In brief: Israel’s actions in Gaza protested

A group of about two dozen protesters gathered in front of the Thomas S. Foley U.S. Courthouse at noon Thursday to publicly object to the actions of Israel in the Gaza Strip.

“It’s what I have to do; they’re people, too,” said Justin Mauger, of Spokane, referring to the Palestinians who have died as a result of missile strikes and ground battles launched by the Israeli army. Israel says it is targeting members of the militant group Hamas.

Four protesters lay on the ground in shrouds as one protester read names of slain Palestinian children. No arrests were reported.

Michael Poulin, also of Spokane, held a sign that read “This Jew stands for Gaza.” He said he objected to the U.S. funding Israeli forces.

“The media is calling it a ‘conflict,’ but it’s really an occupation,” Poulin said.

The Israeli military says it is targeting weapons owned by militant fighters who want to destroy the country.

Man injured in house fire

A man was injured early Thursday in a house fire in northwest Spokane.

Crews were called to a home at 5033 N. Greenwood Blvd. about 4 a.m., according to a Spokane Fire Department news release. A man was reported to be trapped in the basement of the home, where smoke could be seen billowing from an open garage.

Firefighters initially tried to enter the basement, but the smoke and heat forced them back outside, the news release said.

The man was able to escape and was taken to Holy Family Hospital with smoke inhalation symptoms, the Fire Department said. Three other occupants were uninjured, according to the news release.

The fire caused an estimated $75,000 worth of damage to the basement and first floor of the home, the Fire Department said. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

Sewage spills into Lake Coeur d’Alene

An estimated 1,320 gallons of sewage spilled this week into Lake Coeur d’Alene at the Arrow Point Marina.

North Kootenai Water & Sewer District on Wednesday morning discovered the accidental release of septic effluent from an effluent lift station on Arrow Point Drive.

The release was due to a pump failure and peak flows overcoming the remaining pump, the district said. A new pump was installed and the system is operating normally.

Nearby residents were notified and swimming areas in the vicinity were immediately closed. Water samples Thursday indicated it was safe to reopen the beaches and swimming areas, the district said.

Ferraris to be displayed at park

Fans of the Ferrari sports car can get a close look at about 20 of them Saturday morning during a free car show at City Park in Coeur d’Alene.

“Ferraris in the Park” will be from 9 to 11:45 a.m. at the downtown park, featuring cars owned by Northwest members of the Ferrari Club of America. Visitors may vote for their favorite car in five categories. 

After the show, the owners will drive their cars around Lake Coeur d’Alene.