Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Mayor Peter Sharp takes oath of office
SOAP LAKE – Grant County Commissioner Kevin Burgess adminstered the oath of office to Mayor Peter Sharp Wednesday.…
‘Largest tax increase in state history’
(The Center Square) – Gov. Bob Ferguson rejected a wealth tax from fellow Democrats this session and repeatedly said he would look for budget savings, but on T…
New Washington law directs $100M in grants toward hiring police, improving public safety
OLYMPIA — On his first day, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson angered many Democratic lawmakers by demanding the Legislature put $100 million in the next state budg…
Permit-to-purchase gun bill signed into law by Gov. Ferguson
(The Center Square) – Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial bill requiring Washingtonians to apply for a permit – and pay for it – befor…
Washington will pay unemployment benefits to striking workers
OLYMPIA — Labor advocates scored a win on Monday after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a new law to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers in Washington. …
Spokane Tech Hub must reapply for $48M grant under Trump's new criteria
(The Center Square) – A Spokane-based aerospace manufacturer must reapply for $48 million in funding after the Trump administration announced changes to the gr…
Littering fines, plastic bag prices to increase this summer
OLYMPIA — In Washington, customers will begin to pay more for plastic bags, and those who choose to litter will be facing high fines after Gov. Bob Ferguson si…
Gov. proclaims support for WA veterans
MOSES LAKE – Gov. Bob Ferguson recently signed a proclamation reaffirming Washington’s commitment to veteran suicide prevention. The proclamation comes amidst …
Primary races coming for Adams County offices
RITZVILLE — The job of the Lind mayor and three Lind Town Council seats will be on the primary ballot, and Othello will have at least two new city council memb…
Ferguson signs animal cruelty bill
OLYMPIA — In a step toward enhancing animal welfare, the Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1149, an act aimed at the prevention of cruelty to …
Secondary filing period for office set for midsummer
EPHRATA—Some elective offices in Grant County did not attract candidates during the filing period last week, so a second chance to file is scheduled for midsum…
Grant Co. primary election ballots set after filing last week
EPHRATA — All three open seats on the Quincy City Council will be on the primary ballot, along with the Grand Coulee mayor’s job and one seat on the Soap Lake …
Othello receives $1 million capital budget allocation for water reuse facility
OTHELLO — The city of Othello will receive about $1 million from the Washington Senate capital budget for a long-running project for water aquifer storage and …
U.S. Justice Dept. to investigate new WA law requiring clergy to report child abuse
(The Center Square) – Just three days after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law a bill requiring religious leaders in Washington state to report child abuse or n…
WA wildlife crop damage law signed
OLYMPIA – In a move to support farmers in less densely populated areas, the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5165, which aims to pro…
New law provides protection for hot car rescues
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1046, which grants immunity from civil liability for those who forcibly enter a locked vehicle…