Extra! Extra!

Spokane Mayor Jim West has just announced that he’s taking a two-week leave of absence to prepare a defense against the charges of sexual abuse leveled at him in a series of articles by The Spokesman-Review. He’s turning the daily operation of City Hall over to Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch in his absence. He concluded a brief statement to City Council members by asking the public and them to reserve judgment until the newspaper quits “persecuting” him.

Hat Tip — to Cis Gors for the heads up to turn on the TV to watch the announcement.