Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
3 council members renew oaths of office in Ephrata
EPHRATA — Three Ephrata City Council Members were sworn in Wednesday evening after winning their respective races.…
Budget challenges a hurdle for Dent's regional firefighting bill
OLYMPIA – Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is working on a bill to create a pilot project, aimed at boosting wildfire prevention and responses in rural areas. The …
WA Lawmakers revisit bill that would prohibit police deception in interrogations
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers in Olympia are revisiting a bill that would block law enforcement from lying during interrogations after a similar measure failed to advanc…
From ‘Just Say No’ to ‘Maybe So’? Olympia reconsiders legalizing psychedelics
(The Center Square) – The potential legalization of magic mushrooms is heading to Olympia next week as state lawmakers prepare to hear testimony on two bills t…
Washington legislators consider universal health care
OLYMPIA — The Washington Health Trust, a statewide initiative for universal health care, is supporting proposals introduced in both the Senate and House (House…
WA gun control bills spark debate
OLYMPIA – Proposals before the Washington Legislature that would change laws around purchasing and carrying firearms have prompted scrutiny and debate.
Voters to weigh Wahluke capital levy
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a three-year capital projects levy request in a special election Feb. 11. If the levy is appro…
Construction, repair projects starting at GC International Airport
MOSES LAKE — Construction and repair projects will be starting soon at the Grant County International Airport. Airport Director Rich Mueller said contract…
Basin law enforcement, schools address immigration concerns
MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement and schools will continue following state law regarding immigration enforcement, according to statements made by those organ…
MLSD levy impacts on safety, health and facilities
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has an Educational Programs and Operations levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy and whether it passes or not, will …
Democrats propose raising tobacco taxes, creating new ones in search of revenue
(The Center Square) – Smoking is a dangerously expensive habit, but it could get even more costly under two bills proposed Monday that would further hike the s…
Legislative update from Tom Dent
Dear Friends and Neighbors, The Legislature officially convened the 2025 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 13. There are many new faces on both sides of t…
Fed. Judge issues order delaying stop on birthright citizenship
OLYMPIA — A Seattle-based federal judge granted a request from the Washington Attorney General’s Office for a temporary restraining order to delay an executive…
WA bill would give judges discretion to reduce felons' sentences
(The Center Square) – Washington state lawmakers are contemplating a bill that, if enacted, would give judges discretion to reduce the sentences of convicted felons, including those convicted of violent crimes and …
'Homes for Heroes' bill advancing in Olympia
(The Center Square) - One of the Republican-backed proposals for the 2025 Washington state legislative session that earned the endorsement of Gov. Bob Ferguson…
House Democrats push 11% firearm, ammo excise tax as $10B to $16B shortfall looms
(The Center Square) – As Washington state grapples with an operating budget shortfall upwards of $16 billion through 2029, House Democrats are proposing a tax …