Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
If voters decide to allow WA Cares op-out, will the state refund tax collections?
(The Center Square) – More than nine months since Washington state workers started paying into the state-mandated …
WA's ban on high-capacity magazines ruled unconstitutional
(The Center Square)/OLYMPIA – A judge in Cowlitz County briefly handed a victory to gun rights supporters in Washington before the state's highest court said n…
Port of Moses Lake names new director
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake has selected Dan Roach as its new executive director, port commissioners said at their meeting Monday.
Ybarra sees wins, disappointments in 2024 legislative session
OLYMPIA — Washington state Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, who represents the 13th legislative district, said there are a lot of things that went well during the s…
Bills combating fentanyl, opioid addiction in Washington state made law
OLYMPIA/(The Center Square) – Washington state now has more tools to deal with fentanyl addiction in the form of a pair of bills sponsored by Rep. Gina Mosbruc…
Quincy regional parks district board in process of formation
QUINCY — Selecting board members will be the next step in the formation of the Quincy Valley Regional Parks District. Quincy City Council members approved an i…
Commerce invests nearly $20M into affordable housing
OLYMPIA — The Department of Commerce this week announced $19.8 million in awards to 31 applicants to preserve 873 affordable housing units through the Housing Preservation Program. These projects provide critically…
Abell announces candidacy for Washington House
INCHELIUM — Hunter Abell, of Inchelium, has announced his candidacy for the state House of Representatives, according to an announcement from Abell Thursday.
New WA law caps cost of inhalers, EpiPens
OLYMPIA — A bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee Monday will limit the cost of some lifesaving medicines, according to an announcement from Rep. Dave Zpaul, D-Oak Harbor, the bill’s sponsor.
Firearm theft reporting now mandatory in WA
OLYMPIA — Gun safety legislation requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms has been signed into law as of Tuesday. The new law passed through the Wash…
WA passes bills to fight addiction in tribal communities
OLYMPIA- The Washington State Legislature passed a package of bills that aims to promote health equity across the state.
New law expands property tax exemption
OLYMPIA — Property tax regulations will be changed to extend the exemptions for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners under the provisions of a bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this week. Hou…
Inslee signs bill creating stricter penalties for animal cruelty
OLYMPIA — Washington House Bill 1961, aimed at deterring acts of animal cruelty through increased criminal penalties for perpetrators, has been signed into law…
Inslee signs water rights bill
OLYMPIA — According to an announcement from the Columbia Basin Development League, CBDL, in collaboration with the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Qui…
Property crimes such as vandalism may qualify as hate crimes in WA
OLYMPIA – Some property crimes now can be classed as hate crimes if they are racially motivated or if they target other marginalized communities. Sen. Andy …
Governor signs bills supporting firefighters
OLYMPIA- Gov. Jay Inslee signs two bills that aid in honoring deceased firefighters and assist in firefighter training. The two bills, House Bill 2091, and Hou…