Stories for April 10, 2012

Boonen to miss cycling's Amstel Gold Race

BRUSSELS (AP) -- WorldTour leader Tom Boonen has withdrawn from the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday because of a foot infection.

Trevor Bayne not running Nationwide race at Texas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Roush Fenway Racing did not enter Trevor Bayne in this week's Nationwide Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Steranka to retire from PGA of America

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Joe Steranka is retiring at the end of the year as chief executive of the PGA of America.

Italy's Schiavone, Pennetta to play Fed Cup semis

MILAN (AP) -- Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta will lead Italy in the Fed Cup semifinals against defending champion Czech Republic.

Germany's Petkovic back to play Aussies in Fed Cup

BERLIN (AP) -- Andrea Petkovic will play for Germany when it faces Australia in the Fed Cup playoffs, replacing injured Wimbledon semifinalist Sabine Lisicki.

5-time champion Love withdraws from Heritage

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) -- Five-time RBC Heritage champion Davis Love III has withdrawn from the tournament.

Wash. Legislature adjourns special session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state Legislature has adjourned a double overtime session, finalizing a budget deal that had lawmakers working all night.

Tigers: Martinez doesn't need additional operation

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Tigers say injured designated hitter Victor Martinez does not need reconstructive surgery for his anterior cruciate ligament.

Cipolla, Andreev reach quarterfinals in Casablanca

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -- Flavio Cipolla defeated second-seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-4, 6-1 Wednesday and Igor Andreev rallied past Denis Istomin 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-2 to reach the Grand Prix Hassan II quarterfinals.

Andreev, Paire into Grand Prix Hassan II quarters

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) -- Igor Andreev rallied past Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-2 Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Ex-Syracuse coach's accuser sentenced for abuse

AUBURN, Maine (AP) -- A man who accused former Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine of molesting him has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison for sexually abusing a boy in Maine.

OR state fair youth housing fails safety standards

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- It's back to the drawing board for a planned youth village to house 4-H and FFA students at the Oregon State Fair in Salem.

High school scoreboard 4/11

Tuesday's high school results

Some Portland flash mob shoplifters identified

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Portland police are making progress identifying individuals in a flash mob that brazenly walked into a convenience store and walked out without paying for candy and soda.

Winterhawks take 3-0 lead on Kamloops

Brad Ross had four goals as the Portland Winterhawks won Game 3 of their second round series against the Kamloops Blazers 5-2 to take a 3-0 lead in the series.

Stocks make a U-turn, climb after big decline

NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks are opening sharply higher, a day after their worst loss of the year.

Wash. Legislature passes budget proposal

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state Legislature has approved a supplemental budget, setting them up for a final adjournment of an overtime legislative session.

Portland Trail Blazers seek second opinion on ailing LaMarcus Aldridge

Aldridge’s nagging hip injury could end his season early

TUALATIN, Ore. -- Baghdad. Kabul. Antarctica. For a Portland Trail Blazer, these are typically more desirable destinations than Vail, Colo. Vail is where Greg Oden found himself consistently visiting while rehabilitating his knee, often hearing that he would be done for the season. And now, LaMarcus Aldridge found himself in that very city to have his nagging hip examined.

Controversial Portland officer runs for sheriff

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Portland police officer who was collecting stress-related disability benefits on and off for more than three years was found fit for duty this month as he runs for sheriff in Wheeler County.

Family of abused Portland girl sues TriMet

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The family of a 14-year-old Portland girl who was sexually abused by a TriMet bus driver is suing the regional transit agency for $1.1 million.

C-Tran board: Light rail vote will happen this fall

Full service district will have a say; measure may not involve sales tax

The C-Tran Board of Directors on Tuesday indicated it’s still on board for a public vote on light rail this fall, but backed away from what’s long been the presumed way to pay for operating it — a sales tax increase.

Shoplifting suspect strips at Kennewick store

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a woman accused of shoplifting at a Kennewick store stripped off all her clothes in an apparent attempt to show security guards she wasn't hiding any merchandise.

2 boats sink in Anacortes marina fire

ANACORTES, Wash. (AP) -- The state Ecology Department says two boats that sank in a fire at a Anacortes marina could spill 150 gallons of gasoline.

Spain leads FIFA rankings, Uruguay up to No. 3

ZURICH (AP) -- World champion Spain remained at the top of FIFA's monthly rankings, and Uruguay rose to a new high of third.

Man stabs pastor in office of Tacoma church

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- Police are looking for a man who stabbed a pastor Tuesday night at a Tacoma church.

World champion Rudisha opens 'big year' in Doha

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Olympic favorite David Rudisha will begin his "big year" at the Diamond League season-opener in Doha next month and expects he'll need three more races to be ready for the London Games.

New law benefits schools for blind, deaf

Accounting change ends annual forfeiting of savings

While school officials all across the state were anxiously awaiting budget news out of Olympia, two Vancouver schools for people with disabilities had already received their good news out of the Legislature.

Moose poached in popular Spokane hiking area

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- State Fish and Wildlife agents are investigating the poaching of a moose in a popular hiking area near Spokane.

Police officer witnesses fatal stabbing in Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) -- A police officer witnessed a fatal stabbing in Yakima.

Goat herd slows east Vancouver traffic

Animals might be rentals used to clear blackberries nearby

A herd of 40 to 50 goats caused a bit of a ruckus Tuesday afternoon after they got loose near Southeast First Street in east Vancouver.

Wash. House passes budget proposal

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington state House has passed a supplemental budget as lawmakers worked into the early morning hours toward adjournment of a second special session.

Spain leads FIFA rankings, Uruguay up to No. 3

ZURICH (AP) -- World champion Spain remained at the top of FIFA's monthly rankings, and Uruguay rose to a new high of third.

US stock futures rise day after big decline

NEW YORK (AP) -- Wall Street is set to recoup some of the losses from the day before, when fears that the U.S. economy was slowing and Europe's debt crisis returning sent stock markets plummeting.

Arkansas judge to decide penalty in J&J trial

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- A judge will decide how much Johnson & Johnson and a subsidiary must pay the state of Arkansas after a jury found the company downplayed and hid risks associated with an antipsychotic drug.

GOP leader urges unity following Santorum's exit

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The head of the Republican Governors Association says Rick Santorum's withdrawal from the presidential sweepstakes should signal party conservatives to unify behind Mitt Romney.

Yuvraj in battle against rare form of cancer

NEW DELHI (AP) -- Little more than a year ago, Yuvraj Singh was the star of the World Cup when India won the tournament for the second time. His cricket future is less certain now as he battles a rare form of cancer.

Pilot accused of flying pot from Calif. to Mass.

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) -- A man authorities say piloted a plane carrying 74 pounds of marijuana from California to Massachusetts has pleaded not guilty to a drug trafficking charge.

News of Aldridge’s move met with surprise, appreciation

Former players thank coach for what he taught them

The buzz was swift. Current players who learned the news at 10:45 in the morning posted messages on Twitter by 11 a.m. E-mails, texts, and phone calls followed throughout the Prairie girls basketball universe. After 32 seasons, Al Aldridge resigned as head coach.

UK starts drug tests on international athletes

LONDON (AP) -- Britain's anti-doping agency says it has started testing international athletes in Britain ahead of the London Olympics.

Fugitive from Oregon arrested in Connecticut

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) -- A fugitive from Oregon has been arrested in Connecticut after asking a police officer for help in a dispute with his landlord.

Vancouver businesses don't fear a repeat of riot

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- Vancouver's business community will be watching the Canucks set off on their Stanley Cup run with the same enthusiasm as most fans, while ensuring they're ready in case those fans ignore the team's marketing campaign aimed at averting a riot like the one that befell the city following a Game 7 loss to Boston in last year's Stanley Cup finals.

Vancouver mall library to shrink in 2013

Slightly less than half the space will cost about the same as current lease

The Vancouver Mall Community Library will be looking at a smaller facility and reduced services in 2013.

Mom, sheriff’s deputies seek missing girl

Clark County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chad Rothenberger is hoping someone will recognize a photo of a missing or runaway girl and see that she returns home.

Freestyle pioneer Burke remembered at memorial

WHISTLER, British Columbia (AP) -- Friends and family of Sarah Burke gathered in Whistler Village on Tuesday night to bid a farewell to the late freeskiing pioneer.

Kvitova to lead Czechs in Fed Cup semifinals

PRAGUE (AP) -- Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will lead defending champion Czech Republic against Italy in the Fed Cup semifinals.

Bayern's Breno charged with arson over villa fire

MUNICH (AP) -- German prosecutors have charged Bayern Munich defender Breno with aggravated arson after his rented villa was burnt down last year.

Clark County homebuilding improves as commercial work declines

Clark County’s homebuilding industry exhibited signs of recovery in March, with 43 permits issued to build single-family houses in unincorporated parts of the county, up slightly from the 40 permits issued in the same month last year.

Small companies sound off at Herrera Beutler Roundtable

Owners of local firms air complaints about banks, federal regulators

U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, got an earful and then some Tuesday from small business owners who complained about everything from tight-fisted banks to overzealous federal regulators.

’Simpsons’ creator: Real Springfield is in Oregon

PORTLAND (AP) — One of the best-kept secrets in television history has been revealed, with “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening pointing to Springfield, Ore., as the inspiration for the animated hometown of Homer and his dysfunctional family.

Indonesia issues new tsunami alert for aftershock

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) -- Indonesia has issued a fresh tsunami warning after an aftershock with a preliminary magnitude of 8.2 shook its western coast.

Sales tax shift is surprise to some sellers

State no longer has money to mail notices to merchants; C-Tran rate went up April 1

Vancouver florist Maria Adler is among the Clark County merchants who would have liked a mailed reminder to charge a higher sales tax on purchases in Clark County starting April 1.

Whooping cough rates continue to climb

Epidemic shows no sign of slowing down locally, statewide

Whooping cough rates continue to climb in Clark County and the rest of the state.

Gov. Gregoire calls special session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has called for another special session as the current 30-day special session ended before lawmakers could pass all the bills they needed as part of their budget deal.

Seattle idea: less trash pickup, better recycling

SEATTLE (AP) -- Striving to reduce the trash it sends to landfills, some Seattle city officials are weighing whether to stop picking up garbage from homes every week.

Legislature votes to repeal education initiative

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The Washington Legislature is seeking to repeal a voter-approved initiative that requires the state to use surplus funds on improving K-12 student learning.

Gov. Gregoire will call special session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Gov. Chris Gregoire will call for another special session as the Washington state Legislature is set to reach a midnight deadline for the current 30-day special session.

Small plane makes emergency Wash. landing

DUNGENESS, Wash. (AP) -- A small plane made a precautionary landing on a grass airstrip near Dungeness, Wash., on the Olympic Peninsula but neither the pilot nor the flight instructor was hurt.

Roaming goat herd slows Vancouver WA traffic

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) -- Neighbors say a rambling herd of 40 to 50 goats disrupted traffic on an east Vancouver, Wash., street before animal control officers were able to guide them back to their owner's land.

Wash. lawmakers approve early retirement penalties

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington lawmakers have approved a plan to reduce benefits for future state workers who take early retirement.

Ore. students get day off; bus tires slashed

LOWELL, Ore. (AP) -- A hard-working tire slasher managed to flatten tires on all six of the Lowell, Ore., school district's buses, guaranteeing a day off for the roughly 300 students.

Syria informs Annan it will stop fighting

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- International envoy Kofi Annan says he has been informed by the Syrian government that it will "cease all military fighting throughout Syrian territory" as of 6 a.m. Damascus time on Thursday.

Ore. man accused of killing roommate enters plea

EAGLE POINT, Ore. (AP) -- A 26-year-old southern Oregon man accused of fatally shooting his roommate has pleaded not guilty.

Police out in force for Dodgers opening day

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Police say there were fewer arrests this year for wild behavior at the opening day game at Dodger Stadium, where there was a heavy police presence one year after a Giants fan was beaten into a coma in the parking lot.

UPDATE: State lawmakers reach tentative budget deal

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers reached a tentative budget deal Tuesday, but it wasn’t clear if they would get everything done before the special session clock runs out at midnight.

Colts owner has 3-hour meeting with Andrew Luck

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Jim Irsay says team officials are even more impressed with Andrew Luck after a three-hour meeting Tuesday in Indianapolis.

NKorea delegates gather; new leader to get titles

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) -- Delegates to North Korea's ruling party have convened for a special political conference where leader Kim Jong Un is expected to gain new titles.

South Alabama assistant Crain found dead at home

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- Authorities say South Alabama associate head football coach Kurt Crain was found dead at his home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Pedestrian killed by Amtrak train in Auburn, Wash.

AUBURN, Wash. (AP) -- A Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway spokesman says a person attempting to cross BNSF's rail yard in the south Seattle suburb of Auburn was hit and killed Tuesday evening by a northbound Amtrak train.

Mavs gets much-needed win, 110-100 over Kings

DALLAS (AP) --

C-Tran board may decide fate of light rail vote

The C-Tran Board of Directors on Tuesday is expected to decide how to proceed — if at all — on a proposed sales tax vote to help pay for light rail in Vancouver.

WA man, 71, enters plea in wife's hatchet death

SEATTLE (AP) -- A 71-year-old Bellevue man accused of using a hatchet to kill his wife of 46 years has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

Wash. officer's daughter shot in leg with his gun

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Spokane authorities say the 10-year-old daughter of a police officer is in stable condition after being shot in the leg with her father's duty weapon.

Petrino apologizes, focused on repairing family

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Fired Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino says he is sorry for what he calls selfish decisions that hurt his family and others.

Main Street crash sends man to hospital

A man was sent to a local hospital after being in a T-bone crash near the intersection of Main Street and Northeast Hazel Dell Avenue, officials said.

Rick Santorum drops out of GOP presidential race

Rick Santorum is suspending his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination, clearing a path for Mitt Romney to become the nominee.

Coast Guard rescues another kayaker in Ore.

NORTH BEND, Ore. (AP) -- The Coast Guard has rescued another kayaker along the Oregon coast after his watercraft overturned.

Mall library faces reductions in 2013

New lease calls for half the space at same price

Mall library will close in December for remodeling

Girls basketball coach Aldridge leaves Prairie for Clark College

Coach had 710-134 record in high school girls basketball

Al Aldridge, known for his grueling practices, intensity on the sideline, and, of course, winning, has resigned as the girls basketball coach at Prairie High School. He intends to take all of his coaching characteristics — especially that winning part — to the Clark College women's basketball team to help the Penguins chase down their dreams.

Celtics shoot past Heat, 115-107

MIAMI (AP) -- Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett added 24 points and nine rebounds, and the Boston Celtics made their first eight shots of the fourth quarter to hold off the Miami Heat 115-107 on Tuesday night.

Ankle sprain sidelines Bulls' Rose

CHICAGO (AP) -- Bulls star Derrick Rose is missing Tuesday's game against the New York Knicks because of a sprained right ankle.

Ryan Sweeting edges qualifier

HOUSTON (AP) -- Defending champion Ryan Sweeting of the United States held off qualifier Ricardo Mello of Brazil 6-3, 7-6 (6) in a first-round match of the U.S. men's clay court championships on Tuesday night.

Hudson leads Cavaliers past Bobcats 103-90

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Lester Hudson scored 25 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Charlotte Bobcats 103-90 on Tuesday night.

Wash. Senate approves penalties for early retirees

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The state Senate is in favor of new penalties for state workers who take early retirements.

La Center school holds kindergarten enrollment

Kindergarten enrollment starting next week in La Center

Menzies planning to stay at New Mexico State

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico State basketball coach Marvin Menzies has withdrawn his name as a candidate for the job at Colorado State.

A's lose Devine for season after elbow surgery

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Oakland Athletics reliever Joey Devine will miss the season after having reconstructive surgery on his right elbow for the second time in three years.

Gibbs sidelined 4-to-6 months after knee surgery

CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago Fire defender Cory Gibbs will be sidelined for four to six months following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Lawmakers reach tentative deal on budget

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Lawmakers have reached a tentative budget deal, but it's not clear if they'll get everything done before the special session clock runs out at midnight.

Galaxy acquire Lopes from Chivas for Cardozo

CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- The Los Angeles Galaxy have acquired defender David Junior Lopes from Chivas USA in a trade for midfielder Paolo Cardozo.

Rangers ready to roll as East's top-seeded team

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) -- Henrik Lundqvist got the news when he got to the practice rink.

WA officer's daughter shot in leg with dad's gun

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Spokane authorities say the 10-year-old daughter of a city police officer is in stable condition after being shot in the leg with her father's duty weapon.

LIU picks Perri to replace Ferry

NEW YORK (AP) -- LIU Brooklyn has promoted assistant Jack Perri to replace Jim Ferry as head men's basketball coach.

Oilers win NHL draft lottery, will pick 1st again

TORONTO (AP) -- The Edmonton Oilers have won the NHL's draft lottery, and own the No. 1 selection for the third straight year.

APNewsBreak: GOP's Buehler has big Ore. cash lead

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Democratic Secretary of State Kate Brown is well behind her Republican challenger in Oregon campaign fundraising, but she has slightly narrowed the gap between them.

Wash. lawmakers have final deal on pensions

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington lawmakers have agreed to a final detail that would change how the state handles early retirements.

AP Source: Petrino out at Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- A person familiar with the situation says Bobby Petrino is out as the football coach at Arkansas.

New England's Joseph suspended for 1 game

NEW YORK (AP) -- New England midfielder Shalrie Joseph has been suspended for one game and fined for what Major League Soccer called a "reckless challenge that endangered the safety of his opponent."

Fox, MLB file objections to Dodgers sale

NEW YORK (AP) -- Fox is objecting to the proposed sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers, saying the incoming ownership group that includes Magic Johnson has not disclosed whether Time Warner Cable is involved in the purchase.

Obama to visit Seattle in May

SEATTLE (AP) -- President Barack Obama is coming back to Seattle.

Arkansas calls news conference over Petrino crash

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long has called an evening news conference to discuss the situation of suspended football coach Bobby Petrino.

300 steelworkers strike in McMinnville

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Talks continue between negotiators for Cascade Steel Rolling Mills and more than 300 striking workers at the McMinnville steel mill.

Wash. senator cuts trip short for budget talks

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A Washington senator has returned early from a family trip, saying he was concerned about the fate of some bills as the end of special session nears.

Barcelona's Abidal undergoing liver transplant

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Barcelona says defender Eric Abidal is undergoing his scheduled liver transplant.

Musician Herbie Hancock has book deal for a memoir

NEW YORK (AP) -- After decades of making history, Herbie Hancock is ready to tell it.

Wash. kids stop school bus after driver stricken

A quick-thinking Washington state middle school student steered a school bus to safety after he saw the driver slump over and pass out from an apparent heart attack, authorities said.

Nats' Morse has setback, date of return uncertain

NEW YORK (AP) -- Washington Nationals slugger Michael Morse is not expected to be ready to play in the home opener on Thursday.

Warrant issued for Quincy murder suspect

QUINCY, Wash. (AP) -- An arrest warrant has been issued in Grant County for a man wanted in the shooting death last fall of another man in the central Washington town of Quincy.

Indians, White Sox postponed by rain, cold weather

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians have been postponed by rain and cold weather.

Judge considers delaying Fort Hood shooting trial

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) -- A military judge is considering whether to postpone the trial of the Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly Fort Hood shooting rampage.

3 Maryland school workers split record Mega Millions win

Two public school teachers and a school administrator are sharing the spoils of last month's record Mega Millions jackpot, planning trips to Europe, new homes and a daughter's college education, Maryland Lottery officials said Tuesday.

Dallas QB Romo a father for 1st time

DALLAS (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has become a father for the first time.

King’s Way lacrosse off to hot start

Preston earns state player of the week honor

Tyler Preston has had a knack for winning faceoffs since his freshman season with the King’s Way Christian boys lacrosse team.

Portland Winterhawks seek to finish off Kamloops

Third-period goals have made an unmistakable imprint this postseason for the Portland Winterhawks. That difference has a lot to do with why the Winterhawks own a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

Community notebook: Clark County bowling championship set

The 63rd Clark County Bowling Championship tournament will take place over the next three weekends at Allen’s Crosley Lanes in Vancouver.

In Our View: Two Lakes Fight for Survival

Vancouver, Castle Rock residents hopepreservation efforts succeed

The Pacific Northwest, particularly the seasonally rain-drenched and temperate region west of the Cascades, would seem to be the last place to find lakes fighting for survival. But two dangerous “s” words -- shallowness and sediment -- could signal the beginning of the end for two beautiful lakes that people have come to love.Residents of Southwest Washington should hope that doesn’t happen to at least two shallow, silted and cherished bodies of water that share numerous similarities. Vancouver Lake between Fruit Valley and the Columbia River measures 2,414 acres, averages just 3-5 feet deep and for decades has battled multiple natural and man-made pollutants. Silver Lake just east of Castle Rock in Cowlitz County is 2,300 acres with an average depth of just 6 feet. Every year, both lakes confront turbidity problems and invasions of blue-green algae. But they remain scenic treasures in their respective communities and sites for rowing, sailboating, swimming and occasional fishing.

Community scoreboard, April 10

Community sports results for the week ending April 8

Jones returns to field for Braves

HOUSTON (AP) -- Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones has been activated from the disabled list and is in the lineup for Tuesday night's game against the Houston Astros.

Community Sports Calendar, April 10

The Community Sports Calendar on Columbian.com is updated each Tuesday. Submit items for the calendar by sending an e-mail to paul.danzer@columbian.com, or call 360-735-4521.

Messi's 61st goal leads Barcelona past Getafe 4-0

MADRID (AP) -- Lionel Messi scored his 61st goal of the season and had two assists, leading Barcelona over Getafe 4-0 night Tuesday in the Spanish league and pulling the three-time defending champions within one point of first-place Real Madrid.

Sowell: Obama has knack for making falsehoods sound true

One of the highly developed talents of President Barack Obama is the ability to say things that are demonstrably false, and make them sound not only plausible but inspiring. That talent was displayed last week when he was asked whether he thought the Supreme Court would uphold Obamacare as constitutional or strike it down as unconstitutional. He replied: “I’m confident that the Supreme Court will not take what would be an unprecedented, extraordinary step of overturning a law that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress.”

Editorial Cartoon: Big Oil Under Siege

April 10

Talking Points: Baseball on NFL terms

What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking: MLB in NFL terms; major golf

Letter: Local GOP obsessed with orthodoxy

Recent behavior of local Republican leadership gives us some insight into what the present Republican Party has become.

Letter: Canada's health care plan superior

The Affordable Care Act before the Supreme Court, aka “Obamacare,” contains very significant improvements at slightly lower cost (nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office). However, that lower cost still may be unsustainable. Is single-payer the answer?

Letter: Common sense lacking at WSUV

Regarding the March 31 Columbian story, “Gender harassment down the toilet: Two WSUV students hope to curb any hostilities on campus through Gender-Neutral Bathroom Week,” Washington State University Vancouver should be ashamed to let this happen. Why must we always give in to every minority? The administration of the Salmon Creek campus apparently has never heard of common sense.

Letter: Final power is in hands of Congress

A recent mailing from Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, attacks the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. She calls out the act’s Independent Payment Advisory Board as putting senior’s access to health care at risk.

Letter: Hatch a plan using natural spawning

What makes sense to the approaches we take toward our wild fish? Inland rivers have many biological hurdles for a fish to stay pure. A hatchery-blended fish that has evolved over decades is returning to spawn. To isolate wild fish from them -- how is it possible? As the Columbia River gets sensationalized, many other rivers’ natural spawning fish have been destroyed by indiscriminate harvests as we just waste hatchery adults. So many previous natural-producing rivers are almost void of nests. Hatchery reform goes against us.

Some grilling enthusiasts are asking: Anyone want chicken?

At my house, firing up the grill takes place year-round, no matter the weather outside. We are not alone. Weber’s annual GrillWatch has found that almost half of those surveyed grill all year.

Food and Wine Calendar

A weekly list of food and wine related events and classes

Weather Eye: Nostalgia for the 70s should set in this week

Boy, I have to ask myself how we take three 70-degree days in a row? Answer: Anyway we can! Depending on your location, it may have varied a degree or two.

State: Benefit recipients must attend meeting

Job seekers receiving long-term unemployment benefits will soon receive letters requiring them to attend an orientation meeting, the state Employment Security Department said Monday.

Washington View: Could world’s fair take place today?

On April 21, 1962, the Seattle World’s Fair opened. The “Century 21 Exhibition” ran for six months, drew 11 million visitors, turned a profit and left the Northwest with a wonderful Seattle Center.

Death Notices

A daily listing of death notices.

Lecture to address economy and recovery

VANCOUVER — A public lecture at Washington State University Vancouver will focus on the pending economic recovery.

Golf tournament raises money for high school

The Trapper Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for Fort Vancouver High School, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Club Green Meadows Golf Course. Profits from the tournament will help pay for this year’s junior/senior prom.

Council for Homeless seeks nominations

VANCOUVER — Nominations are open for the 2012 Council for the Homeless Hope and Action Award honoring individuals and groups making a difference to end homelessness.

Water center to host two wildlife events

The Water Resources Education Center will host a pair of events this weekend offering participants a chance to see wildlife up close.

Texas G Gibbs to transfer

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas freshman guard Sterling Gibbs says he is transferring after a freshman season of battling to get playing time.

Vikings sign backup LB Marvin Mitchell

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings have signed linebacker Marvin Mitchell.

'Simpsons' creator: Real Springfield is in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- One of the best-kept secrets in television history has been unmasked when "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening revealed the Springfield in Oregon as the basis for the hometown of his characters.

Nike and Reebok settle NY fight over Tebow apparel

NEW YORK (AP) -- Reebok has thrown in the towel in its effort to sell New York Jets Tim Tebow jerseys and T-shirts. The terms of a settlement with Nike were disclosed Tuesday.

The clock ticks down on Wash. special session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Washington state lawmakers continue to work toward a deal on the supplemental budget and a handful of related bills as the current special session draws to a close.

Rapp to ride at Indy in MotoGP

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Steve Rapp will compete in the MotoGP class at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

Blues G Elliott day to day with injury

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Blues goaltender Brian Elliott left practice midway through a 90-minute practice Tuesday with what coach Ken Hitchcock is calling an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

Gophers go back to practice after ex-teammate dies

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota football team has returned to spring practice for the first time since former teammate Gary Tinsley was found dead in his campus apartment.

John Moores hires bankers to sell Padres

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- John Moores is putting the San Diego Padres up for sale.

Wash. lawmakers reach agreement on capital budget

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- With discussions over the operating budget and a handful of other bills ongoing, Washington state lawmakers have reached a deal on the capital budget.

Fire at historic Skykomish tavern labeled arson

SKYKOMISH, Wash. (AP) -- An arson sign has been posted at the remains of the historic Whistling Post tavern in Skykomish, offering a reward for information about the Tuesday morning fire.

Edmonds police accuse garbage man of 6 burglaries

EDMONDS, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a man accused of six burglaries in Edmonds is a garbage truck driver who broke into homes along his route.

Edmonds police accuse suspect of 6 burglaries

EDMONDS, Wash. (AP) -- Police say a man arrested at a home break-in early Monday in Edmonds is responsible for six burglaries in the city.

Lt. Gov. Owen's son pleads not guilty to theft

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- The son of Washington Lt. Governor Brad Owen, 39-year-old Mark Lee Owen, has pleaded not guilty in Olympia to forgery and theft charges arising from disability payments.

More Hanford workers to receive layoff notices

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- The company building a waste treatment plant at the Hanford nuclear reservation plans to cut another 200 to 300 positions by the end of the year.

Blatter hopes to visit Brazil, talk to senators

SAO PAULO (AP) -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter is trying to schedule a trip to Brazil to speak at a public hearing about a controversial World Cup bill FIFA wants approved as soon as possible.

Authorities defend Colo. fire warning attempts

DENVER (AP) -- Authorities are defending their attempts to warn residents about a Colorado wildfire blamed for killing three people.

Accuser testifies against man in 50-year-old rape

SYCAMORE, Ill. (AP) -- A woman who accused a Seattle man of raping her 50 years ago in a small Illinois town claims he also let two other men rape her.

No lack of storylines as Flyers meet Penguins

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov (BRIZ-gah-lov) says the only things that scare him are bears in the woods.

UConn's Jeremy Lamb declares for NBA draft

STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- University of Connecticut sophomore guard Jeremy Lamb has declared for the NBA draft.

Austrian thieves make off with 2 tons of coffee

VIENNA (AP) -- In a heist that could fill the mother of all bottomless cups, thieves in Austria have made off with 2 tons of coffee.

Djokovic, Nadal to play exhibition for 80,000 fans

MADRID (AP) -- Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will play an exhibition match at Real Madrid's football stadium, hoping for a crowd of 80,000 to watch tennis' top two players.

Summer league returns to Las Vegas in July

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA summer league will return to Las Vegas in July after it was canceled last year because of the lockout.

Havelange recovering well after heart problems

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Doctors say former FIFA President Joao Havelange is improving after heart and breathing problems sent him back to intensive care at a Brazilian hospital.

D-League sets records for call-ups, assignments

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA Development League had 50 players called up to NBA teams this season, 10 more than its previous high.

Wozniacki advances to 2nd round in Copenhagen

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Two-time defending champion Caroline Wozniacki overcame Urszula Radwanska of Poland 7-6 (4), 6-2 on Tuesday to reach the second round of the e-Boks Open.

Bill's in the mail for 520, Tacoma bridge tolls

SEATTLE (AP) -- People who have been tardy about paying their tolls for crossing the State Route 520 and Tacoma Narrows bridges will be mailed civil penalty notices this week.

Oregon farm sales increase 19 percent

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon farm sales grossed a record $5.2 billion last year, a 19 percent increase over 2010.

Bahrain circuit chairman goes on defensive

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit accused extremist groups of using "scare-mongering tactics" in a bid to exaggerate the unrest which could force the cancellation of the Formula One race later this month.