The world - Dec. 31, 2009

THURSDAY

The Obama administration loosened its restrictions on mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, no longer requiring the two companies to cut the size of their mortgage-related investment portfolios next year. Treasury Department officials said the move will help boost the sagging housing market.

State Attorney General Rob McKenna said he will introduce legislation that would create a new Office of Open Records that would use judges to settle public records disputes. The proposal will be sponsored by House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler of Hoquiam.

China’s most prominent dissid...