PNW
What's happening in the Pacific Northwest? For information and details regarding Northwest news, see our articles below.
Capital gains tax surge eases but doesn’t solve WA budget woes
A windfall of capital gains tax payments is providing temporary relief for Washington’s budget, but other collecti…
Abortion bill protects Washington residents from outside restrictions
OLYMPIA — Reproductive health care services including abortion and gender affirming treatment would be protected in Washington State under a bill passed recently by the House in a 59-38 vote. The legislation, Ho…
State healthcare mask mandate to end April 3
OLYMPIA — The mandate requiring masks in health care facilities, extended-care facilities and adult correctional institutions will end April 3. The end of universal masking in those facilities was announced in a Fr…
Regional apprenticeship bill passes WA House
OLYMPIA – House Bill 1013 passed the Washington State House of Representatives on Thursday and, if enacted, would create regional apprenticeship programs for h…
Bill to create crisis relief centers passes WA Senate Wednesday
OLYMPIA – SB 5120 passed the Washington Senate unanimously Wednesday, which would direct the Department of Health to license or certify crisis relief centers. “Our state’s new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is …
WA House passes legislation to increase housing options
OLYMPIA – A bill that seeks to increase housing options through lot splitting passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday. "We need more options …
Dist. 13 legislators update community at chamber breakfast
MOSES LAKE — Legislators of the 13th District met via video conference with members of the Moses Lake community Wednesday morning to discuss how the legislativ…
Cannabis concentration bills fail to grow in state legislature
OLYMPIA — Two bills that aim to limit the potency of cannabis products have not progressed through the Washington House and look like they will not make the fi…
Three WA airports receive federal grants
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A joint release by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) on Tuesday stated that three Washington State airports will r…
Warnick’s dental school bill passes Senate
OLYMPIA – Senate Bill 5113 was unanimously approved by the Senate on Wednesday, allowing accredited dental schools to request temporary licensure for faculty w…
WA Senate resolution to support Ukraine adopted
OLYMPIA – Friday the Washington State Senate adopted a resolution to show recognition and support for Ukrainian and Ukrainian Americans. “A year ago I spoke…
Author to speak at CWU
ELLENSBURG — Author and environmentalist Taylor Brorby will visit Central Washington University on March 5, according to a statement from the university...
Mandatory recess for grade schoolers approved despite objections
OLYMPIA — Elementary schools will be required to give students 30 minutes of recess every day and teachers would be prohibited from denying recess as a discipl…
State Senate approves safety measures for road workers
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate last Thursday approved a pair of bills requiring the installation of automated vehicle speed cameras and other measures t…
Tow truck operator safety bill passes Senate chamber
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate on Wednesday approved a measure designed to improve safety for tow-truck operators. “Passage of this bill in the Senate today sends a strong message that safety on our roadw…
Confluence Health announces update to vaccination policy
WENATCHEE — Confluence Health employees who had been prohibited from working onsite if they had not received the initial COVID-19 vaccination for religious or medical reasons will be allowed back onsite, beginning …