Good morning, Coeur d’Alene! In today’s edition: Atlas Building Center demolition, Tesla’s sold-out pickleball paddle, comedy night returns, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

A site’s next chapter: The Atlas Building Center, built in 1979 by the Richards family, was demolished following years of vacancy, paving the way for The Junction at Kathleen and stirring debate locally — read the full story.

A family-infused baking journey: At 29, Taysia Matthias is among Coeur d’Alene’s youngest brick-and-mortar owners. She started baking at 19, grew a cottage operation, and recently opened a storefront at 291 E. Appleway Ave. Expect treats made with clean, natural ingredients, reflecting her healthy-living focus. Read the full story.

Stage set for big laughs: Coeur d’Alene Comedy Night will return Jan. 23-24 at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, its first shows since 2019, with organizer-performer Alvin Williams promising top-level laughs — read the full story.

Community projects gather momentum: Construction is underway on Rooted Social House in Post Falls, an HDG Architecture project offering food, coffee, tea and entertainment, as plans for a walkable Spokane Street district move forward — get all the development details.

Serious burrito mood: Family-run since 1981, Mexican Food Factory turns out no-fuss, deeply satisfying burritos locals love: veggie, burrito supreme, or enchilada-style if you’re feeling extra. Breakfast burritos are on deck, too, so starting the day wrapped in tortillas is not just allowed… it’s encouraged.

Sport-tech crossover sparks buzz: Tesla partnered with Coeur d’Alene’s Selkirk Sport on a $350 Plaid pickleball paddle that sold out in under three hours, resale prices jumped and an Optimus robot appeared swinging it — read the full story.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🌸 January Bloom & Build Night @ His Place Church | Monday (1/12) at 6:00 PM – Bloom & Build Night is the Kootenai homestead gals’ clubhouse, part class, part social. This round is all about Healthy Tonics with Amanda, plus a snack-share and a Shop & Swap, bartering encouraged. VIPs free, guests $5, RSVP to get in before doors click shut.

❤ Random Acts of Kindness Spree @ Atticus Coffee & Gifts | Tuesday (1/13) at 11:00 AM – Trade the usual errands for a feel-good kindness crawl through Spokane, guided by a clever voice in your phone. You will brighten strangers’ days, stumble on hidden gems, and feel smug in the best way. Bring a friend, comfy shoes, and your inner Mr. Rogers.

🧀 Cheese-Making @ The Chef’s Table | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:00 PM – Chef Lesa is turning milk into bragging rights with a hands-on cheese-making night. You’ll pull mozzarella, cradle burrata, and learn ricotta and cream cheese with fun flavors, plus a couple make-at-home tricks. Your charcuterie board and your grocery bill will thank you. All for $65.

✂ Vision Board Making @ Swank Boutique | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:00 PM – Whether you already have a color-coded five-year plan or you’re still manifesting a kid-free bathroom, this vision board get-together is your jam. Grab magazines, glue sticks, scissors, and a glass of something, and let’s collage our way to better mornings, bigger trips, and fewer meetings.

🍳 Kids in the Kitchen: Spring Rolls @ Scale House Market | Thursday (1/15) at 5:00 PM – Get the kids out of nugget mode with a hands-on spring roll class that teaches Vietnamese-inspired flavors, rolling technique, and dipping-sauce basics. They’ll chop, roll, and crunch their way through herbs, rice paper, and veggies. You’ll enjoy the quiet, the pride, and maybe the leftovers.

📚 Michael Bourne @ The Well-Read Moose | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – The Well~Read Moose is hosting thriller writer Michael Bourne and his chilling new novel, We Bring You an Hour of Darkness, perfect for winter nights. Think ski-town secrets, a lynx, eco-terror trouble, and a heroine with grit. Seats disappear faster than corduroy, so RSVP.

🍽 Sensory Dinner: A Feast for Your Senses @ Nectar Catering and Events | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Whether you’re courting a memorable date night or just tired of shouting over bar TVs, this exclusive four-course sensory dinner turns eating into an experience. Expect layered flavors, aromatic surprises, playful textures, and a few audible oohs. All five senses, fully awake.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Coeur d’Alene report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 42°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 2%

Partly sunny. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 38 in the afternoon. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain and snow after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 43°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 15%

A slight chance of rain and snow before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of rain after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Most popular house this week

Atlas Waterfront in Coeur d’Alene sets the scene for this 2,717-square-foot custom build, a study in crisp lines and thoughtful flow. Two primary suites each claim a private bath, while multiple living areas deliver distinct moods for game nights, quiet reading, or movie marathons. The great room pairs with a chef-forward kitchen, fitted with top-tier appliances and refined finishes, creating a smooth backdrop for daily rhythms and spirited gatherings.

A short stroll leads to the river and waterfront trails, with big skies and rippling water setting the tone. New construction, meticulous craftsmanship, and a coveted Atlas Waterfront address combine for a rare mix of recreation and refinement.

Take a peek inside →