GOP Sen. Pflug leaving Legislature; party control of her seat hangs in balance

OLYMPIA — Republican Sen. Cheryl Pflug is moving on to a new job, leaving an open seat that will help determine control of the state Senate.

High turnover, big competition in state's races

This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive elections in years with high turnover in statewide offices, the congressional delegation and the Legislature.

258 at Evergreen dodge state pay cuts

Nearly 260 union-represented staffers at The Evergreen State College are avoiding 3 percent pay cuts July 1, reversing an agreement the Washington Federation of State Employees and college had reached previously in a one-year contract.

Former Harborview official’s tales of flames embellished

Dr. David Heimbach knows how to tell a story.

South Sound candidates visit altered districts; filing week near

In Thurston County, voters also are picking two county commissioners, eight Superior Court judges and a Public Utility District commissioner at a time when a public takeover of electrical service could be in the county’s future.

Lawyers challenge state's secret court

SEATTLE — A defense lawyer in Eastern Washington was reading a detective's statement in his client's drug case when he came across a curious line. In asking to search the man's house and cars, the detective revealed that he had already seen the defendant's bank records.

Partisan gridlock in Congress threatens state's projects, finances, Gregoire says

Gov. Chris Gregoire has a message for members of Congress who are so paralyzed they can’t even pass a basic highway bill: Take a look at the Columbia River bridge on Interstate 5 that connects Washington and Oregon, with its northbound lanes now 95 years old, built on wood pilings to accommodate horse-and-buggy traffic.

For new superintendent, still trying times at Mount Rainier

There are days when Randy King can smile, basking in the honeymoon glow as the new superintendent at Mount Rainier National Park.

Governor candidate McKenna faces two ethics complaints over county work

SEATTLE — A lawyer and a citizen have each filed ethics complaints against Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna.

State employee accused of food stamp theft

A state employee has been arrested on suspicion of using a former client’s food stamps to buy more than $3,000 in food.

McKenna backs transportation tax

OLYMPIA — Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna says Washington will need to ask voters to support a tax package to fund the state’s multi-billion dollar transportation needs, but his Democratic counterpart, Jay Inslee, isn’t ready to support any specific financing plan.

Talking up Discover Pass

The state parks system is stepping up marketing of the pay-to-park Discover Pass this summer after disappointing early sales.

Gregoire in D.C. trying to stop Guard cuts

Gov. Chris Gregoire is headed to Washington, D.C. to urge key senators to stop proposed cuts next year to the Air National Guard.

Gregoire flies to nation's capital to argue against Air National Guard cuts

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire is headed to Washington, D.C., to urge key senators to stop proposed cuts next year to the Air National Guard.

GOP Sen. Pflug leaving Legislature; party control of her seat hangs in balance

OLYMPIA — Republican Sen. Cheryl Pflug is moving on to a new job, leaving an open seat that will help determine control of the state Senate.