Biden hopes virus deal is glimpse of deal-making to come

WASHINGTON (AP) — For President-elect Joe Biden, Washington’s year-end burst of deal-making brought renewed hope for a productive, successful first 100 days in office.

$250M facility to help NJ lead offshore wind power industry

New Jersey is doubling down on its drive to dominate the offshore wind energy supply chain in the U.S., adding a $250 million facility to build the huge poles supporting wind turbines to a second planned facility where blades would be built.

Deputy named to lead COVID-19-stressed Kansas labor agency

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday named the Kansas Department of Labor's deputy secretary as its top administrator as she works to find another, permanent leader for an agency that

What airlines, other industries got in $900B relief bill

At a mind-numbing 5,593 pages, Congress' $900 billion pandemic relief package covers a lot of ground. The bill passed Monday establishes a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit, a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans and a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants and theaters. It also provides $82 billion for education, $10 billion for child care and $25 billion in rental assistance. Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15%.

$900B COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic

Perdue seeks payoff from Trump loyalty in Georgia runoff

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — In 2014, David Perdue introduced himself to Georgia voters as a corporate executive capable of bringing pragmatism to a Congress depicted in his first TV ad as a bunch of diaper-clad, crying babies.

Congress passes historic CSKT water compact with massive spending bill

Tucked in the mammoth spending bill that Congress passed Monday night is a historic pact that will resolve thousands of water-rights claims by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Kansas bank robbery suspect dies after police chase, crash

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A bank robbery suspect died after being chased by police in Kansas, but authorities didn't say whether he was shot by officers or died as a result of a crash.

Pedro Pascal dons different armor for ‘Wonder Woman 1984’

When Pedro Pascal started to think about his “Wonder Woman 1984” villain Max Lord, one name came to mind: Gordon Gekko. Who better to model his power suit-wearing striver on than the embodiment of 1980s greed and callousness?

$900B COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Gem of a donation

Teacher gives $2,000 for jewelry, Christmas for All

Program nears all-time record fundraising.

RECORDS

Judgments and sentencings

Sandpoint Elks honor community's top students

Sandpoint Elks Lodge No. 1376 has announced students of the month for the past few months for the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

Spokane woman sentenced to 43 months for stealing truck

A Spokane woman was sentenced last week to just more than three and a half years (43 months) in state prison after pleading guilty to a Dec. 2 incident in which she was found in Beverly behind the wheel of a vehicle stolen out of Union Gap, according to court documents.

And the winner in Brady-Belichick divorce is: the QB

It’s time to declare a winner in the divorce between Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the coach and quarterback who combined to lead the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl championships before splitting up this year.

Bailey leads No. 8 Tennessee over winless Saint Joseph's

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Five games into his Tennessee career, Victor Bailey is settling into his role as an offensive threat.

Congress seals agreement on $900 billion COVID relief bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Capitol Hill negotiators sealed a deal Sunday on a $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package, finally delivering long-overdue help to businesses and individuals and providing money to deliver vaccines to a nation eager for them.

Biden gets COVID-19 vaccine, says 'nothing to worry about'

NEWARK, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden on Monday received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe.

Congress takes aim at climate change in massive relief bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — The huge pandemic relief and spending bill includes billions of dollars to promote clean energy such as wind and solar power while sharply reducing over time the use of potent coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators that are considered a major driver of global warming.

Liz Weston: RV-Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Recreational vehicle sales are soaring, and the RV industry expects 2021 to be a record-breaking year. Dealerships say much of the demand is coming from first-time buyers and others anxious to find a safer way to vacation during the pandemic.