December 30, 2009: Headlines

Republican hopes are rising for 2010

Posted Wed, Dec 30, 10:25 a.m.

By Chris Vance

Democratic polling numbers are sinking, and GOP candidates are stirring. Key names will be Susan Hutchison (possible challenger to Sen. Murray), Jaime Herrara (for the open Brian Baird seat), and John Koster (challenger to Rep. Rick Larsen)

Flip Side's New Year's Resolutions

Posted Wed, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Steve Clifford

Polonius would be proud of me, though the Gates Foundation and Glenn Beck will be displeased.

Best of 2009: What would Jane Jacobs do about the Viaduct?

Posted Wed, Dec 30, 10:12 p.m.

By Knute Berger

The patron saint of livable, walkable cities is being invoked on both sides of the debate over Seattle's Viaduct solution. Would Jacobs be a tunnel supporter, or a surface option fan?

Best of 2009: How I learned to love the bag fee

Posted Wed, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Douglas B. MacDonald

When you look into the oceans of problems plastic bags create, the case for Seattle's well-crafted grocery-bag fee becomes overwhelming. And the opponents' arguments are underwhelming.

Best of 2009: Does 'smart growth' also create more sprawl?

Posted Wed, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Knute Berger

Urban density, a Seattle and Portland mantra, is supposed to constrain sprawl, but a new analysis suggests that vital, dense cities produce bigger suburbs too.