The Columbian

Northwest

Idaho bill aims to protect free speech from frivolous lawsuits. Here’s how it would work

January 14, 2025, 10:30am Northwest

Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to counteract retaliatory lawsuits in Idaho on Monday, with a proposed law already on the books in most states to expedite the dismissal of litigation that lacks merit. Read story

Washington lawmakers focus on money woes as they consider cuts and maybe taxes to balance budget

January 13, 2025, 3:36pm Northwest Updated 1 day ago

A month after outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee proposed a wealth tax he said could raise approximately $10.3 billion in new revenue, and a day after Governor-elect Bob Ferguson suggested approximately $4 billion in cuts, it’s no surprise that the state’s finances are at the top of mind for many as… Read story

Snowfall in Oregon is likely to decline 50% by 2100 under global warming according to a new state report. (U.S.

Oregon snowfall projected to drop 50% by 2100 among findings in latest state climate report

January 13, 2025, 3:28pm Northwest FreeUpdated 1 day ago

Oregonians born today are likely to experience a future of more drought, more rain and less snow under warming average global temperatures due to human-caused climate change. Read story

Washington parents launch a ‘Billion Dollar Bake Sale’ for K-12 funding

January 13, 2025, 2:22pm Northwest Updated 1 day ago

How many gluten-free snickerdoodles, mocha chocolate chip cookies and whole wheat loaves would it take to raise $4 billion? Read story

Idaho prosecutors reveal some expert witnesses for Bryan Kohberger’s Boise murder trial

January 13, 2025, 12:07pm Northwest

Prosecutors in the case against Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with killing four University of Idaho students, may call more than two dozen expert witnesses in a host of subject areas, including DNA analysis, cellphone geolocation and crime scene reconstruction, to try to prove his guilt at trial. Read story

Why apex predators captured in Canada to be flown to Colorado and released

January 13, 2025, 12:00pm Northwest Updated 1 day ago

Wildlife experts are in the process of capturing gray wolves from Canada in order to release them in Colorado, effectively doubling the state’s small, recently reintroduced population. Read story

Jay Inslee’s wins and setbacks during his 12 years as Washington governor

January 13, 2025, 11:58am Newsletter Updated 1 day ago

On a recent tour of the Capitol office he’ll soon depart, Gov. Jay Inslee pointed to an old nautical instrument he keeps on the wall. Read story