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State cuts $1 million of WSU budget, less than originally expected

Sat., March 21, 2026

Cuts to Washington State University will not be as deep as previously thought under the supplemental budget the Washington Legislature recently passed.

News > WA Government

New Washington law aimed at reducing DUI backlog ‘helpful in theory’ but could be ineffective, Spokane County prosecutor says

UPDATED: Fri., March 20, 2026

OLYMPIA – A new state law aimed at reducing delays at the state toxicology lab and erasing a backlog of more than 16,000 cases was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson this week.

News > WA Government

Ferguson signs bill barring masks on law enforcement as demonstrators urge him to go further

UPDATED: Thu., March 19, 2026

As protesters outside urged the state to take further action to protect Washingtonians from federal immigration enforcement, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation on Thursday that prohibits law enforcement from wearing facial coverings during official duties and bans falsely identifying oneself as a police officer.

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New Washington law clarifies what it means to vote in an election after man sent in two states’ ballots and dodged charges

UPDATED: Wed., March 18, 2026

OLYMPIA – What does it mean to vote in an election?

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Spokane-based Maddie’s Place ‘deeply grateful’ for $2 million award from new Washington budget

UPDATED: Mon., March 16, 2026

OLYMPIA – A Spokane nonprofit that helps infants born in substance withdrawal is celebrating after the Legislature last week approved $2 million in funding for the facility.

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Spin Control: Iconic scene selected to represent Spokane legislative district

Sun., March 15, 2026

"Controversy" settled. Riverfront Park scene chosen to replace picture of Spokane's 3rd Legislative District.

News > WA Government

Climate commitment act revenue will not be used for tax relief this year as Washington Dems floated

UPDATED: Fri., March 13, 2026

Legislators have pivoted from a Democrat-backed plan to use hundreds of millions in revenue from the state’s climate commitment act to plug a billion-dollar shortfall.

News > WA Government

It’s a wrap for the 2026 Washington legislative session. Here’s a look at some of what passed and what didn’t

UPDATED: Thu., March 12, 2026

OLYMPIA – Washington’s 2026 legislative session had an alarming finish on Thursday as an earsplitting fire alarm rang through the Capitol dome – forcing all but the House of Representatives to evacuate the building.

News > WA Government

Washington’s income tax on millionaires clears Legislature; business groups worry about tax affecting competitiveness

UPDATED: Thu., March 12, 2026

OLYMPIA – A new tax on personal income above $1 million a year has officially cleared all legislative hurdles in the state Capitol, marking the most significant shift in state tax policy in nearly 100 years.

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Early learning, K-12 take biggest blows in state budget agreement that overall boosts spending

UPDATED: Wed., March 11, 2026

OLYMPIA – From preschool to K-12, education took the biggest hit after Washington lawmakers unveiled a budget agreement on Wednesday with the largest cuts concentrated in early learning and public schools.

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Almost 30-year dream could soon be realized for Spokane Valley man as ‘referee bill’ heads to governor’s desk

UPDATED: Tue., March 10, 2026

When a 190-pound high school wrestler head -butted Spokane Valley’s Bob West while he was officiating a Colville wrestling match in 1996, he knew it was the end of his 35-year referee career.

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Next year’s March Madness likely to be even madder: The Washington Legislature approved a bill allowing betting on in-state college teams

UPDATED: Tue., March 10, 2026

OLYMPIA – The only thing stopping local bettors from wagering on the Gonzaga Bulldogs next year is a stroke of Gov. Bob Ferguson’s pen.

News > WA Government

Why conservative media personalities were denied press access to Washington’s House floor

UPDATED: Tue., March 10, 2026

A trio of conservative media figures will continue to be barred from access to press areas on the state House of Representatives floor, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

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Legislator to introduce resolution honoring late coach after Colfax basketball championship

UPDATED: Tue., March 10, 2026

A perfect resolution to cap off a perfect season.

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‘Truly historic’: The Washington House approved an income tax on millionaires after a marathon debate

UPDATED: Wed., March 11, 2026

OLYMPIA – The faces of lawmakers were almost evenly split between excitement and despair Tuesday evening.

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Gov. Bob Ferguson appoints seasoned litigator to state Supreme Court

UPDATED: Mon., March 9, 2026

OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson has again appointed a familiar and experienced litigator with no previous judicial experience to the state Supreme Court.

News > WA Government

Lawmakers voted two years ago to bar an income tax. Now, many Democrats have changed their minds

Sun., March 8, 2026

OLYMPIA – Less than two years after both chambers of the Washington Legislature overwhelmingly passed an initiative to bar state and local jurisdictions from adopting an income tax, lawmakers are on the verge of doing just that.

News > WA Government

Sen. Leonard Christian does not apologize as fellow lawmakers and advocates condemn his remarks on disabled people

UPDATED: Fri., March 6, 2026

OLYMPIA – Responding to a controversy this week, Sen. Leonard Christian said in a statement Friday he now understands “that my remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday have given offense to some members of the developmentally disabled community.”

News > WA Government

Washington’s income tax on millionaires would fund universal free school meals under new plan

UPDATED: Mon., March 9, 2026

OLYMPIA – The latest state income tax proposal on people earning more than $1 million a year has the backing of Gov. Bob Ferguson.

News > WA Government

Spokane Valley Sen. Leonard Christian draws rebuke over ‘inflaming’ remarks in floor speech

UPDATED: Thu., March 5, 2026

State Sen. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, drew rebuke from fellow lawmakers Wednesday afternoon for using a slur for disabled people while debating the merits of a state program that imposes restrictions on those with developmental disabilities who have been charged or convicted of a sexual offense or suspected of being a risk to others.

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Spin Control: Despite controversy, Cesar Chavez Day still part of state law

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State cuts $1 million of WSU budget, less than originally expected

New Washington law aimed at reducing DUI backlog ‘helpful in theory’ but could be ineffective, Spokane County prosecutor says

Ferguson signs bill barring masks on law enforcement as demonstrators urge him to go further

New Washington law clarifies what it means to vote in an election after man sent in two states’ ballots and dodged charges

Spokane-based Maddie’s Place ‘deeply grateful’ for $2 million award from new Washington budget

Spin Control: Iconic scene selected to represent Spokane legislative district

Climate commitment act revenue will not be used for tax relief this year as Washington Dems floated

It’s a wrap for the 2026 Washington legislative session. Here’s a look at some of what passed and what didn’t

Washington’s income tax on millionaires clears Legislature; business groups worry about tax affecting competitiveness

Early learning, K-12 take biggest blows in state budget agreement that overall boosts spending

Almost 30-year dream could soon be realized for Spokane Valley man as ‘referee bill’ heads to governor’s desk

Next year’s March Madness likely to be even madder: The Washington Legislature approved a bill allowing betting on in-state college teams

Why conservative media personalities were denied press access to Washington’s House floor

Legislator to introduce resolution honoring late coach after Colfax basketball championship

‘Truly historic’: The Washington House approved an income tax on millionaires after a marathon debate

Gov. Bob Ferguson appoints seasoned litigator to state Supreme Court

Lawmakers voted two years ago to bar an income tax. Now, many Democrats have changed their minds

Sen. Leonard Christian does not apologize as fellow lawmakers and advocates condemn his remarks on disabled people

Washington’s income tax on millionaires would fund universal free school meals under new plan

Spokane Valley Sen. Leonard Christian draws rebuke over ‘inflaming’ remarks in floor speech