Bert Caldwell

HANFORD — The Columbia Generating Station here is undergoing its most expensive refueling and maintenance shutdown ever as the owner of the nuclear plant tries to improve its reliability and costs. More than 1,700 electricians, steamfitters and other skilled-trade workers have swarmed this site 10 miles north of Richland. Besides the refueling done every two years to refresh and reposition rods containing uranium, they are replacing the generator rotor and a huge steam condenser that has caused repeated shutdowns.

Karen Fall and Michael Smith love each other. They also love Bloomsday.

The bride wore white with her running shoes. The groom wore a black bowtie. Later, they both wore 2011 Bloomsday t-shirts.

In 2002, there were four North Idaho homes listed for sale at more than $1 million. Just two sold. But it was a start.

Like many other Inland Northwest families, the Magnusons were planning to watch this morning’s wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William from their couch. But their couch is in London, just 10 minutes up the Thames River from the epicenter of the day’s pageantry at Westminster. The Magnusons – Tom, Melissa and son Frankie – moved to the United Kingdom last August to establish a foothold for Magnuson Hotels, which provides reservation services to independent hoteliers.

The Premier Home Improvement Show opens today at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. Katherine Morgan, spokeswoman for the Spokane Home Builders Association, said there will be more than 200 exhibitors at the 12th annual event, which is sponsored by Pro-Build.

Williams Seafood soon will be fishing in a bigger pond. Owner Mike Offield said the 30-year-old business will move from its longtime location at 10627 E. Sprague Ave. to 2116 N. Ruby St., where he will have double the space and co-tenants also selling food.