Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

Authorities determined on Wednesday that the death of Kenneth B.

Caldero, who was found with traumatic injuries at a home near Hayden on Aug. 11, was not a homicide—there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The Idaho Medical Education Working Group met on Tuesday with doctors from Coeur d’Alene who said that teaching medical students slows patient care and reduces income.

The doctors suggested adding more money (loan incentives) and virtual training (preceptors) to expand medical education in Idaho.

North Idaho College was chosen to advance in NASA’s Aerospace State Hubs for Skilled Technical Workforce Initiative—working with local partners to develop a concept paper due Sept.17.

If selected, the college will join a NASA STEM Workforce Summit at Kennedy Space Center from Sept.23—25 to build new pathways into aerospace and defense careers.

On Wednesday, smoke from large fires in Central Idaho affected air quality in north Idaho—Coeur d’Alene stayed acceptable while Plummer reached unhealthy levels.

Meteorologist Jeremy Wolf said the Island Creek fire, more than 11,000 acres in size, was the main source of the smoke from the Clearwater fires.

A bill introduced by Sen. Steve Daines seeks to remove a blood quantum requirement that forces enrolled tribal members to show extra documents to cross the U.S.-Canada border, replacing it with a verification of tribal citizenship — and the measure is now under review by the Judiciary committees. Idaho Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo co-sponsor the effort to simplify border travel for tribal members.

Kootenai County commissioners approved a $144 million budget for fiscal year 2026 that raises taxes by 2.5% and increases wages and benefits.

They also shifted about $1.3 million for Hayden's law enforcement services—amid ongoing contract talks on payment.

College football teams in the Inland Northwest are set to debut new starting quarterbacks as coaches and reporters assess each player’s potential amid changes from the transfer portal and NIL rules—WSU, EWU, Idaho and Whitworth are preparing for season openers.

Local college football teams are preparing for the season with new challenges; the Vandals under coach Thomas Ford, the Cougars under Jimmy Rogers, and the Eagles under Aaron Best each face tough schedules and changes—key coaching shifts and player losses that may shape their win chances.

Jen McKenna Paddle and Run 5.0

8 AM – 12 PM — Higgens Point — Entry fee applies — Experience an active day of paddling and running in the scenic Coeur d'Alene area.

2025 Boats, Bikes, Burgers & Brews

12-6 p.m. — Hagadone Marine Group — Free entry — Celebrate the end of boating season with unbeatable deals on boats, accessories, and local brews.

Jazz Brunch at Ten/6

9 a.m.-11 a.m. & 12 p.m.-2 p.m. — Ten/6 — $10.06 cover — Enjoy live jazz music while savoring a delightful brunch inspired by New Orleans traditions.

Lead Generation that Boosts Conversion Rates

12-2 p.m. — Coeur d'Alene Regional REALTORS — Cost unknown — Gain practical tools to enhance your lead generation conversion rates.

Oktoberfest 2025

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Downtown Mall — $25-$60 — Sample Oktoberfest-style beers and enjoy entertainment at this vibrant downtown celebration.

Walk, Run, Read

8 AM – 12 PM — City Park — $40 for 10K, $30 for 5K, $20 for 1 Mile, Free for kids — Enjoy a fun-filled morning supporting literacy with various race options for all ages.