Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, May 15, 2008 Farm bill headed to president's desk By Yoshiaki Nohara Herald Writer The U.S. Senate today passed a farm bill that is expected to increase help for farmers in Washington state and elsewhere, sending the $290 billion bill to the president’s desk. The Senate’s vote was 81-15. The House approved the same bill in a 318-106 vote on Wednesday. The bill aims to set aside grants to help farmers who grow vegetables, fruits and nursery products to market and export their produce and conduct research. That's considered one of the new key provisions for farmers in the Evergreen State. Agriculture has remained the state's biggest employer for decades, and many farmers in the state grow specialty crops such as apples, blueberries and pumpkins. President Bush has said he wants to veto the bill saying the measure is too expensive and gives too much money to wealthy farmers. Supporters of the bill hope that the Congress would override the veto, if it happens. All six senators from Washington, Oregon and Idaho voted in favor of the bill.

1. Study backs Paine Field passenger service 2. Boeing Machinists say they're willing to strike 3. Cheers, fears as AM radio towers rise in Snohomish 4. Firefighters battle house fire in Silver Firs area 5. More gain than pain for Everett from Paine Field flights 6. Seattle's Green Lake closed after 50 metal spikes found near shore 7. Local Briefly: Detectives say no signs of injury found on body 8. Vandals cause $12,000 in damage at Evergreen Cemetery 9. Guilty plea in motel death 10. How county residents are dealing with the economy 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Animal killings won't be investigated • Senior housing on way to Lynnwood • Something for everyone • 'Dog'-gone unusual • Ex-employee, blog author sues school district • Everything's coming up Shakespeare • School district budget shows improvement • Christopher's way • 57 years and ticking, washing, drying • Arlington Fly-In marks 40th anniversary this year • Melody Biringer a wide-ranging entrepreneur • County home market offers low rates, lower prices, wide variety of prope ... • Good investments may be boring but profitable • Fryelands industrial park growing in Monroe • Out of the Blue Aviation expands flight training • Paul Allen’s rare Flying Heritage Collection becomes latest aviation att ... • Warbird's history keeper