Too much news, not enough covers

4:30 p.m. news meeting, Tuesday, May 17th

The 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 to the night team to iron out the details.

Coming up on Page One tomorrow:

—Mount St. Helens is coming back to life - biologically, that is - 25 years after the devastating eruption that made the mountain a household name. (Jim Camden)

—More coverage of the triple homicide in Coeur d’Alene. (staff)

—Were two women really raped by a man impersonating a police officer? Reporter Jonathan Brunt is trying to find out.

—Defying veto threats from President Bush, the Senate approved a $295 billion highway bill today. (wire)

—The Country Music Association Awards are tonight - we’ll have the results.