Washington news

• Utah plan to cut Medicaid expansion by 50,000 nears passage

  08-02-2019 23:58
  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A plan to scale back a voter-approved Medicaid expansion in Utah won a key approval in the state Legislature on Friday despite protests that it reduces access to needed health care and thwarts voters’ wishes. The measure would insure about 50,000 fewer people under Medicaid, a change that would need […]
  
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• Senator criticized for linking man’s death to tobacco taxes

  08-02-2019 23:35
  SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Two dozen Democratic members of the Oregon House sharply criticized a Republican senator Friday for referencing the death of Eric Garner, a black man killed in New York by police, in a statement opposing cigarette taxes and using Garner’s last words: “I can’t breathe.” Garner was killed in 2014 after officers […]
  
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• Oregon lawmaker accused of racism, denies it

  08-02-2019 23:35
  SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon state senator has been accused of racism by a fellow lawmaker for referencing the death of Eric Garner, a black man killed in New York by police using a chokehold, in a statement opposing cigarette taxes and using Garner’s last words: “I can’t breathe.” Rep. Diego Hernandez said Friday […]
  
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• Snow, frigid temps on tap in Portland area

  08-02-2019 22:53
  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Up to six inches of snow is expected in the Portland metropolitan area overnight Friday, with another storm coming Sunday that could add up to four more inches in an unusual one-two weather punch. Temperatures are expected to hover around freezing into next week, leaving transportation officials worried about icy roads […]
  
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• Victims’ rights amendment heads to Senate

  08-02-2019 22:41
  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation to amend the state’s constitution to expand the rights of crime victims and their families is headed to the Senate. The Senate State Affairs Committee on Friday voted 8-1 to advance the proposal that would change Idaho’s 1994 Victim Rights Amendment by requiring victims to be timely notified of court […]
  
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• A brief photographic history on Seattle’s snow

  08-02-2019 21:54
  This weekend's snowfall likely will pale in comparison to the legendary storm: The Big Snow of 1916, which lasted for weeks.
  
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• A brief photographic history of Seattle’s snow

  08-02-2019 21:54
  This weekend's snowfall likely will pale in comparison to The Big Snow of 1916, which lasted for weeks.
  
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• Portland woman guilty of stealing nearly $1 million

  08-02-2019 21:22
  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal jury has found a Portland woman guilty of stealing nearly $1 million from her Oregon foster care agency that was primarily funded by state and federal governments. Mary Holden Ayala was also found guilty Thursday of money laundering and filing false income tax returns. From at least 2008 to […]
  
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• Live updates: Seattle snowstorm ‘once every decade or two occurrence,’ officials say

  08-02-2019 21:18
  Round two is here as the Puget Sound region sees its second snowstorm in less than a week.
  
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• How it unfolded: Snowstorm hits Seattle region

  08-02-2019 21:18
  Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency as the second snowstorm in a week hits the Puget Sound region.
  
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• State turns psychiatric hospital management to private firm

  08-02-2019 21:00
  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska’s only state-owned psychiatric hospital is now being managed by a for-profit company. Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum announced Friday he assumed management of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute in Anchorage and immediately contracted with Wellpath Recovery Solutions to manage the facility, with oversight from the state. […]
  
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• Here’s what’s been canceled or postponed in the Seattle-area due to snow

  08-02-2019 20:32
  As the city braces for 6 to 8 inches of snow, here are Seattle-area events that have been canceled or rescheduled. Seattle Children’s Theatre has canceled all performances on Friday, Feb. 8. Michelle Obama’s appearance at the Tacoma Dome on Friday, Feb. 8, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 24. Theatre Off Jackson’s performance of “140 […]
  
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• Photo gallery: The snow starts falling in Seattle

  08-02-2019 20:12
  Scenes from around the Puget Sound area as residents prepare for the predicted snowstorms. Grocery shopping has been a priority.
  
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• Feds halt 2 Tennessee pharmacies’ opioid dispensing for now

  08-02-2019 20:10
  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A federal prosecutor says the Justice Department has taken first-of-its-kind action to temporarily stop two Tennessee pharmacies, their owner and three pharmacists from dispensing opioids and other controlled substances. Copies of court filings provided by U.S. Attorney Donald Cochran’s office Friday say Celina, Tennessee-based Oakley Pharmacy, Inc., known as Dale Hollow […]
  
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• Injured hiker rescued after 40 hours describes ordeal

  08-02-2019 20:04
  SILVERTON, Ore. (AP) — An injured hiker rescued this week after 40 hours in the woods during a snowstorm said she huddled under a tree for protection from the elements, slept in a ball to avoid hypothermia and conserved her cell phone battery in case she got service, a newspaper reported Friday. Leslie Drapiza, an […]
  
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• Oregon art college to close after 112 years

  08-02-2019 19:54
  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon College of Art and Craft will close its doors in May after a 112-year history after suffering from low enrollment and administrative turnover in recent years. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports Friday that talks with Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland State University and other entities over the past year […]
  
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• Arizona wants care unit where patient was raped to stay open

  08-02-2019 19:36
  PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona is contesting a long-term care facility’s decision to shut down the unit where an incapacitated woman was raped and later gave birth. State regulators in a letter Friday say Hacienda HealthCare’s contract does not allow it to close its intermediate care facility without written consent from the state. They say Hacienda’s […]
  
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• FDA wants new meetings with Juul, Altria on teen vaping

  08-02-2019 19:30
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Food and Drug Administration is questioning whether electronic cigarette maker Juul and its new partner Altria are following through on pledges to help stop underage vaping. FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb on Friday posted letters he sent to Juul and Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco […]
  
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• FDA questions Juul, Altria commitment to combat teen vaping

  08-02-2019 19:30
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Food and Drug Administration is questioning whether electronic cigarette maker Juul and its new partner Altria are following through on pledges to help reverse the boom in underage vaping. FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb on Friday posted letters he sent to Juul and Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes […]
  
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• Going green: States would get free hand under pot bill

  08-02-2019 19:13
  A U.S. senator from Oregon has proposed legislation that would give states a free hand to allow legal marijuana markets without the threat of federal criminal intervention. The proposal by Sen. Ron Wyden aims to ease the conflict between the U.S. government and the growing number of states where cannabis is legal in some form. […]
  
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• Man dies from exposure; Seattle shelters brace for worse weather

  08-02-2019 19:07
  Forecasts of severe winter storms in the Seattle area prompted the opening of more emergency homeless-shelter beds and outreach to the city's hundreds of unsanctioned tent camps, with one goal in mind: survival.
  
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• Homeless man dies from exposure; service providers prepare for more cold weather

  08-02-2019 19:07
  Forecasts for severe winter storms in the Seattle area prompt the opening of more emergency homeless-shelters beds and outreach to the city's hundreds of unsanctioned tent camps, with one goal in mind: survival.
  
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• Idaho Democrats walk out as redistricting plan advances

  08-02-2019 18:59
  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Three Democrats on a House panel considering a change to the Idaho Constitution involving redistricting walked out in protest on Friday at what they called a clear attempt at gerrymandering before the 10 Republicans voted unanimously to send the legislation to the full House. A short time later, the Democratic House […]
  
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• Democrats walk out as plan to alter redistricting advances

  08-02-2019 18:59
  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Three Democrats on a House panel considering a change to the Idaho Constitution involving redistricting walked out in protest before the 10 Republicans voted unanimously to send the legislation to the full House. The decision by the House State Affairs Committee on Friday sends to the House the proposal to add […]
  
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• Idaho’s individual income tax revenues lower than expected

  08-02-2019 18:56
  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho’s tax revenues continued to lag behind forecasts last month, coming in nearly 22 percent lower than expected. Tax officials say the discrepancy is likely because people aren’t withholding enough from their paychecks after the state’s tax law changed last year. If that’s the case, the state will likely see the […]
  
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• Podcast: Howard Schultz’s presidential ambitions — and Seattle’s school-levy debate

  08-02-2019 18:21
  For Episode 100 of our politics podcast: A look at Howard Schultz and the complicated politics of Seattle's school levies.
  
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• Iditarod race preparations continue with straw drop

  08-02-2019 17:45
  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially begins with a ceremonial start March 2 but preparations are underway for care of dogs along the trail. Anchorage television station KTVA reports about 60 people this week helped with the annual straw drop, distributing the material on which sled dogs sleep at checkpoints. […]
  
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• Woman says she aided man suspected of killing of his fiance

  08-02-2019 17:39
  CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (AP) — A woman said Friday that she helped thwart an investigation into the disappearance of a Colorado woman who authorities believe was killed by her fiance, but her motive and the nature of her relationship with the suspected killer remains a mystery. She also agreed to testify against him at his […]
  
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• Woman pleads guilty, will testify in Colorado killing case

  08-02-2019 17:39
  CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (AP) — A woman has pleaded guilty to a charge that she tampered with evidence connected to the disappearance of a Colorado woman and has agreed to testify against the man charged with killing her. Krystal Jean Lee Kenney entered the plea Friday to the charge related to the death of Kelsey […]
  
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• Last rodeo for Fort Worth’s famed Will Rogers Coliseum

  08-02-2019 16:16
  FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — For Will Rogers Coliseum, this is the last rodeo. But Amon Carter’s 1936 dream-come-true arena was also built for horse events. So it’ll soon literally become the workhorse of Stock Show arenas. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports when the new $540 million Dickies Arena opens five blocks south, the old […]
  
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• Seattle braces for 6 to 8 inches of snow, forecast to start early afternoon

  08-02-2019 16:09
  The weather service says the 1 to 3 p.m. time slot Friday is looking like when the area's second snowstorm could move in and "fall pretty heavily."
  
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• Seattle braces for 6 to 8 inches of snow, forecast to start around noon

  08-02-2019 16:09
  The cold has been blamed on the death of a homeless man, the first weather-related exposure death the Medical Examiner’s Office has reported this week.
  
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• Are you bad with money? Gaby Dunn wrote the book

  08-02-2019 16:00
  Gaby Dunn has written a new book called "Bad with Money: The Imperfect Art of Getting Your Financial Sh*t Together" that seeks to settle the financial worries of her fellow millennials.
  
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• Oregon cities sue over stormwater rules

  08-02-2019 15:44
  SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Six Oregon cities are suing the state Department of Environmental Quality over new stormwater discharge requirements they say will be too expensive for ratepayers and will drive up home prices. The Statesman Journal reports https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2019/02/08/new-stormwater-rules-fees-oregon-ratepayers-homebuyers-lawsuits/2772860002/ the cities say the new stormwater permit, for small municipalities, goes beyond what is required by
  
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• From ‘Tom Jones’ to ‘Skyfall’: star Albert Finney dies at 82

  08-02-2019 15:09
  LONDON (AP) — Albert Finney, the charismatic Academy Award-nominated British actor who starred in films from “Tom Jones” to “Skyfall,” has died. He was 82. Finney’s family said Friday that he “passed away peacefully after a short illness with those closest to him by his side.” He died Thursday from a chest infection at the […]
  
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• Seattle’s outreach to homeless tent camps needs improvement, city audit says

  08-02-2019 15:00
  The Seattle city auditor recommended the city expand access to 24-hour bathroom and hygiene facilities to mitigate the public health risks of unsanctioned homeless tent camps and improve coordination among outreach teams.
  
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• Faux-billionaire Keenan Gracey’s father makes appearance in latest federal fraud-case filings

  08-02-2019 15:00
  Federal prosecutors say accused fraudster Keenan Alexander Gracey poses a flight risk and a continued criminal risk to the community and should be jailed until his October trial.
  
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• Salem officer on leave arrested on meth, theft charges

  08-02-2019 14:45
  SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An off-duty Salem police officer was arrested in Portland on methamphetamine and theft charges after police say he was caught selling stolen property. The Statesman-Journal reports 31-year-old Seth Thayres and an alleged accomplice were arrested Thursday by Portland Police Bureau officers. Salem Police spokesman Lt. Treven Upkes says Thayres has been […]
  
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• Intel: New Oregon factory will add 1,750 jobs

  08-02-2019 14:30
  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Permitting documents submitted to city planners show that Intel forecasts its new Hillsboro factory will grow the company’s Oregon workforce by about 9 percent, 1,750 more jobs in total. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the additional jobs would bring its Oregon workforce near 22,000. The chipmaker is already the state’s largest corporate employer. […]
  
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• 2 found dead in house fire north of Olympia

  08-02-2019 14:10
  The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but police say no criminal activity is suspected.
  
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• Want to sign your kid up for a Seattle school outside your neighborhood? The deadline is Feb. 20

  08-02-2019 14:00
  Here's the 4-1-1 on this year's open enrollment period for Seattle Public Schools.
  
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• Teachers share how more diversity in classrooms can prevent burnout and better serve students

  08-02-2019 14:00
  We’re two weeks into sharing responses from Washington teachers and students to the representation gap we reported on in December. This week, we’re back to hearing from teachers.
  
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• White House report tries to shift Trump health care rhetoric

  08-02-2019 08:02
  WASHINGTON (AP) — A new report from the White House tries to shift the Trump administration’s combative rhetoric on health care, suggesting changes to the Affordable Care Act under President Donald Trump do not fundamentally undermine the health law. Due out Friday, the report from the Council of Economic Advisers says Obama-era subsidies that help […]
  
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• APNewsBreak: White House says no ‘sabotage’ of health law

  08-02-2019 08:02
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Borrowing a word from Democrats, a new White House report says changes made to the Affordable Care Act under President Donald Trump didn’t amount to “sabotage.” Due out Friday, the report from the Council of Economic Advisers says Obama-era subsidies that help low- and middle-income customers pay their premiums will keep HealthCare.gov […]
  
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• Open up and say ‘ahh’: Trump getting annual medical exam

  08-02-2019 07:37
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is in for some poking and prodding as doctors assess whether his “incredibly good genes” continue to serve him well. Trump was traveling to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington on Friday for a follow-up to his first annual medical checkup as president. His personal physician declared […]
  
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• In or out of the House, John Dingell was at home on Twitter

  08-02-2019 07:12
  DETROIT (AP) — Right up until the end, John Dingell wouldn’t go down without a fight — or a tweet. The longest-serving member of Congress in American history, who died on Thursday at age 92, boasted more than 250,000 followers on the account he started in 2010. After his wife, current Rep. Debbie Dingell, tweeted […]
  
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• Supreme Court blocks Louisiana abortion clinic law

  08-02-2019 06:51
  WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court stopped Louisiana from enforcing new regulations on abortion clinics in a test of the conservative court’s views on abortion rights. The justices said by a 5-4 vote late Thursday that they will not allow the state to put into effect a law that requires abortion providers to have […]
  
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• Idaho man’s fatal shooting by Flagstaff police being probed

  08-02-2019 06:49
  FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Investigators say an Idaho man who was fatally shot by police in Flagstaff was armed and aggressively charging an officer. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate last weekend’s shooting of 47-year-old Henry Harold Russell of Boise. Authorities say Russell approached two police officers outside a guidance center with […]
  
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• Facebook removes fur hat posts by Alaska Native artist

  08-02-2019 06:39
  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A cultural group says Facebook is continuing remove posts by an Alaska Native artist selling items made of sea otter fur despite the social media company stating the problem had been fixed. The Anchorage Daily News reports the Sealaska Heritage Institute and Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan issued a statement last […]
  
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• University of Alaska officials expect major budget cuts

  08-02-2019 06:37
  FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — University of Alaska officials say they are expecting Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration to make substantial slashes to their state funding. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports the Republican governor’s amended state budget is set to be released next Wednesday and will then require the state Legislature’s approval. University President Jim Johnsen says […]
  
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