The right direction

Black Friday retail sales edge up only slightly

NEW YORK - Shoppers crowded stores on Black Friday but spent just a little more than last year on the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, according to data released Saturday by a research firm.

Senate approves insurance exchange

Measure goes to Gov. Butch Otter for his signature

The Idaho Senate approved a proposed state-based health insurance exchange on Thursday, after a debate in which it was alternately bashed as federal tyranny and praised as protecting Idaho's sovereignty.

An insight into Insight

DEAR DR. GOTT: Thank heavens for your Web site, since I can get a very important question out to you immediately without using snail mail. While watching the news last evening, I heard about a test kit I can purchase over the counter that will indicate a possible genetic predisposition to such medical problems as Parkinson's disease and heart trouble. I was informed the kit will cost up to $30, and once a saliva specimen is sent in to the laboratory, the testing will begin at an additional expense of up to $437.

Is it safe to buy pet meds online?

Dear PropellerHeads: I'm hoping to save a little money. Is it safe to buy my pet medicines from an online pet pharmacy?

Hunters can buy immediate tags with new system

Hunters who apply for a controlled hunt can buy their tickets online if they are chosen for the hunt.

Europe gropes for crisis fix, bond buys pushed

BRUSSELS - Europe's leaders are grasping for ideas to halt their government debt crisis ahead of a series of top-level meetings over the next 10 days. The latest: Using their emergency bailout funds to buy up government bonds on the open market.

Google buys travel software company

WASHINGTON (AP) - Government officials are imposing significant conditions on Google Inc. as they allowed the Internet search leader on Friday to proceed with its $700 million purchase of airline fare tracker ITA Software.

New NIC president tours raffle house on his first day

Less than 600 tickets remain for the chance to win this year’s $250,000 grand prize home. Only 5,000 tickets are sold at $100 each. A $100 ticket gives a chance to own the three-bedroom, two-bath rancher-style home loaded with special features including a full, unfinished basement, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplace, high efficiency heat pump, large covered patio and a fully landscaped lot.

Purchase controlled hunt tags by Aug. 1

The big game controlled hunt drawings for deer, elk, antelope and bear tags were completed June 22. Applicants can find out if they were lucky enough to draw a tag by checking the controlled hunt drawing results on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website. It is the responsibility of controlled hunt applicants to check to see if they were drawn for these limited entry hunting opportunities.

IDFG recommends buying licenses, tags, permits online

In a response to COVID-19 fears, Fish and Game will no longer accept cash payments starting March 30 at its statewide offices.

Consumers spend and earn more

Latest government data suggest an improving picture of the economy

WASHINGTON - Americans earned more and spent more last month, and the number of people applying for unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in more than two years. At the same time, demand for long-lasting manufactured goods and new homes fell off.

World/Nation Briefs April 24, 2011

Yemeni president agrees to step down in 30 days

Hoisted bank cards can't buy an Xbox

First-class headache delivered

Postal Service deals with holiday crush

Here are suggested mail deadlines you should know.

A permanent nest

Olympia owner hopes to buy heron art that was stolen, returned

COEUR d'ALENE - To (mostly) ensure the blue heron statue never leaves again, Eva Itskos, co-owner of the Olympia restaurant, wants to buy it.

In search of deals, ease

Holiday sales rise on discounts, online shopping

One down, one to go for Isenberg?

Lori Isenberg has dragged North Idaho through a nightmare.

AP PHOTOS: Virus revives demand for traditional French soap

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Amid the rapid spread of the new coronavirus across Europe, the hallmark Marseille tradition of soap-making is enjoying a renaissance, as the French rediscover an essential local product.

Bidding war

Ask the Propellerheads

Dear PropellerHeads: I've obviously heard of eBay and other auction sites, but a friend of mine just mentioned something about penny auction sites. The concept sounds a little crazy to me. What do you know about them?

Cash, no carry?

Companies struggle to popularize mobile money