Thursday, September 2, 2010 - Page updated at 07:07 a.m.
UPDATE - 06:59 AM
Stocks see-saw after mixed jobs report
Stocks fluctuated in a tight range Thursday after traders received one mixed report on the jobs market and prepared for a second report on the sector later this week.
NEW - 06:20 AM
Typhoon suspends SKorean flights, trains, kills 4
Typhoon Kompasu struck South Korea on Thursday, killing at least four people and toppling trees, streetlights and scaffolding in what was called the strongest storm to hit the Seoul area in 15 years.
UPDATE - 06:11 AM
Unemployment claims drop for second straight week
The number of people requesting unemployment benefits declined for the second straight week, suggesting that the slowing economy isn't prompting widespread job cuts.
NEW - 05:50 AM
Forecasters expect cloudy weekend in Washington
The National Weather Service says Thursday's sunshine won't last into the Labor Day weekend in Washington.
Pakistan Shiites mourn those killed in triple bomb
Thousands of Shiite Muslims, thumping their chests and crying, mourned Thursday at funeral prayers for victims of a triple bombing that heaped more tragedy on Pakistan, which is already struggling to cope with devastating floods.
Anti-dolphin hunt petition delivered to US Embassy
The star of an Oscar-winning documentary about a Japanese town that slaughters dolphins delivered a petition to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo on Thursday demanding an end to the hunt.
Lauren Jackson, Brian Agler sweep WNBA awards
Lauren Jackson is the WNBA's MVP for a third time, and the Storm's Brian Agler is Coach of the Year.
Israelis, Palestinians resume direct talks
Seeking to broker a Mideast peace agreement that has eluded U.S. presidents for decades, the Obama administration is overseeing the first direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in nearly two years.
Botox maker to pay $600M to resolve investigation
Allergan Inc., the maker of wrinkle-smoothing Botox, has agreed to pay $600 million to settle a yearslong federal investigation into its marketing of the top-selling, botulin-based drug.
Risks remain with Gulf well cap coming off
The image of thick crude gushing from a blown-out oil well a mile beneath the Gulf of Mexico was turned off when a tightly fitting cap was secured on top a month-and-a-half ago.
Discovery Channel hostage-taker hated programming
A gunman police shot to death after he took hostages at Discovery Channel's headquarters said he hated the company's shows such as "Kate Plus 8" because they promote population growth and its environmental programming because it did little to save the planet.
Suspect arrested after search that closed I-5 in Everett
A suspect was arrested in Everett on Wednesday night after allegedly shooting at deputies, causing a rollover crash, fleeing on foot and causing a shutdown of Interstate 5 that backed up traffic for hours, according to Rebecca Hover, a spokeswoman for the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.
Key dates in the case involving minor-league relief pitcher Josh Lueke.
A team-by-team look at WesCo 4A North football
A team-by-team look at WesCo 3A football
A team-by-team look at WesCo 4A South football
The Cheekwood Botanical Garden was struggling to attract visitors in 2005, so its new director went after an exhibit that has proved a sure draw: Dale Chihuly's glass. Seattle Center is considering a permanent Chihuly exhibit at the base of the Space Needle. As in Nashville, money — more than art — may be a deciding factor in whether Seattle officials select Chihuly for the site.
Coach says M's were told of pitcher's criminal past
The Mariners knew all about Josh Lueke's 96-mph fastball when they acquired him from the Texas Rangers in the Cliff Lee deal. But Mariners executives insisted they knew nothing before the July 9 trade about the 25-year-old minor-leaguer facing felony charges in a rape and sodomy case.
Island evacuations start as Earl nears East Coast
Hurricane Earl steamed toward the Eastern Seaboard early Thursday as communities from North Carolina to New England kept a close eye on the forecast, worried that even a slight shift in the storm's predicted offshore track could put millions of people in the most densely populated part of the country in harm's way.
Home run spoils solid start from Jason Vargas in Mariners' loss
Pitcher Jason Vargas had been seeking to tie Felix Hernandez for the team lead in wins, but the Mariners lost 4-2 to the Angels at Safeco Field.
Seattle cop won't face hate-crime charge for kicking Latino man
A Seattle police officer who sparked a public outcry after he stomped a prone Latino man in April and used ethnically inflammatory language will not be charged with the felony of malicious harassment, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.
Police-shooting victim 'struggled with a lot of things'
John T. Williams, who was fatally shot by a Seattle police officer after being ordered to drop a knife, often had difficulty hearing and understanding what was said to him, say people who knew him.
Schools lengthen student supply lists to help meet higher costs
If you think your kids' school-supply list is getting longer, you're probably right. Cash-strapped school districts are requiring parents and often teachers to provide school supplies that now may include things like more than enough pencils for the entire class to Clorox wipes.
Union won't support deputy fired over jail beating
The union representing King County sheriff's deputies has voted not to help fired Deputy Paul Schene get his job back.
Attorney Bremner reverses course, pleads guilty to DUI
Seattle attorney Anne Bremner has pleaded guilty to one count of driving under the influence.
Fraser River whopper sockeye salmon run even bigger
A forecast released Tuesday by the Pacific Salmon Commission predicts some 34 million fish will return to spawn in the Fraser River, a substantial jump from last week's estimate of 25 million.
Grizzlies kill 2-year-old bear at WSU center
A 2-year-old grizzly bear was mauled to death by two older bears at the Washington State University Bear Center in Pullman.
Noted Seattle architect, activist Folke Nyberg dies at 76
Folke Nyberg, architect and professor, author and visionary, world traveler and civic activist, died at his Seattle home Aug. 15 after a two-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 76.
Organic strawberries given a thumbs up in WSU study
Organic produce has more nutrients than conventionally-grown, according to a Washington State University study published Wednesday.
Union backs contract for Seattle teachers
Seattle Public Schools and its teachers union reached tentative agreement on a contract that allows student test scores to be used to evaluate teachers.
Yakima teacher in sex case wants job back
YAKIMA — A Yakima high school physical education teacher who was found not guilty of having inappropriate sexual contact with two students is going to court to get her job back.
6 Oregon men settle Boy Scouts sex-abuse cases
Six men who were sexually abused three decades ago by a leader of their Boy Scouts troop have settled lawsuits against the national organization dedicated to building character among youngsters. The settlement followed a trial in which the Scouts were accused of failing to act for decades on a growing trove of documents alleging sexual abuse — known in the organization as "the perversion files."
BC mining company to drill near Mount St. Helens
A Vancouver, British Columbia, company plans to drill this month near Mount St. Helens to determine if there are enough valuable minerals to mine a site 12 miles from the volcano.
Bellevue woman sues, says American Airlines took her on a harrowing flight
A Bellevue woman has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines over what she says was a terrifying flight to New York on Sept. 22, 2008, when the airplane flew on battery power until it had to make an emergency landing in Chicago.
King County shores closed to harvesting of most shellfish
King County shorelines have been closed to recreational shellfish harvesting after high toxin levels were found in local shellfish, Public Health — Seattle and King County announced Wednesday in a news release.
Mayor, chief discuss police training after shooting
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said he discussed concerns about police training with Chief John Diaz following the shooting of a homeless man Monday in downtown Seattle.
Searchers scour North Cascades for son of boxing promoter Bob Arum
Nearly two dozen mountaineers and park rangers are searching for the son of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, who's been ...
Suicide halts afternoon traffic on I-5 in Seattle
A 66-year-old man jumped from the Boren Street overpass in Seattle Wednesday afternoon and landed on Interstate 5 where he was struck by a vehicle, according to a Washington State Patrol news release.
Vancouver woman burned by acid thrown in face
A 28-year-old Vancouver, Wash., woman suffered severe burns Monday when a stranger threw acid in her face.
Jerry Large
Yes, it's time to turn the page, and not just on the Iraq war. President Obama declared the U.S. combat mission over in a speech that felt...
Sex predator dismisses wage lawsuit against Wash.
A sexual predator confined to Washinton's Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island has dismissed his lawsuit against the state a week after it was filed.
Seattle Times announces three more local news partners
The Seattle Times is expanding its partnerships with local news Web sites with the addition of three more sites today. That brings the total number of partner Web sites to 29.
Son of boxing promoter Arum missing in Cascades
Park rangers in the Cascade Mountains are searching for the son of boxing promoter Bob Arum, who went missing while on a camping trip over the weekend.
State suspends license of Morton teacher
Washington Schools Chief Randy Dorn says he's suspending the teaching certificate of the Morton teacher convicted of inappropriately touching girls.
Sounders FC in U.S. Open Cup finals
One win from writing history. Defending U.S. Open Cup champion Sounders FC is a game from becoming the first team in the MLS era to win...
Seahawks' final exhibition game a key test for Charlie Whitehurst
Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is Matt Hasselbeck's backup but his last two outings have raised questions whether he's an heir apparent.
Washington recruit Austin Seferian-Jenkins is part of talented senior class
Gig Harbor tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is one of the best players in a state.
Steve Kelley
Husky lineman's painful leg snap not end of story
Gregory Christine's return this season is the best story of a Washington training camp full of good news.
Cougars' opener features two quarterbacks on different paths
Saturday, Brandon Weeden makes his first start for Oklahoma State and Jeff Tuel, younger but more experienced, his sixth for WSU.
Inside look at the Storm-Mercury WNBA playoff matchup
How the Storm and Mercury match up in the best-of-three Western Conference Finals: Wings Storm F Swin Cash, 18 ppg, 5 rpg: Was 4 for 4 from...
Cascade Conference team capsules
A team-by-team look at Archbishop Murphy, Cedarcrest and King's of the Cascade Conference
Bud Withers
Coach Robb Akey tries to build on success at Idaho
Former Washington State defensive coordinator Robb Akey guided the Idaho Vandals to an 8-5 season that ended with a victory in the Humanitarian Bowl.
Coho watch is under way in area
The coho salmon watch is on from Puget Sound clear up into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and reports indicate some early fish showing up. "There was a really good...
Cousins Julius Tevaga, Tani Tupou lead Archbishop Murphy
Senior cousins Julius Tevaga, Tani Tupou anchor Archbishop Murphy lines.
Eastern Washington faces powerful Nevada in season opener
Eastern is coming off an 8-4 season that included a 6-2 record in the Big Sky Conference.
Huskies recruit Dexter Charles is focused on protecting Stanwood quarterbacks
Dexter Charles helped Stanwood get to playoffs last year, now he and his teammates are looking for more.
Manny Ramirez a hit in White Sox debut
Manny Ramirez packed his equipment into three large, blue travel bags with script "Dodgers" on the sides. Dressed in a pink shirt and plaid...
NW Briefs
Spokane high school drops football
Valley Christian High School, where a player died after being injured last year, is discontinuing its football program.
Cascade Conference, at a glance
Prime prospects Thomas Vincent QB, 6-0, 191, Sr., King's Strong-armed thrower rated by one service among Top 50 recruits in Washington Taniela...
Ten high school football games you definitely shouldn't miss this season.
Seattle Times Class 3A state football rankings
Bellevue is the team to beat in 3A, as usual.
Seattle Times Class 4A state football rankings
Skyline will try to make it four straight in 4A
Seattle Times preseason all-state football team
Times' all-state football team features players who have committed to Huskies, Cougars.
Thursday Pro baseball TV Radio 7 p.m. PCL, Colorado at Tacoma 850 6:05 p.m. NWL, Vancouver at Everett (DH) 1380 7:10 p.m. Cleveland at Seattle FSN...
Prime prospects Dexter Charles OL, 6-5, 285, Sr., Stanwood Size, athleticism, agility coupled with ability to recover from mistakes Brandon...
Roddick ousted in 2nd round at the U.S. Open
Andy Roddick found it infuriating that a lineswoman who called him for a foot fault was wrong about which of his shoes touched the line...
Brier Dudley
Goggles from Google still a little fuzzy
It was hard to resist Google's blatant pitch for publicity.
California lawsuit settlement to cost Zumiez $2.1 million
Everett-based retailer Zumiez said Wednesday it has reached a tentative agreement to settle an employee lawsuit over alleged California wage-and-hour-law violations.
Kirkland buys former Costco Home location
The city of Kirkland bought the former Costco Home store in Totem Lake Wednesday and plans to convert it into a new public-safety building.
Bushel of Apple news for TV, iPods, iTunes
Apple announced a smaller, cheaper version of its Apple TV device for streaming movies and television shows over the Internet ...
Kodak picks patent fight with iPhone, BlackBerry
Eastman Kodak is trying to gain ground lost in the digital revolution by using its collection of patents to target Apple and Research In Motion (RIM).
Manufacturing muscle gives needed lift to economy
Manufacturing is growing in the U.S. and abroad, easing fears the economy might be on the verge of a second recession.
Apple unveils new TV box for renting movies, shows
Apple Inc. is refining its plans to annex the living room into its entertainment empire.
Caterpillar opens new Arkansas factory, hiring 600
Caterpillar Inc. dedicated a $140 million road grader factory Wednesday, a facility that will employ 600 people and produce the big machines for markets around the world.
Chrysler says sales rise 7 percent over July
Chrysler Group LLC says its August sales rose 7 percent over July as many of its models saw gains.
FCC seeks input on rules for online services
Federal regulators are seeking public input on what rules should apply to wireless Internet access and specialized services that aren't part of the Internet but are delivered over wired broadband connections.
Manufacturing in US and aboard lifts economy
Manufacturing is growing in the United States and abroad, easing fears that the economy might be on the verge of a second recession.
Markets start September with a bang; Dow up 255
The fear that has been hanging over markets for most of August lifted on Wednesday. For how long remains anyone's guess.
Weak auto sales for August amid economic worries
Americans nervous about the drumbeat of bad economic news stayed away from auto showrooms. Automakers nervous about their bottom lines didn't offer deals to lure them in.
Analysis
August was a painful month for investors. A series of disappointing economic reports sent stocks lower and suggested the recovery is weakening...
What's up with all these hurricanes?
In the last two weeks, it seems as though the tropics have exploded.
Arizona desert crossing lures migrants, despite deadly risks
Hector Ortega stumbled across the body of a fellow migrant as he walked across Arizona's harsh desert in the searing summer heat.
Tea-party success brewed by money, flurry of attack ads
Is the tea party the new Republican Party?
New test seen as big advance in diagnosing TB
Scientists are reporting a major advance in diagnosing tuberculosis: A new test can reveal in less than two hours, with very high accuracy, whether someone has the disease and if it's resistant to the main drug for treating it.
Population of illegal immigrants in U.S. declines
Illegal immigration into the United States has slowed considerably in the past several years, a study released Wednesday concludes.
U.S. moves into final military phase in Iraq
The U.S. military Wednesday started a new phase in its mission in Iraq amid a series of conflicting messages that illustrated the mixed feelings many here, both American and Iraqi, have toward a 7 1/2-year effort that cost tens of thousands of lives but left the political outcome undecided.
Colo. pot sellers face new growing requirement
Don Boring owns a grocery store, a liquor store and now, a medical marijuana dispensary. The main difference among them is that he has to produce his own pot inventory.
Dutch prosecutors say Yemenis freed
Two Yemeni men arrested on arrival from the United States on suspicion they may have been conducting a dry run for an airline terror attack were released without charge Wednesday after investigations turned up no evidence to link them to a terror plot, Dutch prosecutors said.
Leader of Pakistan Taliban charged in CIA bombing
U.S. officials launched a broad legal offensive against Pakistan's Taliban on Wednesday, placing the group on its international terrorism blacklist and charging its leader with planning last year's suicide bombing in Afghanistan that killed seven CIA employees.
Mexico confirms 2nd migrant survived massacre
A second migrant survived the massacre of 72 Central and South Americans near the border with the U.S., Mexican authorities confirmed Wednesday, and they said he has given information that helped their investigation.
New York imam: Mosque fight about Muslim role
The imam leading plans for an Islamic center near the site of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York said the fight is over more than "a piece of real estate" and could shape the future of Muslim relations in America.
Number of illegal immigrants in US now declining
The number of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. has dropped for the first time in two decades - decreasing by 8 percent since 2007, a new study finds. The reasons range from the sour economy to Mexican violence and increased U.S. enforcement that has made it harder to sneak across the border.
NYC man plunges 39 stories, lands on car, survives
A New York City man who plunged 39 stories from the rooftop of an apartment building has survived after crashing onto a parked car.
Police: SD teen wanted to be 'infamous sociopath'
An 18-year-old high school student stockpiled bomb-making materials in his bedroom and wrote about wanting to blow up his school, target individuals he hated, rape women and "become the world's most infamous sociopath," authorities said.
Rape probe against WikiLeaks founder reopened
A senior Swedish prosecutor reopened a rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday, the latest twist to a puzzling case in which prosecutors of different ranks have overruled each other.
Spain halves deficit with painful austerity cuts
Spain's deficit is down sharply thanks to an unpopular cocktail of tax hikes and austerity cuts - good news for a government fighting to ward off fears it might need a bailout like the one that saved Greece from bankruptcy.
Tony Blair: 'I cried for Iraq war victims'
Tony Blair regrets banning fox hunting, but not invading Iraq. He was captivated by Princess Diana, intimidated by Queen Elizabeth II. He heaps praise on President George W. Bush but calls his close colleague Gordon Brown a man of "zero" emotional intelligence. He acknowledges that some find him delusional, and says he possibly drank a bit too much.
Tradition ends: No Michigan state fair this year
Rabbit breeder Rob Usakowski typically spends the week before Labor Day helping his daughters show their Jersey Woolies and Holland Lops at the Michigan State Fair.
Video: Captured Mexican drug lord knew top capos
A former Texas high school football player and petty street dealer who allegedly rose to become one of Mexico's most savage assassins says he personally knew the country's top drug lords and shipped cocaine from Colombia through Panama.
Standardized test results mixed for Washington's students
Standardized test results were mixed for Washington state's students. State education chief Randy Dorn was premature calling the WASL's replacement a success.
Museum of Flight deserves to showcase a space shuttle
The Seattle Times editorial board argues that Seattle's Museum of Flight is one of the best places in the United States to show off one of the space shuttles.
Thomas Friedman / Syndicated Columnist
President Obama's impossible missions: Israeli-Palestinian peace, Sunni-Shiite tolerance
President Obama is embarking on two Missions Impossible, writes columnist Thomas L. Friedman. But if the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks succeed and Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis discover how to live together, one can imagine a Middle East that breaks free from the debilitating grip of endless Arab-Israeli wars and autocratic Arab regimes.
Glenn Beck's creepy church picnic
Glenn Beck is offering a new form of fusion politics, melding the anti-government, anti-spending, anti-tax fervor of the tea party with the faith-based agenda of the religious right, writes columnist Ruth Marcus.
E.J. Dionne / Syndicated columnist
President Obama turns the page, switches focus to nation-building at home
By insisting Tuesday evening that "it's time to turn the page," President Obama was talking about more than the Iraq war, writes columnist E.J. Dionne Jr. Obama offered what Democrats had been waiting for: a turn toward nation-building at home.
Guest columnist
Washington's discriminatory system should not deny convicted felons right to vote
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider a challenge to Washington's law prohibiting convicted felons in prison or under community supervision from voting. Guest columnists John Payton and Ryan Haygood argue why the law needs to be overturned.
Seattle's Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) takes steps toward establishing a Pioneer Square location.
Vampire Weekend to play Paramount, making up for canceled Marymoor show
The band Vampire Weekend will appear Sept. 22 and 23 at the Paramount Theatre — making up for a canceled Aug. 29 show at Marymoor Park.
Free concert: The Kora Band at City Hall
Hear The Kora Band for free at Seattle's City Hall Plaza on Fourth Avenue on Sept. 2.
Theater briefs: Discount at Strawberry; Intiman lists works under consideration for 2011
Strawberry Theatre Workshop's "reverse the curse" discounts; Intiman asks subscribers for input on 2011's plays.
TV Picks: 'BBQ Pitmasters' on TLC
In (hopeful) anticipation of some great grilling this final summer holiday weekend, check out the new season of this competition show that...
Conan O'Brien's new show: It's `Conan'
There's Madonna, Oprah and now ... "Conan."
Films opening Friday include 'The American' and 'Wheedle's Groove'
After his great appearance at the Emmys on Sunday, George Clooney is now back in theaters in the thriller "The American" (it opened on Wednesday...
Game On: 'Metroid: Other M' is a must-own
The action is unrelenting, and that is not necessarily bad.
Patron behind the fashion treasury favors a relaxed Southern California matron look
Q and A with entrepreneur and marketing guru
Hilton banned from Wynn resorts after Vegas arrest
Paris Hilton was banned Wednesday from two Wynn resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, and her boyfriend was dismissed as a nightclub partner following their arrests in a vehicle that police said reeked of marijuana.
'Black Swan' opens Venice Film Festival
Darren Aronofsky sees his newest film "Black Swan" as the companion piece to "The Wrestler."
The Stig's ID is 'Top Gear' secret no more
The opaque visor of one of Britain's most famous helmets has been lifted.
The Short List
What our writers love this week
Helen Mirren's "Prime Suspect" on DVD, the cocktail-recipe book "Left Coast Libations" and Tom Rachman's debut novel "The Imperfectionists" make The Seattle Times A&E staff's list of faves this week.
Bob Dylan, The Decemberists, Neko Case sold out at Bumbershoot
For Bumbershoot, Saturday "Standard" tickets — which gain access to mainstage acts such as Dylan and The Decemberists — are sold out, according to festival organizer One Reel. Standard tickets for Sunday (Weezer, Hole, Rise Against) and Monday (Mary J. Blige, Drake and J. Cole) are also going fast, says One Reel.
Inventors day for 'As Seen on TV' products
Of the 7 million patents the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted since the 1800s, about 20 to 30 percent have been issued to independent inventors.
Fish oil may not be much of a heart-saver for those who've already had a heart attack
But Dutch study shows supplement appears to help some.
How Stuff Works: Organic food prices
A paper entitled, "Organic potatoes: they can be grown, but can they be profitable?" is enlightening.
The best workout for the brain may be play
New research reveals that the connection between learning and exercise is not limited to children.
In the Garden
Overwinter cactuses in a cold, dry garage
Garden writer Ciscoe Morris offers tips on overwintering cactuses; the fun of growing Robinia pseudoacacia 'Twisty Baby' and the events at the upcoming 4th Annual Blues for Food Fest at Magnuson Park.
Tales of surviving entrapment with sanity intact
Randy Knapp was a teenager when he spent 13 nights trapped in a whiteout on Oregon's Mount Hood. Thirty-three years later, he's still climbing.
Ask Mr. Dad: Role of comforter
Whenever she gets hurt or upset, daughter screams for her mommy.
Ellis Island immigrants' oral histories go online
Lawrence Meinwald's voice starts shaking when he recalls the first time he saw the Statue of Liberty.
Helping a child who doesn't make the team
Unlike grades that can be raised over the year, team cuts are quick, blunt and final.
Interiors: A simple change or addition can make a big difference
Plan and consider small, easy steps before diving in.
Mormons aim to "regularize" their churches in China
The Chinese government recognizes only five religious groups: Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Muslim and Taoists.
Upside of forced downtime: Some embracing freedom, opportunities
Some idled workers are discovering the upside of downtime, making the most of their furloughs by exploring new interests, volunteering or just kicking back.
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