Get unlimited local news and information that matters to you.

Government

More than $55M paid to local governments from WA attorney general’s opioid cases

Whatcom County, Bellingham will use funds to combat fentanyl and opioid crisis

March 20, 2024 5:30 p.m.

Gender wage gap in Washington is among widest in nation, analysis shows

Median pay for women in 2022 was $18,400 less than what men earned

March 18, 2024 10:00 p.m.

Three citizen initiatives approved by Washington Legislature

Three other initiatives are still headed to voters this November.

March 5, 2024 9:48 a.m.

WA lawmakers hear debate on parental rights initiative

Republican-backed initiative would require material to be available for parental review

Feb. 29, 2024 11:32 a.m.

State lawmaker addresses tenant protections, fentanyl in wide-ranging town hall

Rep. Rule only legislator in attendance as COVID-19 sidelines Sen. Shewmake, Rep. Timmons

Feb. 17, 2024 4:51 p.m.

Plan to cap how much landlords can raise rent moves ahead in Washington Legislature

The bill would allow increases of only 7 percent each year for existing tenants

Feb. 14, 2024 2:57 p.m.

Washington looks to put its most famous volcano on a specialty license plate

Proceeds from plate sales would go to the Mount St. Helens Institute

Feb. 10, 2024 10:00 p.m.

Washington lawmakers look to broaden hate crime law to cover vandalizing public property

The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration

Feb. 7, 2024 12:28 p.m.

Lights out for mercury bulbs in Washington?

Bill aims to stop sale of the general-use lights as recycling numbers drop

Jan. 22, 2024 5:00 a.m.

WA lawmakers may end open carry in parks, require a permit to buy a gun

Democrats want to pass new restrictions to reduce gun violence, proliferation of firearms

Jan. 19, 2024 5:00 a.m.

Rent-cap bill gets second chance in Olympia

Bellingham tenant voices support for 5% limit on rent hikes

Jan. 15, 2024 5:51 p.m.

WA bill would support consumers, small businesses in repairing electronics, appliances

Bellingham businessman first pitched Right to Repair Act in 2017

Jan. 15, 2024 12:43 p.m.