LATEST POLITICAL NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION

MyNorthwest Politics

gas taxes...
Matt Markovich

Democrats, Republicans agree on proposed 6-cent gas tax increase to address $1B shortfall

A bipartisan plan aims to address a $1B shortfall with a 6-cent gas tax rise starting in 2026.
2 years ago
Washington budget...
Matt Markovich

Washington Senate Democrats unveil $78B budget with tax hikes on wealthy, corporations; property tax cap raised

Explore the new $80B budget plan from Washington Senate, focusing on tax hikes for the wealthy and corporations.
2 years ago
Timothy Pauley release...
Frank Sumrall

Families plead with WA Governor to block release of triple murderer Timothy Pauley

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is reviewing the case of Timothy Pauley—a convicted killer who was once sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, but could now walk free due to former Governor Jay Inslee's decision.
2 years ago
eyman parents' bill of rights...
Frank Sumrall

Chaos in Olympia: Security removes Tim Eyman, citizens from WA Senate hearing on Parents’ Bill of Rights changes

Several people, including political activist and lobbyist Tim Eyman, were removed by security during a contentious public hearing with the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee over Washington's Parents' Bill of Rights (Initiative 2081).
2 years ago
Image: Rep. Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, was the Washington Speaker of the House for 20 years....
MyNorthwest Staff

Longest-serving House speaker Frank Chopp dies at 71

Frank Chopp, a significant figure in Washington politics, has passed away at 71, leaving a lasting legacy in the House.
2 years ago
State Senator June Robinson...
Frank Lenzi

Senate Democrats float pay cut for Washington state employees as budget crisis looms

As Washington struggles to fill a $15 billion budget shortfall, there is a proposal for pay cuts for state employees.
2 years ago
lynnwood city council...
Frank Sumrall

Lynnwood appoints last remaining council candidate, putting OnlyFans saga to rest

The City of Lynnwood has finally settled on filling its lone vacant spot on its council, appointing Robert Leutwyler Wednesday evening with a 5-0 vote.
2 years ago
downtown belleuve...
Matt Markovich

‘New kind of March Madness:’ Democrats move to tax wealthy, large corporations to aid budget shortfall

Washington Senate Democrats aim to tax the wealthy and corporations to resolve the state budget shortfall effectively.
2 years ago
education department trump...
COLLIN BINKLEY and CHRIS MEGERIAN, The Associated Press and MyNorthwest Staff

‘Not on my watch’: Sen. Murray reacts to Trump order to shut down the US Education Department

President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order Thursday calling for the shutdown of the U.S. Education Department, according to a White House official, advancing a campaign promise to eliminate an agency that’s been a longtime target of conservatives.
2 years ago
wa appeal catholic church ferguson clemency...
Bill Kaczaraba

Top Bob Ferguson aide resigns following accusations of ‘toxic’ workplace in Governor’s Office

A top aide to Gov. Bob Ferguson resigned this week amid allegations of creating a hostile workplace for women.
2 years ago
millionaire's tax ferguson heywood...
Matt Markovich

Modified bill making clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse moves toward House floor vote

Bill making clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse gains momentum, uniting lawmakers across party lines on critical issue.
2 years ago
A Seattle Police Department vehicle can be seen on Aurora Avenue North in Seattle. (Photo courtesy ...
Jason Rantz Show

Seattle City Attorney says Stay Out of Drug Area/Prostitution zones difficult to enforce

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison says Stay Out of Area Drugs (SODA) and Prostitution (SOAP) ordinances will be difficult to enforce and "will take some time to get law enforcement trained."
2 years ago
Democratic Party approval rating...
Frank Sumrall

Rep. Adam Smith: ‘The extreme left is leading us into a ditch’ as Democratic Party approval hits record low

Two national polls found a troubling trend for Democratic voters -- the approval rating for the Democrat Party hit record lows following the 2024 presidential race.
2 years ago
millionaires' tax...
Matt Markovich

Washington House moves to shield abortion, pregnancy loss from legal scrutiny

Washington is advancing abortion protections by repealing outdated laws to ensure safe access for all women in the state.
2 years ago
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell election...
MyNorthwest Staff

Seattle mayor responds first time publicly to bombshell allegations of sexism in his office

Monisha Harrell claims toxic leadership and sexism in the Seattle's mayor's office. But the mayor's office denies the report.
2 years ago
let's go washington parents' rights...
Frank Sumrall

Let’s Go Washington files another initiative to protect parents’ rights

Let's Go Washington seeks to protect parents' rights by repealing House Bill 1296 with a new initiative. Discover more here.
2 years ago
Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (left) addresses reporters at a press conference at Harborview ...
Sam Campbell

‘Tsunami of cuts’: Apple Health could be gutted, senators say

Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray oppose budget proposal that they say threatens vital health services for Washingtonians.
2 years ago
wa appeal catholic church ferguson clemency...
Bill Kaczaraba

‘I personally feel betrayed’: Gov. Bob Ferguson’s furlough plan leaves unions angry

Unions react strongly as Governor Ferguson's furlough plan threatens state workers and teacher bonuses amid budget cuts.
2 years ago
Certain students will be offered additional protections from discrimination under a new bill....
Matt Markovich

Controversial bill expanding protections for undocumented or gender-diverse students advances to House

A new controversial bill offers additional protections for undocumented, neurodivergent, and gender-diverse students.
2 years ago
Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson proposes legislation to create housing in Sodo neighborh...
Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson, Special Contributor to MyNorthwest

Seattle Council President Sara Nelson: Workforce housing in the Stadium District can’t wait

Addressing Seattle's housing crisis, Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson highlights an urgent need for workforce housing in the Stadium District to support local businesses.
2 years ago
The West Seattle Blog is an example of local journalism that could benefit from SB 5400. (Photo: Bi...
Matt Markovich

Washington Senate bill would tax big tech to help save local journalism—here’s how

Local journalism, especially in rural areas, has been on life support for years, and Washington lawmakers think they’ve found a way to give it a much-needed boost—by making big tech help foot the bill.
2 years ago
The OnlyFans logo is displayed on a smartphone screen with a photo of Lynnwood City Council candida...
MyNorthwest Staff

Shouting at Lynnwood City Council over OnlyFans candidate controversy

Residents voice outrage during a heated Lynnwood City Council meeting on Jessica Roberts' controversial appointment.
2 years ago
gas prices wa climate commitment act...
Bill Kaczaraba

Washington drivers feel higher gas prices as carbon costs soar

Carbon prices for air pollution allowances have climbed again, impacting drivers across Washington.
2 years ago
Sen. Chris Gildon (R-Puyallup) says you don't need tax hikes to balance the budget....
Jackson Meyer

Republican Senator says WA can balance budget without tax increases or teacher salary cuts

State Senator Chris Gildon proposes solutions to reduce the deficit without increasing taxes or cutting teacher salaries.
2 years ago