Stories for March 27, 2012

• Chiefs break through in WHL playoffs

  In Sports Just like clockwork, the playoffs roll around every March and goals become even harder to come by.

• G-Prep sweeps Shadle in GSL baseball

  In Sports Despite a 3-1 record entering this week in Greater Spokane League baseball, Gonzaga Prep coach Brian Munhall said that the Bullpups’ hitting has been anemic.

• Huskies lose in NIT semifinals

  In Sports NEW YORK — Freshman guard Andre Hollins scored 20 points, including five in overtime, and short-handed Minnesota beat Washington 68-67 on Tuesday night to advance to the NIT title game. 2

• Receiver Lintz makes impression in Cougars’ camp

  In Sports PULLMAN – Andrei Lintz was not particularly encouraged by the film he was watching. 1

• WSU line coach Salave’a has come long way

  In Sports PULLMAN – The van cruised down Interstate 5 toward San Diego. And toward the unknown for Joe Salave’a, a ninth-grader at the time, who was still trying to grasp just … 4

• Weary Cougars look to close out CBI

  In Sports PULLMAN – Washington State knew it would have to rely on multiple contributors to beat Pittsburgh on Monday.

• Shock QB Meyer vows to return

  In Sports Fifteen days later, Spokane Shock quarterback Erik Meyer was still feeling the effects from a hit that knocked him out of the Arena Football League season opener.

• Autopsy: Spokane jail inmate died of natural causes

  In City, News An inmate found dead in his bed at the Spokane County Jail died of natural causes, authorities say. 2

• Rypien leads lawsuit against NFL

  In News Former Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien has sued the NFL over “repeated traumatic injuries to his head” sustained during his 11-season NFL career. Rypien, a Redskins Super Bowl MVP from … 3

• 3 fires reported in Spokane area; 2 suspicious

  In City, News Fire crews were busy overnight with three blazes in the Spokane County area, including a suspicious house fire in West Central and a suspicious shed fire in Spokane Valley. 1

• Death penalty overturned for man who killed 3

  In Nation/World PHOENIX — The Arizona Supreme Court has thrown out the death sentence of a Tucson man who bludgeoned his girlfriend and her two children to death in 1984, ruling that … 17

• GU’s Standish honorable mention AP All-American

  In Sports Gonzaga University women’s basketball senior Kayla Standish was named Associated Press All-America honorable mention Tuesday. 1

• Broken jaw sidelines Chiefs defenseman Kichton

  In Sports Spokane Chiefs top defenseman Brenden Kichton will miss the remainder of the WHL playoffs with a broken jaw. 1

• Natural gas prices fall again on supply concerns

  In Nation/World NEW YORK — Natural gas prices fell again today amid doubts that consumers, businesses or industry can put a significant dent in the huge surplus of the fuel in the … 6

• Base maps: Compare encroachment concerns

  In City, News A planned tribal casino in Airway Heights is being fought by a broad consortium of business and other groups arguing, among other things, that its proposed location about a mile … 14

• Idaho’s forced ultrasound bill is dead

  In Idaho Idaho’s Senate-passed forced ultrasound bill was killed for good Tuesday, when a House committee chairman said he won’t hold a hearing on the bill and anti-abortion activists said they’re withdrawing … 44

• AmericanWest Bank acquiring San Diego bank

  In Business Spokane-based AmericanWest Bank is acquiring Security Business Bank of San Diego, AmericanWest said in a news release this morning. 10

• Conservative justices question insurance mandate

  In Nation/World WASHINGTON — Conservative justices today sharply questioned whether the government can force Americans to carry health insurance, wondering in arguments over President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul if Congress might … 40

• Home prices fell in January in most US cities

  In Nation/World WASHINGTON — Home prices fell in January for a fifth straight month in most major U.S. cities, as modest sales increases have yet to boost prices. 3

• Anti-apartheid icon Mandela’s life now online

  In Nation/World JOHANNESBURG — Click: South Africa’s last white president speaks about his friendship with Nelson Mandela. Click: Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, two anti-apartheid icons, pose with Tutu’s grandchildren. Click: Mandela … 2

• Washington records

  In News SPOKANE COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSES

• Cloudy outlook

  In City on Page A1 Spokane set a daily record for rainfall on Monday – the second time this month — setting the stage to turn March into the soggiest one on record here. Monday’s …

• Diabetics see more benefits from surgery

  In Nation/World on Page A1 In findings that could promise radical changes in the care of the 20 million U.S. patients with Type 2 diabetes, two new clinical trials have shown that weight-loss surgery brings … 2

• Kalispel Tribe speaks out against casino idea at hearing

  In News, Opinion, Sports on Page A1 During a public hearing Monday evening on a proposed Spokane Tribe casino, members of the Kalispel Tribe said the new gaming facility would devastate the economic and social gains they’ve … 101

• Health battle heats up in Supreme Court hearings

  In Nation/World on Page A1 WASHINGTON – Supreme Court justices today will enter the second and most crucial day of historic, closely watched arguments that could determine whether most Americans will have to buy health … 22

• Moviemaker films ‘surreal’ deep sea

  In Nation/World on Page A2 WASHINGTON – In James Cameron’s fantasy films, like “Avatar” and “The Abyss,” the unexplored is splashed in color and fraught with alien danger. But on his dive to the deepest …

• Tiny dachshund Beyonce may be world’s smallest puppy

  In Nation/World on Page A2 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A puppy named after one of the world’s biggest pop stars could set the world’s record for tiniest dog. Animal rescuers in Northern California say the female … 1

• Accuracy watch

  In City on Page A2 For 03-27-2012

• White House garden gets help from students

  In Nation/World on Page A2 WASHINGTON – Michelle Obama on Monday planted vegetables and plants at the White House with children from across the country as part of her broader initiative to promote healthy eating. … 1

• Philadelphia monsignor’s trial begins

  In Nation/World on Page A3 PHILADELPHIA – A high-ranking monsignor who’s on trial “won’t run” from the Catholic Church’s sex abuse crisis, his lawyer said Monday as the landmark child endangerment trial began. Monsignor William … 2

• In brief: ‘Pink slime’ maker suspends operations

  In Nation/World on Page A3 LUBBOCK, Texas – The maker of “pink slime” suspended operations Monday at all but one plant where the beef ingredient is made, acknowledging recent public uproar over the product has …

• U.S., China, S. Korea urge nuclear lockdown

  In Nation/World on Page A3 SEOUL, South Korea – The leaders of South Korea, the United States and China issued stark warnings today about nuclear terrorism on the final day of a nuclear summit that …

• Shooting accounts unfold

  In Nation/World on Page A3 SANFORD, Fla. –The family and supporters of slain Florida teenager Trayvon Martin found themselves on the defensive Monday following revelations he had been suspended for marijuana before he was shot …

• Obama not ‘hiding ball’ on Russia

  In Nation/World on Page A3 SEOUL, South Korea – President Barack Obama said today he is not trying to “hide the ball” in negotiations with Russia over U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in … 6

• Afghan shootings kill 3

  In Nation/World on Page A4 KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan security forces shot and killed three international troops Monday, one of them an American, in two attacks. They were the latest in a rising number of …

• Pope reaches out to Cuba

  In Nation/World on Page A4 SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba – In a historic trip to Cuba on Monday, Pope Benedict XVI reached out to island residents and exiles alike, urging Cubans to “build a renewed …

• Grammer plans move from ‘Housewives’

  In Nation/World on Page A4 Camille Grammer has decided not to return for another season of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” “It was 100 percent her decision,” said her publicist, Howard Bragman. “Bravo seems …

• Council opposes casino

  In City on Page A4 Spokane tribal leaders warned the Spokane City Council on Monday that taking a stance against their proposed West Plains casino could poison their relationship with the city that sits on … 20

• Photo: Rabbit punch

  In City on Page A5 A bunny disposition: Hunter Robb, 3, bumps knuckles with the Easter Bunny at River Park Square on Monday. Although some children shied away from the furry mascot, Robb’s mother said …

• Jim Kershner’s this day in history

  In City on Page A5 In a rare event in the history of Idaho jurisprudence, a procession including judge, jury, defendant, bailiff, reporters and lawyers made a half-mile walk to the home of Levi Laird, …

• Idaho House approves $200,000 fund to hire outside lawyers

  In Idaho on Page A5 BOISE – The Idaho House has backed a new $200,000 fund for the Legislature to hire its own outside lawyers, despite protests that lawmakers already have the attorney general and …

• In brief: Body in lake tied up, according to witness

  In City on Page A5 The body of a man found in a creek in Whitman County was bound at the arms and legs, a witness said, and the Sheriff’s Office is investigating it as …

• Self-defense laws in Washington, Idaho differ from Florida’s

  In City on Page A5 OLYMPIA – In Washington and Idaho, there is no statute that gives anyone the right to “stand your ground” and use deadly force in public when faced with a perceived … 9

• City may dump its risk team

  In City on Page A5 The city of Spokane may sever its contract with its risk management firm following allegations that the firm pressured police and a city employee to hide potentially incriminating details surrounding … 11

• Escure Ranch closes after vandals cause $5,000 in damage

  In City on Page A6 A popular U.S. Bureau of Land Management recreation area about 20 miles south of Sprague, Wash., has been closed as the agency repairs about $5,000 in damage caused by vandals. … 1

• Public records

  In City on Page A6 Police Blotter Coeur d’Alene police

• In brief: Bike-motorcycle crash victims identified

  In City on Page A6 A bicyclist and motorcyclist who died Saturday in a crash in the Millwood area were identified Monday as James Wilson, 46, and Jerrel I. Bailey-O’Neal, 22. Wilson was riding his …

• Contracts for homes dip

  In Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON – The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy U.S. homes dipped in February from nearly a two-year high, a mixed signal ahead of the spring home-buying season. …

• FTC calls for online privacy legislation

  In Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON – Congress should pass online privacy legislation and businesses should voluntarily change how they handle personal data to protect consumers in the fast-evolving digital world, the Federal Trade Commission … 1

• Bernanke cautious about hiring gains

  In Business on Page A7 ARLINGTON, Va. – Despite the recent pickup in job gains, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke offered a cautious assessment of the labor market and suggested that he would press … 1

• Southwest raises ticket prices, blames fuel

  In Business on Page A7 DALLAS – Southwest Airlines Co. says it’s raising ticket prices to offset the high cost of jet fuel. And several other big airlines are following Southwest’s lead. On Monday, Southwest …

• Facebook claims plaintiff fraud

  In Business on Page A7 BUFFALO, N.Y. – Attorneys for Facebook sought the dismissal Monday of what they called an “opportunistic and fraudulent” lawsuit by a New York man claiming half-ownership of the social networking …

• Northwest wheat

  In Business on Page A8 Soft white Cash bid Change March 7.01-7.21 up .01-.11 April 7.14-7.21 up .09-.11 Hard red winter (ordinary percent protein) Cash bid Change March 6.99.7.04 up .04 April Hard red winter …

• Editorial: Jet biofuels must have sustained aid in liftoff

  In Opinion on Page A9 Biofuels for aviation are gradually climbing from novelty toward commercialization. Washington researchers have been among the foremost developing the technology, and Gov. Chris Gregoire last week signed legislation that will … 5

• Letters

  In Opinion on Page A9 Government jobs at stake While we debate the merits of welfare, food stamps and other social programs, one segment of people are overlooked: the bureaucrats who run the system.

• Tenure is a matter of votes

  In Opinion on Page A9 A recent weeknight found me among a group of about a dozen unhappy parents meeting with the principal of our kids’ high school. The issue: An incompetent teacher who we … 2

• Transports need hearings

  In Letters, Opinion on Page A9 The proposal to build a massive coal export facility in Longview, Wash., is generating concern among Washington residents for good reason. This would be one of the largest-scale industrial projects … 1

• Government jobs at stake

  In Letters, Opinion on Page A9 While we debate the merits of welfare, food stamps and other social programs, one segment of people are overlooked: the bureaucrats who run the system. 2

• Caucus was a setup

  In Letters, Opinion on Page A9 To all Idahoans: Those of us who were unable to vote just got stabbed with a sharp stick! 3

• Chiefs have work cut out for them

  In Sports on Page B1 Hockey: The Spokane Chiefs have a little making up to do tonight and Wednesday in their best-of-7, first-round WHL playoff series with the Vancouver Giants at the Spokane Arena. The …

• They’re still tight

  In Sports on Page B1 For half a decade, the Hepton name was synonymous with success at Central Valley. From Courtney’s first basketball season as a sophomore in 1989-90 through Kristin’s senior season in 1993-94, …

• Red Sox will no longer party hardy

  In Sports on Page B1 In 2011, the Boston Red Sox partied like it was 1999. As the team collapsed in September, starting pitchers reportedly were drinking beer in the clubhouse on their days off …

• Baseball in Japan not in jeopardy

  In Sports on Page B1 TOKYO – As one among the seemingly hundreds of Japanese and American officials and media mingling on the Tokyo Dome field before Monday’s game, I weaved from handshake to interview …

• D.J.’s Pitt stop

  In Sports on Page B1 PULLMAN – The suit emphasized the difficulty of this task. Brock Motum looked sharp on Monday night. But it was because he was dressed in a jacket, slacks and dress …

• Scoreboard

  In Sports on Page B2 Basketball CBI championship series

• Robinson leads cast of All-Americans

  In Sports on Page B2 Men’s basketball: Kansas forward Thomas Robinson is a unanimous pick for the Associated Press All-America team, while Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger is a repeat selection. Draymond Green of Michigan …

• Monday’s top performers

  In Sports on Page B2 Paul Pierce Scored 36 points and had 10 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics over the Charlotte Bobcats.

• English power Chelsea to play in Seattle on July 18

  In Sports on Page B2 TUKWILA, Wash. – English Premier League power Chelsea FC will play a preseason game in the U.S. for the first time since 2009. The Seattle Sounders announced Monday that they …

• Newsmakers

  In Sports on Page B2 Hired People familiar with the decision say Frank Martin has agreed to become South Carolina’s next men’s basketball coach. Martin will replace Darrin Horn, who was fired two weeks ago …

• Tebow: ‘Here to help’

  In Sports on Page B2 Tim Tebow laughed a few times, smiled steadily and stayed polite and composed. If being surrounded by dozens of cameras and scores of media people made him nervous, the New …

• Another Final Four for Ogwumike

  In Sports on Page B3 FRESNO, Calif. – Nnemkadi Ogwumike will end her sensational senior season right where she has the rest: at the Final Four. Ogwumike made it happen on both ends of the …

• Kentucky, Ohio St. seen as finals foes

  In Sports on Page B3 LAS VEGAS – Casinos are sticking with Kentucky and Ohio State as Final Four favorites and still think the Wildcats have by far the best shot of winning the NCAA …

• Huskies on a mission this time at MSG

  In Sports on Page B3 NEW YORK – After flying all the way across the country for the second time this season, Washington wants to make this trip to Madison Square Garden much more successful …

• Bears on target

  In Sports on Page B3 DES MOINES, Iowa – Baylor has two wins to go for 40-0. Tennessee’s future is far less certain. Brittney Griner had 23 points, 15 rebounds and nine blocked shots before …

• U.S. Olympic bid thwarted

  In Sports on Page B4 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jaime Alas scored in stoppage time and El Salvador ousted the United States from Olympic qualifying Monday night with a 3-3 tie. The Americans had to win …

• On the air

  In Sports on Page B4 For 03-27-2012

• Sacre to play in Final Four all-star game

  In Sports on Page B4 Gonzaga center Robert Sacre has been selected to play in the Reese’s Division I College All-Star men’s basketball game as part of the Final Four festivities this weekend in New …

• Today’s menu

  In Sports on Page B4 For 03-27-2012

• Cavity control

  In Features on Page C1 Turning good dental practices into habits very early can prevent cavities and many other problems down the road. “It’s all about making it a routine, which will last a lifetime,” …

• Use molasses internally, not externally

  In Features on Page C1 Q. My doctor would like to know how you apply blackstrap molasses to hemorrhoids. Does it come in a capsule form, or is it an ointment? What strengths or milligrams …

• When it comes to coffee, cancer risks, read fine print

  In Features on Page C1 Have you read or heard headlines about the “latest” study on caffeine, wine or some other substance and felt confused? You are not alone. Headlines you may have seen include …

• Tips to treat urinary incontinence

  In Features on Page C2 DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m a middle-aged woman with urinary incontinence. Is there any way to treat this problem without drugs or surgery? DEAR READER: Surveys of women across the country … 1

• Waiting on a procrastinator

  In Features on Page C2 Dear Annie: I have been with “Tony” for three years. When I started seeing him, I didn’t realize he was still legally married to a woman who cheated on him. …

• Horoscope

  In Features on Page C2 For 03-27-2012

• Obituary: Hoerner, Dorothy Mae

  In Obituaries on Page O1 Jun. 26, 1924 - Mar. 24, 2012

• Obituary: Mattus, Albert Henry “Albie”

  In Obituaries on Page O1 Jul. 23, 1919 - Mar. 20, 2012

• Obituary: Hartman, Otto D.

  In Obituaries on Page O1 Apr. 19, 1927 - Mar. 23, 2012

• Obituary: Cribbs, Barbara L.

  In Obituaries on Page O1 Died Mar. 22, 2012

• Obituary: Biermeyer, Patricia Ann “Pat” (Pope)

  In Obituaries on Page O1 Published Mar. 27, 2012