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.…
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…
Utilities required to strengthen fire mitigation plans under WA law
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has unanimously passed House Bill 1522, a measure designed to bolster the wildfire mitigation strategies of investor…
Wins and losses: WA legislative leaders share takeaways on this year's session
(The Center Square) – Three days after sine die, caucus leaders from both sides of the aisle in the Washington State Legislature are reflecting on wins and los…
New legislation updates laws for working minors in WA
DUPONT— Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed Senate Bill 1644 into law, establishing enhanced safety and health regulations for minors employ…
WA Legislature passes Rainier School closure bill that includes new transition plans
(The Center Square) – Outside of budget negotiations, one of the bills that dominated Washington state lawmakers' attention during the 2025 legislative session…
Candidate filing period scheduled for next week
EPHRATA — Twelve cities in Grant County will be electing mayors in 2025, city council and school board seats will be on the ballot, along with other jobs such …
Bill revises rules for police, fire state retirement plan
OLYMPIA — The Washington Legislature has approved revisions to state law that will make it easier for law enforcement officers and firefighters in one tier of …
WIAA votes against trans athlete policy changes
RENTON – The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association completed a vote on several different amendments, including two regarding transgender athletes. …
Three bills for rural communities pass the legislature, signed by governor
OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson signed 35 bills into law Monday including three pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake. Dent’s bills includ…
WA House Finance Committee gives do-pass recommendation to three tax bills
(The Center Square) – With the session winding down, the House Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced three tax bills out of executive session, giving them a do…
Hands Off protest held in Moses Lake on Saturday
MOSES LAKE – Around 120 people gathered near Walgreens Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration for a “Hands Off” protest, according t…
Moses Lake council votes to end support of sleep center
MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will end its support of the Open Doors sleep center June 30. Moses Lake City Council members made the decision in a unanimo…
‘The budget blackout continues’: WA GOP frustrated by Dems’ tax hike proposals
(The Center Square) – With just 10 days remaining in session, majority party Democrats in the Washington State Legislature have yet to reveal their final budge…
Soap Lake City Council downsizes itself
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council made a decision regarding council size after three meetings of deliberation. Four council members voted in favor of down…