The Columbian

(Photo by Aristide Economopoulos for States Newsroom)

Permit-to-purchase bill for gun buyers headed to WA governor’s desk

April 24, 2025, 10:48am Latest News Free

A new state permit requirement for gun buyers is poised to become law, as the Washington House sent the legislation to the governor’s desk late Tuesday. Read story

The Washington State Capitol in Olympia in 2023. (Ellen M.

Democrats in Washington Legislature wrap up budget negotiations

April 24, 2025, 7:41am Latest News Free

Democratic budget writers are done hashing out details on a new two-year operating budget for Washington state, key lawmakers said Wednesday. Read story

The future of the Rainier School in Buckley is uncertain.

Republicans walk out after WA House committee votes to close center for people with disabilities

April 24, 2025, 7:38am Latest News Free

Republican lawmakers walked out of a committee meeting in the Washington Legislature on Wednesday to protest approval of a bill that would close a residential center for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read story

Changes to WA tax plan; wealth tax still in play as session nears end

April 23, 2025, 9:51am Latest News

With just days left to go in the 2025 legislative session, Washington lawmakers are still mulling over new tax proposals to balance a multibillion-dollar hole in the state’s budget while details of their final spending plan remain under wraps. Read story

Pedestrians stroll past a sign at the Fred Meyer store in Cascade Park.

6-cent gas tax hike central to new transportation deal in WA Legislature

April 23, 2025, 7:48am Business Free

Transportation budget writers in the Washington Legislature are settling on a revenue package that would hike the state’s gasoline tax 6 cents a gallon beginning July 1. Read story