Oil and wine

Right now most of our loyal readers are questioning that headline, what could the two possibly have to do with each other? It turns out that the rapid drop in oil prices - a holiday gift for many of us, resulting in lower fuel costs - will likely moderate wine pricing as well. While supply and demand move the oil markets, a lesser-known cause of falling commodity prices will likely help what consumers pay for wine. All commodity trades around the globe are settled and paid for in U.S. dollars. Right now the dollar is strong versus other major currencies, and when the dollar is strong, the prices of commodities like oil and gold will drop if all else is held constant.

'Annoyed': Austria's national lockdown dampens holiday mood

Political analysts say the Austrian government did not effectively communicate the importance of vaccines early enough

My turn: Gas, what's on everyone's mind

Recently, a story was published that higher gas prices should be blamed on the consumer. What narrow-minded thinking and certainly not understanding what really controls world gas pricing. Yes, 42 percent did vote blaming President Obama, because he certainly has helped fuel the recent escalating gas pricing with his vetoing the Canadian Shale Sands Oil pipeline to Texas, not allowing drilling in the Gulf, not allowing drilling on

The families of the Appellation Wine Company

Niven, Graff, Smith, Rosenthal - some of the families that are part of the Appellation Wine Company, a grouping of third and fourth generation grape growing families from the central coast of California that produce a wide ranging and delicious assortment of wines. Scott Woodward from AWC was in town this past weekend for a winemaker dinner at Scratch in Spokane, and a tasting here at the shop and it was a treat.

An effortless New Year's Eve party? No problem!

It probably was a moment of weakness. You offered to host a New Year's Eve gathering, but - as usual - you lack the time and energy to pull together anything company-worthy.

Neighborhood of the Week: Cottage Grove

Carefree living. That's what life in Cottage Grove is all about.

CONSUMER GAL: Homographic hacking makes clicking on links dangerous

In our fast paced lives, hackers count on us not paying close attention when clicking on links.

Digital divide challenges Washington districts seeking equity in at-home learning

The coronavirus pandemic is posing some tough questions for school districts in Spokane and the rest of the nation.

Kootenai County housing numbers getting better

Home sales increase 5 percent from previous year

COEUR d'ALENE - The numbers say it's better.

Sharp drop in U.S. homes lost to foreclosure

Idaho Falls man arrested for armed robbery with gun

An Idaho Falls man is in jail after he reportedly robbed a man at gunpoint and used the victim’s debit card for shopping.

French-Asian cuisine now available at Lemon Grass

Business Bits

A new option of dining in Coeur d'Alene is French-Asian cuisine at the Lemon Grass Restaurant. With plans to open this past Friday, the bamboo-decor choice is in the former Takara building at 309 Lakeside Ave.

Repentant robber arrested

Man turned to pastor, who notified police

COEUR d'ALENE - This was a remorseful robber.

Guilty verdict thrills Smart

Kidnapping victim glad 'justice can be served'

SALT LAKE CITY - Elizabeth Smart waited more than eight years for the word she heard Friday.

New ownership at Hunters

Business Bits

A unique three-meal menu featuring wild game is the specialty of G.W. Hunters Restaurant in Post Falls. Its major news features new owners George Peichev and his son Rob.

Resort Plaza Shops fill vacancies

Business Bits

Several spaces in The Resort Plaza Shops will fill with businesses in the next few weeks. We'll list the ones we're aware of here and add details as they get closer to opening.

Access bill shot down by southern Idaho lawmakers

A lobbyist for one of Idaho’s largest landowners pushed a bill through the Legislature last year that mandates a fine for trespassers and puts the onus of knowing private property boundaries on hunters and anglers.

That big cashier's check is really no gift at all

The old Mystery Shopper scam is going around our area. It comes and goes but this one has a new twist. It’s specifically timed for Christmas, when many are feeling the need for a little more cash to buy gifts or pay credit card bills.

Comcast must show what's next after collapse of deal

Madcap murder

'Arsenic and Old Lace' opens tonight at Lake City Playhouse

This family is beyond dysfunctional.