Eliza Billingham

1 day ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Owen Henderson |Eliza Billingham |James Dawson

Baumgartner pushes 'Big, Beautiful Bill' as deadline nearsRepublican members of Washington state's congressional delegation say they're hoping the U.S. Senate mostly signs off on the budget bill version that was already approved by House Republicans. Republican Congressman Michael Baumgartner represents the fifth district in Eastern Washington, which includes the Spokane area. He said the House bill that requires Medicaid and food stamp recipients to work is a good national reform.

2 days ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Owen Henderson |Eliza Billingham

WA labor officials begin totaling effects of NIOSH cuts in the stateEastern Washington Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA05) is warning against the Trump administration’s plan to shutter a workplace safety lab in Spokane, and he’s not the only one. The Washington state Workers Compensation Advisory Board Tuesday talked through the effects of funding and staffing cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which runs that lab.

3 days ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Owen Henderson |Rachel Sun |Eliza Billingham |Steve Jackson

Mayor Haley to take temporary leaveSpokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley is stepping aside for the moment, citing an unnamed medical concern. "I am currently experiencing a health issue and will be taking a short medical leave to focus on my recovery," she wrote in a statement Monday evening. "I'm feeling optimistic about my progress and look forward to returning to my role as your Mayor soon."The mayor said her deputy, Tim Hattenburg, will fulfill her duties in her absence.

4 days ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Eliza Billingham |Doug Nadvornick |Monica Carrillo-Casas |Owen Henderson

Spokane City Council considers immigrant protection through parks ordinance Immigrant advocates in Spokane are suggesting creative ways to protect people in the city from immigration enforcement. Spokane City Council is set to vote Monday night on whether to give the Parks board the authority to temporarily make areas of parks “non-public.”The intent is to keep federal immigration agents from arresting people at community celebrations without a warrant.

1 week ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Eliza Billingham |Doug Nadvornick |Monica Nickelsburg |John Ryan

Gender-affirming care ban for minors back on the books in IDDoctors in Idaho are no longer able to provide gender-affirming care to anyone under 18. The state’s ban went back into full effect this week. Idaho's Vulnerable Child Protection Act makes it a felony for doctors to provide puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones or transition surgeries to minors. The act was originally passed in May 2023.