Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
WA House approves 'millionaires tax’
OLYMPIA — After a grueling 25 hours of debate, a bill taxing households earning more than $1 million a year advanc…
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…
Bill expanding military, veteran benefits passes WA Senate
OLYMPIA — A bill that would extend access to state benefits and other opportunities for veterans, military spouses and other uniformed personnel has passed the…
Othello High next focus with EP&O levy passing
OTHELLO — Voters in the Othello School District are approving a four-year educational programs and operations levy in updated vote totals from the Feb. 10 spec…
Local newspapers and broadcasters safe from digital ad tax for now
OLYMPIA — Earlier this week, Washington lawmakers voted to maintain the exemption for sales tax on advertising services for newspapers and radio and television…
Ferguson remains unsatisfied with millionaire’s tax proposal
OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers advanced a tax on millionaires through the Senate earlier this week, yet Gov. Bob Ferguson said there is still much more work to…
Wahluke EP&O levy ahead in initial results
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy is passing in initial election results, with 352 yes votes to 256 no v…
Sales tax on advertising poses threat to local news
OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers voted to keep a provision that would extend sales tax on advertising to businesses previously exempt under last session’s digita…
WA Legislature working to support sex assault survivors
OLYMPIA — About 70% of Washington’s sexual violence victims assistance funding is pass-through funding from the federal government via the Victims of Crime Act…
13th district lawmakers vote on 'millionaire tax,' data center regs and gun owner privacy
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers from the 13th Legislative district have already voted on various bills as they grapple with a $2.3 billion budget deficit and a rapidly mov…