Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Soap Lake finance director, attorney resign
SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake received two resignation letters, one from Finance Director Jeff Balentine and o…
More dead bills pile up in Olympia
OLYMPIA — Numerous bills did not pass the opposite chamber policy committee cutoff earlier this week, marking the death of some high-profile legislation, inclu…
WA Majority Leader apologizes for being intoxicated during budget hearing
(The Center Square) - House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, admits he was intoxicated during a House Appropriations Committee meeting on Wednes…
WA supplemental budget proposals advance through committees
OLYMPIA — Democrats’ supplemental operating budget proposals passed out of their fiscal committees Wednesday, Feb. 25, as they finalize adjustments to the 2025…
13th District lawmakers host digital town hall
OLYMPIA — Residents from the 13th Legislative District heard from their elected lawmakers during a virtual town hall meeting Wednesday, Feb. 26, to discuss leg…
Columbia Basin Hospital board seeks applicants
EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3.
2 seats open on Ephrata Parks Commission
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission is looking for two volunteers to join the board.
Construction workers rally in support of behavioral health in Olympia
OLYMPIA — Bright orange hardhats and yellow reflective vests engulfed the steps of Washington’s Capitol Feb. 17 as construction workers, apprentices, labor lea…
WA lawmakers push for state to embrace nuclear energy
OLYMPIA — “The United States Department of Energy is looking for a home for a new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, and Washington is the perfect place to p…
13th District lawmakers to host virtual town hall today
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers representing Washington’s 13th Legislative District will hold a virtual town hall Wednesday as the 2026 legislative session enters its fina…
WA Legislature considering ‘Blue Envelope Bill’ to make traffic stops safer for neurodivergent drivers
OLYMPIA — A bill in the Washington Legislature has the potential to make encounters between police and people with autism safer.
Bill to reduce stress & regulations on WA ag community advancing
(The Center Square) - Legislation that would take a comprehensive look at how state regulations impact Washington's farmers and ranchers is set for executive s…
STUDIO BASIN: From campaign to city hall: Mayor Oliver's first months on the job
EPHRATA — On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Ephrata Mayor Steve Oliver sits down with reporter Nance Beston to discuss his first months in office – …
Media Day at the Capitol reveals ongoing budget debate
OLYMPIA — Media outlets from throughout Washington congregated at the Senate John A. Cherberg building Thursday, Feb. 19, for the Capitol’s annual Media Day ho…
Grant, Adams spring elections certified
OLYMPIA — Grant and Adams counties have finalized the results of the February 2026 special election, with turnout reaching about 32% in Grant County where 6,94…
More bills die in Olympia as end of legislative session nears
OLYMPIA — Tuesday, Feb. 17, marked the third major deadline of the 2026 legislative session, cutting off numerous bills that did not pass their house of origin…