Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Soap Lake finance director, attorney resign
SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake received two resignation letters, one from Finance Director Jeff Balentine and o…
Last bill sponsored by Warnick signed into law
YAKIMA — The final bill sponsored by longtime 13th District Senator Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson Friday. The legislatio…
Mattawa residents may vote on sales tax increase for transportation
MATTAWA — Mattawa residents could be voting on a proposal to raise the sales tax for its Transportation Benefit District in November. Mattawa City Council memb…
Governor signs two of Dent’s bills
OLYMPIA — A bill to extend a successful wildfire program sponsored by 13th District Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferg…
Report: Washington has one of the 'worst-performing and least cost-effective highway systems'
(The Center Square) — The Reason Foundation’s 29th Annual Highway Report ranked Washington state dead last in three categories, suggesting that taxpayers spend…
Kit home bill would pave the way for small DIY housing
OLYMPIA — A bill passed in the Washington Legislature and signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson this year could mean some new options for housing in the state in the fut…
The WA 2026 legislative session ends, but not without a fight
OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers adjourned Thursday, March 12, concluding the 2026 legislative session, defined by another multibillion-dollar budget deficit and…
WA Dems push through $2B spending increase in final hours of legislative session
(The Center Square) – In the final hours of the legislative session, state lawmakers passed budgets on Thursday to fill a multi-billion-dollar hole with new ta…
WA House approves 'millionaires tax’
OLYMPIA — After a grueling 25 hours of debate, a bill taxing households earning more than $1 million a year advanced the Washington House on Tuesday, March 10,…
State Senator Judy Warnick announces retirement
MOSES LAKE — State Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, has announced her retirement from the Washington Legislature at the end of her term in January 2027. Wa…
Law enforcement face coverings ban moves forward in Olympia
OLYMPIA — Washington’s state House advanced a bill Tuesday, March 3, that prohibits law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from covering their fac…
WA Lawmakers pass bill allowing removal of decertified sheriffs
OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers passed a controversial bill last week, strengthening eligibility requirements for sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders, wh…
Data center regulation stalls amid tech industry pushback
OLYMPIA — Democratic lawmakers' effort to regulate data centers failed to advance this short legislative session. House Bill 2515, spearheaded by Rep. Bet…
WA passes law outlining vaccine coverage
OLYMPIA — A move to shift vaccine recommendation authority away from the federal government to the state was successful this legislative session.
Domestic Workers Bill of Rights awaits governor’s signature
OLYMPIA — Domestic workers across Washington received a major win last week as House Bill 2355, known as the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, advanced through …