January 31, 2025

Bill Republicans say would undo 'parents' bill of rights' initiative moves forward

(The Center Square) – House Republicans in the Washington State Legislature offered up dozens of amendments Thursday during an executive session before the House Education Committee, but none were successful in slowing down a bill that critics

New Seattle police chief starts first day with big goals for first few months

(The Center Square) – Shon Barnes, who started his new job as chief of the Seattle Police Department on Friday, has big goals for 2025, including fully establishing his command staff within 100 days. In December, Barnes

Eastern Washington site of de facto EV school bus experiment

(The Center Square) – With cold weather and long distances, eastern Washington state would seem an unlikely region to find school district officials excited about electric buses. Mike McCain, transportation director for the Reardan-Edwall School District, is

WA Republicans protest rule change they say could limit House debate

(The Center Square) – It wasn’t quite the rally that was intended, but about three dozen people from the Pierce County Republican Party and other concerned citizens showed up Thursday in Olympia to protest House Democrats’ decision

Washington state public health bill receives lopsided critical testimony

(The Center Square) – A Washington bill that would add new language to existing state law about “appropriate measures” regarding vaccines to control the spread of communicable diseases received lopsided testimony in opposition during its public hearing

Street racers, meet your worst nightmare: A state-mandated speed-limiter

(The Center Square) – Street racers could soon face a rude awakening under legislation considered by state lawmakers on Thursday to require speed-limiters for certain offenses. Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, proposed House Bill 1596 to address