Stories for January 9, 2007

• 

  Legislature opens

  In City on Page A1 OLYMPIA – Bryan Yates woke up at 4:30 a.m. Monday and walked three miles through Spokane’s predawn cold to catch a bus to Olympia. The nursing home janitor, who said …

• U.S. hits al-Qaida targets in Somalia

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Under cover of the Ethiopian move into Somalia, U.S. officials launched an intensive effort to capture or kill three key suspects in the bombings of U.S. embassies in …

• Police review recommends changes

  In City on Page A1 After a series of high-profile controversies involving the Spokane Police Department, a review by a leading law enforcement group recommends several changes – including better training to protect the lives …

• 

  Otter lays out his agenda

  In Idaho on Page A1 BOISE – An ebullient Gov. Butch Otter laid out his vision for Idaho on Monday, calling for $22 million in credits to mitigate the sales tax on groceries for low-income …

• WSU makes first poll appearance since ‘83

  In City on Page A1 PULLMAN – No one on the Washington State roster was alive the last time the Cougar men’s basketball team cracked the national polls in 1983. That all changed on Monday, …

• Gas-like odor rattles New Yorkers

  In Nation/World on Page A2 NEW YORK – They bombarded 911 with calls, crowded the sidewalks in front of evacuated buildings and tuned to the news for word of what was happening. The question on …

• 

  Rockers and rappers set for hall induction

  In Nation/World on Page A2 CLEVELAND – Van Halen made a “jump” into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, along with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five – the first rap act …

• ‘Surge’ would extend Guard, reserve tours

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Top U.S. military officials, expecting President Bush to order an increase in the size of the force in Iraq, have concluded that such a buildup would require them …

• 

  Bush, Congress prepare for battle

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – President Bush set Wednesday night for the unveiling of his new Iraq war plan, an announcement certain to touch off a bruising battle with Congress over his expected …

• Khalilzad, Crocker officially appointed

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – President Bush will nominate Zalmay Khalilzad to be the U.S. envoy to the United Nations and veteran diplomat Ryan Crocker to replace him as ambassador to Iraq, the …

• 

  Democrats push Sept. 11 proposals

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – House Democrats unveiled legislation Monday aimed at implementing many of the remaining reforms suggested by the Sept. 11 commission, including calls for more thorough cargo screening, better emergency …

• Rise of health care costs eases

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – Government figures released today show that Americans are getting a respite from the torrid pace of increases in health care spending, but experts cautioned that it was too …

• Bush to name Fielding as counsel

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – President Bush has chosen Fred Fielding, formerly the top lawyer in the Reagan administration, to be his White House counsel. The announcement will come today, according to a …

• Wildfire burns seaside mansions

  In Nation/World on Page A4 A wildfire fanned by Santa Ana winds destroyed four seaside mansions and significantly damaged four others as it spread over more than 20 acres in this celebrity enclave Monday, authorities …

• 

  Holy men say river too fouled for ritual

  In Nation/World on Page A5 LUCKNOW, India – Thousands of Hindu holy men threatened Monday to boycott ceremonies at a weeks-long pilgrimage to wash away their sins in the Ganges, saying the divine river was …

• 

  Moroccan sentenced to 15 years for Sept. 11

  In Nation/World on Page A5 HAMBURG, Germany – During an anguished exchange in a German courtroom Monday, an American whose mother was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks said he forgave a Moroccan convicted of …

• Oil dispute leads to supply cutoff

  In Nation/World on Page A5 A dispute between longtime allies Russia and Belarus over oil taxes escalated Monday, leading to a cutoff in the flow of crude oil through a pipeline serving European customers. Officials …

• Royal jury ruled out for Diana death inquiry

  In Nation/World on Page A5 LONDON – Ordinary Britons, who are divided on whether Princess Diana and her boyfriend were the victims of an accident or murder, may be called to give the official verdict …

• Business in brief: State Farm trying for Katrina deal

  In Business on Page A6 State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. is negotiating a multimillion dollar settlement in Mississippi on thousands of lawsuits and other disputed policyholder claims from Hurricane Katrina, people with direct knowledge …

• Good places to work are close by

  In Business on Page A6 Led by coffee retailer Starbucks, six Washington-based companies ranked among the “100 Best Companies to Work for” in America, according to a poll released Monday by Fortune Magazine. Starbucks finished …

• Bert Caldwell: States are missing the online sales tax train

  In Business on Page A6 Washington legislators this year will again try to climb aboard the streamlined sales tax. This is a train worth catching. Streamlining is an attempt by the states to stem the …

• Industry-funded beverage research biased, study contends

  In Business on Page A6 Does milk lower blood pressure? Does juice prevent heart disease? Beverage studies were four to eight times more likely to reach sweet conclusions about health effects when industry was footing …

• 

  Chinese look for inroads

  In Business on Page A6 DETROIT — A year ago, a lone Geely Automobile Co. sedan sitting outside the main exhibit halls marked the first time a Chinese automaker displayed at the North American International …

• Job creation slows under Bush

  In Business on Page A6 WASHINGTON — The economy has cranked out fewer jobs under President Bush — by millions — than it had by the same point in the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and …

• High court won’t hear EchoStar appeal

  In Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider an appeal by satellite television provider EchoStar Communications Corp. of a nationwide injunction barring it from transmitting network television signals. The …

• Venezuela plans to nationalize telecoms, electrical companies

  In Business on Page A7 CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced plans Monday to nationalize the country’s electrical and telecommunications companies, his boldest move yet to transform Venezuela into a socialist state. “All …

• 

  Motorola stays calm

  In Business on Page A7 LAS VEGAS — Motorola Inc. chief executive Ed Zander rode onto the stage Monday at the International Consumer Electronics Show astride a yellow bicycle, joking that he pedaled all the …

• Markets advance on deal talk, lower oil

  In Business on Page A7 Wall Street overcame early losses to close higher Monday as a drop in oil prices and a fresh round of acquisition activity helped boost investors’ confidence in the economy. Gap …

• Blood thinner linked to brain bleeding

  In Nation/World on Page A9 Older people who take the popular blood-thinning medicine warfarin to prevent heart attacks or strokes might be at greater risk for serious brain hemorrhage, according to a new study. Scientists …

• NRA urged to oppose Bush energy policies

  In Nation/World on Page A10 SEATTLE – After years of close association with the Republican Party and hard-nosed opposition to federal land-use regulation, the National Rifle Association is being pressured by its membership to distance …

• 

  Somalia leader spurns U.S. approach

  In Nation/World on Page A10 NAIROBI, Kenya – In a rebuff to the United States, Somalia’s interim president, Abdullahi Yusuf, on Monday rejected U.S. requests to bring moderate Islamists into his weak transitional government. Negotiations …

• Some illegal immigrants arrested repeatedly, report says

  In Nation/World on Page A10 WASHINGTON – Illegal immigrants are being released from prison only to be arrested on new charges, despite government efforts to deport them and keep them out of the country. The …

• CV schools running out of room

  In City on Page B1 The Central Valley School Board and top administrators struggled with the district’s overcrowding issues at a work session Monday. No action was taken at the session. District officials are back …

• It’s time for a real superhero: Blunder Woman

  In Idaho on Page B1 Katrina Swaim has discovered she’s a superhero: Blunder Woman. Among the superpowers the young CdA mother lists on her Notes on a Napkin blog are: “the ability to fill two …

• In brief: Son suspects father a victim of foul play

  In Idaho on Page B1 A 52-year-old Coeur d’Alene man reported missing Dec. 7 may have met with foul play, his son told Coeur d’Alene police. Police are looking for Robert Milton Putnam. His son, …

• Corps stiffens dam control

  In Idaho on Page B1 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has tightened its management protocol for Libby Dam in northwest Montana. The change comes six months after widespread flooding downstream from the dam near …

• Sun hasn’t yet set on Sorensen

  In Idaho on Page B1 The Coeur d’Alene School District’s long-range planning committee voted 10-8 Monday evening in favor of keeping Sorensen Elementary School open. The vote will be presented to the school board – …

• 

  New commissioners take office

  In Idaho on Page B1 Rick Currie was elected chairman of the Kootenai County Commission on Monday after new commissioners Todd Tondee and Rich Piazza were sworn into office. A crowd of more than 100 …

• Ethics panel grows to five

  In City on Page B1 It’s been a year since the Spokane City Council approved a new ethics policy and an ethics committee to enforce it. The fifth member of that seven-member committee, Gonzaga University …

• 

  Eco-building booms

  In City on Page B1 Some people in the Spokane area worry about rising utility rates. Not Marilynne Mueller. “The meter’s been going backward until just recently,” she said.

• Father seeks changes after failed search

  In City on Page B2 GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Public access to federal lands and the way search and rescue operations are conducted in Oregon may never be the same because San Francisco online editor …

• 

  Wenatchee hit hard by windstorm

  In City on Page B2 WENATCHEE – Chelan County commissioners Monday declared a disaster to deal with damage from a weekend windstorm that left more than 18,000 homes and businesses without power amid tree-littered streets. …

• Peppergrass plant not endangered, agency says

  In City on Page B2 BOISE – A plant that blooms with tiny white flowers in southwestern Idaho does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday. …

• 

  Cook Inlet belugas may die out

  In City on Page B3 ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The beluga whales swimming off Alaska’s largest city are at considerable risk of going extinct unless something changes, a federal study says. The study by the National …

• Missing musher, dogs found unharmed

  In City on Page B3 A lost 33-year-old woman and her team of 14 sled dogs were found unharmed late Monday in the mountains of North Idaho. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department had been requesting …

• Health board to praise Thorburn

  In City on Page B3 A Spokane Regional Health District board member who voted to fire Dr. Kim Thorburn said he will have no problem supporting a resolution Wednesday praising her leadership as head of …

• Judges’ pay still not adequate, lawmakers told

  In City on Page B3 BOISE – Despite an increase in judicial salaries last year, Idaho still does not offer enough compensation to attract the high-quality candidates the state should want deciding its cases, Supreme …

• Doug Clark: The new year’s shaping up, and the windbag chugs on

  In City on Page B3 Happy Nude Year, taco lovers! January always feels so pure and pristine. It must be like the way the Spo-Crapola River was before it became a poo-and-fire-retardant cocktail.

• Son faces charges he ripped off mom

  In City on Page B3 A Spokane man and his longtime girlfriend will be arraigned Wednesday on charges of stealing money from his 80-year-old mother and tricking her into giving him her house. Michael James …

• Hammond named to budget panel

  In City on Page B3

• War in Iraq has to stop now

  In Opinion on Page B4 The president of the United States does not have the sense God gave a duck – so it’s up to us. You and me, Bubba. I don’t know why Bush …

• Outside view: Subsidized lunacy

  In Opinion on Page B4 The following editorial appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Friday. Surely Americans would still be building homes next to pretty little rivers if only they could get insurance – …

• Watching, waiting on reform

  In Opinion on Page B4 When one is “converted,” people look for changes in behavior that testify to a transformation of heart and mind. The new House Democratic majority has announced its “conversion” on matters …

• Our view: Too many guns

  In Opinion on Page B4 Like those creepy broom scenes in Disney’s “Fantasia,” American kids just keep appearing with guns in their hands. On the streets and at gun shows around the country, violence-prone young …

• Attacks on Wal-Mart repel swing voters

  In Opinion on Page B5 Democratic presidential candidates who attack Wal-Mart due to concerns about the ill effects of globalization, the firm’s business practices and its pay for workers are hurting their own election prospects. …

• Union dues case a chance to protect right-to-work laws

  In Opinion on Page B5 On Jan. 10, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Davenport v. Washington Education Association, a case with important implications for employee rights. It’s a clash between individuals …

• In brief: Teen charged with attempted murder

  In City on Page B6 A 16-year-old boy was arrested Sunday on attempted first-degree murder charges after he poured bleach and shampoo into the mouth of a 15-year-old mentally challenged housemate. Deputies were called Sunday …

• Fire burns Potlatch ambluance, firetrucks

  In City on Page B6 POTLATCH, Idaho – A weekend fire at the Potlatch Rural Fire Department garage destroyed an ambulance, damaged seven other emergency vehicles, including three firetrucks, and scorched the inside of the …

• Moscow councilman missing after accident

  In City on Page B6 THE DALLES, Ore. – A Moscow, Idaho, city councilman went missing after stopping to help at the scene of a traffic accident, and authorities say he may have fallen or …

• Idaho Records

  In Idaho on Page B6 For 01-09-2007

• Idaho Records, continued

  In Idaho on Page B6 Bonner County Bonner County has a backlog of outstanding warrants. Officials are asking the public for information about the following people, identified by name, age, last known city of residence, …

• Millwood may inherit market

  In City on Page B6 A farmers’ market that kept north Spokane stocked with fresh vegetables and homemade crafts is considering a new home in Millwood. The Humble Earth Farmers’ Market’s previous location near Ash …

• Official Records

  In City on Page B6 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Outstanding warrants

  In Idaho on Page B6 Kootenai County Kootenai County has a backlog of more than 3,400 active warrants. Officials are asking the public for information about the following people, identified by name, age, last known …

• 

  Zags too strong inside for Waves

  In Sports on Page C1 Pepperdine brought its run-and-gun road show – minus the run part – into the McCarthey Athletic Center Monday night hoping to end the nation’s longest home-court winning streak. The shorthanded …

• Doba looks to have dual role

  In Sports on Page C1 PULLMAN – Multiple people in the Washington State football program have confirmed the hiring of Nevada assistant coach Marty Long, a move that indicates head coach Bill Doba has decided …

• Fast Break

  In Sports on Page C1 For 01-09-2007

• Shock add, subtract

  In Sports on Page C1 Center Rico Ochoa will return to the Spokane Shock, but teammate Ed Ta’amu has moved up to the Arena Football League, the team announced. Ochoa started 12 of the 13 …

• 

  North Idaho legend Jordan dies

  In Sports on Page C1 Elmer Jordan, a Coeur d’Alene icon as a high school coach and businessman, died Sunday. He was 87. Jordan was the winningest boys basketball coach in Coeur d’Alene history, leading …

• Milestone: Cougars ranked

  In Sports on Page C1 PULLMAN – A Monday afternoon practice is usually a quiet affair for the Washington State men’s basketball team. Not so this time around.

• SportsLink: Some things just seem wrong

  In Sports on Page C1 Is it just me or does it seem wrong that … “ It took so long for the nation to realize how well this Washington State men’s basketball team is …

• 

  CHOMP! Gators dominate, gobble up befuddled, favored Buckeyes

  In Sports on Page C1 GLENDALE, Ariz. – Not even close. Florida – yes, Florida – owned the field it wasn’t supposed to be on, embarrassing Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and No. 1 Ohio …

• Norman Chad: ESPN takes great sport of bowling to new depths

  In Sports on Page C2 During a checkered and caloried career as America’s Viewer, Couch Slouch has lost countless battles to the lords of sports television. Dick Vitale, Jim Gray, Norman Esiason, Chris Berman, Doug …

• Oilers defeat Kings in overtime

  In Sports on Page C2 Jan Hejda scored his first NHL goal 1:14 into overtime, lifting the Edmonton Oilers to a 2-1 victory over the Kings on Monday night in Los Angeles. Jarret Stoll had …

• In brief: Currie taken first in WNBA dispersal draft

  In Sports on Page C2 Guard Monique Currie was selected by the Chicago Sky with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA dispersal draft on Monday in Charlotte, N.C. Currie was one of 11 former …

• Wolf Pack gets win; Fazekas injured

  In Sports on Page C2 Playing the second half without the injured Nick Fazekas, Marcelus Kemp scored 27 points and No. 19 Nevada (14-1, 2-0 Western Athletic Conference) went on a 9-0 run down the …

• On the Air

  In Sports on Page C2 For 01-09-2007

• Cassel drops 31 in return from injury

  In Sports on Page C2 Returning from a seven game absence, Sam Cassell scored 31 points and the Los Angeles Clippers started to look healthy again in a 100-90 win Monday night against the New …

• 

  Hall voter casts blank

  In Sports on Page C2 NEW YORK – Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. will fall short of becoming the first unanimous baseball Hall of Fame picks, and Mark McGwire doesn’t figure to be anywhere …

• 

  Hasselbeck straight shooter

  In Sports on Page C3 KIRKLAND, Wash. – Through all the rotating teammates, off-target passes and misguided decisions, one thing has stayed the same for Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck this season. He’s still a straight …

• Miami trying to woo Carroll ?

  In Sports on Page C3 Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga’s travel itinerary suggests he’s trying to lure Southern California coach Pete Carroll back to the NFL. Carroll has been on vacation in Costa Rica, and …

• Prep basketball

  In Sports on Page C3 Katie Worley scored 23 points for Valley Christian, but it wasn’t enough to save the Panthers from a 44-41 road loss to Almira/Coulee-Hartline in a rescheduled Bi-County League girls game. …

• Defense serving Zags

  In Sports on Page C3 The weekend for the Gonzaga women’s basketball team was kind of like one of those ill-advised shots that goes in – you’re thinking, “No, no, no!” and then yelling, “Yes!” …

• Zags get upper hand on Waves

  In Sports on Page C3 It was a game in which the Gonzaga Bulldogs never seemed truly threatened. But Monday night’s 69-52 West Coast Conference victory over Pepperdine before 6,000 at the McCarthey Athletic Center …

• Girls basketball

  In Sports on Page C3 Juliana Sobczyk made 1 of 2 free throws with 13 seconds left to give Genessee a 41-40 non-league win over Kootenai on Monday night in Harrison. The finish was frantic. …

• College basketball standings

  In Sports on Page C5 Through January 7 America East Conference

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page C5 For 01-09-2007

• Danelo autopsy performed

  In Sports on Page C6 An autopsy was performed on Southern California kicker Mario Danelo on Monday, and the coroner’s office said it could be six to eight weeks before the cause of death is …

• Akey adds to UI staff

  In Sports on Page C6 New University of Idaho football coach Robb Akey’s staff is essentially complete. The four newest additions: Ex-Minnesota linebackers coach Mark Criner, who will be the defensive coordinator; Montana running backs …

• Boise must settle for 5th in AP

  In Sports on Page C6 Florida is No. 1 in a landslide. For unbeaten Boise State, No. 5 will have to do.

• WSU researchers find new target for anti-fat drugs

  In Features on Page D1 A team of Washington State University researchers might be on the path toward helping drug companies treat obesity and related ailments. The scientists, led by assistant professor of animal sciences …

• The Slice: Lining up to spread good vibes

  In Features on Page D1 Keli Cunningham pulled up to the drive-through window at a downtown Spokane coffee stand. She was told that the customer ahead of her had paid for her order. So her …

• System boost: 12 common-sense ways to fight off colds and flu

  In Features on Page D1 Are you and your immune system ready for the stuffy noses, hacking coughs, sore throats, chills or fevers and aches and pains that seem to take over from now until …

• 

  People: Rosie retorts to the Donald

  In Features on Page D2 Rosie O’Donnell says Donald Trump is a man obsessed. “It’s the way I look. He can’t resist. I love when people say you’re fat like you don’t know,” O’Donnell joked …

• Hints from Heloise

  In Features on Page D2 Dear Readers: With colder weather here, now would be a great time to make sure your home is weatherized and insulated, which could also lead to a savings of up …

• Annie’s Mailbox: Sisters being jealous, cruel

  In Features on Page D2 Dear Annie: I am a 40-something woman who has been divorced (and alone) for more than 10 years. Last year I met “Gary,” and he has made me happier than …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page D2 For 01-09-2007

• Flu season starts slowly; shots, mist still available

  In Features on Page D3 Reports of influenza remain scattered, but health officials in Eastern Washington and North Idaho said there’s still time to ward off the worst of the flu season. About 500 doses …

• Some blood pressure drugs less likely to affect sex drive

  In Features on Page D3 Q. My husband had stents put in his arteries three years ago. At his periodic checkups, he gets a good report. Ever since getting them, he has been taking blood …

• Bulletin board

  In Features on Page D3 New listings Yoga Classes – The Warehouse Athletic Facility, 800 N. Hamilton, is offering classes Tuesdays and Thursdays starting today from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Cost for the six-week session is $99. …

• Flu shots appear more effective than inhalants

  In Features on Page D3 The question: The flu vaccine, considered the best available protection against influenza, is available as a shot or a nasal spray. Does one delivery method offer better protection than the …

• Spokane Calendar

  In Features on Page D4 For 01-09-2007

• Idaho Calendar

  In Features on Page D4 For 01-09-2007

• Reunions

  In Features on Page D5 Military USS Cambria (APA-36) – April in Milwaukee. Contact David Stoll, 820 Carnation Drive, Wapakoneta, OH 45895; (419) 738-3786; e-mail destoll@bright.net or visit www.mlrsinc.com/cambria.

• Dr. Gott: High sedimentation rate a symptom, not an illness itself

  In Features on Page D5 Dear Dr. Gott: Since 1997, different doctors and rheumatologists have been trying to regulate my sed rate.

• Contact us

  In Home on Page Z2 Editor Cheryl-Anne Millsap

• Inside this week’s issue

  In Home on Page Z2 Spokane’s hidden treasures Spokane is a wonderful place for treasure hunting, especially in thrift stores.

• Welcome Home!

  In Home on Page Z3 One evening last week, after basketball practice but before the dinner dishes were done, I thought I had just enough free time to hit the Stairmaster in the basement and …

• Thrifty shoppers can find true keepsakes

  In Home on Page Z4 My book club met one night last week and – this almost never happens – I was early. So when I drove past a thrift store that was right on …

• 

  Common jug worth about $100

  In Home on Page Z5 Dear Collector, We would appreciate any information about this old pitcher. It has been in our family a long time. Markings are: “Sarreguemines, 3181,” and another series of numbers.

• 

  URBAN STYLE Downtown Living

  In Home on Page Z6 “My weed whacker,” says Bruce Jordan, fondly recalling one of the many possessions he gave up when he and his wife, Tama, moved from suburban Spokane Valley to a loft …

• Comfortable with skins

  In Home on Page Z7 Believe it or not, there is a case being made for using certain animal skins as rugs. They are gaining favor as floor decor to the dismay of those who …

• 

  Life & time

  In Home on Page Z8 Lauri Seghetti’s license plate reads MAKTIME, and that’s just what this talented interior designer does. Seghetti creates hand-painted limited edition works of art, which also function as timepieces. Each clock …

• 

  Tuning up your tools

  In Home on Page Z10 My garden tools worked hard last summer and deserve a little bit of TLC for their efforts. I, like many of you, just stuck them in the garage every which …

• 

  La Cabina provides perfect party place

  In Home on Page Z11 Great friends have great ideas. When a potting shed behind Rene Peterson’s Glenrose home fell into disrepair, she wasn’t sure what kind of structure she wanted to build in its …

• 

  Today’s project

  In Home on Page Z12 Characterized by its use of common materials, forthright construction and functionality, Craftsman-style furniture first became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, original pieces of Craftsman furniture have …

• 

  Don’t fret over home projects

  In Home on Page Z13 If you’re mounting a remodeling project in the new year, here’s a checklist of nine things you can do to curb homeowner angst and avoid the pitfalls of home-improvement makeovers …

• 

  Ferrets not for everyone

  In Home on Page Z14 Ferrets have become increasingly popular as pets over the past 30 years. “You can’t have a bad day when you have a ferret,” says Paula Johnson, director of Ferret Haven, …

• 

  calendar

  In Home on Page Z15 For 01-09-2007

• Specialty hardware eases task of hanging items on walls

  In Home on Page Z16 The days of hope, hammer and a nail are long gone. Today’s line of wall-mounting hardware means frames, mirrors and artwork hang straighter and more securely than ever. These fasteners …