AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Washington state's primaries
Five months after holding its presidential primaries, Washington state is looking further down the ticket to select candidates to compete for federal and state offices in November.
In Washington state, Inslee's final months aimed at staving off repeal of landmark climate law
Voters in Washington state will decide this fall whether to keep one of the country's more aggressive laws aimed at stemming carbon pollution.
Money from Washington's landmark climate law will help tribes face rising seas, climate change
Tens of millions of dollars raised by a landmark climate law in Washington state will go to Native American tribes that are at risk from climate change and rising sea levels to help them move to higher ground, install solar panels, buy electric vehicles and restore wetlands.
Gov. Jay Inslee says Washington will make clear that hospitals must provide emergency abortions
Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday said Washington will spell out in state law that hospitals must provide abortions if needed to stabilize patients, a step that comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this month on whether conservative states can bar abortions during some medical emergencies.
Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They're banning the book ban
At a time when book bans have soared to their highest levels in decades, a countertrend is emerging.
Washington Gov. Inslee signs fentanyl bill sending money to disproportionately affected tribes
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a multimillion-dollar measure to send state money to tribes and Indigenous people in the state who die from opioid overdoses at disproportionately high rates in Washington.
US judge rejects challenge to Washington state law that could hold gun makers liable for shootings
A federal judge on Friday rejected a challenge to a Washington state law that cleared the way for lawsuits against the gun industry in certain cases.
Washington state House overwhelmingly passes ban on hog-tying by police
The Washington state House has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would ban police from hog-tying suspects, a restraint technique that has long drawn concern because of the risk of suffocation.
White House, tribal leaders hail 'historic' deal to restore salmon runs in Pacific Northwest
The Biden administration, leaders of four Columbia River Basin tribes and the governors of Oregon and Washington have signed papers formally launching a $1 billion plan to help recover depleted salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington state to develop guidelines for agencies using generative AI
Washington state's governor has called for the state to develop best practices on how agencies use generative artificial intelligence as it continues to incorporate the technology into government operations.
Governors, Biden administration push to quadruple efficient heating, AC units by 2030
A coalition of 25 governors and the Biden administration are set to announce a pledge Thursday morning to quadruple the number of heat pumps in U.S. homes by 2030.
Ex-US attorney, who appeared on 'Survivor,' to face state senator in Washington AG race
Nick Brown, who recently stepped down as U.S. attorney for western Washington, has announced he is running to become the state's next attorney general.
New Washington law keeps drugs illegal, boosts resources for housing and treatment
Washington lawmakers approved and Gov. Jay Inslee quickly signed a major new drug policy, saying it strikes a balance between public order and compassion for those struggling with substance abuse.
Washington lawmakers reach deal on drug policy, avoid automatic decriminalization
Democratic and Republican leaders in the Washington Statehouse have reached a tentative deal on a major new drug policy, one that would avoid making the state the second to decriminalize the possession of controlled substances.
Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee won't seek 4th term
Washington Gov. Jay Inlsee, a Democrat who has sought to make the state a leader on progressive policies from climate change to gun violence prevention, says he will not seek a fourth term in office.
Marijuana job lands Oregon secretary of state in trouble
Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is in hot water, with Republican lawmakers calling for her resignation and the Democratic governor seeking investigations because Fagan took a consulting job with a marijuana firm.
Washington, Minnesota become trans refuges, shield abortions
Democratic governors in Washington state and Minnesota have enacted legal protections for people who travel to those states seeking reproductive and gender-affirming procedures and treatment.
Some US states stock abortion medications after court ruling
A handful of states led by Democratic governors are stockpiling doses of drugs used in medication abortions amid fears that a court ruling could restrict access to the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S. Massachusetts has purchased enough doses of the drug mifepristone to last for more than a year.
More kids to ride in 'clean' school buses, mostly electric
Nearly 400 school districts across the country are receiving grants totaling about $1 billion to purchase 2,500 โcleanโ school buses under a new federal program.
Open primary may save Trump's GOP targets in Washington
Two Republican members of Congress from Washington who drew interparty challenges due to their vote to impeach former President Donald Trump were leading other Republicans in the stateโs top two primary.
Trump loyalist wins GOP nod to oversee Arizona elections
An Arizona lawmaker who embraces election conspiracies and was endorsed by former President Donald Trump has won the Republican primary for the top elections post in the presidential battleground.
Top election official races feature deniers of 2020 results
An Arizona lawmaker endorsed by former President Donald Trump and another lawmaker who also believes the 2020 election should be overturned are among four Republicans vying to be the top election officer in Arizona.
Abortion ruling prompts variety of reactions from states
When the U.S. Supreme Court in June overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that established a right to abortion, it sparked legal changes and court challenges in states nationwide.
Former judge to head office probing WA police shootings
A former judge and prosecutor is being appointed to oversee Washington state's new independent office to review cases in which police use deadly force โ the first such agency in the United States.
Trump-backed candidate in Wash. House race appears to stall
There are signs the insurgent candidate backed by former President Donald Trump appears to be faltering in a crowded field of Republicans challenging the GOP incumbent for a U.S. House seat in conservative central Washington state.
Abortion battles in states fire up after Supreme Court leak
The Supreme Courtโs apparent intention to abolish a nationwide right to abortion, spelled out in a draft opinion leaked this week, will not be the final chapter in the nationโs most pitched culture battle.
Ukrainian communities in US prepare to support refugees
Ukrainian communities in cities like Sacramento and Seattle are mobilizing in anticipation of up to 100,000 refugees arriving in the United States amid Russia's invasion of their country.
AP Was There: The surreal first day of the pandemic
On the day the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, Koloud โKayโ Tarapolsi reflected the views of many people when she told an Associated Press reporter: โIf we avoid each other and listen to the scientists, maybe in a few weeks it will be better."
Bill targeting election lies mulled by Washington lawmakers
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is urging state lawmakers to approve a bill that would make it a crime for elected officials or candidates to knowingly lie about election outcomes if those claims result in violence.
Governors turn to budgets to guard against climate change
Governors and state lawmakers are prioritizing climate change as they write their state budgets, devoting money to lowering emissions and guarding against natural disasters such as flood and fire.
Dickert introduced as Wash St football coach; 3-2 as interim
Jake Dickert has been introduced as the new head football coach at Washington State University and vows to โbring the Pac-12 championship back here to Pullman, Washington.โ.
US-Canada border towns assess damage from devastating floods
People in the small city of Sumas, Washington, are assessing damage from flooding that hit an estimated three quarters of homes in the community near the Canadian border.
Northwest Storm: 'Devastating' flood damage, 1 dead in BC
As parts of western Washington began drying out after an atmospheric river dumped days of rain, waters in some areas continued rising, more people were urged to evacuate and crews worked to restore power and reopen roads.
Heavy rains bring flooding, evacuations in Pacific Northwest
Days of heavy rainfall and high winds Monday coming from a powerful atmospheric river in Washington caused extensive flooding and mudslides that forced evacuations, closed schools and closed Interstate 5 south of Bellingham.
US Democratic governors to participate in U.N. climate talks
U.S. governors are taking a seat at the table as international leaders gather in Scotland at a critical moment for global efforts to reduce fossil fuel emissions and slow the planet's temperature rise.
GOP election chief who rejects fraud claims named to fed job
A Republican secretary of state who challenged former President Donald Trumpโs false claims of election fraud in 2020 will lead the Biden administrationโs effort to protect future elections.
The Latest: Biden vaccine order moves closer to enforcement
The Bidenโs administrationโs mandate that employers with 100 or more workers require coronavirus vaccinations or institute weekly virus testing has moved one step closer to enforcement.
Washington hospital execs: little capacity to help Idaho
Washington hospital officials say the state is facing its own COVID-19 crisis and has little capacity to help Idaho deal with a surge of cases driven by unvaccinated people.
The Latest: Alaska Gov: Bidenโs vaccine order 'un-American'
Alaska Gov_ Mike Dunleavy said President Joe Bidenโs effort to require millions of U_S_ workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is โill conceived, divisive, and un-American.โ.
As districts insist on vaccines, some teachers push back
A growing number of communities are moving to require teachers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of aggressive campaigns to ward off the delta variant, which has infected hundreds of thousands of children in the United States.
Wazzu's Rolovich says he intends to follow vaccine mandate
Washington State coach Nick Rolovich says he intends to follow a new state mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all those working at the stateโs colleges and universities, including coaches.
The Latest: S Korea exceeds 2,000 daily cases for 1st time
South Koreaโs daily increase in coronavirus infections has exceeded 2,000 for the first time since the start of the pandemic, continuing an alarming spread despite the enforcement of strict virus restrictions in large population centers.
Confusion besets new police reform laws in Washington state
Washington state is embarking on a massive experiment in police reform and accountability following the racial justice protests that erupted after George Floydโs murder last year, with nearly a dozen laws that took effect Sunday.
Pacific Northwest strengthens heat protections for workers
Washington state has become the second state in the Pacific Northwest in as many days to announce emergency rules that provide farmworkers and others who work outdoors more protection from hot weather.
Hundreds of deaths could be linked to Northwest heat wave
The grim toll of the historic heat wave in the Pacific Northwest has become more apparent as authorities in Canada, Washington state and Oregon say they're investigating hundreds of deaths likely caused by extreme temperatures.
Blackouts in US Northwest due to heat wave, deaths reported
As the Pacific Northwest swelters in an unprecedented heat wave, an electrical utility in the Washington state city of Spokane has announced that more rolling blackouts have started that will cut off electricity and air conditioning to some customers.
'Only going to get hotter': Heat wave blasts Northwest
The Pacific Northwest sweltered Friday as a historic heat wave hit Washington and Oregon, with temperatures in many areas expected to top out 25 to 30 degrees above normal in the coming days.
The Latest: Washington offers prizes for getting vaccinated
Washington is the latest state to offer prizes to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with Gov. Jay Inslee announcing a series of giveaways during the month of June that include lottery drawings totaling $2 million, college tuition assistance, airline tickets and game systems.
Trial to determine if GEO must pay detainees minimum wage
After nearly four years of litigation and pandemic-related delays, a trial is underway to determine whether the GEO Group must pay minimum wage to detainees who perform cooking, cleaning and other tasks at its Northwest immigration detention center in Washington state.
EPA restoring state and tribal power to protect waterways
The Environmental Protection Agency is restoring a rule that grants states and Native American tribes authority to block pipelines and other energy projects that can pollute rivers, streams and other waterways.
Floyd killing prompts some states to limit or ban chokeholds
At least 17 states have prohibited or severely limited the use of chokeholds and neck restraints by police officers in the year since George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis after being pinned under an officer's knee.
Oregon among blue states slow at lifting COVID restrictions
Even as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved earlier this month to ease indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, some blue states like Oregon and Washington are still holding on to certain longtime coronavirus restrictions.
The Latest: New Mexico adopts CDC guidance on facemasks
New Mexico has adopted guidance on facemasks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors or outside in most cases.
New Washington state law makes drug possession a misdemeanor
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure overhauling the stateโs approach to drug possession, after the Washington Supreme Court struck down its previous law as unconstitutional.
European agency studying new COVID-19 treatment
According to data released from the state Department of Public Health, Of the more than 1.4 million Connecticut residents who are now fully vaccinated, 242 later became infected with COVID-19.
The Latest: Washington Gov criticized for reopening plan
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is receiving criticism from lawmakers in his own party over his shifting economic reopening plan, with a group of Democrats from the stateโs second most populous county threatening the possibility of a special legislative session.
The Latest: Australia PM stands firm on India flight halt
Australia's prime minister is resisting mounting pressure to lift a temporary ban on flights from India, saying any early resumption of arrivals from that pandemic hot spot would erode Australiaโs quarantine capability.
The Latest: Canada puts J&J vaccine rollout plans on hold
Plans to distribute the first 300,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in Canada next week are on hold after Health Canada learned part of them were manufactured at a Maryland facility that messed up the ingredients in 15 million doses bound for the U.S. market.