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Local NewsGregoire wants relief for jobless, employers
Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday proposed tapping the state's $4 billion unemployment trust fund to give a temporary tax cut for businesses, as well as a temporary boost in benefits to laid-off workers.
Jerry Large
A natural disaster of ignorance
One of the things I like about Puget Sound, I've always said, is that it doesn't have dramatic weather.
Dog owner says rules about droppings stink
An estimated 125,000 dogs live in Seattle, and each day they dump 41,250 pounds of poop onto yards, sidewalks, parks and maybe where you stepped this morning. That's bound to spark confrontations.
Library use jumps in Seattle area; economy likely reason
At the King County Library System and the Seattle Public Library, circulation is up — way up.
Seattle U. president denies claims that he knew of abuse
Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg refuted allegations that in the 1990s, as head of the Jesuit order in the Northwest, he knew about at least one sexually-abusive priest but did nothing.
3 men shot in Skyway sports bar altercation
Three men were shot early this morning when a bar fight turned into a gunfight in the parking lot of Champ's Sports Bar in Skyway, just south of Seattle.
AWOL Fort Lewis soldier accused of rape, kidnapping arrested in Texas
An AWOL Fort Lewis soldier accused of kidnapping and rape has been arrested in Texas.
UPDATE - 03:46 PM
Bigger fine for King Co.'s withholding of records
King County is going to get a bigger fine for inexcusable delays in responding to a Public Records Act request made by a Seattle businessman in 1997.
NEW - 06:04 PM
Blaine couple, U.S. agency settle border wall case
A Whatcom County couple has settled its case against a little-known federal agency over a retaining wall they built in their yard along the Canadian border.
CWU football player charged with drug possession
A Central Washington University football player who allegedly had 100 OxyContin pills and $5,949 cash in his car when he was pulled over in April has been was charged with drug possession in King County Superior Court.
Gregoire unveils her stimulus plan for the state
Gov. Chris Gregoire today detailed her plans to help recharge the state's economy through nearly $1 billion in construction projects, increased unemployment benefits and help for homeowners facing foreclosure.
Light rail gets $813M for Seattle extension
Sound Transit light rail is getting $813 million in federal money to extend its light rail line from downtown Seattle to the University of Washington campus.
Man fatally shot by Seattle police 'intent was on hurting someone'
Seattle police have identified the 37-year-old man fatally shot by officers who were investigating a domestic violence call at an Aurora Avenue motel on Wednesday as Joseph Bernerd Hradec.
Monroe inmate barricades self, counselor in office
An inmate at the Monroe Correctional Complex barricaded himself in an office with a counselor and fought with corrections officers who broke in and then handcuffed him.
One major flu strain resistant to Tamiflu treatment
The major type of seasonal influenza has become resistant to Tamiflu, the mainstay antiviral for millions of Americans. Another strain of the flu virus has already developed resistance to a second class of antiviral drugs, leaving doctors with tough choices about how to treat flu patients.
Palin opposes beluga protections
The state of Alaska announced Wednesday it will sue over increased protections for Cook Inlet beluga whales, the white whales that swim the silty waters off Alaska's largest city.
Scientists find contaminated orca food
The food supply of Puget Sound's endangered orcas is contaminated, a team of Canadian and Washington scientists has found.
State Patrol asks for help in search for missing ferry passenger
Washington State Patrol detectives are asking the public's help in locating a Bellevue woman whose van was left on a Seattle-to-Bremerton ferry Tuesday night.
Vulcan Inc. to lay off 50 employees
A Vulcan Inc. spokesman says the Seattle company owned by billionaire Paul Allen plans to lay off 50 workers.
Athlete charged after photos show crime
Prosecutors have charged Olympia mixed-martial-arts champion and avowed anarchist Jeff Monson with first-degree malicious mischief based on photographs published in a December edition of ESPN The Magazine that showed him spray-painting an anarchist symbol on the state Capitol, court papers state.
Obituary
Social-service agency loses a key leader
Leah McCollough, was "a remarkable leader" who guided Hopelink through several significant events, according to a recent posting on local social-service agency's Web site.
Charges amended in Idaho girl's death
An Idaho prosecutor has dropped murder charges and will instead pursue an involuntary manslaughter case in the death of an 11-year-old girl who was trying to walk 10 miles in the snow on Christmas Day.
NEW - 04:42 PM
16 arrested in Skagit County drug trafficking ring
Federal officials say 16 people were arrested in Skagit County in connection with a Mexican drug trafficking ring.
Fishermen say sardines aplenty
Fishermen struggling with tougher limits on the Pacific sardine harvest say there are plenty of fish despite scientific studies showing a decline.
Fourth union sues Gregoire over contract money
A fourth union is suing Gov. Chris Gregoire because her proposed budget doesn't include money to pay for a new labor contract.
Murder trial to begin for UW student in Italy
The slaying of a 21-year-old British woman allegedly while fighting off a sexual attack shocked Italy and cast a dark cloud over the privileged world of young people studying abroad.
Public schools get C average
A citizens report card released today gives the state's public-school system a C average.
Woman, 20, accused of Arlington bank robbery
ARLINGTON — Police say a 20-year-old woman robbed an Arlington bank as a desperate cry for help.
King County Ballots sent out for all-mail vote
King Day events at Crossroads
Free entertainment and a health fair will highlight the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday at Crossroads Bellevue in Bellevue's Overlake area.
Inmate to wear stun belt at trial
A judge has agreed to have a Douglas County Jail inmate wear a stun belt during an upcoming trial.
Oregon bans firm from public projects
The state of Oregon has banned a Willamette Valley construction company from public-works projects, saying Ross Bros. & Co. of Brooks sought more than $3.1 million in bogus extra charges.
Nation & WorldUPDATE - 07:58 PM
All 155 survive as pilot ditches plane in Hudson
A cool-headed pilot maneuvered his crippled jetliner over New York City and ditched it in the frigid Hudson River on Thursday, and all 155 on board were pulled to safety as the plane slowly sank. It was, the governor said, "a miracle on the Hudson."
- Do you know anyone on US Airways flight 1549?
- AP | Raw video: Passengers rescued
- Gallery | Flight 1549
- FlightAware | US Airways flight 1549
- Twitter | Updates (#flight1594)
- Flickr | Photos related to the plane crash
- US Airways | Press release
- NTSB accident/incident information for Airbus A320 (2000 - Jan. 15, 2009)
- NTSB accident database
Chávez reopens door to Western oil firms
President Hugo Chávez, buffeted by falling oil prices that threaten to unravel his efforts to establish a Socialist-inspired state, is courting Western oil companies again.
UPDATE - 06:45 PM
Congress OKs release of final $350B of bailout
Congress laid the foundation for President-elect Barack Obama's economic recovery plan on Thursday with remarkable speed, clearing the way for a new infusion of bailout cash for the financial industry while majority Democrats proposed spending increases and tax cuts totaling a whopping $825 billion.
UPDATE - 05:51 PM
Bitter cold hits hard because of economic meltdown
William Davis has lived on the streets since the recession cost him his job as a commercial painter. Over the last eight months, he's made it through heat waves, wind storms, rain, snow and ice.
Evidence from improper arrests can be used, Supreme Court says
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that evidence seized in an improper arrest does not always have to be thrown out by the courts, provided the error was the "result of isolated negligence" on the part of the police.
Guarding D.C. for inauguration makes history, too
Federal authorities have begun to seal off a security zone extending miles from the Capitol where President-elect Obama will be sworn in Tuesday, drawing on disparate lessons gleaned from terrorist attacks in London and Mumbai, India, the Sept. 11 attack at the Pentagon and even annual Fourth of July celebrations on the Mall.
Impeached governor gets cold reception in Illinois Senate
Illinois senators have taken their first steps toward an impeachment trial, after giving embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich a cold reception hours into their new session.
Pakistan extends crackdown on Mumbai suspects
Pakistan insisted it would help India to bring those behind the Mumbai terrorist attacks to justice, saying Thursday it had shut down extremist Web sites and suspected militant training camps, and detained 71 people in a deepening probe.
UK Kennel Club revises standards to improve dog health
Britain's Kennel Club has announced major changes to breed standards and accepted breeding practices for purebred dogs.
$1.4 billion expected to settle Zyprexa case
Drug company Eli Lilly is expected to agree as soon as today to pay $1.4 billion to settle criminal and civil charges that it illegally marketed its anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa for unauthorized use in patients particularly vulnerable to its risky side effects.
Going green: Communities make their own currencies
Diana Felber brought her groceries to the checkout and counted out her cash - purple, blue and green bills that are good only at businesses in western Massachusetts.
Guantánamo Bay detainee ordered released
A federal judge Wednesday ordered the military to release one of its first Guantánamo Bay detainees, a man who has been detained and accused of being a terrorist since he was 14.
House passes bill to expand kids' health coverage
Congressional Democrats pushing to overhaul the nation's health-care system — a major priority of President-elect Obama — notched an early victory Wednesday as the House passed a bill to expand federally funded health coverage for children.
Illegal migrants flock to France
More than 600 illegal migrants are backed up this winter in Calais, 150 miles north of Paris, living in makeshift shelters pitched in the patchy snow. They have swollen to a floating population of Afghans, Iraqis, Iranians, Kurds, Eritreans and English-speaking Africans who number more than 1,000 at any given time in a string of communities along France's English Channel coast.
UPDATE - 07:05 PM
Report: NKorea's Kim taps 3rd son as successor
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is believed to have named his youngest son to succeed him as head of the Stalinist nation, a South Korean news report said.
Condor has mastered birds-and-bees thing
He was found dazed in a mountain bush in 1967, hanging upside down with an injured wing and smelling like rotten fish, a rare male California...
Decorated ex-FBI agent sentenced to 40 years in 1982 killing
Former FBI agent John Connolly was sentenced Thursday to 40 years in prison for slipping information to Boston mobsters that led to the 1982 shooting death of a Miami gambling executive.
Passions heating up over New Jersey river dolphins
Temperatures are plunging, but emotions are heating up over whether the last five dolphins who had taken up residence in two New Jersey rivers will be able to survive the winter.
Top Afghan army general killed in chopper crash
A top Afghan army general was killed Thursday in a helicopter crash in western Afghanistan, and two British troops died in a blast in the country's south, officials said.
Yemen: Fisherman killed during pirate chase
A Russian helicopter attack on Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden earlier this week killed a Yemeni fisherman and three others, security officials said Thursday.
Courts await money manager's release from hospital
An Indiana financial manager suspected of staging his death in a plane crash and leading authorities on a chaotic three-day, multistate manhunt was recovering from a suicide attempt at a hospital Thursday as his legal troubles mounted.
Firefighters mull letting Calif. homeowners fight flames
When a raging wildfire is racing toward your home, is it best to flee or stay and try to protect your house?
Czech ex-President Havel still seriously ill
Former Czech President Vaclav Havel's condition improved Thursday, but he remains seriously ill three days after minor throat surgery, doctors said.
Police: Ohio man ran hooker-review Web site
Columbus police have arrested a man they say was responsible for a Web site where customers could post reviews of prostitutes.
Latvian President threatens to dissolve Parliament
Latvian President Valdis Zatlers threatened Wednesday to dissolve Parliament after more than 40 people were injured in overnight rioting in Riga.
Business & TechnologyUPDATE - 06:30 PM
House Democrats propose $825 billion stimulus bill
House Democrats unveiled an $825 billion economic recovery bill Thursday, unprecedented in its scale and reach, that would provide an enormous infusion of public spending in hopes of kick-starting the sagging economy.
UPDATE - 04:11 PM
JPMorgan posts profit, but 'disappointing' one
JPMorgan Chase eked out a fourth-quarter profit, but its results were anything but calming to investors worried about the mountain of upcoming losses in the troubled banking sector.
Rush to be all ready as Hawaii goes digital
With the nation's Feb. 17 shutdown of analog TV signals in doubt, federal regulators will be closely watching what happens today in Hawaii, when the state makes the move early because of an endangered bird.
Ailing Jobs takes medical leave
Apple co-founder and Chief Executive Steve Jobs said Wednesday he is taking a medical leave until the end of June — just a week after the cancer survivor tried to assure investors and employees his recent weight loss was caused by an easily treatable hormone deficiency.
Microsoft workers brace for possible reorganization
Some Microsoft workers were bracing for news of a possible reorganization that could be communicated internally today.
Airbus sees 2009 orders dipping below deliveries for first time in 6 years
The head of Airbus expects orders to dip below deliveries in 2009 for the first time in six years as airlines curb spending amid the economic crisis.
Apple shares down after Jobs' reversal on health
Shares of Apple fell 4 percent Thursday in early trading as investors struggled to parse the latest disclosure from CEO Steve Jobs about his health and his need to go on leave until the end of June.
Delayed hearing means more criticism for Geitner
President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Treasury secretary is becoming a national punchline for late-night comics, a clear sign that not paying your taxes is a growing problem in the public's eyes if you're the guy tapped to oversee the IRS.
Foreclosure numbers for Puget Sound region climbing faster
The number of homes in some stage of the foreclosure process has doubled in King, Snohomish and Kitsap counties since 2006, according to RealtyTrac, a national foreclosure-information firm based in Southern California.
Iran interested in Boeing jets
Iran would order passenger planes from Boeing if the United States lifts sanctions barring American firms from doing business there, a top Iranian aviation official said Thursday, suggesting that this would also help the U.S. battle the impact of the global financial crisis.
Mortgage rates slip under 5%, set new record
Rates on 30-year mortgages set a record for a fifth straight week by dropping to below 5 percent, the lowest mark since Freddie Mac started tracking the data in 1971.
UPDATE - 05:05 PM
Obama's SEC choice promises aggressive action
President elect-Barack Obama's choice to head the Securities and Exchange Commission promised Thursday to revitalize the embattled agency's enforcement efforts and bring other changes to bolster investor protection.
Real estate pioneer Trammell Crow dies at 94
Trammell Crow, a one-time accountant with no real-estate experience who built one of the largest real estate development companies in the nation, has died. He was 94.
NEW - 06:42 PM
Redmond circuitry company to lay off 374
TTM Technologies, a manufacturer of printed circuit boards, said Thursday it will close its Redmond plant, which has 374 full-time employees and 55 temporary employees.
Retailers' outlook grim as recession deepens
After the worst holiday season in 40 years, retailers face more sales declines in the months ahead as the recession deepens, job losses mount and consumers retrench further.
Stocks stage big turnaround
Wall Street recovered from a sharp early drop Thursday as investors worrying about a revival of the banking crisis grew optimistic that the government will again help the financial industry.
U.S. petroleum demand in 2008 was lowest in 5 years
America's demand for crude oil fell to its lowest level since 2003 last year, as record high prices to start the year and an ailing economy at the end of 2008 combined to sharply curtail consumption, new statistics show.
Brier Dudley
Economic woes take byte out of PC sales
No wonder there's been so much buzz about layoffs at Microsoft: PC sales just stank in the past quarter.
NEW - 04:42 PM
Ferragamo to open at the Bravern in Bellevue
Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo plans to open its first Northwest store at the Bravern mixed-use development in Bellevue this...
Airbus retains title as world's largest planemaker
Airbus claimed the title of the world's largest planemaker on Thursday after delivering a record number of aircraft in 2008, but predicted a difficult year ahead for the industry as airlines curb spending amid the economic crisis.
UPDATE - 05:41 PM
Treasury and Bank of America near bailout deal
Bank of America and the Treasury Department are near an agreement that will provide $15 billion to $20 billion in new government support to the banking giant, a source close to the discussions said Thursday. This source said that the injection of fresh capital will come from the government's $700 billion rescue fund and will be similar to assistance provided last November to Citigroup.
Sports
UPDATE - 07:02 PM
Agreement allows Wroten to stay at Garfield
The Seattle School District and the family of Garfield sophomore Tony Wroten Jr. agreed to a settlement Thursday afternoon that will allow Wroten to remain at Garfield. The 6-foot-5 guard is one of the top basketball players in the state, but had been removed from school by the district and later temporarily reinstated by court order.
Sounders FC selects Steve Zakuani with first pick in MLS SuperDraft
University of Akron forward lead the nation in goals and point as a sophomore in 2008
NEW - 05:45 PM
Huskies make it official with four more football coaches
Coach Steve Sarkisian has hired eight assistants; Utah's Aaron Roderick rumored as candidate for last spot, receivers coach.
Jon Brockman: UW's best rebounder of all time?
Jon Brockman enters the Oregon game with 1,044 rebounds, needing seven to tie and eight to break the UW record of Doug Smart, who played from 1957 to 1959.
Mariners will have 17 nonroster players going to spring training
Former Toronto infielder Chris Woodward is among 17 nonroster players invited to spring training, the Mariners announced Wednesday. Others on the list...
Prep Basketball | Seamount Boys: Renton survives injury and Foster for 74-71 win
Fifth-ranked Renton survived an injury to team leader Derek Lowe to hold off Foster 74-71 in a Seamount League boys basketball game.
Sounders FC will make first draft selection today in St. Louis
Sounders FC expected to entertain offers to trade one of more of its four draft picks up to the last minute before Thursday's Major League Soccer SuperDraft in St. Louis.
Steve Sarkisian adds QB coach; UW staff nearly complete
Steve Sarkisian took another step toward completing his football coaching staff at Washington this week, adding Doug Nussmeier as quarterbacks...
UW Women's Basketball | Blowout losses leave an impression
A pair of mammoth defeats has some wondering if Washington women's basketball coach Tia Jackson is on thin ice in her second season. The answer seems to be "no" at this point.
NEW - 05:52 PM
UW, Seattle U. basketball teams will meet on March 3
Huskies replace canceled game vs. Lehigh with first meeting with Seattle U. since 1979.
Bud Withers
College Basketball Notebook: Freshman class a step down this year
No doubt, there was a moment or two last year when Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin and Arizona State guard James Harden thought about whether...
Ron Judd
Cross-country skiers put best feet forward
Americans are improving in cross country and Nordic combined, and hope a Whistler stop is a prelude for the 2010 Games.
Jerry Brewer
Too bad the Seahawks chose 2008 to stink it up
As if a 4-12 season didn't already sting enough, the Seahawks must watch a pair of middling, mortal teams play for the NFC championship...
College Football | Heisman winner will return as QB at Oklahoma
Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford wasn't ready to give up the life of a college quarterback — not without a national championship...
NBA | Spurs subdue Lakers on late 3-point play
The San Antonio Spurs made it clear to the Los Angeles Lakers that they're still a major player in the Western Conference. Roger Mason hit a...
Prep Basketball Roundup | Jarrell Banks leads Mount Rainier boys to win
Jarrell Banks scored 27 points as Mount Rainier, ranked ninth in the state in Class 3A, rolled past Highline 74-60 in boys basketball Wednesday night.
UPDATE - 07:16 PM
Woody Woodward back with Mariners — as a scout
Woodward was Mariners' GM from 1988-99.
Outdoors | Weather settles; time for winter fishing
Now that the weather has settled down, anglers can start heading back out to some upper-river areas producing winter steelhead, and another...
Prep Notebook | Dick Abrams steps down as Stanwood football coach
Dick Abrams, who also coached at Jackson and Marysville-Pilchuck, has resigned after seven years as Stanwood football coach.
NFL | Hobbled Eagles RB Brian Westbrook plans to play
Brian Westbrook walks around slowly, often with a limp. He watches practices from the sideline, needing the extra rest to be ready for game...
NW Briefs | Portland St. gives Ken Bone 5-year deal
Portland State basketball coach Ken Bone has signed a five-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2012-13...
Associated Press state basketball rankings
Briefs | Golf: Lorena Ochoa, 27, engaged to Mexican businessman
Golf Ochoa engaged to Mexican businessman: Top-ranked Lorena Ochoa is engaged. Ochoa, 27, will marry 39-year-old Andres Conesa, the director...
Wednesday's detailed prep gymnastics results
Wednesday's detailed prep swimming results
Wednesday's state basketball scores
EntertainmentNEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
Jewish refugees show grit in acts of "Defiance"
Edward Zwick's movie "Defiance," starring Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell, tells a little-known story of courage and persistence in the face of the Holocaust. Review by Moira Macdonald.
NEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
"Notorious" is B.I.G. on talent
"Notorious": Jamal Woolard and the always fascinating Anthony Mackie lead a fine cast in this somewhat compelling biography of rapper Chris "Biggie Smalls" Wallace (aka The Notorious B.I.G.).
Andre Feriante's guitar to lead off noon concerts at Seattle City Hall
The city music series Seattle Presents starts its winter season today, with a performance from guitarist Andre Feriante. Upcoming shows feature local blues stalwart Alice Stuart (March 5) and a Stephen Sondheim tribute from the 5th Avenue Theatre (March 26).
UPDATE - 04:46 PM
Beyonce to sing for Obamas' first inaugural dance
Beyonce will sing for Barack and Michelle Obama's first dance on inauguration night.
Versatile mandolin virtuoso David Grisman defies labels
David Grisman, mandolin virtuoso, will play with his quintet this week at Seattle's Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, Jan. 15-18.
NEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
Dustin and Emma cheer up Harvey and Kate in "Last Chance Harvey"
Movie review: Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson make unambitious "Last Chance Harvey" a small-scale pleasure.
Louise Nadeau bows out of PNB
Pacific Northwest Ballet's Louise Nadeau, a ballerina of surpassing lyricism, will retire at the end of this season, the company announced.
Book review
"Land of Marvels" shows what a tangled web we've woven
"Land of Marvels" is Booker Prize-winning author Barry Unsworth's novel set in the tumultuous era before World War I, when Iraq was being carved into its current form and the region was a hotbed of political intrigue. Unsworth reads Saturday at the Seattle Public Library's main branch.
Obituary
Actor Ricardo Montalbán, 88
Ricardo Montalbán, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later as the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TV's "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. He was 88.
NEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
Check into "Hotel for Dogs" for adventure and familial love
Check into "Hotel for Dogs" (starting Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin) if you're looking for a sweet reminder of the importance of family and community. The movie is based on the book by Lois Duncan. Review by Moira Macdonald.
Book review
"Banquet at Delmonico's" serves great minds
Author Barry Werth's "Banquet at Delmonico's: Great Minds, the Gilded Age, and the Triumph of Evolution in America" explores a who's who of science.
NEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
"Chandi Chowk to China" comedy gets a kung-fu kick
"Chandni Chowk to China," featuring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, is a kung-fu musical comedy about a Delhi cook who is lured to China.
NEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
"Che" skips biopic missteps, but 4-½-hour saga oddly uncompelling
"Che," Steven Soderbergh's four-hour-plus epic about Ernesto "Che" Guevara (played by a perfectly cast Benicio Del Toro), is split into two parts: the Cuban revolution and Guevara's failure in Bolivia. While avoiding the standard biopic clichés, it's a strangely distant and unemotional drama.
NEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
"Paul Blart: Mall Cop": A comic duet for man and Segway
"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is a comic duet for man (Kevin James) and Segway. But the rest of the movie is far off key.
"The Office" on NBC is a Thursday TV pick
In tonight's new episode (titled "Duel") Andy (Ed Helms) finally finds out about Dwangela (Rainn Wilson and Angela Kinsey). You know there's going...
NEW - 04:00 PM
Movie review
3-D "Valentine" may scare couples closer
"My Bloody Valentine 3-D," skillfully directed by Patrick Lurrier, returns to those entertainingly scary days of Freddy and Jason. Toss in first-rate 3-D and the movie not only pays a proper homage to the 1981 original but kicks it up about 1,000 notches.
NEW - 04:05 PM
A&E Dispatch | More Lunar New Year fun: free events at Wing Luke Saturday
Wing Luke Asian Museum upcoming events: New Year's lion dance, plus free Third Saturday events — New Year's exhibit, Korean crafts, Cambodia exhibit and Grace Cho author event.
Fiddler Barbara Lamb at the Rendezvous tonight
Fiddler Barbara Lamb plays the Rendezvous Restaurant Jewel Box Theater in Seattle tonight.
Films opening Friday include "Defiance" and "Last Chance Harvey"
This week brings "Defiance," Ed Zwick's World War II drama starring Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber, along with "Last Chance Harvey," a...
Book review
Loneliness is a journey you must take on your own, author writes
In his book "Loneliness as a Way of Life," Amherst College professor Thomas Dunn writes that loneliness can be the first step to a self-awareness that helps us connect to a community of others.
Obama-mania offers armloads of books for kids
Books to inspire and inform young people about President-elect Barack Obama and his historic inauguration include an artist's celebration of the American spirit, the life of the first lady to be and a look at our 44th commander-in-chief for preschoolers.
Book review
Pantry of characters yield tasty first novel
Seattle author Erica Bauermeister's debut novel, "The School of Essential Ingredients," dives into the life stories of members of a cooking class whose teacher has the skill to sway relationships and emotions with her cooking. The author reads Saturday at Seattle's Elliott Bay Book Co., and Jan. 29 at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park.
Photographer and mountain climber Carlos Buhler at Everett Community College
Photographer and mountain climber Carlos Buhler will speak about his international climbing experiences at 6 tonight at Everett Community...
Museum of the Month
Port Townsend museum showcases Victorian building as well as town's past
The Jefferson County Historical Society Museum tells of the past of Port Townsend, in beautifully restored old City Hall.
Best-sellers
As reported by Publishers Weekly Hardcover fiction 1. Black Ops, W. E. B. Griffin 2. Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell 3. Running Hot, Jayne Ann...
DVDs released this week
A weekly listing of new DVDs.
At a Theater Near You
Mon Dieu: It's a fine crime wave
French crime films by Truffaut, Malle and others are featured at SIFF Cinema in coming weeks; films from 1969 — including "Alice's Restaurant" — play at NW Film Forum; and Silent Movie Mondays continue at the Paramount with "The Bells."
CBS: Deal close for John Mayer music-variety show
CBS is close to a deal with pop star John Mayer for a music and variety TV show.
Howie Mandel back at work, says his health is fine
Howie Mandel is back at work and says his heart and health are fine.
Obama helps Stephanopoulos to first viewership win
ABC's Sunday morning political talk show "This Week" has scored its first win over NBC's "Meet the Press" since 1999.
Steve Carell buys Massachusetts general store
Steve Carell is going from "The Office" to the general store.
`Monk' leads in TV cable ratings for Jan. 5-11
Rankings for the top 15 programs on cable networks as compiled by Nielsen Media Research for the week of Jan. 5-11. Day and start time (EST) are in parentheses:
Top 10 films
Here are the top 10 movies at North American theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by gross (in millions), total gross (in millions) and length ...
LivingNEW - 05:45 PM
Recalls: Play yards, sunglasses and rattles
Recent recalls of children's products include baby rattles, sunglasses and play yards.
Analysts at Detroit show predicts extended weak demand
Automakers should not expect a quick turnaround in consumer demand, auto industry analysts said this week at the Detroit auto show, predicting the struggling economy could lead to some consolidation in the industry.
Carmakers in the mood for lots of ambient lighting
Ambient lights are a main style feature in the new Buick LaCrosse. Acura did market testing to find the most calming ones. Scion wanted them to be a cool, customizable feature for its cupholders, and Ford's new Shelby GT500 offers more than 100 different variations.
Detroit Big 3 skipping the Tokyo car show
Detroit's automakers said Wednesday they will not attend the Tokyo Motor Show planned for October, saying that their priorities in a down global market lie elsewhere.
Ford, Toyota report a hopeful sales "blip"
Sales of new cars and trucks in early January indicate that industry conditions might be improving slightly, executives from both Ford and Toyota said during the Detroit auto show.
NEW - 05:58 PM
Gas price swings complicate carmakers' plans for electrics
General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are spending billions to develop plug-in electric cars at a time when gasoline has dropped below $2 per gallon. If their fears come true, gas prices will be so low when they start rolling out the cars next year that people won't buy them.
GM unveils its Volt battery plan, may need more loans
General Motors, a wounded company living on cash borrowed from the government, didn't behave like one this week at the Detroit auto show as it unveiled ambitious plans to research and assemble lithium-ion batteries in Michigan and picked a Korean company to supply the cells to power the Chevrolet Volt electric car.
High-tech safety devices trickle down to mid-price vehicles
Automakers are extending high-tech safety features to smaller and mid-range vehicles, a move prompted by demand and federal safety regulations.
It's a new day for Obama apparel
Many big fashion players are getting in the game of creating inauguration-themed clothing, ranging from T-shirts to tote bags to scarves.
NEW - 05:57 PM
Michigan vying to become electric-car "battery capital of the world"
Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation Wednesday offering tax credits for advanced battery makers to attract one of the fastest-growing sectors in the auto industry to the hard-hit state of Michigan.
New bigger Prius will have competition from Honda, Ford
The third-generation Prius, revealed at the Detroit auto show this week, has a tough act to follow and tough competitors ahead, but Toyota executives and industry analysts said the company has a shot at reaching its sales goals because of the vehicle's distinctive styling and impressive fuel efficiency.
Protect your belongings and money from mover scams
Moving is stressful enough without becoming a victim of a scam. Here are some ways to protect your furnishings and wallet. Plus, five tips for hiring a mover.
UPDATE - 05:51 PM
Recall: Dishwashers may overheat
Did you buy it? Bosch and Siemens model dishwashers between May 1999 and December 2006 are being recalled for a potential fire hazard.
Tesla helping build an electric Smart
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk said this week that the company is developing an electric Smart microcar with Daimler AG and plans to initially produced 1,000 of the vehicles.
Oh rats, there are noises in the attic
How to oust rodents from your home.
Travel & OutdoorsOutdoor athletes get in out of the cold at rock gyms and more
Bring the outdoors inside with active sports that can be enjoyed out of the winter weather. Try a rock gym, or one of many other options around Puget Sound.
Getting in Gear
An all-mountain ski system to ease wallet pain
Gear reviewer Dan Nelson looks at skis and bindings that do it all.
Best bets for the weekend
Rumor has it we might see some sunshine this holiday weekend. (Anyone who says they haven't gotten enough rain gets flogged with a soggy...
Community events, parade for Martin Luther King holiday
Local events for Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, 2009.
Pix From My Weekend
Sarah Oeltjen's photo of dramatic sunlight on snowy trees, from her Medina home.
London's Heathrow Airport to get third runway
Third runway approved for London's Heathrow Airport, but it will be years before its built and political/environmental opponents vow to fight its construction
Nominate attractions for National Geographic map of Cascades
Public nominations are open to select attractions to be highlighted in a new National Geographic map of the Central Cascades.
Parks, trails and more ideas to get you out of the house
Winter gardens Washington Park Arboretum Seattle More than 200 acres including seasonal plants, winter garden; dawn to dusk daily, guided...
NEW - 04:45 PM
Road to Mount Rainier's Paradise reopening Saturday
Storm-damaged road to Paradise, in Mount Rainier National Park, will reopen on Saturday for weekends but will close again for weekdays.
U.S. airlines still struggling with flight delays
U.S. airlines still struggling with flight delays, according to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics
Weekend calendar
A listing of weekend events and activities.
Travel notes
Travel notes | Art busting out all over Victoria
Art outdoors coming to Victoria, B.C.
Have a cozy day of games at Columbia Winery
Games People Play day at Columbia Winery is a fun, free event close to home.
OpinionNEW - 03:46 PM
Editorial
Media ownership rules safe in FCC nominee Julius Genachowski's hands
President Obama's nomination for Federal Communications Commission chairman, Julius Genachowski, is a hopeful step after his Bush-appointed predecessor's failed intention to lift media cross-ownership rules
Editorial
Washington Supreme Court to agencies: Comply with open records act or pay more
The Washington State Supreme Court's decision in Yousoufian v. Office of Ron Sims send a strong message to cities, counties, school districts and other agencies that public records requests must be taken seriously. The court sent the case back to King County Superior Court for recalculation of penalties to a level high enough to deter future violations of the Public Records Act.
NEW - 03:46 PM
Michelle Obama, juggler in chief
Every president's wife has a list of jobs including that of trusted adviser, the role often trivialized as pillow talk. But what a chance this is to use the spotlight on the first family to illuminate other families. What a chance Michelle Obama has to become mom in chief to a nation struggling to keep it together.
NEW - 03:46 PM
Gas prices are down — time for $1/gallon tax
Washington state's economy is headed for the worst time since the Great Depression and our state is facing a huge deficit, notes developer Ron Sher. Now we will need more than ever to provide for the needs of our citizens and what better way than by imposing a $1-per-gallon gas tax to raise money and encourage people to continue to make environmentally responsible choices.