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By Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Bill expanding wrongful death actions passes the Senate

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

Photo by Kathryn Decker/Flickr

Northwest

State legislators look to “ban the box”

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

The other Robert E. Lee

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The other Robert E. Lee

Some people in Kent thought their police station was named for the Confederate general. They were wrong.

Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges

Northwest

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.

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

Northwest

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.

Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students

Northwest

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…

Bigfoot eludes state recognition yet again

Northwest

Bigfoot eludes state recognition yet again

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

Photo by Cacophony/Wikimedia

Northwest

Bill to tax oil in pipelines advances in state Senate

The measure would also update state oil spill contingency plans.

Meet the producer

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Meet the producer

We turn the tables on our host and ask her a few questions in this bonus episode. Chiefly,…

Inslee pushes back against offshore drilling in Washington

Northwest

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.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

Program before lawmakers could strengthen mental health crisis response

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

Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate

Northwest

Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate

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

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

Northwest

Republican lawmakers call for further action on car tabs

Senate Democrat slams their efforts as “unthoughtful sledgehammers.”

Photo by Nicole Jennings

Northwest

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.

Martin Luther King’s county

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Martin Luther King’s county

Washington state is home to the only jurisdiction named for the civil rights leader. How did that happen?

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

Washington health insurance market in flux

Premiums have skyrocketed, prompting a response from lawmakers.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

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.

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

Northwest

Washington lawmakers seek to increase nuclear attack preparations

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

By Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Lawmakers still grappling with court mandated education funding

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

Cooke Aquaculture Pacific’s work area and office west of the Coast Guard station on Ediz Hook serves the company’s salmon farm. Photo by Paul Gottlieb/Peninsula Daily News

Northwest

Cooke Aquaculture fined $332,000 for Cypress Island farmed salmon escape

The operation also faces possible closure if legislators pass a bill that would ban the use of Atlantic…