Breaking News Archive
No Can Do
March 14, 2010
City legal turns thumbs down on measure to add independent investigative authority to police ombudsman.
Read No Can DoSemi-Tough
March 9, 2010
Federal Judge smacks down environmental challenge to Bigelow Gulch Road expansion.
Read Semi-ToughWorkshopalooza
March 8, 2010
Progressive organizer Marcy Westerling will keynote PJALS conference this weekend in Spokane.
Read WorkshopaloozaRoaring Fun over Radwaste
March 5, 2010
After a stormy hearing in Spokane, Seattlites organizing to pan Hanford proposal with humor and other treats.
Read Roaring Fun over RadwasteOrmsby Nominated
March 3, 2010
President Obama seeks Senate confirmation for Spokane lawyer to be next U.S. Attorney for Eastern Washington,
Read Ormsby NominatedWhere Does Clean Water Begin?
March 1, 2010
In the latest installment of its “Toxic Waters” series, the New York Times looks at how two recent high court decisions have created a large loophole in the Clean Water Act.
Read Where Does Clean Water Begin?Breean Beggs to Leave Center for Justice
February 22, 2010
After six years, attorney who guided law firm to new heights says it’s time to step aside.
Read Breean Beggs to Leave Center for JusticeWhat’s up with the dock?
February 18, 2010
Fearing impacts on native trout, Spokane Riverkeeper and Trout Unlimited move to stop developer’s dock construction in Spokane River.
Read What’s up with the dock?Lawn Services in a Lather
February 10, 2010
Bills to limit phosphorous in lawn fertilizer have industry group hopping mad and waterway guardians trying to weed out misinformation. UPDATE: Senate bill to restrict phosphorous passes 36-11.
Read Lawn Services in a LatherBad Bill, Big Smack
January 22, 2010
(UPDATED 1-25-10 WITH VIDEO LINK, ECOLOGY ALSO OPPOSES BILL) The Spokane Riverkeeper and his lawyer take a good rip at a proposed new state bill that attempts “to legislate out” provisions of the federal Clean Water Act.
Read Bad Bill, Big SmackSupreme Slap
January 21, 2010
President Obama comes out swinging after Supreme Court decision striking down campaign finance laws.
Read Supreme SlapOpening the Courtroom
January 20, 2010
U.S. Supreme Court rules that the right to a public trial includes jury selection process.
Read Opening the CourtroomYanking phosphorus
January 11, 2010
In the latest effort to stop eutrophication of state waterways, the Washington legislature takes up bills to limit phosphorus content in lawn fertilizer. (Updated with 1/19/10 Video link to testimony on SB 6289.)
Read Yanking phosphorusTaming Tasers
January 5, 2010
In Ventura County case, a federal appeals court defines the limits of lawful use of electrifying stun guns by police officers.
Read Taming TasersThe Water is Wide
December 15, 2009
The Inlander features an interview with Riverkeeper Rick Eichstaedt.
Read The Water is WideBut Thanks for Asking…
November 22, 2009
S-R reports new police guild contract won’t include investigatory powers for Ombudsman.
Read But Thanks for Asking…Fish Findings
November 10, 2009
New EPA study shows widespread freshwater fish contamination.
Read Fish FindingsMoving Down the Hall
November 9, 2009
Ecology’s own Ted Sturdevant chosen to replace Jay Manning as Director.
Read Moving Down the HallClearing the Air
Spokane board settles open meetings case with Center for Justice.
Read Clearing the AirChairs for Three
November 4, 2009
Spokane County looks to fill open seats on its Planning Commission.
Read Chairs for ThreeCounting Ballots
Prop. 4 and I-1033 swoon, while R-71 appears to be passing statewide.
Read Counting BallotsTrendsetter
November 2, 2009
New York follows Washington’s lead and enacts texting while driving ban.
Read TrendsetterNew Partner
October 27, 2009
Spokane Riverkeeper now among earth-friendly groups listed with 1% For The Planet.
Read New PartnerUntrashing the River
October 26, 2009
2009 Spokane River Clean Up nets a small mountain of debris.
Read Untrashing the RiverIn Memory of Matthew Shepard
October 22, 2009
Senate passes “landmark” bill that would make it a federal hate crime to assault a person because of his or her sexual orientation.
Read In Memory of Matthew ShepardShopping for Justice
October 14, 2009
The Kizuri fair trade store pitches in to help support the Center for Justice and other good causes this month.
Read Shopping for JusticeJustice on Weekends
October 12, 2009
Spokane Municipal Court to initiate Saturday sessions later this year.
Read Justice on WeekendsManning Moves
October 6, 2009
Washington’s Ecology Director leaves to become Governor Gregoire’s chief of staff.
Read Manning MovesOmbudsfix
October 1, 2009
Citizen Coalition seeks resolution directing Mayor to bargain for investigative authority for police ombudsman.
Read OmbudsfixShun the Scum
September 30, 2009
State issues advisory for Lake Spokane after “extremely high” levels of toxin are measured in sample from algae bloom.
Read Shun the ScumBanner Day for KYRS
September 24, 2009
Spokane’s Community Radio Station lands six-figure grant to power up its signal.
Read Banner Day for KYRSA Liquid Reportorial Gem
The recent New York Times series, “Toxic Waters,” is a valuable resource both for environmental organizations and concerned citizens.
Read A Liquid Reportorial GemJailhouse Rocked
September 21, 2009
King County Judge reaffirms that automatic jail bookings fees violate Constitutional due process rights.
Read Jailhouse RockedD.O. Ver. 3
September 15, 2009
The Department of Ecology is out with its third try on a dissolved oxygen cleanup plan for the Spokane River.
Read D.O. Ver. 3Dear Senator
Spokane Riverkeeper joins national climate change initiative seeking funds for job-creating conservation projects.
Read Dear SenatorA “Thrilling” Reprieve at City Hall
September 3, 2009
In a ruling that avoids a criminal justice migraine for Spokane, the state Supreme Court reverses appeals court on judicial jurisdiction case.
Read A “Thrilling” Reprieve at City HallCloser to Shore
August 31, 2009
Ecology sets September 15th workshop for final critique of Spokane County’s shoreline regulations.
Read Closer to ShoreThat Damned Sewage Treatment Plant Scheme…
August 26, 2009
In Part 5 of “Insiders & Naysayers,” Spokane historian Bill Stimson looks at why it took Spokane until 1958 to stop dumping raw sewage into the Spokane River.
Read That Damned Sewage Treatment Plant Scheme…Judicial Smackdown
August 20, 2009
The Washington Supreme Court pointedly rebukes a presiding municipal court judge for trying to quash disclosure of an investigation into his alleged misconduct.
Read Judicial SmackdownSettlement at Southgate
August 18, 2009
Ending a bitter fight, council votes 6-1 to accept negotiated agreements for retail developments at Spokane’s southern entrance.
Read Settlement at SouthgateSoap Opera
August 17, 2009
Spokane became the butt of some national jokes with its ban on phosphorous-laden detergent. But Sunday’s S-R reports the “new storyline: it’s working.”
Read Soap OperaA Lighter Touch?
August 10, 2009
Idaho cuts back on plans to apply herbicide in Lake Pend Oreille after Waterkeeper lodges concerns about endangered bull trout.
Read A Lighter Touch?Sotomayer Confirmed by Senate
August 6, 2009
Only nine Republicans vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic and third woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Read Sotomayer Confirmed by SenatePaging John Pederson
July 24, 2009
Center seeks a mandamus action to require Spokane County to enforce its Critical Areas Ordinance.
Read Paging John Pederson
Storm over Stormwater
July 15, 2009
Waterkeepers unite to condemn Washington’s plans to alter standards for industrial stormwater.
Read Storm over StormwaterEnvision a Big Fight
July 14, 2009
In the face of hostile testimony, Envision Spokane’s “Bill of Rights” initiative gets forwarded to County Auditor to validate signatures.
Read Envision a Big Fight“Confessions” Earns ECO Award
July 9, 2009
Offbeat CFJ article on dishwasher soap and the environment rated among nation’s best in environmental writing.
Read “Confessions” Earns ECO AwardVindication for Shawn Huss
July 8, 2009
County agrees to settle class action lawsuit arising from jail bookings fee dispute.
Read Vindication for Shawn HussGoing Too Far
June 25, 2009
U.S. Supreme Court finds strip search of 13-year-old student Savana Redding violated her Fourth Amendment rights.
Read Going Too FarThe Pick
June 16, 2009
Mayor selects retired policeman from California for Ombudsman post.
Read The PickThe New, New Policy
Spokane adjusts public records charges in response to recent state Attorney General’s inquiry.
Read The New, New PolicyA Meeting with the Mayor
Spokane groups working to bolster independence of police ombudsman office expected to meet next week with Mayor Verner.
Read A Meeting with the MayorEugster’s Close Call
June 11, 2009
Spokane attorney and former city councilman barely avoids disbarment.
Read Eugster’s Close CallPaddling for Permits
June 8, 2009
City seeking comments on Whitewater Park proposal.
Read Paddling for PermitsWho Gets to Judge?
May 28, 2009
Washington Supreme Court hears oral arguments in CFJ case challenging propriety of Spokane District Court judge’s decision to hear and rule on municipal cases.
Read Who Gets to Judge?PCBs, PDQ
May 26, 2009
In one of his first actions as the new Spokane Riverkeeper, Rick Eichstaedt puts the state on notice about its foot-dragging on a cleanup plan for a notorious toxin that plagues Spokane River fish.
Read PCBs, PDQObama Makes His Pick
Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor is nominated to replace Justice David H. Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Read Obama Makes His Pick“We Went Off Course.”
May 25, 2009
In a much anticipated speech, President Obama issues his strongest denunciation of torture to date, and reaffirms his commitment to closing Guantanamo detention center.
Read “We Went Off Course.”Secrets or Shadows?
State appeals court will hear CFJ arguments this week in a public records case rooted in allegations of public corruption involving the hiring of former Commissioner Phil Harris’s son.
Read Secrets or Shadows?Blackwell Island, Redux
May 12, 2009
To build a new port for luxury yachts, the Hagadone Corporation is back with a controversial plan to dig up tons of contaminated soils along the uppermost reach of the Spokane River.
Read Blackwell Island, ReduxCloser to Perfect
May 6, 2009
After months of negotiation, Avista reaches settlement with Sierra Club and CELP on downtown waterfalls.
Read Closer to PerfectRite of Passage
April 30, 2009
Rusty and Nancy Nelson, two pillars of Spokane’s community for their life’s work on peace and justice, take a bow and pass the torch.
Read Rite of PassageState Secrets and the ‘Torture Plane’
April 29, 2009
In a clear rebuke to the Obama Justice Department, the Ninth Circuit reinstates lawsuit brought by former torture victims against Boeing subsidiary involved in the CIA’s “extraordinary rendition” program. UPDATED 4/30/09.
Read State Secrets and the ‘Torture Plane’Disclosure yes. Prosecution no.
April 16, 2009
The President releases key Bush Justice Department torture memos, but strongly renounces calls for criminal prosecutions.
Read Disclosure yes. Prosecution no.“Justice Denied”
April 15, 2009
Bipartisan Constitution Project finds “grave problems” nationwide in the public defense system and warns about deteriorating representation for poor defendants as states face tightening budgets.
Read “Justice Denied”Stuck in the Membrane, An Update
CFJ raises new questions about Spokane County’s decision to go with CH2MHill given its competitor’s willingness to accept burden of meeting much lower phosphorous discharges.
Read Stuck in the Membrane, An UpdateAnother Smoke-filled Room at Ecology
April 8, 2009
Seattle Times takes Governor and department to task for secretly negotiated agreement on coal plant emissions.
Read Another Smoke-filled Room at EcologyCenter Files Suit in the Case of Otto Zehm
March 13, 2009
Federal complaint alleges violation of civil rights both in the March 18, 2006 death and in Police Department and City efforts to “falsely portray” the victim as the aggressor.
Read Center Files Suit in the Case of Otto ZehmAppraise This
March 9, 2009
Spokane Council passes sweeping public/private partnership reforms, including new public records, loan security, and appraisal requirements.
Read Appraise ThisTime to Make a Splash
Center presents 2nd Annual Paddling Film Festival April 18th.
Read Time to Make a SplashThe Power of Pulp
March 5, 2009
At the behest of Inland Empire Paper and the Department of Ecology, the State Senate unanimously passes bill that would delay cleanup of the Spokane River and other state waters.
Read The Power of PulpThe Ripple Effect
March 4, 2009
Clean air advocate Patti Gora headlines Center’s annual fund raiser.
Read The Ripple EffectHeckuva Job Opening
February 10, 2009
Spokane begins search for its first Police Ombudsman.
Read Heckuva Job OpeningCurbside Anguish
February 9, 2009
Deer Park pays Center client $9,000 to settle lawsuit over garbage bill collection ordinance.
Read Curbside AnguishS-R Takes a Look at CFJ
February 8, 2009
In a balanced look at our first ten years, veteran Spokesman-Review reporter Karen Dorn Steele assesses the Center for Justice’s past, present, and future.
Read S-R Takes a Look at CFJTaking Count and Breaking Bread
January 29, 2009
Community Building breakfast feeds hundreds to help with Spokane’s annual homeless count.
Read Taking Count and Breaking BreadAbout Those Memos
January 28, 2009
In a compelling test of the Obama Administration’s commitment to open records, the ACLU asks Justice Department to release dozens of memos on surveillance and detainee treatment.
Read About Those MemosNot So Fast…
Washington Attorney General argues that Avista’s retroactive settlement payments to Coeur d’Alene tribe to compensate for “unlawful trespass” cannot be passed on to company’s rate payers.
Read Not So Fast…“Proper Deterrence”
January 15, 2009
State Supreme Court Lays out New Guidance toward Higher Penalties for Public Records Violations.
Read “Proper Deterrence”Let There Be Light
January 10, 2009
Federal District Court Rules Against Bush Administration in FOIA Case Seeking White House Visitor Logs.
Read Let There Be LightA Decent Proposal
January 9, 2009
Envision Spokane Proposes a Bill of Rights for the People of Spokane
Read A Decent ProposalMistakes in Land Use Case will cost Taxpayers $700,000
December 26, 2008
County Commissioners settle lawsuit brought by McGlades restaurant’s former owners.
Read Mistakes in Land Use Case will cost Taxpayers $700,000Black Rock Bites the Dust
December 19, 2008
In a remarkable win for Spokane-based environmental group, the federal Bureau of Reclamation turns thumbs down on Yakima River storage project.
Read Black Rock Bites the DustA Day of Redemption for the late Tyler Shaw
December 16, 2008
Asotin County and City of Clarkston concede culpability in the 2005 death of an impaired young man in the Asotin County Jail. (KLEW-TV video link added 12-22-08)
Read A Day of Redemption for the late Tyler ShawLooking for Judges
December 10, 2008
In response to Center’s push for reforms, the City of Spokane is seeking applicants for new Municipal Court.
Read Looking for JudgesAbout that new pipe…
December 2, 2008
With support from an unexpected source, Sierra Club issues its strongest warning to date that Spokane County’s waste water treatment plan is misguided, expensive, and unlikely to survive legal challenges.
Read About that new pipe…For Whom the Tow Truck Tolls
November 26, 2008
State Supreme Court opens door to common law claims for owners of vehicles that may have been wrongly seized by police.
Read For Whom the Tow Truck TollsBeware the Cuddly Hippo
November 12, 2008
The Center for Justice is interested to hear from consumers enticed to buy computers on suspect payment plans.
Read Beware the Cuddly HippoThe Constitution, the Sidewalk, the Beggar, and the Open Guitar Case
November 11, 2008
The Center’s critique of Spokane’s proposed new criminal constraints on street solicitors finds numerous First Amendment problems.
Read The Constitution, the Sidewalk, the Beggar, and the Open Guitar CaseSpokane River Sessions
November 8, 2008
Public Workshops Set to Review and Discuss Spokane River Challenges
Read Spokane River SessionsA Big Waste of Money?
November 1, 2008
Sierra Club says Spokane County’s selection of wrong sewage treatment technology could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and still pose environmental and legal problems.
Read A Big Waste of Money?Footing the Bill(s), Sort of
October 30, 2008
Washington Supreme Court rules that citizens who prevail against state agencies are entitled to at least some compensation for legal expenses at each step of judicial review.
Read Footing the Bill(s), Sort ofRunning Up The Tab
October 28, 2008
Federal judge rejects Spokane County’s motions for reconsideration in jail bookings fee case.
Read Running Up The TabSouthgate Setback
October 7, 2008
Hearings Board rules in favor of developers on issue of whether Spokane complied with Growth Management Act and City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Read Southgate SetbackGoodbye Guantanamo
In a historic blow to the Bush Administration, federal judge orders release of 17 Chinese Muslims held at Guantanamo.
Read Goodbye GuantanamoLifting the Fog on Police Oversight
September 29, 2008
Spokane looks to be chained to an ombudsman ordinance that gives far more power to the police guild than the public may realize.
Read Lifting the Fog on Police OversightHammered Again
September 10, 2008
Spokane County gets yet another pen-lashing for multiple violations of the state’s Growth Management Act.
Read Hammered AgainLake Coeur d’Alene’s Sleeping Monster
September 6, 2008
Washington Department of Ecology joins Sierra Club and others with a forceful critique of a lake cleanup plan that is as short on enforcement as it is on funding.
Read Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Sleeping Monster