Stories for October 28, 2009

• New Yorker seeks Idaho Senate seat

  In Idaho When Idaho’s senior senator, Mike Crapo, last sought re-election, he made history by drawing no challenger on the ballot, just a write-in. This time, Crapo has drawn a Democratic challenger … 2

• Phillies take Game 1

  In Sports Cliff Lee outdueled CC Sabathia, Chase Utley homered twice and the Philadelphia Phillies kept rolling through October, beating the New York Yankees 6-1 on a misty Wednesday night in the …

• Man saves Spokane Valley family from house fire

  In City A man on his way to work this morning alerted a family to a house fire that could have killed them, according to the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

• Avista earns $8.1 million for quarter

  In City Avista Corp. Wednesday reported improved third-quarter earnings despite sharply lower revenues. 14

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  Boeing will build second 787 line in S.C.

  In News, Business Boeing Co. said Wednesday it will open a second assembly line for its long-delayed 787 jetliner in South Carolina, expanding beyond its longtime manufacturing base in Washington state. 14

• State economist warns of second dip in recession

  In Business Cautious consumers and regional banks burdened with bad debts could trigger a second “dip” to a double-dip recession in Washington, the state’s lead economic forecaster said today. 2

• Joke about killing teacher lands Mead student in jail

  In City A Mead High School junior is facing a felony charge after jokingly telling his teacher he was hired to kill her, police officials said. The 16-year-old has been booked into … 24

• Eight soldiers killed were based near Tacoma

  In News FORT LEWIS, Wash. — Fort Lewis has confirmed that eight soldiers who died in Afghanistan on Tuesday were assigned to a unit from the Army base near Tacoma. 2

• Dry northerly flow today may set up snow for Thursday

  In City, Idaho A crisp cold morning today is setting the stage for wintry conditions when the next in a series of Pacific storms moves into the region on Thursday.

• Costco to accept food stamps

  In City Costco Wholesale plans to accept food stamps at its warehouse stores nationwide, a major shift for a company that earlier this year said it doubted there would be enough demand … 1

• Pedestrian died after Friday accident; driver also died

  In City A 19-year-old woman struck by a car Friday while walking along a sidewalk in northwest Spokane died as a result of her injuries, according to the Spokane County Medical Examiner … 7

• Burglars smash into Tesoro, steal ATM machine

  In City For the second time in less than a week, burglars this morning used a vehicle to smash into a convenience market to steal an ATM.

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  NASA’s new rocket lifts off on short test flight

  In Nation/World NASA’s newest rocket blasted off on a brief test flight Wednesday, taking the first step in a back-to-the-moon program that could be shelved by the White House. 1

• Stabbings send two to hospital after downtown fights

  In City An argument outside Uno Supper Club and Lounge in downtown Spokane early this morning erupted into a violent melee that sent two men to the hospital with knife wounds, police …

• Spokane Valley house fire displaces five

  In City A passerby alerted five residents that their Spokane Valley home was on fire early this morning, fire officials said.

• Long-term care act favored

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – House health care legislation expected within days is likely to include a new long-term care insurance program to help seniors and disabled people stay out of nursing homes, …

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  Cold snuffs blaze of color

  In City on Page A1 If it seems to you the color in this year’s fall leaf crop has been less than glorious, you are right. Plant experts Tuesday said the hard freeze that struck …

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  Paper reports CIA pays Karzai’s brother

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Ahmed Wali Karzai, the brother of the president of Afghanistan, gets regular payments from the CIA and has for much of the past eight years, the New York … 1

• NCAA lifts ban; EWU eligible for postseason

  In City on Page A1 The reaction among Eastern Washington University football players and coaches was upbeat but cautious on Tuesday after learning the NCAA had overturned its original decision to ban the Eagles football … 2

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  Moderate Democrats chilly to public option

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – Moderate Democratic senators remained reluctant Tuesday – and in one case, defiant – about backing the government-run “public option” health care plan that party leaders are offering as …

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  Douglas, Penn spotted in Cuba

  In Nation/World on Page A3 HAVANA – Michael Douglas staged an impromptu walking tour of the Cuban capital’s historic district Tuesday, posing for photos with construction workers and surprised residents. His visit came two days …

• Obama administration moves cautiously on Cuba

  In Nation/World on Page A3 MEXICO CITY – It is an annual ritual: The United Nations will vote today to condemn the U.S. embargo on Cuba, much as the world organization has done for nearly … 1

• Jobless benefit bill taken up

  In Nation/World on Page A3 WASHINGTON – After weeks of political haggling, the Senate agreed Tuesday to take up legislation that would give people running out of unemployment insurance benefits up to 20 more weeks …

• World in brief: Iran to amend nuclear fuel deal

  In Nation/World on Page A3 Tehran, Iran – Iran will seek to amend a proposed deal it reached with the U.S. and other major powers to ship the bulk of its nuclear material overseas, state …

• Flu could cause Internet clog

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – As the spread of the H1N1 flu keeps more Americans away from work and school, a federal report warns that all those people logging on to the Web …

• California community stunned by brutal attack

  In Nation/World on Page A4 RICHMOND, Calif. – The gang rape and beating of a 15-year-old girl on school grounds after her homecoming dance was horrific enough. But even more shocking, police say, was that …

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  Nuclear moving up in climate bill

  In Nation/World on Page A4 WASHINGTON – Will a heaping spoonful of nuclear power help Congress swallow a climate bill? The Obama administration and leading congressional Democrats are wooing wavering Democrats and Republicans to back …

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  Palin was paid at least $1.25 million for memoir

  In Nation/World on Page A4 ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin reported Tuesday that she has received at least $1.25 million for her hugely anticipated upcoming memoir “Going Rogue.” A disclosure …

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  Memorial to add a sapling from the tree outside Anne Frank’s secret annex

  In Idaho on Page A5 Idaho’s Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in Boise has been selected to receive a sapling grafted from the chestnut tree that grew outside the secret annex in Amsterdam where Anne …

• Region in brief: Roommate of man found dead arrested

  In City on Page A5 The roommate of a man found dead near Green Bluff was arrested Tuesday on a felony drug charge, one week after detectives reportedly found “several hundred grams of marijuana” in …

• H1N1 clinics put on hold

  In City on Page A5 Health officials are postponing H1N1 vaccinations across the Inland Northwest, as shipments of the vaccine fall further and further behind. On Tuesday, the Spokane Regional Health District postponed three clinics …

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  Sheriff, prosecutor beg budget relief

  In City on Page A5 Spokane County’s top law enforcement officials made an impassioned plea Tuesday to spare their budgets from spending cuts next year, suggesting commissioners tap the “rainy-day” fund to help prop up … 5

• Former city manager dies at 94

  In City on Page A6 Frank Sylvin Fulwiler, who served as Spokane’s city manager from the planning of the World’s Fair through its aftermath, died Monday, eight days short of his 95th birthday. Fulwiler, Spokane’s …

• Cooper George gets state order

  In City on Page A6 For the second time this year, the state has ordered a Spokane retirement and assisted-living facility to stop placing new residents until it corrects several violations, including failure to report …

• Region in brief: ‘WarrantFest’ is chance to clear cases

  In City on Page A6 Spokane residents with outstanding misdemeanor warrants can to go court this week and get those legal problems fixed. However, Spokane Municipal Court officials are not offering amnesty or waiving any …

• County, ball club to sign 10-year stadium deal

  In City on Page A6 Spokane County commissioners will sign a 10-year lease with the Spokane Indians for the baseball team to use Avista Stadium. Longball Inc., a division of Brett Sports that manages the …

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  BIA rejects Little Shells’ bid for tribal recognition

  In City on Page A6 BILLINGS – After a 31-year wait, the U.S. Department of Interior said Tuesday it will not recognize Montana’s Little Shell Tribe, a group of landless Indians who have struggled to … 2

• Idaho schools plan waiver requests

  In Idaho on Page A9 BOISE – Idaho education officials are bracing for a raft of waiver requests from school districts that have seen student attendance suffer from the flu and don’t want the drop …

• Panel criticizes feds’ readiness

  In Nation/World on Page A9 The federal government’s preparedness for the H1N1, or swine flu, pandemic that has claimed more than 1,000 lives nationwide was inadequate and incomplete, a congressional subcommittee said Tuesday.

• Idaho records

  In City on Page A9 For 10-28-2009

• $20 million awarded for Avista upgrades

  In Business on Page A10 The Department of Energy Tuesday awarded Avista Utilities $20 million for upgrading its distribution system. The grant was one of 100 that will dedicate $3.4 billion in federal stimulus money …

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  Obama announces ‘smart grid’ grants

  In Business on Page A10 ARCADIA, Fla. – President Barack Obama made a pitch for renewable energy Tuesday, announcing $3.4 billion in government support for 100 projects aimed at modernizing the nation’s power grid. Touring …

• Venezuela seizes Gold Reserve project

  In Business on Page A10 Venezuela has taken control of the Brisas Property, a proposed mine under development for 15 years by Spokane-based Gold Reserve Inc. Company President Doug Belanger said Tuesday representatives of CVB-Minerven, …

• Business in brief: Foreclosures up in last quarter

  In Business on Page A10 The pace of home foreclosures in Spokane increased during the third quarter, but the city improved its ranking relative to 203 other cities monitored by RealtyTrac, which released its latest …

• All bets off as economy slumps

  In Business on Page A10 LAS VEGAS – Gamblers are wagering less than a year ago, visiting casinos less often and holding back on extras when they do, continuing trends that left the industry struggling …

• Washington records

  In City on Page A12 Spokane County Marriage licenses

• Editorial: Car seat confusion endangers children

  In Opinion on Page A13 Washington state far outperforms the national average when it comes to seat belt use – 96.5 percent to 83 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s statistics for … 2

• Beacons bolster big bailouts

  In Opinion on Page A13 Did you see that article about hikers armed with personal beacon locaters taking inordinate risks because they know rescuers will bail them out? One overmatched group took on a ridiculously …

• Sports in brief: Chiefs will host Wheat Kings

  In Sports on Page B1 Hockey: The Spokane Chiefs are hosts to the Brandon Wheat Kings tonight. Tonight’s game will begin a stretch of four games in five nights as the Chiefs will travel to …

• Current system of sanctions harms innocent athletes

  In Sports on Page B1 All’s well that ends well for Eastern Washington – as long as the Eagles win out, the three teams ahead of them in the conference football standings carve themselves up …

• Pac-10 notes: All eyes on USC, Oregon

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – No one says football coaches can’t be fans, too. The Pac-10’s coaches are this week when it comes to a little showdown in Eugene, Ore.

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  Howard, A-Rod on hot streaks

  In Sports on Page B1 NEW YORK – Ryan Howard thought about the World Series and his eyes widened. “Between Yankee Stadium and Philly, it’s going to be, I would have to say, probably one …

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  EWU players take aim at postseason berth

  In Sports on Page B1 Matt Nichols’ initial reaction to the postseason ban the NCAA slapped on Eastern Washington University’s football team back in early February was as perceptive as it was pragmatic. “We need …

• Today’s Best

  In Sports on Page B2 LeBron James Cleveland forward scored 38 points in a season-opening loss to the Boston Celtics.

• Agassi lied about failed test

  In Sports on Page B2 NEW YORK – Andre Agassi’s upcoming autobiography contains an admission that he used crystal meth in 1997 and lied to tennis authorities when he failed a drug test – a …

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  Sports in brief: Celtics upend Cavaliers in season opener

  In Sports on Page B2 The reunited Big Three – and Rasheed – are one up on the Big Two. Paul Pierce scored 23 points, Ray Allen 16 and Kevin Garnett 13 in his first …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Basketball NBA

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Injured The daughter of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is recovering after surgery to repair injuries sustained on a family trip to Central Washington over the bye weekend. Hasselbeck posted …

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  Friends will face off

  In Sports on Page B3 NEW YORK – The first time they met was seven years ago. Cliff Lee was a September call-up with a cocksure attitude, and his new teammate was immediately impressed. “He …

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  Phillies struggled in 1950 Series against Yankees

  In Sports on Page B3 There were big names, a couple of big East Coast cities and a big prize, same as now. Of course, the first Yankees-Phillies World Series, in 1950, was a different …

• UW kicker clutch

  In Sports on Page B5 SEATTLE – Erik Folk felt like he was stealing money. During his first two years on scholarship as a University of Washington football player, the kicker from Southern California’s San …

• Prep roundup: Cheney blanks Bantams

  In Sports on Page B5 Kelly Zakrzewski notched a hat trick – scoring all three goals in the first 26 minutes of the match – and the Cheney Blackhawks (14-1, 12-1) romped to a 7-0 …

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  Weis embraces change of pace

  In Sports on Page B5 SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is hoping the Fighting Irish won’t feel quite at home Saturday in Texas. He believes the novelty of traveling to San …

• There’s nowhere to run for Hawks

  In Sports on Page B5 In their last game, despite a horrible first half, the Seattle Seahawks were down only 14 points when they started the second half with the ball. The Seahawks opened the …

• GU hands Idaho first home loss

  In Sports on Page B5 Emily Johnson totaled 18 kills and 16 digs to help the Gonzaga Bulldogs hand the Idaho Vandals their first home loss of the season 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 24-26, 15-6 in …

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-28-2009

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B6 For 10-28-2009

• Wineries celebrating with special events

  In Food on Page C1 Not that you need one, but there are a handful of excuses to stop by a local winery in the next week or so. Whitestone Winery in Wilbur, Wash., will …

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  Expansion of Chaps will bring sweet delights

  In Food on Page C1 The name evokes a cowboy-and-dusty-horse image, but Chaps owner Celeste Shaw likes to describe her eatery as a “Montana-meets-Paris” kind of place. That will be more true when an expansion … 1

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  Sikhs mark guru’s birthday with open kitchen celebrations

  In Food on Page C1 It was standing room only on Nov. 13 last year at the Top of India Restaurant in Spokane Valley. “They were sitting over here, standing up, going outside,” said owner …

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  Madonna’s new school takes root

  In Features on Page C2 Madonna marked the start of construction of her school for girls in Malawi on Monday by planting a tree at the site. She arrived in the impoverished southern African country …

• Carolyn Hax: Reset priorities on roomie’s beau

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Carolyn: What is a nice way to tell a roommate that her on-again boyfriend can’t live at our apartment? When she moved in, she said they had broken up, …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 10-28-2009

• Culinary calendar

  In Food on Page C3 Compass Club November Luncheon and Auction - A women’s club for introducing newcomers to the area. Menu will include: fruit-stuffed pork loin, salad with rolls, sweet potato fries and peach …

• farmers markets

  In Food on Page C3 Wednesdays Pullman Fresh Farm Market – 4:30-6:30 p.m. Today is the last market day. All items are grown and/or produced locally. Old Post Office Wine Bar, 245 S.E. Paradise St., …

• Several Washington wines make Best Buy list

  In Food on Page C5 There is no question that tough times are upon us for grape growers, wineries and retailers. But for consumers, there are more outstanding value wines than I’ve seen in a … 2

• Stock up, store favorite market items

  In Food on Page C5 The dwindling booths and that nip in the air mean the local outdoor farmers market season is coming to an end. So as I wandered through the market recently, I …

• Simple question not meant to probe

  In Features on Page C5 DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a freshman in college, and it frankly hasn’t been the best experience of my life so far. So far, I haven’t made any new friends …

• Turn senators out

  In Letters On Oct. 8, the U.S. Senate rejected amendment 2626, proposed by Sen. John McCain to the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. This amendment would have …

• Snyder’s smart, independent

  In Letters Read the fine print on the Mike Allen for City Council campaign mailer you’ve recently received. It was paid for by the Realtors Quality of Life PAC, a real estate …

• City needs more of Allen

  In Letters Spokane has made huge strides since Mike Allen joined the City Council: We have an emerging University District that will benefit everyone, our streets are being repaired and our neighborhoods …

• Pot intrusion unforgivable

  In Letters I am livid after reading “A growing problem” (Oct. 18). 2

• Seniors have a stake, too

  In Letters I am curious as to why so many people are unaware that, beyond the gay issue, Referendum 71 is a benefit for unmarried heterosexual seniors, in that domestic partnerships mean …