Gov. Inslee is 'optimistic' Washington will revisit mask mandate in the near future
California and Oregon are soon lifting their mask mandates, but will Washington follow suit? Governor Inslee is optimistic it could happen.
California and Oregon are soon lifting their mask mandates, but will Washington follow suit? Governor Inslee is optimistic it could happen.
Washington youth not getting enough exercise, report finds
Kids in Washington are not moving nearly enough, a state task force concludes in a new report, especially in underserved communities.
Kids in Washington are not moving nearly enough, a state task force concludes in a new report, especially in underserved communities.
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck tests positive for COVID-19, working from home
Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck tested positive for COVID-19 and is now working from home, his office announced Monday.
Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck tested positive for COVID-19 and is now working from home, his office announced Monday.
Senate doubles number of senators allowed on floor
As COVID-19 cases continue to drop across the state, the Washington Senate will double the number of senators allowed on the chamber floor from 15 to 30 starting next week.
As COVID-19 cases continue to drop across the state, the Washington Senate will double the number of senators allowed on the chamber floor from 15 to 30 starting next week.
Washington State Patrol promotes a woman to assistant chief for first time in agency's history
For the first time in Washington State Patrol history, a woman is now the assistant chief. Shannon Bendiksen was promoted to the position in June 2021, and Chief John Batiste's hosted a promotional ceremony on Feb. 2.
For the first time in Washington State Patrol history, a woman is now the assistant chief. Shannon Bendiksen was promoted to the position in June 2021, and Chief John Batiste's hosted a promotional ceremony on Feb. 2.
Insurer groups sue over Washington state credit scoring ban
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s adoption this week of a rule prohibiting insurers from using credit scoring to set rates for auto, homeowner and renter insurance has already drawn a legal challenge from insurer groups.
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s adoption this week of a rule prohibiting insurers from using credit scoring to set rates for auto, homeowner and renter insurance has already drawn a legal challenge from insurer groups.
Senate approves bill increasing redistricting plan transparency
The Washington Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that seeks to create more transparency around the state’s redistricting process following last year’s chaotic final hours of work that led to complaints its deliberations may have violated open meetings laws.
The Washington Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that seeks to create more transparency around the state’s redistricting process following last year’s chaotic final hours of work that led to complaints its deliberations may have violated open meetings laws.
Gov. proposes division to handle homeless encampments along state highways
The Washington State Senate, as requested by Gov. Jay Inslee, proposed a bill on Feb. 2 that would create a subdivision of the Department of Social and Health Services that would focus on ‘intergovernmental coordination to address the cleaning of homeless encampments.
The Washington State Senate, as requested by Gov. Jay Inslee, proposed a bill on Feb. 2 that would create a subdivision of the Department of Social and Health Services that would focus on ‘intergovernmental coordination to address the cleaning of homeless encampments.
Washington state, not cities, to handle homeless encampment cleanup
There is now an effort by the state to take responsibility for the homeless camps you see along our highways?but it may not mean what you think.
There is now an effort by the state to take responsibility for the homeless camps you see along our highways?but it may not mean what you think.
Lacey students walk out to call attention to incidents of racism, sexual assaults
Dozens of students in Lacey walked out of class Wednesday morning in protest after a racist incident at a basketball game.
Dozens of students in Lacey walked out of class Wednesday morning in protest after a racist incident at a basketball game.
2 bills call for higher penalties for hazing after death of WSU fraternity pledge
Two bills that raise the penalties for "hazing' are making their way through the state legislature, and both were inspired by the death of a Washington State University freshman two years ago.
Two bills that raise the penalties for "hazing' are making their way through the state legislature, and both were inspired by the death of a Washington State University freshman two years ago.
WA Legislature considers curbing governor’s emergency powers
Majority Democrats in the Legislature are indicating they may be open to putting restrictions on the governor’s broad emergency powers as Washington’s COVID-19 state of emergency approaches two years.
Majority Democrats in the Legislature are indicating they may be open to putting restrictions on the governor’s broad emergency powers as Washington’s COVID-19 state of emergency approaches two years.
Inslee proposes bill making it illegal for elected officials to lie about election outcomes
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday urged state lawmakers to approve a bill that would make it a crime for elected officials or candidates to knowingly lie about election outcomes if those claims result in violence.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday urged state lawmakers to approve a bill that would make it a crime for elected officials or candidates to knowingly lie about election outcomes if those claims result in violence.
Gov. Inslee signs into law delay of Washington’s long-term care program
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday signed into law an 18-month delay of the state’s new long-term care program that creates a defined benefit to help offset the costs of such care.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday signed into law an 18-month delay of the state’s new long-term care program that creates a defined benefit to help offset the costs of such care.
Father speaks out after video shows Black student athlete being called slurs during game
A father in Lacey is speaking out against racism after his son was the victim of a derogatory video.
A father in Lacey is speaking out against racism after his son was the victim of a derogatory video.
Washington's unemployment rate falls to 4.5% in December
The Washington Employment Security Department reports the state's unemployment rate continues to slowly improve as the pandemic rages on.
The Washington Employment Security Department reports the state's unemployment rate continues to slowly improve as the pandemic rages on.
Large fire that damaged 5 buildings in Olympia deemed arson, police looking to ID persons of interest
Investigators determined that a large fire that damaged five buildings in downtown Olympia back in December was arson.
Investigators determined that a large fire that damaged five buildings in downtown Olympia back in December was arson.
WA Senate approves bill further penalizing election worker harassment
The Washington state Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that would make it a Class C felony to harass an election worker, with violations potentially resulting in a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
The Washington state Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that would make it a Class C felony to harass an election worker, with violations potentially resulting in a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee's emergency powers
It’s been 679 days since Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency regarding COVID—a prospect which is shaping up to a bipartisan effort to curb his emergency powers.
It’s been 679 days since Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency regarding COVID—a prospect which is shaping up to a bipartisan effort to curb his emergency powers.
WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee's emergency powers
Gov. Inslee in his State of the State address said they need to take action on issues like homelessness, climate change and transportation, but some lawmakers want to put limits on the governor's powers to invoke a state of emergency.
Gov. Inslee in his State of the State address said they need to take action on issues like homelessness, climate change and transportation, but some lawmakers want to put limits on the governor's powers to invoke a state of emergency.