OLYMPIA -- The Senate gave strong support for tougher penalties for assaults stemming from the so-called knockout game, despite a warning from some Democrats state laws already are adequate to handle what's may be a criminal "fad." Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, sponsored SB 6011…
OLYMPIA -- The hopes of many interest groups, lobbyists and citizens with hopes for key pieces of legislation hang in the balance today, a major "cut-off" day for bills. If a bill doesn't have some fiscal aspect to it, it must have passed the chamber…
As a member of Congress gains stature in Washington, D.C., opponents often have more trouble defeating them in elections back home. Eastern Washington Democrats are hoping the reverse is true this year as Joe Pakootas prepares to run against Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. He’s…
OLYMPIA – The Finch Arboretum would get a share of the money raised by a new license plate the features the state tree under a bill approved Monday by the House. The plate with the Western hemlock would be added to the dozens of specialty…
For anyone who had any doubts about his intentions about running for Congress, Clint Didier ended them today. He scoffed at the prospect of setting up an "exploratory committee" and announced he was a candidate at a morning press conference in Pasco. He's got a…
Clint Didier, a Pasco-area rancher and former pro football player with strong ties to tea party organizations, is getting into the race to replace Doc Hastings in the U.S. House of Representatives. Didier scheduled press conferences in Pasco and Spokane today to "make an announcement…
OLYMPIA -- The Senate marked the quasquicentennial of the official beginning of the state of Washington today, with a resolution honoring the act of Congress that led to establishing the state in 1889. Technically, they're five days early as the actual calendar goes. But they're…
OLYMPIA – It’s possible that in politics, like in fashion, everything comes back in style. I believe in the latter and save a particularly striking, albeit too wide, paisley necktie from the 1970s that I really like but don’t wear because of my daughter, who…
OLYMPIA – A state agency with roots in Spokane’s 1980s push to attract more high-tech jobs to the region would be eliminated under legislation approved this week by the House. Innovate Washington would cease to exist and its Riverpoint building, leases on other office space…
OLYMPIA -- State Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry said she has formed a committee to explore whether to run for the congressional seat opening up in Central Washington's 4th District. Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, said she plans to visit "with key leaders throughout the district. .…
OLYMPIA -- Washington schools would be required to protect students against emotional bullying, keep more data on homeless students and test out whether extra days would help some students retain more from one year to the next under bills that advanced Friday. . . To…
OLYMPIA -- Legislators are spending Valentine's Day moving as many bills as possible through their respective chambers. Eastern Washington members may not be home in time for a romantic dinner with their significant others, but may get the rest of the weekend off. Why the…
OLYMPIA -- The coalition controlling the Senate released a $12 billion transportation package that would raise gasoline taxes by 11.5 cents over three years and finish several major projects, including Spokane's North-South Freeway. They said they have support from 13 of their members -- or…
Hastings at news conference earlier this month discussing the Endangered Species Act. AP Photo Richard “Doc” Hastings, Central Washington's veteran congressman, will call it quits this year after 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hastings, 73, announced today he will not seek re-election…
OLYMPIA -- Legislative Republicans accused Gov. Jay Inslee of misusing his power by announcing a blanket moratorium on all executions during his term. "It's the Legislature that decides whether (capital punishment) is an appropriate policy," Sen. Steve O'Ban, R-University Place, said, while a governor has…
OLYMPIA -- A transportation package from the predominantly Republican Senate majority may be announced Thursday, although coalition leaders couldn't say Wednesday how much support it has in their caucus. Instead, they took aim at Gov. Jay Inslee, accusing the governor of a lack of leadership…
Sen. Andy Billig plugs bill limiting products with PCBs. OLYMPIA -- State agencies would be required to buy products that are free of cancer-causing PCBs if they are available under a bill approved today by the Senate. The proposal is a way to reduce the…
Washtucna elementary students pitched Palouse Falls at House committee hearing last month. OLYMPIA -- Palouse Falls would become the official state waterfall under a bill receiving unanimous approval in the House today. The proposal originated with students at Washtucna Elementary School as a way to…
OLYMPIA -- Minors would not be allowed to get a tan in a tanning salon in Washington under a bill that passed the Senate today. In a 40-8 vote, the Senate set the age limit for using a commercial tanning bed or booth at 18…
OLYMPIA -- Washington should study whether more nuclear power should be added to the state's power grid, the Senate said today. In 34-15 vote, the Senate approved a bill calling for a study of new "modular" nuclear technologies to see whether they make economic sense.…
OLYMPIA -- Both chambers are expected to spend much of Wednesday voting on bills that have been sent to them by the various committees that spent the first half of this session reviewing legislation. Initial lists from the Senate call for votes on ski lift…
OLYMPIA -- The Legislature hits the midway point today, which is also the final day for bills that cost money or affect taxes to get out of the committees in charge of those topics. Any legislation that doesn't make that deadline is likely dead for…
OLYMPIA -- The public would have access to more information about crude oil moving through the state by rail or barge under a proposal sent to the House Monday. On a mostly partisan 18-12 vote, the House Appropriations Committee sent HB 2347 to the committee…
OLYMPIA – If someone calls your cell phone from a Caribbean island but hangs up before you answer, chances are some friend wasn’t calling to gloat about sipping daiquiris on a beach. You didn’t win a free trip to a resort hotel. The Beach Boys…
OLYMPIA -- Motorcyclists could turn left at an intersection if the traffic light doesn't give them the green arrow after a complete cycle under a bill that received strong support from the Senate. SB 5141 would change state traffic laws to account for a problem…
The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.
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