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…
Warnick busy in second week of session
OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) has introduced several new bills in the last week and has two of the bills she proposed earlier are progressing in c…
Samaritan officials look to gather community reaction at open house
MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare officials displayed their proposals for a new Samaritan Hospital at an open house Wednesday evening, part of their ongoing ef…
Affordable housing legislation introduced in Olympia
OLYMPIA - Two new pieces of legislation, House Bill 1401 and House Bill 1402, will allow the development of affordable housing to be more accessible for cities and counties around Washington...
Agriculture bills being considered by WA Legislature
OLYMPIA — Several agriculture-related bills have been introduced in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature, which started last week. Topics include fur farming, alternative energy resource impacts and pesti…
Bill to pay incarcerated workers passes House Committee
OLYMPIA - The House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee voted 6-3 in favor of passing HB 1024, an act that would ensure incarcerated workers are paid state minimum wage, among other things...
Bill proposed to create Boys and Men Commission
OLYMPIA — A statement by Rep. Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) on Wednesday announced the introduction of a bill that would create a new Washington State Commission on Boys and Men. "There are many issues that impact men an…
Farm internship bill moves forward in WA Senate
OLYMPIA — A substitute bill expanding the farm internship program passed through the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce Tuesday. “One of the most import…
Bill proposes relaxing restrictions on low-dose cannabis drinks
OLYMPIA - Consumers will be able to purchase more low-THC liquid-infused products in a single purchase if a bill in the Legislature wins approval. “HB 1249 is necessary to ensure that the evolution of consumer p…
Bipartisan effort supports bill refining police pursuit guidelines
OLYMPIA - A bill amending the requirements for law enforcement to conduct a vehicular pursuit has received bipartisan support in both the Washington House and …
Bill would speed process to get cosmetology license
OLYMPIA - Cosmetology students will be able to register for their final exam before they have completed their coursework if a bill under consideration by the state Legislature is approved. House Bill 1017, by Ci…
Ybarra starts 2023 Wash. legislative session
OLYMPIA - Representative Alex Ybarra (R–Quincy) is sponsoring multiple bills proceeding through the Washington Legislature during this year’s legislative sessi…
Legislature completes day eight of session
OLYMPIA - On Monday, the legislature convened for day eight of the 2023-24 legislative session. Committees in both the House and Senate met to discuss various…
Pyle, Cox sworn in for new terms on PUD commission
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners Nelson Cox and Terry Pyle were sworn in for new terms during the regular commission meeting Jan. 10. Cox and Pyle w…
Mena sworn into office
OLYMPIA - State Representative Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma) was sworn into office on Saturday by Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Steve Gonzalez. “As the ch…
McMorris Rodgers appointed chair of Energy and Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, has been named to head the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee in the new Re…