Backers of Seattle's convention center say it needs a $766 million expansion to lure more free-spending conventioneers downtown. But the Washington State Convention & Trade Center's track record — and the struggles of convention centers elsewhere — raise questions about the wisdom of expansion.

Yard-waste service in Seattle — including Christmas-tree pickup — will resume today on a normal schedule for residential customers. Extra yard waste will be collected at no extra charge through Jan. 16.