State & Regional News | The Daily Chronicle

Gov. Bob Ferguson signs Senate Bill 5106, a bill to make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha state-recognized holidays. The bill signing was Tuesday, April 6, 2025 at the Islamic Center in Tacoma. (Photo Courtesy of governor’s office)

New Washington state law recognizes two Islamic holidays

Two Islamic celebrations will be added to Washington’s list of unpaid state holidays, under a bill signed into law on Tuesday. Senate Bill 5106 would make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha … more

By Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / The Washington State Standard | 4/10/25

Hunters, anglers and tribes see win in Ferguson’s Fish and Wildlife Commission picks

Hunters, anglers, and a bloc of 20 tribes in western Washington are among those pleased with three nominees Gov. Bob Ferguson announced this week for the state’s Fish and Wildlife Commission. … more

Bill Lucia / Washington State Standard | 4/10/25

21-year-old’s disappearance ‘indescribably painful,’ Washington state family says as search ends

The search for a missing 21-year-old man with autism has ended 10 days after he vanished from his Washington home, deputies said. Jonathan Hoang was last seen at about 7:30 p.m. March 30 in … more

Helena Wegner / The News Tribune (TNS) | 4/10/25

Gov. Bob Ferguson delivers his inaugural address in the House chambers at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Ferguson signed 23 bills into law this week

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed 23 bills into law in the past week. The bills change laws covering issues from suicide prevention to education funding to vehicle inspections. Sodium nitrite … more

Nance Beston / Columbia Basin Herald (TNS) | 4/10/25

Federal funding pulled from Washington State Library

Washington library programs are facing potentially "devastating consequences" after receiving notification last week that federal funding has been eliminated for programs like libraries at state … more

Shauna Sowersby / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 4/10/25

Washington sheriff opposes state's sanctuary' law in heated congressional hearing

The sheriff of Adams County took his legal battle with Washington state's attorney general to the halls of Congress on Wednesday, headlining a House subcommittee hearing on so-called "sanctuary" … more

Orion Donovan Smith / The Spokesman-Review (TNS) | 4/10/25

Challenger Joe Kent gives his final remarks during a Washington 3rd District Congressional District debate at Lower Columbia College in Longview on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Joe Kent defends Signal chat, repeats Jan. 6 conspiracy at Senate hearing

At a Senate hearing Wednesday, former Washington congressional candidate Joe Kent brushed off or refused to answer questions about a controversial group chat disclosing details of a U.S. military … more

Jim Brunner / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 4/10/25

Thurston County Elections staff prepare to remove the official ballot drop box from the Yelm Timberland Library as a Yelm police officer looks on on Nov. 5.

Thurston County to hold virtual candidate workshop

Thurston County Elections will hold a virtual candidate filing workshop on Wednesday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The workshop will include information on how and where to file, candidate … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/9/25

Chehalis Basin Board members watch a new presentation prepared by the board to introduce others to the Chehalis Basin Strategy during a Chehalis Basin Board meeting in Grand Mound on Thursday, April 3.

Senate Capital Budget shows bipartisan support for the Chehalis Basin Strategy

The Washington state Senate on Saturday, April 5, approved a capital budget proposal with $7.3 billion in planned spending The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate, showing a level of … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/9/25

Braun bill to address crowded Green Hill School one step closer to becoming law

The Washington state House of Representatives on Saturday, April 5, held a public hearing for more than 30 bills, including one that would have major impacts on the state’s juvenile … more

By Jacob Moore jacob@chronline.com | 4/9/25

Nursing assistant convicted for assault of a child in Lewis County can petition to regain her credentials after a two-year suspension

The Washington state Secretary of Health has entered an agreement with a Lewis County nursing assistant convicted of third-degree assault of a child in November 2024 that allows her to regain her … more

By Emily Fitzgerald emily@chronline.com | 4/9/25

Inflation worries drive Washington state lawmakers to jack up I-5 bridge borrowing plan by $900M

Washington state lawmakers on Monday backed a huge increase in the amount of toll revenues they’ll count on to help pay for construction of a replacement bridge on Interstate 5 across the … more

By Jerry Cornfield The Washington State Standard | 4/9/25

Critics warn Washington state bill could raise gas prices by 40 cents by 2031

The state Senate Ways & Means Committee voted to advance a bill revising Washington state’s Clean Fuel Standard law amid concerns among critics who warn that the expedited schedule could … more

By TJ Martinell The Center Square | 4/9/25

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday, April 2.

Hospitals warn Washington state Legislature’s budget plans would deal them a financial hit

Washington hospitals are raising alarm that taxes and insurance payment caps proposed in the state Legislature could jeopardize their finances and undermine patient care. The House and Senate … more

By Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero The Washington State Standard | 4/9/25

Gov. Bob Ferguson delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)

As Ferguson details budget concerns, Washington legislators see mixed signals

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has let House and Senate lawmakers know some of the concerns he has with the spending plans they’ve crafted. A nine-page letter penned by his budget director … more

By Jerry Cornfield The Washington State Standard | 4/9/25

The Oregon Pioneer, aka Gold Man, atop the state capitol building in Salem on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022.

Bill that would require Oregon county election clerks to livestream voting processes sparks concerns

A proposed bill that would require every Oregon county election office to livestream its vote tabulation processes could improve trust in the state’s elections, its proponents say. But … more

Carlos Fuentes / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 4/9/25

Oregon to get share of $335 million opioid settlement with drugmaker Mylan

Oregon is expected to get more than $4 million in a $335 nationwide settlement with drugmaker Mylan Inc. over allegations of deceptive opioid marketing. The money will fund addiction treatment … more

The Oregonian / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 4/9/25

Oregon bill would mandate police swab felony suspects’ DNA upon arrest, not conviction, joining more than 30 other states

A bill that would add Oregon to a list of more than 30 states that require law enforcement officials to collect the DNA of every serious felony suspect upon their arrest advanced out of a legislative … more

Aimee Green / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 4/9/25

Pup with ‘goofy’ personality hasn’t left Washington state shelter in 700 days. Meet Dr. Pepper

An outgoing pup with a “goofy” personality hasn’t left a Washington animal shelter in 700 days. Dr. Pepper has been patiently waiting for a new home. The 5-year-old pup … more

Helena Wegner / The News Tribune (TNS) | 4/9/25

WA e-bike rebate program to launch April 9. How to apply for the discount of up to $1,200

Discounted electric bikes for thousands of Washingtonians are almost here. The state’s long-anticipated e-bike rebate program will launch on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, with applications … more

Daniel Schrager / The News Tribune (TNS) | 4/9/25