A Pacific Northwest state known for nature and policy experiments.
Economic data show consumer confidence has risen slightly but remains below last year’s levels as gas prices stay elevated amid the Iran war. Higher fuel costs and state tax increases are shaping spending, travel plans, and hiring expectations across the country.
President Trump has issued an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to compile lists of eligible voters and barring the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to anyone not on these lists. The order aims to restrict mail-in voting ahead of the November midterms but faces multiple legal challenges citing constitutional overreach and risks of voter disenfranchisement. The American Postal Workers Union has launched a campaign defending mail voting, emphasizing its safety and efficiency.
Kentucky's new football coach has implemented rigorous practice routines to rebuild the team after two losing seasons. He emphasizes speed, energy, and a strong culture focused on hard work, aiming to restore pride and competitiveness ahead of the upcoming season.
DNA testing has identified the remains of Kenneth, Barbara, and Barbie Martin from a car found in the Columbia River. The family disappeared in 1958 during a trip. Authorities have concluded their investigation with no evidence of foul play, closing a long-standing case today, Saturday, 18 April 2026.
A vehicle packed with propane tanks and pipe bombs has destroyed the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland after crashing into the lobby before dawn. The driver has died in the incident. Authorities say the club is closed and conducting a joint investigation with local and federal agencies; no members or staff have been injured.
A mid‑May winter storm has delivered heavy, wet snow across Colorado’s Front Range and mountains, easing drought concerns but leaving a longer‑term water outlook unchanged as utilities prep for outages and airports report delays. Forecasts show temperatures rebounding later this week.
The Ambition cruise ship outbreak, linked to hantavirus, has led authorities to allow many passengers to disembark as investigations continue. Dutch authorities report norovirus as a confirmed illness onboard, while CDC monitors the situation amid questions about patient outcomes and travel guidance.
Georgia’s 2026 primary is shaping up as a test of election integrity and technology, with tightened voter ID rules going into effect, a looming debate over voting-system reform, and candidates divided on how to handle 2020-era irregularities while preparing for a potential shift to hand-marked ballots by 2028.
A coalition of states and the federal government are clashing over anti-ICE measures and undercover enforcement rules. New York’s budget package tightens cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while other states and the DOJ have filed lawsuits or threatened legal action to defend or contest these policies.
An ICE agent, Christian Castro, has been arrested in Texas after Minnesota prosecutors charged him with four counts of second‑degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime related to the Jan. 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa‑Celis during Operation Metro Surge. The arrest follows earlier revelations that officers provided false information and the case is part of heightened scrutiny of federal agents’ conduct in Minnesota.
The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs have reached the NBA Finals, with Knicks coach Mike Brown on the cusp of his first championship after years as an assistant and head coach. He credits Gregg Popovich's mentorship and humor as shaping his approach.
The European Union has announced a substantial investment in ocean observation, positioning Europe at the forefront of marine monitoring as the United States proceeds with the dismantling of the Ocean Observatories Initiative. The NSF has begun a descope of the OOI, pulling instruments from multiple U.S. sites while the EU commits hundreds of millions to expand global ocean data networks.
Jesse Calhoun has been indicted on five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of abusing a corpse in connection with the deaths of five women in Oregon and Washington, prompting relatives to attend a Portland hearing where a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
The River Avon at Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Salisbury has been deemed unsafe for bathing after tests show sewage pollution from upstream works. The Environment Agency advised against swimming from May 28; the advisory remained until June 1 as residual contamination cleared. Wessex Water says the issue stems from a blocked sewer, with improvements planned, including near-real-time AI water monitors.
Former Oregon senator Bob Packwood has died at 93. His obituary notes a career defined by fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, but overshadowed by a 1993 ethics probe into sexual and official misconduct. He resigned in 1995 and later became a lobbyist; his legacy is marked by tax reform and controversy over his treatment of women.
CNBC reports on states competing for business through speed to market, infrastructure, and permitting reforms as they seek top rankings in a 2026 CNBC study. The piece also highlights governors' goals and how different states are positioning themselves for investment amid potential economic shifts.
The National Science Foundation has halted plans to remove or descale the Ocean Observatories Initiative, after lawmakers and scientists warned of risks to climate data, weather forecasts and coastal safety. An expert panel will assess future needs while equipment already removed will be redeployed. The move follows bipartisan pressure and a Senate bill to block decommissioning.
The latest heat events have intensified across Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Bay Area, with warnings of record temperatures and persistent nights. Officials urge cooling measures as authorities warn of health risks and structural stress.
In Birmingham, Briton Amy Hunt defends her British 100m title, beating Dina Asher-Smith amid a crowd-pleasing sprint duel. Romell Glave claims his first British 100m title with a late surge, beating Zharnel Hughes as faster times begin to define the season. The events highlight a rising American and Swiss contenders on the European stage.
The court has affirmed the conviction of Hannah Dugan for obstructing immigration proceedings. She has resigned from the Milwaukee County Circuit Court and faces up to five years in prison, though probation is likely. The case highlights disputes over immigration enforcement at courthouses under the Trump administration.
A 51-year-old man, Paul Kueker of Niantic, Connecticut, has died after falling from an elevated seating area inside Madison Square Garden during a Goose concert. Witnesses reported he appeared intoxicated before the fall. The band and venue are offering condolences and grief support, while investigators continue to determine the cause of death. The event prompted the band to proceed with a Central Park show and to coordinate support for fans affected by the tragedy.
Tripadvisor’s 2026 rankings highlight luxury hotels abroad while US residents face travel costs at home. Hawaii remains a premier gateway, Maui and the Big Island offer diverse experiences, and budget-conscious travelers seek value with subscription platforms.
Lab work shows CAR-T cells recognizing both glioblastoma cells and the immune-supporting macrophages can attack the tumour in a two-front approach. Researchers say this could reshape preclinical testing and speed therapies into clinical trials.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced he now opposes the death penalty, arguing it does not deter violent crime and should be abolished. The move comes as he leaves office and amid a broader, national re-evaluation of capital punishment. The governor cites data on declining death sentences, long delays, and the toll on victims’ families and state workers.
A mix of patient debt relief measures, state programs, and looming federal policy shifts are reshaping how Americans access care. New data show rising affordability concerns and the potential for more funding to cushion rural hospitals and emergency services.
The LA County DA has charged Carlos Mencia with 12 counts for failing to report personal and corporate taxes from 2019 to 2024, alleging more than $8.7 million in income and over $300,000 in unpaid taxes. Bail was reduced to $50,000 pending further proceedings; a first court appearance is scheduled.
The Reflecting Pool renovation has exposed persistent problems after a $14.8 million upgrade. Algae blooms and peeling blue coating persist as authorities investigate possible vandalism and operational issues. Nano-bubble ozone tech and hydrogen peroxide are being deployed to address algae while investigators review security and contracting decisions.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
Miller has had misdemeanor drug charges dismissed in Fremont County after authorities cited new information; he has pleaded not guilty to possession of psilocybin mushrooms and his attorney says he did not have drugs on him at the time of arrest. A related active case is cited, with no details released.
Bending Spoons has begun trading on Nasdaq with a valuation around $25.5-25.7 billion and raised about $1.68 billion. The Milan-based group acquires and rebuilds aging digital brands such as Eventbrite, Evernote, Meetup and AOL, then holds them to drive growth through AI-enabled features, pricing, and tighter operations. Revenue in Q1 2026 reached $601 million with $27.5 million net income as it scales its portfolio and expands its multi-brand strategy.
The Walmart heir Lukas Walton and his wife have acquired a minority stake in the Chicago Bulls and the United Center, with the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families retaining controlling ownership. The deal values and stake size were not disclosed, but reports indicate a roughly 10% share for the Waltons. The transaction includes part of the United Center, home to the Bulls and the Blackhawks, and follows previous private equity moves into NBA teams.
The Reflecting Pool renovation is under renewed scrutiny as allegations of vandalism surface, algaes blooms persist, and multiple arrests are reported in connection with the project. Officials say new damage has been documented and contractors are facing questions about contracts and transparency ahead of the 250th anniversary.
Solar generation has surpassed coal in the US grid, led by rooftop and utility-scale projects, signaling a growing dominance of renewables. The Energy Information Administration data show renewables outpacing coal in total power delivery, with solar near the gap but not yet yearly total. The trend continues as demand climbs and permitting hurdles persist.
The FDA has classified Utz’s recall of Zapp’s and Dirty chips as Class 1, indicating a serious health risk. The recall covers several product lines with best-by dates July 27–August 31, 2026. Utz first issued the recall in April after a third-party dry milk powder seasoning ingredient was flagged as a possible Salmonella source; thus far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard affected chips or seek refunds.
The latest from major studios shows a blend of high-profile talent and innovative storytelling as Minions & Monsters charts a path through 1920s Hollywood. The project explores non-verbal storytelling and behind-the-scenes animation work, while a star-studded cast positions the film for global release.
Kelsey Pfendler has completed a solo row from California to Hawaii, finishing in under 44 days and setting records as the first American woman, youngest woman and fastest to complete the journey unassisted. Supporters greeted her upon arrival in Honolulu after a 2,400+ mile transit, with extensive social-media documentation of the voyage.
A Goodwill thrift find has become a blockbuster auction story. Quinn Brown, 19, bought Wilt Chamberlain’s warm-up jacket for $3.07. Sotheby’s authenticated it via SIA Photo Match, linking it to the 1972 NBA Finals. The jacket’s story has sparked a debate on the booming second-hand market as it could reach up to $250,000 at auction.
Consumer Reports has named Sam’s Club’s rotisserie chicken the top overall pick among 10 chains, praising flavor, seasoning and juiciness. Costco’s bird is praised for plumpness but criticized for seasoning inconsistency. The test found no PFAS and noted several birds weighed more than listed on packaging.
Donald Trump has used Mount Rushmore addresses to frame communism as a mortal threat while casting progressive Democrats as a broader political risk, as the US marks its 250th anniversary amid heat waves and large-scale political events.