Stories for October 14, 2009

• Med school coming to Spokane ASAP, group told Wednesday

  In City University of Washington President Mark Emmert said Spokane will have a four-year medical school “as soon as possible,” but told the annual meeting of Greater Spokane Incorporated the state’s budget … 2

• Post Falls candidate served probation in groping case

  In Idaho A candidate for mayor of Post Falls served probation after a woman he worked with accused him of sexually assaulting her. The misdemeanor battery charge was dismissed after Steven De … 3

• Ex-security chief gets 18 years for raping girls

  In City After listening to descriptions of the years of pain he inflicted on his victims, Robert J. Robel stood to face the judge who would send him to prison for what … 2

• Idaho faces bleak budget news

  In Idaho Idaho’s state budget news is bleak, lawmakers heard as they gathered Wednesday for the interim meeting of the Legislature’s joint budget committee: One in five Idaho school districts has declared …

• West Nile virus claims Yakima woman

  In City, Region The West Nile virus has been blamed in the death of a Yakima woman, according to state health officials.

• Rain easing but showers expected

  In City, Idaho Moderate rainfall overnight is continuing today as the second wave in a complex storm system moves into Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

• Attempted first-degree murder trial begins

  In City After a hitch getting the jury seated, a deputy prosecutor told the panel today why they should convict a 19-year-old Spokane man of attempted first-degree murder after he shot a … 1

• Dow Jones closes above 10,000 for first time in year

  In Business, Nation/World The Dow Jones industrial average is back above 10,000 for the first time in a year. The Dow has crossed five figures seven months after it hit a 12-year low … 1

• Police: Bad customer choice busts pot dealers

  In City Two women will appear in Spokane County Superior Court today after police say they sold marijuana to a uniformed security officer with Spokane Transit Authority. 2

• Woman charged with drugstore robbery

  In City Spokane police have arrested a 5-foot-tall woman in connection with a Sept. 27 drugstore robbery and believe she may have been struck with a metal bar this week in a …

• Wash., Idaho fourth-graders stall in math

  In City, Idaho New national test results show Washington eighth-graders are better at math than the eighth-graders of 2007. But fourth-graders in Idaho and Washington aren’t showing any improvement.

• EPA issues fines in Sand Creek Byway project

  In Idaho The federal Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Idaho Transportation Department and a contractor the state hired for work on the Sand Creek Byway in northern Idaho. 1

• Police: Man returning missing purse shot in face

  In City What police describe as two men’s effort to return a missing purse resulted in one of them being shot in the face around midnight. Spokane police this morning arrested a … 6

• Senate panel OKs health care plan

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-9 on Tuesday to back a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s health care system, clearing the way for a historic congressional showdown this …

• County joblessness remains unchanged

  In Business on Page A1 The unemployment rate in Spokane County held steady at 8.4 percent in September, but only because job-seekers who arrived here earlier this year in hopes of finding work are leaving. …

• DEA makes major cocaine bust

  In City on Page A1 Spokane International Airport police suspected something was going on with the Canadian man they’d seen several times. In the past four months, he’d rented several SUVs and returned them after … 4

• Comments by jurors at case’s heart

  In City on Page A1 Three state appellate judges were asked Tuesday to reinstate a verdict that was favorable to a local doctor after five jurors in the original malpractice trial reportedly made derogatory comments …

• Accuracy watch

  In City on Page A2 For 10-14-2009

• High quality recruits join up

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – For the first time in more than 35 years, the U.S. military has met all of its annual recruiting goals, as hundreds of thousands of young people have … 2

• Russia rebuffs U.S. on Iran sanctions

  In Nation/World on Page A3 MOSCOW – Further sanctions against Iran would be “counterproductive,” Russia’s top diplomat said on Tuesday, pushing back pointedly against U.S. pressure for a tougher stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The …

• Iran to investigate cleric, a prominent dissenter

  In Nation/World on Page A3 TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian authorities launched a provocative attack on the opposition movement Tuesday by announcing a special investigation into prominent cleric Mehdi Karroubi over his accusations that security forces …

• Nation in brief: California storm raises slide fears

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Los Angeles – A big Pacific storm swept into California on Tuesday with damaging winds and downpours that put a central community under an evacuation advisory because of mudslide fears, …

• Abortions declining, Guttmacher reports

  In Nation/World on Page A4 NEW YORK – Increased contraceptive use has led to fewer abortions worldwide, but deaths from unsafe abortion remain a severe problem, killing 70,000 women a year, a research institute reported …

• ‘Volare,’ ‘Godfather’ crooner Martino dies

  In Nation/World on Page A4 SPRINGFIELD, Pa. – Singer Al Martino, who played the Frank Sinatra-type role of Johnny Fontane in “The Godfather” and recorded hits including “Spanish Eyes” and the Italian ballad “Volare” in …

• World in brief: Moon marries 20,000 couples

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Asan, South Korea – Brides in white gowns and Japanese kimonos joined grooms in black suits and red ties today for the Unification Church’s biggest mass wedding in a decade …

• Four accused of poaching

  In Idaho on Page A5 Acting on tips from residents, Idaho game officers have nabbed four men accused of poaching elk. A Bonners Ferry veterinarian and his hunting partner were charged with illegally taking one …

• Looks like rain ahead, higher temperatures

  In City on Page A5 The dry northerly flow over the past 12 days that whipped up gusts and brought several nights of freezing conditions is changing to its weather opposite – a mild moist …

• Idaho offers smaller Promise Scholarships

  In Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – Thousands of Idaho college students who were scheduled to receive $500 “Promise Scholarships” this year will get just $400 instead, under a plan that’s up for final approval …

• Region in brief: Suspect in robberies pleads not guilty

  In City on Page A5 OxyContin addiction drove a young man to rob elderly women in grocery store parking lots to support his habit, court documents allege. Ryan X. Burgess, 21, pleaded not guilty to …

• Professor nominated for U.S. District Court

  In City on Page A6 WASHINGTON – If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Gonzaga University law professor Rosanna Peterson would become the first woman to serve on Eastern Washington’s U.S. District Court bench. President Barack … 1

• Developer files lawsuit over Joel Building blaze

  In City on Page A6 The developer of a downtown loft project is seeking damages from the photography studio where last year’s devastating Joel Building fire is believed to have started. In a suit filed … 1

• University enrollment climbs

  In City on Page A7 SEATTLE – Enrollment is up at Washington’s public universities this fall, with most of the increase coming from students who decided to stay in school rather than seek their fortunes …

• Facebook ‘friend’ turns against fugitive

  In City on Page A8 SEATTLE – Maxi Sopo was living the dream of a fugitive abroad, kicking back on the beaches of Cancun by day, partying in the clubs by night. Then he did …

• Tribes seek speedier culvert repairs

  In City on Page A8 SEATTLE – A federal judge should order Washington state to drastically increase the pace of fixing culverts that block salmon passage because nothing else will get the job done in …

• Flood of last-minute cash targets I-1033

  In City on Page A8 OLYMPIA – National labor unions and Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates are among the donors who have poured nearly $1.5 million of last-minute cash into the campaign against Initiative 1033, … 2

• Region in brief: Health care reform is topic of Web chat

  In City on Page A8 Washington residents can chat online about health care reform today with Sen. Patty Murray and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. They’ll be answering questions about health care submitted …

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A10 For 10-14-2009

• Washington records

  In City on Page A10 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Solar, wind power hub planned

  In Business on Page A12 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Officials announced an ambitious project in New Mexico on Tuesday that would allow energy to flow more freely across the nation’s three massive power grids, breaking down …

• Textbook case for e-readers

  In Business on Page A12 SEATTLE – It’s an experiment that has made back-to-school a little easier on the back: Amazon.com gave more than 200 college students its Kindle e-reading device this fall, loaded with …

• Ford data reveals car buyer quirks

  In Nation/World on Page A12 DETROIT – In Philadelphia, they’ve got the blues. In Cincinnati, they’ve got – well – the reds. According to sales data released Tuesday by Ford Motor Co., Cincinnati is the …

• Intel profit down, but better than expected

  In Business on Page A12 SAN FRANCISCO – Intel Corp. on Tuesday reported a dip in third-quarter profit, but posted results and a fourth-quarter outlook that exceeded Wall Street expectations. Chief Executive Officer Paul Otellini …

• Business in brief: Hospital wins hiring award

  In Business on Page A12 Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Tuesday was awarded Spokane County Community Services’ Employer of the Year award for outstanding commitment to incorporating the disabled into the workplace. Executive Director Peggy …

• AIG urged to limit future bonuses

  In Nation/World on Page A14 WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s “pay czar” has advised American International Group to scale back $198 million in bonuses due next March to employees at its troubled Financial Products unit …

• Smart Bombs: Police need to face facts

  In Opinion on Page A15 It’s disappointing to see the Spokane Police Guild resist the calls of Mayor Mary Verner to help close the projected $7 million budget deficit for the city of Spokane. Verner … 2

• Endorsement: Munson’s best choice for Valley and growth

  In Opinion on Page A15 After rejecting incorporation at least three times, Spokane Valley residents voted eight years ago to form their own city. It was a decisive turning point, a political affirmation of a …

• Six inducted into Inland Northwest Hall of Fame

  In Sports on Page B1 When officials from the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame informed Roy Graffis he was one of four members of the 2009 class, Graffis was understandably elated. The longtime coach …

• Healthy O-linemen wanted

  In Sports on Page B1 RENTON, Wash. – Brandon Frye, also known as the backup to the backup left tackle, was placed on the injured reserve list Tuesday, meaning his season is over. And so … 2

• Sarkisian’s Huskies big surprise

  In Sports on Page B1 SEATTLE – As the Washington Huskies hit the midway point of their schedule this week, Steve Sarkisian remarked that for coaches, this is the time when the season becomes a …

• UW’s win tops list of wild rallies

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – Mike Riley’s seen some strange things coaching football. But the Oregon State coach – and most of his Pac-10 brethren – has never seen anything like what happened …

• Sports in brief: Freshman QB Eglet will start

  In Sports on Page B1 Football: Whitworth sophomore quarterbacks Andrew Durant and Cub Jansen are out for the season after sustaining injuries in Saturday’s loss to Linfield. Freshman Taylor Eglet (above), a Lewis and Clark …

• Alabama says penalty for textbook infraction excessive

  In Sports on Page B2 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama contends the NCAA wrongly forced the football program to vacate 21 victories, describing it as an “unprecedented penalty” in cases involving abuse of … 1

• Mercury’s Pondexter has surgery

  In Sports on Page B2 PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury say All-Star guard Cappie Pondexter underwent successful surgery on her right eye, which she injured in last week’s WNBA championship game against the Indiana Fever. …

• In brief: U.S. soccer’s Davies hurt in auto accident

  In Sports on Page B2 Soccer: U.S. national team forward Charlie Davies had several broken bones and a lacerated bladder after a one-vehicle accident Tuesday in which another person was killed in Arlington, Va. Davies …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Hockey NHL

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Fined The NBA is making Gilbert Arenas – and the Washington Wizards – pay for his silence. Arenas and his team were fined $25,000 apiece Tuesday by the league because …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Thomas Vanek Scored twice in leading the Buffalo Sabres to a 6-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

• Idaho soccer: CdA, PF square off

  In Sports on Page B3 The veteran team will meet the new kid on the block in the 5A Region I boys soccer tournament championship game. Coeur d’Alene, which is seeking a third straight regional …

• Prep roundup: Wildcats top Bullpups

  In Sports on Page B3 Three taut matches exacted their toll and visiting Mt. Spokane breezed in game four to hand Gonzaga Prep its first defeat in Greater Spokane League volleyball action Tuesday night. The …

• Roundup: First-place Braves turn back Rebels

  In Sports on Page B3 Joel Stewart scored twice and Cash Ulrich made 22 saves Tuesday as the Spokane Braves (9-4-0-1) defeated the Castlegar Rebels 4-2 in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League play at Castlegar, …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B4 For 10-14-2009

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B4 For 10-14-2009

• Lidge, Phils return to form

  In Sports on Page B5 DENVER – Brad Lidge was at the center of the celebrations, mobbed on the mound and then later bathed in bone-chilling ice water inside the clubhouse. Those recent ninth-inning meltdowns? …

• Yankees mull 3-man rotation against Angels

  In Sports on Page B5 NEW YORK – The Yankees might go with a three-man rotation against the Los Angeles Angels in the American League Championship Series. CC Sabathia is scheduled to start Friday night’s …

• Spokane families ease the dinner burden by sharing meals

  In Food on Page C1 Here’s one way to beat the weeknight dinner dash: Have a meal delivered. Not by a driver schlepping a cardboard box, but by a friend. That’s what Spokane women Kim …

• Greenbriar offers variety of classes

  In Food on Page C1 Setting up a home bar, creating a vegetarian brunch, making sushi, cooking the dishes of Baja Mexico and preparing gifts from the kitchen are among the fall classes offered at …

• Ale House brings pub atmosphere to former Fugazzi, Cavallino site

  In Food on Page C1 The former Fugazzi and Cavallino’s space roared back to life Friday with the opening of the Post Street Ale House. Developer Walt Worthy remodeled and reopened the public house at … 2

• A little hunk o’ his hair

  In Features on Page C2 The King may be dead, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to run your fingers through his hair. Elvis Presley’s hair – at least a clump of hair that …

• Carolyn Hax: Let son select nonschool activity

  In Features on Page C2 Hi, Carolyn: I am making my 12-year-old son run cross country this year. This after he tried football, baseball, soccer, etc., and did not finish the season. He is bright …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-14-2009

• Obama owes Bush thanks

  In Letters My congratulations to President Barack Obama on his surprising award of the Nobel Peace Prize. It seems based more on intent and attitude than accomplishment as yet.

• ACORN defense fails

  In Letters Tsk, tsk. In his accuse-the-accuser defense of ACORN, columnist Leonard Pitts Jr.’s vulnerability is as visible as a gall on an oak leaf (Oct. 5). Are we to disregard the …

• People’s voice stifled

  In Letters It was noted on the Spokane City Council’s agenda for Oct. 5 that they would be voting on Resolution 09-75, to oppose Initiative 1033, Lower Property Tax Initiative, which will …

• Anti-71 argument illogical

  In Letters The opponents of Referendum 71 claim that they are protecting traditional marriage.