Gold fever sweeps criminal underworld

LOS ANGELES - Gus Rodriguez looks more like a soldier than a jewelry store security guard, with a Beretta handgun strapped to his bulletproof vest, shades wrapped around his shaved head and pepper spray bulging from a breast pocket.

The story behind the decisions

There has been much speculation in the Press and among North Idaho residents about the likelihood, or even the chance, of a Trader Joe’s opening in our area. Having some crossover with the company — given that we sell wine and so do they — we have the chance to have a bit of somewhat grounded speculation about why they have not yet come into this market. While we can’t speak for the company, nor can we know for certain why they have yet to show up, we have a sense of a few things that might be involved.

Rathdrum says no to proposed housing project

Topic of 'affordable housing' stirs debate

Annexation application fails at Rathdrum council meeting, raises concerns about housing

A bit of this, that and the other

Apologies.

Today's ghastly groaner

A duck waddles into a sandwich shop and says to the man at the counter, “You got any duck food?”

Teen's sleep habits disrupted

DEAR DR. GOTT: My 16-year-old granddaughter has had a lifetime of not being able to sleep at night. This has been the case since birth. I might add that because of her parents' jobs, they encouraged "sleeping in." She now lives with me, and I have allowed her to take Benadryl at night so she can get a decent night's sleep to be alert in school. She is an excellent student and has no other health problems. This works very well; however, I am worried about the side effects over time. Can you advise me on this?

With spreading virus comes fears -- and lots of stockpiling

NEW YORK (AP) — As an Arizonan, Gregory Cohen has never had to stock up ahead of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

MLP kens her kennings

Want to learn something you didn’t know you knew?

EXCHANGE: Give support to Otter

Our legislators need our feedback in order to support Gov. Otter and vote in favor of creating a state-based health insurance exchange. There are many reasons for Idaho to design a state based exchange rather than allowing the federal exchange to be established in Idaho.

Gulf spill could affect shoppers

NEW ORLEANS - The calamitous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico isn't just a mess for the people who live or work on the coast. If you drink coffee, eat shrimp, like bananas or plan to buy a new set of tires, you could end up paying more because of the disaster.

'Twas the Fortnite before blitzmas

In case you still have Christmas shopping to do, maybe I can help.

More Idaho students qualify for free school meals

Department of Education reports 50 percent are eligible

Fan buying famed ‘Goonies’ house in Oregon, listed for $1.7M

The city celebrates Goonies Day on June 7, the film’s release date, and welcomes thousands of people for the event

Managing multiple sclerosis symptoms

Multiple sclerosis can make your life difficult. However, there is help available. You should speak with your doctor about your symptoms. These suggestions may help:

Customer service keeps the doors open

Nordstrom department store built its legendary customer service reputation on the story of a man who returned a set of tires to a store and received a refund, even though Nordstrom doesn't actually sell tires.

Berkshire Hathaway buying Precision Castparts

HOMES: Preserve our local history

It is very upsetting to see the old beautiful homes and buildings being torn down in Coeur d’Alene and replaced with modern apartment buildings and townhomes.

Factory fears China will get Scout work

PASSAIC, N.J. - The owners of a family-run New Jersey factory that makes uniforms for the Girl Scouts of America said they may be forced to close or lay off workers if the organization takes its business to China.

Natural gas soars as cold grips homes, drillers

Record amounts being burned for heat and electricity

NEW YORK - The frigid winter of 2014 is setting the price of natural gas on fire.

Making it a home in Coeur d'Alene's midtown

In Coeur d’Alene, homes get predictably expensive as you get closer to the lake and downtown. The midtown market, however, is an intriguing alternative.