Stories for Dec. 30, 2011

Midday Scan: NW Year in Review

Fri, Dec 30, 11 a.m.

Pete Jackson revisits the year's highs (and lows) in news, highlighting Seattle's person of the year, the most unlikely NW couple, and the biggest congressional falling-out.

UW defensive statistics may cause future shock, too

Fri, Dec 30, 8:35 a.m.

By Mike Henderson

In losing at the Alamo Bowl, the Huskies' offense showed promise for a bright future. But the defensive failures don't bode well for next year.

Let it rain! says a California transplant

Fri, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Laura Kaufman

A refugee reports on her year-long effort to escape the relentless sunshine of South California, snuggling into our damp and bookish town.

Best of 2011: Would a Washington state coal port mean a damn thing to the environment?

Fri, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Daniel Jack Chasan

Proponents of a coal port say fuel from here would be cleaner than what China would burn from domestic supplies. Opponents worry about the effects of any coal on the climate. But maybe our decision isn't that big a deal either way. Further: the economics of high-cost U.S. coal may be the real limiting factor.

Best of 2011: Where there's smoke, there's sickness

Fri, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Robert McClure/InvestigateWest and Katie Campbell/ KCTS Earthfix

In Washington wood smoke is now a leading cause of air pollution, leaving residents of Tacoma and other highly-polluted areas, literally, gasping for air.

Best of 2011: Scientists zero in on culprits behind Puget Sound water problems

Fri, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Lisa Stiffler

New studies of where pollutants originate give scientists a clearer idea of where problems lie. Who knew that so much trouble comes from forest lands?