Northwest

Northwest News

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 29 December 2023

Roger Evans

The new Washington State Black Legacy Institute will house the organization’s work and provide resources for community historians.

Details: Written by NATHAN GILLES, Columbia Insight; Published: 28 December 2023

(AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

The idea is that humans can help trees keep up with climate change by moving them to more favorable ecosystems faster than the trees could migrate on their own. Yet not everyone agrees on what type of assisted migration the region needs — or that it’s always a good thing.

Details: Written by ANNE M. PETERSON AP Sports Writer; Published: 27 December 2023

Bull rider Najiah Knight (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Najiah insists her dream is achievable. She was the only woman to qualify in her age group for the Junior World Finals this month. Her family says she’s fearless and has always wanted to be the first woman at the top.

Details: Written by The Seattle Times; Published: 26 December 2023

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

The Seattle Times reports that the audit from the city’s Office of Inspector General found officers complied with the law 4% of the time. That was based on an examination of 50 cases in 2021 and 2022.

Details: Written by MARTHA BELLISLE and MADDY GRASSY Associated Press; Published: 22 December 2023

(AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)

A jury has cleared three Washington state police officers of all criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was shocked, beaten and restrained face down on a Tacoma sidewalk as he pleaded for breath. The Pierce County medical examiner ruled Ellis’ death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation, but lawyers for the officers said a high level of methamphetamine in Ellis’ system and a heart irregularity were to blame.

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 21 December 2023

Justin Black, director of government relations at Multnomah County

The 2024 state legislative agenda includes behavioral health investments, Measure 110, housing, services for the more vulnerable.

Details: Written by MARTHA BELLISLE Associated Press; Published: 14 December 2023

(Brian Hayes/The News Tribune via AP, Pool)

Lawyers for three Washington state officers charged in the death of a Black man who was beaten, shocked and hogtied facedown on a sidewalk have made their final arguments to the jury.Two of the Tacoma police officers, Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank, are charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Officer Timothy Rankine faces a manslaughter charge for holding Manuel Ellis face down as he repeatedly said he could not breathe.

Details: Written by CLAIRE RUSH and HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press; Published: 14 December 2023

(Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian via AP, File)

The region is struggling with an increase in synthetic opioid overdose deaths and visible public drug use in Portland and Seattle. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wants lawmakers to approve $64 million in additional funding to expand opioid use prevention and treatment programs. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has proposed declaring a fentanyl emergency in Portland.