First heat-related deaths this year reported in Idaho

Temperatures this weekend are forecast to get close to 100 degree in the southern areas of Idaho. Late June and early July usually ushers in the hot weather season in Idaho, and Idahoans should take precautions to ensure they stay safe.

PF council OKs $300M master wastewater treatment plan

Capacity and user fees will be primary funds

The approved master plan will now be submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for technical review

MY TURN: Take a stand against bigotry, racism

On behalf of the NAACP Kootenai County Branch, I am writing to address a deeply troubling incident that recently occurred at McEuen Park, where young students from the Coeur d’Alene Tribal School were racially harassed by a group of adults. First and foremost, we stand in solidarity with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the affected children, and condemn the actions of the individuals responsible for the incident. Simply put, intolerance and disrespect have no place here.

2 inmates charged with attempted murder after attack on Montana jail guards

At Tuesday's hearing, prosecutor Hojae Chung with the Yellowstone County Attorney's Office said one of the inmates used a makeshift knife to repeatedly stab one of the officers in the back of the head, causing serious bleeding

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: A feel for the pain with the Mariners, Munoz

I’m not trying to bore you, I promise.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: M's avoided being ambushed by fruit and veggies

The world champ Pakistani cricket team got upset in India (brutal rivals) one year, and when the team got back, a mob at the airport bombarded the team and plenty of unlucky bystanders with fruit and veggies. Nice job, you mugs.

Local violinist wins at international competition

Altenbach's 'Jester's Waltz' to be performed in Vienna

A celebrated violinist who serves as a faculty member at the Music Conservatory of Coeur d'Alene has even more reason to celebrate. Richard Altenbach, an A-list Hollywood recording musician, won second prize in the International Golden Key Piano Composition Competition for his composition, "The Jester’s Waltz." He will travel to Vienna in July to receive his diploma and winner’s medal and to hear his piece performed by Anna Leyerer, a renowned virtuoso concert pianist, at the World Composers’ Recital.

FAST FIVE Stephenie Kimener: Life is better in the country

Meet Stephenie Kimener of Long Mountain Meadows. She is a doting wife to Brian and mother to five wonderful children: Christopher, Timothy, Josephine, Benjamin and Gabriel. She is a self-proclaimed mediocre housewife who runs two businesses and homeschools her children. She prefers to be outside with her family and animals while neglecting her household duties, which she admits her husband is way better at doing anyways. She and her husband feel as though they have found their own little slice of heaven at the base of Long Mountain where the valley opens up to several waterways and meadows. She loves her highland cows, horses, dogs and various other farm animals. She gives God all the glory for the many blessings in her life.

OPINION: Conventional wisdom

The Idaho Republican Convention happened last weekend and it was a success in multiple ways. The three-day event began with committee meetings held at The Coeur d’Alene Resort and ended with a General Session at NIC’s Schuler Auditorium. The NIC catering staff supplied a delicious lunch for 750 people on both Friday and Saturday. Friday night was the Idaho Republican Gala Dinner at The Resort Convention Center with speeches by Dorothy Moon, Raul Labrador, Bill Whittle and a keynote address by Kari Lake.

All hail, the Silver Kings!

This past weekend, Silver Mountain was the center of the hard enduro universe as 538 racers representing all 50 states and several countries descended upon Silver Mountain Resort for the annual Silver Kings Hard Enduro races.

Thefts of charging cables pose yet another obstacle to appeal of electric vehicles

The stolen cables often disable entire stations, forcing EV owners on the road to search desperately for a working charger. For the owners, the predicament can be exasperating and stressful.

Does a dry spring also mean a dry summer?

Since the middle of May, temperatures have been relatively mild to warm in Coeur d’Alene and across the Inland Northwest.

Garlic lovers, rejoice; it’s scape season

Take a stroll through the Farmer’s Market now through the end of June and you’ll no doubt come across bunches of curlicue-stems of hardneck garlic, known as scapes.

Keep your estate plan simple(ish)

It may seem obvious that when planning for what should happen after your death, more detail is better. Indeed, the problems I see with many estate plans have to do with ignoring some aspect of planning that should be addressed. However, the opposite problem is also possible. Let’s take a look...

Passing the parade baton

No matter how the town has grown or changed the Fourth of July parade is a constant, a slice of Americana that for a couple of hours on Coeur d’Alene’s “Main Street” all of the things that our community and country once was and still is, is right there displayed in red, white and blue.

FDA approves a second Alzheimer's drug that can modestly slow disease

Physicians who treat Alzheimer’s say the approval is an important step after decades of failed experimental treatments.

FAST FIVE Stu Cabe reminds us to be nice to each other

Meet Stu Cabe, founder of The Ovation Company, a Coeur d'Alene-based school resource organization focusing on positive school climate and improved student achievement. Stu has been a professional presenter and trainer for over two decades. He travels North America to work with students and teachers to help build strong school communities and improve campus culture and climate. The Ovation Company's motto: Stand up for what is good. Info: ovationcompany.com

E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, one

In recent years, Coeur d'Alene has experienced several disturbing incidents of hate and harassment targeting underrepresented minorities. These incidents have included verbal attacks, and other forms of discrimination. A recent event occurred in McEuen Park, where youths from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe were verbally harassed. This incident underscores the ongoing presence of intolerance and bigotry in our community. Tragically, this vitriol seems to be the norm on social media, but our beloved community must consider holding itself to a higher standard.

Dog left tied up outside Companions Animal Center in Coeur d'Alene

'Loomie' up for adoption

Vicky Nelson, CAC spokesperson, said security cameras showed a person walking up about 10 p.m. Tuesday, tying up the dog, and walking away.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Answers on Metcalf, M's and the mess of the Pac-2

Apologies. There is a bulging file of emails — many with legitimate questions — that I’ve failed to address in a timely manner.