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…
Dent proposes bill to promote local, regional firefighting cooperation
OLYMPIA — Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, proposed a new legislation to establish a pilot project aimed at reducing the high number of wildfire incidents in Washi…
Washington bill could open up licenses for noncitizens
OLYMPIA - Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, introduced House Bill 1889, aiming to grant professional licenses to workers regardless of citizenship status. The bill p…
Legislature considering bill to eliminate time changes in Wash.
OLYMPIA - Washingtonians may lose their cherished ultra-late-night sunsets in the summer if Washington state opts for permanent Pacific Standard Time. "If C…
Ballots coming for levy proposals in local districts
EPHRATA — Ballots will be mailed to voters Jan. 24 for the Feb. 13 special election that features educational program and operations levy requests in a number …
New hospital will impact Samaritan bottom line in 2024
MOSES LAKE — While revenues for Samaritan Healthcare are projected to increase in 2024, Samaritan’s budget will reflect the current project of a new hospital, …
WA lawmakers eye expanding foster care to 18 to 21-year olds
OLYMPIA- A legislative proposal has the potential to create a smoother transition into adulthood for teenagers and adults aging out of the foster care system.
Ketterer sworn in as MLIRD board member
EPHRATA – The Grant County Commission was joined by guests during their Tuesday meeting as Joe Ketterer was sworn in as a member of the Moses Lake Irrigation a…
Trump ballot challenge goes to WA court
OLYMPIA — A Washington court will hear arguments today regarding whether former President Donald Trump will be on the primary ballot, according to an announcem…
Othello swears in officials
Othello Mayor Shawn Logan, far left, and Deputy City Clerk Yvonne Hernandez, left, conduct the oath of office for newly elected and re-elected Othello Council …
Port says no: Municipal Airport in Moses Lake will not change management from city to port.
MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake commissioners have declined a proposal from the city of Moses Lake to assume control of the Moses Lake Municipal Airport. Port …
Public safety must be a priority, legislators say
OLYMPIA — Public safety should be a top priority for this year's legislative session, Gov. Jay Inslee and bipartisan state legislators said on the eve of the 2…
Applications open for Ephrata City Council seat
EPHRATA — Ephrata city officials are accepting applications for an open seat on the Ephrata City Council. Mayor Bruce Reim said at the Jan. 3 meeting that he h…
WA Legislature takes aim at highway graffiti
OLYMPIA — A bill in the Washington State Legislature takes aim at graffiti, according to an announcement from Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia.
Endangered Species Act hits 50 as legislators questions success
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Enacted in 1973, the Endangered Species Act turned 50 in 2023 and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that the ESA had been effective…
Bill aims to protect WA residents from secondhand exposure to narcotics
OLYMPIA – The fentanyl crisis is on the proverbial docket for the 2024 Washington Legislative Session.