Attorneys for Mayor Jim West responded today to a deposition given by one of the men who alleges the mayor molested him about 25 years ago. It was an opportunity for West's side of the story to be told, so we're planning to give the…
It's often difficult to determine which story will be the "lead" story on Page 1, especially when there's another in a continuing series of stories.For tomorrow, editors decided that the ongoing Iraq coverage will get the top spot. More than 1,000 U.S. troops mounted a…
So far, editor Steve Smith has chatted with readers twice about the investigation of Mayor Jim West, on May 9 and again on May 15.We extended an invitation to Mayor West to answer your questions directly on our site and haven't heard back from him.Meanwhile,…
10 a.m. news meeting, Tuesday May 24:Discussion of this morning's paper was very brief. Brian Plonka's main photograph of Mayor Jim West raised a couple of eyebrows: "It was interesting," one editor said.Features editor Pia Hansen, a native of Denmark, brought a full page from…
4:30 p.m. news meeting, Friday May 20:We're not sure what to do at this hour with the photo of Saddam in his underwear that appeared in several tabloids today. It's up to the designer and photo editor, we'll see what they come up with.Also on…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:--Mayor Jim West is back to work. (Mike Prager)--A verdict was issued in the Hanford downwinders case. Two of the six "bellwether" plaintiffs will get damages totalling $545,000. On one hand, that's not much for someone fighting thyroid cancer. On…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:--As we speak, police are talking with Robert Roy Lutner, the "person of interest" in the triple homicide east of Coeur d'Alene. We're also talking with family of the victims to see how they're coping with the tragedy. (staff)--The SkyFest…
4:30 p.m. news meeting, Tuesday, May 17thThe Spokane City Council decided to hire back eight firefighters, and some felt the story should be played as prominently as those announcing layoffs. We have a strong lineup, and the story may wind up running inside. It's up…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:--A crowd is expected at City Hall tonight to push the council to take a stand on the accusations surrounding Mayor Jim West. Also, the council is expected to vote on a leave of absence for West - technically, he's…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:-Fairchild Air Force Base survives the latest round of base closures, but will lose nearly 200 workers. We'll take a look at the impact. (Jim Camden)-Mayor Jim West is losing support among business leaders. Reporter Kevin Graman writes about the…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:-Attorney General Rob McKenna says the state will wait for the FBI to complete its review before investigating Jim West. Also, three state staffers who were close to the mayor will not be participating in any investigation. (Staff)-The Pentagon is…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:-City attorney Mike Connelly is asking for state and federal help investigating allegations of misconduct against Mayor Jim West. Also, the director of Morning Star Boys Ranch denies reports that West and David Hahn "checked out" boys for day outings…
Here are links to other media reports on the Jim West case:Wednesday, May 11SFGate(San Francisco Chronicle web site): The tormented Republican mayor of Spokane might have molested young boys. Boys like, well, Mark MorfordCasper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune: Casper newsman ran against embattled mayorSeattle Weekly: The Wild,…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:-Updates on Jim West, including a profile on Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch, who spoke today at a ceremony commemorating the late Mike Cmos. We'll also look at how City Hall is coping in the mayor's absence. (Bill Morlin / Karen…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:-A judge has ruled the BNSF refueling depot can reopen, but Kootenai County says it has the authority to delay the opening. (James Hagengruber)-Two men say Jim West offered them positions with the city after meeting the mayor on an…
Coming up on Page One tomorrow:-More coverage of Mayor West: The city has announced an investigation into the mayor's online activity, and we'll hear from another alleged victim of David Hahn.-Just in time for Mother's Day, Jamie Tobias Neely gets reaction from local moms about…
The web site is seeing about 100 pageviews a minute today on the Jim West package. That's very high traffic for S-R.com. There is a substantial amount of information online that's not been in the paper, including audio, transcripts and other materials. See it here.…
Coming up for Page One tomorrow:-Cops reporter Thomas Clouse has been following up on the paperwork error that led to the release of a burglary suspect now accused of molesting two girls. Apparently, this wasn't an isolated case.-A petition drive is being launched for an…
Top stories for Page One:-Iraq's first democratically elected government was sworn in today as violence continues. (wire) Story-The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is scrambling to reverse the decline of cutthroat trout. (James Hagengruber)-Farm and business groups are suing to overturn the "emergency clause" used to bypass…
Here are the stories we've got lined up for Page One tomorrow:-The Spokane County Prosecutor's office failed to file the paperwork on a Spokane Valley man - who is now accused of molesting two girls - that would have jailed him for two recent burglary…
Each weekday morning and afternoon, the newsroom staff meets to discuss the coverage plan. This blog covers editors' discussions, upcoming coverage and miscellaneous newsroom news.
