Spanish banks merge in sign of hard economic times ahead

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Two of Spain’s biggest banks said Friday they were merging, pushed together by a need to weather tough economic times that likely will cost thousands of jobs.

Australia bounces out of recession as economy grows 3.3%

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Australia's economy grew by 3.3% in the third quarter, rebounding from its first recession in nearly three decades as it recovered from pandemic-related shocks, according to figures released Wednesday.

Australia bounces out of recession as economy grows 3.3%

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Australia's economy grew by 3.3% in the third quarter, rebounding from its first recession in nearly three decades as it recovered from pandemic-related shocks, according to figures released Wednesday.

Australia bounces out of recession as economy grows 3.3%

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Australia's economy grew by 3.3% in the third quarter, rebounding from its first recession in nearly three decades as it recovered from pandemic-related shocks, according to figures released Wednesday.

Data center technician program offered at Big Bend

MOSES LAKE — A one-year class to help train people to work in the data center sector of the computer industry will be offered beginning this fall at Big Bend Community College. Big Bend officials worked with managers at data centers located in Grant County to design the curriculum.

Grant County makes economic development work

MOSES LAKE — It’s sometimes easy to forget that even with all the high tech businesses moving into the area, agriculture is still Grant County’s largest employer.

Bullock continues to block OPI from the table

I am optimistic for the coming school year. I would rather be talking about the positive vision for Montana education than the Governor’s vacant leadership lacking transparency. On March 3, the Governor created Montana’s Coronavirus Task Force, leaving out a significant sector impacted by COVID-19; the education community. Under pressure, the Governor’s staff allowed the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to participate.

New face on planning and zoning

Board of county commissioners appoints commission member

Board of county commissioner appoints commission member

Otter leads trade trip to Canada

Led by Gov. Butch Otter and coordinated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Department of Commerce, an Idaho trade mission delegation will travel to Toronto, Canada, through Thursday. The trip began Monday.

'Let's Clear the Air' succeeds in starting dialogue

Imagine the head of the local Republican Women and Democratic Party sitting next to each other! A broad spectrum of participants was at the business and civic leader luncheon hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby on Nov. 17.

Column: Public policies out of whack with reality

By WAYNE HOFFMAN

County jobless rate increases

Local number between state, national rates

POST FALLS - Kootenai County's unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a percent to 4.9 percent in July, according to an Idaho Department of Labor report released Friday.

Fed sees moderate economic growth around country this spring

WASHINGTON - The U.S. economy was growing at a moderate pace in most regions of the country in April and May, as consumers ramped up spending at retailers and auto dealers, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

Report: Health insurer Humana considering a sale

Humana shares soared well beyond all-time high prices Friday afternoon on speculation that the company, one of the nation's biggest health insurers, might be up for sale.

Historic essay contest open to local students

The fourth annual Student Essay Contest on Kootenai County History, sponsored by the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), is open through Dec. 1.

County boosts credit limits for department

SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners agreed on Tuesday to increase lines of credit for one department and are expected to field similar requests for other departments.

Kootenai County job growth stays steady even with low jobless rate

By BRIAN WALKER

Energy policy running out of gas

When it comes to rising oil costs, most folks naturally think of the ticking meters at a gas pump. They don't think about things like the cost of rebuilding Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road, a cost that has recently been projected to increase by at least $100 million over the next eight-to-10 years because of inflation in the "construction sector."

Ag secretary promotes America's farmers markets

Over the first week of August, local markets across the country celebrated National Farmers Market Week. Farmers markets are an important part of America’s diverse agriculture sector, providing unique benefits to communities across our nation.

Thoughts on school expansion

Over the course of the past few months I’ve watched plans unfold for both the Columbia Falls elementary schools and the Boys and Girls Club’s plans for a new facility.