Stephanie Steele
Possible Closure of Units at Coyote Ridge
CONNELL, Wash. - Fewer inmates in Washington State Correctional facilities has led to discussions of possibly closing some units across the state, including the "E", "F" and "Camas" areas of Coyote Ridge in Connell.
The DOC notes at least 3,600 of the 18,000 prisoner bed are empty, and there are a few reasons why
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Idaho Governor Repeals Executive Order that Banned Mask Mandates
BOISE, Idaho - Idaho Governor Brad Little has repealed an Executive Order banning mask mandates across the state a day after the Lt. Governor put it into place.
Gov. Little was out of the state at a Republican conference when Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin issued the surprise order, calling it Friday, "an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt."
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Oregon Voting Soon to Remove Certain High School Graduation Requirements
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon State House is set to vote next week on a bill to remove the graduation requirement that all high school students prove they are proficient in math, reading and writing in order to earn their diploma.
If if becomes law, updated graduation requirements could include setting different requirements for students who opt for a career in a technical field or in the fine arts
Keeping Outdoor Pets Safe in the Heat
TRI-CITIES, Wash. - With temperatures set to rise to the 90's or even triple digits this coming week, Rebecca Howard with the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter shares some tips on how to keep your outdoor animals from overheating.
"You always want to have shelter for the animal, especially with the hot weather coming up. You
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No “Lane-Splitting” for Oregon Motorcyclists
SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Governor Kate Brown has vetoed legislation that would have allowed motorcyclists to drive between slowed or stopped traffic on roadways.
In a letter to legislative leaders, Governor Brown noted concerns about public safety and non-compliance language in the bill that passed with bi-partisan support.
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Washington State Patrol Signs 30×30 Pledge
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington State Patrol has signed on to the 30x30 pledge, a series of actions that police agencies can take to improve the representation and experiences of woman in law enforcement.
These actions help policing agencies assess the current state of a department with regard to gender equity, identifying factors that may be driving any disparities, develop and implement strategi
Lawsuit Filed for Disproportionate Ballot Rejection
BENTON COUNTY, Wash. - A Benton County woman, along with the United Latin American Citizens and the Latin Community Fund, have filed a lawsuit against a number of counties, including Benton and Yakima, claiming Hispanic ballots are disproportionately rejected
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Local Company Donates Money to Help Youth Mental Health
TRI-CITIES, Wash. - RDO Equipment recently donated generous amounts of money to 32 organizations who help with youth mental health.
The recipients include the Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition, who received $10,000 to to purchase and prepare items for Survivor of Suicide Loss Care Kits, and Cork's Place, who received $20,000 for their facility that provides a safe space for grieving children a
City Council Denies Request for High Density Land Use on Thompson Hill
KENNEWICK, Wash. - The Kennewick City Council denied a request Tuesday night for high density land use on Thompson Hill.
The developer had requested permission to build a hotel, a restaurant and some condominiums along the top and south slope.
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Investments for the State’s Health Care System.
OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington Health Care Authority announced the 2021-23 state operating budget includes significant investments in improving our state's health care system. The budget currently awaits Governor Jay Inslee's signature.
Health care programs and services
Postpartum coverage: Funding is provided for extending health care coverage for an additional 10 months for postpartum persons