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Cantwell says she’ll cut path for privacy bill despite opposition
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell said the panel plans to mark up much-delayed federal data privacy legislation before the August congressional recess — and gave the bill a puncher’s chance even though its House companion has faced setbacks.
U.S. and Canada strike deal to update 60-year-old Columbia River Treaty
WASHINGTON – The United States and Canada announced Thursday that they have reached an agreement in principle to modernize the Columbia River Treaty, a 60-year-old pact that governs how the two nations use the Columbia Basin’s water resources.
‘This should not be just Joe Biden’s decision’: While other Democrats try to move on, Adam Smith calls for his party to act
WASHINGTON – Congressional Democrats emerged from caucus meetings on Tuesday with a mostly muted message of support for President Joe Biden, despite signs that many in the party still quietly harbor doubts about Biden’s ability to win and serve a second term in office.
At state convention, Washington Democrats pass cease-fire resolution after pro-Gaza protesters show up
The three-day event, which drew a crowd of more than 700 delegates and politicians, took place east of Seattle in nearby Bellevue at a convention center.
Maria Cantwell seeks fifth Senate term, facing GOP’s Raul Garcia and 10 other primary foes
Sen. Maria Cantwell’s first term in the Senate didn’t come easy, as she defeated incumbent Republican Slade Gorton by a margin of less than 0.1% in 2000. Since then, the Democrat has cruised to re-election three times as Washington has become an ever-bluer state.
Senate spectrum bill markup scrapped over partisan differences
WASHINGTON — The Senate Commerce Committee late Monday scrapped plans for a markup Tuesday morning of wireless spectrum auction legislation that had already been punted several times.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to abortion pill access after Spokane judge blocked restrictions
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that mifepristone, a medication used in the majority of abortions in the United States, can remain available, rejecting a challenge by antiabortion groups that sought to undo the Food and Drug Administration’s longstanding approval of the medication.
‘You are in for a treat’: Spokane International Airport unveils newly constructed concourse
Glossy terrazzo floors, windows that tint automatically and a 315-square-foot nursing room are just some of the features that can be found under the sloped steel roof of the Spokane International Airport’s newest addition.
Fewer and fewer new candidates filing for office in Spokane County as deadline approaches
The tap of new candidates entering elections this year is drying up, with relatively few people joining their respective races in the last two days and even fewer surprises. Friday is the last day for candidates to file with the Washington Secretary of State to appear on ballots later this year.
Washington state Republican Party endorses 6 candidates as races for statewide offices heat up
The candidates who managed to clinch a party endorsement are not guaranteed a spot on the general election ballot come November. However, an endorsement earns them free publicity and fundraising help from the party in the coming months.
Sen. Cantwell wants online privacy law, but critics say she’s slowed efforts for years
When Maria Cantwell first ran for the U.S. Senate, she championed what was then an unconventional political cause: internet privacy. Twenty-four years later, Cantwell (D-Wash.) has finally unveiled a bipartisan agreement aimed at achieving that vision. But the path ahead remains murky.
Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers strike bipartisan deal on landmark data privacy bill
WASHINGTON – Since the dawn of the internet age, tech companies have developed increasingly sophisticated ways to collect and use vast swaths of Americans’ personal data, while Congress has repeatedly failed to regulate the practice. Now, two Washington state lawmakers have a bipartisan plan to break that impasse and set a national standard for data privacy.
Washington cherry growers to get federal loans after USDA declares 2023 harvest a disaster
WASHINGTON – Harsh weather made 2023 a bad year for Washington state cherry growers, but help is on the way after the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday granted Gov. Jay Inslee’s request for a federal disaster declaration.
Michael Baumgartner joins crowded race to represent Eastern Washington in Congress
Spokane County Treasurer Michael Baumgartner has formally joined the race for Washington’s 5th congressional district, announcing his candidacy at a campaign launch event at the University District Gateway Bridge overlooking the Washington State University Spokane Medical School.
McMorris Rodgers, Cantwell request update from Biden administration on aid for Gray, Oregon Road wildfire victims
WASHINGTON – Two of Washington’s congressional delegation sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday asking for an update on potential aid for the victims of two wildfires that destroyed hundreds of Spokane County homes in August.
New Israel-Palestine resolution coming before Spokane City Council on Monday
The Spokane City Council on Monday will consider once again speaking out about the Israel-Palestine conflict, this time voicing support not only for the victims of Hamas’ attacks against Israel Oct. 7 but the Palestinian civilians now under siege by Israel’s military.
Lisa Brown names chief of staff, city spokeswoman and more leadership positions as she prepares to take office
Incoming Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announced her third batch of cabinet-level appointments Friday, most of whom are being retained in their current positions.
How Sen. Jim Risch and his Idaho ethos became an unlikely leader on foreign policy as global conflicts rage and his party splits
WASHINGTON – By his own account, Jim Risch arrived in Congress in 2009 as something of an isolationist, less interested in the United States’ role around the world than in the domestic issues on which he had focused in three decades as a local prosecutor, Idaho state senator, lieutenant governor and a brief stint as governor.
Cantwell, Risch urge Biden, Trudeau to prioritize negotiations on critical Columbia River Treaty provisions
The U.S. and Canada need to prioritize swiftly modernizing the nearly 60-year treaty governing the management of the Columbia River between the two countries, wrote U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell and Idaho Sen. James Risch in a Wednesday letter to President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
After fentanyl bust by Kalispel Tribal Police, U.S. Attorney Waldref tells lawmakers Native communities are hit harder by opioid crisis
WASHINGTON – In a hearing Wednesday, Eastern Washington’s top federal prosecutor told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee that a recent drug bust by Kalispel Tribal Police underscored how the fentanyl crisis has hit Native communities especially hard.