McMorris Rodgers appointed chair of Energy and Commerce Committee
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 10 months AGO
McMorris Rodgers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, has been named to head the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee in the new Republican-controlled House.
“Trust and confidence in representative government is broken,” McMorris Rodgers said in a statement issued late Tuesday. “The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the center of solving the most important issues facing hard-working Americans — lowering costs, promoting free speech, and preserving free markets.”
The 33-member committee oversees federal agencies responsible for regulating a vast portion of U.S. economic activity from phone and internet providers, the production of hydroelectric power, environmental regulations and consumer protection laws.
“Serving as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee is a great honor with great responsibility. I am grateful to my colleagues for placing their trust in me to lead on behalf of Eastern Washington and the entire country,” she added. “Let’s get to work.”
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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.