KHQ - News

Winter Olympics torch visits US at Blaine

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:26:00 EST

BLAINE, Wash. - The Winter Olympics torch made its only visit to the United States for a ceremony Tuesday at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine.

Senate panel dumps bill aimed at invasive species

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:18:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - Senators rejected a measure meant to help law enforcement officials stop invasive species at Idaho's borders, saying it would give authorities too much leeway to flag people down and seize their property. Lloyd Knight, a Department of Agriculture official, said the bill was broadly written so his agency could react quickly, should an unexpected invasive species crisis emerge.

Toyota makes Prius recall for brake fix

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST

TOKYO. - Toyota's global recall now stands at 8.5 million vehicles. The automaker says it's recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles to fix brake problems.

Safe detonation of pipe bombs prompts worried calls from nearby residents

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST

STEVENS COUNTY, Wash.- KHQ received several calls early Tuesday morning from viewers in the Loon Lake area who heard two large explosions in their neighborhood. KHQ spoke with the Stevens County Sheriff's Office who told us the story actually started three days before and involves two elementary students, a bus stop and three pipe bombs. The two explosions early Tuesday morning were the safe detonation and destruction of those pipe bombs by the Spokane Bomb Squad.

Armed robber cleans out movie theater's safe

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:34:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane County Sheriff's office is investigating an armed robbery at the Village Centre Cinemas on N. Division. Deputies say the suspect walked in to the theater around 12:30 p.m. and went straight to a bathroom where he stayed for a few minutes before coming out with a gun drawn. He forced two employees into the business office where he proceeded to clean out the safe.

Lawmaker: Nix 'retarded,' 'lunatic' from Idaho law

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 17:08:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - An Idaho legislator wants to get rid of words like "lunatic" and "retarded" from state laws, saying they're outdated and disrespectful. Boise Democrat Senator Les Bock says changing language in the state code will help educate the public and send a message Idaho doesn't tolerate insulting language.

In Haiti, Americans' attorney says they had papers

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 16:59:00 EST

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti. - The new attorney for 10 Americans charged with child kidnapping in Haiti says the group had authorization to take the children. Aviol Fluerant said that parents gave their kids to the Baptists in good faith. He adds that the group had papers authorizing the children to be taken across the Dominican border. The group's original lawyer, Edwin Coq, was fired over the weekend after he asked for $60,000 to use to bribe the missionaries' way out of jail.

Super Bowl most watched TV show ever

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:53:00 EST

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Super Bowl was watched by more than 106 million people, surpassing the 1983 finale of "M-A-S-H" to become the most-watched program in television history. The Nielsen Co. estimated Monday that 106.5 million people watched the New Orleans Saints upset the Indianapolis Colts. That beats the "M-A-S-H" finale, which had 105.97 million viewers in an era when there were fewer television sets.

Woman surrenders stolen puppy to police

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:37:00 EST

AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. - A woman wanted for stealing a puppy from NW Seed and Pet on Saturday was charged with theft after turning herself into officers Sunday. Around 11:20 a.m. Saturday the woman walked into the store in the 2400 block of E. Sprague and walked out with a Pomeranian worth about $400. Employees did not notice the dog was missing until after the woman had left the store, but surveillance cameras did capture the theft on video.

Reports: Toyota Plans to recall 300,000 Priuses

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST

TOKYO. - News reports out of Japan say Toyota plans to recall about 300,000 Prius hybrids worldwide over a brake problem, but a spokesman for Toyota says no decision on a Prius recall has been made. The Kyodo News Agency says the Prius recall will cover the latest version of the cars that went on sale in May last year.

Idaho lawmakers want to pay kids to graduate early

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:50:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - For Idaho students who think high school lasts forever, two lawmakers want to pay them to speed up their education. Reps. Steve Thayn, a Republican from Emmett, and Branden Durst, a Boise Democrat, say Idaho taxpayers now fund districts to the tune of about $4,593 annually for each of their public school students. Their plan, called the Master Advancement Pilot Project, would pay about a third of that, or about $1,531, to students for each year they graduate early.

High School jogger attacked in Riverfront Park

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:12:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - Spokane Police are searching for a suspect after a local high school student reported being attacked while jogging in Riverfront Park Monday morning. The girl was jogging near the clock tower around 7:15 when she stopped to adjust some of her equipment and was grabbed by the man. A witness nearby saw the attack, approached, and the attacker ran off northbound through the park.

Dragging death remains unsolved one year later

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 21:13:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - It's been one year since 42-year-old Suzette Werner was hit and killed by a vehicle in west central Spokane, and the crime still remains unsolved. Werner was last seen leaving Casey's Lounge, 2126 North Monroe St., Sunday February 8, 2009 around 1:30 a.m. Werner was then struck by a vehicle at North Cedar St. and West Carlisle Ave. between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m.

Two arrested in separate incidents

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 12:41:00 EST

SPOKANE - Two men are behind bars Sunday morning, one who had a nationwide extraditable warrant out of Nevada, the other charged with first degree robbery and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Police looking for suspects passing around counterfeit bills

Sat, 6 Feb 2010 20:59:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, - Police are trying to identify a suspect after counterfeit $100 bills have been passed off to at least two area businesses.

Four arrested after high speed pursuit

Sat, 6 Feb 2010 20:34:00 EST

STATELINE. - Idaho State Police arrested 4 suspects who fled on foot after a pursuit that crisscrossed the Idaho/Washington border.

RV crash blocks Hwy. 2 for hours

Sat, 6 Feb 2010 19:18:00 EST

DEER PARK, Wash. - Fire and rescue crews have cleared the scene of a rollover collision involving a RV pulling a trailer on N. Newport Hwy. just north of E. Westmoreland Rd. The collision happened around noon on Saturday.

10 US missionaries back in jail in Haiti

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti. - Ten U.S. missionaries charged with kidnapping in Haiti have been taken back to jail after appearing before a judge to request provisional release. A lawyer for all 10 says the judge has not ruled on the request. More hearings are scheduled for next week. The tired-looking missionaries filed back into a police van after spending half the day at the courthouse. They did not respond to questions from waiting journalists.

Senate toughens state's cell phone driving law

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 20:17:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington Senate has approved a measure that makes it easier for police to pull over drivers who use a cell phone without a handsfree device. In a vote Friday, the Senate passed a bill that makes it a primary offense to be caught holding a cell phone to your ear while driving. That strengthens the state's current law, which only slaps drivers with an extra fine if they are caught holding a cell phone when pulled over for another infraction, such as speeding.

Melon full of tobacco, drugs intercepted at jail

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST

WENATCHEE, Wash. - The donated cantaloupe that arrived at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center looked more like a pumpkin. Jail Administrator Phil Stanley says there was a noticeable cut around the top, and jail officers who intercepted the melon Monday before it reached inmates found tobacco and a baggie full of oxycodone pills stuffed inside. INSIDE>> Slideshow

Neighbors lose second dog in pit bull attack

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 18:41:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - A woman was injured Friday after trying to separate two pit bulls from another dog they attacked and eventually killed. The attack happened around noon in the area of Bradley and 3rd in Spokane Valley where the dogs were in adjacent backyards separated by a fence. The owners of the dog that was killed, Sabrina and Harold, say the pit bulls pulled their dog through the fence, eventually killing it.

'Large-scale' drug dealer arrested, 80 pounds of marijuana seized

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:46:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - Spokane Regional Drug Task Force and Spokane County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested a 27-year-old Kennewick man Wednesday as part of an on-going investigation into the large-scale distribution of marijuana in Eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana.

New Passenger Bill of Rights could strand you anyway

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:25:00 EST

SEATTLE, Wash. - The airlines are finally doing something about those long delays, but you might not like what some of them are doing. As a powerful storm races up the Eastern Seaboard over the next few days, airlines are making mass cancellations instead of risking putting people on planes only to get stuck on the tarmac.

Wash. Senate allows more to OK medical marijuana

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:44:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - More medical professionals will be allowed to authorize the use of medical marijuana for qualified patients under a measure approved by the Washington state Senate. On a 37-11 vote Friday, the Senate passed a bill that adds physician assistants, naturopaths and others to the list of those who can officially recommend marijuana for patients under the state's medical marijuana law. Under current law, only physicians are allowed to write the recommendation.

Toyota CEO breaks silence amid recall crisis

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:04:00 EST

TOKYO. - The head of Toyota says he wants customers to know "they are the first priority." Akio Toyoda appeared at a news conference today, after a week of silence. The president and CEO apologized but defended his decision to rely on vice presidents to speak on the company's behalf. He said, "we as Toyota operate with one voice."

Gregoire leading governors security council

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:51:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Gov. Chris Gregoire is one of 10 governors appointed by the president to a homeland security council focused on the National Guard.

Unemployment rate drops to 9.7 percent

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:11:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - Although the numbers look a bit better, the unemployment report for January shows just how much of the recession still has to be overcome. The government now estimates that 8.4 million jobs vanished during the recession, and economists think the nation will be lucky to get back 1.5 million of them this year.

Idaho's congressional delegation reacts to charges

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:37:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - Members of Idaho's congressional delegation say they are working to ensure Baptist missionaries being detained in Haiti on child kidnapping charges have access to legal help and medical attention. Of the 10 Americans, eight are from Idaho. In a statement Thursday, Republican Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch, along with Democratic Rep. Walt Minnick and Republican Rep. Mike Simpson, said they hope the matter will resolve quickly.

No decision yet in immigration case

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:11:00 EST

BOSTON, Mass. - An immigration hearing for President Barack Obama's African aunt has ended without an immediate decision in her bid for asylum. Kenya native Zeituni Onyango, the half-sister of Obama's late father, moved to the United States in 2000. Her first asylum request was rejected, and she was ordered deported in 2004, but she didn't leave the country and continued to live in public housing in Boston.

Members of Idaho-based church group charged with child kidnapping

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:10:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - Idaho congressional leaders say they will work with officials at home and in Haiti to ensure that 10 Americans charged with child kidnapping are treated fairly and their legal cases resolved quickly. The Haitian government filed the criminal charges Thursday against the Americans, including eight from Idaho. They were arrested last week after trying to bus 33 undocumented Haitian children across the border to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic.

Hundreds rally for higher education

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

CHENEY, Wash. – Authorities at EWU estimate at least 400 people rallied to support higher education and protest proposed cuts at a demonstration in Cheney Thursday. Students, staff, faculty and administrators met at noon on the campus mall to protest proposed cuts. "My parents are really proud and they worked really hard to get me here," said Kayla Plumb, a first generation college student. "If it weren't for financial aid, I wouldn't be able to go to school."

State park parking areas considered 'target-rich' for vehicle prowlers

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 19:09:00 EST

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - A Spokane family learned the hard way last Sunday that speed matters when reporting the loss or theft of credit or debit cards. The family walked the Centennial Trail to the TJ Meenach Bridge and then returned to the car, a trip that took about an hour. In that amount of time, the car had been broken into and her purse stolen.

Fuel-efficient cars affecting Washington gas tax

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:37:00 EST

VANCOUVER, Wash. - To the list of woes facing a cash-strapped Washington state government, now add fuel efficiency. Drivers pay 37.5 cents on each gallon of gas. The money generates the bulk of revenue needed to build and maintain state highways. The problem is drivers require less gas than they used to.

U.S. investigation into Prius brake problems

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 16:39:00 EST

TOKYO. - Toyota is acknowledging that it has started fixing problems with the brakes in its Prius hybrid, but it hasn't decided about a recall which would add some of the newer Prius models to the millions of other Toyotas that need to go back to the dealer.

Stocks slide on unexpected rise in jobless claims

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:55:00 EST

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Stocks are tumbling as disappointing jobless claims numbers have investors worrying about the government's upcoming January jobs report. At the same time, more trouble for debt-strapped European governments is unnerving investors and driving safe haven holdings like the dollar and Treasurys sharply higher. Claims for unemployment benefits rose by 8,000 to 480,000 last week, the Labor Department says. Investors had hoped for a drop.

Driver faces DUI charges following pursuit, crash

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:44:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - A 22-year-old Spokane man faces charges of Driving While under the Influence of Alcohol and Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle after his 90 plus mph escape attempt ended in a spectacular crash at Sprague and Lee about 11:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Former porn star claims new Tiger Woods golf balls encourage violence against women

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 14:39:00 EST

LOS ANGELE, Calif. - A set of golf balls depicting Tiger Woods' mistresses is drawing the ire of one of the women. Former porn star Veronica Siwick-Daniels, whose face is portrayed on one of the balls, claims to have had a lengthy affair with Woods. Wednesday, Daniels, who also goes by the name Joslyn James, held a news conference with attorney Gloria Allred. The two expressed concern that the 'Tail of Tiger: the Mistress Collection' will increase violence against women.

Tax Time: Mistakes cost you, not your preparer

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:53:00 EST

TEXAS. - The IRS says more than 60 percent of Americans pay someone to do their taxes, but many taxpayers know nothing about the preparers they choose. That's a disadvantage if something goes wrong because mistakes will cost you, not them. Next year, the IRS will require preparers of individual tax returns to register with the government and pass a test to prove their competence, but in the meantime, you should always check a preparers qualifications.

Former Mead student prepares for Olympics

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 21:21:00 EST

MEAD, Wash. - Teachers at Mead High School are gearing-up for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver with recent news that a former student will be competing in the games. Will Brandenburg graduated from Mead in 2005. His high school yearbook says he started skiing when he was 11-months-old and his teachers say he hasn't stopped since. He found out he was selected for the US Ski Team last week and sent a text message to one of his former teachers.

Wash. lawmakers unveil 1st major tax-hike plans

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 20:18:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Democratic state lawmakers are moving ahead with their first major plans for raising taxes as they try to solve a huge budget deficit. The likely two-part strategy began to emerge Wednesday. Senators are considering a bill that would amend Initiative 960, which set up a difficult two-thirds vote hurdle for raising taxes. Once that's done, the Democratic majority can raise taxes without trying to win the votes of reluctant Republicans.

Suspicious packages discovered in Post Falls

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 20:03:00 EST

POST FALLS, Idaho. - The Spokane County Bomb Squad was called to Post Falls, Idaho Wednesday to dispose of two devices police said appeared to be pipe bombs.

Man charged with attempted murder after shooting at, choking wife

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 19:43:00 EST

LATAH COUNTY, Idaho. - Latah County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 38-year-old man early Wednesday morning after he reportedly beat, choked and shot at his 28-year-old wife.

Gym teacher accused of sexual abuse

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 19:04:00 EST

BENEWAH COUNTY, Idaho. - A high school gym teacher and local cheerleading coach is accused of sexually abusing a teenager. Darin J. DeBolt, 26, a teacher at Lakeside High School in North Idaho, appeared in court today on one count of sexual battery of a minor child ages 16 or 17. DeBolt was arrested Tuesday at the 130-student high school in Plummer, where the Spokane resident has worked for five years.

Salvation Army using Red Kettles for Haiti relief

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 17:14:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Salvation Army, in an effort to raise local funds for the relief effort in Haiti, will be putting out Red Kettles at their Spokane and Spokane Valley thrift stores.

Geithner: New bank fee would recoup AIG bonuses

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner says Congress can recoup "outrageous" bonuses for AIG employees through a new bank fee in President Barack Obama's proposed budget.

Homeless man tries to stop gas station robber

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:35:00 EST

PORTLAND, Ore. - A homeless man in western Oregon is being hailed a hero after fighting off a robber who tried to steal money from a gas station near where the homeless man camps out.

WA House, Senate, pass resolutions honoring cops

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington state House and Senate are honoring six police officers killed late last year. The House also plans to vote on several measures, including one that would increase death benefits for the survivors of police killed on the job.

4 patrol cars crash after Everett chase

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:14:00 EST

EVERETT, Wash. - Four patrol cars, two Everett city police and two Snohomish County, were involved in crashes after a stolen car chase in Everett.

Feds expand probe of Toyota's sticky gas pedals

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:09:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - Federal safety officials have widened their investigation of Toyota's sticky gas pedals to see if the same problem could exist for other automakers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has sent a letter to CTS, the Indiana company that made the pedals behind Toyota's recall of millions of vehicles. The safety agency wants to know more about pedals that CTS made for other auto companies.

Pastor: Arrest of missionaries a misunderstanding

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:39:00 EST

ATLANTA, Ga. - A pastor who says he gave 10 U.S. Baptist missionaries permission to move a busload of Haitian children to the Dominican Republic says the group acted "with a good heart." However, he says they didn't complete the required paperwork. The missionaries were later arrested after Haitian authorities said they tried crossing the border without documents. Pastor Jean Sainvil said Wednesday that the missionaries had approval from the parents of children who were not orphaned.

Cheaters, others rip off Idaho to tune of $250M

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:13:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - Whether through cheating or ignorance, taxpayers are shorting Idaho by about $250 million annually at a time when Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is cutting budgets and schools, prisons and other state agencies are clamoring for more money.

Driver flees after crashing into Hillyard home

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:35:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - Police are searching for the driver of a car who ran from officers after crashing her car into a home late Tuesday night. The crash happened in the 6600 block of N. Cook in Hillyard just after 11 p.m. Police say the woman first hit a tree before striking the home. Both the driver and the male passenger took off running before police arrived. After a short search, police found the male passenger who said the driver was a woman he'd met in a North Spokane bar.

Penny-pinchers reach for insect spray as self-defense alternative

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:07:00 EST

KENNEWICK, Wash. - When most people think of wasp or hornet spray, defending their homes against those pesky nests comes to mind, but at 'Ranch and Home' in Kennewick, managers say it's flying off the shelves for a different reason: Self defense. The cans, which run about $5, are capable of spraying their contents between 20 and 30 feet and store managers say those aspects appeal to people wanting a cheap and easy household weapon.

Detained Americans questioned by Haitian judge

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 20:27:00 EST

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti. - Ten Americans arrested in Haiti while trying to bring a busload of children across the border are being questioned by a judge. The investigating magistrate queried the women for several hours Tuesday and will follow up with the men Wednesday, according to the Haiti's communications minister. No lawyers were present, and the Americans have yet to be charged. The minister says evidence will be presented to a district attorney to decide whether to file charges.

Driver suffers medical emergency, good samaritans guide car to safety

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:59:00 EST

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - The Washington State Patrol is crediting two Spokane County drivers with bringing a dangerous situation to a close after they pulled in front of and behind an erratically driven vehicle on Highway 291 last Monday.

Police searching for leotard-clad burglar

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:56:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - A Spokane Valley 14-year-old told officers Tuesday that he was in the shower about 6:40 a.m. Tuesday when he was interrupted by a burglar wearing a red bandana over his face and gray skin-tight leotards.

Crews working to determine cause of house fire

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:31:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a Tuesday afternoon fire that broke out at a home in the 2500 block of E. 5th. Fire crews say no one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported, though crews did pull two cats from the home, one of which was given oxygen.

Illegal mole trap used on state grounds in Olympia

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:41:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Groundskeepers at the Capitol Campus in Olympia have been using body-gripping mole traps in apparent violation of state law.

Top uniformed officer: Gay ban should be lifted

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:32:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - Some angry words from Sen. John McCain today for the nation's top defense officials, over the issue of "don't ask, don't tell."

Police searching for arcade burglar

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 16:13:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - Spokane Valley detectives are hoping you recognize a man who is responsible for rifling through numerous arcade machines at a Hico Village convenience store on January 24.

Geithner says economy improved from a year ago

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 13:41:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner says the nation's economy is stronger than it was a year ago, yet the government must continue to act to stimulate job growth.

2nd assault trial for King County deputy

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 13:14:00 EST

SEATTLE, Wash. - A new date may be set Tuesday for the second assault trial of a King County sheriff's deputy who beat a 15-year-old girl in a SeaTac jail cell. A mistrial was declared in the first trial after jurors were unable to agree on a verdict last month for Paul Schene.

Idaho F&G director says wolf hunts going very well

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:26:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - The Department of Fish and Game says the first legal wolf hunt in the lower 48 states in years was a major 2009 milestone. Director Cal Groen told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, "The department and the state did that first wolf season very well." In all, some 25,700 Idaho residents bought wolf tags, with another 684 people from outside the state purchasing a chance to shoot one of the big predators. That brought in about $400,000.

Night of drinking leads to N. Spokane stabbing

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:17:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - A 32-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday morning after police say he stabbed another man following a drunken argument. Matthew Blizzard and an unidentified 39-year-old man had met each other just hours before the stabbing took place around 4 a.m. According to police, Blizzard and the other man had been drinking heavily in an apartment in the 6600 block of N. Addison when the argument began.

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Truck heists on the rise nationwide

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 01:42:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - It's happening nationwide, thieves are taking semi trucks loaded with merchandise. Now, truckers are taking extra measures to keep their goods safe. Experts saw a huge spike in cargo thefts in 2009. Truckers say it's becoming a big problem. The majority of thefts reportedly happen at a truck stop when the driver goes to get a bite to eat.

House committee approves bill restricting outings of certain mentally ill patients

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 21:19:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - A bill prompted by the escape last fall of criminally-insane killer Phillip Paul won approval Monday in the House Human Services Committee. House Bill 2717, prime-sponsored by Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley, would restrict outings of certain institutionalized mentally-ill patients. In September, Paul, who had brutally murdered an elderly Sunnyside woman in 1987, was taken on an outing with other ESH patients to the Spokane County Fair, where he simply walked away.

Transportation agency spends $70,000 on ceremonies

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:17:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - The Idaho Transportation Department has spent nearly $70,000 on groundbreaking ceremonies since June to help the governor and other leaders mark the start of new highway projects around the state.

Suspected ATM thief pulls gun on bail bonds employee

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:34:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - Spokane police have taken a suspect into custody after he reportedly pulled a gun while inside Angel's Bail Bonds on N. Monroe Monday afternoon. George Butrick, 32, was talking with an employee about terms of a bond when he became angry and pulled the gun. Police say Butrick did point the weapon at several people inside the business before the owner was able to calm him down and talk him into giving her the pistol.

Haiti PM: US Baptists knew removing kids was wrong

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:35:00 EST

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti. - Haiti's prime minister says it's clear to him that the 10 U.S. Baptists who tried to take 33 Haitian children out of the quake-ravaged country "knew what they were doing was wrong." Prime Minister Max Bellerive also tells The Associated Press his country is open to having the Americans tried in the United States. Bellerive says some of the children have parents who are alive. The government is attempting to locate them.

Toyota tells dealers parts on the way to fix pedals

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 16:34:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - Some Toyota dealers are planning to remain open around the clock, to fix the 2.3 million cars and trucks in the United States affected by a recall.

Effort to legalize recreational marijuana use gains ground in California

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California will be ground zero this fall in a heated national debate about whether to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Proponents argue that marijuana use is already widespread, and legalizing it would bring in much needed tax revenue for California's cash-strapped government.

Obama's budget includes more spending

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:18:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - The budget submitted to Congress today by President Barack Obama talks of the tough choices needed to restrain runaway deficits, but it also includes spending aimed at lifting the country out of a recession that has cost more than 7 million jobs over the past two years.

Warmest January on record for Seattle, 8th warmest in Spokane

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:33:00 EST

SEATTLE, Wash. - The National Weather Service says last month was the warmest January on record in Seattle, an average of 47 degrees. That was about a half-degree warmer than the old record set in 2006. Seattle records go back to 1891.

Study: Idaho kids getting heavier

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:25:00 EST

TWIN FALLS, Idaho. - The Idaho State Department of Education says Idaho's children are getting fatter, with nearly 25 percent of first-graders overweight or obese.

Oregon man seeks damages in medicine bag case

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:22:00 EST

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) - An Oregon man is accusing Idaho police officers of destroying the mystical qualities of his Native American medicine bag when they opened it during a drunk driving arrest last summer. The tort claim filed recently by 49-year-old Craig Clark Show, of Portland, seeks $25,000 in damages from the Idaho State Police and Bonner County Sheriff Department.

Police investigating early morning double stabbing

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:49:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - Spokane Police responded to the report of a stabbing that occurred in the 600 block of S. Helena about 3 a.m. Saturday. Upon arriving police found two victims with life threatening injuries. The victims are described as two black males, one in his 20's and the other in his 40's.

Medical Lake Officials ‘insulted’ by Pine Lodge jail proposals

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:53:00 EST

MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. - Medical Lake city officials said Friday they want the Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women and no other prison. If state officials close Pine Lodge as suggested by Gov. Chris Gregoire, Medical Lake will "take every action available, including legal, to prevent any other corrections facility from occupying that building," city officials said in a press release.

Stevens County workshop complete loss after fire

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:06:00 EST

STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. - A Stevens County workshop used by logging contractors has been ruled a complete loss after a fire broke out in the industrial structure around 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Judge revokes conditional release for Phillip Paul

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:05:00 EST

YAKIMA, Wash. - A Yakima County Superior Court judge Friday revoked the conditional release for a mental patient who escaped while on a field trip to the Spokane County Fair in September. Judge Michael Schwab ruled Friday that Phillip Paul should remain at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, citing his potential to become dangerous if he doesn't take his medication.

Fire crews investigating fire at vacant Spokane Valley home

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:44:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - Fire crews are investigating a fire that broke out in a home in the 300 block of N. Sargent around 3:30 p.m. Friday. Neighbors say no lives in the home and they thought it was abandoned.

Teen involved in highway shootings back in custody

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:38:00 EST

MOSCOW, Idaho. - One of two teens Latah County Sheriff's deputies believe was involved in the shooting of several vehicles on State Highway 8 is back in custody after authorities discovered a pipe bomb in a home connected to the teen.

State plan to close Pine Lodge prison on hold

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:05:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - State Corrections Secretary Eldon Vail says the state will delay plans to close the Pine Lodge Correction Center for Women to see whether it can be shared with inmates from Spokane County and the city of Spokane.

Wolf advocate puts hunters' names on Web site

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:24:00 EST

BOISE, Idaho. - A Boise wolf advocate has used a public records request to get the names of hunters who reported killing a wolf in Idaho and posted all 122 names on a Web site. Hobson says his intention in getting the names from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game was not to cause the hunters to be targeted for harassment by wolf hunt opponents, but he says hunters who bagged wolves have by default inserted themselves into the debate.

Ellensburg woman works to rehabilitate, release Bald Eagles

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:56:00 EST

MOSES LAKE, Wash. - It's the moment Marnee Wine has worked for over the past month: Releasing a Bald Eagle back into the wild. Marnee, working with a wild animal veterinarian in Ellensburg and the Department of Fish and wildlife, provides assistance to animals which would otherwise be left to fend for themselves.

Toddler walks away from DUI collision

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:51:00 EST

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - A Spokane Valley mother is facing DUI and Reckless Endangerment charges after she crashed her car about 1:45 a.m. and allowed her 3-year-old son to walk away from the scene. Denice Goode told deputies who arrived to investigate the crash that she had let her son play in a yard while she worked to free her 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo from several large boulders at Bridgeport and Marguerite.

Economy grows at 5.7 percent pace

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:53:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - The economy grew for a second straight quarter from October through December, posting a 5.7 percent annual rate, the fastest pace since the third quarter of 2003. The Commerce Department report is the strongest evidence to date that the worst recession since the 1930s ended last year. Meanwhile, wages and benefits were up 1.5 percent, the weakest showing on records that go back to 1982.

Toyota finds fix for gas pedals

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:41:00 EST

DETROIT. - Toyota Motor Corp. says it will begin telling millions of customers how it will repair their sticky gas pedal systems next week, and repairs will be finished in less than a month. Company spokesman Brian Lyons says he can't state specifically when repairs will begin, but he says the automaker is moving quickly to correct the problem that affects about 4.2 million vehicles in the U.S., Europe and China.

Study finds Idaho fails low-income defendants

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:25:00 EST

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho. - A study has found that Idaho fails to provide the level of legal defense for low-income defendants as required by the U.S. Constitution.

DUI charges pending against motorcyclist

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:34:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. - Pending the results of a blood alcohol test, a 33-year-old man may face DUI charges after crashing his motorcycle into a STA bus Thursday night. The crash happened just after 8 p.m. in the intersection of Altamont and 5th. According to witnesses, the bus was in the intersection when the motorcyclist drove into the intersection, swerved to miss the bus, then fell over sideways and slid into it.

Collision investigation to close stretch of Wellesley

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:03:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - A stretch of Wellesley Ave. near the Trent Ave. intersection will be closed Friday morning at 8 a.m. while collision reconstructionists investigate a late December collision that left two teens seriously injured.

Laid-off Papa John’s employees finding work at competitor

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:55:00 EST

SPOKANE, Wash. – Just days ago they were competitors. Now former employees of Papa John's are finding work at Pizza Hut after losing their jobs on Monday. Papa John's franchises in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene closed their doors on Monday leaving dozens without work. Managers at Pizza Hut saw the closure as an opportunity to hire new employees. "They understand what we do," said Steve Abigail, Regional Manager of Pizza Hut in Spokane. "They understand the pizza business."

Wash., Oregon to get $600M for high-speed rail

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington and Oregon are in line to receive nearly $600 million for projects to increase the speed of trains between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, an improvement that could eventually cut an hour from the current three and a half hour trip.

Masked man attempts to lure child to truck

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:00 EST

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - East Valley School Resource Deputy Scott Streltzoff issued a warning Thursday for parents of younger students after a masked man confronted a boy walking home in the dark Wednesday.

Fed judges pause ruling on WA felony inmate voting

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:05:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - A federal appeals court has temporarily stayed its decision that would allow Washington felons to vote from prison. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the state's request for the stay on Thursday, while Washington officials ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take their appeal. Earlier this month, the appellate court overturned Washington's felon disenfranchisement law, saying minorities were disproportionately affected.

Man found unconscious in road taken off life support

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:56:00 EST

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho. - Cd'A police are investigating the death of a 25-year-old man who may have fallen or jumped out of a car in the early morning hours of January 17. The man had been in a car with friends who told police they are not sure whether he fell or jumped from the car, but they did not notice he was missing until a few minutes later. They went back to look for him, but when they could no find him, they went home.

Police: Mom starved infant to prevent baby from getting fat

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:06:00 EST

BELLEVUE, Wash. - A Bellevue couple has been accused of starving their baby daughter and putting laxatives in her bottle in order to prevent her from getting fat. Samuel and Brittainy Labberton are charged with third-degree criminal mistreatment. Brittainy denies she starved her daughter. "As a matter of fact my, daughter eats more than I do," said Brittainy. "If I had one drop of food left in my house, I would give it to my kids before I even thought about myself."

59 fire fatalities in Washington in 2009

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:41:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - There were 59 fire fatalities last year in Washington compared with 45 in 2008. The state Fire Marshal Office says December was the deadliest month since fire fatality reporting became a requirement in 1999 with 19 fire deaths being reported. The office says 17 percent of the deaths were caused by smoking and 14 percent by electrical appliances or wires, 10 percent were intentionally set or self-inflicted.

Pentagon working to implement Obama's repeal of policy on gays

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:38:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - The Pentagon says it's working on a plan for ending the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bars gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. In Wednesday night's State of the Union address, President Barack Obama urged Congress to repeal the ban, saying it's "the right thing to do." A Pentagon panel looking at the issue has advised the Joint Chiefs that: "Now is not the time."

Pedal maker says fix is in the works

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:21:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - The company that makes the gas pedal systems implicated in Toyota's big recall of some popular brands says it is working with the automaker on a fix.

Obama battles to recharge presidency

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST

WASHINGTON. - A day after the State of the Union address, President Barack Obama is taking his hopes for a healthier economy to Florida. Obama told the nation yesterday that he knows Americans have been unhappy and frustrated about the pace of change since he was elected. Republicans say they want a "seat at the table" and not just the monthly meetings offered in his State of the Union speech last night by President Barack Obama.

Thousands attend memorial for former Gonzaga coach Dan Fitzgerald

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:37:00 EST

AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. - Thousands of people attended a memorial Wednesday morning in honor Dan Fitzgerald, the man credited with bringing the Gonzaga basketball program into the national spotlight. The man known as "Fitz" by his friends passed away last week at the age of 67. The memorial service in his honor took place at the Pend Oreille Pavilion inside Northern Quest Resort west of Spokane

Gregoire breaking state campaign finance laws

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:16:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - State regulators say Gov. Chris Gregoire is violating campaign finance law by raising money for a congressional candidate. Gregoire's campaign committee sent out an e-mail Wednesday afternoon endorsing Democrat Denny Heck for Congress in southwest Washington's 3rd District. The e-mail encourages donations to Heck, and includes links to the donation page on his Web site. State regulators say that's not allowed under state law.

Grant County deputy kills dog that attacked K-9

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:02:00 EST

MOSES LAKE, Wash. - A Grant County sheriff's deputy says he shot and killed a dog to protect his police dog from attack.

Child in state care after meth lab raid

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:02:00 EST

NEZ PERCE COUNTY, Idaho. - A child was taken into state care last week after Idaho authorities raided a home and discovered a meth lab. The raid on the home in the 1300 of Lindsey Creek Rd. was conducted by the Quad Cities Drug Task force which consists of members from 10 different law enforcement agencies.

Washington House OKs measure to freeze bonuses

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:58:00 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington state House has approved a measure to freeze bonuses for some nonunion state workers.

LAPD: Anti-gang worker killed by graffiti suspect

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Police say a well-known former gangster who has counseled against violence was killed when he confronted a graffiti-writer in Los Angeles.

Autopsy: Fight a factor in Kerrigan father's death

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

A Massachusetts medical examiner has found that figure skater Nancy Kerrigan's father died of a heart rhythm problem after suffering a neck injury so severe it damaged his voice box.

Pa. Dem Murtha remembered as military advocate

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Rep. John Murtha, who said the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq was based on "flawed policy wrapped in illusion" and called for a withdrawal of U.S. troops there, is being remembered as an advocate on...

ATF blames Texas church fires on serial arsonist

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Recent fires that destroyed or damaged several churches in eastern Texas were likely set by one person or group of people, federal authorities said Tuesday.

Evacuations under way for LA-area foothills

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Homeowners in mud-ravaged foothill towns packed their cars and fled Tuesday as evacuation orders took hold and a new winter storm approached.

Another major storm headed to snowy Mid-Atlantic

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Snow blew across the Midwest Tuesday on track for the hard-hit Mid-Atlantic region, where federal government offices were closed for a second straight day and utility workers struggled to restore power knocked out by a...

Jackson doctor out on bail, back for April hearing

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Michael Jackson's doctor returns to court in April to find out the date for the next major step in the case - a proceeding that will reveal for the first time the evidence the prosecution believes will show his "gross...

Minn. bridge collapse widow adopts Haitian twins

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Betsy Sathers wears the glow of a new mother as she perches on the couch in her family room, smiling and chatting with visitors while still managing to keep an eye on the 2-year-old twins burbling and cavorting at her feet.

Parade to give another jolt of Saints euphoria

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Another jolt of Saints euphoria is on tap for New Orleans Tuesday when the Super Bowl champs board floats borrowed from Mardi Gras krewes for a victory parade through the grateful city.

Fellow NY Democrats offer Paterson little support

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:38:00 EST

Gov. David Paterson is getting little support from Albany's other top Democrats as he fights what he calls attacks on his character.