Legislature

Health care cuts debated

The proven way to search for cancerous lumps in your lower intestine, run a camera up there and have a look around, is the cost effective way - or not.

Initiative 1033 certification seems likely

Professional initiative promoter Tim Eyman appears likely to get his latest campaign on the fall ballot. He turned in an estimated 314,000 petition signatures Thursday in Olympia from people who support Initiative 1033.

Eyman's latest plan criticized

Critics of Tim Eyman’s newest tax-limiting initiative say it will add to the state’s budget shortfall in 2011 and hamper the rescue of programs being slashed now because of budget cuts.

Lt. Gov. Owen travels to China

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen headed off Saturday for China on a privately paid trade trip that ends July 5. It’s the Democrat’s eighth jaunt to China since he took office in 1996, aides said.

State to decide hospital row

OLYMPIA – Olympia’s two hospitals are locked in a dispute over whether Capital Medical Center should be able to perform a costly elective heart procedure.

Center set to see last visitor

For nearly two decades, Jean Raupp worked alongside volunteers, surrounded by walls lined with brochures that tell of tourism activities around the state.

State health plans may get big hike

Some state workers likely will take a serious financial hit next year, when some health-care co-payments and deductibles are expected to double.

Lawmakers' expenses tallied

When it came to getting reimbursed for optional legislator expenses last year, Republican Sen. Jerome Delvin of Richland was No. 1, spending $59,080 in taxpayer money.

Drug program saves millions

When a doctor prescribes a pricey name-brand drug to a person who has state medical coverage, the pharmacist can compare the drug against the state list of preferred generic alternatives and offer those instead.

Heritage Park damage $1,800

OLYMPIA – Two large garbage containers were discovered Thursday morning in Capitol Lake, the work of vandals who apparently went on a spree in downtown Olympia’s Heritage Park.

TUMWATER: Councilwoman Cathey to launch mayoral campaign

City Councilwoman Joan Cathey will kick off her campaign for Tumwater mayor from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at River’s Edge Restaurant near the Tumwater Valley Golf Course.

OLYMPIA: Democrats plan fundraiser for King County candidate

Several state lawmakers will hold a fundraiser for King County executive candidate Dow Constantine at the home of Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia, on Monday.

OLYMPIA: Auditor’s Office closed Friday morning for training

Staff training will close the Thurston County Auditor’s Office from 8 to 9 a.m. Friday.

Two from GOP to run for seat in Congress

Two Republicans with military backgrounds plan to take on seven-term U.S. Rep. Adam Smith next year in the 9th Congressional District race.

Device opens doors of communication

People who are both deaf and blind still have ways to communicate. Carrying cards with messages such as “Which is bus is number 54?” can help them communicate with strangers.