Matt Markovich
Senate passes ban on banning books after making changes reducing local decision making
The Washington Senate's bill aimed at addressing the banning of books and instructional materials related to those in protected classes.2 years ago
Kate Stone
Mayor Bruce Harrell calls Seattle ‘persistent’ in State of the City address
In his second address, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell outlined future goals for tackling crime, the drug crisis, affordable housing, and other issues.2 years ago
Heather Bosch
Finding a solution to the childcare crisis in Washington
The childcare crisis in Washington state comes down to affordability vs. quality.2 years ago
Steve Coogan
Biden ranks as a Top 15 president all time and Trump sits last, scholars say
While academics may not think Biden is the best president ever or even in the Top 10, they do believe Trump deserves to be low on the list.2 years ago
Steve Coogan and Matt Markovich
Seattle PD, FD deliver sobering statistics to Seattle City Council
SPD Chief Adrian Diaz and SFD Chief Harold Scoggins delivered stark reminders the issues of crime, homicide and homelessness haven't changed much.2 years ago
Kate Stone
3 of Washington’s 6 citizen initiatives will get legislative hearings
Citizen-backed changes to police pursuit, state income tax, and parental rights laws will get their moment in front of lawmakers in Olympia this month.2 years ago
Kate Stone
End of PSE’s obligation to provide natural gas service closer to passing legislature
House Republican leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, said earlier this week the legislation would, "effectively ban natural gas for for Washingtonians."2 years ago
Associated Press
Donald Trump fraud verdict: $364 million penalty in civil fraud case
A New York judge ruled Friday against Donald Trump, imposing a $364 million penalty over what was ruled was a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others.2 years ago
Lisa Brooks
Washington 2024 Special Election: Renton voting for higher minimum wage
Renton's minimum wage is currently $16.28 per hour, but that wage will jump on July 1 to $20.29 for employers with more than 500 workers,3 years ago
Matt Markovich
Inmates can seek to leave prison sooner under Wash. House-passed bill
A divided state House of Representatives passed a bill giving felons an easier path out of prison without relying on the governor's decision to commute.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
Wash. House passes bill that limits rent increases to 7% annually
The chamber passed a bill on a near-party-line vote that limits rent increases to 7% annually minutes before a legislative deadline would have passed.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
Bill using state traffic cameras, other tech to fight graffiti passes in House
House Bill 1989 presents a more tech-savvy approach to combatting vandalism, as it introduces advanced spray drone technology and more.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
State Senate passes bill expanding prohibited weapon zones
The Washington Senate passed a bill, broadening the scope of specific places where individuals are prohibited from knowingly carrying weapons.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
A reversal of fortune concerning book banning in Washington
Lawmakers in the state House have passed a bill that essentially bans the banning of books that focus on people of a protected or marginalized class.3 years ago
Kate Stone
Wash. lawmakers abandon proposed statewide property tax hike
The state's cap on annual property tax increases will stay as is. Senate Bill 5770 won't move forward this session, state Sen. Jamie Pedersen said Friday.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
House passes bill shifting elections to even-numbered years
After an hour-long floor debate, the state House passed HB 1932 on Thursday by a vote of 52-45 with one member excused.3 years ago
Frank Sumrall
McMorris Rodgers won’t seek re-election after 20 years representing Eastern Wash.
After representing Washington's 5th District in the U.S. House for 20 years, Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced she is not running for re-election.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
Wash. House passes bill to address ‘stealthing’ in sexual encounters
In a decisive move, the House has passed HB 1958, an act aimed at addressing the alarming issue known as stealthing.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
Clergy become mandatory child abuse reporters in bill, with big exception
The Washington Senate approved a compromise that makes clergy and faith leaders mandatory reporters of child abuse with a major exception.3 years ago
Frank Sumrall
Senate bill to raise penalties on cannabis shop ‘smash-and-grabs’ passes 49-0
Cannabis stores have been legal in Washington for nearly a decade, and the state is bringing in nearly half a billion dollars a year in tax revenue.3 years ago
Kate Stone
Sputtering out: Push for state gas price transparency fails in legislature
Senate Bill 6052 would have forced oil companies to disclose data on their profit margins and how much they make per gallon of gas in Washington.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
State Senate makes quick work, repeals ‘lewd laws’ governing bars, clubs
Less than two weeks after what critics called "a raid" on four LGBTQ+ clubs, senators passed a bill that includes the removal of the state's lewd laws.3 years ago
Matt Markovich
2 adult entertainment bills could influence change in lewd laws governing state bars
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board's suspension of the lewd laws related to bars may help move forward two adult entertainment bills in Olympia.3 years ago
