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As a kid, I loved Schoolhouse Rock. Like many people my age, I can still hear "I'm Just a Bill" playing in my head. A bill sits on Capitol Hill, gets debated, gets voted on and (if it's lucky) …
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Commentary by Wayne Fournier
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8/12/26
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Newly released data shows that two out of the top three states for average hourly wage growth in the nation are in our region. This is good news for consumers when considering regional purchasing …
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By Sam Cardwell / Mountain States Policy Center
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8/12/26
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Warning lights continue to flash red for Washington’s economy.
Employers are becoming more pessimistic about the state economy and increasingly looking outside Washington to expand. At this …
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By Kris Johnson, Association of Washington Business
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8/10/26
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A new CNN poll came out this week. The approval numbers are bad for Trump, tied for the worst of his career. Most people say he isn’t paying attention to the country’s real problems. Most people …
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By Rob Richards
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8/5/26
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When considering ballot measures, voters need access to accurate details about the possible fiscal impacts of a proposal. This is why, like for legislation debated by lawmakers, a fiscal impact …
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By Jason Mercier / Mountain States Policy Center
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8/5/26
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If I asked you what determines the cost of your homeowner's insurance, you'd probably mention the value of your home, where you live, or maybe even your claims history.
All of those …
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Commentary by Wayne Fournier
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8/3/26
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To the Editor: Back in ancient times, I did a report on the new crossbase highway. 1973, I believe. 53 years later, still not built. The point I’m trying to make is with the thousands of new homes …
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7/30/26
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Every summer, thousands of people pass through the gates of the Thurston County Fair.
Some come for the rides; some come for the food; some come for the concerts. Some come because it's simply …
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Commentary by Wayne Fournier
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7/27/26
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New research reveals that gas prices are significantly higher in Democrat-controlled states than in Republican states. That’s not much of a surprise, however, until the researchers dive into what …
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By Bob Pishue / Mountain States Policy Center
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7/22/26
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After sounding the alarm for decades about the need to manage outsized populations of pinnipeds, the treaty tribes are encouraged by a bipartisan bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act …
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By Chairman Ed Johnstone / Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
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7/22/26
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Despite claims from some that prioritizing tax relief would imperil Idaho’s budget, the Gem State has just closed the books on Fiscal Year 2026, ending in the black while rolling over approximately …
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By Jason Mercier / Mountain States Policy Center
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7/21/26
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When the House of Representatives voted this week on a proposal to cut $3.3 billion in U.S. military assistance for Israel, the amendment failed but gathered some surprising Democratic “yes” …
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By Donna Gordon Blankinship / The Washington State Standard
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7/20/26
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What if the best report card for state government wasn’t a poll or an election? What if it was a moving truck?
Every year, millions of Americans make one of the biggest decisions of their …
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By Chris Cargill / Mountain States Policy Center
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7/16/26
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Every town has its characters, the people everyone knows, even if they don't know them personally.
Growing up in Tenino, Keith Phillips was one of those people.
If you cared at all about …
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Commentary by Wayne Fournier
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7/15/26
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The encampment known as “The Jungle” is a significant and complex challenge facing our community. I want to provide an update on where we are, what has changed in recent months, and where we’re …
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By Dontae Payne
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7/15/26
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Growing up, I thought getting a set of keys meant freedom. The keys to your first car, your first apartment, and your first home all felt like another step toward adulthood. As I’ve gotten older, …
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By Wayne Fournier
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7/15/26
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Over the past few months, I have watched individuals, organizations and news outlets lie about Initiative Measure IL26-638, which seeks to exclude males from competing in girls' sports.
I have …
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By Dr. Erica Li
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7/8/26
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A missing child from Arizona was recently found in an Olympia homeless encampment after investigators suspected she was being sex trafficked. That fact alone should disturb every one of us.
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By Sarah Mittelman
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7/3/26
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If you’re celebrating the United States Supreme Court Tuesday ruling that keeps in place state laws banning transgender athletes from participating on women’s and girls’ sports teams, you might …
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By Ken Vance, ClarkCountyToday
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7/3/26
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Imagine being told you have to leave your home, perhaps forever. You only have a couple of hours to pack, and you can only take what fits in your car.
Calista Christiansen, a seventh-grader from …
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By Kris Johnson, Association of Washington Business
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7/3/26
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