Gov. Inslee signs Washington plastic bag ban into law
Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill into law that bans the use of plastic grocery bags in the state, he announced Wednesday.
Local Politics
Washington's stay home order: Your questions, answered
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a stay home order Monday night, immediately banning any gatherings and forcing non-essential businesses to close up shop by March 25.
Employment Security waives waiting period for unemployment benefits
Due to the rise in unemployment during the coronavirus outbreak, the Washington State Employment Security Department has waived the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance benefits.
Washington Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib will not seek re-election, will join the Jesuits
Washington Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib announced Thursday he will not seek re-election and will instead pursue a new career path.
Washington state lawmakers pass ban on plastic grocery bags
Lawmakers in Washington state have passed a ban on plastic grocery bags and added an 8-cent fee on paper bags.
Early results show Biden leads in Kootenai County and statewide
As Idaho’s presidential primary results trickled in Tuesday, former Vice President Joe Biden came out ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders in Kootenai County and statewide.
Kootenai County results show Biden taking lead over Sanders
A first round of election results in Kootenai County shows former Vice President Joe Biden ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders, with 19.4% of the vote to Sanders’ 8.8%.
Sanders takes lead in Washington, narrowly trails Biden in Spokane Co. votes
A first round of results shows Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders narrowly leading former Vice President Joe Biden in Washington votes, but trailing him in Spokane County.
First round of results shows Biden taking a narrow lead over Sanders in Spokane County
The first round of election results for the 2020 presidential primary shows former Vice President Joe Biden taking a narrow lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders in Spokane County.
Idaho Democrats to use primary instead of caucus
Idaho voters on Tuesday will pick Democratic, Republican and Constitutional party candidates to represent them in the November general election.
'This state law has done a lot of damage': Sheriff slams new guidelines for officer-involved shooting investigations
A shooting Sunday in Spokane Valley put a man in the hospital and four sheriff's deputies on leave, but investigators still have not explained what exactly happened in the moments before. Spokane County sheriff Ozzie Knezovich blames that on a voter-approved initiative which has changed the way these investigations are handled.
Washington, Idaho voters prepare for Tuesday primaries
On Tuesday, voters in Washington and Idaho will choose who they want to be president.
'Whether healthy or sick, please don't lick,' warns Dept. of Health on sealing ballot envelopes
As Washington grapples with dozens of coronavirus infections, the Secretary of State and the Department of Health recommend that voters not lick their ballot return envelopes to seal them.
Washington lawmaker proposes bill excluding breastfeeding moms from jury duty
If passed by the Washington legislature, a law would exempt breastfeeding women from serving on jury duty.
Idaho moves closer to ban on transgender women in athletics
Idaho moved closer Wednesday to banning transgender women from competing in women's sports despite warnings that such a law is unconstitutional.
Washington Secretary of State boycotting presidential primary because of privacy concerns
This year in Washington, your vote in the presidential primary will matter more than ever before -- but there's a catch.
Spokane Library focuses on new approach for kindergarten preparedness
Kindergarten registration is less than a week away, but Washington lawmakers believe early learning should start well before students enter the classroom.
Girl, 11, brings AR-15 to Idaho hearing on gun legislation
An 11-year-old girl toting a loaded AR-15 assault weapon appeared Monday at a legislative hearing with her grandfather, who is supporting a proposal that would allow visitors to Idaho who can legally possess firearms to carry a concealed handgun within city limits.
City Council to consider ordinance punishing disruptions at healthcare facilities
The Spokane City Council will be reading an ordinance designed to prevent disruptions at healthcare facilities like Planned Parenthood.
Effort to expel Rep. Matt Shea fails with no Republican support
Washington state representatives are petitioning for the expulsion of Spokane Valley Rep. Matt Shea.
Revenue forecast brings good news for Washington lawmakers
Washington lawmakers received good news with the state’s latest revenue forecast showing they have significantly more money to work with as they prepare to unveil their supplemental state budget proposals.
Trio of prescription cost bills pass off Washington Senate floor
The Washington Senate has passed three bills that aim to reign in the costs of prescription drugs.
Office to collect firearm violence data approved by Washington Senate
A measure to collect statewide data on firearm violence and create a grant program for prevention programs has passed the Washington Senate.
'Hunger-Free Schools Act' passes Washington House of Representatives
The Washington House of Representatives have passed a bill for schools to provide free meals to students at no cost to the state.
