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…
WA Ag overtime bill in full effect, despite calls for change
OLYMPIA - Washington is now one of the first states to fully extend overtime pay to agricultural workers who work beyond 40 hours per week. The law, passed in …
Four proposed bills examined by Enviro and Energy Committee
OLYMPIA – The House Environmental and Energy Committee heard four proposed bills Feb. 13. The four bills, if passed, would have impacts on agriculture, low-inc…
Sen. Warnick’s bill strengthening penalties for theft from first responders passes Senate
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5323, which increases penalties for theft and possession of stolen property belonging to firefighters …
Wahluke capital levy request passing in updated vote totals
EPHRATA — A Wahluke School District capital levy request that was losing after the first vote count Feb. 11 edged ahead in updated vote totals released Feb. 13…
2025 special election turnout in line with five-year trends
EPHRATA — As of Tuesday, 35.78% of eligible voters in five Grant County school districts cast ballots in the February special election, according to the Grant …
Soap Lake appoints mayor pro tem, council member steps down
SOAP LAKE — Karen Woodhouse was named mayor pro tem at the Feb. 5 Soap Lake City Council meeting. The council passed Woodhouse’s appointment unanimously. Counc…
MLSD levy passing
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District Educational Programs and Operations levy was leading with yes votes by 58.77% on Tuesday night when 10,058 of the b…
'We don't have to hate each other just because we disagree'
MOSES LAKE – In a time marked by increasing polarization and divisive rhetoric, the Project for Civic Health in Washington state aims to foster respectful dial…
Voters rejecting Wahluke capital levy request in early results
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters are saying no to a proposal that would help pay the balance of a loan taken out for improvements at Mattawa Elementary…
MLSD levy decision tomorrow
MOSES LAKE – Voters must cast their votes by 8 p.m. Tuesday evening in the Moses Lake School District’s educational programs and operations levy. Initial resul…
Immigration protest held in Moses Lake Saturday
MOSES LAKE – Saturday afternoon, around 250 people gathered in protest of immigrant deportations on the sidewalks along North Stratford Road in Moses Lake. …
Lawmakers look to ban time caps on anesthesia coverage in proposed bipartisan bill
OLYMPIA - Washington is taking proactive measures to preserve insurance coverage for anesthesia care. After facing harsh public criticism, Anthem Blue Cross Bl…
SLPD chief now 13 weeks on paid admin leave, investigation ongoing
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox was placed on paid administrative leave on Nov. 15, 2024, making it 13 weeks, today. Robert Geates has been the…
Newhouse introduces bill to increase promotion money in export markets
YAKIMA — Additional funding could be available to promote farm products from Washington and throughout the nation under the terms of a bill introduced by Fourt…
Ephrata students give insight into proposed EP&O levy
EPHRATA – On Feb. 11, the Ephrata School District will have results from the proposed Education Programs and Operations levy on the ballot. The levy is seeking…