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Mar 12 2026POLITICS

High‑Earners Pay More: Washington’s New Income Tax

Washington state has approved a new tax that will target people who make more than one million dollars each year. The bill was passed by the Senate with a 27‑to‑21 vote and will now go to Governor Bob Ferguson for his signature. The measure is not as controversial in the Senate as it was earlier in

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Mar 12 2026POLITICS

Budget Cuts Hit Early Learning and Schools in Washington

Washington lawmakers agreed on a new budget that will raise overall spending but slash money for early childhood programs and public schools. The plan pulls almost a billion dollars from the state’s rainy‑day reserve and adds a modest tax hike to cover the gaps. Even with these cuts, total state spe

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Feb 15 2026SPORTS

College Sports in a New Money Game

Washington State University is now part of a fast‑moving world where athletes can earn money and transfer schools at will. The old rules that kept players in one place for years have been replaced by a free‑market system. Players can now enter the transfer portal and move whenever they want, as long

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Jan 25 2026ENVIRONMENT

Idaho's Water Guardians: How Science is Saving the State's Precious Resource

Idaho is making big moves to protect its water. The Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) is leading the charge. It's giving out over $580, 000 to fund eight research projects. These projects are happening at the state's public universities. They aim to tackle Idaho's water problems head-

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Jan 25 2026POLITICS

Washington's Unique Mardi Gras Mixes Fun and Politics

Washington, D. C. is gearing up for a special Mardi Gras celebration that's been happening for over 75 years. It's not just about parties; it's also a big networking event for politicians and business leaders. This year, the main ball is on January 31st at the Washington Hilton, where the bar is nic

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Jan 20 2026TECHNOLOGY

Montana's Wildlife Licensing System: Time for a Tech Boost

Montana's wildlife licensing system is stuck in the past. It's like trying to use a flip phone in a world of smartphones. The current system is slow, outdated, and in desperate need of an upgrade. This isn't just about convenience; it's about efficiency and accuracy. The current system relies heavi

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Jan 16 2026BUSINESS

Building Homes: Tech Giant's Bold Plan to Fix WA's Housing Crisis

Washington state is in a housing jam. Microsoft, a tech heavyweight, has some ideas to help build more homes faster. They've shared four big suggestions with local leaders. First, they want to turn empty office parks and parking lots into places where people can live. Second, they think the process

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Jan 14 2026POLITICS

Montana's Health Care Marketplace: What's Next?

Montana's health care marketplace is shutting down this week. This move comes as premiums remain high, leaving many people wondering what happens next. The state's senators, Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, back a Republican plan. They want federal money to go towards health savings accounts instead of

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Jan 12 2026POLITICS

Idaho's Lawmakers Face a Self-Made Mess

Idaho's lawmakers are in a tough spot. They are dealing with a big budget problem. But this time, it's not because of the economy. It's because of their own choices. They cut taxes a lot. This was done even when the governor thought it might not be a good idea. Now, the state is short on money. The

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Jan 04 2026OPINION

Montana's Green Promise: A Messy Path

Montana's constitution has some big promises about the environment. But those promises are so vague that they're causing more problems than they solve. People are suing the state, saying new laws break the constitution's guarantee of a "clean and healthful environment. " But what does that even mean

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