Washington state budget writers finally got some rosy news on Feb. 16 as they prepare to release their spending plans.

Washington state moved one step closer Feb. 16 to creating a personal income tax two years after the Legislature said it wouldn’t.

State Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, on Feb. 21, will hold his first town hall of the 2026 legislative session and since declaring his run for the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Two state lawmakers serving communities in and near the Tri-Cities are hoping the state will take advantage of the U.S. Department of Energy’s efforts to establish sites around the country that support all aspects of the nuclear industry, from fuel production to waste storage. 

Community members will have their first opportunity Feb. 21 to see the new spaces, playground and other improvements at the community center that has long served Pasco’s east side neighborhoods. 

Bonneville Power Administration officials are feeling more optimistic about the power provider’s finances for 2026 than at this time last year, but still anticipate challenges ahead. 

Democrats advanced controversial income tax legislation out of a key Washington state Senate committee on Feb. 9 after pledging more proceeds to local public defender costs and increasing a tax break for small businesses.

When the federal government stopped making pennies, it left it up to states to decide how retailers deal with the change.

In Washington, lawmakers are trying to come up with a uniform approach for merchants that is easy to understand for consumers.

Although a recently released 21-page report outlined numerous allegations against Port of Benton Commissioner Scott Keller, only four complaints were substantiated, and he received little more than a reprimand at the port’s Jan. 14 meeting. The findings come amid ongoing upheaval at the port.