Erik Neumann

2 weeks ago | opb.org | Erik Neumann

In the coming months, local and tribal governments in Washington could reap the benefits of $100 million in one-time state grants to pay for new law enforcement positions, but only if local officials raise sales taxes long-term. The Vancouver Police West Precinct, in Vancouver, Wash., June 29, 2024. In cities and counties where voters have repeatedly shot down tax hikes for public safety, the grant program could give local leaders a workaround. It was approved by lawmakers on Sunday, and Gov.

2 weeks ago | opb.org | Erik Neumann

Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez deflected voter criticism during a town hall event in Vancouver on April 24, 2025. The Luepke Community Center near downtown Vancouver was at capacity Thursday night, with attendees spilling out around the building. Gluesenkamp Perez was repeatedly interrupted by the crowd as she tried to defend her vote to censure fellow Democratic Rep. Al Green following his vocal protest at President Trump’s speech to Congress in March.

2 weeks ago | spokanepublicradio.org | Doug Nadvornick |Owen Henderson |Erik Neumann

Divisive rent control bill heads to negotiations after House refuses to approve amendmentsA bill that would cap annual rent increases has split Democratic lawmakers in Olympia. The House passed a version putting a seven percent limit on rent increases for any given twelve-month period of a lease. Then the Senate changed the cap to 10 percent plus inflation.

3 weeks ago | opb.org | Erik Neumann

With just days before the end of Washington state’s legislative session, officials with the commission that oversees land-use planning in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are cautiously optimistic, despite dramatic proposed cuts to their budget. In late March, Washington House lawmakers zeroed out the state’s entire contribution to the Columbia River Gorge Commission, which is also funded by Oregon.

3 weeks ago | opb.org | Erik Neumann

Undated photo of hunters surveying their decoy setup from a blind at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Washington state. The top manager of four national wildlife refuges along the lower Columbia River in Southwest Washington had his last day on the job Friday. Eric Anderson was the acting project leader for the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, managing the Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, Pierce and Ridgefield national wildlife refuges. He took a buyout this week.