Spokane police administrators claim that mentally disabled Otto Zehm used a two-liter bottle of soda as a weapon and lunged at an officer who approached him in a convenience store. Zehm was assaulted by two police officers, struck with a police baton at least six times and shocked three times with Tasers…

Pundits eagerly hail the Tea Party as a revolutionary force in American politics that will significantly impact the 2010 congressional mid-term elections. Nothing could be further from the truth. As the congressional races unfold, it is increasingly obvious that the Tea Party is merely a Republican offshoot nurtured by a television network…

Standing outside the Wal-Mart in Spokane, I listened to the false cries of a signature gatherer. She claimed Washington will legalize gay marriage and force kindergarten students to learn about gay sex if R-71 is not passed. I watched, repulsed, as passersby offered their signatures simply to avoid the harassment…

After a 50-day stretch of failure to manage the oil spill crisis, President Barack Obama must hold someone responsible for the greatest environmental disaster in American history. BP has shown a woeful lack of accepting responsibility for their actions. 2008 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney…

When White House Press Corps legend Helen Thomas said the Israelis should “get the hell out of Palestine,” mainstream media began its feeding frenzy. Their appalling knee-jerk reaction to come to the defense of Israel and condemn anyone who dare criticize the U…

Two-time losing Washington gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi is preparing to enter the race for Sen. Patty Murray’s seat. Many Democrats appear worried about Rossi. For instance, a website has already been made called “Dirty Deals Dino for Senate.” But Rossi’s entering the race is no cause for fear…

I realized something as I weaved my mountain bike down Valley Road, avoiding gravel, huge cracks in the pavement and unruly curbs. Cycling in Pullman is a terrible, dangerous experience. Cycling in my hometown of Spokane makes Pullman cycling look pathetic…

When fighting for a belief, a loss can still be a moral victory. As of right now, the Democratic Party in Washington’s 5th Congressional District is giving up on both a political victory and a moral victory against Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers. Her only challenger…

It took me a moment to realize I had been left alone in a strange place with two guys, both stronger than me, and known for being aggressive drunks. As one of them attempted to get me in a chokehold, it took all of my strength to throw him off me and pin him down…

College students are notorious for eating fast food, and Pullman has its fair share of fast food restaurants. Fast food patrons on campus are lucky because Subway, Carlita’s and Panda Express are all relatively healthy establishments. But students craving something extraordinarily unhealthy will have to drive to Moscow for KFC’s new sandwich…

The situation could have been awkward and hateful. While at the Student Recreation Center, I introduced myself and Saeed to a stranger and told him that Saeed was an international student from Saudi Arabia. The stranger replied, “Uh-oh, a terrorist.” Saeed…

The Tea Party movement and the Republican Party have turned American political discourse into something frightening and utterly repulsive. Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., said a caller to her office vowed to send snipers to "kill the children of the members who voted yes" on the health care package…

Two other people from my best friend’s town died the same day he did. They were 78 and 89 years old. He was 17. Under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms, he got into his truck, leading to his drug-induced suicide with a rifle on an abandoned logging road…

Eastern Washington’s Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers has single-handedly secured Spokane funds for a new highway and is the ultimate “champion,” even though she voted against the stimulus package that provided the funding. “I am pleased the U.S. Department of Transportation has chosen to award $35 million for the North Spokane Corridor…

As the weather improves, students have fewer excuses for staying inside. As Cougars come out of hibernation, many may notice they have gained some weight. Never fear – this extra winter poundage is not inevitable or irreversible. For those of you who are looking for a reason to workout…