Buy it or lose it:

Hunters must buy 2021 big game controlled hunt tags by Aug. 1

Leftover tags will be sold first-come, first-served beginning Aug. 25

FTC sues DirecTV, alleges hidden fees, deceptive ads

WASHINGTON - The government is taking the nation's biggest satellite TV provider to court, accusing DirecTV of misleading millions of consumers about the cost of its programming.

Your health insurance isn't some commodity

Over the past several years, healthcare and health insurance have gained attention as families across Idaho navigate the new waters of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and an exchange-based marketplace. This fall, many people will renew their focus on healthcare coverage and the 2015 open enrollment period when people can again shop for insurance plans.

Jobless benefits extended

BOISE (AP) - Senators passed extended unemployment benefits for thousands of jobless Idaho workers, over objections of conservative lawmakers who called this a "hand-out, not a hand-up."

Senate approves public schools budget

BOISE (AP) — The Idaho Senate approved a public schools budget for 2013 that bumps up the minimum teacher salary and funds new education reforms, including merit pay bonuses and laptops.

Committee hears instant horse racing testimony

BOISE (AP) - The legality over Idaho's contentious slot-like machines -known as instant horse racing terminals- sparked lengthy pleas on Wednesday from ranchers, horse breeders and jockeys arguing that removing the machines would cue the end to their industry.

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.

Economy recovering, but recession's shadow is long

NEW YORK - Layaway, once the province of the poor, has gone mainstream. At the Mall of America in Minnesota, shoppers dart in for just one or two things. In New York, socialites do the unthinkable: They wear the same ball gown twice.

Homeless a familiar face

Local. That describes the vast majority of North Idaho's homeless population. For some reason, that would surprise many.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Our poor abused thyroid

A gland of remarkable adaptability, the thyroid gland absorbs a great deal of “punishment” with our lifestyles today.

Vicks for hemorrhoids?

DEAR DR. GOTT: Seven or eight years ago, you suggested using Vicks VapoRub for relief of the discomfort associated with anal hemorrhoids. It has worked really well for me. I have used both the Vicks and store-brand equivalents. I have no more pain from my two hemorrhoids but now wonder if I should keep using the product or have the hemorrhoids removed. I am a 67-year-old male.

Panel passes reform

BOISE - Legislation to eliminate "tenure" for new teachers, restrict collective bargaining and introduce merit pay is headed toward its final hurdle in the Idaho Legislature.

Suspect in the slayings of 4 Idaho college students wants news cameras out of the courtroom

Second District Judge John Judge is expected to hear arguments over camera access today

Mannequins get makeover to look more realistic

Do vitamins block disease? Some disappointing news

ELECTION: Counter to civility

As a history major and former social studies teacher I am struck by Donald Trump’s concept of “counter puncher” and the fact that it apparently is viewed by some people as a positive thing. That concerns me, not because Trump did it but because it reflects that our political campaigns have descended even further into the mud.

Low energy is not linked to blood donation

'My Funny Valentine' performance Feb. 13 at JACC

The silly side of love and life will be featured in song Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center in Post Falls.

Chamber hosting lunches with governor candidates

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber Public Policy Committee has extended invitations to three Republican candidates running for Idaho governor. Each candidate will have an opportunity to express their platforms at three separate luncheons: Brad Little on April 6; Tommy Ahlquist on April 17; and Raul Labrador on May 3.

Democrats buy out Lake City Playhouse first performance

The Kootenai County Democrats have bought out the house for Thursday's first performance of Lake City Playhouse's production of "Les Miserables."