Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Sheriff candidates discuss state of Grant County Sheriff's Office
EPHRATA — Three candidates are vying for the position of Grant County Sheriff in the primary election: incumbent J…
Chances for legislative cooperation slowly improving, legislators say
EPHRATA — Making progress in the Washington Legislature requires cooperation between Democrats and Republicans, and there some signs that more legislators are getting more interested in cooperating. That was one of…
EPHRATA MAYOR: Oliver vs. Reim
EPHRATA – Two candidates are running for the job of Ephrata Mayor, Steve Oliver and incumbent Bruce Reim. Both were sent identical questions, with a 150-word l…
Washington’s minimum wage to top $17 in 2026
OLYMPIA — Washington state’s minimum wage will surpass $17 per hour in 2026. It will rise 2.8% to $17.13 per hour, starting Jan. 1, the state Department of …
Othello candidate forum Oct. 7
OTHELLO — Othello-area voters will get a chance to listen to candidates for local offices at a forum Oct. 7 at The Showhouse, 130 N. Broadway Ave., Othello. Sh…
Local legislators to present at Ephrata City Council
EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council is set to host an open house featuring a state senator and two state representatives, all local Republicans, on Oct. 1.
MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL: Martinez vs. Davis
MOSES LAKE — Jeremy Davis is challenging incumbent Deanna Martinez for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. Both candidates were sent identical questions…
QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 2: Spence vs. Madera
QUINCY — Incumbent Jeff Spence and challenger Rob Madera are running for Position 2 on the Quincy City Council. Both candidates were provided with identical qu…
Changes to Medicaid spark controversy, confusion
MOSES LAKE — New requirements for applicants and recipients of Medicaid, scheduled to go into effect in 2027, have caused confusion and controversy. Who qualif…
QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 4 Q&A: Royer vs. Esparza
QUINCY — Andrew Royer, the incumbent, and Rey Esparza are running for Position 4 on the Quincy City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical quest…
Dueling narratives over impacts of 'Big Beautiful Bill' on WA health care system
(The Center Square) – State Democrat officials continue to push a narrative that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will harm the state’s health care system, while…
South Grant Co. forum examines challenges, opportunities
MATTAWA — Improvements to state Route 243, more options for solid waste disposal, increased housing in southern Grant County, and more apprenticeship and job o…
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah college event
OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in an a…
Mattawa clinic puts levy proposal on November ballot
MATTAWA — Grant County Hospital District 5, also known as the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic, is asking voters to consider a proposal to change the amount of…
OTHELLO CITY COUNCIL POSITION 1 Q&A: Dorow vs. Camp
OTHELLO — Incumbent Genna Dorow is being challenged by Kelli Camp for Position 1 on the Othello City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical ques…
Future of Moses Lake to be discussed at daylong council meeting
MOSES LAKE — The future of Moses Lake, and how to plan for it, will be the subject of a daylong Moses Lake City Council meeting Sept. 16. City Manager Rob Karl…