The Seattle Times says the paper is here to stay, with Blethen family control assured for years to come. But there are those who think financial challenges will continue for a considerable time.
A Hearst startup, called Skiff, seemed to have the technology to make seattlepi.com a stronger competitor with its old newspaper rival across town. But the Skiff has set sail, sold to Rupert Murdoch's outfit, and things look even more questionable for the local web site.
Some farms in Whatcom County are finding their crops failing, and researchers have found traces of a herbicide mainly used in Eastern Washington. A WSU researcher said he feared a repeat of problems that occurred a decade ago when the state decided against banning usage of a powerful herbicide.
The move is designed to prevent further recurrence of problems like those that caused troubles last year with some crops, particularly in Whatcom County.
