NW News Network

Federal Agents Search Spokane Apartment For Ties To Ricin Letters

Jessica Robinson — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:24:21 +0000

Federal agents in hazmat suits and SWAT gear searched a Spokane apartment Saturday morning. They were looking for evidence connected to a pair of ricin-laced letters sent through the mail. The letters were addressed to a federal judge in Spokane and to the post office itself.

CIA Disappears From List Of Federal Agencies With Fictitious Washington Licenses

Austin Jenkins — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:14:15 +0000

Washington’s Department of Licensing has released a list of federal agencies that have received fictitious driver licenses for undercover operations. But the list made public Friday does not include the Central Intelligence Agency – even though the state agency previously acknowledged its work with CIA.

Authorities Search For Person Who Sent Ricin-Laced Letters

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:40:42 +0000

The FBI is trying to find the person who sent two threatening letters containing deadly ricin in Spokane. One of the letters was addressed to a federal judge.

It's back to work-as-usual at Spokane’s historic Post Office after the two letters made it into the mailstream here. Police say the discovery prompted an evacuation. Authorities don't believe any workers were exposed to the highly toxic substance, but they are remaining tight-lipped about the case.

Representatives from the FBI and local police declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

Marijuana Draft Rules Already Face Opposition

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:10:50 +0000

Washington’s proposed marijuana rules aren’t even 24-hours old. But already critics are finding things not to like. The 46-pages of draft regulations were released Thursday and cover everything from where marijuana can be grown to the criminal backgrounds of license applicants. But it’s the section on marijuana concentrates that’s getting some negative buzz.

Boise Man Arrested On Terrorism Charges

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:22:05 +0000

Federal agents arrested a man in Idaho Thursday suspected of conspiring to support a terrorist organization in Central Asia. Thirty-year-old Fazliddin Kurbanov is from Uzbekistan and lives in Boise.

Two federal grand juries – one in Idaho and one in Utah – handed down a total of four terrorism-related charges against Kurbanov. Federal authorities say he attempted to help the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan with money and computer software between August 2012 and May 2013. The U.S. government designates that group as a foreign terrorist organization.

Draft Pot Rules Do Not Cap Grow Sizes Or Number Of Licenses

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:43:12 +0000

Washington’s Liquor Control Board has published 46-pages of proposed rules for the state’s new recreational marijuana market. But the regulations released Thursday are largely silent on two major issues: the number of business licenses that will be allowed and the size of marijuana grow operations.

The draft rules address marijuana producers, processors and retailers. On the production side, the Liquor Control Board proposes to ban outdoor marijuana grows. Pot would have to be grown within a fully enclosed secure indoor facility or greenhouse.

Washington Florist Sues State, Says She 'Will Not Wilt'

Anna King — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:24:41 +0000

There’s a new development in the case of a Richland, Wash. florist who refused to sell flowers for a same sex couple’s wedding. The business owner’s lawyers announced a counter suit Thursday saying the florist “will not wilt.”

The owner of Arlene’s Flowers argues there are plenty of other shops in the Tri-Cities that could cater to a gay or lesbian wedding. But lawyers for Barronelle Stutzman say she’s refusing that business because of her religious beliefs.

Washington Issues Proposed Marijuana Rules

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:34:24 +0000

Washington’s Liquor Control Board has issued 46-pages of proposed rules for the new, legal recreational marijuana market. They cover everything from product labeling requirements to whether someone who’s been in trouble with the law can get a license to grow, process or sell marijuana.

Increased Corporate Tax Collections Could Trigger Oregon's Kicker Rebate

Chris Lehman — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:22:57 +0000

Better-than-expected tax collections could trigger Oregon's unique kicker law, at least for corporations. The rebate is issued if revenues exceed initial projections by more than two percent. A newly released revenue forecast noted Thursday that business taxes have been robust enough to cross that threshold.

But state economist Mark McMullen says a final tally won't be made until later this year. "We believe that a kicker is better than a 50-50 shot. But not a sure thing. That came with a big surge in corporate taxes at the beginning of the year."

State Economist: Oregon's Growth Rate Improving

Chris Lehman — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:11:46 +0000

Oregon's economic outlook is looking brighter. That's according to state economists, who issued their quarterly revenue forecast Thursday. The news comes as lawmakers get ready to put together the state's next two-year spending plan.

The slow and steady improvement is still steady, just not quite as slow. The overall growth rate is still a bit behind past expansions, but state economist Mark McMullen says some of the factors holding back Oregon's economy are looking better, such as jobs and the housing market.