Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Dent leads Garcia in 13th District race
MOSES LAKE — Incumbent Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, maintained a commanding lead in the race for Position 1 in Was…
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…
WA Senate passes police pursuit bill
OLYMPIA – Senate Bill 5352, a bill related to vehicular pursuits, passed the State Senate floor last week and moved on to the House. Local police and legislato…
Task force on missing indigenous women proposed to continue
OLYMPIA — A state task force on missing indigenous women, created in 2021, will be extended at least two more years if a Senate-passed bill is approved by the …
Catalytic converter theft bill gets hearing
OLYMPIA — A bill to combat catalytic converter theft in Washington moves forward today with a hearing in the Senate Law and Justice Committee, according to a s…
Food pantries seek flexibility to aid families
OLYMPIA — Legislation currently making its way through the Washington State Legislature would give food banks the ability to spend more money on diapers, toile…
Hunting group files suit against WA wildlife commissioner
OLYMPIA - A nationwide hunting advocacy group is attempting to give the boot to a Washington wildlife commissioner for serving on another volunteer board.
Bill to protect retired public employees’ health insurance passes WA Senate
OLYMPIA — A bill to protect retired public employees’ access to health insurance unanimously passed the Washington State Senate Wednesday...
Pesticide Advisory Board bill passes WA House
OLYMPIA – Legislation that would create the Pesticide Advisory Board unanimously passed the state House of Representatives Tuesday...
MLIRD funding bill faces glitch
MOSES LAKE — A bill sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) and intended to fix the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District’s current inability…
Bill would make WA clergy mandatory reporters of abuse
OLYMPIA — A bill currently making its way through the Washington State Legislature would require clergy to report child abuse, neglect or sexual abuse to the a…
Tenant protection bill passes WA House
OLYMPIA — The Washington House of Representatives last week passed a bill to protect tenants from unreasonable damage claims, according to a statement from Rep…
Driver’s ed to teach sharing road with trucks and buses
OLYMPIA - Driver’s education courses will include guidance about sharing the road with big trucks and buses if a bill approved by the Washington House gets an …
WA House unanimously approves bill to help find missing persons
OLYMPIA — The state House of Representatives gave unanimous approval Wednesday to a bill that would provide additional tools and resources to help locate and recover missing persons in Washington state. “The fir…
Proposal aims to keep people alive during extreme heat
OLYMPIA — Legislation prohibiting involuntary termination of electric or water services during extreme hot weather was approved by the state House of Representatives 64-31. Current law prohibits utilities from t…