Olympia

Social issues in Inslee's inaugural speech rub Republicans wrong way

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:49:13 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington’s new governor touched a nerve with some Republicans in his inaugural address. On the topic of abortion Democrat Jay Inslee called on the legislature to pass the so-called Reproductive Parity Act.

Jay Inslee sworn in as governor, says Washington still poised to change the world

The Associated Press — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:37:24 +0000

Gov. Jay Inslee says Washington state is poised to develop the next wave of innovations that will change the world.

In prepared remarks for his inaugural speech Wednesday, Inslee cited the state's history of ideas in aerospace and software. He said Washington isn't done.

Inslee's first talk took an international focus, noting that the world economy is changing as it emerges from the recession. And he said the state must move swiftly to continue competing with the rest of the world.

Vandals attack Olympia police station, again

Evan Hoover — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:39:14 +0000

Nine windows were broken at Olympia’s west-side police station early Wednesday morning, said police spokeswoman Laura Wohl.

Based on the patterns of the broken glass Wohl reasoned that a hammer or a similar tool was used to break the windows.

Currently no suspects, motives or leads have been identified, but the police suspect anarchists are behind the vandalism.

Audubon map – new Puget Loop unveiled as enviro groups strategize

Bellamy Pailthorp — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:04:49 +0000

Stormy weather is not the best recipe for bird watching.

But that’s not stopping environmentalists from getting together in Olympia to set their legislative priorities.

And among the festivities celebrating the Washington Conservation Voters’ day of lobbying is the unveiling of a colorful new, hand-drawn bird-watching map.

Storm knocks out power in Washington capital campus

The Associated Press — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:15:15 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The massive snow and freezing rain storm that pummeled the Pacific Northwest has caused a power outage at Gov. Chris Gregoire's office, legislative buildings and other state agencies in Olympia.

Puget Sound area groups stand up for Japan's disaster victims

KPLU News Staff — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:23:05 +0000

Rallies, memorials and interfaith prayer gatherings are scheduled around Puget Sound today and through the weekend, as people gather in support of the victims of last week's earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan.

Old Olympia Brewery seeks new life as mixed-use complex

Keith Seinfeld — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:45:14 +0000

The former Olympia Brewery, in Tumwater, Wash., may join a handful of historic structures around Puget Sound that are finding new life as shopping or entertainment complexes.

A Centralia developer bought the old brewhouse and a nearby warehouse last year, and now he's trying to put together a plan that will attract further financing.

One month down, lots of work ahead on budget

Austin Jenkins and KPLU News Staff — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:05:43 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-951719.mp3

Washington's legislature has hit the one-month mark. Budget writers say a deal is close at hand between the House and Senate to re-balance the current two-year spending plan. After that, attention will shift to the closing a multi-billion dollar shortfall in the next two-year budget.

Lawmakers take stand on urban-to-rural tax flow

Austin Jenkins and KPLU News Staff — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:56:09 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-949661.mp3

Democrats in the Washington House of Representatives have a "One Washington" mantra. But a couple of Western Washington lawmakers are testing that East-West unity. Their issue? The flow of state tax dollars that go over the mountains.

Rents cause sticker shock at new state data center

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:02:37 +0000

Construction of Washington's new $300 million data center complex is expected to wrap-up this summer. But as state agencies prepare to move in, the rent per square foot is causing some sticker shock.

Lawmakers face budget blues in 2011 session

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:45:05 +0000

Washington lawmakers are singing the blues over the state’s budget woes. The legislature convenes Monday for a 105-day session. Once again, majority Democrats are confronted with a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall.

Lawmaker floats idea of victims’ compensation fund

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:08:19 +0000

In the current budget year, the state of Washington is on track to pay 60-million dollars to settle damage and personal injury lawsuits filed against the state. That has some lawmakers alarmed, especially in light of the state’s multi-billion dollar budget crisis. Now, one state representative has an idea for a 9-11 style victims’ compensation fund.

Lawsuit payouts spiking as state budget crumbles

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:35:18 +0000

The amount of money the state pays out in lawsuits has doubled in the last four years to more than $50 million dollars a year. This spike in legal costs comes as Washington reduces funding for education, healthcare and other state services. But cutting Washington’s legal bills is no easy task.

State Supreme Court upholds special education formula

John Vlahovich — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:36:39 +0000

The State Supreme Court today upheld the constitutionality of the state’s formula for calculating how much money school districts get for special education classes.

Friday morning's headlines

KPLU News Staff — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:15:00 +0000

Apple Cup weekend for football rivals, tough travel expected for game road-trippers, and allegations of Army spying on an Olympia anti-war group lead today's news headlines.

Apple Cup in White

Snow covers the stands in Pullman today, but the field has been cleared in preparation for tomorrow's renewal of the rivalry between WSU and the UW. If the Huskies win, they'll finish the season at 6 and 6, and earn their first trip to a bowl game since 2002.