Washington courts clearing drug convictions, refunding fines

OLYMPIA (AP and KONP staff) — People convicted under Washington’s longtime felony drug possession law are starting to get their records cleared, and their court-imposed fines refunded. It’s a consequence of the Washington Supreme Court’s groundbreaking decision

Inslee settles lawsuit over building council appointments

SEATTLE (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee’s appointments to a regulatory panel have cost Washington state $70,000 in a public records lawsuit settlement — and forced the governor to name new appointees. The Seattle Times reports the dispute

Washington police say drivers aren’t stopping for them

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington State Patrol says drivers are increasingly refusing to stop for troopers – and other law enforcement agencies also say this is becoming a common occurrence. The Northwest News Network reports that

Cougar mauls 9-year-old at church camp in Washington state

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — A cougar attacked a 9-year-old girl who was playing hide-and-seek at a church camp in Washington state, seriously wounding her. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says Lily A. Kryzhanivskyy and two

Longtime partner suing former Washington QB Mark Rypien

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The former longtime partner of ex-NFL quarterback Mark Rypien has filed a personal injury lawsuit against him alleging years of physical and emotional abuse. The Spokesman-Review reported that Danielle Wade filed the lawsuit

Canada to temporarily decriminalize certain drugs in BC

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canada is allowing the province of British Colombia to try a three-year experiment in decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs. It hopes to help stem a record number of overdose deaths