Stories for May 18, 2005

• Man seeks $1 million from Spokane after charges he raped twins dropped

  In City on Page A1 The man accused in March of raping two adult sisters while impersonating a police officer has filed a $1 million claim against the city of Spokane. All charges against Preston …

• Senate highway bill has $4 billion for projects in Washington state

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Northwest senators on Tuesday hailed a mammoth highway and transit bill that would bring in more than $6 billion for transportation projects in Washington and Oregon. The Republican-controlled …

• Lottery numbers

  In City on Page A2 Tuesday’s Washington Daily Game: 9-3-5. Tuesday’s Washington Keno: 1-10-15- 17-25-28-29-33-35-37-38-50-55- 61-67-70-72-73-77-79.

• CMA Award winners

  In Nation/World on Page A2 Entertainer: Kenny Chesney. Male vocalist: Keith Urban.

• L.A. race hard to predict

  In Nation/World on Page A3 LOS ANGELES – City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa surged ahead of Mayor James Hahn in early returns Tuesday as he sought to take down an unpopular incumbent and become the city’s …

• Furious lobbying over filibuster battle

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans on Tuesday picked Texas judge Priscilla Owen to be the flashpoint of a historic battle between President Bush and Senate Democrats over shaping the federal judiciary, …

• Legislator’s report targets species act

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Washington The Endangered Species Act has failed to help most threatened and endangered species, according to a report Tuesday by a GOP lawmaker who has made rewriting the law a …

• Gay couples celebrate marriage law anniversary

  In Nation/World on Page A3 BOSTON – Alexander Westerhoff and Thomas Lang celebrated their first wedding anniversary Tuesday by holding a sign on the Statehouse steps reading: “Thank you Massachusetts for one year of equality.” …

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  Lasers designed to caution pilots

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – From 1,500 feet above southeast Washington on a hazy Tuesday, you didn’t have to look hard to notice a bright red-and-green flashing light among the clutter of treetops, …

• U.S. holds suspect in airline bombing

  In Nation/World on Page A4 MIAMI – Under growing international pressure, U.S. authorities Tuesday seized a Cuban exile accused by Fidel Castro’s government of masterminding a 1976 airliner bombing that killed 73 people. He had …

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  Abu Ghraib guard gets 6-month term

  In Nation/World on Page A4 FORT HOOD, Texas – An Army reservist who appears in several of the most infamous abuse photos taken by guards at Abu Ghraib prison was sentenced Tuesday to six months …

• Allies to hold talks next week with Iran

  In Nation/World on Page A5 London With U.S. support, three European nations will meet early next week with Iran in a fresh effort to curb its nuclear activities, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Tuesday. …

• Indigenous people among poorest, U.N. official says

  In Nation/World on Page A5 UNITED NATIONS – Indigenous people remain among the world’s poorest and most marginalized and are often disproportionately victimized by the effects of armed conflict, U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Louise Frechette told …

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  Unidentified bodies buried in Uzbekistan

  In Nation/World on Page A5 ANDIJAN, Uzbekistan – A truck drove up Tuesday and left 37 corpses wrapped in white shrouds. The bodies were buried, under police guard, in an empty field on the hills …

• Delays slow spread of Amber Alert

  In Idaho on Page A6 The disappearance of two children who live in a Coeur d’Alene area house that was the scene of a triple homicide prompted the Idaho State Police on Tuesday to issue …

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  Queen visits Canada amid political strife

  In Nation/World on Page A7 TORONTO – Queen Elizabeth II flew in to western Canada for a royal visit Tuesday, with the nation’s governing party embroiled in a political scandal that has threatened its hold …

• Youths protest pullout from Gaza

  In Nation/World on Page A7 JERUSALEM – Hundreds of young protesters flooded Israeli courtrooms on Tuesday after blocking dozens of highways a day before, the most disruptive demonstration yet against the planned summer pullout from …

• Where were you?

  In City on Page A8 Readers share their accounts of the Mount St. Helens eruption on May 18, 1980 Falling ash better than snowstorm in May

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  Rival Koreas will extend key talks

  In Nation/World on Page A9 SEOUL, South Korea – The two Koreas today extended their first direct talks in 10 months for an extra day as South Korea tried to convince the communist North to …

• Bolivian oil and gas tax to go into effect

  In Nation/World on Page A9 LA PAZ, Bolivia – In a surprise reversal, Bolivian President Carlos Mesa allowed a highly controversial oil and gas law to take effect Tuesday without his signature only days after …

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  Clerics’ killings may intensify violence

  In Nation/World on Page A9 BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. troops backed by helicopters clashed with militants in a Mosul neighborhood Tuesday, killing 20, officials said. In Baghdad, gunmen killed a Shiite Muslim cleric, and two …

• Sectarian killings could escalate violence

  In Nation/World on Page A9 BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. troops backed by attack helicopters clashed with militants in a Mosul neighborhood Tuesday, killing 20, the military and Iraqi officials said. In Baghdad, gunmen killed a …

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  Act quickly to keep key workers

  In Business on Page A10 NEW YORK — It’s one of those gut-wrenching moments that small business owners dread: One of your key employees says she’s quitting. You might be able to get her to …

• Study of entrepreneurship gets boost

  In Business on Page A10 Three local universities recently received gifts to enhance programs that benefit entrepreneurship and small business. A California couple, Harold and Diana Frank, gave $3 million to Washington State University to …

• How to keep relationships harmonious

  In Business on Page A10 A friend of mine recently found herself in an awful tangle with a person she has known for a long time. She thought the business relationship was mutually beneficial and …

• Crescent Court bidding wrapping up

  In Business on Page A10 Bidding will close at the end of the week on WestCoast Hospitality’s Crescent Court building in downtown Spokane. The 240,000-square-foot property has been offered for sale for several months through …

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  Crafting a success

  In Business on Page A10 In 2003, Northwest Artists – a local co-op – was in danger of losing its prime retail spot at 217 Sherman Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. The vintage commercial building the …

• More students to get loan breaks

  In Business on Page A10 A quiet announcement by the Department of Education this week could translate into thousands of dollars of savings for student borrowers by allowing them to consolidate their loans before rates …

• Dow Jones

  Dow Jones HighLowCloseChange30Ind10357.3710175.8110331.88+79.5920Trn3526.633442.193516.89+37.9115Utl361.73353.81360.88+5.0765Stk3305.273238.273296.93+32.66

• Stocks surge on China currency news

  In Business on Page A11 Stocks vaulted higher for a second straight session Tuesday as investors welcomed the Treasury Department’s move to put pressure on the Chinese currency system and, perhaps, eventually reduce the U.S. …

• Boise Cascade delays public offering

  In Business on Page A11 Boise Cascade Co.’s initial public offering has been delayed as the wood and paper-products company continued to drum up investor interest. The Boise company was originally expected to price Monday …

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  A gaming ”Revolution”

  In Business on Page A11 LOS ANGELES — Let the battle for the digital den begin — again. Nintendo Co. on Tuesday was the last of the three major video game console makers to preview …

• Spokane County jobless rate steady

  In Business on Page A11 Spokane County’s April jobless rate held steady at 5.9 percent, exactly where it was a month earlier, according to data released Tuesday by the Washington state Employment Security Department. Because …

• Toyota to build hybrid Camry in Kentucky

  In Business on Page A11 GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Toyota Motor Corp. rolled out plans Tuesday to build a hybrid version of its popular Camry model at its Kentucky plant, marking the automaker’s first venture to …

• Nordstrom earnings up sharply in first quarter

  In Business on Page A11 Nordstrom Inc., on Tuesday said its first-quarter earnings rose sharply, boosted by higher same-store sales. The results handily beat Wall Street expectations. Net income increased 52 percent to $104.5 million, …

• Saudis say they don’t plan to curb oil output

  In Business on Page A13 WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia’s oil minister said Tuesday that the kingdom has enough oil in the ground to meet global demand for decades to come and that there is no …

• Group says state must revamp taxes

  In Idaho on Page B1 BOISE – Idaho is among 27 states with tax structures that hurt low-income residents and put public programs at risk if the economy sours, a Washington, D.C.-based tax policy group …

• Judge seeks particulars of payout

  In Idaho on Page B1 A District Court judge Tuesday said he wants to see the settlement agreement that resulted in a nearly $70,000 payout to a former county employee. Judge John Stegner said he …

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  ”Star Wars” fans await big cinematic event

  In City on Page B1 One minute after midnight tonight marks the beginning of the end for one of the big screen’s most legendary empires. After that cheer-inducing yellow script scrolls, “Star Wars” super fans …

• City to rehire eight laid-off firefighters

  In City on Page B1 The Spokane City Council has approved hiring back eight laid-off firefighters because a series of illnesses and injuries has depleted the city’s fire force and boosted overtime costs. A higher …

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  Program bridges gap for convicts

  In Idaho on Page B1 When Jennifer Peterson was released from prison last month, she wanted nothing more than a chance at a fresh start. She had stayed meth-free for 26 months. She wanted a …

• $14.6 million school levy close to passing

  In Idaho on Page B1 The Coeur d’Alene School District’s $14.6 million, two-year supplemental levy appeared to be passing Tuesday evening, though not as easily as the district’s supplemental levies in previous years. With 15 …

• City may get West’s legal bills

  In City on Page B1 Spokane Mayor Jim West’s private legal bills stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct in office may be left for city taxpayers to pick up. City Attorney Mike Connelly said the …

• A hot idea on global warming

  In City on Page B2 In a “Twilight Zone” episode titled “The Midnight Sun,” the Earth grows hotter and hotter. Thermometers explode; oil paintings melt. Even when you watch the episode in the dead of …

• Schools lock down as cops seek driver

  In Idaho on Page B2 Coeur d’Alene High and Dalton Elementary schools locked students inside for 90 minutes Tuesday while Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies searched the surrounding area for a driver who crashed a car …

• Proposed annexations win by large margins

  In City on Page B2 Spokane Valley-area voters approved proposed annexations in Tuesday night’s mail-in election by a large margin. Spokane Valley will be annexed into the Spokane County Library District, and the town of …

• Support for school bonds falls short

  In City on Page B2 The majority of voters in several Spokane County school districts were saying “yes” to more taxes Tuesday night, but it wasn’t enough for most of the districts. For the third …

• Gregoire signs bill that strengthens child neglect laws

  In Region on Page B2 OLYMPIA – Gov. Christine Gregoire on Tuesday signed a bill that was written in response to the starvation deaths of two young boys in Kent. The Justice and Raiden Act …

• Man pleads guilty in series of wildfires

  In Region on Page B2 ELLENSBURG – An Ellensburg man has pleaded guilty to nearly a dozen arson-related charges connected to a string of wildfires that caused more than $1 million in property damage in …

• Idaho records

  In Idaho on Page B2 For 05-18-2005

• Governor urges state to ”get out of the mud”

  In Region on Page B3 OLYMPIA – Gov. Christine Gregoire, urging Washington to “get out of the mud” and aspire to greatness, on Tuesday signed a tax package and a $26 billion two-year state budget …

• One of four suspects arrested in robbery

  In City on Page B3 A woman was arrested Monday in Oklahoma in connection with a violent home robbery in north Spokane, Spokane police reported. Police believe a group of three women and one man …

• Woman sentenced in Idaho

  In Idaho on Page B3 POCATELLO, Idaho – A 22-year-old woman has been sentenced to two years in prison in the death of her newborn baby, who was found in a Pocatello trash bin. Michelle …

• Klamath Basin raises streamflow outlook

  In Region on Page B3 KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Heavy rains in the Klamath Basin have boosted streamflow forecasts for the summer but concern about irrigation supplies remains high. “It’s not going to be like …

• Hillyard kids eligible for free lead testing

  In City on Page B3 Like many toddlers, Katelyn Good had a habit that baffled her mom. She liked eating dirt while playing in her back yard.

• Judge to rule in transgender case brought against U.S.

  In Region on Page B3 A federal judge will decide if a U.S. Customs and Border Protection employee who has undergone a sex change suffered discrimination at the hands of co-workers, after a six-day trial …

• EV superintendent accepts Michigan job

  In City on Page B3 East Valley School District Superintendent Michael Jones has accepted the superintendent post at a Michigan school district. The Port Huron School District board of directors voted unanimously Monday night to …

• Roadless ruling by Bush could possibly be good

  In Opinion on Page B4 The following commentary is from an editorial that appeared recently in the Clark County (Vancouver, Wash.) Columbian.

• Base reductions not about votes

  In Opinion on Page B4 The next four months will prove whether politics can be minimized in the Base Realignment and Closure process. If you’re a betting person, put money on “no.” In the first …

• Paper’s subterfuge appears judicious

  In Opinion on Page B4 The legendary reporter who goes undercover to get the story is part of the mythology of 20th-century journalism. But the practice has largely gone the way of Lucky Strikes and …

• Don’t kill future with quaintness

  In Opinion on Page B4 Outsiders enjoy different aspects of Sandpoint. Some cherish warm summer evenings listening to memorable performances by top-notch musicians at the annual Festival at Sandpoint on the lip of Lake Pend …

• New salamander species identified

  In City on Page B6 Portland A new species of salamander has been identified in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon and Northern California, demonstrating the biological richness of the region, researchers say.

• Tribute paid to Sacagawea’s son

  In Region on Page B6 JORDAN VALLEY, Ore. – History buffs and students here paid tribute to Sacagawea’s son, whose life began as explorers Lewis and Clark trekked to the Pacific Ocean and ended 61 …

• Zalud atones as Wildcats qualify for first state soccer tournament

  In Sports on Page C1 Mt. Spokane’s Chris Zalud placed teammate and All-Greater Spokane League goalkeeper Jeff Srock squarely in the middle of the frying pan during Tuesday’s District 8 4A winner-to-state, loser-out soccer match …

• Giacomo can draw inspiration from Charismatic’s run in 1999

  In Sports on Page C1 BALTIMORE – Giacomo isn’t the only Kentucky Derby winner to ever enter the Preakness with plenty to prove. Remember Charismatic?

• Northern Colorado welcomed to Big Sky

  In Sports on Page C1 GREELEY, Colo. – The presidents of the Big Sky Conference schools voted unanimously Tuesday to admit Northern Colorado, and the Bears will join the conference in July 2006. “It’s one …

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  Pavano too much for M’s

  In Sports on Page C1 SEATTLE – Jason Giambi’s hitting finally looks better. Throw in a complete game by Carl Pavano, and the New York Yankees surged to their longest winning streak in almost seven …

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  Sonics relapse

  In Sports on Page C1 SAN ANTONIO – Manu Ginobili and Nazr Mohammed made sure the San Antonio Spurs didn’t have to sweat it out in the closing seconds of this Game 5. Ginobili celebrated …

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  Nicklaus keeps everybody guessing

  In Sports on Page C1 Jack Nicklaus always keeps everyone guessing about when the next round of golf will be his last. Some thought it might have happened last year at the Memorial. Nicklaus showed …

• On the air

  In Sports on Page C2 For 05-18-2005

• Shaq will return when he’s good and ready

  In Sports on Page C2 With the Eastern Conference finals not scheduled to start until at least Monday, the Miami Heat don’t appear overly bothered by Shaquille O’Neal’s still-uncertain health. O’Neal, plagued for a month …

• Today”s menu

  In Sports on Page C2 For 05-18-2005

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  Time’s on Detroit’s side

  In Sports on Page C2 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Indiana coach Rick Carlisle used all four of his second-half timeouts in the third quarter, trying to slow down the Detroit Pistons. It didn’t work.

• N.L. standings

  In Sports on Page C3 NATIONAL LEAGUE All Times PDT

• Blue could serve six months in jail

  In Sports on Page C3 around the horn Former major league pitcher Vida Blue was sentenced to six months in jail after failing to complete his probation from his latest drunken-driving conviction, the San Francisco …

• Tuesday’s games

  In Sports on Page C3 American League White Sox 5, Rangers 2: At Chicago, Jon Garland became the first eight-game winner in the major leagues, and A.J. Pierzynski homered for the third straight game to …

• A.L. standings

  In Sports on Page C3 AMERICAN LEAGUE All Times PDT

• U-Hi grabs district bye with second-place finish

  In Sports on Page C5 Ashley Fargher went 4 for 4, collected two runs batted in and scored three runs Tuesday to give University a 10-0 win over visiting Central Valley on the final day …

• Larsen sets RBI mark in Huskies victory

  In Sports on Page C5 Senior Kyle Larsen broke the Washington career runs batted in record Tuesday night as the Husky baseball team broke Lewis-Clark State’s 15-game winning streak with a 4-2 win over the …

• NO HEADLINE

  In Sports on Page C5 BASEBALL PCL

• Kellogg claims 3A title

  In Sports on Page C5 Kellogg withstood a second-day charge by Payette to hold on and win the State 3A boys golf tournament on Tuesday at Clear Lake Country Club in Buhl. The Wildcats began …

• Count on Woods making most putts

  In Sports on Page C6 One reason Tiger Woods makes so many clutch putts is a routine that never changes. After he made one of the most pressure-packed putts of his career, a 15-footer in …

• Bases-loaded walk spurs Eagles to win

  In Sports on Page C6 Once playoff baseball begins, teams aren’t supposed to be able to get away with wins while performing below expectations. Greg Bradley threw a two-hitter to save West Valley’s wayward offense …

• Official records

  In City on Page C6 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Great grains

  In Food on Page D1 Wearing T-shirts proclaiming the “Power of 3,” employees at Great Harvest Bread Co. are feeling vindicated. With the release of the much anticipated new food pyramids, U.S. government officials declared …

• Homemade jerky becomes reality

  In Food on Page D1 ‘I … have … made … jerky!” OK, so it’s not quite Tom Hanks’ fire-making moment in “Cast Away,” but I still feel pretty good about it. With my first …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page D2 For 05-18-2005

• Have her clarify her standing, then RSVP

  In Features on Page D2 Dear Carolyn: Is it ever acceptable to treat an invitation that does not say “and guest” as if it were for you plus a guest? I’m thinking I might play …

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  Now we”ll see how long his million bucks survives

  In Features on Page D2 NEW “SURVIVOR” CHAMP Tom Westman collected his million-dollar check Monday – and left little doubt where it was headed. “My wife should be here so I can just pass it …

• Initials for name is an old practice

  In Features on Page D2 Dear Miss Manners: I am having a minor problem with one of my co-workers that I hope you can help me with. When this co-worker sends me an e-mail, he …

• Farmers’ markets

  In Food on Page D3 Washington Spokane Farmers’ Market – Second Avenue between Division and Browne streets, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday markets begin on June 8. www.spokanefarmersmarket.com

• Spices, garlic add rich flavor to beef tenderloin steaks

  In Food on Page D3 This beef tenderloin dish topped with creamy mushroom gravy is a great example of low-fat good taste. Fresh thyme, rosemary and garlic lend the dish the rich and stylish flavors …

• ”Icons” looks at ”Star Wars” creatures

  In Features on Page D4 This “Star Wars” hype is getting out of hand. A few weeks back I was at a supermarket checkout when my cashier stopped what she was doing to have her …

• Spokane calendar

  In Features on Page D5 For 05-18-2005

• Should he stay or should he go?

  In Features on Page D5 ORLANDO, Fla. – They are the dynamic duo of daytime TV, but Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa aren’t banking on winning a daytime Emmy award this week. They say they …

• Idaho calendar

  In Features on Page D5 For 05-18-2005

• Idaho clubs

  In Features on Page D5 Grandmothers – Coeur d’Alene chapter of the national organization meets at 1 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of every month at the Lake City Senior Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive, …

• Skills center students medal at state meet

  In Features on Page D5 The following students from the Spokane Skills Center received awards from the Washington state SkillsUSA competition: Gold medal winners are Christopher Carr, Automotive Service Technology; Denali Tufto, Commercial Baking and …

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  Dark role

  In Features on Page D7 Half of Hollywood is playing a superhero these days, it seems. Hayden Christensen is more than content to play the supervillain. Amid the current onslaught of heroes such as “Spider-Man,” …

• Fox decides to hold on to ”Arrested”

  In Features on Page D7 Fox has removed one of the biggest mysteries from its fall schedule announcement, saying it has renewed the Emmy-winning comedy “Arrested Development” for a third season. The quirky show about …

• ABC will try to build on success

  In Features on Page D7 Geena Davis will portray a female president and Freddie Prinze a luckless bachelor surrounded by women next season on ABC, which released a fall schedule Tuesday designed to capitalize on …

• Readers great source for Dorothy Dean recipes

  In Food on Page D8 Once again, the sharp readers of this column leapt into action when we featured a reader looking for a Dorothy Dean recipe for salmon ring with creamed peas. Our search …

• Meeting will introduce Chefs Collaborative

  In Food on Page D8 Spokane chefs and cooks interested in supporting local growers and sustainable agriculture are invited to a meeting to introduce the Chefs Collaborative. The national organization of chefs promotes connecting local …

• Tansy focuses on different stage

  In Food on Page M1 CenterStage executive chef Kile Tansy is leaving dinner theater and Ella’s Supper Club for something a little closer to home. Tansy, 44, is retreating from restaurant work to open a …