as they meet the requirements for disposal.

Trump wants federal hiring to focus on skills over degrees

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is preparing to direct the federal government to overhaul its hiring to prioritize a job applicant’s skills over a college degree, administration and industry officials say.

OPINION: Idaho’s education system is overburdened with needless rules

There are hundreds of pages of statutes, regulations and standards that apply to the public school system. Some are necessary to ensure a proper education for public school students, but many are imposed simply to score political points or simply to discredit public schools and their dedicated teachers.

Post Falls Parade honors hometown heroes

For many, Saturday’s parade along Seltice Way was about showing appreciation for the community’s first responders.

Merrill Spence

Nov. 19, 1924 — Aug. 18, 2024

Merrill Harold Spence, 99, passed at his home on August 18, 2024. A few years ago, Merrill composed the following obituary: Merrill was born on November 19, 1924, to Harold and Mary Spence in Seattle, Washington.

AUGUST NIBJ: The economic backbone of North Idaho — small businesses

North Idaho is unique in its offerings, providing a blend of nature and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents seeking ownership. Many individuals have taken hold of the advantages that the area has to offer, opening shop to cater to the ever-growing communities within Idaho’s five northern counties.

AUG NIBJ: The economic backbone of North Idaho — small businesses

North Idaho is unique in its offerings, providing a blend of nature and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents seeking ownership. Many individuals have taken hold of the advantages that the area has to offer, opening shop to cater to the ever-growing communities within Idaho’s five northern counties.

The economic backbone of North Idaho — small businesses

North Idaho is unique in its offerings, providing a blend of nature and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents seeking ownership. Many individuals have taken hold of the advantages that the area has to offer, opening shop to cater to the ever-growing communities within Idaho’s five northern counties.

North Idaho students named National Merit semifinalists

Several outstanding Kootenai County students are Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

William Walter West

1952 — 2025

William Walter West was called home and into the loving embrace of his wife Lucinda on December 14, 2025. He was a great son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, patriot and US Army Veteran.

Merry and bright: 37th Festival of Trees benefits Kootenai Health Foundation

Some people really do honor Christmas in their hearts and keep it all the year. Brandy Read is one of them. “Christmas is my favorite holiday,” she said with a laugh. That much was clear Friday morning at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, where Read and her “enchanted elves,” including her daughter and grandchildren, were hard at work putting the finishing touches their contribution to the 37th Festival of Trees, benefiting the Kootenai Health Foundation.