Northwest News

A tragedy in Wenatchee, Wash., is prompting educators there to bring back a high school aquatics program. Starting this fall, high school freshmen in the central Washington city will have to demonstrate they know how to swim.

Formal swimming lessons in Wenatchee had gone by the wayside, as is frequently the case lately in public schools. But the Wenatchee school board is now reversing course.

In November 2011, a freshman named Antonio Reyes drowned in the high school swimming pool.

Pressure is mounting on Washington state lawmakers to approve a gas tax increase to fund road projects. Backers of the 10-cents-per-gallon proposal rallied at the state Capitol Monday. They’re pushing for a vote during the current 30-day overtime session.

The scene on the steps of the Capitol featured hardhats, signs and the chant “Pass it now. Pass it now.”

The University of Oregon softball team is going to the “NCAA Super Regional” after winning the Regional final Saturday in Eugene. The Ducks defeated Big 10 Conference Champions Wisconsin. KLCC's Jes Burns has more.

A key Oregon state lawmaker could return to the capitol as early as this week. Democratic Senator Betsy Johnson broke her pelvis in a car accident last month. Her absence has delayed some potentially close votes. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.