Northwest

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Proposal to eliminate the death penalty passes the Senate

After passionate floor debate, the bill moves to the House.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia
John Kerry in Olympia to advocate for governor’s carbon tax

John Kerry in Olympia to advocate for governor’s carbon tax

Former U.S. Secretary of State said “Washington has an opportunity to lead.”

John Kerry in Olympia to advocate for governor’s carbon tax
Photo by Kathryn Decker/Flickr

State legislators look to “ban the box”

The House of Representatives votes to end questioning criminal history on job applications.

Photo by Kathryn Decker/Flickr
By Nicole Jennings

Bill expanding wrongful death actions passes the Senate

The bill would do away with a law that opponents say is antiquated and xenophobic.

By Nicole Jennings
Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students

Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students

In addition to education, the program would help students find housing and provide meal plans and stipends for clothing, laundry, and showers.

Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students
Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges

Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges

The bill would provide assistance for residents that make less than 70 percent of the state median income.

Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges
Students could utilize the proposed program to attend state colleges, including the University of Washington in Seattle. Photo by Punctured Bicycle/Wikimedia

Proposed bill would provide free college tuition to some students

The Evergreen Free College Program being called for would benefit both middle-income and low-income students.

Students could utilize the proposed program to attend state colleges, including the University of Washington in Seattle. Photo by Punctured Bicycle/Wikimedia
Meet the producer

Meet the producer

We turn the tables on our host and ask her a few questions in this bonus episode. Chiefly, what are you doing? And why?!

Meet the producer
Bigfoot eludes state recognition yet again

Bigfoot eludes state recognition yet again

A twice-failed bill would have named the mythic creature as the official state cryptid.

Bigfoot eludes state recognition yet again
Photo by Cacophony/Wikimedia

Bill to tax oil in pipelines advances in state Senate

The measure would also update state oil spill contingency plans.

Photo by Cacophony/Wikimedia
Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Program before lawmakers could strengthen mental health crisis response

The aim is to provide those in need with services instead of jail time.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia
Inslee pushes back against offshore drilling in Washington

Inslee pushes back against offshore drilling in Washington

Statements from the governor and the state attorney general come in response to a shift in federal plans.

Inslee pushes back against offshore drilling in Washington
Light rail funding could be in trouble if car tab taxes decrease. Photo by Richard Eriksson/Flickr

Republican lawmakers call for further action on car tabs

Senate Democrat slams their efforts as “unthoughtful sledgehammers.”

Light rail funding could be in trouble if car tab taxes decrease. Photo by Richard Eriksson/Flickr
Photo by Nicole Jennings

Proposed law would make tampons free for some college students

The bill would ensure that those with low incomes can have access to clean products, say proponents.

Photo by Nicole Jennings
Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate

Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate

Bill moves out of committee with lower tax rate than governor proposed, a “monumental step.”

Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate
Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

A bill before lawmakers would outlaw concealed carry on private property

Opponents say that such a move would undermine the safety and rights of gun owners.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia
Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Washington health insurance market in flux

Premiums have skyrocketed, prompting a response from lawmakers.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia
A sign from an earlier era at the Seattle Fire Department headquarters. Photo by Alex Garland

Washington lawmakers seek to increase nuclear attack preparations

Bipartisan bills in the House and Senate could remove Cold War-era emergency planning restrictions.

A sign from an earlier era at the Seattle Fire Department headquarters. Photo by Alex Garland
By Nicole Jennings

Lawmakers still grappling with court mandated education funding

Roughly $1 billion more is needed, and school districts want their local levies.

By Nicole Jennings
University of Washington students walk to their meeting in the state reception room in the capital building in Olympia. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Students lobby for state funded tuition grants

University of Washington students from the Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses met with lawmakers on Monday to lobby for support of higher education bills during… Continue reading

University of Washington students walk to their meeting in the state reception room in the capital building in Olympia. Photo by Taylor McAvoy