KWSO News 2/12/19

WASHINGTON (AP) — Details of an agreement congressional negotiators have reached to prevent another partial government shutdown are expected to be released Tuesday. Republicans were desperate to avoid another shutdown and tentatively agreed late Monday to far less money for President Donald Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall project than the $5.7 billion he wanted, settling for about $1.4 billion. The pact includes increases for advanced screening at border entry points and humanitarian aid Democrats wanted.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s housing finance agency presented an ambitious plan Monday to attack homelessness, while battle lines were being drawn over a bill that would open neighborhoods zoned for single-family houses to higher density dwellings. The bill would require cities and counties to allow duplexes and some higher-density housing in lands zoned for single-family dwellings.

Winter snowstorms were pummeling the Northwest again Monday as a larger weather system wreaked havoc in Washington and even brought snow to Hawaii. Seattle’s metro area had already been hit by three snow storms this month and the National Weather Service reports that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has received 20.2 inches (51 centimeters) of snow so far in February, the snowiest month in more than 50 years. And as far away as Northern California, Humboldt County beaches that have not had snow in more than 15 years received a dusting and blizzard conditions caused whiteouts on mountain roads.

The National Federation of State High School Associations Football Rules Committee recommended seven rule revisions in January. In an effort to establish a more consistent time period between downs in high school football, the play clock will start at 40 seconds instead of 25 seconds in many cases beginning with the 2019 season. Another significant change approved by the committee was the addition of a note to Rule 1-3-7 to permit state associations to create instant-replay procedures for state postseason contests only. Changes aimed at reducing the risk of injury in high school football included – prohibiting tripping of the runner and expanding the “horse-collar” foul to include the name-plate area, directly below the back collar. And, staring in the 2019 season there will be a reduction in the penalty for illegally kicking or batting the ball from 15 yards to 10 yards. A complete listing of the football rules changes are available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org.

I-84 was closed in both directions following an early morning crash involving three trucks. ODOT reports two trailers were on their side and both the westbound and eastbound lanes were closed. Eastbound traffic was closed at exit 17 in Troutdale and the westbound lanes closed near milepost 23, the scene of the crash. The crash happened sometime after midnight and crews have been working to right the trailers and re-open the road. ODOT says drivers should expect lengthy delays during their morning commute or plan an alternate route.