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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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News >  Washington

Dual language education is one step closer to becoming a WA law

Mar. 6—OLYMPIA — Aidé Villalobos starts her mornings by greeting third graders in Spanish as they walk into her classroom. Posters on the walls are in Spanish and English, helping students practice multiplication tables, read poems, sing songs and do science experiments in both languages. Dual language programs, like the one Villalobos teaches in rural Mason County, provide Washington's K-5 ...
News >  Washington

WA to train public defenders, prosecutors for rural, underserved areas

Mar. 6—Washington lawmakers took an initial step to buttress the state's beleaguered criminal legal system last week, passing a bill to help recruit and train more attorneys for crucial jobs in public defense and prosecution. Although attorney shortages and funding woes will likely continue to plague communities across Washington until broader solutions are brought to bear, Senate Bill 5780 ...
News >  WA Government

Washington state likely to give public school districts more money for special education

State senators unanimously advanced a proposed law that would increase the cap on the percentage of a district’s student body that receives state funding for special education support services, including instructional teacher’s aides and speech therapy. Both chambers of the state Legislature fully supported upping the per-district maximum from 15% to 17.25%. 
News >  WA Government

Bill to require Washington courts to try minors based on their age at the time of the crime awaits Inslee’s signature

In Washington, the court a defendant gets tried in is determined by the age they were when charges were filed. This means a handful of days can make or break the difference between a future of hardship and a second chance. A bill passed by the Washington Legislature this week would change state law to require defendants be tried in the court corresponding to the age they were when they allegedly committed a crime. If Gov. Jay Inslee signs it, the bill will become law.
News >  WA Government

Initiative that would give Washington cops more legal leeway in vehicular pursuits draws public debate

Last year, more than 400,000 Washingtonians signed a ballot measure that would overturn the state law preventing an officer from embarking on a car chase unless they have “reasonable suspicion” a person has committed certain crimes, such as a violent offense or driving while drunk or high on drugs. Supporters of Initiative 2113 argue the current law on the books prevents police from doing their jobs to catch suspected criminals and keep communities safe. Those opposed to the initiative argue police chases are dangerous for everyone involved and that criminals aren’t deterred by them.