Girl's death in car crash stuns Granite Falls GRANITE FALLS — The news spread in a flood of text messages on Tuesday night. Shaylynn Wietersen, a bright-eyed girl known for her quick smile, was dead. [More] By Andy Rathbun and Eric Stevick, Herald Writers Swine flu shots to be available to all in county The wait is over for everyone in Snohomish County who until now has been shut out of swine flu shots. Beginning today, anyone who wants the immunization, either the nasal spray or the shot, should be able to get it. [More] By Sharon Salyer, Herald Writer
Gregoire's budget offers no easy way out of deficit OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday proposed a state budget she said she’d never sign and talked about something she’s said she wouldn’t do — raise taxes. [More] By Jerry Cornfield, Herald Writer
Lewd baristas face stricter rules EVERETT — Coffee stands featuring nearly nude baristas will have to be licensed and regulated as adult entertainment in unincorporated Snohomish County beginning next month. [More] By Debra Smith
Herald Writer
U.S., China clash on climate control COPENHAGEN — The U.S. and China exchanged barbs Wednesday at the Copenhagen climate talks, underscoring the abiding suspicion between the world’s two largest carbon polluters about the sincerity of their pledges to control... [More] Associated Press
Spy agencies show their yuletide spirit WASHINGTON — Federal agencies are famous for their rules, regulations and paperwork. During the holidays, however, many step out of the gray and flaunt a bit of seasonal spirit, offering themed ornaments for sale, some from surprising... [More] McClatchy Newspapers
Black leaders, Obama split on job help WASHINGTON — The Congressional Black Caucus and President Barack Obama are at loggerheads over what to do about African-American unemployment, which is higher than the national average and has reached nearly 50 percent among teens. [More] McClatchy Newspapers
Maurice Clemmons path to murder SEATTLE It was in the late 1970s that Joe Lewis Clemmons left the impoverished Delta region of Arkansas and moved to the Pacific Northwest, starting a migration for his family that would continue for decades. [More] The Seattle Times Rep. Baird wont seek re-election WASHINGTON Democratic Rep. Brian Baird said Wednesday he will not seek re-election next year so he can spend more time with his family and pursue other ways to serve. [More] Associated Press Northwest Briefly: Seattle cop killing suspect out of hospital Seattle cop killing suspect out of hospital SEATTLE The man accused of killing Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton is out of the hospital. [More]