Inside the courtroom

Live coverage of the Joseph Duncan sentencing trial

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Court ends after graphic day

Updated at 6:30 p.m. | Warning: Content is disturbing. In the Joseph Duncan sentencing trial today, the prosecution showed a graphic video depicting sexual abuse at a cabin near the Montana campsite, then rested its case after calling final witnesses -- one of whom Duncan molested as a boy. Duncan briefly took the stand in his defense but said nothing before resting. Jurors then received their instructions. Closing arguments are scheduled for Friday.
From the courtroom now: Twitter.com/SpokesmanReview
Related story: What happens next in Duncan trial
Audio: Reporter Betsy Z. Russell describes court scene | Editor Steve Smith on why S-R argued for open-court video showing
Slideshow: The evidence
Documents: Government's list of aggravating factors | Motion from Steve Groene on open courtroom | Media response to motion | Judge's order for open-court
Previous coverage: Joseph Duncan
Discuss: Parent's Council: When reading the news hurts

INC.com recognizes CEO of Spokane biotech firm

Updated at 5:01 p.m. | Lisa Shaffer, of Spokane biotech firm Signature Genomic Laboratories, was selected as the No. 8 woman CEO in a list developed by INC.com.

SNAP employee honored for helping poor find homes

Updated at 3:19 p.m. | A social services worker was honored today for his role in finding homes for about 260 of Spokane’s poorest residents who were displaced by downtown gentrification. The deeds of Bob Peeler, an employee of Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs, were entered into the Congressional Record by 5th District U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Storms may bring chilly night and fog before sun returns

Updated at 4:00 p.m. | Storms are clearing out of the region, but there's a possibility of heavy fog and even frost in outlying areas before a return to sunny skies and warmer temperatures. The fiercest storms passed through around noon, hitting Spokane Valley with hail up to 1 inch in diameter and dropping heavy rain over most of the region.
Weather: Washington | Idaho
Check Spokane area: Traffic cameras
Highway information: Idaho | Washington | Montana | Oregon

Slideshow: Olympics photos of the day

Updated at 3:22 p.m. | The U.S. women's soccer team beats Brazil to win gold. U.S. runners sweep the medals in the 400 meters after earlier disappointments in track-and-field relays. And Japanese softball players lift their coach in celebration after beating the Americans to win the gold. View a slideshow of this and other Olympics action.

Restaurant, wine bar to open near Green Bluff

Updated at 6:13 p.m. | A roadside restaurant on the path to Green Bluff – a landmark for you-pick berry seekers – is slated to open in time for the fall harvest rush.
Discuss: Here's the Dirt blog

Lincoln County fire 20 percent contained

The Swanson Lake fire has burned nearly 19,000 acres and several structures, officials said today. The wildfire in Lincoln County near Davenport that temporarily caused evacuations earlier this week is now about 20 percent contained, said fire spokesman Mark Morrow. In addition to the old grange hall and an abandoned home, two seasonal cabins and 15 outbuildings have been destroyed.

Kendall Yards developing slowly

At 78 acres of mostly bare dirt, the site of the proposed Kendall Yards development overlooking the Spokane River is a conspicuous piece of real estate. After all the attention its developer received for an ambitious plan to build hundreds of homes and provide space for businesses there, however, heads are turning for a different reason: Nothing has been built.
Discuss: Here's the Dirt blog
Audio: On the amount of interest in this development project
Previous coverage: Kendall Yards

Spokane police logs

Read Wednesday's police service logs and activity logs.

 Former charity director, employee face theft charges
 Deaconess sale approved
 Couple selling what they say is Weaver's old truck
 Candidates take stock of primary results
 Doug Clark: Sasquatch hoaxers have big shoes to fill
 Woman sues CdA in crash with police car
 Thirtymile commander sentenced to work release

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Huckleberries' Best of the INorthwest: August 21
Inland NW news and commentary, updated each weekday.

We've Acoustically Exploded

Acoustic music is folking up the local scene. Since 7's inaugural Acoustic Explosion in 2006, singer-songwriters have stolen the spotlight from hard rock bands that once defined live music in Spokane.

Race for commission proves close

The top-two primary election Tuesday for Spokane County Commission settled only one thing: Two Republican incumbents appear to be in a tight race to keep their jobs.

» Orange Crush may be Shock's biggest fans

» Progress slow at Kendall Yards

» Randy Weaver's pickup for sale on eBay

» State measures would require paid sick days

» Doug Clark: Bigfoot discovery a scam? No news there

Steve Groene requests limitations for torture video

BOISE – Steve Groene, father of the victim, has filed an emergency motion urging U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge to reconsider his order that a graphic video be shown in open court in the Joseph Duncan case.

» Steve Groene requests limitations for torture video

U.S., Poland sign agreement for missile defense base

WARSAW, Poland – The United States and Poland signed a deal Wednesday to place a U.S. missile defense base just 115 miles from Russia – a move followed swiftly by a new warning from Moscow of a possible military response.

» Spanish jet crashes on takeoff; 153 killed

» U.S., Iraq draft timeline for pullback

Jet-fast Jamaican adds 200 record

BEIJING – Usain Bolt's eyes darted to check the numbers on the trackside clock once, twice, three times, more.

» Best beach combo may wave goodbye

» They know the drill: Prep teams start march

Firm to work on runway extension plans

The Spokane International Airport board of directors moved a major runway extension forward Wednesday with the hiring of San Francisco-based URS Engineering to complete plans for a project that could cost as much as $50 million.

» Firm to work on runway extension plans

There's a reason why it's known as a six-pack

You might have heard about this.According to a survey of 88 U.S. markets, Spokane ranks third highest in its percentage (8.8) of adults who drink beer at least six days in a typical two-week period.

» There's a reason why it's known as a six-pack

Our View: Bill would help low-income people pay energy bills

A menacing winter storm is slowly bearing down on low-income residents. It is huge, life-threatening and easy to predict. What isn't certain is whether Congress can set aside partisan posturing long enough to help head off the damage.

» Lynn Swanbom: Can't make hay bashing straw men

» Outside view: Shield law for journalists

All of today's news