Washington pay-per-mile proposal draws praise, skepticism
(The Center Square) – A companion Senate bill to a House proposal setting Washington on a course toward a compulsory pay-per-mile program has generated similar skepticism over its ultimate form, including whether it would replace the state
Spokane Valley to Councilmember Merkel: Pay for your own attorney — again
(The Center Square) – For the second time since September, Spokane Valley declined Tuesday to provide Councilmember Al Merkel with city-funded attorneys after his peers voted to sue him two weeks ago. The lawsuit aims to compel
Op-Ed: Rent control's record of ruin
Housing affordability is a real concern, but Washington lawmakers are proposing a deeply flawed solution: rent control. While Argentina reaps the benefits of repealing its disastrous rent control law, Washington legislators are hurling headlong down the path
Seattle police chief: Officers will not question residents about immigration status
(The Center Square) – New Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes is making it clear to city residents who are immigrants that police officers will not be asking about immigration status. Barnes said he wanted to address head-on
Bill to cap rent increases passes out of WA Senate Housing Committee
(The Center Square) – The Senate Housing Committee on Wednesday gave Senate Bill 5222 a do-pass recommendation during executive session. SB 5222 would cap annual rent and fee increases at 7%, enhance talent protections, and establish new
Spokane County greenlights public camping ban regardless of shelter availability
(The Center Square) – Seven months after the U.S. Supreme Court granted the authority, Spokane County sheriff’s deputies can now break up homeless encampments regardless of nearby shelter capacity. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the
ICE Seattle nabs Mexican human smuggler, public safety threat from China
(The Center Square) – As U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement officers continue to apprehend illegal border crossers targeted for removal, including public safety threats from China and Khazakhstan, ICE Seattle agents also worked to shut down a
We are what we eat – and what we grow
(The Center Square) – Diesel exhaust is usually treated as toxic. According to Gary Lewis, an entrepreneurial farmer and inventor from Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada, diesel exhaust is not toxic, or at least not in modern high-efficiency
Lawmakers consider bill that would redesign the Washington state flag
(The Center Square) – Washington lawmakers have introduced a bill that would create a committee to redesign the state flag, though voters would have final say. Proponents of the bill claim the current flag is uninspiring and
Harrell hints at education levy renewal ask of Seattle voters this November
(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said that he will soon announce a property tax levy renewal ballot measure with funding dedicated to the city’s youth. During Harrell’s State of the City address on Tuesday,