Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced that she filed a petition with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration asking the agency to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug, which will allow its use for treatment, as prescribed by doctors and filled by pharmacists. The view expressed in the petition is backed by the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the Washington State Medical Association, and the Washington State Pharmacy. The petition includes a substantive science-based report that has been peer reviewed and cites more than 700 independent references, many of which are new science since 2006. It details non-smoking methods, and describes how recent scientific developments like affordable DNA analysis supports the pharmacy model. To read the petition, click here.

Monica Bottelberghe pools her success.

Anthony Chamberlain wants Parker Henry to get a ring.

John Langolf is on the road again.

Durk Irwin gets it straight.

The Clark County Canvassing Board met at 3:30 p.m. yesterday to certify the results of the Nov. 8 general election. A recount of ballots for the office of City Council, Position No. 2, City of Washougal and City Council, Position No. 7, City of Woodland, was scheduled by the board for Monday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m. The recount of ballots in this race will continue until complete. Recount results will also be on the County Auditor’s internet Web site at http://www.clark.wa.gov/elections/results/index.html. For more details, contact Susan Hopper at susan.hopper@clark.wa.gov or 360-397-2345, or visit
clarkvotes.org.

Drivers on both directions of I-5 and I-205 near Salmon Creek can expect nighttime lane and ramp closures on both routes starting tonight, Nov. 30, and continuing through Friday, Dec. 2. Drivers should expect delays and consider taking alternate routes as crews work to repair pavement that was damaged during last week’s downpour. WSDOT will fully close the northbound I-205 off-ramp to N.E. 134th St. from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. tonight. Local traffic and drivers heading to Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital should exit I-5 at N.E. 179th St. and follow a signed detour. Crews will also close lanes on both directions of mainline I-5 and I-205 between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Driivers can stay informed by visiting WSDOT’s travel alerts and construction update Web pages.