PNW
What's happening in the Pacific Northwest? For information and details regarding Northwest news, see our articles below.
Cost of employer-sponsored health insurance plans rises again, nonpartisan survey finds
WASHINGTON — The price health insurance companies charge for employer-sponsored plans increased again this year, a…
March, April state park free days announced
OLYMPIA — Washington residents can park for free in state parks on three days this spring, with the first one being Wednesday. The Discover Pass won’t be re…
Housing market remains tight in Columbia Basin
COLUMBIA BASIN — Real estate professionals seem to be pretty well agreed on what home buyers are looking for in today’s market. “Really, they’re looking for…
EPA says fewer chemical releases in PNW
OLYMPIA — Fewer toxic chemicals were released into the environment in the Pacific Northwest over the last few years, according to an announcement by the Enviro…
USDA accepting marketing grant applications
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a new round of grants designed to help local farmers market their produce. …
Lind Artist reinvents the wheels…
LIND — Tom Strohmaier never set out to be an artist. “My father-in-law used to restore buggies, horse-drawn buggies, sleighs and wagons,” Strohmaier said. “…
Outdoor school could bridge COVID-19 learning gaps
OLYMPIA — Middle school-age students may have more learning opportunities outside of the classroom under legislation considered by the Senate on Monday. Sen…
Spokane counselor agrees to $138,000 Medicaid settlement
SPOKANE — A news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office on Feb. 25 states that a Spokane mental health counselor has agreed to pay $138,984 to resolve allegations that he and his company fraudulently billed Washin…
State legislation could provide low-interest student loans
OLYMPIA — High-interest loans may no longer deter low-income families seeking higher education under legislation considered by the Senate Ways & Means Committe…
FEMA swears in new administrator
BOTHELL — The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced on Feb. 28 that Region 10, which includes Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska, swore in a new reg…
Inslee to end mask mandate on March 12
Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Monday that Washington’s indoor mask mandate would end on March 12 rather than March 21, as previously announced. Washingtonian…
Wash. tax revenues to be used to battle housing crisis
OLYMPIA — Rural counties could soon use local tax revenue to address the affordable housing crisis under legislation considered by a House committee on Thursda…
Colville tribes issue letter refusing use of all native terms
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School will have to find a new mascot. At the end of the Moses Lake School Board meeting on Thursday, Board Vice President Shan…
State budget passes both chambers
The Senate and House passed the Senate’s proposed supplemental budget which intends to spend billions on various sectors. The state’s spending bill is now awaiting a decision from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
Armed man arrested after 4-hour standoff at Priest Rapids Dam
MATTAWA — A Mattawa man is in custody after a more-than-four-hour standoff with Grant County Sheriff's Office deputies at the Priest Rapids Dam on Saturday. …
WCOG settles suit with redistricting commission
OLYMPIA — The Washington Coalition for Open Government and the Washington State Redistricting Commission agreed Thursday to settle a lawsuit brought by WCOG over alleged violations of the Open Public Meetings Act, …