PNW
What's happening in the Pacific Northwest? For information and details regarding Northwest news, see our articles below.
More rain for Cascades, high winds for Columbia Basin this week
LEAVENWORTH — A second strong winter storm is projected to hit Washington this week, bringing heavy rains back to …
Rukke named acting pipeline safety director
LACEY, Wash. — The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission has named Scott Rukke acting director of the commission’s pipeline safety division, according to a commission press release...
USDA published final organic enforcement rule
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday published the final revision of its updated rules for the production, sale and certification of organic farm and food products, according to a USDA…
Affordable housing legislation introduced in Olympia
OLYMPIA - Two new pieces of legislation, House Bill 1401 and House Bill 1402, will allow the development of affordable housing to be more accessible for cities and counties around Washington...
Agriculture bills being considered by WA Legislature
OLYMPIA — Several agriculture-related bills have been introduced in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature, which started last week. Topics include fur farming, alternative energy resource impacts and pesti…
Bill to pay incarcerated workers passes House Committee
OLYMPIA - The House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee voted 6-3 in favor of passing HB 1024, an act that would ensure incarcerated workers are paid state minimum wage, among other things...
Bill proposed to create Boys and Men Commission
OLYMPIA — A statement by Rep. Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) on Wednesday announced the introduction of a bill that would create a new Washington State Commission on Boys and Men. "There are many issues that impact men an…
Farm internship bill moves forward in WA Senate
OLYMPIA — A substitute bill expanding the farm internship program passed through the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce Tuesday. “One of the most import…
Bill proposes relaxing restrictions on low-dose cannabis drinks
OLYMPIA - Consumers will be able to purchase more low-THC liquid-infused products in a single purchase if a bill in the Legislature wins approval. “HB 1249 is necessary to ensure that the evolution of consumer p…
WDFW examines fishing on Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Anglers on Moses Lake in 2020 spent around 77,000 hours casting their lines for fish, both from their boats and from onshore, according to Washing…
Bipartisan effort supports bill refining police pursuit guidelines
OLYMPIA - A bill amending the requirements for law enforcement to conduct a vehicular pursuit has received bipartisan support in both the Washington House and …
Bill would speed process to get cosmetology license
OLYMPIA - Cosmetology students will be able to register for their final exam before they have completed their coursework if a bill under consideration by the state Legislature is approved. House Bill 1017, by Ci…
What you need to know about WA cannabis laws
TACOMA - Recreational marijuana use in Washington was decriminalized just over 10 years ago. Still, some residents and out-of-state visitors might not know whe…
Peeling the apple market
QUINCY — Washington apple growers, having survived a wild and crazy 2022, are making the turn into a new year with a market that’s looking pretty good domestic…
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 25 years
OTHELLO - The 2023 theme of the annual Othello Sandhill Crane Festival will be ‘Silver Anniversary, Celebrating Our Annual Visitors’ and will be held March 24-…
Legislature back to in-person sessions
OLYMPIA — After two years of online and hybrid legislative sessions that severely restricted legislators’ direct contact during the pandemic, the Washington St…