News Releases
Governor Ferguson appoints Jehiel Baer to Snohomish County Superior Court
July 17, 2026
Baer joins the Snohomish County bench after more than 13 years of legal experience
Washington state pushes back on federal overreach that threatens far-ranging issues from public health to the state budget
July 15, 2026
Governor Bob Ferguson and numerous state agencies are pushing back against the Trump administration’s proposed sweeping changes to federal funding for communities and states.
Governor Ferguson announces new legislative proposal: Requiring FAFSA or WASFA or opt-out to graduate high school
July 13, 2026
DES MOINES — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson announced his next major legislative proposal: Requiring all high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known as the FAFSA — or its state equivalent, in order to graduate high school or opt-out. This will be Governor-request legislation in the upcoming legislative session.
Judge sides with WA, will permit health inspections at the GEO Group’s Detention Facility
July 9, 2026
TACOMA — Washington has won two preliminary injunction orders against The GEO Group in which a federal judge said the company is likely to lose its fight to try to prevent Washington State Department of Health (DOH) inspectors from entering its Tacoma facility that it operates as the Northwest Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center.
Governor Ferguson appoints Dr. Rebekah Tabah Percival to serve as ArtsWA Executive Director
July 7, 2026
Dr. Percival joins the agency after holding leadership positions at the Arizona Historical Society
Governor Ferguson appoints Lacie Nelson to Snohomish County Superior Court
July 6, 2026
Nelson joins the Snohomish County bench after more than 18 years of legal experience
Governor Ferguson appoints Kelly Wood to Thurston County Superior Court
July 1, 2026
Wood joins the Thurston County bench after more than 18 years at the Office of the Attorney General
WA Cares Fund benefits open, launching nation’s first public long-term care insurance program
June 30, 2026
Starting tomorrow, Washington will provide the first benefits through WA Cares, its first-in-the-nation long-term care benefit program insurance program.
Governor Ferguson creates Economic Development Council
June 25, 2026
Council will guide economic policy to ensure Washington remains a great place to do business
Washington, California and Québec sign carbon market agreement, setting the stage for historic climate partnership
June 25, 2026
Linkage agreement positions three jurisdictions to begin operating jointly in 2027 and is expected to accelerate the clean energy transition