Northwest
Washington tribes could get more say in management of state logging lands
A bill to add two tribal representatives to the Board of Natural Resources is awaiting a Senate vote.…
Northwest
The bills that didn’t survive the WA Legislature’s first major deadline
A 60-day legislative session can be a cruel thing if you’re hoping to see a bill passed.
Northwest
Ferguson rejects WA lawmakers’ initial crack at income tax legislation
The Democratic proposal targets household earnings over $1 million.
Northwest
WA Senate leader explains dim outlook for a new tax on big businesses
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen previously backed the payroll tax, but suggests there’s no political path for it.…
Northwest
Lower drunk driving limit approved by WA Senate
The bill drops it to 0.05%, and the state would join Utah with the toughest standard in the…
Northwest
Washington’s newest Supreme Court justice is sworn in
Colleen Melody is officially the Washington state Supreme Court’s newest justice.
Northwest
An icy reception for Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget cuts
Advocates for schools, public universities, and climate programs are among those unhappy with the raft of cuts the…
Northwest
Push for youth social media safeguards revived in WA Legislature
A proposal would prohibit addictive feeds and push notifications at certain times for minors. Opponents believe it’s unconstitutional.
Northwest
How Washington state lawmakers want to regulate AI
Reining in chatbots, protecting kids from harmful content, and requiring disclosure of AI-generated material are among the ideas…
Northwest
Washington may ban sales of farmed octopus
Octopus is back on the policy menu for Washington state lawmakers.
Northwest
What Gov. Bob Ferguson said in State of the State address
The speech drew a more positive reaction from fellow Democrats than last year’s inaugural address. He touched on…
Northwest
Road damage from WA flooding to cost at least $40M
Last month’s heavy flooding inflicted at least $40 million to $50 million of damage on Washington’s highways, state…
Northwest
WA’s 2026 legislative session is getting underway. Will anyone be smiling when it’s over?
Washington state lawmakers begin a 60-day session today, in which a fiscal reckoning, flood recovery, and their own…
Northwest
Top Ferguson aide who went on hiatus to return in new role
A top adviser to Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is back at work with a new title and portfolio.
Northwest
Federal agents shoot two people in Portland, police say
Federal agents reportedly shot and injured two people near a medical clinic in east Portland on Thursday afternoon,…
Northwest
$126M incentive program for zero-emission trucks nears launch in WA
Transportation is the biggest share of emissions in the state. Advocates are frustrated by how long it’s taking…
Northwest
Ferguson proposes $244M boost for housing programs
Some of the money will be dedicated to flood recovery. The governor is also starting the process to…
Northwest
Highway 2 closure across WA’s Cascade mountains expected to last months
Parts of U.S. 2, an important road cutting across Washington’s Cascade mountains, will likely remain closed for months…
Northwest
Record flooding forces rescues across Western Washington
Waterways crested at record levels in several flooded small towns across western Washington overnight, swamping roads and bridges…
Northwest
WA erred in granting hundreds of commercial driver’s licenses to noncitizens
The issue has flared up after a fatal truck crash in Florida earlier this year.