Stories for October 9, 2009

• River’s health enters Prop 4 debate

    In City The Spokane River’s cleanliness — or lack thereof — was a source of disagreement between proponents and opponents of Prop 4, a major revision to the Spokane City Charter that’s …

• Local businesses turn to Twitter

  In City Large companies like Dell and Starbucks, and hundreds of small businesses, like OneCall in Spokane, have turned to Twitter, the free online message tool that lets people track discussions or …

• Keller Ferry across Columbia River shut down

  In City, Region The state-operated ferry across the Columbia River at Keller has been shut down due to a hull leak, disrupting travel between Lincoln County and Ferry County and the Colville Indian …

• Moon crash: Public yawns, scientists celebrate

  In Nation/World NASA’s great lunar fireworks finale fizzled. After gearing up for the space agency’s much-hyped mission to hurl two spacecraft into the moon, the public turned away from the sky Friday …

• Jury acquits father in hypothermia death case

  In Idaho A jury has acquitted a father charged with involuntary manslaughter in the hypothermia death of his 11-year-old daughter last Christmas. 2

• WSU regents approve construction bonds

  In City The Washington State University regents have approved $112 million in bonds to pay for two new buildings on the Pullman campus and one at WSU Vancouver.

• Italian court turns down Amanda Knox request

  In Nation/World, Region The Italian court hearing the trial of former University of Washington student Amanda Knox has turned down a request for further testing on a knife believed to be a murder …

• Cigarettes may be to blame for Carlyle evacuation

  In City Discarded cigarettes may have sparked a small fire that evacuated the Carlyle Care Center this morning.

• Mussels program draws mixed reviews in first year

  In Idaho State recreation officials say they have raised more than $776,000 this year from a program to raise money for boat inspections and keeping a pair of invasive mussels out of … 1

• CdA Habitat director fired

  In Idaho The executive director of Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho has been dismissed. Jim Brannon was given the news in a letter Wednesday just 90 minutes before a televised debate …

• 2Q retail sales dropped 14 percent in Washington

  In Business, City The state Department of Revenue says taxable retail sales in Washington declined to $25 billion in the second quarter of this year, a 14 percent drop from the same period …

• GOP, even some liberals, dismiss Obama peace prize

  In Nation/World Gee, you’d think a U.S. president who won the Nobel Peace Prize might get rave reviews from his party’s activists and polite congrats from top Republicans. 1

• Pedestrian injured in accident on Trent

  In City A pedestrian is being treated at Sacred Heart Medical Center following injuries suffered when he was hit by a car Thursday night on Trent Avenue in Spokane Valley.

• Reports: Soldier killed in Afghanistan grew up in North Idaho

  In Idaho One of eight soldiers killed Saturday when enemy forces overran their outpost in Afghanistan spent part of his youth in the Bonners Ferry area, according to news reports.

• Analysis: Obama’s Nobel honors promise, not action

  In Nation/World The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama landed with a shock on the nation’s capital. He won! For what?

• Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

  In Nation/World President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the …

• Robber threatens Baskin-Robbins employee with spray can

  In City A Baskin-Robbins on the South Hill was robbed late Thursday by a man who pointed a black canister at an employee and threatened to spray her with it.

• Two men arrested following audio store burglary

  In City Spokane police have arrested two men following a burglary of Kelly’s Custom Car Audio overnight Wednesday that included loss of a large amount of stereo equipment. 1

• A taste of winter arrives for weekend

  In City, Idaho Blowing dust was reported in Grant County on Friday, and cold temperatures were swept into the Inland Northwest on an arctic front that has set the stage for several of … 2

• Calls grow for more relief

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Eight months after enacting a massive economic stimulus package, the Obama administration is facing rising pressure from some congressional Democrats to move more aggressively to jump-start the moribund …

• Shaw teacher wins Milken award, $25,000

    In City on Page A1 An unsuspecting Spokane middle school teacher received the surprise of her career Thursday – a prestigious national award and a $25,000 check to go with it. Kymberly Larson was cheered …

• House backs law to protect gays

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – A long-debated bill to strengthen the federal hate-crime law to cover violence against gay people was approved by the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday, the first major expansion of …

• Slaying victim was informant

  In City on Page A1 Twelve years before he was gunned down while working on a car outside a Spokane home, Jack Thomas Lamere explained to a federal judge how he might meet his demise. … 7

• Astor’s son convicted of looting her estate

  In Nation/World on Page A2 NEW YORK – After four months of testimony that cast a harsh light on the operatic lives of East Coast social royalty with tales of greed, abuse and bitter family …

• Accuracy watch

  In City on Page A2 For 10-09-2009

• Obama to focus on al-Qaida

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Nearing the end of a lengthy war review, President Barack Obama and his top advisers are moving toward a strategy in Afghanistan that defines al-Qaida as a greater …

• Egypt’s top cleric bans face veil at some schools

  In Nation/World on Page A3 CAIRO – Egypt’s top Islamic cleric said Thursday that students and teachers will not be allowed to wear face veils in classrooms and dormitories of Sunni Islam’s premier institute of …

• Virus link found to chronic fatigue

  In Nation/World on Page A3 In what may prove to be the first major breakthrough in the fight against the mysterious disorder known as “chronic fatigue syndrome” (CFS), researchers reported Thursday that they have found …

• Romanian-born writer wins Nobel

  In Nation/World on Page A3 The judges, apparently, could not help themselves. Just two days after a Nobel Prize official worried the literature committee was too “Eurocentric,” the winner for 2009 was Herta Mueller, a …

• World in brief: Idaho fugitive caught in Mexico

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Mexico City – One of the FBI’s most-sought fugitives, wanted for the 2002 killings of his girlfriend and her two young sons in Idaho, has been captured in Mexico. Federal …

• Salazar revokes oil leases

  In Nation/World on Page A4 DENVER – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Thursday that only 17 of 77 oil and gas leases on Utah public lands that the Bush administration auctioned off in December are …

• Gun-toting soccer mom found dead

  In Nation/World on Page A4 LEBANON, Pa. – A suburban mother who fought in court for the right to openly carry a loaded handgun at her daughter’s youth soccer game was fatally shot Wednesday along … 1

• In brief: L.A. to prosecute pot dispensaries

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Los Angeles – Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley said Thursday he will prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries for over-the-counter sales, targeting a practice that has become commonplace under an …

• Spokane police may pare ranks

  In City on Page A5 Spokane police would cut 24 positions, most of them by attrition, to cover the department’s share of a projected city shortfall if officers don’t agree to wage concessions, Chief Anne … 4

• 911 call perplexes Zehm attorney

  In City on Page A5 Among the details, court filings, and other developments surrounding the high-profile Otto Zehm case is a loosely related mystery that’s been downplayed by attorneys on opposing sides of the legal … 1

• Region in brief: Caregiver pleads guilty to fraud

  In City on Page A5 A man who billed the state for time he spent sleeping while he was supposed to be caring for his elderly in-laws pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of first-degree …

• Frosty forecast

  In City on Page A5 Wind, blowing dust in the Columbia Basin and potentially damaging cold are expected today across the Inland Northwest as a polar front sweeps into the region and hangs around through …

• Vote ires council president

  In City on Page A5 Spokane City Council President Joe Shogan accused four colleagues Thursday of lying, back-stabbing and maneuvering to weaken his authority while he was out of town. He promised to return next … 5

• SeaTac sees record drug bust

  In City on Page A6 SEATTLE – Officials from the Port of Seattle say they have made the biggest drug bust ever at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Port of Seattle police in cooperation with the Transportation …

• Region in brief: EWU reports record enrollment

  In City on Page A6 Eastern Washington University has a record number of students this fall. The Cheney school reported 10,504 full-time equivalent students, 379 more than last fall quarter.

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A8 For 10-09-2009

• Washington records

  In City on Page A8 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Police say man’s cellmate penned anonymous notes

  In City on Page A9 A man charged with witness-tampering in his attempted murder case enlisted the help of a teen murder suspect with neat handwriting, court documents allege. David E. Epley, 36, pleaded not … 1

• Retail creeps upward

  In Business on Page A10 WASHINGTON – Consumers last month began loosening the grip on their wallets, increasing spending slightly for the first time since the summer of 2008 mainly at discount retailers and on …

• Carnegie library will be hotel company’s headquarters

  In Business on Page A10 Magnuson Hotels will move into its new Spokane headquarters in the former Carnegie library at 525 E. Mission Ave. today. The company, which had offices in the Northpointe Office Center, …

• Obama’s home-loan help questioned

  In Business on Page A10 WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s effort to help homeowners avoid foreclosure may not achieve its goal of helping 3 million to 4 million borrowers and may simply delay mortgage defaults …

• Business in brief: Insurers raise charity funds

  In Business on Page A10 Spokane-area Safeco insurance agents and three affiliate companies raised $25,000 in donations to The Salvation Army and Second Harvest Inland Northwest. The money, raised during a summer campaign involving more …

• Senate panel votes Tuesday on overhaul of health care

  In Nation/World on Page A12 WASHINGTON – A key Senate committee will vote Tuesday on its $829 billion overhaul of the nation’s health care system, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday, the final hurdle …

• Amy Goodman: Tweeter’s arrest disturbing

  In Opinion on Page A13 A social worker from New York City was arrested last week while in Pittsburgh for the G-20 protests, then subjected to an FBI raid this week at home – all … 1

• Editorial: Support referendum to protect rights for all

  In Opinion on Page A13 Listening to the opponents of Referendum 71, you’d think the Washington state Legislature had either outlawed marriage, made it legal for same-sex couples or advocated the burning of Bibles. None … 2

• Mt. Spokane notches first win over LC in program history

  In Sports on Page B1 Mt. Spokane made school football history with a classic example of ball control. Two touchdown drives that consumed more than a quarter’s worth of time produced the Wildcats’ 35-28 victory …

• Angels get head start on Sox

  In Sports on Page B1 ANAHEIM, Calif. – With Torii Hunter hitting the rocks and John Lackey rolling through the Boston lineup, the Los Angeles Angels finally got on top of the Red Sox in …

• John Blanchette: Cougar losses go down better this way

  In Sports on Page B1 Bluto’s cinematic counsel to Flounder – “My advice to you is to start drinking heavily” – has seen the American male through countless crises, to say nothing of an average …

• Sports in brief: Spokane out for injured Meissner

  In Sports on Page B1 Figure skating: Former world and U.S. champion Kimmie Meissner will not be competing in Spokane for the U.S. Nationals in January. She has withdrawn from her two Grand Prix events …

• Las Vegas wins UFL’s first game

  In Sports on Page B2 LAS VEGAS – J.P. Losman threw two touchdowns passes and Dede Dorsey scored twice Thursday as the Las Vegas Locomotives won the first game in United Football League history, 30-17 …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Baseball American League playoffs

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Recovering Southern California coach Pete Carroll said tailback Stafon Johnson is healing remarkably well just 10 days after a weightlifting accident crushed his throat and larynx. Johnson had several tests …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Patric Hornqvist Scored 2:17 apart in the third period to lead the Nashville Predators past the Colorado Avalanche.

• Sports in brief: U.S. leads despite missed opportunity

  In Sports on Page B2 Golf: One putt changed everything except the lead Thursday in the Presidents Cup at San Francisco. The Americans were poised to seize control in the opening session of foursomes at …

• UI needs improvement from one unit

  In Sports on Page B3 MOSCOW, Idaho – They seem a lock to finish with the most wins of any Idaho football team this decade, and a bowl berth appears to be a solid bet. …

• Florida State enters chase for Leaf trophy

  In Sports on Page B3 How can Florida State fans complain that Bobby Bowden’s team is never ranked anymore? Why, just this week the ’Nuls checked in at No. 7 in the Bottom Ten. Of …

• Johnson nearly dismissed UW

  In Sports on Page B3 SEATTLE – Now that he’s wearing the purple and gold of Washington, James Johnson can recall his moment of dismissal with a chuckle. Last fall, as a promising high school …

• Dodgers rally after crucial error

  In Sports on Page B4 LOS ANGELES – A sinking line drive sailed through the chilly evening air toward Matt Holliday. All he needed to do was make the catch and St. Louis would have …

• Rockies forge tie in series

  In Sports on Page B4 PHILADELPHIA – By the time Cole Hamels rushed off to be with his pregnant wife, his streak of postseason dominance was long over. Yorvit Torrealba hit a two-run homer, Aaron …

• Twins seek bit of spark

  In Sports on Page B4 NEW YORK – Remember the Minnesota Twins’ super-hot momentum, that unseen force that carried them through a 17-4 stretch run and through Tuesday’s one-game tiebreaker win over the Detroit Tigers? …

• Sprint car champ Popple closes season in Hermiston

  In Sports on Page B5 Newly crowned Inland Northwest Sprint Car Association champion Justin Popple relishes one more chance to run his sprinter and close out the season on a stronger note than when it …

• Hunting + fishing

  In Sports, Outdoors on Page B5 Fly fishing Trout fishing on the main Salmon River in Idaho is giving many anglers a lot of fun. The section between Clayton and Stanley is fishing well. A hatch …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-09-2009

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-09-2009

• Hasselbeck expected to play Sunday

  In Sports on Page B7 RENTON, Wash. – All signs are pointing toward Matt Hasselbeck returning to quarterback the reeling Seahawks on Sunday against Jacksonville. The three-time Pro Bowl passer looked sharp while completing a … 1

• Prep roundup: Pullman beats WV to set pace in GNL

  In Sports on Page B7 Stephanie Logan totaled nine kills and teammate Katie Guttinger handed out a match-high 32 assists as Pullman turned back visiting West Valley 3-1 in an important Great Northern League volleyball …

• Roundup: Eastern soccer triumphs for first time in Ogden

  In Sports on Page B7 Eastern Washington freshman midfielder Lauren Jacobsen scored the first goal of her career Thursday and goalkeeper Lisa Dimak turned back a Weber State penalty kick in the 77th minute as …

• The Slice: Do you have bear necessities?

  In Features on Page C1 There are several key differences between Inland Northwest humans and bears. For one thing, you never see bears driving around with insanely loud car stereos. And bears don’t arrive late …

• For one night, it’s ‘100 Years of Broadway’

  In Features on Page C1 The title, “100 Years of Broadway,” is sufficient to intrigue anyone who loves show tunes. If you’re the kind of person who owns a collection of original-cast soundtracks; never miss …

• Aimee Mann transforms CdA’s Kroc Center into concert venue

  In Features on Page C1 Since opening in May, the $38 million dollar Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center has served as a community place for Mario Kart Wii tournaments, old-time hymn sing-alongs and …

• Rock’s doc has bad ‘Hair’ day

  In Features on Page C2 A filmmaker is suing Chris Rock for at least $5 million and trying to block the release of his upcoming documentary “Good Hair.” Regina Kimbell sued Rock and several film …

• Carolyn Hax: Know your priorities, ideals

  In Features on Page C2 Hi, Carolyn: I’m caught between my husband and my dad. Dad is getting older and becoming very set in his political views. My and Hubby’s views are opposite his but …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-09-2009

• At a glance: ‘Couples Retreat’

  Four couples are forced to participate in therapy sessions at a tropical resort. Running time/rating: 1:47; PG-13 for sexual content and language

• At a glance: ‘The September Issue’

  A revealing cinema vérité documentary about Vogue magazine and its famously frosty editor Anna Wintour. Running time/rating: 1:28; PG-13 for brief strong language

• At a glance: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

  What: Bold, eclectic pieces by 12-member contemporary ballet company. When/where: Sunday, 3 p.m., Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum, Pullman; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

• At a glance: ‘Lord Save Us From Your Followers’

  Provocative, humorous documentary about the collision of faith and culture in America. Running time/rating: 1:40; PG-13 for thematic elements and some language

• On sale

  Tickets go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. for “Disney on Ice – Worlds of Fantasy,” Nov. 18-22 at the Spokane Arena; $12-$45, through TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com). Tickets …

• At a glance: Three Dog Night/Kansas

  What: Joy to the dust in the wind with this pair of ’70s hitmakers. When: Sunday, 7 p.m.

• At a glance: ‘Viva Oz Vegas’

  What: Bawdy burlesque romp down the Yellow Brick Road. When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

• At a glance: Spokane Symphony, Beethoven!

  What: Two programs of Beethoven classics, including the Violin Concerto in D major featuring concertmaster Mateusz Wolski (pictured). When: Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m.

• At a glance: Gordon Lightfoot

  What: Canadian singer/songwriter of “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” fame. When: Tuesday, 8 p.m.

• Rock, hip-hop, laughs at Knitting Factory

  In Features on Page C4 The Knitting Factory has a packed week with shows that are sure to pack in crowds. And there’s a little something for everyone – heavy mainstream rock, stand-up comedy, gypsy-folk …

• Clubs

  In Features on Page C4 Baja Bargarita at Toro Viejo Mexican Restaurant, 115 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene: tonight, DJ Tripp Rogers (DJ/all request/dance), 8 p.m., no cover; Saturday, DJ Brentano (DJ/all request/dance), 8 p.m., …

• Coming Up

  In Features on Page C4 Unless otherwise noted, tickets are available through TicketsWest (TW; 509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com) or Ticketmaster (TM; 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com). Prices do not include service charges. Tickets for events at the Martin Woldson …

• ‘Couples Retreat’ has some issues

  In Features on Page C5 “Couples Retreat” suggests what life might have been like if the guys from “Swingers” had grown up, moved to the suburbs and turned into lame, sitcommy cliches. Jon Favreau and …

• ‘Big Fan,’ dark humor

  In Features on Page C5 Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt) works the night shift in an underground Staten Island parking lot. He mans the booth and the electronic arm that lets drivers in and out. He’s …

• ‘September’ fun, addictive

  In Features on Page C5 Here’s the thing about Vogue: You don’t read it once. You read it as often as you please, cover to cover, including the ads, and you still don’t learn the …

• Film events

  In Features on Page C6 “The Hurt Locker” – Friday-Sunday. Iraq. Forced to play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse in the chaos of war, an elite Army bomb squad unit must come together in a …

• Films

  In Features on Page C6 Capsule reviews with star ratings are written by reviewers for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Opening today:

• With lowered expectations, you’ll probably love ‘Year One’

  In Features on Page C7 ‘Year One’ Zed (Jack Black) and Oh (Michael Cera) are dumb, even for cavemen, in this lowbrow, only fitfully amusing comedy about the misadventures of two inept hunter-gatherers expelled from …

• You get what you pay for

  In Features on Page C8 DEAR MISS MANNERS: My problem is with dear friends of ours. The husbands have known each other since before kindergarten, and the four of us have been close for years. …

• Patient led comfortable life

  In Letters Interesting sidebar on Page A5 of The Spokesman-Review on Oct. 29 under the headline “Mental patient filed for bankruptcy.”

• Snyder offers teamwork

  In Letters Spokane’s best new opportunity? Jon Snyder, small business owner, community volunteer, independent voice, and candidate for Spokane City Council District 2, Position 2.

• Library security is goal

  In Letters The Post Falls Public Library’s future is being put to the vote next month when Post Falls residents are asked to vote on consolidating with the Kootenai Shoshone Library District.