CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT: An experience with local legislators

I recently wrote to our representatives in District 4: Alfieri, Price and Toews to express some concerns I had regarding legislation. I wrote that many OB/GYN doctors are leaving the state because of legislation making it more difficult for doctors to practice best medical care. Mr. Alfieri replied that they were leaving because they weren’t making enough money.

OPEN PRIMARIES: Veterans group supports initiative

There is a cadence song I used to sing with my fellow female airmen as we marched along in perfect formation, “Momma, Momma, look at me, look what the Air Force has done to me. Took away my loving man, and now I sleep with Uncle Sam.” At the time I found it humorous, and kind of saucy. It certainly helped me to pass the endless hours of marching. I came to understand through my service that it rang very true. Soldiers of every service branch willingly and proudly dedicate every aspect of their lives to preserving our democracy and keeping Americans safe from adversaries.

Legals for February, 9 2024

Inflation is nearly back to 2%. So why isn't the Federal Reserve ready to cut rates?

Several officials have said they want more time to see if inflation continues to subside.

Ukraine's president replaces top general to shake up deadlocked war with Russia

Zelenskyy appointed the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, Сol. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, to lead the army, which needs a morale boost at a time when the conflict with Russia has been at a near stalemate for months

4A REGION 1 GIRLS BASKETBALL: Lakeland drops opener in OT

Game 2 is Friday night at 6 at Sandpoint. If Lakeland wins, the deciding game would be played Saturday.

PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: Lakeside wins district title, advances to state play-in game

Lakeside (9-9) will face the winner of tonight’s District 4 second-place game between Murtaugh and Valley on Saturday in a state play-in game at Grangeville High at 3 p.m. Wallace finishes 11-6.

PREP ROUNDUP: McCarthy guides Post Falls past Sandpoint

“We were able to get out in transition and get some baskets after our pressure got to them,” Post Falls coach Mike McLean said. “We were able to get some baskets and it allowed us to set up our defense.”

STR battle heating back up

Mayor, councilman oppose legislation that would limit city control of STRs

Rep. Jordan Redman said cities could still have “reasonable” regulations.

House narrowly passes first of 10 omnibus budgets

Some Idaho legislators are divided over major budget changes in 2024 session

A divided Idaho House of Representatives voted 38-31 on Wednesday to pass the first of 10 omnibus budget bills that are at the center of a budget showdown in the Idaho Legislature. The vote to pass House Bill 457, the omnibus fiscal year 2025 budget for the judicial branch, appears to represent a narrow political victory for Republican House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, who supported the budget, as well as Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, one of the co-chairs of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

Movers & Shakers

More than 100 local business owners and professionals who serve Inland Northwest communities are expected to attend the Mamas in Business 2024 Annual Conference: Beyond Limits from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 15 at Prairie Falls Golf Club, 3200 N. Spokane St., Post Falls.

MY TURN: Homeless solutions sought

Kudos to Lynn Fleming for outlining the huge money pit that Ignite has dug for taxpayers. Now, here is the rest of the story: Unless we want to see Spokane and Coeur d’Alene turn into Los Angeles and San Francisco, we need to find a way to address homelessness. Idaho state, county, cities and nonprofits need to figure out how to house workers, students and retirees at a reasonable price. Placing affordable housing down by the Spokane River is ridiculous. Surely cheaper land could be used. Attracting better paying jobs does nothing for retirees. Maybe the state could open its big savings account to help lower income citizens rather than giving tax breaks to the upper 2%.

Pneumonia hits Hells Canyon bighorn sheep, IDFG and neighboring states monitoring the effects

Outbreak causes bighorn sheep die-offs, but the extent is unknown at this time

Anderson Ranch Reservoir kokanee fishery showing signs of improvement after 2020 lows

The outlook for the 2024 kokanee fishery is improved from previous years

Bras on Dudes a 'godsend'

Event raises $30K for Cancer Care Northwest Foundation

Funds raised at the 20223 event were donated to the Windermere Foundation, which in turns donates them to the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation.

Snowpack remains near record-lows

Could affect summer streamflow, fisheries in North Idaho

Low snowpack could mean below normal streamflow this summer and warmer water, which could affect fisheries.

Missing Marine Corps helicopter carrying 5 troops from Nevada to California has been located

Waves of heavy downpours hit the area throughout the night and snow was forecast for San Diego County mountains.

5A REGION 1 GIRLS BASKETBALL: Vikings tell a story ... Coeur d'Alene start fast, knock off Lake City for second straight regional title

Lake City will host Post Falls in the regional second-place game on Thursday.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Austin Johnson, North Idaho College men's basketball

This week's Knudtsen Chevrolet Press Athlete of the Week is North Idaho College sophomore guard Austin Johnson.

Opioid task force gets OK

Two-person unit could be formed next year

Council OKs task force funding