Top 2019 Stories From Washington Gov. Jay Inslee

We published 71 stories on Gov. Jay Inslee’s Medium site this year. The state’s new public health care option snagged our No. 1 most-read.

Washington Supreme Court Rules Drivers Must Use Turn Signals

A man arrested on suspicion of DUI in 2015 argued his case should be dismissed since he was initially pulled over for failing to signal.

Attorney General Seeks Money To Create Washington Cold Case Team

The new unit could help detectives handle 1,600 unsolved homicides and process thousands of untested sexual assault kits.

Washington Car-Tab Renewal Notices Sent Late In December

The Department of Licensing said Washington State Patrol troopers have been briefed on the delay.

Study Examines Pros And Cons Of Removing Snake River Dams

The four dams generate roughly enough power to supply the city of Seattle for a year, but present an obstacle for endangered salmon.

Inslee Names Laura Watson Director Of Washington State Department Of Ecology

Gov. Jay Inslee named Laura Watson director of the Washington State Department of Ecology today.

Washington Lawmakers Subject To Public Disclosure, Court Rules

State legislators have long said they are not subject to the law that applies to other officials across Washington.

Former Tacoma Mayor Announces Bid For Rep. Denny Heck's Seat

Marilyn Strickland, a Democrat, has launched a campaign to represent Washington's 10th District as Congressman Heck prepares to retire.

Inslee Pitches Tapping State Reserves For Homeless Funding

Under the governor's plan, the state would use $300 million in existing funds to add hundreds of shelter beds and expand housing assistance.

Hilltop Tiny House Shelters Open In Tacoma Thursday

City officials say 22 newly built micro-shelters are on track to open Dec. 19.

Pay-Per-Mile Tax Plan Moves Forward At Transportation Meeting

The Washington State Transportation Commission voted to recommend a road usage charge to replace the state's gas tax.

$6.9 Million Taken In Pierce County Fraud Scheme, Audit Finds

State Auditor Pat McCarthy said a former finance director at the Pierce County Housing Authority stole almost $7 million in public funds.

Judge Allows Tim Eyman To Join Car-Tab Legal Case

The judge on Friday also allowed Pierce County to join the case in defense of Initiative 976.

Ferguson, Inslee Pitch Assault Weapon Ban And Limits On Magazines

Both measures contain exceptions and would allow people to keep weapons they already own.

Tacoma Approves Permit For Controversial LNG Facility

Puget Sound Energy has cleared a major hurdle in building a liquefied natural gas facility at the Port of Tacoma.

Pierce County Council Votes To Join Initiative 976 Legal Defense

The Pierce County Council approved a plan to assist the state's defense of the car tab measure in court.

Gov. Jay Inslee To Undergo Hip Surgery Monday

Inslee is expected to be out of the office for at least a week. Secretary of State Kim Wyman will be acting governor during the operation.

Car Tab Cuts Delayed, Pierce County May Support I-976 Defense

The state Supreme Court upheld a lower court's injunction Wednesday, keeping Initiative 976 from going into effect Thursday.

First Native American Justice Appointed To WA Supreme Court

Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis will be sworn in next month.

Washington Prepares Legislative Response To Vaping

The 2020 legislative session begins in January, and state lawmakers plan to seek stronger regulations on vapor products.

Rep. Denny Heck Announces Retirement From Congress

The congressman representing Washington's 10th District announced Wednesday he would retire from Congress at the end of his fourth term.

Car Tabs: AG Asks Court To Let Initiative 976 Go Into Effect

The voter-approved ballot measure was temporarily blocked by a King County judge last week.

Impact Of WTO Protests In Seattle Still Felt 2 Decades Later

An array of issues brought tens of thousands of protesters to Seattle 20 years ago Saturday.

State Senator Calls For Special Session Over Initiative 976

A Republican lawmaker is asking that Gov. Jay Inslee convene a special session for the legislature to vote on a 'clean' car tabs bill.

King County Judge Temporarily Blocks Initiative 976

A judge blocked the car tab measure from going into effect while a joint lawsuit over its legality moves forward.

Washington Counties Certify 2019 General Election Results

Five close races in King and Pierce counties will undergo recounts after election results were certified Tuesday.

Judge Has Concerns Initiative 976 Language Was Misleading

A King County judge is expected to decide Wednesday whether to temporarily block the car tab measure from going into effect.

Tim Eyman Formally Announces 2020 Bid For Governor

The longtime anti-tax activist filed election paperwork and held a press conference at the Capitol Monday.

King County Approves $450M Supplemental Budget

Highlighted programs include a new system for local law enforcement to share data and the expansion of a homeless shelter in Seattle.

Emergency Homeless Shelter Plan Approved By Tacoma City Council

Tacoma councilmembers voted to approve $388,000 dollars in funding to operate a temporary homeless shelter in the Hilltop neighborhood.

Tacoma Council Considers Emergency Homeless Shelter Tuesday

Citing concerns over a growing homeless encampment, Tacoma councilmembers will consider an emergency shelter during a hearing Tuesday night.

Makah Tribe Seeks Permission To Hunt Gray Whales In Washington

The Makah are continuing a lengthy legal battle this week, hoping to restore the tribe's historical whaling rights.

2019 Washington General Election: Latest Ballot Updates

Following Tuesday's ballot drop, the campaign for Referendum 88 conceded defeat.

2019 Washington General Election Highlights

Brush up on where things stand ahead of new election updates Tuesday.

Referendum 88 Briefly Leads After King County Ballot Drop Friday

A measure to reinstate affirmative action in Washington led for the first time Friday after the latest King County ballot returns.

Latest: 182,000 Ballots Left To Tally In King County

King County Elections said more than 455,000 ballots have been processed in the 2019 General Election.

2019 Election: 45,300 Ballots Left To Tally In Pierce County

Two Pierce County races were within recount range after Thursday's ballot drop.

Pierce County 2019 General Election Latest

The Secretary of State released updated ballot counts Wednesday evening. See how races are shaping up near you.

Washington Ballot Measures: 2019 General Election Latest

State officials released new election results Wednesday afternoon. See how Washington voted on statewide ballot measures.

King County 2019 General Election Latest

The Secretary of State released updated ballot counts Wednesday afternoon. See how races are shaping up near you.