Stories for March 23, 2010

Mount Hood featured in new coin series

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon's Mount Hood is being featured as part of the new America the Beautiful Quarters series honoring national parks and national sights in the 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia.

Paper carrier reports car prowlers

SHERWOOD, Ore. (AP) -- Sherwood police say they arrested two people after an alert newspaper carrier woke up homeowners to report that prowlers were breaking into parked vehicles. Sherwood and Tualatin police arrived minutes later, shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday, and arrested a 20-year-old Newberg man and a Sherwood juvenile. A third suspect was not caught.

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Sword-waving man detained on Bainbridge Island

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Police have detained a man they say was waving a large sword around and stabbing objects in the parking lot of a Bainbridge Island building supply store.

AP sources: US-Israeli talks end without accord

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. and Israel have failed to heal their deepest dispute in decades as a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ended without resolution to the rift.

Commissioners choose Osler for judge post

She’s the first woman to hold District Court job in Clark County

Clark County District Court Commissioner Kelli Osler has been named the new District Court judge, making her the first woman to hold the seat, the Board of Commissioners announced Tuesday. Osler, 46, was the clear choice, Commissioner Steve Stuart said, because of her extensive law experience and ability to show “thoughtfulness, fairness and integrity” on the job.

Bellingham school cancels classes for 'sun day'

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- A forecast of warm clear weather has prompted Bellingham Christian School to cancel classes Wednesday for a "sun day."

Bellingham, Wash., school may declare 'sun day'

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) -- If the sun is shining and temperatures are balmy Wednesday, the forecast at Bellingham Christian School could call for no classes.

Colville schools counselor admits molesting

COLVILLE, Wash. (AP) -- A 59-year-old man who served as a psychologist for the Colville School District and volunteered with police to help investigate child abuse has pleaded guilty to molesting a student.

Oilers slip past Canucks 3-2

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) -- Tom Gilbert had a goal and an assist and the Edmonton Oilers earned their third consecutive victory with a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.

Bourque scores winner for Flames against Ducks

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) -- Rene Bourque scored the winning goal on a breakaway late in the second period to lead the Calgary Flames to a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night.

No. 11 Aztecs do it again, upset West Virginia

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Jene Morris scored 27 points and Quenese Davis added 19, sending No. 11 San Diego State to another big upset, this time a 64-55 win over No. 3 West Virginia on Tuesday night in the second round of the Memphis Regional.

WA State Patrol: Driver on bridge exceeded 135 mph

BELLEVUE, Wash. (AP) -- Washington State Patrol troopers arrested a 24-year-old Bellevue man they say was zooming across the State Highway 520 floating bridge at speeds estimated at more than 135 miles per hour.

Iowa State escapes Wisc-Green Bay upset bid 60-56

AMES, Iowa (AP) -- Kelsey Bolte scored 15 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:11 left, and Iowa State held on to beat Wisconsin-Green Bay 60-56 Tuesday night to advance to the round of 16 in the NCAA women's tournament.

Kelley leads Nebraska past UCLA 83-70, to Sweet 16

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Dominique Kelley scored a career-high 22 points, Kelsey Griffin added 18 points and 14 rebounds, and top-seeded Nebraska took apart UCLA 83-70 in the second round of the NCAA women's tournament on Tuesday night.

Sooners rely on defense to beat UALR 60-44

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Abi Olajuwon had 19 points and 11 rebounds and third-seeded Oklahoma made the most of a sloppy first half on both ends to beat Arkansas-Little Rock 60-44 Tuesday night in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Bobcats guard Jackson has bruised hand ligament

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Charlotte Bobcats guard Stephen Jackson says he's been slowed by a bruised ligament in his left hand.

Wallet with vital papers returned to Ore. woman

OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) -- A recent immigrant from the Philippines was distraught after losing her wallet, which contained not only her money but her immigration papers.

North Carolina tops UAB in NIT quarterfinals

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Deon Thompson had 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead stingy North Carolina to a 60-55 victory over UAB Tuesday night in the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals.

Kidd scores season-high on 37th birthday; Mavs win

DALLAS (AP) -- Jason Kidd celebrated his 37th birthday by scoring a season-high 26 points, much of it coming during a game-breaking spurt at the start of the fourth quarter that sent the Dallas Mavericks to a 106-96 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.

Chicago ends Coyotes' 9-game win streak

CHICAGO (AP) -- Antti Niemi made 28 saves for his sixth shutout and the Chicago Blackhawks took over the points lead in the Western Conference by ending the Phoenix Coyotes' nine-game winning streak with a 2-0 victory Tuesday night.

Wizards' Blatche benched after spat with coach

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington forward Andray Blatche was benched after the first 712 minutes of the Wizards' 95-86 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night.

Sharks beat Wild to end 6-game skid

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Evgeni Nabokov stopped 18 shots and four San Jose players scored to help the Sharks snap a six-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night.

Stars cool off Predators 3-1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Loui Eriksson and Matt Niskanen scored goals 30 seconds apart early in the third period to give the Dallas Stars a 3-1 victory over Nashville on Tuesday, snapping the Predators' six-game winning streak.

Canseco tweets about grand jury subpoena

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jose Canseco says he has been subpoenaed by a grand jury investigating whether Roger Clemens lied to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Saints won't match Eagles' offer to Bell

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A spokesman for the New Orleans Saints says the team will not match Philadelphia's offer to restricted free-agent running back Mike Bell.

Union, Tenn., wins fifth women's NAIA title

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) -- Zeinab Chan scored 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as Union, Tenn., won its fifth NAIA women's national championship with a 73-65 victory against Azusa-Pacific on Tuesday night.

Hawkins leads OK Baptist past Azusa Pacific 84-83

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A.J. Hawkins scored 21 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 31 seconds left, and Oklahoma Baptist rallied past Azusa Pacific 84-83 Tuesday night in the championship game of the NAIA national tournament.

Dallas' Nowitzki ejected for complaining

DALLAS (AP) -- Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki was ejected with 9:16 left in the third quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, drawing a quick pair of technical fouls from official Bill Kennedy for complaining about a foul call.

St. Louis has 2 goals in Lightning OT win

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Martin St. Louis scored his second goal of the game 29 seconds into overtime and the Tampa Bay Lightning stopped a five-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Knicks rally behind Gallinari, beat Denver 109-104

NEW YORK (AP) -- Danilo Gallinari scored 17 of his 28 points during a spirited duel with Carmelo Anthony in the third quarter, and the New York Knicks beat the Denver Nuggets 109-104 on Tuesday night.

Mississippi edges Texas Tech in 2 OTs

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) -- Murphy Holloway converted a three-point play with three seconds left in the second overtime Tuesday to give Mississippi a 90-87 win over Texas Tech in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament.

Buchholz roughed up, Pedroia nicked up

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz threw three wild pitches, hit a batter, walked three and gave up six runs as the Minnesota Twins defeated Boston 7-2 on Tuesday night.

Elliott's 2nd straight SO lifts Sens past Flyers

OTTAWA (AP) -- Brian Elliott earned his second shutout in two days and Chris Kelly and Daniel Alfredsson scored to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 2-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night.

Men accused of killing 5 NJ teens plead not guilty

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Two men have pleaded not guilty to burning five New Jersey teenagers to death in 1978 in an alleged dispute over stolen marijuana.

Man accused of killing 5 NJ boys pleads not guilty

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- One of two men accused of burning five New Jersey teenagers to death in an alleged dispute over stolen marijuana in 1978 has pleaded not guilty.

Men accused of killing 5 NJ teens due in court

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Two men accused of burning five teenagers to death in a dispute over stolen marijuana in 1978 face arraignment in New Jersey.

Pedroia says he's fine after landing hard on wrist

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia says he's fine one day after the 2008 AL MVP landed awkwardly on his left wrist during Boston's spring training game against the Minnesota Twins.

Pedroia leaves early with strained wrist

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia left Tuesday nights game against the Minnesota Twins with a strained left wrist.

Bobcats set win record, beat Wizards 95-86 in OT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Gerald Wallace had 17 points, 19 rebounds and got two opponents to foul out in overtime and the Charlotte Bobcats set a franchise record for victories Tuesday night with a 95-86 win over the Washington Wizards.

Booth, Clemmensen lift Panthers over Maple Leafs

TORONTO (AP) -- David Booth had the first two-goal game of an injury-marred season and the Florida Panthers cooled off the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 4-1 victory on Tuesday night.

Granger's 32 helps Pacers sweep Pistons, 98-83

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Danny Granger scored 32 points and the Indiana Pacers snapped a nine-game road losing streak with a 98-83 victory over the Detroit Pistons Tuesday night.

Tigers upend Nats 6-2

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) -- Max Scherzer had his first strong outing of the spring, allowing one run in five innings and the Detroit Tigers topped the Washington Nationals 6-2 on Tuesday.

Zajac, Parise and Kovalchuk lead Devils to 6-3 win

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Travis Zajac and Zach Parise each scored twice and Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and three assists to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night.

Lions sign LB Johnson, re-sign S Manuel, DE Hunter

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions have signed free agent linebacker Landon Johnson and re-signed safety Marquand Manuel to one-year deals.

W Virginia PG Bryant out of NCAAs with broken foot

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia point guard Darryl "Truck" Bryant has broken his right foot in practice and will miss the rest of the NCAA tournament.

Bruins beat Thrashers again, extend playoff lead

ATLANTA (AP) -- David Krejci scored a goal and assisted on another, Tuukka Rask blanked Atlanta for the second time this season, and the Bruins kept up their mastery of the Thrashers with a crucial 4-0 victory Tuesday night that extended Boston's lead for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Diggins scores 31, Notre Dame beats Vermont 84-66

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Skylar Diggins had a season-high 31 points, seven steals, and six assists to lead second-seeded Notre Dame to an 84-66 victory over 10th-seeded Vermont on Tuesday night.

Lawyer: ND board can drop Fighting Sioux nickname

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- An attorney for North Dakota says the state higher education board can drop the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname before the deadline in a court settlement.

Xavier rallies for 63-62 win over Vandy

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Amber Harris led a last-minute Xavier comeback and made the go-ahead layup with 12.3 seconds left Tuesday night, rallying the third-seeded Musketeers to a 63-62 victory over Vanderbilt in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Official says football Title IX's biggest problem

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A wrestling coach sees Title IX being used to discriminate against men. The man who wrote the original legislation thinks it's working well with the numbers of both men and women playing college sports up greatly over the past four decades.

Rack's 30 lead Lady Bullogs past Buckeyes 87-67

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Alexis Rack drove through and around Ohio State's slow-to-react defense for 30 points and seventh-seeded Mississippi State upset the second-seeded Buckeyes 87-67 on Tuesday night to reach the NCAA women's tournament round of 16 for the first time.

Calif. panel passes strict ski, snowboard rules

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A legislative committee in California has advanced a bill that would require minors to wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding and impose safety rules on ski resorts in the state.

No. 1 UConn routs Temple, 90-36

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Maya Moore scored 19 points and No. 1 Connecticut outscored Temple by 43 points in a near-perfect first half Tuesday night and the Huskies beat the Owls 90-36 in the second round of the NCAA women's tournament.

Attorney: Police no longer want Roethlisberger DNA

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says it's not commenting on an attorney's statement that a request for a DNA sample from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been withdrawn.

Request for Roethlisberger DNA withdrawn in Ga.

ATLANTA (AP) -- An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has withdrawn a request for a DNA sample from the player who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a nightclub.

NHL board of governors approves head shot rule

TORONTO (AP) -- The NHL is one step closer to a new rule on blindside hits to the head.

Dynamo close in on stadium deal

HOUSTON (AP) -- The city of Houston and Harris County are expected to vote in the coming weeks on a proposed plan to build a new stadium for Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo.

Williams to be La Salle women's basketball coach

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- La Salle University has hired former Pittsburgh associate coach Jeff Williams as the school's new head women's basketball coach.

Cirstea wins in straight sets in Key Biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -- Sorana Cirstea of Romania defeated wild-card Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal 7-5, 7-6 (9) first round victory Tuesday at the Sony Ericsson Open and earned a second-round match with Venus Williams.

Dispensing lifesaving advice

Poison center staffers' expertise is only a phone call away.

Wolves win 3-1 to leave West Ham deep in trouble

LONDON (AP) -- Wolverhampton Wanderers won 3-1 at West Ham on Tuesday night to leave its English Premier League rival deep in relegation trouble.

Kings owners take on new roles

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The co-owners of the Sacramento Kings have new titles in a restructuring of their management team and business operations.

Panthers' Smith hopes Richardson avoids lockout

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Carolina receiver Steve Smith hopes Panthers owner Jerry Richardson playing a key role in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with help avoid a work stoppage in 2011.

Hundley powers Padres past Rockies

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Nick Hundley hit a two-run homer in San Diego's five-run sixth inning, helping the Padres to a 9-6 win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.

Raiders sign Joseph, Brown, Lawton

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- The Oakland Raiders are bringing back unrestricted free agent defensive tackle William Joseph and restricted free agent linebacker Ricky Brown and fullback Luke Lawton.

Upset sends Gonzaga to regional semis for 1st time

SEATTLE (AP) -- Move over guys. It's the ladies from the little Jesuit school in Spokane making all that NCAA tournament noise.

Hochevar goes 5 innings for Royals vs Cubs

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) -- Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar gave up one run in five innings Tuesday as the Royals and Chicago Cubs played to a 5-5 tie.

Cain leads Giants past White Sox

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Matt Cain pitched into the seventh inning in an impressive start, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.

TNT NBA studio team to announce game Thursday

NEW YORK (AP) -- TNT's NBA studio team of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith will announce a game together for the first time since 2001.

Orton remains Broncos' starter

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Kyle Orton remains the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback, and Brady Quinn is going to have to unseat him if he wants to be the one under center when the season starts in six months.

Bridge repairs will narrow I-5 northbound Saturday night

Northbound motorists will be funneled into one lane on the Interstate 5 Bridge Saturday night through early Sunday morning. Workers will straighten iron beams damaged from previous accidents on the bridge. They will close the right and center northbound lanes beginning at 10 p.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday.

Anderson sharp against minor leaguers

PHOENIX, Ariz. (AP) -- Oakland left-hander Brett Anderson pitched five simulated innings against minor leaguers Tuesday after a stiff neck forced him to miss his scheduled start a day earlier.

Mancusco takes US giant slalom title

WILMINGTON, N.Y. (AP) -- Julia Mancuso won the giant slalom in the U.S. alpine skiing championships on Tuesday, becoming the most accomplished skier at nationals and taking her fourth title in the discipline.

Suzuki makes terrific catch in Mariners' win

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Ichiro Suzuki is getting a head start on another Gold Glove.

NHL suspends Colorado F Tucker for 1 game

TORONTO (AP) -- Colorado Avalanche forward Darcy Tucker has been suspended one game by the NHL for making "excessive physical contact" on an icing play in Monday night's game against the Kings.

Wash. bans shackling of pregnant inmates

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Women prisoners can no longer be shackled during childbirth under a new law signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Edmonds, Bush lead Brewers past Indians, 10-2

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Jim Edmonds drove in five runs and Dave Bush pitched six innings to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 10-2 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday.

Angels scratch Santana with elbow inflammation

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Angels right-hander Ervin Santana was scratched from his spring start with elbow inflammation.

Anti-police demonstrators march in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Several dozen anti-police demonstrators marched Tuesday night through southeast Portland to protest the fatal police shooting of a man near Hoyt Arboretum.

Curl resigns as Houston coach

HOUSTON (AP) -- Houston women's basketball coach Joe Curl has resigned because of heart problems.

Soriano, Soto try to shake off tough seasons

MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto's drop-off mirrored the struggles of their team last season and both players have something to prove in 2010.

Clark County Fair grandstand lineup announced

Summer action includes old favorites and new events

The Clark County Fair will be full of engine-revving, air-catching and car-smashing events this year. The fair has announced its grandstand lineup for the 2010 Clark County Fair, which runs Aug. 6-12. Shows will take place twice daily and are free with fair admission. All concerts have been moved to the Clark County Amphitheater.

UEFA to discuss Euro 2012 delays, club spending

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) -- European soccer's governing body will discuss delays this week in the construction of stadiums for the 2012 European Championship in the Ukraine and Poland along with rules to curb club spending.

Fees to rise after GET enrollment closes next week

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The enrollment period for Washington's prepaid tuition program closes next week. And when enrollment reopens again in the fall, fees are expected to be about 14 percent higher. That's how the Guaranteed Education Tuition or GET program keeps in step with rising tuition at Washington's four-year colleges.

Pacifist college begins playing national anthem

GOSHEN, Ind. (AP) -- A small Indiana college steeped in pacifist traditions has played the national anthem at a sports event for the first time.

Drivers give favorable reviews to spoiler

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR is receiving favorable driver reviews from the switch from a wing to the traditional spoiler.

Michigan State's Lucious set to fill in for Lucas

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State's Korie Lucious (LEW-shis) says he is soaking up the buzz on campus created by his game-winning, buzzer-beating shot against Maryland.

Rockies minor leaguer suspended for positive test

NEW YORK (AP) -- Colorado Rockies pitcher Jose Belen has been suspended for 50 games following a positive test for metabolites of Methandienone under baseball's minor league drug program.

Mets rename spring home Digital Domain Park

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- The Mets are losing their tradition.

Howard homers twice as Phillies beat Rays 4-3

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) -- Ryan Howard hit two solo homers to help the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 on Tuesday.

'Nova's Wright intends to return

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Jay Wright hears his name in coaching rumors this time of year about as routinely as he leads Villanova to the NCAA tournament.

Kulongoski orders flags at half-staff

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski ordered flags at all public institutions to be flown at half-staff Thursday in memory of Pfc. Erin L. McLyman of Eugene.

Garber criticizes DC for lack of soccer stadium

NEW YORK (AP) -- MLS commissioner Don Garber is upset that there is no plan for a new stadium in Washington for D.C. United.

Oliver Perez struggles in Mets win

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- Oliver Perez was pulled after walking consecutive batters in the fifth inning, part of a shaky outing in the New York Mets' 7-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.

Jets OL Hunter signs 1-year tender

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jets backup offensive lineman Wayne Hunter has signed his one-year tender, keeping the restricted free agent in New York after helping pave the way for the NFL's top-ranked rushing game last season.

Iceland match an audition for many Mexican players

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has referred to El Tri's current stretch of exhibitions as observation games before he picks his World Cup roster.

Robin Wright, Richard Schiff set for B'way debuts

NEW YORK (AP) -- Robin Wright and Richard Schiff will make their Broadway debut next season in a revival of Lanford Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Talley's Folly."

Nolasco looks good in Marlins win

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- Ricky Nolasco pitched six sharp innings and the Florida Marlins beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 on Tuesday.

Nets chief executive argues with paper-bagged fan

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- The chief executive of the New Jersey Nets says he has no regrets about arguing with a fan who wore a paper bag over his head during yet another loss by the team.

Success helps Baylor put scandal, tragedy in past

WACO, Texas (AP) -- Tweety Carter knew he was taking a chance when he committed to play for Baylor.

Cardinals sign TE Patrick, 2 others

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Arizona Cardinals have signed restricted free agent tight end Ben Patrick to his one-year qualifying offer.

NASCAR moving closer to fuel injection

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- NASCAR is still on target to move to fuel injection engines in 2011.

Michigan State reinstates 4 involved with brawl

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio says Mark Dell, B.J. Cunningham, Chris Rucker and J'Michael Deane have been reinstated.

Finchem memo supporting Elkington seen as bias

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has sent a memo to tournament directors to explain why Steve Elkington is not fully exempt this year. At least two players suggest he's playing favorites.

Paulino goes 5 innings, Astros beat Pirates 11-1

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) -- Felipe Paulino made progress toward locking up the fifth spot in the Houston Astros' starting rotation, pitching five strong innings Tuesday in an 11-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

49ers bring back veteran offensive lineman Sims

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed veteran offensive lineman Barry Sims to a one-year contract.

Man caught shooting at car at Burien intersection

BURIEN, Wash. (AP) -- A man fired a shotgun at passing cars about 5 a.m. Tuesday at a Burien intersection.

Ocean Shores City Hall burglary suspect caught

OCEAN SHORES, Wash. (AP) -- Police say they caught a man stealing computers from the Ocean Shores City Hall.

Calif. teen hit in head by baseball clings to life

KENTFIELD, Calif. (AP) -- A Northern California high school baseball player is clinging to life after a line drive hit his head during a practice game.

Busy Venus Williams bidding for Key Biscayne title

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -- Venus Williams is working on a book. She's preparing to host a private tennis outing that includes Vikings tackle Bryant McKinnie. She loves her new role as an NFL owner with a small stake in the Miami Dolphins.

NFL passes player safety rules

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The NFL has passed rules to further protect defenseless players, including ball carriers who lose their helmet during a play.

NFL changes overtime for playoff games

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The NFL has changed its overtime rules for playoff games.

NOAA review finds Oregon still best site for fleet

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) -- The nation's top ocean research agency says it can't find a better base for its research fleet than the port of Newport on the Oregon Coast.

UW scientist thinks global warming will be worse

SEATTLE (AP) -- University of Washington scientist Peter Ward believes global warming from civilization's release of carbon dioxide will be faster and cause more worldwide flooding than some others expect.

Haile Gebrselassie to run in Madrid 10k race

MADRID (AP) -- Marathon world record-holder Haile Gebrselassie is scheduled to compete in a 10-kilometer road race in Madrid on April 25.

Virginia's Sylven Landesberg leaves school

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Virginia's suspended leading scorer Sylven Landesberg is leaving school.

Garland's shoulder OK, set to start Friday

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Jon Garland has thrown 30 pitches in a bullpen session and is set to start for the San Diego Padres in an exhibition game Friday.

After trading him, Wolves re-sign Brian Cardinal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves have brought back veteran forward Brian Cardinal.

Jerusalem approves contentious new building plan

JERUSALEM (AP) -- The Jerusalem municipality has approved 20 new apartments for Jews in east Jerusalem in a move that could stir a new diplomatic crisis.

Israel to probe death of 2 Palestinians in riot

JERUSALEM (AP) -- The Israeli military says it will investigate the deaths of two Palestinian teenagers during a riot in the West Bank.

Bleak budgets force schools to consider closure

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- As school budgets get bleaker, leaders in school districts across the country are finding the economy gives them a reason to face local opposition to closing schools.

Nets need 2 wins to avoid NBA's worst record

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- All the New Jersey Nets need in their final 12 games are two wins.

Prosecutors: Arenas pressured Crittenton on story

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Prosecutors say Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas tried to pressure teammate Javaris Crittenton into covering up their locker-room confrontation in December.

Prosecutors say Arenas should get 3 month in jail

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Prosecutors say NBA star Gilbert Arenas should go to jail for three months for bringing guns into the Washington Wizards locker room. His lawyer says the appropriate punishment is probation and community service.

Xavier's NCAA excellence by design

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Xavier bristles when anyone suggests it's doing quite well for a mid-major school. There's no mid-anything about the Musketeers.

Royals hopeful RHP Gil Meche's shoulder is OK

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Kansas City Royals are hoping pitcher Gil Meche's stiff right shoulder won't cause him to miss any starts.

Ohio State coach enjoying busy NCAA run

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- There are two things that seem to follow Ohio State coach Thad Matta around: 20-win seasons and the label "great recruiter."

Purdue defense gives offense time to adjust

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Purdue's offense has hit some rough patches since Robbie Hummel's injury. A defense that has remained among the nation's stingiest has made up for it.

K-State guard Pullen a student of basketball

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) -- Jacob Pullen watches film by the hour and studies game plans as if he were boning up for final exams.

Cable car at Durban's WCup stadium investigated

DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- The city council in charge of Durban's new World Cup venue has been given 60 days to ensure that a cable car above the stadium is safe, after an incident in which it became stuck, leaving its passengers stranded.

Fights reported at state prison in Pendleton

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) -- The state prison in Pendleton went into "modified lock down status" Tuesday morning after several inmates started fighting near the dining room.

Self: Freshman Henry ready for NBA

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas coach Bill Self says freshman star Xavier Henry is ready to compete in the NBA if he decides to declare for this year's draft.

Mariners' Lee still feels pain in abdomen

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Cliff Lee says he still feels some pain in his strained abdomen following his first on-field test of the injury.

Beimel agrees to minor league deal with Rockies

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Left-hander Joe Beimel has returned to the Colorado Rockies, agreeing to a minor league contract pending a physical.

Rockies sign LHP Beimel to minor league deal

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- The Colorado Rockies search for another left-handed reliever led them back to Joe Beimel. He agreed to a minor league contract, pending completion of a physical, and will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster as spring training winds down.

Officials: US missiles kill 3 in NW Pakistan

MIR ALI, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistani officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike close to the Afghan border has killed three people.

Pay czar unveils 2010 compensation restrictions

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The administration's pay czar tells reporters the top 25 earners at five companies still receiving extraordinary aid from the government's bailout fund will be paid an average 15 percent less in 2010 than in 2009 under his restrictions.

Yakima Arcade employee found slain

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- A 70-year-old employee of the Yakima Arcade, an adult business, was found on the floor of the store just before 6 a.m. Tuesday on Front Street in Yakima.

2 dead in Scio home; murder-suicide suspected

SCIO, Ore. (AP) -- Detectives are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in the town of Scio.

State Patrol investigating vehicle rollover

The Washington State Patrol is investigating a single vehicle crash at the onramp where Interstate 205 meets State Route 14.

Va. chiropractor charged with dealing steroids

BARTOW, Fla. (AP) -- A Virginia chiropractor has been arrested on drug charges after a co-defendant said he supplied steroids to members of D.C.-area sports teams.

Officials seek interest in use of Olympic Stadium

LONDON (AP) -- Olympic officials have opened the process for deciding the long-term use of the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 London Games.

Mateen Cleaves arrested on drunk driving suspicion

MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Former Michigan State basketball star and Detroit Pistons player Mateen Cleaves has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

C Zydrunas Ilgauskas signs deal to return to Cavs

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has signed to play the rest of the season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ilgauskas agrees to deal with Cavaliers

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has agreed to play the rest of the season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Snowboarder dies at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An 18-year-old snowboarder was found dead on Mount Hood about an hour after he was reported missing by friends.

Dakar Rally returns to Argentina, Chile in 2011

PARIS (AP) -- Organizers of the Dakar Rally say the grueling race will again take place in Argentina and Chile in 2011.

Obama signs historic $938 billion health care overhaul

WASHINGTON — A beaming President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a historic $938 billion health care overhaul that guarantees coverage for 32 million uninsured Americans and will touch nearly every citizen's life, presiding over the biggest shift in U.S. domestic policy since the 1960s and capping a divisive, yearlong debate that could define the November elections.

MLS minimum salary rises to $40,000 in labor deal

NEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Soccer's minimum salary for senior players will rise to $40,000 this season. The developmental minimum will go up to $31,250.

Fred Meyer open after gas leak investigation

The Fred Meyer store in Salmon Creek was evacuated this morning after a forklift operator accidentally broke a gas pipe.

Bin Laden's daughter released from Iran, in Syria

BEIRUT (AP) -- A teenage daughter of Osama bin Laden has been released from Iran after living under house arrest there since her family fled Afghanistan in 2001, her brother says.

Ballesteros to help Spain's bid for 2018 Ryder Cup

MADRID (AP) -- Seve Ballesteros will help Spain's bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup.

Alexie wins PEN/Faulkner award for 'War Dances'

NEW YORK (AP) -- Seattle author Sherman Alexie has won the PEN/Faulkner prize for fiction for his short story collection "War Dances."

St. John's receives permission to interview Hewitt

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia Tech has granted permission for St. John's to interview Yellow Jackets coach Paul Hewitt.

Ga Tech: St. John's has not called about Hewitt

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia Tech says St. John's has not asked to speak with basketball coach Paul Hewitt.

Virtue/Moir lead ice dance after compulsory

TURIN, Italy (AP) -- Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir have topped training partners Meryl Davis and Charlie White again, winning the compulsory dance to take an early lead at the World Figure Skating Championships.

Eugene bicyclist files suit over crash

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- A former Eugene city councilman injured when his bicycle was hit by a car has has filed a $250,000 personal injury suit.

Altidore close to return from hamstring injury

HULL, England (AP) -- Amercan forward Jozy Altidore could be back in Premier League action for Hull on Saturday.

Dorn arrested in Orting under suspicion of DUI

ORTING, Wash. (AP) -- State officials say Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn was arrested over the weekend for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Allgaier gets seat in Cup car at CMS test

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Penske Racing brought a car to the two-day NASCAR test at Charlotte Motor Speedway for Justin Allgaier.

Reyes cleared to resume baseball activities

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes has been cleared to resume baseball activities after doctors determined his thyroid levels have returned to normal.

2 escape early morning fire near Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Two people escaped an early morning fire that destroyed a mobile home just west of Spokane.

Skier Marek: Doping blame on her and doctor

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- The Polish cross-country skier who tested positive for EPO at the Vancouver Olympics says she and her doctor are to blame, but denies knowingly taking banned substances.

Skier Marek's trainer admits giving shots, no EPO

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- A trainer for the Polish cross-country skier who tested positive for EPO at the Vancouver Olympics has acknowleged giving her injections but denies they contained banned substances.

13 attorneys general sue over health care overhaul

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Republican attorneys general from 13 states are suing the federal government to stop the massive health care overhaul, claiming it's unconstitutional.

2 plead guilty in case of stolen baby formula

GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) -- The ringleaders of a group accused of stealing more than $20,000 worth of baby formula from stores and then selling it at a discount have pleaded guilty.

NCAA denies Alabama's appeal of sanctions

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- The NCAA denied Alabama's appeal of a ruling vacating 21 football victories for violations involving free textbooks.

Washington woman killed in snowmobile crash

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Valley County officials are investigating the death of a 55-year-old Washington state woman in a snowmobile crash.

Lescott may be out for season because of hamstring

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott could miss the rest of the season because of a hamstring injury, another potential blow to England's World Cup roster.

Police log: No information on suspect who destroyed mailbox

There was no information on the suspect or suspects who destroyed a mailbox in the 29000 block of Northwest 41st Avenue Monday afternoon.

Punter Josh Bidwell signs with Washington Redskins

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Free-agent punter Josh Bidwell has signed with the Washington Redskins after missing all of the 2009 season with a hip injury.

Vijay Singh out of Bay Hill because of bad back

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Vijay Singh has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill because of a back injury. This is the second straight week the three-time major champion has had to pull out.

No prison for Salem man who blew off hand

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A man who blew off part of his left hand while working on explosives at his home in Salem will not spend any time in prison.

2 injured in snowmobile crash near Bend

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- Two snowmobilers have been injured in a crash near Bend.

Blast injures man in soaking pool at Bend pub

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- A firecracker or some other explosive device injured a man in a soaking pool at McMenamins Old Saint Francis School brewery pub in Bend.

Arraignment in Eugene federal Courthouse shooting

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- A man accused of firing shots into the federal Courthouse in Eugene last October was arraigned Monday in the same building.

Earnhardt downplays Bristol radio rant

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. says his profanity-laced rant at Bristol Motor Speedway stemmed from frustration from a speeding penalty.

Pedestrian killed on I-5 at Albany

ALBANY, Ore. (AP) -- A man attempting to walk across Interstate 5 near Albany was struck by a car and killed.

Potlatch sells Post Falls plant

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Potlatch Corp. says it has sold its particleboard plant in Post Falls, Idaho, to a former sawmill operator.

Man killed while crossing I-5 in Albany

ALBANY, Ore. (AP) -- State troopers are investigating the death of a 41-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle while trying to cross Interstate 5 in the Albany area.

Fed cracks down on gift card abuses

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Reserve has issued new rules to protect Americans from getting stung by unexpected fees or restrictions on gift cards.

High school sports stars of the day

Stars of the Day • Mariah Dawson, Union softball, pitched a no-hitter with 18 strikeouts in a 5-0 win over Battle Ground.

Volcanoes announce 2010 schedule

The 2010 schedule for the Vancouver Volcanoes has been released. The Volcanoes open up with three games over three nights featuring a game against 2008 IBL champions the Bellingham Slam. The home opener will be against league newcomers, the Yamhill Highflyers, on May 7 at 7 p.m.

Death Notices, March 23

Beverly, David G. Jr., 86, Vancouver, died March 19, 2010. Straub’s Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation, 360-834-4563. Larson, Stanley W., 88, Vancouver, died March 17, 2010. Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, 360-694-2537.

Vancouver council ratifies deal with police guild

As several dozen Vancouver police officers, their supporters and families flooded city hall, the city council unanimously ratified a two-year contract with the police guild Monday that will save the city $1.1 million in 2010 and 2011. The contract was lauded by the council, the police chief and the Vancouver Police Officers’ Guild as “a positive step forward.”

La Center taking applications to fill council vacancy

The city of La Center is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the council.

Archivist tells how to preserve family photos

Historian and archivist Richard H. Engeman will conduct a two-hour workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday on “making your family photographs last longer than you do.”

A World of Meatballs

Known by many different names, they have been around for ages

They’ve been around for ages and can be found across numerous cultures, but they’ve only earned their English name in recent times. As food historians can testify, the term “meatball” is fairly new, most likely created in melting pot America to refer to the classic Italian-American version so often tucked into gooey subs, slathered in red sauce and spooned over noodles, or bobbing in soup.

Community scoreboard

This week's results from bowling centers, youth sports events, running trails and more.

Community notebook: Columbia River Swim Team members shine at five-state meet

Julia Sanders won three events to lead the Columbia River Swim Team to a sixth-place finish at the Northwest Section Western Zone Age Group Swimming Championships. Three other CRST swimmers won championships at the five-state meet, held March 19-21 at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

Our Readers' Views

Camas laboratory was innovative The March 14 story, “G-P lab site waits for buyer; Property could play role in Camas revitalization,” concerning the old Crown Zellerbach research laboratory, was interesting and informative. I was employed at the laboratory from 1952 to 1982, and believe the story’s information is both timely and accurate. A great deal of interesting work took place in that laboratory. It is too bad that it is no longer functioning.

Bill Passed; Move On

We all want health care reform; let’s find the best way to get to that goal

As Americans digest and debate what happened in the U.S. House of Representatives Sunday night, this much should be clear: Whether you liked the bill or hated it, that part of the discussion is over. It makes sense for everyone to try to make the thing work now. The shrill “Kill the bill!” mantra no longer applies. The bill is passed. Health care reform will not become President Obama’s Waterloo as many envisioned, and some conservative analysts even wonder if that strategy in some way contributed to their own Waterloo on this bill.

La Center City Council meeting scheduled Wednesday

The La Center City Council will hold a regular meeting this week.

Yale bridge inspection will delay traffic today, Wednesday

Motorists should be aware of possible delays today and Wednesday on the Yale Bridge, the portion of state Highway 503 that crosses the North Fork of the Lewis River into Cowlitz County.

Loop ramp, lane closure part of interchange work

A continuous right-lane closure on Interstate 5 at the new Ridgefield interchange will be in effect for the next 2½ months.

Weather Eye: Do you know your tsunami escape routes?

Spring is showing its glory in good fashion weather wise. A few showers on Sunday with scattered thunderstorms and hail. Monday, a few sprinkles here and there but lots of sun breaks as well. Rainfall amounts were not especially heavy and little snow in the mountains to speak of. Today and Wednesday we will be between weather systems so more, warmer sunshine. When moisture arrives by Thursday morning, the higher peaks will get some snow to add to the meager snowpack, but lower and middle elevations won’t see much if any. Looking ahead toward the weekend as we always seem to do, Saturday looks nice with showers again on Sunday, much like this past weekend.

Republicans target Heck in health care vote’s wake

Endorsed by Baird as his preferred successor, Democrat favored legislation

Just hours after the U.S. House passed historic health care reform Sunday night, Republicans sharpened their jabs at Democratic congressional candidate Denny Heck, hoping to tie him to the last-minute “yes” vote U.S. Rep. Brian Baird cast for the bill. Baird has endorsed Heck, an Olympia businessman and former state legislator, as his choice to succeed him.

Railroad projects gaining steam

Multimillion-dollar efforts scheduled to start this spring

A slew of west Vancouver railroad construction projects appear to be on the fast-track to begin construction this spring. Washington transportation Secretary Paula Hammond asked federal authorities to prioritize a $29.1 million project to add a 3.2-mile-long set of bypass tracks on the east side of the existing BNSF Railway main line, from near the railroad overpass at Fruit Valley Road all the way south to Eighth Street.

Washington View: Both Washingtons disconnected from public’s reality

Business owners across the state don’t understand why elected officials are raising taxes and adding costs when employers are struggling to keep stores open, factories running and people working. They feel there is a “disconnect” between the politicians and the people who send them to Olympia and Washington, D.C.

Prosecutor reviews man-with-gun case

He had also openly carried holstered weapon a day before being ticketed

A man who was ticketed for wearing an openly displayed pistol outside an Albertsons shopping center on Friday was packing a total of 35 bullets — including those loaded in the holstered .45-caliber gun and in two ammunition clips.

Food & Wine Calendar, March 23

Clark County wine Bader Winery: Free tastings noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. 711 Grand Blvd., Vancouver. * 360-750-1551 or http://www.baderwinery.com.

Vital Statistics, March 23

Births, marriages, divorces and court sentencings.

High school scoreboard

High school sports results for Monday, March 22.

Pickleball becomes popular

Sport's aficionados find outlets for their passion

The quirky name of the game evokes something from a distant era, or perhaps a game best meant for picnics. But it takes only a few moments observing one of the regular pickleball games at Firstenburg Community Center to understand that this game requires some quick reflexes, and engenders serious passion.

Corrections, March 23

Republican convention: Former 17th District state Rep. Jim Dunn lost a 2008 re-election bid to fellow Republican Joseph James in the 2008 top two primary. A Page C1 story Sunday misstated the circumstances of Dunn’s defeat. Police salaries: A caption on Page A5 of an article Sunday about public salary levels gave an inaccurate salary change for Battle Ground police officers. Officers received a 3 percent hike between Feb. 1, 2009, and Feb. 1, 2010, the dates used for The Columbian’s salary database. The officers’ 2010 adjustment, agreed upon after Feb. 1, was 0 percent.

Stories for March 23, 2010

Lead stories

Stories

She’s the first woman to hold District Court job in Clark County

Summer action includes old favorites and new events