Matt Markovich
State Senate bill with new gun-free zones in parks, where kids are present moves ahead
Washington lawmakers revised a gun-free-zones bill that would have prohibited firearms and weapons in most locations where kids are present.2 years ago
Matt Markovich
New bill proposes state taxpayers fund health insurance for student athletes
Star collegiate athletes like starting quarterbacks and lesser known players, like third stringers on a school's softball team, could see state taxpayers pay for their health insurance.2 years ago
Frank Sumrall
WA reps seek aid, disaster declaration from federal government for bomb cyclone recovery
Washington representatives are asking for financial assistance and a disaster declaration following the deadly bomb cyclone.2 years ago
Frank Sumrall
Gun owners could be charged with felonies if firearm gets stolen under new proposed bill
The owner of a gun that becomes stolen could face fines and felonies if the thief commits a violent crime with said gun.2 years ago
Matt Markovich
From outlawed to mainstream: Washington cannabis workers push for union rights
Once upon a time, cultivating cannabis could land you behind bars. Fast forward to today and it's a bona fide career path in Washington.2 years ago
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
