Politics Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

About 200 people attend Democrats’ town hall in Yakima

By Reneé Diaz April 11, 2025

At the Yakima Convention Center on Wednesday more than 200 people gathered for a town hall hosted by the Washington State Democrats. Some people passed out flyers with Representative Dan Newhouse’s phone number,urging people to demand a town hall from the congressman. Organizers say the event was held in response to Newhouse not hosting a public town hall this term.Read More

Idaho bills could bring Bible reading, Ten Commandments to public schools

By Lauren Paterson February 19, 2025

Idaho's blue state flag hangs from the ceiling in the state capital building.

The Idaho state flag hangs in the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. Two different bills in the Idaho Legislature could bring Bible reading and the Ten Commandments to public schools. […]Read More

Hundreds rally in support of immigrants at Washington state Capitol

By NWPB February 3, 2025

A person holds a sign shaped like an orange butterfly. The words "parque padrinos" and "stand with healthcare, immigrants, unemployment" are written on the sign. A crowd stands behind them.

People shouted “si se puede” or “yes we can” on the Washington state Capitol steps during an immigrants’ rights rally on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Credit: Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / […]Read More

Two bills could make it easier for people in Washington state custody to vote, politically organize

By Courtney Flatt January 17, 2025

A person walks near the Legislative Building, Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / AP) Listen (Runtime 1:04) Read While people who […]Read More

WA’s new governor takes office, promises big changes: ‘I’m not here to defend government’

By NWPB January 16, 2025

Washington’s 24th Governor, Bob Ferguson, takes the oath of office in Olympia Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Credit: Jeanie Lindsay / KUOW) Read By Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network Washington’s new […]Read More

3 things to watch as WA’s 2025 legislative session kicks off

By NWPB January 13, 2025

A person walks near the Legislative Building, Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / AP) Read By Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network […]Read More

Mental health professional on how to handle election stress

By Connor Henricksen November 5, 2024

Angelo Avila is a licensed mental health counselor based in Bellingham. (Credit: Connor Henricksen / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 3:34) Read Connor Henricksen: A lot of people aren’t feeling great about […]Read More

Washington’s ‘parents bill of rights’ law partly on hold

By NWPB June 24, 2024

Pride flags fly in the wind against a clear blue sky

By: Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network A judge decided Friday to press pause on part of Washington’s new “parents bill of rights” law. It comes as the American Civil […]Read More

ACLU sues Washington to stop “Parents Bill of Rights” initiative from becoming law

By NWPB May 28, 2024

The Washington State Capitol building against a deep blue sky.

By: Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network A group of legal advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit against the state of Washington Thursday to prevent a hotly debated voter initiative from taking […]Read More

Will the real Bob Ferguson please stand up? Name doppelgangers rattle WA governor’s race

By NWPB May 14, 2024

By: Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network The governor’s race in Washington is back to “Bob-ness” as usual, after two candidates named Bob Ferguson withdrew their names from consideration Monday. The […]Read More

Washington Legislature poised to get big makeover in 2024 elections. Here’s why.

By NWPB April 30, 2024

By: Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network People running for office in Washington will begin submitting official paperwork next week to get on the ballot – and an unusually high number […]Read More

Looking ahead to the election, answering your questions

By Lauren Gallup April 22, 2024

At the Pierce County Elections Center, staff confirm ballots have the correct information to be counted accurately. (Credit: Pierce County Auditor's Office)

The skepticism in how elections work and their accuracy has become a hot topic on social media, at the dinner table and in the news. Kyle Haugh, Pierce County elections manager, said since 2016, there’s been a spike in interest in how elections are administered. Read More

Money, politics, debate over crime victims: What’s stalling prison reforms in Olympia

By NWPB April 12, 2024

By: Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network Prison reforms were among the many issues considered by lawmakers in Olympia this year. But, once again, measures aimed at resentencing and solitary confinement […]Read More

Here’s why WA Democrats passed 3 Republican-backed voter initiatives

By NWPB March 6, 2024

The Washington Legislative building on Jan. 19, 2024. (Credit: Jeanie Lindsay / NW News Network)

By: Jeanie Lindsay / NW News Network A majority of lawmakers in the Washington Legislature decided Monday to approve three voter initiatives, after weeks of uncertainty and plenty of tense […]Read More

Dissolving library districts is a hot topic, WA bill could make it harder to do

By Courtney Flatt February 20, 2024

Young adult books at the Columbia County Library. Some people have requested to move the YA section into the adult section because of what they call “obscene” material in 100 […]Read More

Washington state bill could change how rural communities could work to close a library

By Courtney Flatt January 25, 2024

Young adult books at the Columbia County Library. Some people have requested to move the YA section into the adult section because of what they call “obscene” material in 100 […]Read More

Washington leaders try to find solutions for wolf depredations and killing of wolves

By Courtney Flatt January 20, 2024

A gray wolf. (Credit: William Campbell) Listen (Runtime 1:07) Read Some ranchers are saying it is time to find creative ways to deal with wolf attacks on livestock. That’s what […]Read More

Washington bill aims to reduce ‘fast fashion’ carbon emissions, pollution

By Courtney Flatt January 12, 2024

Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacture of fast fashion are growing just as fast as the industry. A new bill in Washington aims to help lessen the industry’s […]Read More

Getting ready for the general election: Testing the systems

By Lauren Gallup October 20, 2023

Kyle Haugh stands with election observers as they go through the zeroes report, showing that no ballots are sitting in the system. (Credit: Lauren Gallup / NWPB)

In the Pierce County elections center, a small crowd gathered just outside of the ballot tabulation room on the morning of Oct. 17. With packets in front of them that show expected results and pens ready to catch any mistakes, the observers were there to make sure Pierce County’s ballot counting system is ready for the general election. Read More

Washington closes Larch prison as staff push back over jobs, wildfire risk

By Northwest News Network October 10, 2023

A handful of people stand holding a bright yellow banner that reads "Our Community Needs Larch" as the back of a bus is seen driving past them.

Larch staff have pushed back against the closure of the minimum security since plans were announced this summer, including filing a lawsuit that they hoped would pause the closure. A […]Read More

As a federal government shutdown looms, Washington state officials brace for impact

By Northwest News Network September 28, 2023

The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. (Courtesy: Creative Commons) Read By Jeanie Lindsay / Northwest News Network As federal lawmakers race against the clock to keep the government running, […]Read More

Irving Brown rallies support in Pasco after racist acts target him, his campaign

By Anna King September 14, 2023

Incumbent Pasco City Councilmember Irving Brown has been targeted by racist letters, a knocked down campaign sign and vandalism in his yard. His supporters held a rally in Pasco on […]Read More

Lawsuit aims to block ballot measure to dissolve Dayton library

By Courtney Flatt September 1, 2023

A red brick building with black stair railings. A small brown pergola is in front of the library. A few green plants are underneath the pergola. An evergreen tree is at the side of the red brick building. A black lamppost is in front of the building.

On Nov. 7, some voters will decide whether to dissolve the Columbia County Library in Dayton, Washington. If they choose to do so, librarians said it would be the first […]Read More

Pasco Council member says racist attacks are targeting his campaign

By Johanna Bejarano August 29, 2023

A Pasco City Council member is running to keep his spot in District 3. But Irving Brown says racist attacks are targeting his campaign. Read More

Ranked-choice voting in Idaho could happen with 2024 ballot initiative

By Lauren Paterson August 18, 2023

A clipboard reads "sign here to support open primaries in Idaho" in green lettering.

The goal of the Idahoans for Open Primaries initiative is to bring ranked-choice voting and open primaries to Idaho. If enough signatures are gathered, the initiative will be on the […]Read More

Rising gas prices in WA fuel debate over who pays to combat climate change

By Northwest News Network June 28, 2023

The 400-mile Olympic Pipeline carries gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from refineries in northern Washington state, such as BP Cherry Point shown here, to a distribution hub in Portland, Oregon

Washington faced unwelcome news this week that the state’s average price for a gallon of gas is the highest in the country.Read More

A California legal battle over gas stoves stirs uncertainty for energy policies across the West

By Northwest News Network June 22, 2023

A court case in California could hinder efforts to limit new natural gas hookups in states across the West, including Washington and Oregon

A court battle over gas stoves in California is sowing seeds of uncertainty for energy policies in the West, as cities in Washington and Oregon seek to limit the use of natural gas in new homes and buildings.Read More

Washington makes a major change to prison sentencing, but not for people already behind bars

By Northwest News Network June 14, 2023

Travis ComesLast, center right, is known as a community leader, working with other incarcerated Indigenous men to stay connected with their culture

When Travis ComesLast was 20 years old, he was on the run from juvenile detention. He and a friend were looking for ways to get some cash so they could skip town. But during what he describes as a drug deal gone bad, ComesLast shot and killed a man.Read More

WA airport search committee disbands without site recommendation after turbulent process

By Northwest News Network June 14, 2023

Lawmakers created the commission in 2019, seeking solutions to concerns that commercial airport services will outgrow Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and other airfields in the region

A Washington committee studying options for a new regional airport location met for the final time Friday, and will disband at the end of this month without recommending a single site to the Legislature.Read More

Washington leaders call new drug law ‘imperfect’ solution to overdose crisis

By Northwest News Network May 18, 2023

Washington lawmakers passed a new drug possession and addiction treatment policy during a one-day special legislative session Tuesday

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

Gov. Inslee signs new drug possession law after special legislative session

By Northwest News Network May 17, 2023

The legislature is meeting to finalize a state-level policy on drug possession and addiction treatment, to avoid a patchwork approach across the state

The Washington State Legislature is reconvening Tuesday, as lawmakers aim to finalize new drug possession penalties and addiction treatment resources in the state.Read More

Inslee announces special legislative session to pass new drug possession law

By Northwest News Network May 5, 2023

(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 […]Read More

Washington’s regular legislative session is over. Here are some of the highlights

By Northwest News Network May 1, 2023

Washington's 2023 regular session adjourned "Sine Die" April 23

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.Read More

Washington governor signs new gun bills into law, including ‘assault weapons’ ban

By Northwest News Network May 1, 2023

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed three new gun bills into law Tuesday, including an assault weapons ban that takes immediate effect

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.Read More

Here’s what Washington lawmakers say is behind drug possession bill’s last-minute failure

By Northwest News Network May 1, 2023

Washington lawmakers adjourned this year's regular legislative session late Sunday, after 105 days

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.Read More

NIC students, supporters foresee detrimental effects if college loses accreditation

By Lauren Paterson March 29, 2023

A young man in a blue sweatshirt, khaki pants and brown shoes sits next to a young woman with blonde hair, a grey sweatshirt, jeans and black shoes.

Maximillian Bazler and Megan Hudlet, both students at North Idaho College, sit together between classes as they discuss the possibility of NIC losing its accreditation. (Credit: Kaitlyn Nicholas / NWPB) […]Read More

WA Supreme Court upholds capital gains tax just weeks ahead of collection deadline

By Northwest News Network March 27, 2023

The Washington Supreme Court majority opinion filed Friday upheld the new capital gains tax, reversing a lower court's decision

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.Read More

WA lawmakers promise bipartisan action to boost housing supply

By Northwest News Network February 1, 2023

Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia) speaks during a news conference Jan. 31 to highlight a bipartisan effort aimed at increasing the number of available homes in Washington

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.Read More

What if voting were not just a right, but a legally required duty?

By Tom Banse January 26, 2023

Voting in federal elections has been compulsory in Australia for the past 99 years. Australia is frequently held up as a model by supporters of universal voting

Numerous Democrats in the Washington Legislature are backing a new proposal to make voting in elections compulsory. Citizens are required by law to cast ballots in about 25 counties, but in no other U.S. states.Read More

Gov. Inslee leans into housing and homelessness in 2023 State of the State address

By Tom Banse January 10, 2023

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee walks through the Capitol building in Olympia, en route to deliver his annual State of the State address, Jan. 10, 2023

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee emphasized housing construction and homelessness response during his 2023 State of the State address on Tuesday. The issue is a bipartisan priority for the state Legislature, but approaches differ among the lawmakers who convened in Olympia this week.Read More

Here are six issues atop the agenda for the 2023 Washington Legislature

By Tom Banse January 6, 2023

The flowers in the Washington State Capitol's sunken garden will be back in bloom by the time the 2023 Washington legislative session wraps up in April. The session starts Monday, January 9

Washington state voters and lawmakers appear to be in close alignment on their top priorities for the incoming Washington Legislature. The 2023 session gavels to order at noon on Monday, January 9.Read More

No labels: Some election overseers want to make their offices nonpartisan to inspire greater trust

By Tom Banse October 13, 2022

Unaffiliated candidate Julie Anderson is challenging incumbent Democrat Steve Hobbs in the race for Washington Secretary of State

Should the top elections official in Washington state officially be a nonpartisan? That's one difference between the top two finalists running for Washington Secretary of State.Read More

Independent candidates test how fed up Northwest voters are with both parties

By Tom Banse October 11, 2022

Independent challenger for state Senate Chris Vance said he goes doorbelling up to six days per week, here in Auburn, Washington

A quartet of independent candidates on the ballot this November in Oregon and Washington state will test voter appetites for a centrist “third way.” They are experienced contenders running for state senate, Oregon governor and Washington Secretary of State. Unaffiliated candidates are popping up around the nation too, with a common theme of being fed up with a divisive Read More

Seeing People As They Are, Not How They Look – With Inclusion & Disability Expert Sara Minkara

By Ashley Beard October 11, 2022

Sara Minkara lost her sight at the age of seven but gained a greater awareness of herself and the world around her. Because she can’t interact with labels from a […]Read More

Seeing People As They Are, Not How They Look ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 35 – With Inclusion & Disability Expert Sara Minkara

By Ashley Beard October 11, 2022

Photo of Sara Minkara. Sara Minkara lost her sight at the age of seven but gained a greater awareness of herself and the world around her. Because she can’t interact […]Read More

Braver Angels: Bringing Civil Conversations To The Tri-Cities

By Dori Luzzo Gilmour September 8, 2022

Braver Angels Workshop Listen (Runtime 1:40) Read Heading into November’s midterm election, people across the country remain divided and are having a hard time communicating with civility. One organization, Braver […]Read More

No Charges In Washington Ballot Drop Box Surveillance Investigation

By Austin Jenkins September 1, 2022

Signs like this one at the Broadview library branch in north Seattle popped up at some King County ballot drop boxes in July. They prompted concerns about voter intimidation and ultimately an investigation by the King County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation by the King County Sheriff’s Office into a ballot drop box surveillance effort organized by conservative activists has wrapped up without criminal charges.Read More

It’s Not Just Police Officers. 911 Dispatchers Are Also In Short Supply

By Austin Jenkins August 11, 2022

Kayla White, a Washington State Patrol dispatcher, sits at her console in the Tacoma communications office. Most weeks she works three 12-hour days, in addition to two other regular eight-hour days, to help cover ongoing staffing shortages. In addition, she and her colleagues now handle calls east of the Cascades after the Wenatchee communications center closed due to a lack of staffing.

Earlier this summer, the Washington State Patrol did something it’s never done before: close one of its eight regional communication centers used to answer 911 calls and dispatch troopers and other first responders to emergencies.Read More

Hobbs, Anderson Lead In WA Secretary Of State’s Race

By Austin Jenkins August 4, 2022

In early ballot returns, Democrat Steve Hobbs was leading the state's top two primary for Secretary of State with 41 percent of the vote. In second place was Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson.

Democratic incumbent Steve Hobbs and independent challenger Julie Anderson were leading Washington’s top two primary for Secretary of State after the initial ballot count Tuesday night. Republican Bob Hagglund, who has never held public office, was in a close third place.Read More

Despite Early Attacks By Republicans, Incumbent Democrats Fared Better Than Expected In WA Legislative Races

By Austin Jenkins August 4, 2022

Majority Democrats in the Washington Legislature performed better in the August 2 primary than Republicans, and even they, thought they would. Early returns showed incumbent Democrats generally polling above 50 percent in key swing districts.

Washington legislative Republicans were taking stock Wednesday of their less than dazzling performance in the initial returns of the August primary.Read More