LATEST POLITICAL NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION

MyNorthwest Politics

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
healthcare food benefits washington residents...
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
inslee budget...
Bill Kaczaraba

Exclusive: Gov. Jay Inslee doubles down on the Climate Commitment Act despite high gas prices

Gov. Jay Inslee spoke with Seattle's Morning News and continued to defend the Climate Commitment Act and the high gas prices in Washington.
3 years ago
Image: Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson...
Frank Sumrall

Sara Nelson named Seattle City Council president; 5 new members sworn in

The Seattle City Council welcomed five new members at its official swearing-in ceremony, with Councilmember Sara Nelson named as the new council president.
3 years ago
attorney general checks...
Heather Bosch

‘It’s not our list’: AG Bob Ferguson responds after state sent checks to dead people

The money comes from a settlement Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson won after suing chicken and tuna companies for price fixing.
3 years ago
Image: Protesters gather at a rally after the verdict was read at the trial of three Tacoma police ...
Associated Press

Acquittals in Manuel Ellis’ death put Washington state’s police accountability law in the spotlight

A Washington state law aimed at improving police accountability is in the spotlight after three Tacoma officers were acquitted in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was shocked, beaten and restrained face-down on a sidewalk as he pleaded for breath.
3 years ago
live-fire training...
Matt Markovich

WA bill proposes live-fire training for firearm permit acquisition

An Olympia bill has been introduced, mandating live-fire training as a prerequisite to obtaining a firearm permit.
3 years ago
pollution credits...
Matt Markovich

Inslee: WA to receive $900M surplus from pollution credits

Originally anticipating $2.1 billion from quarterly carbon credit auctions, the Department of Ecology revised its estimates upward to $3 billion.
3 years ago
measure 1 tacoma rent...
Frank Sumrall

Tacoma’s renter rights’ measure is in effect, but the city won’t enforce it

The ordinance is called the 2023 Landlord Fairness Code Initiative. City of Tacoma voters narrowly approved it during the November 2023 election.
3 years ago
Denny Blaine Park...
Kate Stone

Plan to build kids area near popular Seattle nude beach scrapped

Seattle Parks and Recreation is scrapping a plan to build a kids' play area at Denny Blaine Park, near a popular nude beach.
3 years ago
inslee fentanyl...
Frank Sumrall

Inslee on KIRO Newsradio: Fentanyl is the ‘nuclear weapon of drugs’

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wants to use more than $80 million in funding for the 2023–25 biennium budget to create and launch four new treatment centers.
3 years ago
UW Palestine encampment...
Kate Stone, Lisa Brooks and Steve Coogan

Pro-Palestinian protesters removed after occupying key UW building

Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators were physically removed from the University of Washington's Gerberding Hall in Seattle Thursday night.
3 years ago
car insurance impound...
Matt Markovich

No auto insurance? 3 strikes could lead to vehicle impound

The state bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Leonard Christian of Spokane Valley, comes amid concerns over the impact of irresponsible uninsured drivers.
3 years ago
Image: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, right, tours a former homeless encampment site in Seattle with a...
Matt Markovich

‘Sticker shock’: Despite past costs, Inslee seeks $100M to prevent homelessness

Washington Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee is aiming to add an extra $100 million to a plan targeting the removal of unhoused individuals along state highways.
3 years ago
Image: U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., speaks during a rail union workers rally outside of the ...
James Lynch

Jayapal responds after being criticized for CNN comments about Israel-Hamas war

Democratic U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Seattle was asked about the rape of Israeli women during the Oct. 7 attack that started the Israel-Hamas war.
3 years ago
gray wolf endangered...
Matt Markovich

Legislators consider removing gray wolves off endangered list in Wash.

The change in status is likely to be favorable to ranchers who lose livestock to the wolves and allow more permitted killing of problematic gray wolves.
3 years ago