PNW
What's happening in the Pacific Northwest? For information and details regarding Northwest news, see our articles below.
Grant County Treasurer retires after 4 decades
EPHRATA — For Darryl Pheasant, it’s always been about the details. “He knew how everything worked,” said Grant …
Software error leads to delay for ballots
OLYMPIA — A database error discovered last month resulted in nearly 7,000 voters statewide receiving their February special election ballots late.
$15 million included in budget for Odessa groundwater project
MOSES LAKE — Although the amount won’t entirely fund the project, the $15 million that was included in the state capital budget for the Odessa Groundwater Repl…
Legislative Republicans unimpressed with Democratic majority
Halfway through the 2018 legislative session, state Republican lawmakers are not impressed with the accomplishments of the Democratic majority.
Color and music in Olympia for Latino Legislative Day
Hundreds marched through Olympia Monday for Latino Legislative Day, calling for immigration reform and improvements to workers’ rights.
Bill would raise age to buy tobacco to 21
OLYMPIA — State lawmakers are considering raising the age to buy tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21 in an effort to lower addiction rates and cut back o…
Lawmakers say teens sexting does not equal child porn
OLYMPIA — Today if a teenager is found with a sexually explicit image of another teenager, they could face child pornography charges.
School reporting bill clears state house committee
MOSES LAKE — A bill that would allow school districts across the state to use a mobile app to allow students to report violence or dangerous situations anonymo…
Newhouse praises delay of water rule
WASHINGTON D.C. — Fourth Congressional District Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, is praising a Trump administration decision to delay the implementation of a clean water rule by two years.
Bill would help fund low-income housing
OLYMPIA — State lawmakers are considering matching a federal tax credit for owners of low-income housing projects to encourage new development that might not o…
State Senate votes to ban bump stocks
The state Senate voted recently to ban possession, sale or manufacture of bump stocks, a firearm attachment that works with gunfire recoil to bounce the trigge…
Lawmakers want easier access to rape kits
OLYMPIA — In most parts of Washington, rape victims may have to drive hours to the nearest hospital, only to find the facility is incapable of performing the e…
Lawmakers consider Discover Pass changes
The state House Environment Committee held a public hearing Monday on bills that could expand access to the vast majority of public lands in Washington.
Bill would strengthen school response for mental health crises
OLYMPIA — School districts throughout the state have for years failed to complete legally required response plans for students who are in potentially dangerous…
Ephrata Democrat to challenge Manweller
State Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg, will face a Democratic challenger for his seat in the Washington state House of Representatives.
House Republicans push for remote testimony
OLYMPIA — Traveling to Olympia to testify before the legislature can be difficult and dangerous for those who live east of the Cascades. The journey can take upwards of six hours one way, all to testify for as litt…