OPINION: Every school, public or private, should have to prove its worth

House Bill 93 — Idaho’s new education choice program — is already shaking things up. And that’s a good thing.

Little calls on state agencies to cut budgets by 3%

Executive order excludes K-12 public schools from the cuts

The Idaho Legislature during the 2025 session approved more than $400 million in anticipated annual revenue reductions from tax cuts and credits, and another $50 million toward a tax credit for private education and tuition costs. Most of those reductions will go into effect in the current fiscal year.

Kidnapping suspect receives suspended sentence after pleading out

A Browning man arrested in Flathead County for allegedly kidnapping his ex-girlfriend from Missoula in 2024 received a suspended sentence earlier this year.

Big Bend loads up new ag mechanics certification

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College announced the establishment of a new Agricultural Mechanics certification program, according to an announcement from the college. “The launch of the Agricultural Mechanics certificate program is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled workers in our region’s ag industry,” said BBCC Dean of Workforce Education Michelle Morley via the announcement.

As many as 1 million kids will have school choice this year

This is the dawning of the age of school choice. The school bells will start ringing in the days and weeks ahead, but a record number of kids -- especially children from low-income families -- will be opting out of the traditional public schools.

Legals for August, 16 2025

Little calls on state agencies to cut budgets by 3%

Executive order excludes K-12 public schools from the cuts

The Idaho Legislature during the 2025 session approved more than $400 million in anticipated annual revenue reductions from tax cuts and credits, and another $50 million toward a tax credit for private education and tuition costs. Most of those reductions will go into effect in the current fiscal year.

Vikings volleyball season preview

MOSES LAKE – As the Vikings return to the court for practices, there is a lot of optimism in the air for head coach, Lindsey Linthicum. As they prepare for their first scrimmage game today at Centralia, she said the team is starting to gel. “That's been really fun to see the girls kind of making those connections,” Linthicum said. “It's just fun to see their personalities coming out, and the girls are recognizing those personalities, and every once in a while we get a good laugh out of each other.”

20 Under 40: Class of 2025

Welcome to this year’s 20 Under 40 community celebration -- our annual spotlight on the young professionals who are driving progress, inspiring change, and making the Flathead Valley an even better place to call home.

Weekend TV/Radio highlights

Television, radio and streaming highlights for upcoming weekend.

Brooklyn's church choirs preserve gospel heritage

The Sunday streets of the borough of churches still vibrate with gospel chords, yet inside many of Brooklyn's storied Black sanctuaries, the choir lofts have thinned dramatically. Singers at four historic parishes — Concord Baptist, Berean Baptist, Bedford Central Presbyterian and St. Teresa of Avila — explain how online worship, shrinking music programs and gentrification are eroding their ranks and why they keep lifting their voices anyway.

'Need a Little Christmas' auditions Aug. 24-25 in Post Falls

Auditions for "Need a Little Christmas" will be Aug. 24-25 at Expressions School of Performing Arts, 2825 N. Highway 41, Post Falls.

OPINION: Skinsuit politicians

North Idaho is largely populated by good and friendly people. People who volunteer their time for civic and charitable causes. People you would want for neighbors. People who inspired the joke: “I was at the local hardware store and while I was searching for what I wanted, three different people asked if I needed assistance…. and one was even a store employee.”

Legals for August, 15 2025

THE FRONT ROW with MARK NELKE: Big Sky commish on adding conference games, adding members ... and the quest for the elusive FCS title

If there’s anything that we know from recent years, it’s that the college football landscape could change any day. At least for today — hopefully — the Big Sky Conference is on solid ground.

LPOSD board gives updates on facilities, policies before new school year

The Lake Pend Oreille School Board met to review updated policies and receive updates on facilities before the new school year on Tuesday.

Legislature’s affordable housing committee meets Thursday in Sandpoint

Committee members expect to begin discussing potential recommendations and solutions after this week’s meeting

Husky trio named to players to watch list by Big Ten

SEATTLE – On Monday, the Big Ten Conference announced its women's soccer Players to Watch list. Three Husky upperclassmen featured on the preseason list in Kolo Suliafu, Samiah Shell and Laura Cetina, according to a statement by University of Washington athletics. Suliafu enters her senior season well established as not only the anchor of the stingy Husky back line but one of the most feared defensive talents in both the Big Ten and nationally.

Youth Sports Aug. 13, 2025

Results, news, photos from local youth sports teams, leagues, etc.

Ensuring energy reliability

The early August shift in weather has brought welcome relief—offering a chance to take deep breaths and enjoy the late-summer rains. Meanwhile, far from Montana’s seasonal rhythms, the 2026 federal budget process is underway in Washington, D.C., with major implications for energy and climate policy.