The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington's leading paper, will lay off as many at 27 employees in an effort to rid itself of 60 salaries.

"Our goal remains that of being among the best daily newspapers of our size anywhere in America, and most importantly of being the preferred source of information in the Inland Northwest," publisher W. Stacey Cowles said in a statement. "We are not, however, immune from general economic forces."

In total, 21 of the 86 member editorial team will lose their jobs. Steven A. Smith, the paper's editor of six years, will resign, as did assistant managing editor Carla Savalli.

The newspaper will also shrink from 13 inches to 11 inches in an effort to save money.