Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The parents of a missing Utah mother pushed Friday for changes in Washington state laws on custody cases, saying proposed legislation might have prevented the killing of their two grandchildren.

SEATTLE -- So far, no one is suggesting checkpoints or fences to keep Washington state's legal pot within its borders.

But Gov. Jay Inslee insists there are ways to prevent the bulk smuggling of the state's newest cash crop into the black market, including digitally tracking weed to ensure that it goes from where it is grown to the stores where it is sold.

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — Steve Hamill first ventured into the backcountry three years ago, drawn by a desire to be in the woods during the winter. But it was an unnerving encounter with a small avalanche that eventually drove the 52-year-old clinical engineer to a three-day course this month to learn how to survive in avalanche terrain.

Hamill is among a growing number of people seeking solitude, untouched powder and outdoor thrills.

SEATTLE — Jason Washburn scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half, Brandon Taylor added a career-high 19 off the bench and Utah won its first Pac-12 road game in two seasons as a member of the conference with a stunning 74-65 win over Washington on Saturday night.

The Utes (9-9, 1-5 Pac-12) were winless in conference play this season and having last won a Pac-12 game on Feb. 25, 2012 against Stanford, used hot shooting and a smart defensive plan to take down the Huskies and hand Washington its first conference loss. Washington was trying to start 5-0 in conference play for the first time since 1984.

SEATTLE — The U.S. Army said Wednesday it will seek the death penalty against the soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers in a predawn rampage in March, a decision his lawyer called “totally irresponsible.”

SEATTLE -- Same-sex couples in Washington state began reciting wedding vows at events across the state Sunday, on the first day they could marry after the state's gay marriage law took effect.