Stories for October 19, 2009

• New federal orders have no effect on Spokane pot raids

  In News New orders from the U.S Justice Department to end federal prosecution of state-authorized medical marijuana patients and dispensaries will have no effect on cases in Eastern Washington, prosecutors said Monday. 6

• Rally protests cuts at Medical Lake facility

    In City Employees and supporters of Lakeland Village protested a cost-cutting recommendation to close the residential facility for the developmentally disabled to all but the most acute-care patients by 2017. 2

• Feds sending $1 million for Naches road repair

    In Region The federal government is releasing $1 million in emergency relief to speed repairs to portions of a highway wiped out by a landslide in central Washington.

• Two men sought in Spokane pharmacy robbery

  In City Two Deer Park men have been identified as suspects in a pharmacy robbery police linked to a 20-year-old woman.

• Idaho may put off increase in grocery credit

  In Idaho Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has opened the door to delaying the next scheduled increase in the state’s grocery tax credit, possibly saving the state from another $15 million-plus in budget …

• Autopsy shows homicide caused death

  In City The Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled that a 25-year-old man whose body was found wrapped in a blanket along Day-Mt. Spokane Road on Sunday morning died from homicidal violence. 3

• Accident slows highway at Loon Lake

  In City A one-vehicle collision at U.S. Highway 395 at Loon Lake is partially blocking the highway more than an hour after the injury crash occurred, state troopers reported. 1

• Justice blocks names in gay rights ballot measure

  In City Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has temporarily blocked Washington state officials from releasing the names of people who signed a ballot measure on gay rights. 6

• Swine flu shots start to arrive in Washington

  In City Production problems have slowed the arrival of swine flu shots in Washington state. But state officials say pharmacies and doctor’s offices will have enough shots to get all the primary …

• Vintage steam train arrives in Spokane

  In City A restored steam locomotive and train of vintage rail cars arrived in Spokane Monday afternoon with for an overnight lay over before continuing on to Portland Tuesday morning. 1

• No increase planned for first-class postage

  In Nation/World The price of first-class stamps will not go up next year. The Postal Service has been implementing rate increases annually in recent years, with increases announced in January to take …

• Robbers hit three North Idaho locations in three days

  In Idaho Authorities are investigating three armed robberies in three days in the Coeur d’Alene area, and two of the holdups may be related, said Coeur d’Alene Police Sgt. Christie Wood.

• Keller Ferry returns to service after leak repaired

  In City The ferry that provides vehicle service across Lake Roosevelt north of Wilbur is returning to service today at noon after a leak was discovered last week.

• Feds to issue new medical marijuana policy

  In Nation/World, City Pot-smoking patients or their sanctioned suppliers should not be targeted for federal prosecution in states that allow medical marijuana, prosecutors were told Monday in a new policy memo issued by … 1

• Lost hunter found in CdA National Forest

  In Idaho A 29-year-old hunter is recovering after spending a night lost in the Coeur d’Alene National Forest.

• Filtered sun takes over from foggy a.m.

  In City, Idaho Fog that formed at daybreak this morning and created a traffic hazard across the region had lifted by afternoon, letting sun and high clouds warm lower elevations into the 50s.

• Sheriff: Balloon boy hoax may have conspirators

  In Nation/World The lawyer for the man accused of perpetrating the balloon boy hoax to promote a reality show said Monday that he expects authorities to bring charges against his client in …

• Millwood community helping make house livable for ALS patient

  In City on Page A1 Since she was diagnosed with ALS in April 2006, Jenny Hoff has raised more than $30,000 for organizations dedicated to fighting the neurodegenerative muscular disease. Now people are doing something … 1

• Students envision Palouse’s new track

  In City on Page A1 Teams of students from Washington State and Eastern Washington universities are asking for the public’s help in their efforts to visualize what renewed rail service on the Palouse might look … 3

• U.S. strategy seeks to convert Taliban fighters

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – “Not every Taliban is an extremist ally,” Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said last week. One of the primary tasks of President Barack Obama’s Afghanistan strategy review, … 1

• Hurricane heads for Los Cabos

  In Nation/World on Page A2 MEXICO CITY – Hurricane Rick weakened in the eastern North Pacific on Sunday but was still a dangerous storm that forecasters said could veer into resorts at the tip of …

• Elvis’ hair sells for $15,000

  In Nation/World on Page A2 CHICAGO – A clump of hair believed to have been trimmed from Elvis Presley’s head when he joined the Army in 1958 has sold for $15,000 at a Chicago auction …

• Iran Guard leaders killed in bombing

  In Nation/World on Page A3 TEHRAN, Iran – A suicide bomber killed five senior commanders of the powerful Revolutionary Guard and at least 37 others Sunday near the Pakistani border in the heartland of a …

• Conspiracy charges likely for parents in balloon stunt

  In Nation/World on Page A3 FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The story that a little boy had floated away in a giant helium balloon was a hoax concocted to land a reality television show, authorities said …

• States, feds clash over billions in unclaimed bonds

  In Nation/World on Page A3 HELENA – The federal government is facing a lawsuit over billions in unclaimed bonds that date back to the patriotic fundraising efforts of World War II, leading to a showdown …

• Nation in brief: Third person from sweat lodge dies

  In Nation/World on Page A3 FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The family of a Minnesota woman who died more than a week after being overcome in an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony said Sunday that she prided herself …

• Taliban vow to defeat army

  In Nation/World on Page A4 DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – Pakistani troops and the Taliban fought fierce battles in a militant sanctuary near the Afghan border, with both sides claiming early victories in an army …

• Democrats want stability in Afghanistan before surge

  In City on Page A4 WASHINGTON – Before President Barack Obama commits additional troops to Afghanistan, the U.S. needs assurances that Afghan leaders preside over a stable government that is seen as legitimate in the …

• World in brief: Irish, Ugandan aid workers freed

  In Nation/World on Page A4 KHARTOUM, Sudan – Two foreign aid workers seized at gunpoint more than three months ago in Sudan’s Darfur were released Sunday. The Irish and Ugandan women were in good health …

• Advocate for mentally ill discusses reaction to the Paul escape

  In City on Page A5 A month ago, an Eastern State Hospital patient made headlines across the nation when he walked away from a field trip to the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Some questioned whether … 5

• Three things we’ll be talking about this week

  In City on Page A5 1. Children and other high-risk people will begin receiving the swine flu vaccine this week, with scheduled appointments starting today at the Spokane Regional Health District and a clinic Saturday …

• Weighing in

  In City on Page A5 A front page story in Sunday’s Spokesman-Review about efforts to combat marijuana growing operations in the woods of Central Washington drew several comments at spokesman.com. Here is an edited version … 2

• Hatchery fish pose threat

  In City on Page A6 Is there such a thing as too many steelhead? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. The 2009 steelhead run is on track to smash recent records. That is great news for …

• Body found near Green Bluff

  In City on Page A6 A blanket-wrapped body found by two women walking on Day-Mt. Spokane Road on Sunday morning is being investigated as a homicide by Spokane sheriff’s deputies. The victim likely was killed …

• State may pay wolf-kill damages

  In City on Page A6 OLYMPIA – Hoping to ease Washington ranchers’ concerns about gray wolves, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is proposing what may be the most generous compensation in the West …

• Region in brief: Professor targets olive oil frauds

  In City on Page A6 POCATELLO, Idaho – An Idaho State University chemistry professor and some of his students collected samples of extra virgin olive oil on a trip to Greece and now are working …

• Outside Voices: Time to drop ethanol credit

  In Opinion on Page A7 Kansas City Star, Oct. 13: Congress has tried to create a charmed life for ethanol and Midwestern corn growers in recent years. First came a hefty tax credit for producing … 1

• Leonard Pitts Jr.: Conservatives build a bubble for belief

  In Opinion on Page A7 So we may soon have ourselves a conservative Bible. Besides Fox News, I mean. This new Bible is from Conservapedia, a Web site that bills itself as a conservative alternative …

• Seahawks blown out before bye

  In Sports on Page B1 SEATTLE – Following a one-sided loss on the road two weeks ago, Seahawks players, as well as their head coach, talked about the critical nature of the team’s next two …

• Philadelphia dominates Dodgers

  In Sports on Page B1 PHILADELPHIA – Cliff Lee sprinted off the mound after throwing his final pitch, nearly breaking a sweat for the first time. Heck, he almost outhustled the Phillies’ newest speed demon, …

• Florida atop first BCS standings

  In Sports on Page B1 NEW YORK – Florida, Alabama and Texas hold the top three spots in the first BCS standings and control their fates in the national championship race. The Gators (.988) are …

• Tide jump Gators for No. 1 spot in AP poll

  In Sports on Page B1 NEW YORK – After a steady climb, Alabama has reached the top of the AP poll. The Crimson Tide jumped Florida and landed at No. 1 in The Associated Press …

• Tatupu lost for season

  In Sports on Page B1 SEATTLE – Already dealing with key injuries, the Seattle Seahawks took another hit Sunday, losing middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu for the season with a torn left pectoral muscle. Seattle coach …

• Sports in brief: Cleveland fans refuse to forget

  In Sports on Page B1 DeShawn Stevenson returned to Cleveland last week and got an instant reminder that there will always be one city in the United States that reviles him. When the Washington Wizards’ …

• UConn player dies

  In Sports on Page B2 STORRS, Conn. – A Connecticut football player who was an expectant father was stabbed to death early Sunday after an on-campus dance, just hours after helping his team to a …

• Laird wins playoff in Las Vegas for first PGA Tour title

  In Sports on Page B2 Scotland’s Martin Laird won the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on Sunday in Las Vegas for his first PGA Tour title, beating George McNeill with a birdie on …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Baseball NLCS

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 Tom Brady Patriots quarterback threw for 380 yards and six scores in 59-0 win over the Titans.

• Sports in brief: China caps worlds with more golds

  In Sports on Page B2 Gymnastics: A year after dominating the Beijing Olympics, China put on another show. The Chinese won three more titles at the world gymnastics championships Sunday, giving them a total of …

• A-Rod turns it around

  In Sports on Page B3 NEW YORK – With runners on first and second in the 12th inning early Sunday, the “A-Rod!” chants started swelling at Yankee Stadium. Only thing is, All-Star Mark Teixeira was …

• Saints roll over Giants

  In Sports on Page B4 Drew Brees torched the Giants’ league-leading defense, swarming Saints defenders ruined Eli Manning’s homecoming and undefeated New Orleans matched its best start since 1993 with a 44-27 throttling of previously …

• Quick kicks: Zorn no longer calling plays for Redskins

  In Sports on Page B4 Head coach Jim Zorn no longer will be calling the plays for the Washington Redskins’ struggling offense. Front office chief Vinny Cerrato and Zorn discussed the change during a one-on-one …

• Pats pound Titans

  In Sports on Page B5 FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – This was the history-making Tom Brady everyone remembers. And those were the hapless Tennessee Titans fans are beginning to expect.

• Roundup: Whitworth ends UPS streak

  In Sports on Page B6 Stacy Hamer’s header in the 107th minute gave Whitworth a 1-0 win over Puget Sound in a Northwest Conference women’s soccer match Sunday in Spokane. The Pirates (12-3, 9-2 NWC) …

• College golf: Pirates’ Guthrie is Fall Classic medalist

  In Sports on Page B6 Emily Guthrie took medalist honors and Whitworth’s men’s and women’s golf teams both finished in second place at the Northwest Conference Fall Classic in Portland. Guthrie posted a two-day total …

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-19-2009

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-19-2009

• Aguilar on target

  In Sports on Page B7 SEATTLE – The two star receivers from Saturday night’s football game between the University of Washington and Arizona State put cracks in the theory that practice makes perfect. ASU wideout …

• Carroll looking ahead

  In Sports on Page B7 SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Southern California coach Pete Carroll already was talking about beating Notre Dame for a ninth straight time before even being asked about win No. 8. “We’re …

• New-look Barbie gets mixed reviews

  In Features on Page C1 Mattel has launched a new line of black Barbie dolls with fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheekbones – a far cry from Christie, Barbie’s black friend who … 5

• The Slice: She’s getting a steady diet of assistance

  In Features on Page C1 Linda Beem’s husband of 45 years died not long ago. Since then, some of the kids in her North Side neighborhood have been helping her by doing various small chores.

• Kids and fast food

  In Features on Page C1 Every once in a while, my husband takes our kids to McDonald’s. We’ve talked a lot about fast food – how it’s fattening, unhealthy, bad for the planet, etc. But …

• A Taylor- made skit opportunity

  In Features on Page C2 Taylor Swift will have the stage to herself next month – with no interruptions – when she hosts “Saturday Night Live.” The only question is: Who will play Kanye West?

• Annie’s Mailbox: Maybe marriage too confining for him

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Annie: I have never been married, but would love to be. I have been with my boyfriend for nine years, and we have two children. We live together, share …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-19-2009

• So much fun it’s spooky

  In Features on Page C3 These friendly garden ghost greeters will give a gentle fright on Halloween night when party-goers and trick-or-treaters stroll down the walkway to your home. They are simple enough for families …

• Mr. Dad: Many factors influence verbal skills

  In Features on Page C3 Dear Mr. Dad: I can’t help but notice that some of the kids at my daughter’s day care are way more verbal than she is. We read to her all …

• Things to do

  In Features on Page C3 Today Free Car Seat Checks - Offered 1-4 p.m. by Safe Kids Kootenai County. A limited number of new car seats will be available for a minimum of $5 to …

• Miss Manners: Egoism isn’t principle

  In Features on Page C5 DEAR MISS MANNERS – Occasionally, the rules of etiquette conflict with my religious and moral convictions. When this happens, is there a way I can signal this to new acquaintances? …