Earthquakes: East and West

A preview of the measure to repeal a recent increase in Washington’s gas tax is slated for page one tomorrow. The story was set to run all editions, but questions were raised as to whether Idaho readers would be interested. The economic impact of an earthquake in Seattle wouldn’t stop at the state line, and the story has a historical angle as well. However, in the end we decided that a follow on the proposed 1,800 home development near Hayden might be better for the Idaho edition.

Another point of contention was whether to run an update on the Pakistan earthquake on the front page. New estimates suggest the death toll may reach 100,000, but are the figures certain enough to justify front-page play? The answer, for us, is yes. The number itself isn’t as important as the factors informing the estimate - thousands of survivors in need of food, shelter and medical aid that probably won’t get it.