Idaho gubernatorial candidates explain their stance on abortion
IDAHO - As many await the Supreme Court's decision on Roe vs. Wade, 4 News Now reached out to all Idaho gubernatorial candidates about their views on abortions.…
Politics
Gov. Little joins 25 governors in creating 'American Governors' Border Strike Force'
BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho Governor Brad Little and 25 other governors from across the state have partnered up to combat criminal organizations taking advantage of the open border with Mexico. The multi-state partnership is called the "American Governors' Border Strike…
New York AG asks court to hold Donald Trump in contempt
New York Attorney General Letitia James asked a New York court on Thursday to hold former President Donald Trump in civil contempt for allegedly failing to comply with a court order that he turn over certain documents for her investigation.This…
Washington state prohibits Texas-style abortion lawsuits
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A measure that prohibits legal action against people seeking an abortion and those who aid them was signed into law Thursday by the governor of Washington, a move designed to rebut recent actions by conservative states.…
Bill to make daylight saving time permanent clears U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON D.C. – A bill to make daylight saving time permanent has been approved by the U.S. Senate. The Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Washington Senator Patty Murray, passed the Senate unanimously on Tuesday. It now heads…
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announces he will run for re-election
BOISE, Idaho-- Idaho's governor wants to stay in office for another term. Gov. Brad Little announced Friday he intends to run for re-election. “As Governor, my priority has been to make Idaho the best place to live, do business, and…
Idaho's controversial transgender bill is another step closer to becoming law. Here's how local lawmakers voted
Young transgender people in Idaho could soon see setbacks if they're looking for gender-affirming surgeries or medications.
Watch Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers react to Biden's State of the Union address
SPOKANE, Wash.-- President Joe Biden gave his State of the Union address Tuesday evening. 4 News Now caught up with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers…
West Coast governors announce updated health, masking guidelines
SPOKANE, Wash. -- As COVID-19 hospitalizations and case rates continue to decline across the west, many states are now updating their masking guidance. State leaders across the west coast, including Washington Governor Jay Inslee, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Oregon…
Idaho Senate passes bill to create incentive program for educators
BOISE, Idaho -- The Idaho Senate recently passed a bill that aims to incentivize educators to continue working at schools. Senate Bill 1290 would establish a rural educator incentive program for those who work in high-need and rural school districts…
New Washington bill looks to make changes to state's Death With Dignity law
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A new bill in the Washington legislature is trying to make major changes to an existing assisted suicide law known…
Washington House bill would require informational human trafficking posters in all bathroom rest areas
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Several bills in the Washington Legislature would require a lot of action from the Department of Transportation. House Bill…
Washington lawmakers consider adding specialty wine license plate
OLYMPIA, Wash.-- There could be a special license plate coming for Washington wine lovers. The Washington Wine Institute and state lawmakers are pushing to make that happen. The money made from the plates would go to Washington Tourism Alliance to…
Spokane City Councilwoman to speak at Inslee press conference Thursday
OLYMPIA, Wash.-- A Spokane City Councilmember will join Gov. Jay Inslee at an upcoming press conference. Councilwoman Betsy Wilkerson is set to speak with the governor at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Wilkerson represents Spokane's District 2. She is the second African…
Washington lawmakers considering a bill to legalize psilocybin for medical treatment
Known for decades as "magic mushrooms," Washington lawmakers will consider legalizing the use of psilocybin to treat various illnesses like PTSD and depression
How punishing people for 'doxxing' could prove tricky for WA lawmakers
Lawmakers want to address the malicious posting of people's personal information, but First Amendment concerns complicate matters.
Track the WA legislation that matters most in 2022
Our new guide will help you keep an eye on new laws and legislative efforts through this year's lawmaking session.
Idaho officials unhappy with Washington Cares Fund, applaud its delay
BOISE, Idaho -- Governor Brad little and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden are concerned about how the Washington Cares Fund could impact Idahoans who work across state lines. The proposed program would tax less than one percent of all Washingtonian paychecks.…
Gov. Inslee advocates for bill that outlaws politicians from lying about elections
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Governor Jay Inslee testified in favor of Substitute Senate Bill 5843, which aims to disallow politicians from making false statements about in-state election results and election processes. Inslee said "politicians are not above anyone else," and that…
Idaho bill seeks to ban mental health therapists from performing conversion therapy
BOISE, Idaho -- A new bill in the Idaho House aims to ban mental health therapists from performing conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth. House Bill 483 is sponsored by Rep. John McCrostie (D-Garden City). Conversion therapy is an attempt to…
WA farmers markets may get displaced by obscure tax break expiring
If the Legislature doesn't intervene, nonprofits and churches won't be able to host weekly farmers markets anymore without losing their tax-exempt status.
Wash. schools, libraries get internet funding through American Rescue Plan
OLYMPIA, Wash.-- Millions of dollars from the American Rescue Plan will go toward improving internet quality at schools and libraries across the state. Thousands of dollars…
Washington restaurant owners ask for more pandemic relief funding
WASHINGTON D.C. — Restaurant owners from across Washington met with Senator Maria Cantwell on Tuesday to make the case for another round of emergency funding for the…
Gov. Inslee's budget seeks to expand voting access in WA county jails
The budget asks for more than half a million to go to helping remove barriers for people in jail who are otherwise eligible to vote.
