Fairness

When I used to do criminal defense work, one of the most popular questions I was asked was "how do I keep my name out of the paper?" Many people would gladly plead guilty if it did not mean that their infraction would be publicized.

But alas, I explained, court records are public records. The one thing they wanted was the one thing I could not provide.

So I was somewhat surprised to learn that a local emergency room physician was recently arrested for assaulting his family members. I was surprised because I read nothing about it in the Tribune. And I couldn't find it online here, or here.

Now this particular physician was a very vocal supporter of Benefis in its recent row with the Great Falls Clinic. He signed a letter to the editor opposing the Clinic's hospital plans.

I have heard the Tribune accused of bias in favor of Benefis in this dispute. I wonder, do you think, could Mr. John Goodnow accomplish what the lawyers couldn't? Was this story suppressed?

UPDATE: The Tribune ran the story today. Suppressed? No, just delayed.