Record $500M lawsuit payouts bleed WA state budgets
Washingtonian tax dollars are paying out an astronomical increase in lawsuits. Now, lawmakers are struggling to find a solution.
Washingtonian tax dollars are paying out an astronomical increase in lawsuits. Now, lawmakers are struggling to find a solution.
New WA laws hit July 1: More taxes, higher costs
Several laws take effect in Washington starting July 1, ranging from new taxes and benefits to guidelines on rural data centers and healthcare licensing.
Several laws take effect in Washington starting July 1, ranging from new taxes and benefits to guidelines on rural data centers and healthcare licensing.
Phone-free WA schools? Governor Ferguson eyes new legislative priority
For the 2027 Washington legislative session, Governor Ferguson says getting phones out of classrooms will be a priority for his team. A Seattle principal talks about possible impacts on his students.
For the 2027 Washington legislative session, Governor Ferguson says getting phones out of classrooms will be a priority for his team. A Seattle principal talks about possible impacts on his students.
New WA law aims to keep minors off e-bikes
On Thursday, June 11, a new Washington law will effectively ban minors from riding any e-bike that can exceed 20 mph.
On Thursday, June 11, a new Washington law will effectively ban minors from riding any e-bike that can exceed 20 mph.
From the Mosquito Fleet to modern ferries: WA marks 75 years on the water
As WSF turns 75 years old, the Mosquito fleet is back in discussion. Washington lawmakers are looking at the ferry system's past for ideas on how to ease modern transportation constraints on Puget Sound.
As WSF turns 75 years old, the Mosquito fleet is back in discussion. Washington lawmakers are looking at the ferry system's past for ideas on how to ease modern transportation constraints on Puget Sound.
Why you might need a WA motorcycle endorsement for your e-bike starting next week
State lawmakers approved a new law that separates electric motorcycles from e-assisted bicycles to regulate motorized cycles on Washington roads.
State lawmakers approved a new law that separates electric motorcycles from e-assisted bicycles to regulate motorized cycles on Washington roads.
New WA law will distinguish E-bikes from E-motorcycles
Washington state legislators tackled some of the issues surrounding e-bikes and e-motorcycles during the 2026 legislative session.
Washington state legislators tackled some of the issues surrounding e-bikes and e-motorcycles during the 2026 legislative session.
Mayor Wilson fields frustration at Seattle forum
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faced intense frustration from community members demanding concrete answers on public safety, homelessness, and Aurora Avenue crime during a recent City Club forum.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faced intense frustration from community members demanding concrete answers on public safety, homelessness, and Aurora Avenue crime during a recent City Club forum.
WA's millionaires tax will likely appear on November ballot
It appears the so-called "millionaires tax" will be appearing on the November ballot, Governor Bob Ferguson acknowledged.
It appears the so-called "millionaires tax" will be appearing on the November ballot, Governor Bob Ferguson acknowledged.
Millionaires tax will likely end up on November ballot
It appears Let's Go Washington is gaining enough signatures for the so-called "millionaire's tax" to appear on the November ballot, Governor Ferguson acknowledged.
It appears Let's Go Washington is gaining enough signatures for the so-called "millionaire's tax" to appear on the November ballot, Governor Ferguson acknowledged.
Unsanitary ICE facility in Ferndale, WA cited in ban proposal
A vote on Tuesday, May 26, will bring county leaders in Whatcom County, Washington closer to deciding on a 1-year ban on new ICE facilities as criticism over unsanitary conditions in Ferndale rise.
A vote on Tuesday, May 26, will bring county leaders in Whatcom County, Washington closer to deciding on a 1-year ban on new ICE facilities as criticism over unsanitary conditions in Ferndale rise.
Bureaucracy limits state police hiring plan
Despite securing a massive $100 million budget to increase local law enforcement, Washington agencies face extreme bureaucratic hurdles and complex requirements to access the funds.
Despite securing a massive $100 million budget to increase local law enforcement, Washington agencies face extreme bureaucratic hurdles and complex requirements to access the funds.
Rep. Emily Randall fights 25% national park budget cut
Washington representative Emily Randall pushed back against the Interior Secretary's proposed 25% cut to the national parks budget during a heated congressional hearing.
Washington representative Emily Randall pushed back against the Interior Secretary's proposed 25% cut to the national parks budget during a heated congressional hearing.
Turning Point USA cancels rally at UW after murder of transgender student
Turning Point USA has canceled their upcoming event at the University of Washington, scheduled to feature detransitioner speaker Chloe Cole, after a transgender student was murdered last week.
Turning Point USA has canceled their upcoming event at the University of Washington, scheduled to feature detransitioner speaker Chloe Cole, after a transgender student was murdered last week.
WA leaders push for federal investment in ferries
Governor Bob Ferguson and other state leaders say Washington's ferry system needs more federal money. This comes after the state awarded a contract for three new ferries to a company in Florida last year, because it cost significantly less.
Governor Bob Ferguson and other state leaders say Washington's ferry system needs more federal money. This comes after the state awarded a contract for three new ferries to a company in Florida last year, because it cost significantly less.
Architect of WA's millionaire tax defends strategy revealed in leaked emails
State Sen. Jamie Pedersen, the architect of Washington's "millionaire tax," says the state shouldn't be concerned over a future "wealth exodus."
State Sen. Jamie Pedersen, the architect of Washington's "millionaire tax," says the state shouldn't be concerned over a future "wealth exodus."
Architect of millionaire tax defends new law
State Senator Jamie Pedersen, the primary architect of the Washington millionaire tax, defends the new law as a way to fix a regressive system and discusses the future of a progressive income tax in the state.
State Senator Jamie Pedersen, the primary architect of the Washington millionaire tax, defends the new law as a way to fix a regressive system and discusses the future of a progressive income tax in the state.
Nearly 1/4 businesses considering leaving Washington state
According to a report from the Association of Washington Business, the state's employers are growing more pessimistic about the direction of the economy and looking to exit the state because of the rising tax burden.
According to a report from the Association of Washington Business, the state's employers are growing more pessimistic about the direction of the economy and looking to exit the state because of the rising tax burden.
WA Supreme Court ruling blocks voter referendum on new income tax
The state Supreme Court has denied a petition to allow a public vote on the "millionaires tax."
The state Supreme Court has denied a petition to allow a public vote on the "millionaires tax."
State Supreme Court sides with lawmakers on millionaire tax
Washington’s high court has denied a request to allow a referendum on the state's so-called "millionaires tax." While Let's Go Washington argues lawmakers used emergency clauses to bypass voters, the justices ruled the tax is necessary to support government functions. The legal battle now shifts to a separate lawsuit regarding the tax's constitutionality.
Washington’s high court has denied a request to allow a referendum on the state's so-called "millionaires tax." While Let's Go Washington argues lawmakers used emergency clauses to bypass voters, the justices ruled the tax is necessary to support government functions. The legal battle now shifts to a separate lawsuit regarding the tax's constitutionality.