Your morning starts here.

Coeur d'Alene Public Schools hosted a resource fair Wednesday, bringing special education students, families and community organizations together to connect with employers, mental and behavioral health services and housing providers - the event aimed to start planning early for a smooth transition into adulthood.

Mortgage rates eased this week; the 30-year fixed rate dropped to 7.32% from 7.40% last week, according to Freddie Mac, which may lower borrowing costs for buyers in our area.

Lenders + investors will monitor shifts as inflation and bond moves continue to shape the market.

North Idaho College will host a free roundtable luncheon on Monday from noon to 12:50 p.m. in the Driftwood Bay Room at NIC's student union where attendees will discuss the TEDx talk How Curiosity Will Save Us and explore practical ideas for greater understanding.

At The Coeur d'Alene Resort yesterday, tech and business leaders gathered at the iTech Summit to explore AI innovation and curriculum changes during panels and executive chats.

Idaho students in grades 6-12 and homeschoolers can submit creative names for snowplows until Oct.

31 to boost winter safety lessons. The ITD will choose twelve winners from six districts to earn classroom recognition + a visit from the snowplow and driver along with a safety talk.

Students at Lakes Middle School celebrated Unity Day Wednesday morning with pop music, orange pom-poms, inspirational signs, and free drinks to show support for kindness (part of National Bullying Prevention Month).

They also planned a school assembly for next Friday designed by students in a leadership elective.

The Orchard Ridge Estate Sale volunteer team in Post Falls donated $40,000 to fund Memory Care programs + new furnishings for residents at Orchard Ridge Senior Living.

They volunteered over 2,800 hours this year and will resume services in the new year with more estate sale opportunities.

North Idaho high school students from grade nine to twelve will compete in the 2027 American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest on Saturday, Jan.

9 at Post 143. Contestants will speak on the Constitution to win scholarships up to $25,000 and cash awards of $500 + $300 + $200.