Jerry Cornfield

Gov. Jay Inslee signed the bill to hasten Puget Sound Energy’s shift from natural gas to clean energy. Critics contend it will lead to higher energy bills for ratepayers.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers want to work on climate, public safety, education and transportation. The measures could affect what gets accomplished.

The state’s 147 citizen legislators will soon arrive in Olympia to convene for 60 days, beginning Jan. 8.

The complaint alleges that the coffee giant’s digital payment platforms are designed with deceptive practices that might violate state law.

State Sen. Drew MacEwen is up against three Democrats in the 6th District. No Republican has held the seat since the 1960s.

Kate Dean, a Jefferson County commissioner, will compete with a state senator and the public lands commissioner to succeed Rep. Derek Kilmer, who won’t seek re-election.

Washington farmworkers will become eligible for overtime after a 40-hour work week in January. Producers are looking to relax that standard during peak harvest times.

The Democratic lands commissioner quit the governor’s race and began campaigning to succeed U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, who is not seeking re-election. Democratic state Sen. Emily Randall is also vying for the post.

Supporters say linking the programs could bring lower costs for companies and savings for consumers. Critics worry it could let some polluters off the hook.