Why we are here
Meaningful, independent journalism is at a crossroads. Advertisers who once filled newspaper coffers and funded local journalism have shifted resources to the Internet. And... — Updated 5/26/2023
WDFW proposes 'downlisting' state's gray wolf protections
Gray wolves in Washington, now listed as an endangered species under state law, would be reclassified as a sensitive species based on a recommendation by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The public is... — Updated 5/26/2023
Cause, timeline undetermined after 'catastrophic' slide on road to Mount St. Helens
A massive landslide on Sunday night took out a section of the upper portion of state Route 504, also known as Spirit Lake Highway. As of Tuesday morning, only one thing was... — Updated 5/19/2023
No concrete plans to transport Tokitae, despite hopes
No concrete plans exist to transport Tokitae, the Southern Resident orca currently housed at the Miami Seaquarium, back to Washington waters, federal agencies said this week. In... — Updated 5/4/2023
Legislature passes multiple environmental bills in time for Earth Day
Legislators celebrated Earth Day with the passage of environmental bills in the final hours of the legislative session. The package creates new laws that regulate the use of foam blocks for docks, govern production of hydrogen to... — Updated 4/26/2023
State insurance commissioner highlights new rules under state pet insurance law
After Gov. Jay Inslee signed a new bill related to pet insurance into law in April, Washington residents can expect more protection and less confusion, according to a news release... — Updated 5/26/2023
Police pursuit law rules modified
Police may pursue suspects that pose long-term serious risk to others under revisions of a more restrictive 2022 vehicle chase law that has now passed both houses of this year’s Legislature. Engrossed Senate Bill 5352 was... — Updated 4/17/2023
Assault rifles to be banned immediately if bill passed through the House becomes law
The manufacture, distribution and sale of any assault weapon would be prohibited by legislation passed by the state House of Representatives and now in the Senate. “There has been a dramatic shift in the public, I think... — Updated 3/10/2023
Task force on missing indigenous women proposed to continue
A state task force on missing indigenous women, created in 2021, will be extended at least two more years if a Senate-passed bill is approved by the House and governor. The bill, Senate Bill 5477, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres,... — Updated 3/10/2023
Introducing children to the world of words
MV Elementary adopts phonics-based method to teach kids reading Most of us probably don't remember much about how we learned to read - mastering the association of shapes with... — Updated 5/26/2023
Proposed legislation requires statement of rights for students
Public schools must adopt a “Statement of Student Rights,” that includes freedom of speech and religion, the right to assemble, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness under legislation that has passed the... — Updated 3/22/2023
Teacher support for media literacy proposed
A public-school grant program to help students evaluate news reports would be established if a bill passed by the state Senate makes its way through the House of Representatives. The amount of the grant program awarded to... — Updated 3/22/2023
Proposal allows students to earn credits for work outside of school
High school students could earn elective credit through paid work experience under a bill that has passed the state House of Representatives 93-4 and is now in the Senate. “Financial education is a priority for young adults and... — Updated 3/8/2023
Driver's education making a comeback
People 18 to 22 will be required to pass a driver’s education course before getting their license, if a bill that passed the state Senate becomes law. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5583, which passed 41-7 on March 1, also... — Updated 3/8/2023
Proposed bill would require sex trafficking education in schools
Sex traffickers often manipulate their victims with lies or threats and force them to participate in sexual acts, and the most vulnerable victims are between the ages of 12 and 18. “Sex trafficking is rampant, indiscriminate... — Updated 3/8/2023
Driver's education to teach sharing road with trucks and buses
Driver’s education courses will include guidance about sharing the road with big trucks and buses if a bill approved by the House gets an OK from the Senate. House Bill 1540 is sponsored by Rep. Spencer Hutchins, R-Gig Harbor.... — Updated 3/8/2023
Governor orders state to stockpile abortion pill
Thirty thousand doses of the pregnancy-ending drug mifepristone was purchased by the state under an order by Gov. Jay Inslee. The abortion-related drug is legal in the state of Washington to end pregnancy up to 10 weeks. The drug... — Updated 4/6/2023
State moves to ban toxic chemicals in cosmetic products
Cosmetic products containing nine toxic chemicals already removed from some retail shelves would be banned under a House-passed bill currently in the Senate. Substitute House Bill 1047, by Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, passed the... — Updated 4/6/2023
'Suicide-prevention' bill adds infraction for people who voluntary waive gun rights
People with mental health issues and those who might consider suicide sometimes voluntarily give up their right to possess guns by filing a voluntary waiver of their firearm rights with the clerk of the court of any county within... — Updated 3/22/2023
Bill restricts collection of health data
Use of consumer reproductive health data would be much more restricted under House Bill 1155, the proposed “My Health, My Data Act.” The proposed law requires the consumer’s consent before sharing or collecting personal... — Updated 3/22/2023
List of 'mandated reporters' for vulnerable adults expanded
More people working in public sector jobs would be required to report suspected abuse of senior adults under a bill now being debated in the state Legislature. “Typically, the first idea that we have that abuse or neglect is... — Updated 3/22/2023
Food pantries want flexibility in spending to aid families
Food banks are finding it necessary to provide diapers, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and other non-food items but currently are limited on how much they can spend on those essentials. Substitute House Bill 1499, by Rep.... — Updated 3/10/2023
Healthcare industry to collect demographic data
More than 400,000 health care professionals would be required to provide information on race, ethnicity, gender, and spoken languages under a bill that passed the House and now is under consideration by the Senate. “This is... — Updated 3/10/2023
Death with Dignity waiting period shortened in proposed bill
Terminally ill patients seeking help to end their lives with the aid of a physician shouldn’t have to wait so long to get approval from the state. That’s the position of Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, who said he intends to... — Updated 3/8/2023
New bill to require new resource to help identify child malnutrition during social work visits
A social workers' guide to identify child malnutrition cases has passed the state House of Representatives and is now under consideration by the Senate. The guide would be required to be easily accessible to social workers,... — Updated 3/8/2023
Abortion bill protects Washington residents from outside restrictions
Reproductive health care services including abortion and gender affirming treatment would be protected in Washington State under a bill recently by the House with a 59-38. The legislation, House Bill 1469, was sponsored by Rep.... — Updated 3/8/2023
Not so high times: Marijuana glut stunts local sales
ILWACO - After about five years of producing increasingly higher yields and record sales, one of Pacific County's fastest-growing cash crops is showing signs of slowing down, with... — Updated 5/4/2023
Cannabis store signs to come under local control
Cannabis stores may be able to display larger outdoor signs if they comply with local ordinances rather than statewide regulations from the Liquor and Cannabis Board under a proposal in the state Legislature. Vicki... — Updated 4/6/2023
Cannabis test can't be used to deny hiring in proposed law
Employers would be prohibited from denying a person a job for their non-work-related cannabis use in a bill passed by the state Senate 28-21 and the House of Representatives 57-41. Currently, there is one difference between the... — Updated 4/6/2023
Proposal aims at keeping people alive during extreme heat
Legislation prohibiting involuntary termination of electric or water services during extreme hot weather was approved by the state House of Representatives 64-31. Current law prohibits utilities from terminating heat utility... — Updated 3/8/2023
Drivers, riders line up for 'the highway' opening
The North Cascades National Scenic Highway opened last Wednesday (May 10), just in time for Winthrop's '49ers Days festivities. Washington State Department of Transportation... — Updated 5/19/2023
Ski to Sea returns Memorial Day weekend
WHATCOM COUNTY - The creme-de-la-creme athletic event of Whatcom County is coming soon. Ski to Sea is a 93-mile course across snow and water and other surfaces, with biking and... — Updated 5/19/2023
Website lists Washougal River as nation's best skinny-dipping spot
MyDatingAdviser.com recently updated its ranking of the 25 best nude beaches in the world. The Washougal River was named the No. 1 spot in the United States and checked in at No. 7... — Updated 5/4/2023
Wilcox steps down from House Republican Leader role
After five years serving as Washington state's House Republican Leader, Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, announced his decision to step down from his leadership role. Being the House... — Updated 4/26/2023
Legislature adjourns without 'Blake bill' solution
The Washington State Legislature adjourned April 23 after failing to approve a controversial bill setting drug possession penalties, raising the possibility of a special session in... — Updated 4/26/2023
Finland's president addresses state Legislature
For the first time in history, a foreign head of state has addressed a joint session in the Washington State Legislature. President, Sauli Niinistö, of the Republic of Finland,... — Updated 3/8/2023