A state-run housing program that has failed to deliver on its promise of providing longtime tenants a chance to buy their homes recently came under fire from Washington lawmakers.

The Building Code Council says it is making a “good faith effort” to comply. Supporters say some rules can’t be enforced when the measure takes effect in December.

Washington’s minimum wage will climb to $16.66 an hour next year, a 38-cent-an-hour increase.

A pair of new reports outline financial consequences if voters approve ballot measures this fall repealing Washington’s capital gains tax and scrapping its cap-and-trade program.

State election officials have certified an initiative for the November ballot that seeks to reverse Washington’s controversial tactics to phase out natural gas use in homes and other buildings.

Customers can get a rebate of up to $9,000 for leasing or purchasing a new or used electric vehicle. High cost is one reason given for consumers to pass on buying an EV.

Insurers now must provide customers a clear explanation for increases in their auto and home insurance premiums at the time of renewal.

The director of the state's Office of Public Defense went to justices of the Washington State Supreme Court last fall with an unprecedented request for a public defense system he told them is “on the verge of collapse.”