Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Grant County Sheriff candidates discuss transparency, trust
EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the posit…
WA law enforcement org weights in on pursuit law changes
(The Center Square) – In less than two months, law enforcement agencies across Washington state will have a less restrictive set of rules when it comes to vehi…
Fed pandemic dollars fuel WA spending increase
(The Center Square) – Washington state government spending increased 169% from 1991 to 2023. The state’s total spending was $12.21 billion in 1991 and incre…
WA Supreme Court to hear arguments in magazine capacity case
(The Center Square) - The owner of the Kelso gun shop behind the legal challenge to the state’s ban on "high-capacity" magazines says business was brisk for a …
Dent reflects on 2024 legislative session
MOSES LAKE — After 2024’s short 60-day legislative session, which wrapped up in March, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, discussed what went well for him during the…
BIAW sees a mixed bag of industry successes, frustrations from WA Legislative Session
TUMWATER – While Washington’s housing crisis continues to linger, the Washington Legislative Session for 2024 session brought mixed results for housing costs in Washington, according to a press release from the Bui…
Western WA Republican lawmaker running for secretary of state
(The Center Square) – State Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, announced on Monday that he is running to be Washington’s next secretary of state.
The uncertain future of natural gas in Washington
(The Center Square) – There is ongoing debate over a newly-enacted law and its effect on natural gas in Washington state. The state's largest utility provider …
WA's ban on high-capacity magazines ruled unconstitutional
(The Center Square)/OLYMPIA – A judge in Cowlitz County briefly handed a victory to gun rights supporters in Washington before the state's highest court said n…
Port of Moses Lake names new director
MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake has selected Dan Roach as its new executive director, port commissioners said at their meeting Monday.
Ybarra sees wins, disappointments in 2024 legislative session
OLYMPIA — Washington state Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, who represents the 13th legislative district, said there are a lot of things that went well during the s…
Bills combating fentanyl, opioid addiction in Washington state made law
OLYMPIA/(The Center Square) – Washington state now has more tools to deal with fentanyl addiction in the form of a pair of bills sponsored by Rep. Gina Mosbruc…
Quincy regional parks district board in process of formation
QUINCY — Selecting board members will be the next step in the formation of the Quincy Valley Regional Parks District. Quincy City Council members approved an i…
Commerce invests nearly $20M into affordable housing
OLYMPIA — The Department of Commerce this week announced $19.8 million in awards to 31 applicants to preserve 873 affordable housing units through the Housing Preservation Program. These projects provide critically…
Abell announces candidacy for Washington House
INCHELIUM — Hunter Abell, of Inchelium, has announced his candidacy for the state House of Representatives, according to an announcement from Abell Thursday.
New WA law caps cost of inhalers, EpiPens
OLYMPIA — A bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee Monday will limit the cost of some lifesaving medicines, according to an announcement from Rep. Dave Zpaul, D-Oak Harbor, the bill’s sponsor.