Northwest

Northwest News

Details: Written by MARTHA BELLISLE and MADDY GRASSY Associated Press; Published: 22 December 2023

(AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)

A jury has cleared three Washington state police officers of all criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was shocked, beaten and restrained face down on a Tacoma sidewalk as he pleaded for breath. The Pierce County medical examiner ruled Ellis’ death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation, but lawyers for the officers said a high level of methamphetamine in Ellis’ system and a heart irregularity were to blame.

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 21 December 2023

Justin Black, director of government relations at Multnomah County

The 2024 state legislative agenda includes behavioral health investments, Measure 110, housing, services for the more vulnerable.

Details: Written by MARTHA BELLISLE Associated Press; Published: 14 December 2023

(Brian Hayes/The News Tribune via AP, Pool)

Lawyers for three Washington state officers charged in the death of a Black man who was beaten, shocked and hogtied facedown on a sidewalk have made their final arguments to the jury.Two of the Tacoma police officers, Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank, are charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Officer Timothy Rankine faces a manslaughter charge for holding Manuel Ellis face down as he repeatedly said he could not breathe.

Details: Written by CLAIRE RUSH and HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press; Published: 14 December 2023

(Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian via AP, File)

The region is struggling with an increase in synthetic opioid overdose deaths and visible public drug use in Portland and Seattle. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wants lawmakers to approve $64 million in additional funding to expand opioid use prevention and treatment programs. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has proposed declaring a fentanyl emergency in Portland.

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 14 December 2023

Anita Crawford Clark

Children and teens are invited to more inclusive book fair, where each will receive a free book of their choosing.

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 07 December 2023

Nolan Lienhart

New owners submit plans for mixed-use and open spaces, residences and promenades, to city.

Details: Written by AP; Published: 05 December 2023

(Luke Johnson/The Seattle Times via AP)

The National Weather Service reported that rainfall records were shattered in some areas of the Olympic Peninsula. Washington and Oregon officials have urged drivers to use caution as standing water and flooding affect roadways.

Details: Written by Saundra Sorenson; Published: 29 November 2023

Pastor Dennis Payne

As physical attendance dwindles, First African Methodist Episcopal Zion is joining the growing trend of churches that are re-imagining how best to use their facilities.

Details: Written by CLAIRE RUSH, JANIE HAR and MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press; Published: 28 November 2023

A man pushes items while a homeless encampment is being cleaned up in San Francisco, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Homeless people and their advocates say encampment sweeps are cruel and costly, and there aren't enough shelter beds or treatment for everyone. But government officials say it's unacceptable to let encampments fester and people need to accept offers of shelter or treatment, if they have a severe mental illness or addiction.

Details: Written by Associated Press; Published: 27 November 2023

Teachers hold signs and chant in front of a middle school. (AP Photo/Claire Rush, File)

The agreement must still be voted on by teachers who have been on the picket line since Nov. 1 over issues of pay, class sizes and planning time. It must also be approved by the school board.