Ban on police face coverings pitched ahead of WA’s 2026 legislative session
California in September became the first state to ban law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings, in response to immigration raids where federal agents wore masks. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state over the prohibition last month. Democratic lawmakers here in Washington are now planning similar legislation. Washington’s proposal, spearheaded by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, and Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett, resembles California’s law. The Trump administration says the California policy jeopardizes the safety of federal officers, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and is unconstitutional because it tries to regulate federal activities.
Pope Leo XIV gets into Christmas spirit with prayer for peace at Spanish Steps
ROME — Pope Leo XIV got into the Christmas spirit Monday by taking part in a very Roman papal tradition: praying for peace at a statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps on the Dec. 8 feast day that kicks off the Christmas season. Leo greeted thousands of well-wishers who braved the cold to watch the American pope on his inaugural outing to the statue. They were treated to a popemobile romp through Rome's historic center, which has been decked out for the start of the holiday shopping season. The pope got a special honor from the association of shop owners of the Via Condotti, the chic shopping street that extends from the Spanish Steps and features such brands as Bulgari, Hermes and Prada.
Newhouse to retire from Congress
WASHINGTON D.C. — Fourth District Representative Dan Newhouse has announced he will not seek reelection to the US Congress in 2026. The announcement was made Wednesday. “This decision comes with no reservations or remorse, only gratitude for the tremendous opportunity to have represented my home state in Congress,” the statement said.
The Latest: US strikes Venezuela, captures Maduro and his wife
WASHINGTON D.C. — The United States hit Venezuela with a “large-scale strike” early Saturday and said President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington. President Donald Trump insisted the U.S. government would run the country at least temporarily and was already doing so.
Protesters express frustrations regarding ICE, Venezuela Saturday
MOSES LAKE — Area residents gathered on Stratford Road in Moses Lake to protest the recent deaths of Renee Nicole Good, 37, of Minneapolis and Kieth Porter, 43, of Los Angeles. Both incidents involved Immigration Customs Enforcement agents. They also expressed frustration regarding the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
WA Legislature considering face mask bans for law enforcement
OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to ban local and federal law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public.
Seahawks advance to Super Bowl with thrilling 31-27 win over Rams in NFC title game
SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold was cast aside by the New York Jets, who drafted him No. 3 overall in 2018. The Minnesota Vikings didn't bring him back after he led them to a 14-3 season but flopped in the playoffs. Now, in his first season with the Seattle Seahawks, he's Super Bowl-bound.
Robert Carradine, 'Revenge of the Nerds' and 'Lizzie McGuire' star, dies at 71
Actor Robert Carradine has died at 71. His family says he died by suicide. In a statement shared on Tuesday, his family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades. His brother Keith Carradine says there is no shame in mental illness. Carradine works for more than 40 years in film and TV. He appeared in "Bonanza," "The Cowboys," and films like "Mean Streets" and "Coming Home." His biggest hit comes in 1984 as nerd leader Lewis Skolnick in "Revenge of the Nerds." He also plays Lizzie McGuire's dad. He leaves three children.
Army takes custody of Gorge shooting suspect
MOSES LAKE — The Army has taken custody of the soldier accused of killing two people and injuring several others during the 2023 Beyond Wonderland music festival shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre and has now charged him under military law.
UPDATED: Former Moses Lake doctor arrested after shootout with U.S. Marshals in Florida
STUART, Fla. — Former Moses Lake surgeon Thomas Earl Steffens, 72, has been arrested in Florida after an altercation with U.S. Marshals who were serving a sexual assault warrant during a traffic stop March 2.
