LATEST POLITICAL NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION

MyNorthwest Politics

Photo: President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House as he gives his farewell ...
Associated Press

Biden warns of dangers of ‘oligarchy’ of ultra-rich, ‘tech-industrial complex’ running country

President Joe Biden used his farewell address to the nation Wednesday to warn of an “oligarchy” of the ultra-wealthy taking root in the country and of a “tech-industrial complex” that is infringing on Americans' rights and the future of democracy.
2 years ago
Photo: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is sworn into office by Washington Supreme Court chief justice ...
Matt Markovich

‘The times call for action:’ Ferguson pledges reforms amid challenges from Trump, budget deficit

Bob Ferguson, the newly sworn-in governor of Washington, delivered an ambitious inaugural address on Wednesday emphasizing immediate action to address the state's challenges.
2 years ago
Photo: A man is seen texting on his phone....
Matt Markovich

Text, ‘No thanks!’ New state bill aims to tackle intrusive mobile messages, calls

Washington lawmakers held a hearing on Wednesday in an attempt to shield residents from the relentless barrage of unwanted spam phone calls and text messages.
2 years ago
Maritza Rivera is a member of the Seattle City Council. She represents the city's 4th District....
Charlie Harger

‘SMN:’ City Council member Rivera has concerns over Harrell’s One Seattle plan

Speaking to KIRO Newsradio, Seattle City Council member Maritza Rivera expressed concerns about Mayor Bruce Harrell's One Seattle plan.
2 years ago
Photo: Washington State Patrol trooper during traffic stop....
Matt Markovich

Sober roads ahead: Washington lawmakers renew push to lower BAC limit to 0.05

In a renewed effort to combat impaired driving, lawmakers are trying once again to lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05.
2 years ago
jay inslee backlash donald trump white house correspondents dinner...
Matt Markovich

Inslee’s final State of the State Address: A call for equity and resistance

Governor Jay Inslee issued his final State of the State address Tuesday to a joint session of the Washington Legislature.
2 years ago
Photo: An artist performs with elephants in a circus. Washington's wild animal bill aims to prohibi...
Matt Markovich

Washington’s wild animal bill: A big step toward ending traveling animal acts

Big changes could be coming to Washington's circuses and traveling shows. Senate Bill 5065, which got its first hearing on Tuesday, takes aim at the use of wild animals in traveling entertainment.
2 years ago
hamas ceasefire hostages...
Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, The Associated Press

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, officials say

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials said Tuesday.
2 years ago
special counsel trump...
Alanna Durkin Richer, Eric Tucker and Colleen Long, The Associated Press

Special counsel report says Trump would’ve been convicted for Jan. 6 ‘unprecedented criminal effort’

Special counsel Jack Smith said his team "stood up for the rule of law" as it investigated Trump attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
2 years ago
millionaires' tax...
Matt Markovich

‘Perception’ and ‘bias’ can be factors in proposed state hate crime bill

Several House Democrats are sponsoring an expansion of Washington's hate crimes laws to include a perpetrator's perception of the victim's characteristics, regardless of the victim's actual attributes.
2 years ago
dogs seized key peninsula...
Matt Markovich

Fierce justice for furry friends: Proposal would toughen laws on animal cruelty and fighting

Washington lawmakers held a hearing Monday on a bill that would expand the punishment of people involving animal cruelty and illegal fighting contests.
2 years ago
Photo: A memorial is being held for Shawn Yim who was murdered while working for King County Metro....
Luke Duecy

King County Council members, union discuss how to better protect drivers, riders

King County Council members and members of the Amalgamated Transit Union met Monday to discuss safety improvements for drivers and riders.
2 years ago
Photo: Clothes hanging on a clothing rack. Washington lawmakers are debating a new law regarding th...
Matt Markovich

Washington lawmakers take aim at fashion industry polluters on first day of session

State lawmakers are taking aim at the fashion and shoe business during the first day of the 105-day legislative session.
2 years ago
Image: In this aerial view from a drone, the Washington State Capitol in Olympia is seen in January...
Matt Markovich

The Washington budget mystery: How big is the state’s deficit really?

Washington faces a budget deficit, but is it really $12 billion as Bob Ferguson states? Democrats and Republicans can't agree on the number.
2 years ago
Photo: Washington Governor Jay Inslee speaks during an event....
Julia Dallas

Inslee strengthens abortion laws as one of departing acts before leaving office

Washington Governor Jay Inslee is working to strengthen the state's abortion laws before he's replaced by Governor-elect Bob Ferguson next week.
2 years ago
trump hush money...
Michael R. Sisak, Jake Offenhartz and Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press

Judge sentences Trump in hush money case but declines to impose any punishment

President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced Friday in his hush money case, but the judge declined to impose any punishment.
2 years ago
Photo: Traffic in the Seattle area. Washington lawmakers are debating how to fund transportation....
Matt Markovich

Washington faces transportation funding crisis but road usage charge still iffy proposition

With Washington facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall, legislative leaders stress the importance of expanding and maintaining the state's existing roadways. However, the question of where the necessary funding will come from in the long run remains unresolved.
2 years ago
wa appeal catholic church ferguson...
Matt Markovich

Democratic Governor-elect Ferguson proposes bold spending cuts, echoing what Republicans have wanted

Governor-elect Bob Ferguson revealed plans to ask all state agencies to reduce their projected spending by 6%, as Washington faces a projected $12 billion budget shortfall over the next four years.
2 years ago
Images: At left, The Seattle Times building can be seen in a recent photo. At right, a Seattle Poli...
Steve Coogan

The Seattle Times announces it is suing the Seattle Police Department

The Seattle Times announced in a story published early Thursday it is suing the Seattle Police Department over the release of public records.
2 years ago
Photo: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, center, and Israeli Prime...
MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio colleagues remember Pres. Jimmy Carter fondly

It's hard to find anyone to say anything negative about Jimmy Carter as a man and members of the KIRO Newsradio team are no exception.
2 years ago
jimmy carter...
Bill Barrow, The Associated Press

Jimmy Carter honored at state funeral before burial in Georgia hometown

Jimmy Carter will be honored Thursday with the pageantry of a funeral at Washington National Cathedral before a second, smaller service.
2 years ago
Photo: Elizabeth May....
Shawn Garrett, KIRO 7

Canadian lawmaker offers to take Washington, Oregon, California as new provinces

Canadian lawmaker Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada, offered to accept Washington, Oregon and California as new Canadian provinces in a press conference Monday.
2 years ago
Photo: Washington greenhouse gas emissions have continued to drop....
Julia Dallas

Washington greenhouse gas emissions through 2021 dropped far below 2000 levels

According to a state agency report, Washington's greenhouse gas emissions through 2021 dropped below the levels seen during the peak in 2000.
2 years ago
Image: Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donal...
Associated Press

Judge temporarily blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases amid simmering court fight

A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the public release of special counsel Jack Smith's report on investigations into Donald Trump.
2 years ago