courts
It’s time to broaden our conversation about guns
There is a familiar pattern after the mass shootings that have become a well-known feature of American life. The initial shock and grief gives way to demands for greater regulation of gun ownership by Democrats, while Republicans dismiss such measures and blame mental illness instead. But if we actually want to do something about it, […]
After lawsuits, reports found Idaho’s public defense system was failing, a new office offers hope
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. After reports of overworked public defenders and years of lawsuits against the state claiming inadequate public defense for those in the criminal justice system, Idaho’s new state agency for public defense is in its early stages of formation to help. On Sept. 20, Idaho Gov. […]
Left-wing activists worry anti-doxxing laws will target them
This article was first published by InvestigateWest. Arguably the most powerful weapon of anti-fascist groups in the Northwest is information. Anonymous squads of amateur detectives — parts of groups with names like Stumptown Research Collective, FashFreeNW and Corvallis Antifa — spend months trying to sniff out the identities of those they consider right-wing extremists. They […]
Federal judge orders temporary restraining order on Idaho’s ‘abortion trafficking’ law
This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun. A U.S. District Court decided Wednesday that it would temporarily block enforcement of Idaho’s “abortion trafficking” law, which took effect in May after Idaho legislators voted on its passage during the 2023 legislative session. In the latest decision of Matsumoto v. Labrador, U.S. Magistrate Judge […]
Hong Kong authorities dismiss gun charges against Washington state senator
A Washington state senator won’t be prosecuted for having a revolver in his baggage when he arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport earlier this month. Firearm-related charges against Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, were dismissed by a Hong Kong court, according to information a Wilson spokesman provided Sunday night. But prosecutors could refile if he […]
Washington senator arrested at Hong Kong airport for carrying handgun
A Republican Washington state senator from Longview is facing charges after a revolver was found Friday night in his baggage at the Hong Kong International Airport. Sen. Jeff Wilson was arrested and later charged with possessing arms without a license, The Standard of Hong Kong reported. Wilson posted a bail of $20,000 in Hong Kong […]
U.S. government, tribes settle 15-year-old case on sacred site near Mount Hood
A 15-year-old case pitting Northwest Native Americans against the federal government that’s been awaiting a U.S. Supreme Court hearing has settled, with the government agreeing to partially restore a sacred site in Oregon. The agreement was announced Thursday, with a filing in the Supreme Court calling for the case to be dismissed. Luke Goodrich, lead […]
WA counties lawsuit presses state to cover more legal defense costs for the poor
The state and its 39 counties are in another legal tussle. This time it centers on how to cover the cost of counsel for those facing criminal charges who cannot afford an attorney. A lawsuit filed by counties last month asserts the state’s system for providing these people with defense services in trial courts is […]
Does Washington need a new agency to oversee jails?
Washington would create a new independent agency to set safeguards and conduct inspections of city, county and regional jails, under a proposal a statewide task force is backing. The agency would develop minimum standards for safety and a gamut of responsibilities such as intake, visitation, discipline, and medical care. It would be able to pursue […]
WA Supreme Court Justice Whitener returning to work
Washington state Supreme Court Justice G. Helen Whitener announced Monday she is returning from six months of medical leave and will participate in the court’s Fall term that begins next month. Whitener went on leave March 9 to undergo major reconstructive back surgery for a degenerative back condition she has suffered with since her teenage […]
Abortion pill to stay on the market until U.S. Supreme Court ruling after appeals court order
WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday the abortion pill can stay on the market, but it agreed with a lower court that ultimately use should revert to prescribing and dosage instructions that were in place before 2016. That appeals court ruling will immediately be put on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether to […]
Federal judge to decide if Yakima Valley legislative district is redrawn
There’s broad consensus the boundaries drawn for a legislative district in the Yakima Valley region are wrong – even the state says they violate federal law. Now a judge is deciding the next step: if the map for the 15th Legislative District is to be redrawn, how it will be done and by whom in […]