DEVIN WEEKS

Critchfield: 'We're hopeful'

Public school budget should be ready soon, says state superintendent

Reverting to average daily attendance-based funding from the enrollment-based funding formula used during COVID-19 years has left many Idaho school districts feeling a financial pinch. “Money was left on the table, and we knew that last year,” Idaho State Superintendent of Public Education Debbie Critchfield said Friday during a visit to The Press office.

CLN drops Juneteenth holiday

Action criticized as racist

The Community Library Network will no longer observe Juneteenth, the state and federally recognized holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States.

Governor meets with area high school students

Idaho LAUNCH program, education priorities among topics discussed

School safety, funding for higher education, improving Idaho's public school facilities. While these are important matters for taxpayers, Gov. Brad Little sat down Thursday morning at Post Falls High School with those who are impacted by these issues on a daily basis — the students.

LAUNCHing into bright futures

Applications for LAUNCH grants surpass expectations

It is ideal for Idaho to always have jobs available for Idaho kids. This produces a positive business climate and a labor force that can fuel that positive business climate, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke said. Idaho LAUNCH grants, which pay for 80% or up to $8,000 of post-high school training and education over two years, are on their way to helping the Gem State and its students align on that trajectory. “This is just the next step in getting our kids well educated so they can be well positioned for life,” Bedke said. Bedke and Gov. Brad Little held a press conference Thursday at the StanCraft Jet Center in Hayden to share the news that applications for Idaho's LAUNCH program catapulted beyond expectations as 12,588 high school seniors across Idaho submitted or started applications for the grants as of Dec. 28.

'Today wasn't a guarantee'

Physical therapist back to work after heart transplant

Matt Hankes' second daughter had just entered the world when he began waiting for another important delivery: A new heart.

Patriotic patchwork

Quilts of Valor honors Idaho Veterans Home residents

The warmth provided by a Quilt of Valor is a special kind of comfort. "It's not a 'heat' warm, it's a 'being honored' warm. I'm not sure how you describe that," Frank Quattrocchi said after being wrapped in his new quilt.

Rare 'ring of fire' eclipse event Saturday

A rare "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse will form overhead Saturday morning. Although North Idaho isn't directly in the path of annularity, those who look to the skies with proper eclipse-viewing glasses should be in for a celestial treat.

Prescribed burns in Montana felt in North Idaho

Ash, wildfire smoke experienced throughout region

The ash and wildfire smoke North Idaho experienced the past couple days is from prescribed burns in the Kootenai National Forest.

Another record year for Idaho tourism

Idaho Travel Council awards $2 million for marketing to North Idaho tourism nonprofits

From showcasing area waterfalls and native mushrooms to invitations for rock climbing and snowshoeing adventures, area travel and tourism promotors have once again been rewarded for their work drawing visitors to North Idaho. The Idaho Travel Council announced Wednesday it granted nearly $2 million to tourism nonprofits in North Idaho to market their cities, towns and regions as travel destinations.

Library Network hires two attorneys, fires one

Trustees spar during contentious special meeting

The Community Library Network hired two attorneys and fired one all in one day.