Washington is getting a new drug possession and addiction treatment law, after the state legislature approved a final deal during its one-day special session Tuesday. But many lawmakers call it a hard compromise that represents just one step toward tackling the state's drug crisis. Read More
The Washington State Legislature is reconvening Tuesday, as lawmakers aim to finalize new drug possession penalties and addiction treatment resources in the state. Continue Reading Gov. Inslee signs new drug possession law after Read More
Washington State employees will no longer be required to get a COVID-19 vaccination in order to keep their jobs. Continue Reading Washington ends COVID-19 vaccine requirements for state employeesRead More
(Credit: WSDOT / tinyurl.com/yddspl8b) Read By Jeanie Lindsay The Washington Legislature will attempt to wrap up its unfinished business on drug possession this month. Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday he’s… Continue Read More
Washington's legislature adjourned its 2023 regular session with a new two-year state budget, alongside dozens of policy changes focused on housing, health care and public safety – and a surprising last-minute bill failure. Continue Read More
Surrounded by gun reform advocates, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed three new gun control bills Tuesday morning, including a ban on the import and sale of high capacity and semiautomatic firearms. Continue Reading Washington Read More
In an unexpected development, the Washington state Legislature adjourned for the year late Sunday night having failed to put a new drug possession law on the books. Continue Reading Here’s what Washington lawmakers Read More
The Washington Supreme Court has ruled in a 7-2 decision to uphold the constitutionality of the state's new capital gains tax. The decision filed Friday comes just weeks before taxes are due. Continue Reading WA Supreme Court Read More
Over the next two years, Washington State is likely to bring in less revenue than previously expected, according to the latest revenue forecast officials released Monday. But lawmakers say it's cause for caution, not necessarily concern. Read More
WA lawmakers pass housing, firearm bills ahead of cutoff, leave rent control, recycling bills behind
Washington lawmakers are getting back into the swing of working on legislation in committees following a key cutoff deadline. Wednesday marked the final day for legislators to pass bills from the chamber they originated in, meaning most bills that didn't receive a vote on the floor will no longer be considered this session. Read More
The president of Finland kicked off a five-day visit to the U.S. with a stop in Washington's capital Monday, where he made history as the first foreign head of state to address the State Legislature. Continue Reading Read More
A bill that would effectively do-over Washington's search for a new commercial airport has passed a key committee vote in Olympia. Continue Reading New commercial airport site search in WA would get do-over under Read More
A bill inspired by the case of missing child Oakley Carlson is stalled in the Washington Legislature. But supporters hope it can still be revived. Continue Reading WA bill meant to safeguard foster children appears to have died in Read More
Washington lawmakers are weighing bills to place new restrictions on the sale and transfer of guns as new gun laws in Oregon make their way through the courts. Continue Reading Northwest lawmakers, courts weigh new rules on gun salesRead More
Legislators in Olympia are considering a host of bills to address the housing crisis, and Tuesday, members from both parties announced they're finding common ground. Continue Reading WA lawmakers promise bipartisan action to boost housing Read More
Oregon voters passed a measure that strips language from the state’s constitution allowing for slavery and involuntary servitude when used as a punishment for a crime. Notwithstanding more than 500,000 people voting to keep the language, unofficial returns Tuesday night indicated that the measure was passing by a clear margin. Read More
Both states are known for liberal and robust legal frameworks protecting the right to abortion with few restrictions, but advocates on both sides point out that laws can change Continue Reading Abortion Access In Oregon And Washington Read More
Former Washington state Rep. Matt Shea’s presence in Poland is raising questions Listen Northwest News Network’s Brandon Hollingsworth reports on concerns being raised over Matt Shea’s presence in Poland /… Continue Read More
A new weather satellite will help with weather forecasting in the PNW / Image: NWS Listen: Brandon Hollingsworth reports on a new weather satellite that will provide data for the… Continue Reading New Weather Satellite Will Aid Western Read More
Cybersecurity risks have come to the forefront due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine Listen Read By Anna King and Joshua McNichols What’s happening in Ukraine is a warning for… Continue Reading Cybersecurity Concerns – From Ukraine To The Read More
The Canadian company TC Energy wants to increase the flow of natural gas through Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Continue Reading TC Energy And Pipeline Expansion In NorthwestRead More
Researchers want you to add green crabs to your menu to help combat this invasive species. Continue Reading Eat Green Crabs, Combat Invasive SpeciesRead More
The Washington State Patrol turned 100 this year. To this day it’s still a mostly white, male organization. Over the years it’s struggled to diversify. But now one part of the hiring process is getting fresh scrutiny: the psychological review. Read More
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has expanded his statewide mask order to include larger outdoor events with 500 or more attendees. Continue Reading Inslee Orders Mask Usage At Larger Outdoor EventsRead More
New laws governing Washington State law enforcement took effect on Sunday, including their use of force (HB 1310) and tactics (HB 1054).
Some police departments in King County say new laws means they will no longer respond to certain calls; City of Seattle chief Adrian Diaz calls that “absurd.” Read More
Washingtonians who are fully vaccinated should wear masks in public indoor settings, Gov. Jay Inslee said on Wednesday. Fully vaccinated people who live with young children or someone who is vulnerable to sickness should consider masking indoors even in counties with lower transmission. This is guidance and not a legal requirement. Read More
More testing will allow Washington state to relax some social distancing measures, because we'll be able to identify sick people early and keep them isolated. Here's how we can get there. Continue Reading 30K Coronavirus Tests A Day Could Read More
Across Oregon and Washington, at least 70 percent of the inmates who died since 2008 were awaiting trial, rather than serving time. Civil liberties advocates have long expressed concern over jailing people on low-level crimes that have root causes of mental illness, drug addiction or lack of stable employment. Read More
Incomplete data tracking hides a crisis of rising death rates in overburdened Northwest jails that have been set up to fail the inmates they are tasked with keeping safe. Continue Reading Booked And Buried: Northwest Jails’ Mounting Death TollRead More