Seattle Police Ramp Up Security, Gun Control Advocates Ready Proposal – Northwest News Roundup April 15 Afternoon

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

Seattle Police Beef Up Security in Wake of Boston Marathon Bombing

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle police say they're stepping up patrols in neighborhoods and around buildings and other facilities after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Sgt. Sean Whitcomb says there's no information to indicate a threat to Seattle but officers are taking reasonable precautions to protect the community.

He says Seattle residents may see an increased police presence. The department is asking the public to report suspicious activity.

WA Gun Control Group Readies Proposal of Congressional Restrictions Fail

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Supporters of gun control in Washington state are preparing to launch an initiative campaign to expand background checks if a similar proposal fails to pass Congress.

Christian Sinderman with the group Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility said Monday that organizers haven't decided whether the initiative would take place this year or next year. The group is engaged in discussions and plans to make a decision by the end of this month.

Gun buyers must undergo background checks when they purchase a weapon from a federally licensed firearms dealer. A bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate would expand that to cover transactions at gun shows and the Internet.

Washington state lawmakers considered a similar plan to expand background checks earlier this year, but the measure failed to get enough votes to pass the state House.

Could Beer and Wine Be Coming to Washington State Movie Theaters?

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state House has passed a pair of bills to make it easier for certain businesses to serve alcohol.

Both measures were passed Monday with strong bipartisan support.

One bill would permit theaters to sell wine and beer to patrons 21 and over. It would also allow small venues that serve food to sell hard alcohol. The other measure would allow day spas to offer clients a free glass of wine or beer.

Different versions of both bills were previously passed by the Senate, so the House bills will be returned to the upper chamber to consider the changes.

The bill action comes as the Legislature grapples with how and whether to react to a recent string of high-profile drunken driving incidents.

Oregon Men Hurt by Homemade Explosive Device

ONTARIO, Ore. (AP) — Authorities in Eastern Oregon say two men suffered extensive injuries when a homemade explosive device detonated last night. The Ontario Argus Observer reports a third person brought the two to the hospital, touching off a scare that explosives were in the vehicle. None were found.