Proposed law would require student registration by age 5
Early childhood education is so critical to student success that now some educators are pushing for enrollment in school by age 5. Currently, Washington parents are allowed to delay their child’s enrollment with the local... — Updated 1/17/2022
Families press for end to hazing
Sam Martinez, a freshman at Washington State University, was found dead from alcohol poisoning at his fraternity house just weeks into the 2019 school year. He was the victim of a hazing tradition at his fraternity. Now his... — Updated 1/17/2022
New House bill would make oil owners financially liable for oil spills
The financial responsibility for an oil spill will fall on those who own the facilities and vessels that produce and transport oil under proposed House Bill 1691. “The goal is to minimize the permanent long-standing damage that... — Updated 1/16/2022
Chemicals in cosmetics targeted in new law
For a large portion of Washingtonians, the use of cosmetic products is a part of their everyday routine, but some of those same household products often contain harmful chemicals that cause a variety of health risks. A bill now... — Updated 1/16/2022
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 1/16/2022
Bill would post warnings about cold water shock
March 23, 2021 was a sunny day in Lewis County. Zachary Lee Rager, an 18-year-old Centralia teen wanting to take advantage of the pleasant weather, headed to a familiar hang out with some friends, a bridge connecting the banks of... — Updated 1/15/2022
Bill increases availability of sexual assault nurse examiner training
Harborview medical center is currently the only hospital in Washington State that provides training for nurses to become sexual assault nurse examiners, also known as SANE. A bill in this year’s state Legislature is aimed at... — Updated 1/15/2022
More protection for election officials approved by Senate
Election officials will get more protection from harassment if SB 5148 becomes law. The bill was approved in the Senate Jan. 12 with 48 yeas and 0 nays. It will be up to the House... — Updated 1/13/2022
More aid for college students proposed
College students struggling to balance the cost of higher education with everyday expenses will have the burden slightly alleviated if lawmakers pass a bill increasing access to funds through the Washington College Grant program.... — Updated 1/13/2022
Inslee calls for swift action on housing, homelessness, climate change
Immediate action must be taken to address climate change, the housing crisis, transportation, and education, Gov. Jay Inslee said in his annual State of the State address Jan. 11.... — Updated 1/12/2022
Sefzik offers more 'age-diverse senate'
FERNDALE - Washington state's newest senator is still learning how to disagree without being disagreeable. That's what 22-year-old Simon Sefzik wrote in his cover letter to the... — Updated 1/12/2022
