Contrary conditions

The predominate theory about real estate is that after school starts the market slows down. Our year-to-date statistics prove that conventional wisdom may be rooted in theory rather than fact. Prices are up and activity was steady throughout September of this year. Most geographies posted gains in production and in average price.

Inventory pain continues

A dearth of inventory continues to challenge would-be homebuyers in the North Idaho real estate market. As of the end of April, we had 23 percent fewer homes on lots smaller than 2 acres to sell than we had last year. Even as prices continue to increase, the demand is not slowing and is not being met by new listings. In fact, new listings are barely keeping pace with sales.

French parenting secrets

Much as I'd enjoy it, this column is not for book reviews. So while I'll refrain from comment or even from reading this (not yet published) book, its autobiographical synopsis held me at rapt attention. I had to share. "Bringing up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting" was published this week by Penguin Press. If you'd rather skip the full read, at least peruse author Pamela Druckerman's column in the Wall Street Journal online. My children are grown, but it's fascinating nonetheless.

Signs of confidence and resilience

Economy adds 175K jobs, jobless climbs to 7.6 percent

Come on baby ...

Federal Reserve extends 'Twist' program to drive rates lower

WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve is trying again to jolt the American economy out of its stalled recovery. It's extending a program that aims to encourage borrowing and spending by reducing long-term interest rates.

A different image of America's dad

Cosby detailed his womanizing, secrecy efforts a decade ago

Under oath in a hotel - away from the TV cameras and the soapbox where he did his public moralizing - Bill Cosby sketched a very different image of America's Dad: a philanderer who plied young women with quaaludes, claimed to be adept at reading their unspoken desires and used his wealth to keep "Mrs. Cosby" in the dark.

Prison lawsuit agreement could cost Idaho $1.6M

BOISE (AP) — Lawmakers will have to approve $1.6 million in staffing increases and other costs for the Idaho Department of Correction under an agreement designed to bring a decades-old lawsuit over conditions at a Boise-area prison to an end.

In soaked California, few homeowners have flood insurance

In California, 32 trillion gallons of rain and snow fell since Christmas

Elon Musk takes over Twitter but where will he go from here?

Former President Donald Trump, an avid tweeter before he was banned, said Friday he was “very happy that Twitter is now in sane hands” but promoted his own social media site, Truth Social

CYT presents 'The Little Mermaid'

COEUR d'ALENE - Christian Youth Theater-North Idaho will present a CYT original musical "The Little Mermaid," Feb. 25 through March 6 at the Salvation Army Kroc Community Theater.

Marie Scheller Madsen, 95

Marie Scheller Madsen, 95, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 28, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Northwest Notes Oct. 4, 2022

Notes on Gonzaga basketball.

Normal headaches?

Frequently when I ask my patients if they have headaches they say, “not really.” When I inquire deeper they say, “Well, yes. But it’s the normal headache everyone has.” I’m saddened to think anyone believes a headache is normal because there is no such thing as a “normal headache.”

Marty and Max: How's the market doing?

The housing data reflects that the housing market is surprisingly resilient. Our crisis, however, is that there is not enough inventory, rather than not enough buyers.

Bad timing

Exxon, Chevron set to boost production just as prices fall

Ruby Lavonne Dawson, 72

Ruby Lavonne (Stensland) Dawson, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away Nov. 3, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. Her family was by her side.

Family of inmate who died in jail files tort claim

PF doctor pays $110,000 to settle allegations

Prosecutors say he overprescribed opioids

Prosecutors say doctor overprescribed opioids

The good in Idaho liquor law

As the New Year starts and the State Legislature starts to gather and plan its session for the coming year, the subject of liquor law and the potential for deregulation always seems to come up. As we have in past articles, we continue to urge caution as the debacle in neighboring Washington state shows it is a far more complex and nuanced subject than many acknowledge. For now, the groups that supported the law so heavily in Washington seem to have their attention focused on Oregon for the coming election cycle - not surprising, given Oregon's larger population versus Idaho's.

Calendar of Events

- Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS, Inc.)