Stories for Aug. 9, 2007

The Clise Challenge: a great chance for public enhancements

Thu, Aug 9, 5 a.m.

By David Brewster

One of the most exciting real estate opportunities in the nation has just come on the market north of Seattle's downtown, parts of 13 blocks owned by the Clise family. What might the public want in the way of new amenities? We put the question to some experts, and to you.

Norm Dicks, the Northwest's Earmark King

Thu, Aug 9, 5 a.m.

By William Echols

Budget "earmarks" are considered by many the key gauge of wasteful government spending on pet projects, like Alaska's famous "bridge to nowhere." Seniority has its privileges. Tacoma's Norm Dicks, a 15-term Democrat, ranks sixth among congressmen with the most earmarks, raking in $44 million last year.