State
Governor Ferguson Commits to Addressing WSF Engine Room Crew Workforce Crisis
The Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) represents 417 licensed and unlicensed engineers who operate, repair, and maintain the fleet of vessels at Washington State Ferries (WSF). A growing workforce crisis boiled over this week when crew call-outs resulted…
Washington authors speak out against censorship in honor of Banned Books Week
OLYMPIA — In honor of Banned Books Week (Oct. 4-10, 2026), Washington authors speak out against censorship and share what reading freely means to them. The Washington Center for the Book, a program of the Office of the Secretary of State, partnered with the Washington…
State legislature considering K-12 cell phones ban starting in 2027/28 school year
LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of the San Juan Island School Board. August 26, 2026 meeting. Superintendent Woods reported excellent attendance at the San Juan Institute for teachers and staff, with two days focused on Social-Emotional and Google Tech learning. …
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issues statement on SCOTUS ruling staying injunction on mail-in ballot Executive Order
OLYMPIA — On August 24, 2026, the United States Supreme Court stayed one of two injunctions that prevented the federal government from implementing new regulations on mail-in voting ahead of the November General Election. The Court did not rule on the merits or…
DUI Patrols Increase Across Washington Through Labor Day
OLYMPIA – Law enforcement agencies across Washington will conduct high-visibility DUI patrols beginning this week and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. The patrols will focus on drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. The Washington…
Washington Secretary of State issues statement after hearing in DOJ lawsuit
OLYMPIA — Following a hearing August 4, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington regarding the U.S. Department of Justice’s demand for Washington state’s full, unredacted voter roll, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued the following…
Imagination Library of Washington Secures Philanthropic Support Needed to Restore Free Book Program for 40,000 Washington Children
The Imagination Library of Washington (ILWA) announced a pair of new grants that will help restore Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free, high quality, age-appropriate books each month to Washington children from birth to age five. Major commitments…
Backers of Washington’s Millionaire Tax launch effort to keep it
Washington News Service: A coalition of more than 100 groups, including labor unions and community organizations, has launched the “No on 645” campaign to defend Washington’s Millionaire Tax, which will be on the November ballot. The new law applies a nearly 10%…
Coalition Seeks $150 Million for State’s Premier Washington Wildlife and Recreation Grant Programs
TACOMA, WA – The Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition (the Coalition) is launching its advocacy and outreach campaign to secure $150 million for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program (WWRP) in the 2027–29 state capital budget, calling the…
20 Washington state employees recognized for saving the state more than $1 million
OLYMPIA – The Productivity Board, a state employee incentive program of the Office of the Secretary of State, voted unanimously, Thursday, to approve recognition of three teams of Washington state employees and two individual state workers for their suggestions to…