Best of the Northwest (3/31/04):

1. The Idaho Statesman reported this morning that Idaho slipped four spots in the national ranking of how much states support science and technology, from 26th to 30th. Click here.

2. Idaho Statesman columnist Dan Popkey takes a look at how a decision by the loopy 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will affect 14 Death Row inmates in Idaho here.

3. Two teens who burned a cross on a black Arlington (Snohomish County, Wash.) minister's lawn are expected to be charged with felony malicious harassment today. Click here.

4. Although job prospects are improving, Oregon still isn't a great place for teachers looking for work. Click here.

5. The University of Idaho Argonaut likes what it sees in new college prez Timothy White. Click here. And reports on that fine arts hubbub here.