Licensed outdoor marijuana grows may be allowed in Washington after all. Staff at the state’s Liquor Control Board said Wednesday they’ve been persuaded by potential growers to consider alternatives to energy-intensive indoor pot production. Meanwhile, medical marijuana patients rallied at the state capitol in opposition possible new restrictions on them.
Traffic is set to start rolling across the repaired Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River Wednesday morning. That completes a hasty, round-the-clock salvage and reconstruction job. It started just three and a half weeks ago when an oversize load brought down the vital bridge. Correspondent Tom Banse reports that Northwest Washington drivers and businesses are relishing a return to normal.
James Gandolfini, the actor made famous for his signature role as Tony Soprano on HBO's groundbreaking series The Sopranos died on Wednesday. All Things Considered host Robert Siegel speaks with NPR Pop Culture Blogger Linda Holmes about the actor's life.
Oregon parents could soon find it harder to skip having their children immunized.
The Oregon House Wednesday sent a measure to the governor that would add steps to the way parents can opt out of the requirement. A similar law went into effect in Washington state two years ago.
More than 6 percent of Oregon children enter kindergarten without the required number of vaccines. That rate is among the highest in the nation, and it has public health officials concerned.
Oregon lawmakers are locked in a stalemate over whether to make additional cuts to the state's pension system for public employees.
The debate will affect every unit of government in Oregon. Most of the conversation at the capitol has surrounded the impact to state agencies and schools. But city and county governments are also watching the pension battle closely.
In a reversal of the company's previous position, Microsoft announced Wednesday that its forthcoming Xbox One gaming console would no longer require a regular Internet connection and would not restrict used or shared games.
