Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

About 200 veterans gathered at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Thursday for the Joining Forces Idaho Conference—speakers covered benefits, housing, mental health, and outreach while local veteran groups shared resources to increase support.

Nearly 100 community members attended Coffee with the Editor and Local News Day open house on Thursday at The Press — a chance to engage and share feedback on local journalism’s role — as organizers thanked residents for 134 years of support.

The United Way of North Idaho will host its annual Spring Dash on April 25 at McEuen Park—featuring a 5K, 10K, half marathon and Tot Trot for children, with returning sponsors including Kootenai Health, The Coeur d’Alene Press and Idaho Central Credit Union.

Local businesses such as Black Sheep Sporting Goods and Clark’s Diamond Jewelers have relied on The Press for decades to build customer trust—this long-lasting partnership boosts their reach in the community.

Crime Scene Entertainment has launched a new self-guided interactive experience called Case File: Open Detective’s Office that lets visitors solve mysteries at their own pace.

The event runs Wednesday-Friday from 3:30-9 p.m. at 3960 W. Fifth Ave., Ste. B2 in Post Falls and costs $15 per person.

Robert Mather (former coordinator of the Telluride Historic Preservation Office) will speak in Courtroom 1 upstairs at the historic Kootenai County Courthouse on Thursday, Apr.

23 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Russ Brown Lecture Series marking the courthouse's 100th anniversary.

Visiting Fulbright Scholar Robert Cozma will lead a free lecture and concert at North Idaho College’s Boswell Hall on Tuesday.

The program honors Mildred Bailey’s legacy and will begin at 10 a.m. in Room 102 with a concert at noon.

Park officials at Farragut State Park found a decapitated cougar carcass along Lake Pend Oreille.

Fish and Game said the animal likely died naturally and its missing head is legal to salvage under state law, though the timing of its death remains unclear.

Deputy fire marshal Craig Etherton stressed the value of strong partnerships with local media to share verified emergency updates and protect families in Coeur d’Alene.

He explained that clear communication—rooted in trust—ensures first responders have the support they need amid crises.

NAWIC Pacific Northwest Forum

2-4 p.m. — The Coeur d'Alene Resort — Register early — Experience dynamic speakers, networking, and a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Winefest Celebration

1-6 p.m. — Downtown Coeur d'Alene — Tasting fees apply — Savor fine wines while exploring delightful downtown shops.

Two for the Apocalypse Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Black Lodge — Cost information not provided — Experience haunting tales and heartfelt harmonies with acoustic renditions of classic country and rock tunes.