Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Soap Lake Council limits mayor’s authority
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved a slate of resolutions Wednesday night aimed at safeguarding city reco…
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…
Bill to protect seniors’ roommate options considered in Olympia
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature took a step last week toward making senior housing costs more stable. House Bill 1204, which passed the House Hou…
Rental affordability debate ramps up in Olympia
OLYMPIA - As many Washingtonians struggle to meet rapidly rising housing costs, companion rent stabilization bills aiming to cap rent and fee increases have sp…
New law adds ID to Department of Corrections reentry plans
OLYMPIA — A new law will require the Department of Corrections to help state inmates to get some form of state identification before they are released. The law…
WA Lawmakers consider rural nursing education
OLYMPIA - Lawmakers determined to address nursing shortages across the state have proposed a new bill to establish a remote nursing education program for rural…
Legislators eye Climate Commitment Act funding for road projects
OLYMPIA — As Washington state's roads continue to deteriorate and transportation funding faces significant challenges, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, is callin…
Fake kids, real charges: Lawmakers push additional oversight for net nanny stings
(The Center Square) – The Washington State Patrol has leveraged “net nanny” operations since 2015 to arrest hundreds of alleged child predators, but state lawm…
Walsh reelected chair of Washington State Republican Party
(The Center Square) – Jim Walsh has been overwhelmingly reelected chair of the Washington State Republican Party.
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…