GOP lawmaker attacks Central Washington University ahead of investigation into his conduct
In a video on his campaign website, the Ellensburg Republican accused CWU of twisting “trivial” allegations, such as standing too close to a student at...
Gig Harbor lawmaker fined again for mixing campaign work and state resources
Rep. Jesse Young got an additional fine because the new violation was his second in less than a year. In October 2017, he was penalized...
Interim chief to leave Western State Hospital as $53M federal funding decision lies ahead
The departure comes as the state moves to reshape the 857-bed hospital to focus on patients getting treatment as part of the criminal-justice system. A...
Lakewood moves to stop release of some Western State Hospital psychiatric patients within its borders
As Washington looks for more places to discharge patients, Lakewood OKs a moratorium on business licenses for new adult family homes and a lawsuit to...
Western State patient releases can be delayed years for lack of outside beds
Not enough beds in community-based facilities means longer stays at Western State Hospital, where the median time spent on the discharge list is 104 days....
Legislature put lid on tolls as part of Tacoma Narrows Bridge loan
Without the legislative action, tolls could have gone up by at least a dollar next July, according to the state’s Transportation Commission.
Head of Washington state’s Fish and Wildlife Department resigns
In an interview, Commission Chairman Brad Smith said a performance review of Jim Unsworth was recently completed with some mixed responses. But Smith said the...
New state budget to aid Western State Hospital overhaul; many mental-health patients to be treated elsewhere
The problem-ridden, 800-bed psychiatric facility in Pierce County is one of the main beneficiaries of more than $100 million in new money for mental health.
Here’s what you’re paying lawmakers in Olympia to work overtime
Legislators can take a $120-a-day stipend. The money draws special scrutiny during a special session, which is held because lawmakers couldn’t finish their work on...