Vivian and the play readers
BANDON — In the western boroughs of Ireland in 1965, 50 cents would buy the service of the town crier. He’d ring his bell and cry the play about to start in the parish house at the Catholic church.

Thinning to block fire releases carbon
GRANTS PASS — Scientists say forests in the Pacific Northwest have a huge potential to store more carbon to combat global warming, but not if they are heavily thinned to prevent wildfire.

Robbery suspect has violent past
The man suspected of robbing a Coos Bay bank has a violent criminal history in the area, including assaulting a police officer 17 years ago.

City pushes to close Coos Bay bar
COOS BAY — Coos Bay’s police chief says someone will be killed or seriously injured if Mak’s Old City Hall Lounge continues to serve alcohol.

Visitor center deal causes friction
COOS BAY — The city of Coos Bay is scrambling to repair its relationship with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce regarding management of the Visitor Information Center.

Airport: Passenger volume improves
 

Protesters report arrest at timber sale
Police officers have converged on the site of an anti-logging protest in the Elliott State Forest near Reedsport. Two callers reported this morning that police began arresting activists at the 79-acre timber sale, but Oregon State Police officials have not confirmed that.

Natural gas prices fall
SALEM — Oregon’s natural gas companies say customers will see double-digit reductions in their heating bills this fall and winter, mainly as a result of a struggling economy that has lessened demand for gas.

Oregon AG to review open government laws
PORTLAND — Attorney General John Kroger says he’ll review Oregon’s open government laws to see whether they’re being interpreted correctly and whether he should ask the Legislature to change them.

Troops pour in China's restive west; 156 dead
URUMQI, China (AP) — Hundreds of helmeted troops in riot gear swarmed the central square of the capital of western Xinjiang today after ethnic riots left at least 156 dead. The city’s Communist Party boss promised those behind the killings would be executed.

Google's new operating system to take on Microsoft
SUN VALLEY, Idaho (AP) — Google Inc. is working on a new operating system for inexpensive computers in a daring attempt to diminish Microsoft Corp.’s longstanding control over people’s computer experience.

 Jackson won't fade from limelight soon
LOS ANGELES — The public mourning of Michael Jackson may be done, but the saga that was his personal life is far from over.

 Saving the summer
TOLEDO, Ohio — Lined up outside the gates of the city’s swimming pool, the children of Alexandria, Ind., began chanting “We saved the pool!”

College replaces food service company
Southwestern Oregon Community College will be putting members of its culinary arts schools to work feeding students on campus.

$100,000 stolen from Corvallis bank account
CORVALLIS (AP) — Corvallis police and the FBI are investigating the theft of almost $100,000 from a Corvallis woman’s bank account.

Deal boosts health reform
WASHINGTON — The nation’s hospitals will give up $155 billion in future Medicare and Medicaid payments to help defray the cost of President Barack Obama’s health care plan, a concession the White House hopes will boost an overhaul effort that’s hit a roadblock in Congress.

British scientists claim to create human sperm
LONDON (AP) — British scientists claimed today to have created human sperm from stem cells but other experts questioned their data.

State to start paint recycling program
SALEM (AP) — A statewide paint recycling program could begin as soon as January under a recently passed bill the governor is expected to sign.

Firebomb blamed for I-5 blaze in Medford
MEDFORD (AP) — The authorities say it appears a firebomb ignited the southeast Medford blaze that closed Interstate 5 for several hours on Sunday.

Pro-marijuana ad pushes pot as Calif. budget fix
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A pro-marijuana group is launching another television bid to legalize pot in California — this time with the pitch that legalizing and taxing the drug could help solve the state’s massive budget deficit.

MHS grad considers race for governor
SALEM (AP) — Democratic State Rep. Brian Clem is considering a run for governor.

More troops' kids struggle with mental anguish
WASHINGTON — After nearly eight years of war, soldiers are not the only ones experiencing mental anguish. Their children are, too.

City won't expand urban renewal
Coos Bay’s downtown Urban Renewal district isn’t getting any bigger. The city’s Urban Renewal Agency opted against expanding the boundary after considering several locations, including Garden Elements on U.S. Highway 101.

 Police handcuff timber sale protesters
ELLIOTT STATE FOREST — Police have taken control of a logging site in the Elliott State Forest near Reedsport, arresting at least 15 protesters.