Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
ICE arrests surge as Central Washington candidates split over enforcement
(The Center Square) - Immigration arrests in Washington surged this summer, with federal immigration officers deta…
Senate and House capital proposals may fund Grant projects
OLYMPIA – While the final budget has not yet been decided, both the Washington House and Senate have released Capital Budget proposals detailing how much they …
‘The new Cape Canaveral’
MOSES LAKE — “How can we help you?” It was the question Gov. Jay Inslee asked several times on Tuesday during a visit to Moses Lake to meet with the heads o…
Bill to improve APS moves to Inslee’s desk
OLYMPIA – A bill aimed to improve adult protective services moves to the desk of Washington Governor Jay Inslee. The bill would require the state Department of Social and Health Services and law enforcement to shar…
Washington Beef Day set
OLYMPIA – A release from the Washington Cattlemen's Association announces that Beef Day on the Hill in Olympia will be held April 6. The Washington Cattlemen’s Association will be barbequing tri-tip provided by Wa…
Teacher support for media literacy proposed
OLYMPIA - A public-school grant program to help students evaluate news reports would be established if a bill passed by the state Senate makes its way through the House of Representatives. The amount of the gra…
List of mandated reporters for vulnerable adults may expand
OLYMPIA - More people working in public sector jobs would be required to report suspected abuse of senior adults under a bill now being debated in the state Legislature. “Typically, the first idea that we have t…
Olympia considering regulatory updates
OLYMPIA - Only a small handful of bills in the legislature this session relate to fishing, while not all will survive, it is important to know what is being co…
Bill targets use of pill presses to make counterfeit drugs
OLYMPIA – A bill targeting people using pill presses to make fake pills that contain controlled substances had an executive session this week in the Washington…
Sales tax exemption for seniors’ meals passes WA House
OLYMPIA – Washington House Bill 1431, sponsored by Rep. Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham), would provide a sales tax relief for residents of senior living communities…
Crisis center legislation would help bring solutions to crisis intervention, sponsors say
OLYMPIA — A bill to create crisis relief centers licensed by the Washington Department of Health will help bring solutions to many issues surrounding people go…
Chapman serves as page for Ybarra
OLYMPIA – Jacob Chapman, 15, a Selah homeschool student, recently traveled to Olympia to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives by sponsorship f…
Newhouse hears from Central WA constituents about priorities for Farm Bill
BENTON CITY – Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, held three roundtable discussions in Central Washington this week to discuss priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill from …
State wealth tax bill garners support in WA Senate hearing
OLYMPIA – A bill currently before the Washington State Senate would levy a special wealth tax on financial assets with an assessed value of more than $250 million. “We have an upside-down tax code that’s deeply …
WA Senate passes bill to create battery recycling program
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature is looking at a measure that legislators hope will increase battery recycling in the state. “We know that the use of batteries will continue to increase and it’s urgent…
Safety concern: Adams Co. Jail in need of repairs, staffing to reopen
RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the situation facing Adams County in its efforts to reopen and maintain the county jail is not unique. “Th…