The Columbian

Drug overdose deaths increased by about 20 percent in 2023 over 2022, according to preliminary data from the state of Washington.

Overdose deaths in Clark County soared in 2023, with use of fentanyl and meth together a major issue

August 1, 2024, 3:13pm Clark County Health

Overdose deaths in Clark County increased 21 percent in 2023 over 2022, with the use of fentanyl and methamphetamine together causing many of the deaths. Read story

FILE - The downtown skyline is shown from the South Hill in Spokane, Wash., on June 4, 2018. The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington has sued the city of Spokane, alleging that its anti-homeless laws violate the state constitution. The group filed the suit on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, on behalf of a currently homeless person and someone who was formerly homeless. (AP Photo/Nicholas K.

ACLU sues Spokane over its anti-homeless laws after a landmark Supreme Court ruling

August 1, 2024, 12:52pm Latest News

The American Civil Liberties Union sued the city of Spokane, Washington, on Thursday, alleging that its anti-camping laws violate the state constitution. It is believed to be the country’s first such legal challenge since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that cities can enforce outdoor sleeping bans. Read story

Then Democratic Rep. Ross Hunter, left, discusses a state budget proposal in 2015 in Olympia.

State advisory board on juvenile justice asks Inslee to fire director of children’s services

August 1, 2024, 9:31am Latest News Free

Washington’s state advisory board on juvenile justice has called on Gov. Jay Inslee to fire Department of Children, Youth and Families director Ross Hunter amid the agency’s decision to suspend intakes at two state juvenile detention facilities due to overcrowding. Read story

Jerrod Sessler is a candidate for Rep. Dan Newhouse's seat in Congress.

WA GOP congressional candidate is offering to pick up your ballot. Is that legal?

August 1, 2024, 7:51am Election

A ballot collecting strategy deployed by the Jerrod Sessler for Congress campaign aims to gain 11th-hour support as voters finish returning their primary ballots for the Aug. 6 election. Read story

U.S. Attorney Nick Brown, from left, state Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, and Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano are running for Washington state AG in the August primary.

WA Dems torn on who to support in AG race. Winner likely to face Tri-Cities councilman

August 1, 2024, 7:43am Election

Democrats have a tough decision to make on Aug. 6: Which candidate do they want as Washington’s chief law enforcement officer for the next four years? Read story

Call for artists: Battle Ground Art Alliance seeks artists for art festival

The Battle Ground Art Alliance seeks local and regional artists to show and sell at Art Festival in the City, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14 at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 S.W. First St., Battle Ground. The event will also feature local music and food. Register at bgartalliance.com.… Read story

School bus drivers still in short supply in Clark County: ‘Anyone who comes to us doesn’t become a sub. They get a route’

Yvonne Gaylord, a driver trainer and safety person with Evergreen Public Schools, directs bus drivers outside Evergreen High School on Dec. 12, 2012, in Vancouver. Clark County school districts are still working to develop a larger, consistent pool of regular and substitute bus drivers as the school year draws near.

August 1, 2024, 6:06am Business

Garnering a consistent pool of school bus drivers remains challenging in Clark County, transportation directors report. In recent years, driver absences resulting from the shortage have created substantial delays in several school districts. Read story

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