PNW
What's happening in the Pacific Northwest? For information and details regarding Northwest news, see our articles below.
Local legislators discuss 2026 session
MOSES LAKE — Washington 13th District legislators previewed what they see as the challenges of the upcoming 2026 s…
A little boost: Mid-Columbia Economic Development District nurtures businesses in the Columbia Gorge
THE DALLES, Ore. — The Columbia Gorge may be one of the most beautiful regions of the Pacific Northwest, but as rural people know, scenery doesn’t always trans…
Western WA Republican lawmaker running for secretary of state
(The Center Square) – State Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, announced on Monday that he is running to be Washington’s next secretary of state.
The uncertain future of natural gas in Washington
(The Center Square) – There is ongoing debate over a newly-enacted law and its effect on natural gas in Washington state. The state's largest utility provider …
WA's ban on high-capacity magazines ruled unconstitutional
(The Center Square)/OLYMPIA – A judge in Cowlitz County briefly handed a victory to gun rights supporters in Washington before the state's highest court said n…
Newhouse announces start of annual art competition
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., announced Thursday the start of the annual Central Washington Congressional Art Competition. The statement said all Central Washington high school students are eligibl…
Washington schools names Purple Star districts
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Association of School Administrators have selected the Pur…
Ybarra sees wins, disappointments in 2024 legislative session
OLYMPIA — Washington state Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, who represents the 13th legislative district, said there are a lot of things that went well during the s…
Bills combating fentanyl, opioid addiction in Washington state made law
OLYMPIA/(The Center Square) – Washington state now has more tools to deal with fentanyl addiction in the form of a pair of bills sponsored by Rep. Gina Mosbruc…
Agencies team up to head off fire season
OLYMPIA — A collection of state and federal agencies will join forces this year to combat wildfires, according to an announcement from the Washington Departmen…
Various factors driving up car insurance premiums in Washington
THE CENTER SQUARE – On the heels of a double-digit increase last year, Washington state drivers can expect to pay even more for auto insurance this year. A…
WSDA local food chain grant application opens
OLYMPIA – According to a recent announcement, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is offering $2 million in grants to support local food supply chains and market access for farms, ranches, food processor…
Distracted driving emphasis patrols continuing through April 8
OLYMPIA — Law enforcement agencies across the state will be conducting emphasis patrols focusing on distracted driving through April 8, according to a press release from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Commerce invests nearly $20M into affordable housing
OLYMPIA — The Department of Commerce this week announced $19.8 million in awards to 31 applicants to preserve 873 affordable housing units through the Housing Preservation Program. These projects provide critically…
Gonzaga partners with Ziplines Education to advance E. WA workforce
SPOKANE — Gonzaga University announced a partnership with Ziplines Education in late March designed to help Zags and other Eastern Washington students fortify …
State begins annual beetle treatments
OLYMPIA – Annual treatments against invasive Japanese beetles began Monday in South Central Washington, according to an announcement from the Washington State …