Friday, March 19, 2010 - Page updated at 02:09 a.m.
Thursday's detailed prep golf results
Bellevue Christian 87 points, Forest Ridge 68. Individuals — 1, Vic Zinsley, F, 29 points; 2, Claire Lucas, F, 27 points; 3, (tie...
Thursday's detailed prep lacrosse results
Bainbridge 21, Lake Tapps 1 (Jordan Wagner, B, 6 goals, 1 assist; Cameron Parker, B, 4 goals; Josh Perkins, LT, 1 goal) Curtis 16, Stadium...
Thursday's detailed prep tennis results
Chelsa Tsujii, E, beat Jane Rose, 6-1, 6-1; Olivia Salak, E, beat Claire Dougherty, 6-3, 6-3; Hannah Thornsburg, E, beat Cora Byers, 6-4...
Thursday's detailed prep track and field results
Kent-Meridian 110, Enumclaw 35; Kent-Meridian 98, Auburn 47; Auburn 81, Enumclaw 64 Shot put — Danny Shelton, A, 50-6. 5. Discus — Nick Conlan...
UPDATE - 01:46 AM
Sandra Bullock still poised for successful future
Sandra Bullock reached the pinnacle of her profession on March 7, when she won an Academy Award. Her husband, Jesse James, was by her side. He even teared up when she went on stage to accept the Oscar.
NW Briefs
UW softball team romps in win over New Mexico
The Washington softball team defeated New Mexico, 10-1, in a game Thursday at the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif.
UPDATE - 01:44 AM
Oil drifts below $82 as month-long rally stalls
Oil prices drifted below $82 a barrel Friday in Asia, pulling back from a monthlong rally that was fueled by mostly positive news about the U.S. economy.
UPDATE - 01:38 AM
Thai protesters plan weekend 'blood-painting'
Protesters in Thailand announced a full weekend of anti-government activities starting with a massive procession through Bangkok followed by "blood painting," their latest shock tactic aimed at forcing new elections.
House Dems on track for vote on $940B health bill
Pushing toward a Sunday vote that could transform the nation's health-insurance system, House leaders announced a $940 billion compromise Thursday that would extend coverage to the vast majority of Americans, cut billions of dollars from Medicare and impose new taxes on the wealthy and well insured.
UPDATE - 01:23 AM
Iran jails former vice president, reform activist
An Iranian appeals court has upheld the conviction of a former vice president on a charge of spreading propaganda against the ruling clerical establishment during the postelection turmoil.
Toyota resisted findings in '07 on potential dangers
As congressional investigators learned last month, Toyota Motor lobbyists claimed last year to have saved the company $100 million by fending off a 2007 federal investigation into unintended acceleration.
Third-seeded New Mexico tops Montana, advances to meet Washington
After all of Darington Hobson's big talk about a deep NCAA tournament run for New Mexico, Montana nearly shut up the Lobos right away. Roman Martinez had 19...
A confusing health care vote explained
Democrats are using an obscure but commonly used tactic known as "reconciliation" to get the health-care legislation through both chambers.
UPDATE - 01:01 AM
Pa. suspect is rare US woman facing terror trial
If the woman dubbed "Jihad Jane" goes on trial, she would become just the second American woman tried on U.S. soil on terrorism charges - and the first accused of directly working toward a Muslim holy war.
Police confirm child's body is that of missing Silverdale boy
A child's body has washed up on Fox Island, and police say it is that of an 8-year-old Silverdale boy, who, along with his mother, has been missing since last weekend.
Texas' long tumble completed in first-round loss to Wake Forest | East Regional
Ishmael Smith's last shot meant one more collapse for Texas. Smith's pull-up jumper from about 17 feet out with 1. 3 seconds remaining in...
Feds: Brakes weren't applied on crashed NY Prius
Computer data from a Toyota Prius that crashed in suburban New York City show that at the time of the accident the throttle was open and the driver was not applying the brakes, U.S. safety officials said Thursday.
Steve Kelley
Quincy Pondexter makes the big play, as a senior leader should
Washington senior Quincy Pondexter hit the game-winning shot for the Huskies in 80-78 victory over Marquette.
Sherri Murrell's fresh start at Portland State leads to Vikings' first trip to NCAA tournament
Sheri Murrell quit at Washington State three years ago and has found success with the Portland State Vikings.
New looks for Cal, Louisville in first round | NCAA notebook
California and Louisville are shuffling their starting lineups for their first-round matchup in the NCAA tournament. The Golden Bears had...
$5M bail set for Lakewood man in ex-wife's slaying at church couples' counseling
Carol Parsons was in counseling with her ex-husband because she knew the divorce was devastating to him, her family said. On Wednesday, he fatally shot her while they were in a couples' counseling session at a Federal Way church, police said.
Another futile search for the 'Barefoot bandit'
A 35-member search team combed Orcas Island for 14 hours Thursday after a possible sighting of 18-year-old fugitive Colton Harris-Moore. The cops came up empty-handed once again.
Port Townsend gentleman farmer pleads guilty to four bank robberies
A Port Townsend farmer who had a secret life as a bank robber has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to four counts of bank robbery — including one using a firearm — and weapons charges stemming from holdups in Tacoma, Seattle, San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif.
Trial begins for man accused of drowning stepdaughter in 2003
The first-degree-murder trial began Thursday morning for a man accused of drowning his 3-year-old stepdaughter to collect on a $200,000 life-insurance policy.
Authorities scale back Orcas Island search for Colton Harris-Moore
Authorities on Orcas Island have scaled back their search for fugitive Colton Harris-Moore, the notorious teen thief who's been eluding police since April 2008.
Feds asked to pay to repair dam
Elected officials representing King County and cities threatened by flooding from the Green River plan to lobby Congress for money to pay for an interim repair of the Army Corps of Engineers' damaged Howard Hanson Dam.
Huskies' Pulu charged with second-degree assault
Suspended University of Washington football player Andru Pulu was charged Thursday with second-degree assault in connection with an attack at an off-campus party on March 7.
Inmate's mother sues King County, medical staff over son's death
The mother of Lynn Dale Iszley, the King County Jail inmate whose grisly death from a bleeding ulcer figured prominently in the federal investigation into conditions at the downtown jail, has sued the county and the doctor and nurses who failed to recognize his symptoms and get him help.
Nicole Brodeur
Mukilteo school hungry to help students
Olympic View Middle School in Mukilteo has started a "Packs for Kids" program to make sure students who don't get enough to eat at home don't go hungry on the weekends, too.
2 Oregon college students say they encountered 3 cougars
Two University of Oregon students on a hike say they came upon three cougars.
Bill Gates-linked vaccine group wants $4.3 billion
A global vaccine initiative launched with the help of Bill Gates is seeking $4.3 billion in new funding to ramp up child immunization campaigns against deadly diseases such as hepatitis B, diarrhea and pneumonia in the developing world.
Despite challenges in Iraq, returning general confident U.S. will maintain withdrawal schedule
Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby is hopeful that the United States will be able to follow through on plans to withdraw all of its combat troops by the end of 2011. But in the short-term, he said the intense pace of combat rotations for U.S. soldiers will continue.
Kent officials tell people to reuse sandbag sand
With the flood danger over, Kent officials are encouraging residents to reuse the sand from the sandbags they filled this winter.
Local advocates press Obama for immigration fix
As if President Obama didn't have enough on his plate with health care and a lagging economy, immigrant advocates are turning up the heat, demanding he deliver on promises to fix immigration this year — not next — and that his plan include a legal path for millions of immigrants in the country illegally.
Mud snail invasion holds Olympia's Capitol Lake
A state biologist says flushing Olympia's Capitol Lake hasn't done much to control a New Zealand mud snail invasion.
Mercer Street between Westlake Avenue North and Fairview Avenue North — part of the Mercer corridor — will have reduced traffic flow Saturday while Seattle Department of Transportation paving crews lay a thin layer of asphalt to repair a number of potholes.
US House passes Alpine Lakes expansion bill
The U.S. House on Thursday passed a measure that would add 22,000 acres to Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.
WA Supreme Court to hear death penalty debate
The state Supreme Court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of the state's execution process.
2 arrested in massive poaching of oysters and clams on Hood Canal
A months-long investigation into the illegal harvest of oysters and clams from Hood Canal culminated in the arrest of two Jefferson County men and the search of a Quilcene Bay shellfish company.
Foster High in Tukwila is one of the schools competing to get President Obama as its commencement speaker.
More crime is connected to medical pot
Patients, growers and clinics in some of the 14 states that allow medical marijuana are increasingly falling victim to robberies, home invasions, shootings and even slayings at the hands of pot thieves.
Scam artists working area, claiming they'll write grants for small businesses
A phony grant-writing scheme targeting small businesses has turned up in the Bellevue-Seattle area, according to Bellevue police.
Teen burglarizes Tri-Cities store, then uses its computer
A burglar who spent about five hours on a store's computer after breaking into the business gave police all the clues they needed to track him down.
Truck hits gas pump on Mercer Island, ignites fire
An errant truck grazed a gasoline pump and ignited a fire Thursday afternoon on Mercer Island, but employees limited the damage by quickly closing an emergency valve, according to the station manager.
Brian Windrope has been named executive director of the Washington Trails Association, the organization announced Wednesday.
Third Boeing 747-8 Freighter makes first flight
The third and final Boeing 747-8 Freighter to take part in the new jet's flight test program has flown for the first time.
Prosecutor: Serial killer linked to more cases
Convicted serial killer Rodney James Alcala may be linked to the unsolved cases of at least six people who disappeared or were killed, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said Thursday.
Seattlepi.com celebrates 1 year of Web-only news
Seattlepi.com, the online successor to the print version of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, celebrates its first birthday Thursday with music, free cupcakes and cheap beer.
Reliever Kanekoa Texeira shows hope that he could make Mariners' 25-man roster
Texeira is a Rule 5 draft pick and cousin of Philadelphia's Shane Victorino. Despite only minor-league experience he has a sound shot at making Seattle's opening day lineup.
Seahawks roll dice on backup Charlie Whitehurst
Coach Pete Carroll made it clear Matt Hasselbeck remains the assumed starter with Charlie Whitehurst providing some competition. But Whitehurst comes to Seattle as more than a backup. This is a player the Seahawks project as a quarterback of the future.
Chelan's Joe Harris named Gatorade Player of Year, leads WIBCA All-State rosters
Chelan guard Joe Harris earns Gatorade's State Player of the Year and will be one of the star attractions at the WIBCA All-State Game on Saturday at Mountlake Terrace High School.
Silvertips buy in to coach Craig Hartsburg's hard-nosed philosophy
Coach Craig Hartsburg's reputation as a no-nonsense leader who demands effort from every player lifted the Everett Silvertips this season. They enter the WHL playoffs Friday at home against Kelowna.
Washington freshman defensive end Andru Pulu charged with second-degree assault
Andru Pulu, who was suspended from Washington football team on March 9, charged with second-degree assault.
Cold weather cancels Sounders FC exhibition at Colorado
Cold weather in Colorado cancels Sounders FC exhibition game scheduled for Friday against Rapids.
Matchup: Gonzaga vs. Florida State
4:10FridayinBuffalo(Ch. 7) Gonzaga Record: 26-6 overall, 12-2 in West Coast Conference (1st place). Seed: 8. RPI: 37. Bid: At-large. Tournament record: 14-12. Best...
Murray State shocks fourth-seeded Vanderbilt | West Regional
The president called this one, all right. Danero Thomas hit a 15-footer as the buzzer sounded and 13th-seeded Murray State stunned No. 4 seed Vanderbilt 66-65...
Danero Thomas hit a 15-footer as the buzzer sounded and 13th-seeded Murray State stunned No. 4 seed Vanderbilt 66-65 on Thursday in the NCAA tournament.
Villanova tops Robert Morris 73-70 in OT
Scottie Reynolds learned a lesson starting the game on the bench. Once in the game, he delivered a teachable moment of his own to 15th-seeded Robert Morris: Don't let a Final Four-tested team like Villanova off the hook.
Bud Withers
Gonzaga vs. Florida State is a classic offense vs. defense matchup
First-round matchup features Gonzaga's offensive scheme against Florida State's defense-first squad.
Jordan will put face on Bobcats
A relaxed Michael Jordan broke into a wide smile as he sat at his desk Thursday night amid his whirlwind week of realizing a longtime goal of becoming an NBA owner.
Oregon ousts E. Washington in WNIT opener
Micaela Cocks scored 16 points to lead five players in double figures and Oregon marked its return to the postseason with a 95-66 victory...
Skipper also used pot, amphetamines
A day after acknowledging he failed a drug test for cocaine last year, Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington admits he used marijuana and amphetamines while he was a player.
Quincy Pondexter's shot lifts Washington, 80-78
Quincy Pondexter's clutch shot with 1.7 seconds left gave the Washington Huskies a dramatic 80-78 victory over Marquette on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Being a No. 8 seed is a new experience for Gonzaga
Last time Gonzaga played in an 8-9 matchup it won, then lost thriller to No. 1 seed Arizona in 2003.
Narrow escape for second-seeded Villanova | South Regional
Scottie Reynolds responded to his benching with a solid performance at the foul line, and second-seeded Villanova survived a scare from...
No. 14 seed Ohio surprises No. 3 Georgetown | Midwest Regional
How about a standing O for Ohio! Armon Bassett scored 32 points to lead the 14th-seeded Bobcats to a convincing 97-83 win over Georgetown...
Sideline Chatter
Willie Davis, the fleet ex-Dodgers center fielder who died at age 69 last week, was quick with a finger, too.
Canucks earn rare victory over San Jose
Ryan Kesler and Alexander Edler each had a goal and an assist, Ryan Johnson scored his first goal of the season, and the host Vancouver Canucks hung on to beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on Thursday night.
Willis fires 65 for 2-shot PGA lead
Padraig Harrington didn't have the best score at Innisbrook, just one of the biggest smiles. He finished his opening round Thursday at the...
K-State routs North Texas 82-62 in West Regional
On an opening day of upsets and close calls in the NCAA tournament, Kansas State got an early scare.
Murray State stuns Vanderbilt in NCAA opener
Murray State coach Billy Kennedy went with his gut and drew up a play his team had never run before, with Isacc Miles the go-to guy at the end.
Saint Mary's earns first NCAA win since 1959
Richmond was on the wrong side of an NCAA tournament upset this time, and Saint Mary's is moving on for the first time in more than 50 years.
Ex-Hawk Tapp signs 3-year deal with Philly
Darryl Tapp is looking forward to a fresh start. Two days after joining the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade, Tapp signed a three-year contract...
Hammel goes 5 innings as Rockies beat Mariners 9-2
Carlos Gonzalez, Ryan Spilborghs and Eric Young had two hits each, and Colorado starter Jason Hammel tossed five strong innings to lead the Rockies past the Seattle Mariners 9-2 on Thursday.
Washington's Justin Holiday in right place for game's last shot
Washington's Justin Holiday was able to pressure Marquette star Lazar Hayward on final shot in Huskies' 80-78 victory.
Game at a glance: Washington 80, Marquette 78
Player of the game: Washington senior forward Quincy Pondexter scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half, including a game-winning banker...
Retail Report
Coming soon to movie theaters: more 3-D screens
Local theaters see a pop in sales from 3-D movies.
A relaunch of tanker contest possible
European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co. says it may want to compete for the new aerial tanker program and the U.S. Defense ...
Little Seattle bank hopes to raise $450M and be a big player
Fortune Bank, a small Seattle-based bank, seeks to raise $450 million in new capital and plans to bring in the former top U.S. executive of global banking giant HSBC as its chief executive.
Inflation stays low in Seattle area in February
The Consumer Price Index for metro Seattle, which is calculated every other month, rose just 0.2 percent between December and February, as higher fuel prices were offset by lower prices for food and housing.
Viacom, Google trade accusations in YouTube lawsuit
Viacom and Google, raising a slow-brewing corporate drama to the boiling point, swapped blistering accusations of piracy and clandestine actions as part of a high-stakes legal war aimed at redrawing how television programs and movies are watched on the Internet.
Boeing loses appeal over Oklahoma workers' retirement benefits
Court of Appeals gives former Boeing employees in Oklahoma, now employed by Spirit AeroSystems, the right to early retirement with a Boeing pension and benefits.
J.Crew's Madewell to open at University Village
J.Crew has picked University Village to introduce its Madewell clothing chain to Seattle-area shoppers.
State tax break entices tech firms to build data centers
To attract data centers to rural counties, Washington state will give tax breaks to tech companies that build them.
Feds: Prius brakes not applied at time of N.Y. crash
Federal regulators say computer data from a Toyota Prius that crashed in New York show the driver was not applying the brakes at the time of the accident.
New FDA rules severely restrict how tobacco is marketed
A former convict pleaded guilty to first-degree murder Thursday for killing his 80-year-old prison pen-pal lover, entombing the man's body in a concrete egg in a garden and then using his victim's money on a spending spree.
Canada's loonie inches toward parity with the U.S. dollar
Canada's dollar inches towards parity with the greenback.
FedEx sees economic recovery spreading
FedEx says the global economic recovery is broadening, as the U.S. economy gains steam and Asia continues to show strong growth.
Govt rewarded bank auditors with big bonuses
As banks gambled on the risky mortgages that helped create the worst financial crisis in generations, the U.S. government handed out millions of dollars in bonuses to regulators at agencies that missed or ignored warning signs that the system was on the verge of a meltdown.
Microsoft rival Opera: browser downloads double
Norway's Opera said Thursday that downloads of its browser more than doubled after Microsoft Corp. was forced to give European users a choice of Web software to settle European Union antitrust charges.
Porsche takes top spot in dependability study
Porsche shot to the top of a closely watched study of long-term vehicle dependability, overtaking U.S. and Japanese rivals, J.D. Power and Associates said Thursday.
Stocks end mixed after price, jobs reports
Major stock indexes ended mixed Thursday on more evidence that the economy is regaining strength at a slow pace.
Two-track economy: 9.7% unemployment, $200K cars
For the super-rich and everyone else, the economic recovery is taking place in two very different gears.
Viacom, YouTube air dirty laundry in legal battle
Viacom Inc. and Google Inc.'s YouTube site began airing each other's dirty laundry Thursday, providing a tantalizing peek at the wheeling and dealing that triggered a bitter battle over the copyright laws governing the Internet.
Apple director, ex-auto executive Jerome York dies
Apple Inc. says board member and former auto industry executive Jerome York has died.
Barnes & Noble makes CEO switch
Barnes & Noble changed CEOs Thursday, elevating the president of its Web site to lead the company, a surprise move that highlights the importance of digital books to the bookseller's future.
China rejects US lawmakers pressure on currency
China rejected pressure by U.S. lawmakers for Beijing to ease currency controls and accused Washington on Thursday of trade protectionism that it said might hurt the global recovery.
HP settles patent violation cases with importers
Hewlett Packard Co. said Thursday that it has reached a settlement with three companies that have been accused of infringing on the printer company's patents for ink cartridges.
McLaren to build high-performing sports cars in UK
Formula One car maker McLaren unveiled plans on Thursday to build a range of commercial sports cars in Britain, using race technology to take on other high-end European manufacturers such as Ferrari and Porsche on the highways.
Mortgage rates still below 5 percent
Mortgage rates held below the 5 percent threshold for the third straight week as the Federal Reserve prepares to end a program that has kept rates at or near record lows.
Sex.com creditors say domain's too hot for NY sale
The suitors for Sex.com have been put off for now.
Current account deficit rises to $115.6B in 4Q
The current account trade deficit widened in the fourth quarter, reflecting an improving economy, but the imbalance for all of 2009 fell to the lowest point in eight years. Economists believe the deficit will increase in 2010 but not return to the record heights seen before the recession.
Leading indicators rise more slowly in February
A gauge of future economic activity rose 0.1 percent in February, suggesting slow economic growth this summer.
UPDATE - 12:07 AM
SC gov agrees to pay ethics fine, gets divorced
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has closed two chapters of his life, agreeing to pay $74,000 in fines to resolve ethics charges brought against him after last summer's revelation of an extramarital affair, and receiving word that a judge had formally ended his 20-year marriage to his wife, Jenny.
UPDATE - 12:42 AM
Democrats push toward Sunday vote on health care
Slowly but steadily, support is building behind President Barack Obama's health care legislation in the House, the result of intense lobbying and politically targeted changes aimed at reassuring waverers and winning over critics.
UPDATE - 12:43 AM
Myanmar credits US ties for freeing American
Myanmar's ruling military junta decided to release a naturalized American citizen from prison because of its friendship with the U.S. government, state media said Friday.
Pelosi decides which Democrats can vote no on health bill
In the homestretch of the health-care debate, one obvious question being asked across the capital is whether Speaker Nancy Pelosi ...
2 Calif. kids help deliver a baby brother
With their pregnant mother screaming in pain, two young California children calmly called 911 and helped deliver a baby brother.
Accused 'JihadJane' pleads not guilty to terror plot
A Pennsylvania woman accused of recruiting men on the Internet to wage holy war in southern Asia and Europe pleaded not guilty Thursday to all counts in federal court in Philadelphia.
Caption corrected on famous photo from World War II
For 68 years, John E. Love has been haunted by the memory of carrying fallen comrades to a mass grave hollowed out of a ...
Chicagoan pleads guilty to role in Bombay terrorist attacks
A U.S. citizen of Pakistani descent pleaded guilty Thursday to charges alleging he scouted targets in advance of the Bombay attacks.
Clinton chides Russia over Iran nuke plant
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday criticized Russia's declaration that it soon would finish a nuclear-power plant in Iran.
Ex-con admits killing pen pal, encasing him in concrete
A former convict pleaded guilty to first-degree murder Thursday for killing his 80-year-old prison pen-pal lover, entombing the man's body in a concrete egg in a garden and then using his victim's money on a spending spree.
Fess Parker, TV's 'Davy Crockett,' dies at 85
Actor Fess Parker, who launched a craze for coonskin caps as television's Davy Crockett, dies at 85.
Some key features included in the health-care bill
Some of the main features of the health-care overhaul legislation:
U.N. panel won't protect bluefin tuna, polar bears
Delegates at a U.N. conference on endangered species in Doha, Qatar, soundly defeated U.S.-supported proposals on Thursday to ban international trade in bluefin tuna and to protect polar bears.
After Oscar accolades, private woes for Bullock
Sandra Bullock is on a career high. America's Sweetheart and "Miss Congeniality" was repeatedly anointed as Hollywood royalty this year, sweeping awards season and capping it off with an Oscar for her role as a devoted mom in "The Blind Side."
Bavarian bishops pray for abuse victims
A prominent archbishop called Thursday for justice for sexual abuse victims in Germany's Roman Catholic Church, saying they need to feel they can finally speak openly about their suffering.
China probes vaccines after child deaths reported
China's Health Ministry is investigating the safety of inoculations in a northern province after a report that defective vaccines possibly killed four children and seriously sickened dozens.
Export ban on Atlantic bluefin tuna rejected
Fishing nations won a victory over environmentalists Thursday when a U.S.-backed proposal to ban export of the Atlantic bluefin tuna was overwhelmingly rejected at a U.N. wildlife meeting.
Fed appeals court won't rehear Ashcroft lawsuit
A federal appellate court said Thursday it wouldn't reconsider its ruling that former Attorney General John Ashcroft can be held personally responsible for misuse of the material witness statute after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Former Clinton fundraiser pleads guilty to fraud
A wealthy Manhattan investment banker who was once a top fundraiser for Hillary Rodham Clinton and other big-name Democrats pleaded guilty Thursday to bank fraud.
French court convicts woman of killing 6 newborns
A court in Normandy on Thursday convicted a 38-year-old woman of killing six of her newborn babies - a deed she acknowledged - and sentenced her to 15 years in prison.
Gaza rocket kills worker in Israeli border village
A rocket fired by Gaza militants smashed into a greenhouse in an Israeli border village Thursday, killing a Thai worker in the ...
Gov't orders recall of 1.2 million high chairs
The government is announcing a recall of 1.2 million high chairs it says pose a fall hazard to children.
Attempt stalls to ban smoking at Calif state parks
An attempt by the California Legislature to impose what is believed to be the nation's most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks stalled Thursday over objections it would inappropriately punish smokers.
A symbol of the slave trade joins US and Cuba
It will be the rarest of sights: a black-hulled, two-masted replica of a slave-carrying schooner slipping into Havana's harbor flying two flags - those of the United States and Cuba.
$9M jury award for jilted wife who sued other woman
A jury has awarded a North Carolina woman $9 million from her husband's lover after ruling the other woman ruined their marriage.
Clinton and Bush head to Haiti on Monday
Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who are spearheading U.S. fundraising for Haiti, will make their first joint visit to the Caribbean nation on Monday to assess the nation's earthquake recovery needs.
Dubai hotel releases whale shark back into wild
A resort hotel on one of Dubai's manmade islands said Thursday it has freed a whale shark whose captivity had been criticized by environmentalists.
Ex-con killed pen pal, encased him in concrete
An ex-convict has pleaded guilty to killing his prison pen pal, encasing the body in cement and living off the victim's savings and credit cards.
German journalist seeks release of Eichmann files
The basics of Adolf Eichmann's story are well documented: Commonly known as the "architect of the Holocaust" for his role in coordinating the Nazi genocide policy, he fled Germany, was captured in Argentina by Israel's Mossad, and hanged after trial in Jerusalem.
Kids who helped deliver baby describe ordeal
When their mom went into labor with no one else around, a 9-year-old California boy and his 11-year-old sister quickly responded like pros and helped care for their newborn brother.
Leprechaun holdup suspect linked to Santa robbery
The man who staged a St. Patrick's Day bank robbery in a leprechaun costume and died during a police shootout also held up a bank three days before Christmas in a Santa suit, police said Thursday.
Netanyahu calls Clinton to defuse tensions
Hoping to defuse a fight between friends, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton agreed Thursday to meet next week in Washington to confront an embarrassing dispute over Israeli land claims.
NYC couple: Police have wrong address — a lot
An elderly Brooklyn couple say they're tired of hearing the phrase, "Police! Open up!"
Obama backs senators' immigration overhaul outline
President Barack Obama, facing criticism from advocates of immigration reform, pledged Thursday "to do everything in my power" to get immigration legislation moving in Congress this year.
Obama effigy hung at RI school with fired teachers
A teacher at a failing school where he and all his colleagues are being fired hung an effigy of President Barack Obama in his classroom, apparently in reaction to Obama's support of extreme measures to ensure accountability in schools.
Obama signs jobs bill as health care intrudes
President Barack Obama has said he wants to focus laser-like on the public's top concern: jobs. But the ongoing effort to remake the nation's health care system keeps getting in the way.
Online postings warn of another Va. Tech attack
Nearly three years after a massacre that left more than 30 dead, Virginia Tech officials are urging calm as e-mails and Internet postings originating in Italy threaten another attack on campus.
Poland convicts 3 men in theft of Auschwitz sign
A Polish court convicted three men Thursday of the theft of the notorious "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Sets You Free) sign from the Auschwitz memorial site in December.
Putin: Iran's new nuclear plant to start up soon
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Iran's new Russian-built nuclear power plant will begin operating this summer, even as the United States called for Russia to delay the startup.
Retired general: Gays made Dutch weak in Bosnia
A retired U.S. general says Dutch troops failed to defend against the 1995 genocide in the Bosnian war because the army was weakened, partly because it included openly gay soldiers.
Some Fargo residents refuse to move despite floods
Mac Butler believes he'll beat the bloated Red River and save his home again this year. But a canoe and kayak are tied up outside his house just in case he's wrong.
Soyuz spacecraft lands safely on Kazakh steppe
Astronauts from the United States and Russia landed safely in northern Kazakhstan's chilly steppes on Thursday after spending almost six months on the International Space Station.
Sudan and Darfur rebel group sign cease-fire
Sudan's government and a collection of Darfur rebel groups signed a cease-fire Thursday - the second such deal in less than a month with a key rebel faction - opening the way for political negotiations ahead of a full peace agreement.
Text message dispute triggered brutal Fla. beating
The brutal beating of a 15-year-old girl at a Florida middle school was triggered by a text message dispute between the victim and the teenage boy accused punching and stomping on her with steel-toed boots, authorities said Thursday.
US citizen pleads guilty in 1968 air hijacking
A 67-year-old man on Thursday admitted hijacking a plane four decades ago and forcing it to land in Cuba, telling a judge how he threatened to cut a flight attendant's throat to get access to the cockpit, where another man held a gun to the back of the co-pilot.
Utah GOP says nude-hot-tub resignation appropriate
Utah's House Republicans say it was appropriate for a state lawmaker to resign after he acknowledged he paid a woman $150,000 to keep quiet about nude hot-tubbing a quarter century ago, when she was a minor.
Warships take new strategy against Somali pirates
An international fleet of warships is attacking and destroying Somali pirate vessels closer to the shores of East Africa and the new strategy, combined with more aggressive confrontations further out to sea, has dealt the brigands a setback, officials and experts said Thursday.
Witness casts doubt on evidence against Demjanjuk
An expert witness says a statement being used as evidence against John Demjanjuk should be treated with the "highest caution" because it came from a KGB interrogation.
Zuma: "substantial" progress in Zimbabwe talks
South African President Jacob Zuma said Thursday he believes he made great progress in his first trip to Zimbabwe as chief mediator between members of the fragile power-sharing government.
Lance Dickie / Seattle Times editorial columnist
Dodd's financial-salvage mission
A lengthy regulation bill drafted by Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., begins the trek toward restoring confidence in the U.S. financial system, at home and abroad.
Guest columnist
Is Seattle ready for design, density and affordability?
The city of Seattle is considering changes to its zoning code. Guest columnist David Neiman writes it's time to update the code to provide for more density as well as good design and better affordability.
The Seattle Times Editorial Board opposes a provision of ESSB 6444, a budget bill now moving through the Washington Legislature, that would restrict the ability of certain employers to talk to their employees about labor unions.
George Will / Syndicated columnist
Betting (again) on an education fix
WASHINGTON — Doubling down on dubious bets is characteristic of compulsive gamblers and federal education policy. The nation was essentially without such policy for grades K through 12, and better off for that, until 1965. In that year of liberals living exuberantly, they produced the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Now yet another president has announced yet another plan to fix education. His aspiration has a discouraging pedigree.
Seattle Public Schools needs an honest accounting
The Seattle School District acknowledges it grossly overstated the number of American Indian students in a federally funded program and plans to pay back the money.
Tea-party philosophy: a political-restoration movement
If you read the Op-Ed pages these days, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the GOP and the conservative movement have been taken over by know-nothing mobs, anti-intellectual demagogues and pitchfork-wielding bigots. There's no omnibus label for this argument, but it's a giveaway that a person subscribes to it if he or she describes the "tea party" movement as "tea baggers," an awfully telling bit of sophomoric condescension from the
WASHINGTON — There are any number of good reasons for House Democrats to vote against health-care reform. Abortion isn't one of them.
A stand-up roundup: Comedy clubs in Seattle and on the Eastside
A stand-up roundup: Comedy Underground, Laughs, Parlor Live and Giggles offer stand-up comedy in Seattle and on the Eastside.
Accordionists swing into action at Accordi-O-Rama at Town Hall
Seattle's third annual Accordi-O-Rama covers the globe in its lineup of accordion sounds.
Restaurant review
Lakeside Bistro draws South End diners with its Vietnamese inspired cuisine
Lakeside Bistro in South Seattle serves food with a Vietnamese bent.
Q&A: Melissa Rosenberg, 'Twilight' screenwriter
An interview with "Twilight" screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg. On the eve of the "New Moon" DVD release, she talks about romance of the werewolf and vampire kind, teenage crushes and angst, and writing other coming-of-age shows, like "Party of Five" and "The OC."
Movie review
'Diary of a Wimpy Kid': stuck in middle school with a pretty cool cast
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid," based on the novel by Jeff Kinney, is an agreeable if flawed comedy for the whole family. Zachary Gordon stars as the undersized hero trying to survive middle school.
Eastsider Karan Brar, age 11, has key role in 'Wimpy Kid'
An interview with Cedarwood Elementary's Karan Brar, who has a key role in the movie version of Jeff Kinney's best-selling novel for young readers, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."
Jamie Cullum brings sounds of 'The Pursuit' to Seattle
A review of Jamie Cullum's new album, "The Pursuit." The British pop star appears at Seattle's Moore Theatre on March 21.
Movie review
'The Bounty Hunter': About as much fun as watching Jennifer Aniston tuck her hair behind her ears
A review of "The Bounty Hunter," a bland action-romance starring Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler.
Book review
'The Future History of the Arctic': a balanced look
Author Charles Emmerson's "The Future History of the Arctic" looks at the history of the Earth's northernmost region, including how nations have used its natural resources, to understand how this past frames its future. Emmerson discusses his book Monday at Town Hall Seattle.
Coming up on Seattle stages: Fun-loving gents, a military widow, an aggravating sister and more
The misadventures of two gents, a Brooklyn native getting back to his roots, a self-help comedy and a mystery tale with Eskimo spammers are all in store this week on local stages.
Grey Gallery show is a journey to new territory with familiar artists
"Parallel Universe" is an artist-curated show at Seattle's Grey Gallery and Lounge that reveals atypical or seldom-seen sides of 19 local artists.
Review: 'Sunlight' examines murky post-9/11 issues
Sharr White's "Sunlight" at Seattle's ArtsWest examines a family's reaction to murky events after Sept. 11, 2001.
Zac Brown Band brings its 'Chicken Fried' sounds to Everett
Zac Brown Band plays Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center, March 21
Movie review
'October Country': Sympathy, but no hope, for dysfunctional family
"October Country," directed by Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher, centers on Mosher's deeply dysfunctional family. The documentary benefits from familial trust and candor, but ultimately fails to find a sense of purpose and intention.
'Breaking Bad' marathon on AMC is a Friday TV pick
In anticipation of Sunday's Season 3 premiere, AMC is offering up a six-hour marathon of some of the best episodes of their gritty, unrelenting...
'Casablanca' leads list of classics screening in Seattle
"Casablanca," "Blood Simple" and "Tabu: A Story of the South Seas" are among the special film screenings in Seattle this week.
'Nuclear Cowboyz' motocross show at the Tacoma Dome
Do you feel like you need a shot of adrenaline in your weekend? Then head south to Tacoma for two chances to see the "theatrical freestyle...
Classical Roundup: Happy birthday Bach, going for Baroque and two more guest conductors
Bach, Bach and more Bach this week in Seattle, plus standards and hits from Baroque Northwest and Medieval Women's Choir, and two guest conductors at Seattle Symphony.
Dancing duo's 'Too' blends video with live steps
Seattle choreographer Amy O'Neal launches a new dance-video project with "too," the first production of her new company, AmyO/tinyrage.
First 'American Idol' finalist booted
Lacey Brown is down and out on "American Idol."
Oh, you beautiful dolls: Paper dolls at Edmonds museum
See vintage paper dolls at the Edmonds Museum, including items dating from 1856 through the 1950s. The exhibit's last day is April 4.
ABC hires Amanpour for Sunday morning job
ABC News has hired Christiane Amanpour, one of CNN's best-known personalities for her hard-nosed reporting from war zones over the past two decades, to host its Sunday morning political talk show starting this summer.
Influential Big Star member Alex Chilton dies
Alex Chilton, the singer and guitarist who had a No. 1 hit as a gravel-voiced teen with "The Letter" and went on to influence a generation of musicians through his work with Big Star, died Wednesday in New Orleans. He was 59.
Producer files $30M suit against Lady Gaga in NYC
A songwriter and music producer who claims he helped launch pop star Lady Gaga says she squeezed him out of her lucrative career after he co-wrote some of her songs, came up with her stage name and helped get her record deal.
Hollywood and Bollywood join arms to fight piracy
Hollywood and Bollywood linked arms Thursday to fight piracy, with the announcement of a coalition among the Motion Picture Association of America and seven Indian companies to tackle counterfeiting in one of the world's largest film markets.
Movie review
'Hubble 3D': An out-of-this-world documentary
"Hubble 3D," a documentary narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, is an extraordinary spectacle. It's the story of the space telescope's launch in 1990 and subsequent repairs, as well as the breathtaking knowledge it has provided humankind.
Movie review
'Neil Young Trunk Show': At 64, he's even better
"Neil Young Trunk Show," Jonathan Demme's follow-up to "Neil Young: Heart of Gold," demonstrates that at 64 years old, ol' Shakey's never been sturdier.
Movie review
'Repo Men': Heartless job drives anything-goes sci-fi thriller
"Repo Men," reminiscent of Monty Python's "Live Organ Transplants" skit from "The Meaning of Life," is an anything-goes science-fiction film starring Jude Law as an organ repo man who suffers cardiac failure on the job.
Movie review
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo': An indelible look into a 40-year-old mystery
A review of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," a Swedish movie version of the wildly popular novel by Stieg Larsson. It's a fine, brooding thriller, writes Seattle Times movie critic Moira Macdonald.
Movie review
'The Good Guy': swimming in an investment-world shark tank
"The Good Guy," starring Alexis Bledel, Scott Porter and Bryan Greenberg, is Julio DePietro's acidic romantic comedy about Wall Street hotshots.
Movie review
'The Runaways': Story of a rock 'n' roll breakdown
A review of "The Runaways," a movie based on the experiences of the 1970s rock band that spawned Joan Jett.
Country music impresario Johnnie High dead at 80
Johnnie High, a north Texas country music showman who gave such performers as LeAnn Rimes and Boxcar Willie their early exposure, has died at the age of 80.
List of top 15 cable shows in Nielsen ratings
Rankings for the top 15 programs on cable networks as compiled by the Nielsen Co. for the week of March 8-14. Day and start time (EDT) are in parentheses:
MGM studio relives past as binding offers are due
In Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.'s newest movie, "Hot Tub Time Machine," a main character looks around a leg-warmer-dotted ski slope and asks "Is there some kind of retro thing going on this weekend?"
NYC art dealer pleads guilty to $100M swindle
A Manhattan art dealer who catered to celebrities and artists' heirs apologized Thursday for bilking about $120 million from clients to finance a once-luxurious life now unraveled into bankruptcy, illness and a struggle with drinking.
Singing Cornish fishermen sign major-label deal
After singing soldiers and harmonious priests, a group of English fishermen is the latest unorthodox band to sign a major-label recording contract.
World music champion Charlie Gillett dies at 68
Charlie Gillett, a DJ and music historian who helped bring music from around the world to wider attention, has died at the age of 68, his employer, the British Broadcasting Corp., said Thursday.
Dining Deals
Little Hot Pot in Bellevue offers cook-it-yourself deal
At Little Hot Pot in Bellevue's Crossroads neighborhood, diners are served a tasty broth to cook up a variety of meats and vegetables at their table.
It's springtime! Love is in the air, and so is pollen. That's right, it's allergy season. Have you started sneezing yet? If not ...
WHO: Not sure if drug-resistant TB is worsening
The World Health Organization says it doesn't have enough information to know if it is winning the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis.
How about a new puppy this spring?
Think before taking on a new dog
Suite dreams: Tips on creating a master bedroom
Decorating author and shop proprietor Mary Carol Garrity shares how her team created a master bedroom worthy of sweet dreams in a designer-show home.
Do we treat visiting stepdaughter same as other kids?
Ex-Etiquette: Each time my husband's daughter comes to visit, there's a fight. We live in another state and she stays with us for months at ...
Glass bowl's value hinges on hidden signature
Treasures in Your Attic: A Bohemian bowl and a Bavarian bird figure may be worth hundreds, according to Joe Rosson and Helaine Fendelman.
Should kids be on leashes? And what about strollers?
Family psychologist John Rosemond gives his opinion on leashes for children, big kids in strollers and sippy cups filled with anything but water.
Swiss Gruyere named world's best cheese in Wis.
The Europeans are still the big cheeses.
Send thank-you notes both after shower, wedding
Ask Carley: Etiquette advice for weddings from Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of The Knot.
CAPITAL CULTURE: Designer favored by Obama closes
The signs of Maria Pinto's rise were clear when Michelle Obama entered the world stage wearing her designs, also favored by Oprah Winfrey.
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