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Opinion

Magic at the Washington State Supreme Court | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Cartoon by Frank Shiers: “On March 24, the state Supreme Court ruled that the capital gains tax was…

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.

Opinion

Skilled worker shortage could derail electrification goals | Brunell

In the race to “electrify everything,” there are glitches that may derail the plan over the next 20…

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

News

Schools, housing, salaries score big in Senate Dems $70B budget

The proposed spending plan also spends money to fight climate change, help abortion providers and study police pursuits

State Capitol Building in Olympia, WA. File photo

News

New forecast show state revenues won’t be quite as robust as expected

Democratic budget writers say they will be cautious but able to fund their priorities. Senate put out a…

The truck was in the parking lot near the Maple Valley Eye Care Center before crashing into the building. Photo courtesy of Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.

News

No injuries after dumptuck crashes into Maple Valley business

Four employees of the Maple Valley Eye Care Center were inside the building when the crash happened.

File photo 
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia.

News

Push to lower legal limit to 0.05 for driving drunk falls short

OLYMPIA — An effort to lower the legal limit for driving drunk has come up short.

Gov. Jay Inslee, left, with First Lady Trudi Inslee at a press conference advocating for laws to prevent gun violence. (Provided by the Washington State Governors’ Office)

News

House Democrats push Washington closer to assault weapons ban

Their bill outlawing the manufacture and sale of certain guns passed the state House. No Republican voted for…

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Gov. Jay Inslee. (Courtesy of the Office of the Governor)

News

In Olympia, Finnish president makes case for NATO, strong ties with WA

Sauli Niinistö became the first foreign head of state to address a joint session of the state Legislature…

File photo, Black Press

News

Masking requirements in healthcare, other facilities to end April 3

DOH still recommends masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings.

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.

Opinion

Pandemic made us realize the value of local pharmacists | Brunell

While the coronavirus clobbered many businesses, pharmacies were not among them. In fact, since the World Health Organization…

State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

News

Divisive bills on pursuits, gun purchases edge closer to House votes

And a comprehensive remaking of state’s approach to drug possession advances toward action in the Senate.

File photo: A sign at a Cal Anderson Park reproductive rights protest on May 14, 2022, in Seattle.

News

Legislation seeks to strenghten Washington’s abortion laws

OLYMPIA — A day after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June, Democratic Gov. Jay…

This is a 2021 screenshot that shows the pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Interstate 5 in King County.

News

House committee steers vehicle pursuit bill forward

Revisions will make it easier for police officers to engage in a chase. Changes would expire in 2025…

Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson rewards a lion dancer with a traditional red envelope during a celebration of the Lunar New Year on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. Photo by Ryan Berry / The Herald

News

Lunar New Year proposed as Washington’s next state holiday

A bill to make it a legal holiday awaits a key vote. Some Asian American constituents were opposed,…

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

News

Lawmakers seek lasting approach to drug possession after Blake decision

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers are at a crossroads again on what to do about illegal drug possession.

AR-15 rifle and a loaded magazine that were recovered from a suspect in a 2018 shooting incident at the Kent Station parking garage. File photo courtesy of King County Sheriff’s Office

News

Democrats advance assault weapons ban, new rules for gun buyers

The measures passed a House committee without Republican support. They are part of a broader agenda to curb…

Pickleball Rising license plate, designed by Laramie Studio in Seattle (Seattle Metro Pickleball Association)

Sports

Washington pickleball fans may may soon have special license plate

Enthusiasts are teaming up on a bill for a special plate. Proceeds would build and maintain courts.

A suspected drunk driver allegedly collided with several vehicles Saturday afternoon on U.S. 2 near Chain Lake Road in Monroe. (Monroe Police Department)

News

Effort begins to lower the legal limit for driving drunk

Washington could join Utah with toughest standard in the nation. Change concerns wine and hospitality industries.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Opinion

Go Seahawks! | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Gov. Jay Inslee enters the House chambers before beginning the 2023 State of the State. Courtesy photo

News

State of the State: Inslee pushes for $4 billion housing bond

Calls for an assault weapons ban and the constitutional protection of abortion rights drew cheers from Democrats, silence…