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A cannabis pre-roll is held at a legalization anniversary party in Cranston, Rhode Island, Dec. 1, 2023. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

President Trump signs order to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, but it’s still illegal

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, which Trump said reflected the drug’s potential medical benefits while discouraging … more

By Jacob Fischler / States Newsroom | 12/18/25

Rep. Travis Couture shakes a person’s hand during a public hearing on an initiative regarding parental rights in Olympia on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

Oversight board meets as 2025 closes with record Washington state child deaths and near deaths

Members of the Department of Children Youth and Families Oversight Board met Wednesday to discuss proposed changes to legislation that critics say has led to an alarming increase in the numbers of … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 12/18/25

Former NASCAR star Greg Biffle, family among those killed in plane crash

Former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and his family were killed when a plane crashed in North Carolina. Fatalities were previously confirmed after a Cessna C550 business jet crashed while landing … more

Brandon Champion / mlive.com (TNS) | 12/18/25

With the purchase of two new (used) ambulances, Grays Harbor Fire District #1 has been providing basic life services transportation services for Oakville residents since June 1, 2025.

Fire district invests in improving patient care in Oakville

When the Grays Harbor Fire District 1 held its annual Santa Food Drive earlier this month, the caravan of emergency vehicles escorting Santa through town included two ambulances sporting brand-new … more

By Andrea Watts / The Daily World | 12/18/25

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Credit Image: © Tom Williams/Congressional Quarterly via ZUMA Press)

Washington U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse looks to exit Congress on his terms

For a while, Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse says he’s been hearing a little voice in the back of his head telling him it might be time to step aside. On Wednesday, he announced he’d … more

By Jerry Cornfield / The Washington State Standard | 12/18/25

Immigration arrests in Washington state surged in recent months

The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown intensified across Washington in the late summer and early fall, new data indicates. Between July 29 and Oct. 15, U.S. Immigration and … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 12/18/25

More than 40 legislative leaders from 30-plus states met at the inaugural Assembly of State Legislative Leaders in Columbus, Ohio, this week. The group is calling for a renewed focus on states’ rights.

Respect states’ rights, new bipartisan group of legislative leaders tells feds

A new group of bipartisan state legislative leaders issued a declaration at their first meeting calling for a renewed focus on states’ rights and an end to federal intrusion into state laws. … more

Kevin Hardy / Stateline | 12/18/25

'Penny-pinching' jails costing inmates their lives, families allege

Ava Petersen says she inherited a number of wonderful traits from her father, Eric, such as his deep love for animals, fishing and spending time in nature. But one of the best things he passed … more

Analisa Trofimuk / Albany Democrat-Herald (TNS) | 12/18/25

The Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, a 6-mile stretch on the Willamette River, stores 90 percent of Oregon's fuels, including crude oil, diesel, renewable diesel and gasoline. Portland's Planning Commission is parsing proposals on how and when to reduce storage capacity at the hub.

Portland faces pressure to reduce storage capacity at fuel hub amid quake risks

The city’s proposal to reduce storage capacity at the fuels hub in Northwest Portland has drawn sharp criticism from community advocates and others who argue the proposed timeline is dangerously … more

Gosia Wozniacka / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 12/18/25

Police ID 18-year-old who allegedly flashed gun at bus passengers, fled officers in North Portland

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has publicly identified the man who allegedly brandished a gun at TriMet passengers on Wednesday — then triggered an hours-long manhunt after he fled into a … more

Tatum Todd / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 12/18/25

Map shows where in Oregon and Washington the most rain could fall during Thursday’s atmospheric river

Once again, an atmospheric river is bringing heavy rain to Portland and the entire Pacific Northwest. Many people, especially in Washington, are struggling with the impacts of one atmospheric … more

Lizzy Acker / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 12/18/25

Washington state carbon market revenue hits $4.3B as prices reach record

Prices in Washington’s carbon market have continued to trend upward as the price of emission allowances reached an all-time high this month. The state held four auctions between September and … more

Amanda Zhou / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 12/18/25

As Washington state winds and floods die down, chilly air will bring mountain snow

After a vigorous night of wind and rain that downed trees and knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of residents, the weather will get closer to December norms for the Seattle area. Wind … more

Lauren Girgis / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 12/18/25

Seattle youth homelessness nonprofit workers quit over shelter concerns

Sherrie Weis loved her job. The former case manager at YouthCare’s adolescent shelter in Seattle used to work 20-hour shifts, go home, take a shower, sleep two hours and be right back at work. … more

Greg Kim / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 12/18/25

In Whatcom County, Gov. Ferguson talks flood damage, recovery with local leaders

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson visited Whatcom County on Wednesday to survey flooding damage and meet with city leaders. He called the sight of the damage in Sumas and Everson “sobering.” … more

Julia Hawkins / The Bellingham Herald (TNS) | 12/18/25

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest a fugitive in 2020.

Immigration arrests in Washington state surged in recent months

The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown intensified across Washington in the late summer and early fall, new data indicates. Between July 29 and Oct. 15, U.S. Immigration and … more

Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard | 12/17/25

ca. 2000, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA --- Waterfall Surrounded by Vegetation

Several popular state parks in Oregon are closed to the public due to widespread storm damage that has closed highways and left thousands without power across western Oregon. Silver Falls, Ecola … more

Jamie Hale / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 12/17/25

Some states have issued guidances for schools in connection with how to respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. (ICE Office/TNS)

ICE agents fired pepper balls in Portland neighborhood, drawing rebuke from city officials

Portland leaders this week condemned federal agents’ use of pepper balls on bystanders in a North Portland neighborhood last week when they gathered to document the arrest of a parent who was … more

Yesenia Amaro / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 12/17/25

Elk stampede through Oregon coast town

Elk have taken over the streets of Cannon Beach. Herds of Roosevelt elk are a relatively common sight around the north Oregon coast town, especially in the fall and winter, when the big animals … more

Jamie Hale / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 12/17/25

Oregon makes it easier for Medicaid members to get birth control at pharmacies

Oregon health officials this week announced a new policy change to make it easier for people enrolled in Medicaid to access birth control. As of Tuesday, Oregonians enrolled in the Oregon Health … more

Kristine de Leon / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 12/17/25