PNW
What's happening in the Pacific Northwest? For information and details regarding Northwest news, see our articles below.
Thompson leads 13th District race, plans focus on costs, access
EPHRATA — Joshua Thompson led Deanna Martinez by 3,278 votes for the 13th Legislative District’s state representat…
More states to use redistricting reforms after 2020 census
When U.S census results are tallied each decade, it traditionally has been the task of state lawmakers and governors to redraw voting districts for seats in the U.S. House and state legislatures. But a growing numb…
Oregon GOP lawmakers set conditions for return to Statehouse
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Republicans in the Oregon Legislature who are boycotting the 2020 session over a climate change bill said Thursday they would show up on its last day this weekend to pass emergency budget measure…
School district closes over virus concerns; more cases in WA
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A school district north of Seattle with 22,000 students will close for up to two weeks because of coronavirus concerns and state officials issued an order to waive fees for virus testing.
Insurers will cover virus tests, but check if costs apply
WASHINGTON (AP) — A day after Vice President
Prosecutor: Boise officers justified in fatal 2019 shooting
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Two Boise Police Department officers who fatally shot a woman in October 2019 were justified in their actions after officers say she pointed a BB gun at them, an Idaho prosecutor said.
Seattle-area officials buy $4 million `quarantine' motel
SEATTLE (AP) — Hard surfaces, easy-to-clean floors and separate heating-and-cooling units in each room: The amenities offered by the suburban EconoLodge motel may not be fancy, but they were just what Seattle-area …
Idaho visitors will see big hike in hunting, fishing fees
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation significantly increasing what it will cost nonresidents to hunt deer and elk in Idaho has been signed into law by Gov. Brad Little.
Washington House passes sex ed bill
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bill to require public school districts to teach comprehensive sexual health education to all K-12 students beginning with the 2022-23 school year passed the state House early Thursday.
Bill to allow monitoring, victim notification passes
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bill to provide electronic monitoring and real-time victim notification is close to becoming state law, three months after a Vancouver woman was killed by her estranged husband.
Idaho governor signs 'Choose Life' license plate into law
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho residents will be able to display their opposition to abortion on their license plates under a bill signed into law by Gov. Brad Little.
Cruise ship is held off California coast for virus testing
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Scrambling to keep the coronavirus at bay, officials ordered a cruise ship with 3,500 people aboard to stay back from the California coast Thursday until passengers and crew can be tested, afte…
School district north of Seattle closes over virus concerns
SEATTLE (AP) — A school district north of Seattle with 22,000 students will close for up to two weeks because of coronavirus concerns, and parents in other districts are pressing officials to follow suit.
Is Idaho turning a little blue? Primary might provide clues
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho last year was the nation's fastest-growing state, with close to 37,000 new residents boosting its population to nearly 1.8 million.
Gov. Brown declares drought in southern Oregon county
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — Because of low snow pack and precipitation, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed an executive order this week declaring a drought in Klamath County.
Man hospitalized after shooting behind Kent drug store
KENT, Wash. (AP) — A man is recovering in the hospital after he was shot behind a Kent area Rite Aid.