Here is the latest breaking news from the Associated Press and Newstalk 870 .

Brewers Protest Extending Tax to Microbreweries

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Brewers gathered at the Capitol to protest the permanent extension of a beer tax on large brewers that is extended to small brewers under a House budget proposal. Several state brewers spoke against the proposal at a public hearing today, before heading out to the Capitol steps, where about 100 people held a rally, carrying signs including "Give me beer or give me death" and "WA Beer (equals) WA Jobs."

Senate Passes Transportation Budget worth $8.7 Billion

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state Senate has passed an $8.7 billion transportation budget proposal that would allocate money for maintenance, infrastructure and existing large-scale projects such as the floating bridge across Lake Washington and replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel. The measure approved today also includes roughly $82 million for design work on the contentious Interstate 5 bridge replacement project over the Columbia River. Most of that money would be withheld until the Coast Guard decides whether to issue a key permit. The Coast Guard's decision is expected in September.

Seattle Bar Owner Fighting to Continue to Allow Patrons to Smoke Pot

 

SEATTLE (AP) — Jeff Call knew he was pushing the envelope when he started letting people use marijuana at his rum-and-pizza joint in Washington state. But he didn't quite know the extent of what he was in for. The governor's office asked state regulators do something about it, local authorities revoked his business license, and his insurance company dropped his liability policy. The developments threaten to sink Call's Stonegate Pizza in Tacoma even as he vows to fight. He says the Stonegate remains open.

Pocatello City Council Rejects Same-Sex Discrimination Ordinance

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — The Pocatello City Council in southeast Idaho has rejected an ordinance intended to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination.

The Idaho State Journal reports that Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad cast the deciding vote Thursday to break a 3-3 tie.

After voting against the ordinance, Blad ordered a May 9 work session for a new, modified anti-discrimination ordinance to be introduced at the June 6 council meeting.

Blad says the proposed ordinance has split the community and his goal now was to draft an ordinance most people could accept.

City attorney Kirk Bybee says the proposed ordinance that was rejected was modeled after anti-discrimination ordinances passed in Sandpoint, Boise and Moscow.

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