Parting Shot -- 1.18.17
The Parting Shot today features a fine photograph by AP photographer Markus Schreiber of a model preparing for a fashion show in Berlin, Germany.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18, 2017
Vestal: In word & deed, President Obama set a unifying example 2
In his column today, Shawn Vestal/SR begins: "He helped stave off a depression. He opened the doctor’s office to millions of Americans, changing the country’s fundamental expectations about health care. He got Osama bin Laden." As the country's first black president is about to leave office, Vestal looks at his performance.
Hump Day Wild Card -- 1.18.17 5
Sorry, I short-changed you today. But it isn't every day that I travel to the Death Star in downtown Spokane to break bread with other old-timers like me (annual luncheon for employees with 25 years of experience) -- and schmooze in the SR newsroom. ... We'll be back to the usual routine tomorrow. And beyond.
Cutline Contest -- time2vote 20
The Cutline Contest today features Madame Tussauds' designers putting the finishing touches to the wax figure of US President-elect Donald Trump. Tuesday Winner: gitrdun.
Officer Gagnon still in 'serious' condition
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office provides these updates on the condition of deputies shot three times each in a Bonner County shootout: Deputy Michael Gagnon "serious." Deputy Justin Penn "good." Shooting suspect Adam Foster "fair."
Heather Scott ap-hollow-gizes 21
Outspoken Rep. Heather Scott issued a statement apologizing to every member of the Idaho House for her comments about female House members advancing into leadership positions only via sexual favors.
AM Scanner Traffic -- 1.18.17
Scanner Traffic for Wednesday AM (15 items & counting) includes possible broken gas line near Dale's Used Cars in Midtown Coeur d'Alene ...
D's propose teacher loan forgiveness 8
House and Senate Democrats, led by new Rep. Sally Toone, D-Gooding, a retired teacher, and Rep. Paulette Jordan, D-Plummer, are proposing legislation to grant student loan forgiveness to rural teachers to help alleviate a “critical” teacher shortage at low-performing rural Idaho schools.
AM Headlines -- 1.18.17
AM Headlines: Witnesses speak in tot murder trial/Press, Wrongful death trial set for next year/Press, Gonzaga proves 2 guards are better than 1/SR, 2 GOP reps saw Scott damage state property/SR, Old Cheney High being converted to student housing/SR, Uncertain, grim future awaits aging, Hispanic farmworkers/SR + more ...
Quotable Quote 32
"I just realized that Trump's first term hasn't even started. Up until now, this was all hypothetical. In two short days, things start getting real fur realz. I'm not sure my FB account will survive" -- Christa Hazel. Question: Has it sunk in that the era of Trump will begin in two days?
Second thoughts about inauguration 24
When he received tickets and an invitation to Donald Trump's inauguration, former Bonner County Bee publisher David Keyes declined. Now, he's having second thoughts. How about you? Q: Would you attend the inauguration, if you could?
Poll: Wrong event, place to protest 4
In Tuesday's poll, almost two-thirds of Hucks Nation said that demonstrators who shouted down speaker Cathy McMorris Rodgers at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in Spokane picked the wrong place & wrong event to voice their protest. Today's Poll: Would you like to see Planned Parenthood defunded?
SR: Don't defund Planned Parenthood 51
"Like the rush to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the move to defund Planned Parenthood comes with complications congressional leaders are glossing over," begins today's SR editorial. The editorial argues that abortions are at the lowest point since the 1973 Roe v Wade decision. Planned Parenthood, it says, is partly responsible for that.
Profile: Bruce Reed's head is in DC, heart in Lake City 4
Bruce Reed, who served two terms as chief domestic policy adviser for former President Bill Clinton, "is anxious to leave the power and perils of the Beltway and return to his western roots." The son of Mary Lou and the late Scott Reed, he was raised in Coeur d'Alene. Ric Clarke/Press provides Reed's profile.
Trib: In Idaho, freeway means free ride 3
At the Lewiston Tribune this AM, Opinion Editor Marty Trillhaase wonders whose to blame for the poor condition of Idaho's highways and bridges -- the politicians who do nothing to fix them? Or their constituents who are just fine with that.
Ice storm hits Spokane, CdA areas 14
I drive to work by taking Garden Avenue through the Kootenai County Courthouse complex. As you know, Garden has a long slope down to Northwest Boulevard, This morning, my 4Runner, in 4WD sled about half way down the ice-coated hill. A newspaper delivery truck in front of me fish-tailed down the hill. Q: How did your AM commute go?
Huckleberries: Kids' fam grows to meet their sweet tooth cookie demands
Two neighborhood children got something different than what they'd bargained for when they showed up at Casa Oliveria, asking to shovel snow for money. The story of the two kicks off my Wednesday Huckleberries column. You'll also read about a local woman who loves winter. And Jimmy McAndrew's swell birthday present.
Mumps outbreak threatens NIdaho 7
There is a mumps outbreak in Spokane, and local health officials say it could be headed our way. Spokane had 56 cases of mumps as of Tuesday evening and the number is expected to rise. Bethany Blitz/Press reports. Question: Have you had the mumps?
D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.