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Local NewsSummit at Snoqualmie has OK to expand
The Summit at Snoqualmie got U.S. Forest Service approval to build six new lifts, upgrade eight existing lifts, expand parking, overhaul and expand several lodges, build a new mountaintop restaurant, and add lighting for night skiing on 25 new runs.
Check the forecast before weekend travel
If you're still thinking about heading over the mountains for the Apple Cup — or for other weekend adventures, be aware that the forecast is for a 60 percent chance of precipitation at Snoqualmie Pass — that could be either rain or snow.
Mercer Island teen opts for charity at his bar mitzvah
A nationwide bar/bat mitzvah program run by the New York City-based Jewish Foundation for the Righteous encourages kids to offer financial assistance to non-Jews who helped save Jews during the Holocaust.
State Patrol wants witnesses to man's impersonation of an officer
The State Patrol has released a photo of a Cashmere man believed to have impersonated a police officer and even stopped vehicles in King and Pierce counties.
NEW - 01:02 AM
Wash. regulators ask: Can blogging be lobbying?
Blogger beware? State regulators are wondering whether online political activism amounts to lobbying, which could force Web-based activists to file public reports detailing their finances.
"John Doe" gets 30 months for stealing more than 20 identities
Scott Andrew Shain, who had wrapped himself in dozens of false identities for years, was sentenced to 30 months in prison Friday.
"Operation Clean Ride" nets long prison terms for cocaine traffickers
Three members of a Washington family have been given lengthy prison terms for running a drug ring that sold quantities of cocaine out of a Seattle auto detailing shop.
Gates Foundation pruning grant growth
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is scaling back planned growth in its grant making next year in response to the economic downturn, Chief Executive Jeff Raikes said Friday.
King County budget saves some jobs and the fair
The Metropolitan King County Council gave preliminary approval Friday to a 2009 budget that saves 19 sheriff's deputy positions, a public health clinic, and special courts that send drug addicts and people with mental illness to treatment instead of jail.
Top leaders re-elected in state Legislature
Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, will again be House minority leader. Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, will return as Senate majority leader. And Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, is once again the Senate minority leader.
3 boys arrested in alleged sexual assault at Franklin High School
Seattle police are investigating allegations by a 15-year-old Franklin High School student that a boy tried to drag her into a bathroom and sexually assault her, while two of his friends held the door closed.
A masterful Man of steel
If you order a handmade chef's knife from master bladesmith Bob Kramer, you might receive it in time for Christmas — in 2010. He has a backlog.
$100M project near Yakima files for bankruptcy
The Vineyards Resort, a multimillion-dollar golf and housing destination resort, filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors on Thursday, officials said.
The Rev. Patricia Hunter
Take heart from blessings big and small
This Thanksgiving, remember that even in times when we have to stretch every dollar, most of us are incredibly blessed, writes the Rev. Patricia L. Hunter.
Local Digest
WSU president asks for $100K pay cut
Washington State University President Elson Floyd is taking a $100,000 pay cut in response to budget problems.
Nation & WorldClinton to accept State job, aides say
Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat to become secretary of state in the Obama administration, making her the public face to the world for the man who dashed her hopes for the presidency, confidants of Clinton said Friday.
Study : Happy people watch less TV
Happy people spend a lot of time socializing, going to church and reading newspapers but not much time watching television, a new study finds.
Bush's final overseas venture?
President Bush, confessing he already "felt a little nostalgic," began what could be his last official overseas trip Friday with the aim of building a broad international consensus for the regulatory reform agenda adopted by leaders of 20 nations who attended his global economic-summit meeting in Washington, D.C., last week.
Glitches in NASA's water-recycling system
The $154 million device for turning astronauts' urine and sweat into drinking water aboard the international space station shut down again Friday, and engineers on the ground were scrambling to figure out what was wrong.
Iraqis protest security pact with U.S.
More than 10,000 Iraqis, mostly supporters of the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, gathered in Baghdad's Firdos Square on Friday to protest the security agreement with the United States that Parliament is scheduled to vote on Monday.
Man's suicide involves drugs — and a webcam
The Broward College student took a lethal mixture of three drugs Wednesday and then blogged about it while a webcam broadcast his actions, including his death, as some computer users egged him on and others tried to talk him out of it.
Nebraska's safe-haven law is retooled
Nebraska on Friday closed a loophole in a law that had allowed parents to abandon their children at hospitals.
UPDATE - 01:55 AM
Obama moves quickly to fill Cabinet positions
President-elect Barack Obama has moved with unusual speed to select officials for his administration, and senior Democratic officials say he intends to name Timothy Geithner as his treasury secretary as soon as Monday.
Witness in Stevens' trial says he was coached
A witness in the corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, told a federal judge that he received extensive help from prosecutors before taking the stand and would have testified differently had he not been given their assistance.
Gates supports Afghan buildup, for now
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday that he supports a fresh troop buildup in Afghanistan — officially estimated at more than 20,000 U.S. troops in the next 12 to 18 months — to fight a growing insurgency and safeguard the 2009 Afghan elections. But he stressed that in the long run the conflict should be "Afghanistan's war."
Mexico: Cartel bribed former drug czar
In a spiraling probe into corruption at top levels of Mexican law enforcement, authorities said Friday that the nation's former anti-drug chief had accepted $450,000 to tip off traffickers.
Russians show off power on high seas
The voyage of the cruiser Peter the Great, scheduled to arrive in Venezuela next week with a squadron of other Russian warships, was meant to showcase the Kremlin's ability to project naval power abroad and reassert its claim to great power status.
Stimulus plan lures hopefuls to Beijing
They have been coming here from all over China, businessmen and local officials looking for a slice of the Chinese stimulus.
3 months later, he's still at airport
Hiroshi Nohara is on a layover at the Mexico City airport. It has lasted almost three months, and he has no plans to leave.
First standards set for olive oil
Many nations have standards for olive oil, and its virgin and extra-virgin varieties. But U.S. standards haven't been updated since the late 1940s.
Madonna's marriage at an end
After the wedding in a Scottish castle, the mansion on a 1,200-acre English estate and the drinks in their own pub, Madonna and Guy Ritchie's nearly eight-year marriage ended Friday in a dreary London courtroom.
Missed adventure in space spurs suit
Japanese millionaire Daisuke Enomoto had planned to dress up as his favorite cartoon character in outer space and spent $21 million to make it happen. Now he claims the company that was supposed make his dream come true brushed him aside with little more than a "sorry, no refunds."
Obama girls to go to Sidwell
President-elect Obama and his wife have chosen Sidwell Friends School for their daughters, opting for a private institution that another White House child, Chelsea Clinton, attended.
Obama's taken his place in halls of history
George and Martha Washington, Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" and other costumed characters greeted thousands of visitors Friday as the National Museum of American History reopened after a two-year, $85 million renovation.
Odds and Ends
Shipbuilders say world's largest cruise liner has been launched into water
Celebrity gossip, famous birthdays and other tidbits, compiled from Seattle Times news services.
Nation Digest
College apologizes for racist past
Bob Jones University has apologized for racist policies, including a one-time ban on interracial dating and its unwillingness to admit black students until 1971.
World Digest
Comedian given 45-year sentence
A suspected U.S. missile strike today at the home of a Taliban commander killed at least five militants, officials said. The attack occurred before...
FDIC will guarantee up to $1.4T in bank debt
Federal regulators will guarantee as much as $1.4 trillion in U.S. banks' debt in a bid to get the distressed financial system pumping again. They also took steps Friday to make it easier for private investors to buy banks seized by the government. Fri, 11/21
Germany drops attempt to ban Scientology
Germany is dropping its pursuit of a ban on Scientology after finding insufficient evidence of illegal activity, security officials said Friday. Domestic intelligence services will continue to monitor the group, officials said. The German branch of the Los Angeles-based Church of Scientology has been under observation by domestic intelligence services for more than a decade. Top security officials asked state governments in December to begin gathering information on whether they had sufficient grounds to seek a ban. Fri, 11/21
Neb. lawmakers OK age limit for safe-haven law
Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law Friday a bill adding a 30-day age limit to a safe-haven law that allowed 35 children - including teenagers as old as 17 - to be abandoned at state hospitals. The law, approved hours earlier by the Legislature in a 45-3 vote, goes into effect Saturday, and makes Nebraska the 14th state with a 30-day age cap. It had been the only state with a safe-haven law without an age limit. Fri, 11/21
Obamas choose private Sidwell Friends School
President-elect Barack Obama and his wife have chosen Sidwell Friends School for their two daughters, opting for a private institution that another White House child, Chelsea Clinton, attended a decade ago. Fri, 11/21
WHO: 294 deaths in Zimbabwe cholera outbreak
The World Health Organization said Friday that 294 people have died from a cholera outbreak exacerbated by the country's collapsing health care system. Fri, 11/21
AIDS official: HIV spreading fast in Russia
A top Russian anti-AIDS coordinator on Friday lambasted the government's approach to fighting HIV, saying the number of registered cases was growing 10 percent a year despite increased federal funding. Fri, 11/21
Islamists say they'll fight Somali pirates
A radical Islamic group in Somalia said Friday it will fight the pirates holding a Saudi supertanker loaded with $100 million worth of crude oil. Fri, 11/21
Bob Jones Univ. apologizes for racist policies
Bob Jones University has apologized for racist policies including a one-time ban on interracial dating that wasn't lifted until nine years ago and its unwillingness to admit black students until 1971. Fri, 11/21
Bug-sized spies: US develops tiny flying robots
If only we could be a fly on the wall when our enemies are plotting to attack us. Better yet, what if that fly could record voices, transmit video and even fire tiny weapons? Fri, 11/21
Guards: Crowded Calif. prisons neglect ill inmates
Inmates with open, bleeding wounds routinely use communal showers and suicidal prisoners are sometimes kept for hours inside small cages, witnesses testified in a lawsuit over state prison crowding. Fri, 11/21
Madonna, Ritchie granted preliminary divorce
After the wedding in a Scottish castle, the mansion on a green English estate and the drinks in their own pub, Madonna and Guy Ritchie's eight-year marriage ended Friday in a dreary London courtroom. Fri, 11/21
Myanmar court hands comedian 45-year prison term
Myanmar's courts continued a crackdown on activists Friday, handing out a 45-year prison sentence to a comedian who went to the delta to help cyclone victims and criticized the junta's slow relief response. Fri, 11/21
Palin pardons turkey while others slaughtered
Gov. Sarah Palin has granted the traditional Thanksgiving pardon to one lucky turkey, but the video that shocked some viewers captured what was happening in the background. Fri, 11/21
Business & TechnologyMicrosoft's Ballmer is ordered to testify in Vista suit
U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman ruled late Friday that CEO Steve Ballmer must be deposed within 30 days as part of a class-action lawsuit challenging Microsoft's Vista Capable program as deceptive.
AIG to sell ILFC to investor group including Udvar-Hazy
American International Group, the insurer bailed out by the U.S. government, will sell its plane-leasing arm International Lease Finance Corp. to a group of investors and the unit's management by early next year, ILFC CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy said.
Columbia Winery staying in Woodinville
The new owners of Columbia Winery sign a long-term lease to stay in its iconic building in Woodinville.
Frankly speaking, speech software better but still not great
Getting a computer to turn your speech into words on the screen requires buying expensive, resource-intensive software and mastering a sometimes confusing syntax of spoken commands, all to yield text that can be as riddled with errors.
Q&A
Managing e-mail from three computers
Q: I have heard that it is possible to designate one computer as a server for all mail, so that no matter which computer I use, all of my e-mail and history is available? Is this so?
More options to see movies under Mac OS X
Mac users can erase boredom by diverting some of their attention now focused on a television to their laptop or desktop monitor. Two new ways to watch movies under Mac OS X could fill slack times, especially while traveling.
Obama's likely choice veteran of Treasury agency
Wall Street seemed cheered by the news of his selection. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped nearly 500 points Friday, rising sharply after reports that Geithner would be nominated.
Federal officials in Citigroup talks
With the sharp stock-market decline for Citigroup rapidly becoming a full-blown crisis of confidence, the company's executives entered into talks with federal officials on Friday about how to stabilize the struggling financial giant.
Automakers need to make case for government aid
Democratic leaders ordered Detroit's Big Three automakers Friday to submit what amounts to a detailed loan application to Congress so lawmakers can decide whether to give the beleaguered industry an emergency $25 billion lifeline. Fri, 11/21
Pressure on Citigroup builds, shares fall below $4
Pressure intensified on Citigroup to sell part or all of itself as its stock fell below $4 a share on Friday and fears escalated about future loan losses. Fri, 11/21
Wal-Mart names Duke to succeed Scott as CEO
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, unexpectedly announced Friday that its chief executive will retire in February and be replaced by the head of its international division. Fri, 11/21
Buffett says automakers need bailout or bankruptcy
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett says U.S. automakers need a new business model to better compete, whether it takes bankruptcy or a government bailout to achieve. Fri, 11/21
Honda to cut global output amid slowing demand
Honda Motor Corp. said Friday it will cut production in Japan and Europe by 61,000 vehicles, as it continues to grapple with slowing global demand. Fri, 11/21
GM to extend holiday shutdown, will cut production
General Motors Corp. will extend its holiday shutdown or make other production cuts at five factories at as it deals with a continued U.S. auto sales slump and fights to stay solvent. Fri, 11/21
Slow housing market means more hours, more expenses for agents
The slowdown in the Seattle-area real-estate market means brokers and agents are putting in longer hours with clients, spending more money on marketing tools, and working with sellers to achieve the perfect price and presentation to keep homes from languishing on the market.
Nation's Housing
"Loan-modification" programs are gearing up to help strapped homeowners
One of the most ambitious mass-market "home-loan modification" programs is scheduled to start nationwide Dec. 15 and aims to help thousands of borrowers who are seriously behind on payments and are slipping fast toward foreclosure.
New home-price reality hard to grasp
Despite dismal housing headlines and reports showing falling prices nationwide, owners in some once-hot areas still believe their home is gaining value or at least holding its own.
Tighter credit limits hamper mortgage chances
Credit-card companies are reducing credit limits on some borrowers. For some people, that may cause a drag on their credit score, making it harder to get a mortgage.
Many real-estate agents see bottom in early 2009, survey says
The traditionally brisk spring-summer homebuying season should help firm up the falling residential real-estate market, many real-estate agents feel.
Home prices in California down 40 percent
Prices of homes in California are down more than 40 percent for their peak, dragged down by the large number of foreclosed homes on the market.
Pros and cons of home-equity loans
A once-easy source of money for homeowners is now being cut back or frozen by lenders. Here are some pros and cons to taking out all you can from your home-equity loan now and putting it in a safe place in case you need it later.
Local mortgage rates
Click on the attached chart to see the average Seattle-area rates for 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed and 1-year adjustable-rate mortgages.
Real estate calendar
Real-estate classes, seminars and events
Sports3A Football | Peter Nguyen powers Bellevue to semifinals
Peter Nguyen rushed for 235 yards and three touchdowns as top-ranked Bellevue beat Liberty 35-7 to advance to the Class 3A football semifinals.
In this season's Apple Cup, it's a battle of the bads
What happens when Washington and Washington State, with offenses ranked among the bottom three in the nation, face defenses ranked among the bottom four in the nation?
NBA | Knicks trade former Ranier Beach standout Jamal Crawford to Warriors
With two swift strokes Friday, Donnie Walsh overhauled the Knicks' roster, slashed the payroll and set the stage for a more dramatic play...
Olympics | Barack Obama supports Chicago's 2016 bid
Chicago presented its 2016 Olympics bid to a key international audience Friday with a powerful endorsement from its highest-profile supporter...
Washington Redskins take on the look of Seahawks
Whether on purpose or just coincidentally, Washington, D. C., is Seahawks East. For starters, Washington's head coach is Jim Zorn, a member...
3A Girls Soccer | Everett, Seattle Prep to play for title
Fourth-ranked Everett beat top-ranked Kennedy 4-1, and No. 9 Seattle Prep eliminated Shorecrest 1-0 to advance to today's Class 3A championship game.
UW likely can cross Missouri coach Gary Pinkel off list
The pool of candidates for the Washington Huskies football coaching position shrank by one Friday when it was announced that Missouri coach...
Bud Withers
Tyrone Willingham's passionless propriety shouldn't carry over to UW-WSU rivalry game
Coach Tyrone Willingham's performance in rivalry games has gone belly-up. Can he motivate the Huskies for today's Apple Cup?
1A Girls Soccer | Warriors beat King's 1-0, to face Seattle Academy
Seattle Christian midfielder Jordan Comiskey floated home the game's lone goal in the 24th minute Friday night to give the Warriors a 1-0...
2A Football | Archbishop Murphy beats Centralia, advances to semifinals
The Wildcats returned to Tumwater District Stadium, the site where late coach Terry Ennis coached his final game, and rolled to a 40-13 win over Centralia in the state 2A football quarterfinals on Friday night.
2A Girls Soccer | Cedarcrest to face defending champ Fife
Defending state champion Fife beat Archbishop Murphy 1-0 to advance to the Class 2A girls soccer championship game against Cedarcrest of Duvall.
2B/1B Girls Soccer | Evergreen Lutheran girls in final
Evergreen Lutheran reached the state championship game in girls soccer with a 4-0 semifinal shut of Ocosta Friday.
3A Football | 83-yard TD dash puts Lakes over Eastside Catholic 18-14
This time, the rabbit stayed in the hat. Junior-laden Lakes of Lakewood ended a magical Eastside Catholic football season Friday night with...
3A Volleyball | Eastside Catholic falls short of title
Shadle Park's defense was too much for Eastside Catholic as the Crusaders from Sammamish fell in the championship match of the Class 3A state volleyball tournament.
4A Girls Soccer | Woodinville, Skyline to play for title
KingCo 4A rivals Woodinville and Skyline will play for the girls soccer state championship after 1-0 semifinal victories Friday.
4A Volleyball | Conquerors, Marysville-Pilchuck, Monroe fall short of semifinals
Top-ranked Lewis & Clark beat Kentwood again in the state playoffs, this time in the quarterfinals with a 25-17, 27-25, 31-29 win.
Baseball | Marlins' park plan gets boost
A key legal obstacle was removed Friday for a new downtown Florida Marlins stadium, and the team will now determine whether the ballpark...
College Football | Texas Tech, Oklahoma game might impact BCS, Heisman races
Sam Bradford has all the impressive numbers that go along with a Heisman Trophy campaign: a few dozen touchdown passes, an impeccable quarterback...
College Men's Basketball | Taylor Rochestie, Cougars roll to easy win
Taylor Rochestie and freshman Klay Thompson each scored 17 points as Washington State beat Sacramento State 76-55 Friday night. Rochestie hit 5 of...
Golf | Annika Sorenstam says farewell to Tour
Standing in the center of a sun-drenched 18th green, as waves of cheers rippled from a packed gallery, Annika Sorenstam hugged caddie Terry...
College Women's Basketball | Alexis Gray-Lawson leads Cal past No. 3 Rutgers
Alexis Gray-Lawson collected 25 points and nine rebounds and No. 7 California posted the biggest home victory of fourth-year coach Joanne...
NFL | Jets' Erik Ainge suspended for violating drug rule
New York Jets rookie quarterback Erik Ainge was suspended four games by the NFL on Friday for violating the league's policy on steroids...
Everett's shots pay off in 5-2 win over Portland
The Everett Silvertips shot again and again, and their 42 attempts on goal resulted in a 5-2 victory over Portland in Western Hockey League...
NW Briefs | UW volleyball fends off WSU in four-set win
The fifth-ranked Washington volleyball team needed four sets to take down Washington State, 25-19, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, on Friday night...
Briefs | Tennis: Spain gains opening-day Davis Cup split
Tennis Lopez upsets del Potro in Argentina: Feliciano Lopez upset Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 Friday, allowing...
Community sports & recreation datebook
EntertainmentVideo-game reviews | "Guitar Hero: World Tour," "Bioshock" and "Secret of Mana"
"Guitar Hero" catches up with "Rock Band" by adding drums and vocals to its latest version, called "World Tour." For those not into rocking, "Bioshock" and "Secret of Mana" offer survivor and role-playing adventures.
Teen wins 'Twilight' car on 'Tyra Banks Show'
Sometimes it pays to have your heart broken. Fri, 11/21
Famous NYC food critic loses job in sour economy
One of New York City's most famous food critics is out of a job. Fri, 11/21
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Pete Wentz have baby boy
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz are the proud parents of a baby boy, and they're celebrating with some Bronx cheer - this one is a good one. Fri, 11/21
LivingSimple holiday traditions bring families together
Simple family traditions are the stuff of holiday memories — long after the meals have been eaten and the presents opened.
Ask Martha
Tips on seating guests, serving souffle, cleaning pillows and more
Martha Stewart offers tips on how to care for pillows, seating arrangements for the holiday table, serving souffle, protecting handbags and a winter baby shower.
5 tips for touching up paint dings at home
How to touch up paint dings and smudged walls at home before you open the door to holiday guests and other visitors.
Create a table runner with your personal stamp
Create a simple, disposable table runner with ink and stamps.
Holiday feast can dish up trouble for pets
Tempting holiday foods can cause pet-health concerns. A veterinarian offers advice on how to keep your pet safe at the next feast.
Parenting
Lessons in curiosity and hugs for tots
Jan Faull advises on curious toddlers and affectionate goodbyes.
Repair tips for doors that won't shut properly and bad furniture finishes
Handyman On Call columnist Peter Hotton offers tips on fixing a bad finish job on furniture and making an old door close properly.
Simple ideas for a marvelous mud room
Simple mudroom ideas create the perfect spot to drop your gear when you arrive home.
Tips on cleaning pleated shades and splitting asters
Pointers on how to remove dust and stains from pleated shades, plus garden tips for splitting aster plants.
Travel & Outdoors
Opinion