Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
In Grant County Judge debate, Bevier, Chadwick place emphasis on experience and constitutional interpretation
EPHRATA — The two candidates seeking Grant County Superior Court Judge Position 3 highlighted their legal experien…
Republican rep offers bill to amend Washington's 'mature minor doctrine'
(The Center Square) – In March 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed Initiative 2081, the parents’ bill of rights, which took effect on June 6 of that …
Charlie Clark re-tapped to head DFI
OLYMPIA – Charlie Clark has been reappointed director of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, according to a Monday announcement from Gov…
Environmental group highlights goals for upcoming legislative session
OLYMPIA — The 2025 Washington legislative session will begin Monday and the Washington Conservation Action’s Environmental Priorities Coalition has four goals …
Medicare out-of-pocket cap on prescriptions takes effect
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 70,000 seniors in Washington state will save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year thanks to the new annual cap on out-of-poc…
Budget deficit may mean protecting, not expanding, substance abuse treatment programs
(The Center Square) – A prominent state senator indicated that fiscal reality could mean prioritizing and protecting substance abuse recovery programs that are…
Washington bill clarifies facility siting for 'Holy Grail' of energy
(The Center Square) – A Washington bill pre-filed for the 2025 legislative session would add fusion energy centers as among facilities that can receive site ce…
Law enforcement funding, recruitment, retention challenging
OLYMPIA — A proposal to allocate money to help hire additional law enforcement officers would address one part of a complex challenge – but recruiting isn’t ne…
Fifteen WA bills enacted in the new year
OLYMPIA – At the beginning of 2025, a suite of fifteen Washington bills became law, transforming key areas from health care to workers’ rights, to cosmetics.
Bill headed to WA Legislature would allow private family cemeteries
OLYMPIA — Washington could allow family burial plots on private property, according to a statement from the office of Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, who prefiled …
Carter passes at 100: Local leaders respond to a President's passing
PLAINS, Georgia — Former 39th President Jimmy Carter died at 100 years of age Sunday. Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer, began his presidency in 1977 after he de…
Inslee reflects on tenure during exit interview
OLYMPIA – In an exit interview conducted by Austin Jenkins on TVW's “Inside Olympia”, Governor Jay Inslee reflected on his twelve years in office, highlighting…
Proposed legislation would make it easier to pass school construction bonds in WA
(The Center Square) – Supporters of lowering the threshold for passing a school bond measure will try again in the upcoming legislative session in Washington. …
Water, streets, sewer, parks included in Quincy capital budget
QUINCY — Between sewer system upgrades and repairs, street work and water system improvements – among many other possible projects – 2025 is going to be a busy…
Washington Democrats leak $15 billion tax increase plans
(The Center Square) – Senate Democrats are asking their peers to help “spread that tax policy love around” as they hope to close a $16 billion shortfall with n…
Ag announces loan assistance program to help farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US Department of Agriculture has announced a final phase of loan assistance for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers thr…