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.…
Soap Lake council appoints Arnold to vacancy
SOAP LAKE – At the April 16 Soap Lake City Council meeting the council appointed Andrew Arnold to fill seat six. One open seat remains on the council. Arno…
WA ranks 34th of 50 states in ALEC's 'Rich States, Poor States' report
(The Center Square) – Washington remained in the lower half of U.S. states in terms of economic outlook, according to a Tuesday – Tax Day – report from the con…
Bill to electronically track sexually violent predators in WA signed into law
(The Center Square) – A bipartisan bill to keep communities in Washington state safe from sexually violent predators has been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Challenges of homelessness prompting debate in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — The challenges around homelessness in Grant County and the Open Doors Sleep Center in Moses Lake, and how to address them, prompted the same react…
State treasurer visits Ephrata, discusses WA financial health
EPHRATA – Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti visited the Ephrata Rotary Club Tuesday to discuss his role and the financial health of the state. He sa…
Soap Lake City Council still seeking to fill two seats
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council is actively seeking candidates to fill two open council positions. "Participating in city council is not just about…
Ferguson signed 23 bills into law this week
OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed 24 bills into law in the past week. The bills change laws covering issues from suicide prevention to educatio…
Critics warn WA bill could raise gas prices by 40 cents by 2031
(The Center Square) – The Senate Ways & Means Committee voted to advance a bill revising Washington state’s Clean Fuel Standard law amid concerns among critics…
Teens discuss Constitution in American Legion event
EPHRATA — Sixteen Washington students demonstrated their speaking skills March 29, according to an announcement from American Legion Art Semro Post 28 in Ephra…
Discover Pass fee increase considered by WA legislature
OLYMPIA —Washington State Senate Bill 5390, which proposes to increase the cost of the Discover Pass and day-use permits, was the subject of discussion during …
Basin residents protest Trump policies in Ephrata
EPHRATA – A group of between 75 and 80 people gathered in front of Sun Basin Plaza in downtown Ephrata Saturday from a little before 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. to p…
City of Ephrata considering logo options
EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council is reviewing options for a logo for the city which could be used for marketing and other purposes and discussed how to move …
Rent stabilization bill makes progress in Olympia
OLYMPIA — A Washington bill to limit residential rate increases may have a shot at passing this year, according to its primary sponsor, state Sen. Emily Alvara…
Soap Lake council debates downsizing itself
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council voted for the second time to postpone action on changing the number of city council members at Wednesday’s meeting. …
Odessa groundwater funding in proposed Senate budget
OLYMPIA — A funding request for a section of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project has been added to the proposed Senate capital budget. If it’s included …