Austin Jenkins, Author at Northwest Public Broadcasting

Jay Inslee Talks Gun Violence On Campaign Swing In Nevada

By Austin Jenkins April 19, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks at a news conference on gun violence at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. @JAYINSLEE/TINYURL.COM/YD6ESHE7

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is stepping up his role as chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Inslee was in Las Vegas April 19 as part of his first major campaign swing. Continue Reading Jay Inslee Talks Gun Violence On Campaign Swing In Read More

Walla Walla Penitentiary Hunger Strike Highlights Long-Simmering Fight Over Prison Food

By Austin Jenkins April 17, 2018

File photo of Washington State Penitentiary. CREDIT: WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Earlier this month, nearly half the inmates at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla staged a hunger strike. It ended after five days. The inmates were protesting the quality of prison food. It’s an issue that has been simmering in Washington prisons for years. Read More

The Sea Cucumber Scandal: Pierce County Seafood Processor Pleads Guilty

By Austin Jenkins April 16, 2018

A Washington-based seafood processor pleaded guilty to illegally over-harvesting sea cucumbers, a delicacy protected by federal law. CREDIT: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

The owner of a seafood processing company in Pierce County, Wash., has pleaded guilty in a case involving the illegal sale of sea cucumbers, leathery creatures that are considered a delicacy to eat in some cultures. Continue Reading The Sea Read More

Welcome To ‘Lobbyhood’: Many Neighbors Of Washington Capitol Are Lobbyists Paid To Influence Laws

By Austin Jenkins April 15, 2018

This home is one of 18 owned or used by lobbyists in Olympia's South Capitol neighborhood, across the street from the state Capitol campus. CREDIT: STEVE RINGMAN/THE SEATTLE TIMES

Just south of Washington state Capitol building you’ll find a neighborhood dotted with quaint, historic houses. But you won’t find families with children in many of them. Nearly one-third of the 62 homes found immediately south of the Capitol are owned or used by lobbyists, corporations or unions, according to a review of public records. Read More

Washington Supreme Court Could Decide Constitutionality Of Death Penalty

By Austin Jenkins April 9, 2018

File photo of the lethal injection room at California's San Quentin State Prison.

Washington lawmakers tried, but failed this year to repeal the death penalty. Now, the Washington Supreme Court could decide whether it’s constitutional. Continue Reading Washington Supreme Court Could Decide Constitutionality Of Death Read More

Frustrated And Broke, Washington Counties Consider Suing State

By Austin Jenkins April 5, 2018

Lincoln County Commissioner Scott Hutsell says he would likely support a lawsuit against the State of Washington over unfunded mandates to counties. He spoke on TVW's ''Inside Olympia'' program. TVW

After years of pleading with the state Legislature for more state funding, Washington's 39 counties could decide this year whether to file a lawsuit against the state over unfunded mandates. Continue Reading Frustrated And Broke, Washington Read More

Concerned About Voting Security? Northwest Election Chiefs Say They Have Confidence

By Austin Jenkins March 29, 2018

Gus Clark deposits his vote-by-mail ballot in a collection box in Seattle in the 2016 election. CREDIT: TED S. WARREN/AP

Amid warnings that Russian hackers may try to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections, top election officials in the Northwest say they are taking additional steps to protect voting systems from attack. Continue Reading Concerned Read More

Jay Inslee Signs Controversial Homecare Provider Bill Despite Calls For Veto

By Austin Jenkins March 27, 2018

Despite numerous requests for a veto, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a controversial bill to privatize the state’s homecare provider system. The Democrat’s signing of the measure followed a contentious fight in the Legislature and accusations that it amounted to a power grab by the Service Employees International Union. Read More

Washington, Oregon Attorneys General Demand Answers From Facebook

By Austin Jenkins March 26, 2018

The National Association of Attorneys General sent a letter today to Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg asking him to answer a series of questions about Facebook's user privacy policies and practices. CREDIT: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE ATTORNEYS GENERAL

The Democratic attorneys general of Washington and Oregon joined 35 of their colleagues Monday in sending a letter to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The letter demands answers to several questions about Facebook’s privacy policies. Continue Read More

New Washington Law Grants Visitation Rights To Grandparents Through Court Petition

By Austin Jenkins March 22, 2018

Betsy Deane and her granddaughter, Toria Staudinger, traveled to Olympia to witness Gov. Jay Inslee sign a grandparent visitation bill into law. Deane hopes to use the new law to win visitation rights to see her nine-year-old granddaughter. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS / NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK

Three years ago, Betsy Deane's son was killed in an automobile accident. Now, the Pasco, Wash., grandmother hopes a new state law will allow her to reunite with the granddaughter she hasn’t been able to see since. Continue Read More

New Washington Laws Aim To Address Workplace Sexual Harassment And Gender Pay Gap

By Austin Jenkins March 21, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee poses with state Sen. Karen Keiser at a bill signing ceremony on Wednesday.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed several measures into law aimed at tackling sexual harassment in the workplace and an update to the Equal Pay Act to help address gender pay gap in the state. Continue Reading New Read More

Big Changes Coming To Voting Rights And Access In Washington

By Austin Jenkins March 16, 2018

washnigton state capitol CREDIT: BRIANHE / WIKIMEDIA - TINYURL.COM/ZMPZ86K

Youth age 16 and 17 will soon be able to pre-register to vote in Washington. That’s just one of several voting-related bills the governor is scheduled to sign into law soon. Continue Reading Big Changes Coming To Voting Rights And Access In Read More

‘It Was A Sad Year.’ Washington Lawmakers See Missed Chances To Protect Sexual Assault Survivors

By Austin Jenkins March 12, 2018

The Washington Legislature has sent a ban on bump stocks to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. A bump stock is a trigger modification device that make a semi-automatic rifle function more like an automatic weapon. CREDIT: JON CONNELL

Several efforts to protect sexual assault victims failed to pass in Washington’s 60-day legislative session which adjourned last Thursday. Now lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are expressing frustration. Continue Read More

What Bills Passed And What Didn’t In Washington’s 2018 Legislative Session

By Austin Jenkins March 8, 2018

Washington State Capitol Building. CREDIT: WSDOT / FLICKR

Washington lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn Thursday after a short, 60-day election-year session during which Democrats flexed their new one-party control to pass a slew of legislation. Here’s a look at some of the bills that passed and some that didn’t. Read More

Washington Homeowners Will Likely Get Some Property Tax Relief Next Year

By Austin Jenkins March 8, 2018

Washington homeowners would get some property tax relief in 2019 under a bill that passed the Democratically-controlled state Senate Wednesday night over Republican objections. The bill is part of a final budget deal reached with the House as the Legislature heads toward a scheduled adjournment on Thursday, March 8.   Read More

Washington Lawmakers Rush To Pass Compromise Police Accountability Bill

By Austin Jenkins March 6, 2018

File photo. Washington state lawmakers are rushing to pass a compromise bill on police use of deadly force. CREDIT: PIXABAY

An initiative backed by families of people who’ve been shot by police may not appear on Washington’s November ballot after all. That’s because sponsors of Initiative 940 and police groups have agreed on a new good faith standard for the use of deadly force. Read More

It’s A Crime To Lie And Try To Buy A Gun, Now People In Washington Are Being Prosecuted

By Austin Jenkins March 2, 2018

Daniel Legeer of Lacey, Washington, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm under a new law that requires gun dealers to report failed background checks. He believes he is an unintended target of the new law. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

A new Washington state law designed to crack down on felons, domestic abusers and others who lie and try to buy a gun is already resulting in prosecutions. Continue Reading It’s A Crime To Lie And Try To Buy A Gun, Now People In Washington Are Read More

Governor Vetoes Public Records Bill As Washington Lawmakers Acknowledge ‘We Made A Mistake’

By Austin Jenkins March 1, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed a bill Thursday, March 1, 2018 that would have exempted the Legislature from the state's voter-approved Public Disclosure Act.

In the face of intense pressure from the public and media, and following hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed a bill Thursday night that exempts the Legislature from the state’s voter-approved Public Disclosure Act. Read More

Jay Inslee Faces Immense Pressure To Veto Public Records Bill

By Austin Jenkins February 28, 2018

Front desk staff at Gov. Jay Inslee's office in Olympia tally calls urging the governor to veto SB 6617 exempting the Washington Legislature from the state's voter-approved Public Records Act. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

Will he or won’t he? That’s the question as Washington Gov. Jay Inslee faces immense pressure to veto a bill that exempts the Legislature from the state’s Public Records Act. Inslee has until midnight Thursday to decide. Continue Reading Jay Inslee Read More

Washington Legislature Passes Ban On Bump Stocks

By Austin Jenkins February 27, 2018

The Washington Legislature has sent a ban on bump stocks to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. A bump stock is a trigger modification device that make a semi-automatic rifle function more like an automatic weapon. Continue Reading Washington Legislature Passes Read More

Multiple Women Accuse Tacoma Lawmaker Of Unprofessional, Inappropriate Behavior

By Austin Jenkins February 23, 2018

Multiple women have accused Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of unprofessional and inappropriate behavior. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

In recent weeks, eight women interviewed by Northwest News Network, The News Tribune and The Olympian have said Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of Tacoma has crossed personal and professional boundaries, sometimes repeatedly, and accused him of engaging in behavior before and after he joined the Legislature that ranged from inappropriate to harassing. Read More

Washington Lawmakers Exempt Themselves From Public Records Act

By Austin Jenkins February 23, 2018

In the space of 20 minutes Friday, Feb. 23, Washington lawmakers voted to exempt themselves from the state’s voter-approved Public Records Act. The Senate first passed the bill and then sent it to the House where it was immediately taken up. Continue Reading Read More

Washington Lawmakers Fast-Track Bill To Exempt Themselves From Public Records Law

By Austin Jenkins February 22, 2018

Washington State Capitol CREDIT: BRIANHE / WIKIMEDIA

Washington lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill to exempt themselves from the state’s voter-approved Public Records Act. The move comes after the Legislature lost a public records lawsuit filed by several news outlets, including public radio. Continue Read More

Invoking Florida School Shooting, Jay Inslee Urges Lawmakers To Act On Gun Bills

By Austin Jenkins February 21, 2018

At his weekly news conference Wednesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee called on state lawmakers to pass gun control measures.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is reiterating his call for state lawmakers to pass a series of what he calls “common sense” gun control measures. He made his comments Wednesday, Feb. 21 in response to the Florida shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where 17 people were killed. Read More

Washington Democratic Lawmaker Restricted From Staff Contact After Unspecified Allegation

By Austin Jenkins February 21, 2018

An allegation against Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of Tacoma has led House Democrats to restrict his contact with staff. House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan said he can’t speak to the specifics or seriousness of the allegation, but that “it appears” it’s not “sexual in nature.” Read More

Washington House Democrats Propose $1B Property Tax Relief, New Capital Gains Tax

By Austin Jenkins February 20, 2018

CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS / NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK

Washington House Democrats have proposed nearly $1 billion in short-term property tax relief, followed by a longer-term tax cut funded by a new state capital gains tax on a minority of wealthier residents. Continue Reading Read More

Washington House Democrats Propose $1B Property Tax Relief, New Capital Gains Tax

By Austin Jenkins February 20, 2018

Washington House Democrats on Tuesday proposed nearly $1 billion in short-term property tax relief, followed by a longer-term tax cut funded by a new state capital gains tax on a minority of wealthier residents. Continue Read More

Should Washington Prohibit Juvenile Detention For Truant Students?

By Austin Jenkins February 19, 2018

Grays Harbor County uses its juvenile detention facility to lock up non-criminal status offenders for contempt of court more than any other county in the state.

In recent years, Washington has led the nation in locking up kids for running away, skipping school and other non-criminal behavior. Now state lawmakers are considering whether to ban juvenile detention for "status offenses." Continue Reading Should Read More

Washington Legislative Leader Timm Ormsby Calls DUI Arrest And Wreck ‘Error In Judgment’

By Austin Jenkins February 15, 2018

The chief budget writer in the Washington state House of Representatives says it’s up to Democratic leaders whether he keeps his chairmanship following a rollover crash and his arrest for intoxicated driving last Saturday. Continue Read More

Washington Senate Votes To Repeal Death Penalty, House To Consider Next

By Austin Jenkins February 15, 2018

Washington Gov. Inslee speaks with reporters alongside Democratic state Sen. Reuven Carlyle after the Senate voted to abolish the death penalty.

In a vote unprecedented in modern times in the state of Washington, the state Senate voted Wednesday to abolish the death penalty and instead impose life in prison without the possibility of parole for those convicted of aggravated first degree murder. The measure now moves to the House. Read More

Addressing Sexual Harassment At Washington Capitol Isn’t As Easy As Hoped

By Austin Jenkins February 8, 2018

Washington Senate Majority Leader Sharon Nelson

Efforts to address sexual harassment in the Washington state Capitol have suffered a setback. Legislative leaders had pledged to improve the workplace climate following reports late last year that revealed a history of misconduct at the Capitol. But finding a solution has proven more difficult than expected. Read More

Nearly 7,000 Washington Voters Get Last Minute Ballots Due To Motor Voter Error

By Austin Jenkins February 6, 2018

A batch of late-arriving ballots is going out to nearly 7,000 Washington voters in advance of next Tuesday’s special election. That’s because of an error in the state’s Motor Voter system that allows people to register to vote when they get a drivers license. Read More

Back In Control, Democrats Fast Track Priorities In Olympia

By Austin Jenkins February 5, 2018

File photo of the Washington Senate gallery. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

Washington’s 60-day legislative session is approaching the halfway mark and majority Democrats are flexing their one-party control of Olympia. That’s especially evident in the state Senate where several priority Democratic bills have been put on a fast track. Read More

Jay Inslee Calls On Lawmakers To ‘Step-Up’ And Pass Carbon Tax

By Austin Jenkins January 30, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is calling on state lawmakers to “step up” and pass a carbon tax this year. He made the comments Tuesday as the midpoint of the legislative session approaches. Continue Reading Jay Inslee Calls On Lawmakers To Read More

Former Washington DFW Official Convicted Of Rape; Current Director Resigns

By Austin Jenkins January 24, 2018

A former top official at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has been convicted of breaking into the home of a colleague and raping her. The verdict Wednesday follows a lengthy trial in a case that revealed a sexualized workplace culture at the agency. Read More

Washington Coast Residents Slept Through Tsunami Watch

By Austin Jenkins January 23, 2018

A 7.9 earthquake off the coast of Alaska triggered a tsunami watch that stretched from Washington to California early Tuesday morning. But many coastal residents slumbered right through it. Continue Reading Washington Coast Residents Slept Through Read More

King County Prosecutor Calls For Repeal Of Death Penalty In Washington

By Austin Jenkins January 22, 2018

The prosecutor of Washington’s most populous county is calling for the repeal of the death penalty. Dan Satterberg plan testified before legislators January 22 in favor of a proposal to replace capital punishment with life without the possibility of parole.   Read More

News Outlets Sue, Judge Agrees: Washington Lawmaker Records Open To Public

By Austin Jenkins January 19, 2018

A coalition of news outlets have won a partial victory in a public records lawsuit against the Washington Legislature. A judge in Thurston County said lawmakers are subject to the state’s public disclosure law. Continue Reading News Read More

Washington Lawmakers Reach Deal On $4.5 Billion Construction Budget (At Long Last)

By Austin Jenkins January 18, 2018

After a months-long standoff, Washington lawmakers say they’ve reached a bipartisan deal on a thorny water rights issue that will pave the way for quick passage of a $4.5 billion capital construction budget that’s been held up since last spring. Read More

Bump Stock Ban Faces Uncertain Future In Washington Legislature

By Austin Jenkins January 16, 2018

A ban on firearm bump stocks has passed out of a Washington state Senate committee. But it faces an uncertain future. Continue Reading Bump Stock Ban Faces Uncertain Future In Washington LegislatureRead More

Jay Inslee Wants Washington To Declare Opioid ‘Public Health Crisis’

By Austin Jenkins January 13, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wants state lawmakers to declare the opioid epidemic a public health crisis. On average, two people die each day in Washington from opioid overdoses. That includes deaths from prescription and synthetic opioids, as well as heroin. Read More

A Minor Child Of Divorced Parents Dies, And A Legal Battle Ensues

By Austin Jenkins January 10, 2018

Losing a child is a devastating loss. But imagine if that death is followed by a legal battle. That’s what happened after a Mukilteo teenage died in 2016. Now her mom is trying to change state law. Continue Reading A Minor Child Of Divorced Parents Dies, Read More

Jay Inslee Proposes New Version Of Carbon Tax

By Austin Jenkins January 9, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is making another push for a state carbon tax. He unveiled his latest proposal Tuesday during his State of the State address Continue Reading Jay Inslee Proposes New Version Of Carbon TaxRead More

Partisanship Flares As Democrats Prepare To Take Control Of Olympia

By Austin Jenkins January 8, 2018

For the first time since 2013, Democrats will have one-party control of Olympia. The top issues for the 2018 legislative session include: education funding, a carbon tax and passage of a state capital construction budget. Continue Reading Read More

2018 Washington Legislative Session: What’s On Tap?

By Austin Jenkins January 6, 2018

The Washington Legislature is set to open its 2018 session Monday, Jan. 8. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins lists his top five issues to watch, including gun safety, spending on public schools, and a state Voting Rights Act. Continue Reading 2018 Read More

Washington Gun Dealers Report 1,200 Denied Purchases In First Months Of New Law

By Austin Jenkins January 6, 2018

Early numbers on a new Washington law designed to crack down on felons and domestic abusers who try to buy a gun show that since July, more than 1,200 would-be gun buyers have failed background checks. Continue Reading Washington Gun Read More

Washington Legislative Preview: Salmon, Net Neutrality, Bump Stocks Among Pre-Filed Bills

By Austin Jenkins January 3, 2018

Washington state lawmakers convene Monday, January 8 for a short 60-day election year session. Already lawmakers have pre-filed dozens of bills they’d like to see passed. Continue Reading Washington Read More

Rep. Matt Manweller, CWU Professor, Ordered To Stay Away From Students Amid Investigation

By Austin Jenkins December 31, 2017

Washington state Republican Representative Matt Manweller. CREDIT: WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE Listen UPDATE, Dec. 29, 2017: Public records released by Central Washington University this week show professor and GOP state Rep. Matt Manweller is barred from contacting past or present students while the school investigates allegations of sexual harassment against Read More

Former Washington Auditor Guilty Of Possession Of Stolen Property, Not Guilty Of Money Laundering

By Austin Jenkins December 20, 2017

Former Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley has been found guilty of possession of stolen property, making false declarations and filing false tax returns, but not guilty of money laundering. Continue Reading Read More

First Responder Calls Train Derailment ‘Shocking’ And ‘Surreal’

By Austin Jenkins December 19, 2017

An Amtrak Cascades passenger car dangles from an overpass over Interstate 5 in Pierce County, Washington, after a derailment on Monday morning. AUSTIN JENKINS / NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK Listen As clean up begins, firefighters are describing what it was like to respond to Monday’s Amtrak derailment in Pierce County, Washington. Shortly after 7:30 a.m. during… Read More

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