LATEST POLITICAL NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION

MyNorthwest Politics

Puget Sound Energy crews in action...
Kate Stone

Bill to ban natural gas lines revived, passes in Washington House

The bill would ban any gas company that serves more than 500,000 customers from connecting new natural gas lines to new buildings.
3 years ago
murray ferguson governor...
Frank Sumrall

Sen. Patty Murray endorses Bob Ferguson for Wash. governor

Ferguson has been endorsed by more than 250 current and former elected officials, including Gov. Jay Inslee, Gov. Chris Gregoire and Senator Maria Cantwell.
3 years ago
seattle city council seat...
Frank Sumrall

Seattle City Council identifies eight finalists for open citywide seat

The eight finalists are: Juan J. Cotto, Neha Nariya, Mark Solomon, Vivian Song, Steven Strand, Mari Sugiyama, Linh Thai and Tanya Woo.
3 years ago
Image: American Amanda Knox delivers a speech during a panel session entitled "Trial by Media" duri...
Matt Markovich

Amanda Knox testifies in Olympia about police interrogation bill

House Bill 1062 seeks to remove deception as a tactic by law enforcement to elicit a confession during custodial interrogations.
3 years ago
Kate Stone

‘Serial killers voting’: Argument over prisoner rights bill gets intense in Olympia

People incarcerated for felony crimes such as rape and murder in Washington prisons could get back their right to vote, serve on a jury, or run for office.
3 years ago
A bag of 4-fluoro isobutyryl fentanyl, which was seized in a drug raid, is displayed at the Drug En...
Matt Markovich

Bill proposing child removal from homes with fentanyl sparks charged debate

The immediate removal of a child from a home where fentanyl was found generated emotional debate and testimony in Olympia.
3 years ago
The U.S. Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023....
The MyNorthwest Staff with wire reports

State of Washington lawmakers react to Congress’ vote to avert shutdown

Congress sent President Joe Biden a short-term spending bill that would avert a looming partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies into March.
3 years ago
Image: Math teacher Doug Walters sits among empty desks as he takes part in a video conference with...
Steve Coogan

Initiative to allow parent access to student records certified; ballot could be next

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs' office confirmed Thursday that it has certified Initiative 2081. It could be on the ballot in November.
3 years ago
trump primary ballot...
Frank Sumrall

Trump remains on Wash. GOP primary ballot after judge’s ruling

Judge Mary Sue Wilson heard arguments Thursday morning before deciding the state statute the lawsuit cited in its motion does not apply to her jurisdiction.
3 years ago
Rain gas...
Matt Markovich

Hearing on Inslee plan to compel oil company price transparency gets heated

The first public hearing prompted strong accusations by climate activists and a vigorous defense from the industry.
3 years ago
holocaust education...
Matt Markovich

Holocaust education bill proposed as antisemitic incidents increase

State lawmakers heard mixed opinions Tuesday about a bill regarding Holocaust and genocide education in public middle, junior high and high schools.
3 years ago
Kate Stone

No more ‘spring forward’ if new bill passes Wash. State Legislature

A bill that would keep Washington in standard time year-round has cleared its first hurdle on its way through the legislature.
3 years ago
protest I-5...
Frank Sumrall

Push for tougher laws on obstructing traffic grows after recent protests

It is a misdemeanor when a group of three or more refuse to disperse after police instructed them to do so. MacEwen’s bill pushes the penalty to a felony.
3 years ago
stealthing...
Matt Markovich

WA introduces House Bill 1958 addressing ‘stealthing’ in sexual activity

"Stealthing" refers to the deliberate removal or destruction of a sexually protective device, typically a condom, without consent from the other person.
3 years ago
Photo: Seattle Mayor Harrell has decided to conduct an outside investigation of SPD....
Kate Stone

Initiative to repeal police pursuit restrictions certified, ballot likely next

The secretary of state's office certified Initiative No. 2113, confirming it has at least 324,516 signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot.
3 years ago
In this National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) handout photo, plastic covers the exterior of t...
Heather Bosch

FAA is investigating Boeing, but Cantwell wants answers from FAA

The FAA said it's investigating Boeing over a midair emergency that left a hole in a commercial jet, but Sen. Maria Cantwell is pointing back at the FAA.
3 years ago
millionaires tax income tax washington future 42...
Matt Markovich

Legislature considers rent increase cap, but don’t call it ‘rent control’

"Under this bill, rent increases are capped at 5% every 12 months," Alvarado said. "When a person voluntarily vacates a unit, (they can) reset the rent."
3 years ago
protesters state highways...
Kate Stone

New state bill aims to crack down on protesters blocking highways

House Bill 2358, filed on Thursday, would inflict tougher penalties on those taking part in demonstrations that obstruct state highways.  
3 years ago
Matt Markovich

New legislation could bar Trump from Washington primary ballot

Washington State is poised to enter the national debate on former President Donald Trump's legitimacy to appear on a presidential primary ballot, including Washington's March 12 primary ballot.
3 years ago
Photo: Washington State Senator Phil Fortunato....
Matt Markovich

Wash. bill proposes categorizing student athletes by chromosomal makeup

Eligibility for these groups would require medical documentation demonstrating a student's chromosomal makeup, without mandating a blood test.
3 years ago
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (Photo: Maya Alleruzzo, AP)...
Seung Min Kim and Zeke Miller

Defense Secretary Austin was treated for prostate cancer and a urinary tract infection, doctors say

The 70-year-old Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Dec. 22 and underwent surgery to treat the cancer.
3 years ago
minimum age marriage...
Matt Markovich

WA House passes bill that sets minimum age requirement for marriage at 18 years old

Before issuing a marriage license, the county auditor must ensure that each applicant submits an affidavit confirming the person is at least 18 years old.
3 years ago
olympia election official threats...
Kate Stone

Wash. voters sound off on biggest priorities for new legislative session

Washington lawmakers are gearing up for a return to Olympia Monday and voters have made it clear: they expect action on the major issues facing the state.
3 years ago
millionaires tax income tax washington future 42...
Kate Stone

Inslee accused of dishonesty over climate law’s impact on gas prices

A video from a 2014 committee meeting appeared to show the Inslee administration was aware of the possible impacts of a carbon tax on gas prices.
3 years ago