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…
Firearm theft reporting now mandatory in WA
OLYMPIA — Gun safety legislation requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms has been signed into law as of Tuesday. The new law passed through the Wash…
WA passes bills to fight addiction in tribal communities
OLYMPIA- The Washington State Legislature passed a package of bills that aims to promote health equity across the state.
New law expands property tax exemption
OLYMPIA — Property tax regulations will be changed to extend the exemptions for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners under the provisions of a bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this week. Hou…
Inslee signs bill creating stricter penalties for animal cruelty
OLYMPIA — Washington House Bill 1961, aimed at deterring acts of animal cruelty through increased criminal penalties for perpetrators, has been signed into law…
Inslee signs water rights bill
OLYMPIA — According to an announcement from the Columbia Basin Development League, CBDL, in collaboration with the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Qui…
Property crimes such as vandalism may qualify as hate crimes in WA
OLYMPIA – Some property crimes now can be classed as hate crimes if they are racially motivated or if they target other marginalized communities. Sen. Andy …
Governor signs bills supporting firefighters
OLYMPIA- Gov. Jay Inslee signs two bills that aid in honoring deceased firefighters and assist in firefighter training. The two bills, House Bill 2091, and Hou…
Jobs, programs at risk as voters to decide on MLSD levy
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District patrons will have the choice to accept or reject a two-year educational programs levy in a special election April 23. I…
Judge redraws WA’s legislative map after lawsuit over Latino voters
YAKIMA —Washington's political map is set to change in response to allegations of discrimination against Latino voters, and a result could be Democrats winning…
WA to study viability of ag mental health hotline
OLYMPIA – In a move aimed at supporting farmers amidst rising demands for mental health resources, the Washington state legislature allocates funds in the fisc…
Firefighter memorial, public land housing bills signed into law Wednesday
OLYMPIA — Two bills requested by the Department of Natural Resources, House Bill 2003 and House Bill 2091, were signed into law Wednesday, according to a Wedne…
Quincy Event Center upgrade gets $309K in state funds
QUINCY – The Port of Quincy Center Event Center Upgrade Project was recently awarded $309,000 in funding from the Washington State Legislature for Phase 1 of the project, according to a Tuesday announcement from th…
Officers soon will be allowed to work part-time
OLYMPIA – Washington remains 51st in the nation for police officers per capita, and one answer to that problem might be allowing officers to work part-time. …
Odessa groundwater project receives $5.5M in state funding
RITZVILLE — The 2024 Supplemental Capital Budget for Washington includes $5.5 million in funding for the EL 22.1 Pipeline Turnout Project in the Odessa Groundw…
Initiative approved preventing a state income tax
OLYMPIA – An initiative prohibiting the imposition of a state income tax was approved March 5 by the state Legislature. “This is a great day for everyone in…