December 17, 2006 in Opinion on Page B10 It’s better to have government that reflects how people live, rather than government that forces people to adapt to its self-serving wishes. Life in the Inland Northwest can mean an …

December 17, 2006 in Opinion on Page B10 One day last week, Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi picked up the phone and asked John Boehner of Ohio, the Republican leader of the House, if he would like to suggest some …

December 17, 2006 in Opinion on Page B11 She approached him respectfully, and while eager to meet him and grasp his hand, Leslie Gerwin waited until she had been introduced. “I have admired you for so many years,” …

December 17, 2006 in Opinion on Page B11 President Bush should spend less time worrying about the tangled politics of Iraq and more time mastering the equally fractured politics of Washington. The war in Iraq has become partisan …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C1 This is something you might file under situational ethics or moral relativism.

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C1 For 12-17-2006

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C1 In the race for second through fourth places in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League, a team’s fortunes can swing wildly based on the outcomes of “four-point” games …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C1 Another day, another name emerges in the University of Idaho’s search for a head football coach. Perhaps even two or three names. Portland State head coach Tim Walsh confirmed that …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C2 The Cheney Broncos capped an 11-0 season by winning the state Pop Warner football championship in the 13-14-year-old Senior Open division. Cheney went through the Spokane league season 8-0, then …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C2 For 12-17-2006

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C2 The World Cup circuit has been racing on the classic Saslong course in Val Gardena, Italy, since 1969, but entering this weekend an American had never won there. Now the …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C3 Former Spokane Chiefs star Ray Whitney had a pair of goals, Eric Staal scored the go-ahead goal and Cam Ward had 30 saves as the Carolina Hurricanes stopped a five-game …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C3 OMAHA, Neb. – Sarah Pavan and Jordan Larson led Nebraska to the NCAA women’s volleyball title Saturday night, combining for 41 kills in the Cornhuskers’ 27-30, 30-26, 30-28, 30-27 victory …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C4 As much as Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt enjoyed running pro sports teams and leagues, what he loved most was the excitement of a ballgame. And, sometimes, a good …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C4 Buccaneers at Bears Time: 10 a.m.

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C4 AMERICAN CONFERENCE

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C5 Cullen Finnerty ran for 115 yards and passed for 225 more to lead Grand Valley State to its second straight national title with a 17-14 win over Northwest Missouri State …

December 17, 2006 in Sports on Page C5 CHICAGO – Chicago Bears nose tackle Tank Johnson, already facing weapons charges after a raid on his home, is not responsible for the deadly shooting of his friend inside a …