Gov. Inslee signs into law delay of Washington’s long-term care program
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday signed into law an 18-month delay of the state’s new long-term care program that creates a defined benefit to help offset the costs of such care.
Father speaks out after video shows Black student athlete being called slurs during game
A father in Lacey is speaking out against racism after his son was the victim of a derogatory video.
Washington's unemployment rate falls to 4.5% in December
The Washington Employment Security Department reports the state's unemployment rate continues to slowly improve as the pandemic rages on.
Large fire that damaged 5 buildings in Olympia deemed arson, police looking to ID persons of interest
Investigators determined that a large fire that damaged five buildings in downtown Olympia back in December was arson.
WA Senate approves bill further penalizing election worker harassment
The Washington state Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that would make it a Class C felony to harass an election worker, with violations potentially resulting in a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee's emergency powers
It’s been 679 days since Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency regarding COVID—a prospect which is shaping up to a bipartisan effort to curb his emergency powers.
WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee's emergency powers
Gov. Inslee in his State of the State address said they need to take action on issues like homelessness, climate change and transportation, but some lawmakers want to put limits on the governor's powers to invoke a state of emergency.
Gov. Inslee calls on Washington lawmakers for ‘bold’ action in State of the State speech
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday called on state lawmakers to take action on a multitude of issues during their 60-day legislative session, including addressing the homelessness crisis, helping children impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and taking more steps to address climate change.
WA lawmakers eye 'tweaking' police reform laws as 2022 legislative session opens
The 2022 Washington State legislative session opened its 60-day session on Monday with ‘fixes’ on the minds of many lawmakers.
Washington State begins 2022 legislative session as COVID looms
Washington's 60-day legislative session began Monday, and it comes as two state senators have tested positive for COVID-19.
Washington lawmakers set to kick off mostly remote session
Lawmakers in Washington state are preparing to kick off a new legislative session amid the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and much of their work will be done remotely as leaders try to limit the possibility of exposure.
WA legislator Andy Billig contracts COVID-19
Washington lawmaker Andy Billig tested positive for COVID-19, Senate Democrats announced Saturday.
Pandemic still backdrop as WA lawmakers start new session
The 2022 legislative session in Washington will look much like the one a year ago: a limited number of lawmakers on site at the Capitol, and committee hearings being fully remote due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Washington orders 5.5 million at-home tests for public
Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday the state has ordered 5.5 million at-home tests to distribute to the public and will improve booster vaccine access and supply about 10 million free protective masks amid a steep increase in COVID-19 cases due to the more contagious omicron variant.
Washington’s new secretary of state mandates vaccines
In one of his first acts as Washington Secretary of State, Democrat Steve Hobbs has told his some 300 staff to become vaccinated against COVID-19 by Feb. 25, or face losing their jobs.
Washington lawmakers file bill to delay long-term care tax
Washington state lawmakers have filed a bill to be introduced that would delay the implementation of the mandatory long-term care payroll tax.
Visitation restrictions in effect at Olympia, Centralia hospitals
Providence Southwest Hospitals announced that it was updating its visitation policy in response to help control the spread of the omicron variant, and to protect caregivers and patients.
Department of Corrections fined $60K for COVID rule lapses
The Washington Department of Corrections has been fined $60,000 for failing to enforce COVID-19 protective measures at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen.
Warming center to open in Olympia following hazardous weather declaration
Olympia is opening a warming center on Saturday as an advisory for hazardous weather has been declared across Thurston County.
Five-story building in Olympia destroyed by a fire
A large fire ripped through a five-story building in Olympia. The flames sparked inside an empty building that was under construction—which is now a total loss.