Reader writes

Even though we encourage feedback from readers with regard to content for this column, we seldom receive it. It is indeed a pleasure then, to attempt to address a number of questions from one particular reader. The reader writes, “What does history teach us about how long it will take for inventory of high-dollar homes to reach ‘neutral’ instead of buyer’s market status?”

U.S. grows, world slows

Top business stories of 2014

Stocks manage modest gains overall; AMC nearly doubles

Strength in technology, energy and real estate stocks offset a pullback in retailers and other companies

Buying direct

For all wine consumers visiting wineries in wine country is one of the really special experiences. The passion the beverage elicits from many of us goes to a whole other level when we are actually in the winery and walking among the vines, it is just different. When any of us visit wineries it is customary to buy wine directly from them, especially when tastings are complimentary it would be rude to not do so. Many of us too enjoy being in the wine clubs from our favorite wineries. It is not only a way to demonstrate support for a business we appreciate but it may also be a way to access certain wines that are winery only, or not distributed.

How to help the family

COEUR d'ALENE - Friends and family of Veronica "Roni" Rutledge, who was accidentally killed at Walmart in Hayden Tuesday, have established an online memorial fund to help her husband with funeral expenses.

'Normal' housing market on horizon

Inventory continues to grow; prices coming down

Housing market slows

'I can’t see the light': War fuels surging prices in Europe

Economists are calling it a perfect storm, striking as countries unleashed spending to spur an economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic

Tips for young investors looking into stock trading apps

The Game Stop Saga revealed a space in

Health law off to a slow start Problems prompt low Obamacare sign-ups

WASHINGTON (AP) - Planting a paltry number on a national disappointment, the Obama administration revealed Wednesday that just 26,794 people enrolled for health insurance during the first, flawed month of operations for the federal "Obamacare" website.

Icahn makes offer for Clorox

Investor challenges company to find a better offer

NEW YORK - Activist investor Carl Icahn made an unusual offer to buy Clorox Co. this week, presenting himself almost as a disinterested bidder and encouraging the company to try to find a better offer.

Rising property values dim dreams of home ownership

For the average wage-earner in Kootenai County, the dream of owning a home is slipping away. As property values countywide continue to soar, locals looking to buy a house are finding themselves settling for less — or continuing to rent as home prices move further and further out of reach.

Red wine trends

Last week we wrote of recent purchasing trends in white wines, so here is the red wine side of the ledger and just like the trends in white this is unlikely to change your personal buying patterns, but may introduce you to some varietals and appellations you were not previously familiar with.

House kicks off reform testimony

Legislation would restrict collective bargaining rights

BOISE - Lawmakers in the Idaho House started taking public testimony Tuesday on legislation to eliminate "tenure" for new teachers, restrict collective bargaining and introduce merit pay.

WELFARE: Some rules needed

A legislator in New York has proposed legislation to prevent the use of food stamps to buy lobster, cigarettes and other expensive items.

Afghans protest Taliban in emerging challenge to their rule

Demonstrations a show of defiance after the Taliban fighters violently dispersed a protest Wednesday

Briefs

Economy headed down again?

Americans buying new homes at weakest pace in half a century

WASHINGTON (AP) - It's starting to feel like another recession.

A review of home remedies

DEAR DR. GOTT: In a recent column, you referred to two possible cures for toenail fungus other than menthol salve. One was an over-the-counter product, and the other was a soaking agent. Could you please relate what these two potential cures are?

Now more than ever, vintage matters

It always has, but vintage now really does matter in every purchase you make as a wine consumer. Beyond the quality differences of harvest years there are a number of other factors that affect the aromatics, flavor and your own personal feelings about any particular wine. We have covered the variation of vintages a number of times in this column, and briefly as we approach the release of wines from the troubled 2010 and 2011 years for wines from California and the Northwest we urge caution. Try before you buy domestic wines from these years.

NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE WEEK: Preparing for the spring ‘rush’

At the risk of tempting fate, I’ll knock on wood while declaring this next sentence: Spring is nearly here.