Central Washington University announced yesterday it has fired professor and state Rep. Matt Manweller (R-Ellensburg) following an investigation of alleged inappropriate behavior. Manweller said he intends to file a lawsuit against both the university and the investigator.“Let’s be clear: Central is not responding to allegations, they are manufacturing allegations,” Manweller said in a video. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

The race to be Cowlitz County’s next sheriff is sure to be a close one. Incumbent Mark Nelson leads challenger Brad Thurman 52 to 48 percent, and is up only 848 votes. Nelson said his office is “in a really good place right now.” His challenger, patrol Sgt. Brad Thurman, has criticized Nelson’s management style and said he’d like to see an increased focus on hiring patrol deputies and busting street-level crime. (Longview Daily News)

A Washington state judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by youth activists who argued the state is violating their rights by failing to protect them from climate change. King County Superior Court Judge Michael Scott said the issues in the case are political questions that must be addressed by the legislative and executive branches, not by a court. A similar previous lawsuit was also dismissed. (KIRO 7)

The state won’t allow Hanford officials to begin filling a tunnel holding radioactive waste with concrete-like grout before a public comment period ends. The federal Department of Energy had asked the state for a temporary authorization out of concern the tunnel may collapse, but the work won’t be allowed until the comment period ends. (Tri-City Herald)

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled a Yakama Nation cigarette manufacturer still owes $58 million in unpaid federal excise taxes, penalties and interest. “We affirm our longstanding rule that Indians – like all citizens – are subject to federal taxation unless expressly exempted by a treaty or congressional statute,” the appellate panel wrote in its opinion. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

Do you like The Morning Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].

If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Morning Briefing.