Laurel Demkovich

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News >  Local Government

In a bid at ‘keeping child care on the agenda,’ Murray talks funding in Olympia

UPDATED: Wed., Jan. 18, 2023

As Congress reconvenes this year, Murray will serve as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and as the first woman to serve as president pro tempore, which is third in line for the presidency. 

News >  WA Government

Spokane pushes Legislature to exempt its trash incinerator from cap-and-trade program

Tue., Jan. 17, 2023

OLYMPIA – The city of Spokane may soon have to pay Washington to comply with a new state program aimed at cutting greenhouse gases because of the city’s trash incinerator.

News >  Education

Washington Legislature looks to set up state-run apprenticeship programs for students

UPDATED: Mon., Jan. 16, 2023

As the Legislature looks to tackle workforce shortages this session, a bill sponsored by Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, would set up a high school apprenticeship pilot program run by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the state's regional educational service districts. 

News >  WA Government

Local delegation blasts Inslee’s proposed transportation budget that includes North Spokane Corridor pause as ‘almost unconscionable’

Wed., Jan. 11, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee's proposed transportation budget could pause construction on the North Spokane Corridor, pushing the completion date back another six years. 

News >  WA Government

‘Boldness and ambition’: Inslee calls on Legislature to make big investments in housing, behavioral health

UPDATED: Tue., Jan. 10, 2023

OLYMPIA – Washington needs bold and inclusive leadership and action this session to address housing, behavioral health and education crises across the state, Gov. Jay Inslee said.

News >  WA Government

After two remote sessions, Legislature opens Monday fully in person

UPDATED: Mon., Jan. 9, 2023

Loud applause, cheers and hugs spread throughout the House chamber as members walked onto the floor for the Washington State Legislature's first in-person session since 2020, following back-to-back sessions of mostly remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

News >  Crime/Public Safety

More treatment or more jail? Washington lawmakers must approve new drug sentence rules or eliminate jail time for drug possession

Sun., Jan. 8, 2023

The decision in 2021 left lawmakers scrambling to come up with a fix by the end of the legislative session. 

News >  WA Government

The Legislature convenes Monday for its 2023 session. Here are the issues to watch:

Sun., Jan. 8, 2023

The Washington State Legislature will meet on Monday for their first in-person session in two years. 

News >  WA Government

Higher gas prices or a path toward a better future? Here’s what you need to know about 2 Inslee-backed climate laws effective today

UPDATED: Wed., Jan. 4, 2023

Dn't expect the average price of gas to go up on Jan. 2 simply because of these policies. 

News >  WA Government

Inslee, Ferguson renew push for ban on assault weapons in Washington

UPDATED: Mon., Dec. 19, 2022

Inslee and Ferguson joined legislators and others affected by gun violence in Tukwila on Monday to announce upcoming legislation to reduce gun violence. The legislation addresses assault weapons, permits to purchase guns and holding businesses that sell guns liable. 

News >  WA Government

Inslee proposes $70 billion budget with focus on housing, homelessness, behavioral health

UPDATED: Wed., Dec. 14, 2022

The proposal will likely guide lawmakers this session as they write budgets for the next two-year cycle that will fund education, housing, new construction, state employees' salaries, public safety and other programs across the state.

News >  Education

Spokane’s Wilson Elementary requires masks after 30% of students absent with respiratory illnesses

UPDATED: Wed., Dec. 14, 2022

Through the end of this week, students, staff and visitors are now required to wear masks during school hours and encouraged to wear masks during evening events. Masks will be available at the school for those who may need them. 

News >  WA Government

Inslee pushes for funding to make WSU Tri-Cities clean energy hub in Washington

UPDATED: Mon., Dec. 12, 2022

Inslee on Monday previewed his climate agenda for the 2023 legislative session at an event in the Tri-Cities, including a proposal to make Washington State University Tri-Cities the home of a new Northwest Energy Futures institute. Inslee is asking the Legislature for $10 million to fund the institute. 

News >  WA Government

City of Spokane public bargaining mandate unconstitutional, state Supreme Court says

UPDATED: Thu., Dec. 8, 2022

The court on Thursday upheld a Spokane County Superior Court judge's ruling from last August that said the new charter section was in conflict with state laws. 

News >  WA Government

Ballot rejection rate this election on par with previous seasons, but disparities remain

Sat., Dec. 3, 2022

For this year's general election, the Spokane County Canvassing Board rejected 2,443 ballots for this year's general election, about 1.09% of ballots cast. 

News >  Health

Washington decommissions COVID-19 emergency response website as cases remain low

Wed., Nov. 30, 2022

During the height of the pandemic, the state coronavirus response website offered public health information as well as resources from other state agencies, such as workplace safety guidance, workers rights, food assistance and mental health assistance. 

News >  WA Government

State sees increase in revenue forecast but legislators will likely disagree on how to spend it

Sat., Nov. 26, 2022

Ahead of the next Legislature's budget writing year, Washington's tax collections are again higher than expected. 

News >  WA Government

Washington State Legislature makeup, leadership almost finalized ahead of 2023 session

Fri., Nov. 25, 2022

Democrats will enter 2023 with strong majorities in both the state House of Representatives and the state Senate. As of Wednesday, Democrats will likely lead with a 29-20 majority in the Senate and 58-40 in the House. 

News >  WA Government

‘Crisis mode’: Washington health leaders warn that hospitals are overcapacity as RSV cases rise in children

UPDATED: Mon., Nov. 14, 2022

The Washington State Hospital Association warned of significant and early increases in respiratory illnesses, especially in children, only worsening an already strained hospital system. 

News >  Nation/World

We the People: Parties in power often lose dozens of seats in Congress every midterm, but this year could be different

Sun., Nov. 13, 2022

Each week, The Spokesman-Review examines one question from the Naturalization Test immigrants must pass to become United States citizens.

News >  WA Government

Democrat Gluesenkamp Perez holds lead in 3rd District, though gap is shrinking

UPDATED: Sat., Nov. 12, 2022

In the district that pollsters thought was almost certain to go to Kent, a Gluesenkamp Perez win could become one of the biggest upsets this election. 

News >  WA Government

A number of races still too close to call after Thursday’s results tighten contests

UPDATED: Fri., Nov. 11, 2022

OLYMPIA – A new secretary of state, a concession in the U.S. Senate race and a congressional seat still too close to call.

News >  WA Government

Democrats expected to hold majorities in Washington’s state House and Senate, but Republicans make gains with Wednesday results

UPDATED: Wed., Nov. 9, 2022

OLYMPIA – Democrats continue to lead in some of Washington’s most competitive legislative districts to keep their majorities in the state House and Senate, although Republicans are making gains with Wednesday’s vote tally.

News >  WA Government

Most of Washington’s congressional incumbents prevail but races still too close to call in 3rd and 8th districts as Democrats hold leads

UPDATED: Wed., Nov. 9, 2022

Most of Washington's Congressional incumbents prevailed in Tuesday's general election, but a few districts may still hold some surprises as more votes are counted in the coming days.

News >  WA Government

Leonard Christian leads incumbent Rob Chase for Spokane Valley House seat while incumbents prevail in other Spokane districts

UPDATED: Wed., Nov. 9, 2022

More ballots will be counted in the coming days, so the exact results of the race are likely to change. County auditors were anticipating a later-than-normal surge in voting, meaning it could be the end of this week or early next before most ballots are counted.