We're told nearly 2,000 people showed up for the funeral of the Schrock children today, and the story will run on the front page tomorrow. The family had originally given us permission to photograph the event, but had second thoughts later, so there may or…
Several readers contacted us over the last few days objecting to the use of the word "kids" in headlines related to Tuesday afternoon's horrific crash, though in most cases they've left us on our own to figure out why it would be objectionable. AP style…
There's an awful lot of interest in the crash that claimed five children north of Spokane yesterday, and the story will lead the front page tomorrow. Specifically, a look at how the tragedy is impacting the small Mennonite community in Chewelah that the children were…
Today's appearance by Air America host and "Saturday Night Live" alum Al Franken posed a bit of a dilemma. Franken, co-founder of the liberal talk radio network, broadcast his three-hour show live from the Big Easy this morning, and the show included an discussion with…
The news meeting played second ring to the annual newsroom trick-or-treating ritual, where employees' children go desk to desk gathering candy (at least, whatever's still left by 4 p.m.). In the midst of our collective sugar rush, however, we were able to hammer out a…
Check tomorrow's front page for info on the anticipated chaos while the I-90 downtown viaduct is under construction from 2006-07. Also on page one tomorrow:The latest on the indictment of "Scooter" Libby in the CIA leak investigation; puzzlement over high gas prices in Idaho; and…
Results of a poll of registered voters conducted on behalf of the S-R and KREM-TV will be released today. Political reporter Jim Camden says it may be one of the most extensive political polls ever conducted in Spokane - more than 1,100 respondents with a…
The last of our dispatches from New Orleans is set for page one tomorrow - Rosemary Campo, after returning to find her home destroyed, faces the agonizing decision of whether to stay in her hometown or return to Spokane to stay with her sons.Also coming…
Frederick Russell, on the lam for four years since a car crash that killed three people near Pullman, was apprehended in Ireland Sunday. Extradition, however, is a different story. More coming on page one tomorrow.Also on the front page: Virginia de Leon and Brian Plonka…
Reporter Tom Clouse questioned the appropriateness of the promo for the newly-redesigned 7 section. At first glance, he said, it looks like a news story, but contains clearly subjective praise for the new section without any indication of who wrote it.Is it shameless self-promotion? Absolutely.…
A changing lineup throughout this afternoon's news meeting - right now, Saddam in court, Wilma's approach, and the Senate's rebuff of efforts to increase the minimum wage are slated for the front page (Yes, we realize the minimum wage law wouldn't have affected Washington state,…
Part of today's discussion was determining which of two stories our Idaho readers would be least interested in: New Gonzaga-themed license plates, or a look at the opposition to a measure to repeal the state's recent gas tax increase. One of the stories would run…
A preview of the measure to repeal a recent increase in Washington's gas tax is slated for page one tomorrow. The story was set to run all editions, but questions were raised as to whether Idaho readers would be interested. The economic impact of an…
Jim West's attorneys probably weren't expecting us to find anything on the two data disks from the mayor's city hard drive that were released to us yesterday. Indeed, we had nearly given up until one of our more tech-savvy reporters took a crack at the…
There were a lot of good stories in today's paper, but we need to do a better job helping readers navigate, Steve Smith said. For instance, we generally have a logo for stories related to upcoming elections (which we haven't developed yet), and the front-page…
There was a bit of trepidation about placing today's diocese bankruptcy story on page one, primarily because the reorganization plan is tentative and could be rejected. However, the prospect of the chancery on Riverside Avenue being sold indicates the depth of the crisis, and the…
It's Friday! It's also the 7th! But wait, the front page says it's the 8th, but all the other pages are correct - how the heck did that happen?The date is updated automatically on inside pages - one less thing to keep track of. However,…
The story on the University of Idaho saying no thanks to intelligent design moved late on the wire last night and quickly onto the front page. Higher ed reporter Shawn Vestal is planning a follow-up for the weekend.The story is getting a lot of readers,…
The page one lineup is in flux, depending on how a couple of stories and photos turn out. Here's the sure things so far:Spokane County commissioners are cracking down on illegal junkyards; a couple of NIC students say a professor's sailor talk promted them to…
Get ready for a nostalgia kick - the Energy Department announced a campaign today urging Americans to conserve energy, including driving slower and turning down the thermostat. Closer to home, the effort to preserve a recent gas tax increase to fund billions in road repairs…
The news that parts of north Spokane are under a boil order due to drinking water contamination came to us late last night, and so we only had time to put together a brief for today's paper. But fret not, we're on the story in…
Coming up on page one tomorrow:A lawmaker's plan could be a boon for Spokane Valley; and a group from California travels to North Idaho to thank one of Shasta Groene's rescuers.From the wires: Tom DeLay faces conspiracy charges; the new $10 bill debuts; and how…
A judge today ruled that Idaho's main state prison must shed 200 inmates because of overcrowding. State officials are making arrangements to move the inmates out of state.Also coming up on page one:A tax loophole will be a big boon for some new housing projects…
Another TV icon's obituary slips past the front page - Don Adams of "Get Smart" fame passed away today, and like Gilligan, he doesn't quite muster front page coverage. On a slower news day, maybe, but it's a pretty high threshhold.Locally, criminal charges were filed…
... was how co-worker and friend Mary Ann Heskett described Catholic Charities director Donna Hanson, who died today at 65. Her obituary will run on tomorrow's front page.Also on the cover tomorrow: Hurricane Rita is expected to make landfall tonight; the Met Mortgage bankruptcy could…
Each weekday morning and afternoon, the newsroom staff meets to discuss the coverage plan. This blog covers editors' discussions, upcoming coverage and miscellaneous newsroom news.
