After years of debate, the Portland City Council has taken a big step toward making the city’s old brick buildings more earthquake-safe. The Council voted unanimously June 13 for a resolution that would require owners of unreinforced masonry buildings to retrofit their properties. Those buildings, nicknamed URM's, are at high risk of collapse in an earthquake.Read More
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a law Thursday, March 15 aimed at shedding light on the cases of missing or murdered Native American women. At the bill signing ceremony, Native women in traditional regalia performed a women’s honor song.Read More
The opioid crisis is front and center at the Washington Legislature this week. On Monday, lawmakers heard testimony on three bills aimed at preventing and treating opioid addiction and reducing overdose deaths.Read More
Of the 100 largest public universities in the country, more than half don’t keep track of student suicides. That includes the University of Oregon, which the Associated Press says either does not keep or does not consistently collect the data. Read More
Workers in Washington are about to get a new benefit. Starting January 1, the state will require all employers to provide paid sick leave.Read More