Federal Way School District sues state over funding

The Federal Way School District has sued the state, saying Washington's formulas for school funding are unconstitutional and unfair.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in King County Superior Court, accuses the state of failing to fund schools in a uniform or equitable manner, as required by the state constitution. Federal Way School Board member David Larson said the board decided to file the lawsuit after the Washington Learns task force last week made it clear that its final report would not address state tax support for schools. Neither Gov. Christine Gregoire nor Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson, named as defendants in the lawsuit, were willing to speak Tuesday about the suit, their spokesmen said.

Sally McLean, the district's chief financial officer, said other school districts have called Federal Way to discuss joining the lawsuit. She said the district isn't looking for more plaintiffs but would welcome briefs from others.

Federal Way was one of a dozen districts that sued the state two years ago, alleging inadequate funding of special education. That case recently went to trial.

Skagit County

Creamery recalls batch of eggnog

A Skagit County creamery is recalling a batch of its eggnog sold in specialty groceries in the Puget Sound region because it wasn't pasteurized properly.

A total of 160 glass quart bottles of eggnog from The Golden Glen Creamery in Bow are affected. They have a pull date of Nov. 28 printed on the cap. No illnesses have been reported, the state Agriculture Department said.

Stores that stocked the eggnog include Whole Foods stores in Seattle and Redmond, Madison Market in Seattle, Red Apple stores in Issaquah and Kitsap County, Matthew's Thriftway in Bellevue, the Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op in Everett, Petosa's Family Grocery in Edmonds and Sunshine Corner in Kent.

Anyone who bought the eggnog should return it for a refund or replacement.

Seattle

Woman who died in car fire is ID'd

A woman who was found dead in a car on Nov. 17 has been identified by the King County Medical Examiner's Office as Fleur Robinson.

Firefighters found Robinson, 49, inside a burning car in the 2800 block of 11th Avenue West, in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Robinson died from thermal burns and inhaling combustible materials.

Firefighters say they don't believe the fire is suspicious.

Seattle Times staff and news services