Did Kari Lake Break the Law by Praising Trump on VOA?

Federal Government

Did Kari Lake Break the Law by Praising Trump on VOA?

Kari Lake’s appearance praising President Trump on Voice of America’s Persian‑language service has raised red flags among legal and journalistic watchdogs over violations of the firewall meant to protect VOA’s editorial independence, though no criminal law appears to have been broken.

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Jan 30, 2026

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Federal Government

Trump Picks Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to Lead Central Bank

President Trump announced plans to nominate Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor with Wall Street ties, to replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair—an appointment that could reshape central bank independence and interest rate policy.

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Jan 30, 2026

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Health

Toutle Lake Schools Cancel Classes Amid Widespread Illness

Toutle Lake School District canceled classes Friday after more than 15% of students and a third of staff called in sick, prompting a deep cleaning and a report to the Cowlitz County Health Department.

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Jan 30, 2026

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Community

North Clark County Indivisible Forms Education Committee to Boost Understanding of School Funding

North Clark County Indivisible has launched an education committee to help residents understand Washington’s school funding systems and improve community involvement in strengthening local education.

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Jan 30, 2026

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Community

Local Activists Eye Oregon’s General Strike Over Immigration Enforcement

A national strike over immigration enforcement is prompting closures and demonstrations in Oregon, with potential ripple effects into southwest Washington.

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Jan 30, 2026

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State Government

Proposed Washington Bill Would Limit Student Cell Phone Use During Class Time

Proposed legislation in Olympia aims to limit student cell phone use during class time, citing concerns over distraction and academic performance, while some students raise safety objections.

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Jan 29, 2026

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Local Government

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Bars ICE from City Property, Strengthens Local Response

Seattle’s mayor has issued an executive order barring ICE from city property, strengthened SPD protocols, and allocated $4 million to support immigrant communities.

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Jan 29, 2026

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Transportation and Infrastructure

WSDOT awards $12.16 million to expand electric vehicle charging network statewide

WSDOT has allocated $12.16 million in federal funding to build 14 new electric vehicle charging stations along major highways, part of Washington’s expansion of statewide EV infrastructure.

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Jan 29, 2026

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Environment and Climate

Energy Department Investigates Ammonia Leaks at Hanford Waste Treatment Plant

The U.S. Department of Energy is investigating multiple ammonia leaks at the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant amid safety and oversight concerns.

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Jan 29, 2026

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State Government

Proposed Washington Bill Could Impound Cars With Expired Tabs and Criminalize Out-of-State Registrations

Washington’s proposed SB 6176 would allow cars with expired tabs to be impounded and could criminalize residents registering out-of-state to avoid fees, with significant potential impact for border communities like Longview and Kelso.

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Jan 29, 2026

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State Government

Washington Office of Independent Investigations Seeks New Director After Rogoff’s Resignation

Roger Rogoff, the inaugural director of Washington’s Office of Independent Investigations, has announced his resignation. Chief of Staff Jane Nesbitt will serve as interim director while the governor searches for a permanent replacement.

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Jan 29, 2026

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State Government

Washington Senate Passes Bill to Ban Masked Law Enforcement—What It Means for Southwest Washington

Washington State Senate approves bill banning opaque face masks for state, local and federal law enforcement. What this means for Cowlitz County communities.

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Jan 29, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

Analysis ranks Interstate Bridge Replacement among nation’s most expensive highway projects per mile