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…
House OKs bill targeting predatory medical debt collectors
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation to create transparency in medical bills sent to patients and to rein in predatory medical debt collectors headed to the Idaho Senate Monday after an extraordinary debate in the House…
Tribal casino sports betting bill advances in WA Legislature
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — A bill to allow Washington tribal casinos to offer betting on sports events is moving forward in the Legislature.
State gathering spruce aphid outbreak data
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — The Sitka spruce behind the GreenWood Resources office in Seaside was so infested with spruce aphids last year it looked like it was moving on its own.
GOP lawmakers walk out after Oregon climate bill advances
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Republican senators slipped out of the Oregon State Capitol on Monday, preventing the state Senate from convening in an attempt to doom a bill aimed at stemming global warming.
Driver’s ed teacher who sexually abused students gets jail
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Portland Community College driving instructor, accused by nearly two dozen girls or women of sexually abusing them during lessons, was sentenced Feb. 20 to six months in jail, the Washington…
Budget proposals look to increase spending on homelessness
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — At the start of the 60-day legislative session last month, lawmakers in both parties said homelessness needed to be a focus in the supplemental budget.
Sports gambling bill passes Washington state House
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bill allowing sports gambling in Washington's tribal casinos was approved by the state House.
Grand Teton goat shoot suspended after stern governor letter
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Grand Teton National Park officials have suspended efforts to shoot mountain goats from a helicopter after criticism from Wyoming's governor prompted Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to inte…
GOP lawmakers walkout after Oregon climate bill advances
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Republican lawmakers on Monday boycotted the Oregon Legislature, denying Democrats a quorum in an attempt to doom a contentious climate change bill.
US appeals court upholds Trump rules imposing more hurdles for women seeking abortions
SEATTLE (AP) — US appeals court upholds Trump rules imposing more hurdles for women seeking abortions.
Girl, 11, brings AR-15 to Idaho hearing on gun legislation
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An 11-year-old girl toting a loaded AR-15 assault weapon appeared Monday at a legislative hearing with her grandfather, who is supporting a proposal that would allow visitors to Idaho who can le…
Oregon climate bill advances; GOP lawmakers threaten walkout
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Republican lawmakers on Monday threatened to walk out of the Oregon Legislature, as they did twice last year, in an effort to deny Democrats a quorum and doom a contentious climate change bill.
US appeals court upholds Trump rules involving abortions
SEATTLE (AP) — In a victory for the Trump administration, a U.S. appeals court on Monday upheld rules that bar taxpayer-funded family-planning clinics from referring women for abortions.
Bill will expand Idaho concealed-carry law to non-residents
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Visitors to Idaho 18 and older who can legally possess firearms would be allowed to carry a concealed handgun within city limits under legislation that headed to the House on Monday.
Democratic Rep. Wintrow to seek Idaho state Senate seat
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Democratic Rep. Melissa Wintrow announced Monday that she will run for an open Idaho state Senate seat.