In WA state Legislature, Democrats and Republicans are sticking with their leaders
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary will lead their respective caucuses in the Washington state House of Representatives in the 2025 legislative session. Democrats reelected Jinkins, a Tacoma representative, who will mark her sixth session as speaker once she is formally confirmed by the House on Jan. 13. She’ll lead a caucus that gained a member in the November election, giving it a 59-seat majority in the 98-person House. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (LSS)
Gov. Inslee addresses efforts to assess damage after devastating ‘bomb cyclone’
One week after Tuesday’s ‘Bomb Cyclone’ exploded across the region, knocking out power and bringing down massive trees, damaging homes and businesses, hundreds if not thousands are still assessing the damages. On Tuesday, the Governor’s office said in a statement that Washington officials will be working with local governments to assess damages and determine whether the damage to public or private property meets the thresholds for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Continue reading at KOMO. (PSE)
Class of 2025: Meet Washington state’s newest lawmakers
The new year is coming, and with it a new cohort of Washington state lawmakers preparing for their first legislative session, which begins Jan. 13. This year’s freshman class includes more than a dozen legislators joining state government in what has been predicted by some to be a “tough” session as the state braces for a $10 billion to $12 billion shortfall over the next four years. They will also be tackling numerous other issues Washingtonians are facing, like housing affordability, increased child care costs, floundering K-12 budgets, public safety and an increase in the general cost of living. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Amanda Snyder)
Axios
Washington state had the smallest rightward shift in 2024
Washington’s outdoor recreation industry is worth $22.5 billion
Capital Press
Trump’s plan to hit Mexico, Canada with tariffs draws concern
Everett Herald
Mukilteo council passes budget with deficit, hopes for new revenue
Snohomish County exec issues disaster proclamation for bomb cyclone
Comment (WaPo): Has Nancy Mace ever been in a women’s restroom
News Tribune
Opioid addiction remains high in Pierce County. Will a new $1.6M mobile program help?
Opinion: Trump’s agenda for higher education: Axing loan forgiveness, tax cuts and more
New York Times
As Congress Feuds Over Farm Bill, Growers Are ‘Stuck in Limbo’
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Port Townsend Leader
Growth plan up for debate
Puget Sound Business Journal
What record holiday spending could mean for retail real estate
School construction bond measures lose support across Washington
Seattle Times
WA public employee union sues state after contract vote fails
Laid-off Boeing workers worry for themselves, and the company that cut them
Skagit Valley Herald
Results from Nov. 5 election certified
Spokesman Review
WA public employee union sues state following failed contract vote
Spokane seeks study on infrastructure needs for anticipated growth in Latah Valley – and how to pay for it
‘Community organizing means showing up’: Lawyer who fought for DACA in the Supreme Court urges undocumented immigrants to prepare for a future without it
Washington Post
Musk admits X throttles links as ‘news influencers’ take over
Americans are not getting seasonal vaccines ahead of the holidays
Trump fills Cabinet with loyalists, competing ideologies and government skeptics
Some call it gambling. They call it social gaming. Either way, some players are losing big money.
WA State Standard
A WA state Senate race heads to recount as counties certify results
In WA state Legislature, Democrats and Republicans are sticking with their leaders (Jinkins, Fitzgibbon, Ortiz-Self, Stonier, Stearns, Orwall)
Trump vow to impose stiff tariffs at odds with anti-inflation campaign message, Dems say
Wenatchee World
‘Definitely a concern’: How will Amazon impact local businesses?
How a small Washington town became a hub for Palestinian solidarity
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle schools superintendent withdrawing school closure recommendation
Power restoration efforts continue one week after bomb cyclone hits western Washington
Data breaches surge to record levels in Washington state, attorney general calls for policy changes
Redmond police celebrating ‘monumental’ decision by FAA that approves drone use on more 911 calls
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Move Over: 6 WSP vehicles hit in 5 days
Data breaches reach all-time high in Washington
Redmond police can now pilot drones without visual observer
Seattle Public Schools determines future after scrapping school closures plan
Black-colored plastic products may contain toxic chemicals, harm your health
Budget cuts eminent: Seattle Public Schools looks to renew levies, get more money from the state
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Gov. Inslee addresses efforts to assess damage after devastating ‘bomb cyclone’
Snohomish City Council approves 4% property tax hike despite public opposition
Seattle budget includes historic investment in affordable housing and public safety
King County Metro testing cameras on buses to monitor lane violations on busy routes
Capitol Hill business owners hopeful for new public safety investments in Seattle budget
KUOW Public Radio
To address overcrowding, WA plans new juvenile corrections facility at a state prison
Western Washington windstorm victims may qualify for disaster and tax relief. Here’s what to know
‘Sometimes you only get one shot.’ Restoring salmon habitat and rejuvenating a South Seattle beach
KXLY (ABC)
Statewide budget cuts threaten WA’s early childhood education programs
Neighborhood residents express concerns over potential changes to zoning regulations
Web
Crosscut
Washington House selects leadership for 2025 session (Jinkins, Fitzgibbon, Stearns, Ortiz-Self, Stonier, Ramel)
Class of 2025: Meet Washington state’s newest lawmakers
Beyond turkey: How people of color in WA make Thanksgiving their own
The Urbanist
Four successful Urbanist-backed candidates pledge housing, transit, and climate action (Bateman)
Opinion: Cities must embrace housing abundance to resist rise of authoritarianism
West Seattle Blog
Surprise second wave of salmon spawners breaks Fauntleroy Creek record