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…
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…
State lawmakers consider gun control bills
OLYMPIA — About 1,000 gun rights and gun control advocates met at the capital this week to testify on five bills that would affect the right of Washingtonians …
Newhouse urges state of emergency for Rattlesnake Ridge
UNION GAP — Fourth Congressional Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, is urging Governor Jay Inslee to issue a state of emergency proclamation for Yakima County as a r…
Republicans wary of Inslee's carbon tax
OLYMPIA — Central Washington lawmakers have concerns after reading Governor Inslee’s proposed carbon tax plan.
Bill would pay tuition in rural counties
OLYMPIA — Rural counties struggling to find and retain skilled workers might find some relief in a bill heard Wednesday by the House Committee on Higher Educat…
Governor's State Of The State disappoints Republicans
OLYMPIA — Governor Inslee laid out his priorities Tuesday for the upcoming session at the annual State of the State address, including passage of the capital b…