Stories for January 11, 2010
Lead stories
Stories
Slain nuclear physicist backed Iran's opposition
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- A nuclear physics professor who publicly backed opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi in the June presidential election was killed Tuesday when a bomb-rigged motorcycle blew up outside his home.
Iran's state TV says professor killed in bombing
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran's state-run Press TV is reporting that a Tehran University professor has been killed in a bomb attack.
Still no word on why woman drove wrong way
Troopers tell how to avoid such crashes
You can avoid crashes with wrong-way drivers
Texas school board tweaks but keeps longhair ban
MESQUITE, Texas (AP) -- A Texas school board is adjusting its grooming policy after a 4-year-old boy's long, flowing hair got him suspended. But his parents say it isn't enough.
1 winning ticket in Wash. Lottery Hit 5 game
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- One winning ticket was sold for Monday night's $100,000 cashpot in the Washington State Lottery's Hit 5 game while the $5.2 million Lotto jackpot went unclaimed.
Former Seattle mayor to be Harvard fellow
SEATTLE (AP) -- Former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels will be at Harvard this spring, leading eight study sessions about politics and public service. Nickels will be a resident fellow at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in the Institute of Politics.
Stuck in snow: Ore. group of 4 rescued
RUCH, Ore. (AP) -- Two southern Oregon adults and two children have been rescued after getting stuck in the snow and spending part of a cold night outdoors.
Hawaii's missing moon rocks found
HONOLULU (AP) -- Missing moon rocks from the first and last human lunar landings have been discovered in a locked cabinet in Hawaii.
Prosecutor: drug ring shipped marijuana by FedEx
SEATTLE (AP) -- A 31-year-old Seattle man described by federal prosecutors as the leader of a crime ring involved in both drug trafficking and bank fraud has been sentenced to 812 years in prison.
Group of Nigerian lawmakers to see ill president
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) -- The Nigerian House of Representatives has voted to send a group of lawmakers to Saudi Arabia to check on the condition of the nation's ill president.
Nigerians protest president's absence in capital
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) -- Hundreds of protesters concerned about the ill Nigerian president's long absence abroad are gathering in the capital.
BBC: Ill Nigerian president gives interview
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) -- The BBC says that it spoke with Nigerian president Umaru Yar'Adua by telephone, the first interview the ailing leader has given since being taken to a Saudi Arabian hospital weeks ago.
Vancouver council picks five to interview for open seat
Fifteen applicants for the single seat is whittled to five tonight.
Truck trailer too tall for Ore. rail trestle
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A California truck driver focused on following his GPS back to Interstate 5 has told a Marion County sheriff's officer he failed to see traffic signs indicating an upcoming railroad trestle was only 11 feet high.
2 of 3 Dixie Chicks returning with new music
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Two members of the Dixie Chicks -- minus lead singer Natalie Maines -- are preparing to release a new album this year.
Honduras' top court to hear case against military
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) -- Honduras' Supreme Court has agreed to hear an abuse of power case against top military commanders for sending President Manuel Zelaya out of the country in his June 28 ouster.
Good deeds
What firm is providing homes for homeless families? Find out in Tuesday's edition of The Columbian.
Man wanted in Washington state arrested in Arizona
CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) -- Authorities say a man wanted in Washington state on attempted murder and burglary offenses is now in custody in Arizona.
Mexico singer caught at drug party breaks silence
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Texas-based norteno singer Ramon Ayala says his arrest at a drug cartel party last month is a case of being in the wrong place.
British man indicted in Las Vegas slaying
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A British motivational speaker has been indicted on charges he killed a Las Vegas woman during a meditation session and stuffed her body in a trash barrel.
Study suggests too many bodies at Chicago cemetery
CHICAGO (AP) -- Law enforcement officials say a new study shows thousands more people may be buried at a suburban Chicago than the land is supposed to hold.
Miep Gies, who helped hide Anne Frank, dies at 100
AMSTERDAM (AP) -- The Anne Frank Museum says Miep Gies, who helped the teenage diarist's family hide from the Nazis, has died. She was 100.
Otter: Pray for Idaho soldier's safe return
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter reminded Idaho in his State of the State speech that one resident is far from home, in enemy hands.
Boulder film festival to honor Alec Baldwin
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- Boulder International Film Festival organizers say actor Alec Baldwin will be the featured guest at the sixth annual event.
FACT CHECK: Dealmaking common under Schwarzenegger
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has criticized Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson for withholding his vote on health reform until he got a sweet deal for his state.
Otter rails against a favorite target: those feds
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter used his annual State of the State speech to pick on one of his favorite targets: the federal government.
Mother who inspired book 'The Color of Water' dies
EWING, N.J. (AP) -- Ruth McBride Jordan, whose life story was celebrated by her son in a best-selling book, "The Color of Water," has died. She was 88 and had been in failing health.
Luna: Schools need more flexibility to make cuts
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna says public schools will need more flexibility to weather a proposed $27 million midyear cut, including the ability to modify teacher contracts.
Ore. man accused in crew disruption goes to court
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A man who whose actions alarmed a commercial jet pilot and cut short a flight to Hawaii last week has made his first appearance in court.
Wash. activists file initiative to legalize pot
SEATTLE (AP) -- Five activists have filed a ballot initiative that would legalize all adult marijuana possession in Washington state.
Shooter damages Oregon's Cape Meares Lighthouse
TILLAMOOK, Ore. (AP) -- The Cape Meares Lighthouse west of Tillamook sustained more than $50,000 damage in a weekend vandalism spree.
'Trek,' 'Road,' 'Parnassus' vie for makeup Oscar
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Tales of science fiction, fantasy and the future dominate contenders for the Academy Award in makeup.
Fla. lawmaker calls for probe of bogus Woods claim
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A Florida lawmaker is calling for an investigation into who phoned a hot line claiming Tiger Woods' children were being abused.
Woman accused of al-Qaida ties wants lawyers fired
NEW YORK (AP) -- There's been more courtroom theatrics in New York from a U.S.-trained scientist accused of shooting at FBI agents and helping al-Qaida.
Northwestern University fights subpoena for grades
CHICAGO (AP) -- Several media outlets have filed a brief supporting Northwestern University's fight of a subpoena seeking the grades of journalism students who believe they've found an innocent man in prison.
'Spider-Man 4' delayed; Maguire, Raimi out
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Tobey Maguire is out as Peter Parker and Sam Raimi won't be returning as director when "Spider-Man 4" hits theaters a year late in 2012.
Obama: Reid's comment was not 'mean-spirited'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says Harry Reid was trying to praise him when the Senate majority leader made a controversial reference to Obama's race and dialect, and that the Nevada lawmaker simply used "inartful language."
Lloyd Webber prostate cancer treatment is success
NEW YORK (AP) -- Andrew Lloyd Webber says he has been successfully treated for prostate cancer.
Carroll leaves USC to coach Seahawks
SEATTLE — Pete Carroll is gone from USC and back in the NFL, taking over as coach of the Seattle Seahawks after getting an offer he could not refuse. After days of talks, the Seahawks hired the charismatic coach away from Southern California on Monday.
Venezuela shutters stores in price-hike crackdown
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Venezuelan government inspectors accompanied by soldiers have temporarily shut down stores belonging to a major retailer, seeking to prevent hefty price hikes after the country devalued its currency.
NY judge: Astor's son can stay free on appeal
NEW YORK (AP) -- Philanthropist Brooke Astor's 85-year-old son can stay out of prison while he appeals his conviction for looting his mother's fortune.
Ecuador to restrict number of cars in rush hour
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) -- The mayor of Ecuador's capital says his government will impose new driving restrictions to keep 80,000 private cars off Quito's congested streets during rush hour.
104-year-old strongman dies after being hit by car
NEW YORK (AP) -- A famed strongman who once lifted 3,200 pounds at Coney Island during its heyday and was still bending quarters with his fingers at age 104 has died after he was hit by a minivan in Brooklyn.
CA appeals court overturns award in Jackson taping
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A California appellate court has overturned a $20 million award against a defunct charter jet company accused of secretly videotaping Michael Jackson and his attorneys during a 2003 flight.
Oregon underwear thief gets probation
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A Salem man caught while wearing his female neighbor's underwear this summer has pleaded guilty to burglary.
Mom gets 10 or more years in disabled girl's death
FLINT, Mich. (AP) -- A Michigan woman has been sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison for the death of her adopted quadriplegic daughter whose starved body was stashed in a storage unit.
Mexico rights agency: Reporters' deaths unresolved
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Mexico's National Human Rights Commission says federal and state governments haven't shown results in investigating or preventing the killing of journalists.
Ex-Miami mayor among 6 named Harvard fellows
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) -- Harvard's Institute of Politics has announced that former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and former AFL-CIO president John Sweeney are among the six selected as resident fellowships for the spring semester.
Wal-Mart to close 10 Sam's Clubs stores in US
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it will close 10 money-losing Sam's Club stores and cut 1,500 jobs to reduce costs.
Publisher shot dead in Cyprus
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) -- Police in Cyprus say the head of the island nation's largest private media group has been shot dead outside his home.
Cyprus president visits home of murdered publisher
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) -- Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias has strongly condemned the murder of a powerful publisher and visited the home of the victim's family.
Court says Utah Co. can't recruit from Melaleuca
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A federal judge has temporarily barred a Utah company from recruiting any employees of the Idaho health and home product company Melaleuca.
'Avatar,' 'Basterds' earn cinematography noms
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The science-fiction tale "Avatar" and the war stories "The Hurt Locker" and "Inglourious Basterds" are among films competing for the top honor from the American Society of Cinematographers.
Japan foreign minister visits Hawaii for talks
HONOLULU (AP) -- The Japanese foreign minister is visiting Hawaii for talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about the relocation of a U.S. Marine Corps base in Okinawa.
New Seattle city attorney fired 14 in office
SEATTLE (AP) -- New Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes who defeated incumbent Tom Carr has fired 14 people from the office.
Blindness groups, ASU settle suit over Kindle
NEW YORK (AP) -- Two organizations representing the blind have settled a discrimination lawsuit against Arizona State University over its use of Amazon's Kindle e-reader device.
Cleveland flights normal again after power failure
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Flight schedules have returned to normal at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport following a lengthy power failure.
Bellevue lawyer Randy Gordon named to state Senate
SEATTLE (AP) -- The King County Council has appointed Bellevue lawyer Randy Gordon to the Washington state Senate.
AP source: Obama weighing new levy on banks
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is considering a levy on banks to help recover tax dollars from banks that needed Washington's help to stay afloat.
Panel wants more scrutiny of biolab workers
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A federal panel has recommended that researchers who work with deadly pathogens undergo more frequent security screening.
$40M grant called boost to Daimler Portland plant
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon political leaders say a $40 million grant to improve the fuel efficiency of big trucks should help firm up the future of Daimler AG's operations in Portland.
NJ Legislature approves medical marijuana bill
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The New Jersey Legislature has approved a bill allowing chronically ill patients access to marijuana for medical reasons.
Convicted ex-RI mayor might run vs. Rep. Kennedy
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A former Providence, R.I., mayor convicted of turning City Hall into a shakedown racket might run against Congressman Patrick Kennedy or the incumbent mayor.
Ex-top NASA official charged in Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- A former high-ranking NASA official is being indicted on charges he steered a $600,000 contract to Mississippi State University.
Cowell says he's leaving 'Idol'
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- Simon Cowell says that this will be his last season on "American Idol."
Ballot measure seeks medical pot dispensaries
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Medical marijuana advocates have turned in an initial batch of signatures in hopes of placing an initiative measure on Oregon's November ballot to expand the program.
NASA: February launch still on despite bad hoses
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA is still shooting for a shuttle launch next month, despite bad hoses for a new room at the space station.
DUI charge dropped against RI federal prosecutor
WARWICK, R.I. (AP) -- A drunken-driving charge has been dismissed against a Rhode Island federal prosecutor whose arrest sparked an internal investigation into whether police treated him favorably.
Chavez: Venezuela needs 'socialist' soap operas
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- President Hugo Chavez says there's too much capitalism on Venezuelan TV. So he's urging producers to start making films and TV shows that stress socialist values.
Lawyer says Palin takes Fox News commentator job
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Sarah Palin is taking her conservative message to Fox News.
Otter: Cut education, public TV, research center
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter aims to balance Idaho's budget by cutting another $40 million from this year's spending, through trimming public education and delaying cash for a livestock research center near Twin Falls that was due to get $10 million.
Reid not 'going to dwell' on Obama comments
APEX, Nev. (AP) -- Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid says that since he's apologized for his comments, he now wants to move past criticism about his characterization in 2008 of then-candidate Barack Obama as a "light-skinned" African-American "with no Negro dialect."
Canadian man mauled by his tiger
SOUTHWOLD, Ontario (AP) -- A Canadian man has been mauled to death by his pet tiger.
TSA: Passenger carries ammo on plane in Milwaukee
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Transportation authorities say a passenger inadvertently carried shotgun shells onto a plane at Milwaukee's airport.
APNewsBreak: McGwire admits using steroids
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mark McGwire finally came clean Monday, admitting he used steroids when he broke baseball's home run record in 1998.
National security adviser Jones to Middle East
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's national security adviser is heading to the Middle East this week.
SEC says LA radio host took part in $20M scam
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The host of a radio business program is accused of taking part in a $20 million investment fraud targeting Iranian-Americans in the Los Angeles area.
Money may force DNR to close trails, camps
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington's Department of Natural Resources would close more than 20 trails, campgrounds and interpretive centers in March under Gov. Chris Gregoire's cash-strapped supplemental budget.
Soldier jailed for angry rap song over deployment
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) -- A soldier is in a Georgia jail on charges he threatened his Army superiors in a rap song about being deployed to Iraq instead of being released from service.
Obama absent from campaign for Kennedy's seat
BOSTON (AP) -- The White House says President Barack Obama has no plans to visit Massachusetts to campaign for the Democrat seeking the Senate seat held by the late Edward Kennedy.
Clinton: US on verge of Iran sanctions
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the Obama administration has concluded that the best way to pressure Iran to come clean on its nuclear ambitions is to impose sanctions aimed at the country's ruling elite.
State files response in Lowe lawsuit
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- State attorneys say former Idaho Transportation Director was fired because she failed to adequately do the job and that her wrongful termination lawsuit against the state lacks any merit.
Sho-Bans sue government over land swap in Idaho
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management, contending that the government's land swap with the J.R. Simplot Co. could lead to greater pollution and poor air quality.
Threatening letter found on parked US Airways jet
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a cleaning crew found a threatening letter on a parked US Airways aircraft, but no explosives or other dangers were discovered.
Justice Dept. orders new crackdown on tribal crime
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department is ordering prosecutors in 33 states to step up efforts to combat crime on Indian reservations, particularly offenses against women and children.
Campaign book a hit
NEW YORK (AP) -- The campaign book is back on top.
Chemical engineer gets 4 years for Iran deals
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- In one of two federal cases Monday involving illegal trade with Iran, a chemical engineer in suburban Philadelphia is being sentenced to four years in prison for trying to sell chemicals to his native country.
'Avatar,' 'Trek,' 'Hangover' earn WGA award noms
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The sci-fi tales "Avatar" and "Star Trek," the comedy "The Hangover" and the recession-era story "Up in the Air" are among nominees for best screenplay from the Writers Guild of America.
Wash. bloodmobile offers beer to blood donors
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- A Washington state blood center is offering donors a deal: Give a pint of blood, get a pint of beer.
Idaho House and Senate convene 2010 session
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- The Idaho House and Senate have convened the 2010 Idaho Legislature -- and almost everybody agrees the next months will be dominated by discussions over the state budget.
ID Farm Bureau honored for excellence
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- The Idaho Farm Bureau joins farm bureaus from five other states in being recognized for excellence in implementing outstanding programs to serve its members in 2009.
Federal money to upgrade Mount St. Helens sites
LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- Federal stimulus money will pay for most of the upgrades planned at Mount St. Helens and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
High-speed chase from Elma to Montesano
ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) -- A police chase in east Grays Harbor County reached speeds up to 135 miles per hour early Monday before officers used a spike strip to disable the car and arrest two suspects.
New chief justice of Wash. Supreme Court sworn in
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state Supreme Court has a new chief justice.
Algeria summons US ambassador over security rules
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) -- Algeria's government has summoned the U.S. ambassador to protest a decision to subject passengers traveling from the North African nation to tougher airport security screening.
Ex-FEMA worker charged in $721K in Katrina fraud
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- A former Federal Emergency Management Agency employee and her cousin are being accused of stealing more than $721,000 in Hurricane Katrina relief money.
2 Navy SEALs' detainee abuse trials moved to Iraq
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Two Navy SEALs accused in the mistreatment of an Iraqi detainee will be tried in a U.S. military court in Iraq.
Navy SEAL's trial in detainee abuse moved to Iraq
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- A Navy SEAL accused in the mistreatment of an Iraqi detainee will be tried in a U.S. military court in Iraq.
Fire destroys Central Point landmark
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. (AP) -- A Central Point landmark has been destroyed.
Tylenol killings suspect maintains his innocence
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) -- A suspect in the death of seven Chicago-area people who took cyanide-laced Tylenol in 1982 is calling a Massachusetts TV host "totally delusional" for asking whether he was responsible.
Friend: Tylenol suspect submits DNA, fingerprints
BOSTON (AP) -- A friend of a man long suspected in the 1982 Chicago-area Tylenol slayings says the man has submitted a DNA sample and fingerprints to authorities.
White House defends health tax opposed by labor
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House is defending a proposal to tax high-value insurance plans to pay for covering millions of uninsured Americans.
GOP official: ND Gov Hoeven to run for US Senate
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- A top state Republican official says North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven (HOH'-ven) has decided to run for the U.S. Senate.
ND GOP Gov. Hoeven begins run for US Senate
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven has begun his U.S. Senate run with an appeal for lower taxes, less debt and federal tax incentives to encourage job growth and energy production.
French filmmaker Eric Rohmer dies
PARIS (AP) -- A production company says French filmmaker Eric Rohmer -- internationally known for movies tracing the intricacies of romantic relationships -- has died. He was 89 years old.
Vegas procession, honors set for officer's funeral
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) -- A Las Vegas Strip procession and color guard honors are set for a veteran court security officer killed in a shootout with a shotgun-wielding assailant at a downtown Las Vegas federal building.
Posey, Spurlock, Kusama join Sundance juries
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Parker Posey, author Russell Banks and filmmakers Karyn Kusama and Morgan Spurlock are among the jurors for this month's Sundance Film Festival.
Post-Sept. 11 planters could return to ID Capitol
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Concrete planters, among the last vestiges of post-Sept. 11 anti-terror measures at the Idaho Capitol, are gone from the building's borders, but they could return.
NY AG Cuomo asks 8 banks for bonus information
NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is asking the nation's eight biggest banks to reveal how much they plan to pay out in employee bonuses for 2009.
Obama to attend funeral for Biden's mother
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will travel to Delaware Tuesday to attend funeral services for Vice President Joe Biden's mother.
US consumer chief warns Asian firms on cadmium use
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The top U.S. consumer product regulator is warning Asian manufacturers not to substitute other toxic substances for lead in children's items, a message that follows the launch of a government investigation into Chinese-made jewelry that lab tests showed was laden with the heavy metal cadmium.
Protest outside federal gay marriage trial in SF
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- About 100 people are demonstrating outside the federal courthouse in San Francisco as the trial for California's gay marriage ban begins.
APNewsBreak: Increase in suicide rate of vets
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government says the suicide rate has gone up among 18- to 29-year-old men who've left the military.
NH tax evader gets 37 years on weapons charges
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- A tax-evading New Hampshire man convicted of amassing an arsenal of weapons has been sentenced to 37 years in federal prison.
Man accused of fatally punching friend enters plea
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A Boise man has pleaded guilty involuntary manslaughter for throwing a punch that lead to the death of his friend.
Parents seek to toss charges in girl's drug death
BROCKTON, Mass. (AP) -- Parents accused of killing their 4-year-old daughter by overmedicating her with prescription drugs have asked a judge in Massachusetts to dismiss murder charges.
$9,000 donated for Vancouver shelter dog surgery
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Donations will pay for surgery for a Vancouver shelter dog named Chopper with painful hind legs.
Former Mass. House Speaker loses law license
BOSTON (AP) -- The highest court in Massachusetts has disbarred a former state House speaker for his conviction on a federal obstruction of justice charge.
Payette Avalanche Center says risk moderate
MCCALL, Idaho (AP) -- Officials with the Payette Avalanche Center say the risk of avalanche is moderate in Idaho's west-central mountains, with human-triggered avalanches possible in the region.
Judge denies bid to toss charge in girl's death
BROCKTON, Mass. (AP) -- A judge in Massachusetts has denied a bid to dismiss murder charges against parents accused of killing their 4-year-old daughter by overmedicating her with prescription drugs.
Tony Blair's communications chief testifies
LONDON (AP) -- Former Prime Minister Tony's Blair's communications chief has told a British inquiry that he was not the primary figure setting policy in government ahead of preparations for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Duncan appointed to Oregon appeals court
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski has appointed Rebecca Duncan to a seat on the Oregon Court of Appeals.
Political spycraft seen in Nixon papers
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Newly released documents from Richard Nixon's years in the White House are shedding more light on the president's appetite for political espionage.
Vandalized Idaho church receives new organ
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) -- There's music filling the Community Church of the Brethren in Twin Falls again.
UO alumni center bonds get OK
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- The state Board of Higher Education has given the University of Oregon approval to sell almost $10 million in state bonds to help finance an alumni center.
Chrysler may rehire workers if sales forecasts met
DETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says the automaker will start hiring production workers again if it sells enough cars and trucks.
Springfield wants volunteers to test new jail
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) -- Looking for a cheap place to stay in Springfield?
US envoy seeks European support for Mideast push
PARIS (AP) -- U.S. envoy George Mitchell is asking for French and European Union support for a renewed push for peace in the Middle East.
Memorial for Grant County deputy killed in crash
MOSES LAKE, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire headed to the memorial service for a Grant County sheriff's deputy saying this has been one of the toughest two months for law enforcement officers in the history of Washington.
Court blocks taping of gay marriage trial
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court is blocking a broadcast of the trial on California's same-sex marriage ban, at least for the first few days.
Donors help pay for dog’s surgery
Effort raises $4,500 in just 48 hours
Forget Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clark County has Chopper the big black-and-tan dog who has been given love to the tune of $9,000. When Columbian readers on Friday learned Chopper needed surgery, they pitched in $4,500 in about 48 hours to match a $4,500 gift from a foundation.
Fiorina loans campaign $2.5 million
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina has lent $2.5 million of her own money to her campaign for the U.S. Senate, indication she's willing to invest significant personal resources into the effort to unseat Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer.
Idaho students to watch governor's speech
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- High school students across the state will be able to watch the governor's State of the State address through streaming video from the new Idaho Education Network.
ODOT to haze starlings on Interstate Bridge
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- If you're traveling along the Interstate Bridge in the coming weeks, don't be alarmed by the noise.
Winds, freezing rain forecast for Washington
SEATTLE (AP) -- The National Weather Service says a strong frontal system blowing in from the Pacific will bring wet and windy weather to Western Washington into Wednesday.
Memorial services set for avalanche victim
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) -- A memorial service has been set for the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patroller who died after he was caught in an avalanche.
AP Interview: Holder defends Reid
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's first black attorney general is defending Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid over racial remarks about Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.
Autopsy shows Ontario homicide a stabbing
ONTARIO, Ore. (AP) -- Autopsy results show an Ontario woman found dead in her apartment last week was killed in a stabbing.
Fake Oscar winner gets 4 years in investment scam
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- A California man who scammed investors by posing as an Oscar-winning sound engineer is going to prison.
Supreme Court rejects school dress code challenge
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court is declining to review a Texas school district dress code that prohibited student clothing that featured political commentary.
Louvre has 8.5 million visitors in 2009
PARIS (AP) -- The Louvre Museum says it had 8.5 million visitors last year, the same number it had in record-breaking 2008.
Keno, Ore., man accused of sex with girls
KENO, Ore. (AP) -- Sheriff's deputies arrested a 19-year-old Klamath County man accused of having sexual encounters with underage girls -- one 13, the other 15.
Jayson Williams pleads guilty in fatal NJ shooting
SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) -- Former NBA star Jayson Williams has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for accidentally killing a limousine driver, closing the case nearly eight years after the fatal shooting.
UK: Gurkha veterans lose court battle for pensions
LONDON (AP) -- A British court has rejected a bid by retired Gurkha soldiers to win the right to the same pensions as military personnel from Britain.
HIGH SCHOOLS: 3A, 2A GSHL teams will soon have questions answered
League play opens this week in the Class 3A and 2A Greater St. Helens Leagues and several teams face some early season moments of truth.
Police log: Beer swiped from 24-hour market
A suspect in a light green four-door vehicle stole an unspecified amount of beer Sunday from the 24 Hour Food Mart, according to emergency dispatch logs.
Weekly prep sports schedule, Jan. 11-16
Weekly prep sports schedule, Jan. 11-16
Pakistani couple kills baby in sacrificial ritual
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistani police have arrested a couple on charges of stabbing their 3-month-old baby to death in a black magic ritual they believed would get them rich.
La Scala performers protest working rules abroad
MILAN (AP) -- La Scala opera house says some performers and musicians appeared in casual street clothes for the last performance of "Carmen," conducted by Daniel Barenboim, in a labor protest.
Afghan officials: 4 national policemen killed
KABUL (AP) -- Four Afghan National policemen have been killed in explosion in eastern Afghanistan, a hotbed of insurgent violence.
NATO: 2 American troops killed in Afghanistan
KABUL (AP) -- NATO says two U.S. service members have been killed in eastern Afghanistan.
Suicide bomber kills 20 people in Afghanistan
KABUL (AP) -- NATO says the death toll from a suicide bombing in a busy market district in central Afghanistan has risen to 20.
Suicide bomber kills 16 people in Afghanistan
KABUL (AP) -- Provincial officials say a suicide bomber has killed at least 16 people in a market district in central Afghanistan.
Afghan officials: 6 killed in Quran protest
KABUL (AP) -- Afghan officials say six people have been killed in southern Afghanistan as protesters claiming that international troops destroyed copies of the Quran clashed with security forces.
NATO: 13 insurgents killed by missile
KABUL (AP) -- NATO says a missile fired from an unmanned aerial vehicle has killed 13 insurgents in southern Afghanistan.
In Our View, Jan. 11: Flickers in a Tunnel
Gregoire, Obama offer hope for creating jobs, but the awful statistics cannot be ignored
Four words — two each from Chris Gregoire and Barack Obama — offer a few drops of moisture for Southwest Washingtonians in the parched landscape that American employment has become. From the Washington governor, those two words are “geographic areas.” Gregoire has said she will present a job-creation proposal next week, and according to a story in The Olympian newspaper, her plan could include tax incentives for businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.
Vancouver Building Permits, Dec. 28-31
Dec. 28-31 Building permits over $25,000 issued by the city of Vancouver.
Real estate roundup, Jan. 11
Recent commercial real estate transactions as reported by area brokerage firms. Honeywell International, a security system business, has leased 4,369 square feet of office space at First Place Plaza, 12503 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Tamara Fuller of Norris, Beggs & Simpson represented the landlord; Jeffrey Heymann of Colliers Bennett & Kahnweiler represented the tenant.
Event aimed at promoting Christian missions being held in county for first time
For the first time in its eight-year history, Mission ConneXion Northwest, a sort of trade show for the Christian mission-minded set, will be held in Clark County. Bill MacLeod, founder and executive director of the nonprofit, said that the event, which has drawn upward of 20,000 people, requires a pretty hefty space. That’s why Crossroads Community Church, one of the largest churches by square footage in the metropolitan area, was selected to host the two-day convention.
Liquor licenses, Jan. 11
The following have applied to the Washington state Liquor Control Board: Anton Farran, for a license to sell beer and wine at Jerusalem Cafe, 516 S.E. Chkalov Drive, Suite 45, Vancouver.
Our Readers' Views, Jan. 11
We’re losing our ‘American-ness’ A Jan. 6 story reported, “Suspicious jug proves harmless.” It’s come to this: A country mired in fear, so much so, that some water container, harmlessly left behind or unattended, sends shock waves big enough to write a story about? This is the America I served proudly during my four-year tenure in the U.S. Army?
Clark County at Work: Crane Manor
Business name: Crane Manor. Owner: Connie Crane.
Knight to discuss triumphs, challenges
Annual Clark College address set for Thursday
Clark College President Bob Knight will give his 2010 State of the College address Thursday against a backdrop of record student enrollment and likely state budget reductions.
Map foresees less noise from Portland airport
Quieter engines, reduced number of flights means more peace for neighbors Last year, as part of a $63.5 million project to shore up the airport’s south runway and lengthen the north runway, the port completed an environmental assessment showing a reduction in community exposure to aircraft noise.
Ridgefield buys land for community park
Bank’s collapse helps create bargain price
Here’s an unanticipated benefit from the failure of the Bank of Clark County: Ridgefield residents will one day have a new community park to throw a Frisbee, walk on a trail or perhaps watch a baseball game. But it could take as long as 20 years before the park is developed and ready for use. The city of Ridgefield recently took one giant step toward making the park a reality, though, when it purchased 17 acres of land that was forfeited to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. after the bank was closed by regulators.
Off Beat: Vancouver Barracks have unlikely link to Rose Bowl
Stories on the covers of last Tuesday’s local news and sports sections had an unusual link. Sports led with Boise State’s exciting 17-10 Fiesta Bowl win over Texas Christian.
B.G. council OKs probe into suspected leak
Privileged information discussed in closed session finds its way into community
Since the termination of Battle Ground’s police chief, there’s been a lot of finger-pointing from community members and city employees. And now, seven more fingers are looking for a target. Somebody appears to be leaking privileged information discussed during executive sessions of the Battle Ground City Council, leading the seven council members to cast suspicious eyes on one another.
Bits 'n' Pieces: Vancouver woman turns scraps into art
The materials provided the inspiration for Kelly Keigwin’s mixed-media collection, “Picking Up the Pieces.” Keigwin went through her garage and found scrap plexiglass and wood. She started asking herself what those recycled odds and ends might become. The result is a series of pieces using the plexiglass mounted on wood almost as a frame for layered text and images from old magazines, as well as photos from her own collection and those of family and friends.
Clark County business calendar, Jan. 11
Tuesday Investing in 2010: A free video presentation, “Outlook 2010: What’s Next for Investors” from 2-3 and 3:30-4:30 p.m., at 6204 N.E. Highway 99, Suite E, Vancouver. The event offers relevant perspectives on the recovery, inflation, taxes, housing, interest rates and health care. Seating is limited. * Reservations: Sarah, 360-695-8528.
FYI, Jan. 11
42-PLUS SINGLES, planning meeting at 6:30 p.m., call for location. * 360-737-1219 or 360-892-8944.
Congo mine collapse kills 6, including 5 children
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) -- A U.N. radio station says six people -- including five children -- have died in a tin mine collapse in southeast Congo.
Ford Fusion Hybrid wins 2010 car of year award
DETROIT (AP) -- The Ford Fusion Hybrid midsize sedan wins the 2010 North American Car of the Year, while the Ford Transit Connect takes truck of the year at the Detroit auto show.
China to look into AP report of cadmium in jewelry
HONG KONG (AP) -- A Chinese product safety official says the government will look into findings that dangerous levels of cadmium are being used in exports of children's jewelry following a growing outcry in the United States.
Official: China to look into AP cadmium report
HONG KONG (AP) -- A Chinese product safety official says the government will looking into findings that dangerous levels of cadmium are being used in exports of children's jewelry following a growing outcry in the United States.
Crash kills Mexican tycoon Moises Saba, 5 others
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- A helicopter crash has killed Mexican tycoon Moises Saba and at least two members of his family.
Purported 3rd White House crasher shows invite
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A man whose attendance at a White House state dinner is in dispute is arguing that he had an invitation to the November party for the visiting Indian prime minister.
Somali faces terror charge for cartoonist attack
COPENHAGEN (AP) -- Prosecutors have filed a preliminary charge of terrorism against a Somali accused of trying to kill a Danish cartoonist who caricatured the Prophet Muhammad.
Wash. Legislature starts work on $2.6B deficit
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The 2010 Washington Legislature is convening for a 60-day session, with lawmakers searching for ways to fix a $2.6 billion budget deficit.
Trial opens in murder, kidnapping from womb case
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A defense attorney for a Pittsburgh-area woman accused of cutting a baby from the womb of a pregnant teenager and passing it off as her own says she was incapable of knowing what she did was wrong.
Spain will likely accept 2 Guantanamo prisoners
MADRID (AP) -- Spain says it is talking with the United States to finalize plans to receive two prisoners from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo.
Stock futures higher after China exports rise
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are rising, pointing to a higher opening, following strong gains in overseas markets.
Afghan police: Policeman killed in suicide attack
KABUL (AP) -- Afghan police say a member of the Afghan National Police has been killed and two others wounded in a suicide attack at a police station in south-central Afghanistan.
Taylor: I didn't know Sierra Leone rebel pre-1991
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -- Prosecutors are accusing former Liberian President Charles Taylor of lying to judges at his war crimes trial about when he first met a brutal Sierra Leone rebel leader he is accused of helping commit atrocities.
Pope denounces failure to chart new climate treaty
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI has denounced the failure of world leaders to agree to a new climate change treaty by saying world peace depends on the responsible safeguarding of God's creation.
Obama talks with labor leaders, commanders
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama holds closed meetings Monday with labor leaders and military commanders.
Cities struggle to find new uses for auto plants
WIXOM, Mich. (AP) -- It has been months since Henry Ford's great-grandson arrived at a shuttered auto plant outside of Detroit to brag about a plan to revive the vast empty space.
Israel: Years before new rocket defense ready
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel's defense minister says it will take years before the country's new rocket defense system will be fully deployed along borders with Gaza and Lebanon.
Ore. couple arraigned in child's death
SANDY, Ore. (AP) -- A 27-year-old Oregon man and his 24-year-old fiancee have been arraigned on murder by abuse charges in the weekend death of the man's 3-year-old daughter.
Man, woman arrested in death of 3-year-old
SANDY, Ore. (AP) -- A man and a woman have been arrested on murder charges in the death of a 3-year-old.
Rival Somali Islamic militias clash, killing 14
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) -- Witnesses says at least 14 people have been killed in clashes between rival Islamic militias battling for control of a strategic western Somali town.
Father in balloon boy hoax reports to jail
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) -- The Colorado man who orchestrated the balloon boy hoax has turned himself in to begin a 90-day jail sentence.
Dad in balloon boy hoax begins jail time Monday
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) -- The Colorado father convicted of orchestrating the balloon boy hoax is to begin serving his 90-day jail sentence Monday after a media blitz in which he maintained his innocence.
Iran prosecutor urges no leniency for detainees
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran's top prosecutor has ordered his representative in Tehran not to show any leniency toward detained opposition protesters.
In Hasan case, superiors ignored their own worries
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Defense Department review of the shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, has found the doctors overseeing Maj. Nidal Hasan's medical training continued to move him through the ranks despite their repeated concerns over his strident views on Islam and his inappropriate behavior.
Study: Youth now have more mental health issues
CHICAGO (AP) -- A new study has found that more high school and college students are dealing with mental health issues than people the same age did during the Great Depression.
Farmers fight back against animal rights groups
SEATTLE (AP) -- In the past two years, the livestock industry has seen feed costs skyrocket, pork and dairy prices plummet, and animal rights groups step up efforts to improve living conditions for farm animals.
