Politics Cap-and-trade, climate change return to the 2024 WA Legislature On the agenda starting Jan. 8: Spending Washington’s carbon tax, tweaking the cap-and-invest program and taking a stab at utility rebates. by John Stang / January 3, 2024
Politics Washington Legislature aims to regulate AI — but treads cautiously ‘You don’t want to stop innovation. You don’t want to stop commerce. But you don’t want to stop people’s civil rights.’ by John Stang / January 12, 2024 / Updated 12:30 p.m.
Politics Will WA ever end supermajority law for school construction bonds? Bonds raise taxes for building and maintenance. While the proposal faces hurdles, there is a precedent — school levies needed 60% approval until 2007. by John Stang / February 9, 2024 / Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Environment Gas prices too high? WA residents may get $200 back for utilities The Legislature considers offering rebates to middle- and low-income households to offset fuel costs blamed on the new cap-and-invest program. by John Stang / February 22, 2024
Environment WA’s carbon pricing system may fund $200M for new electric ferries But if voters repeal the cap-and-trade program in a November referendum, the plan to convert three diesel vessels to hybrid may need other funding sources. by John Stang / March 4, 2024
Politics WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass A batch of regulations are likely headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk – including one that would require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours. by John Stang / March 4, 2024
Politics WA Legislature revs up plan to electrify 10,000 school buses A bill to switch from diesel vehicles — plus $50M from cap-and-trade revenue — passed out of the Legislature, but did not offer a timeline. by John Stang / March 8, 2024
Politics How Obama is rebuilding the GOP base Campaign bumper stickers and homemade buttons. (Tom Albers) by Chris Vance / September 13, 2009
Politics Very stormy weather Green River Valley: warnings on the flood plain by Chris Vance / August 25, 2009
Politics The Vance Report: Look out, Democrats. National politics will drive state's election President Obama delivering the State of the Union address. He and Speaker Nancy Pelosi have become political targets for Republicans. by Chris Vance / June 22, 2010