U.S. homebuilders raise alarm over tariffs as sentiment falls to 5-month low
Sentiment among the nation’s single-family homebuilders dropped to the lowest level in five months in February, largely due to concern over tariffs, which would raise their costs significantly. The National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index, or HMI, dropped a sharp 5 points from January to a reading of 42. Anything below 50 is considered negative sentiment. Last February, the index stood at 48. Continue reading at CNBC. (CNBC)
Statewide ban on flavored tobacco, nicotine and vape moves forward, expect no passage this year
The Washington State House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business narrowly advanced House Bill 1203 (HB 1203) by an 8-7 vote Tuesday, setting the stage for further legislative debate on a proposal to ban flavored tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products statewide. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Bobby Caina Calvan)
New bill calls for better fraud protections after Olympia woman loses life savings in scam
On Tuesday, the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a hearing on a bill to better protect vulnerable adults. This comes amid the rise in financial scams involving transfers of money made by consumers under duress from fraudsters. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)
Aberdeen Daily World
Hundreds rally at state Capitol to protect parental rights
What’s in a name? WA wants to officially be ‘The Evergreen State’
From states of emergency to watersports, councils have been busy in recent weeks
Axios
All the ways Washington state is suing Trump in his second term
Columbian
Proposed EPA cuts put funding for Clark County energy, clean water projects at risk
The Daily News
There are no data centers in SW WA. Is that good, or bad?
New Kalama schools solar panels expected to save $7K a year
Everett Herald
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit
Islands’ Weekly
Judge grants injunction in WA suit against unconstitutional birthright citizenship order
News Tribune
Busiest library branch in Tacoma to close indefinitely this spring. Here’s what we know
He left his City Council seat for the Pierce County Council. Here’s who might replace him
Opinion: Tacoma’s housing crisis demands solutions: Exploring social housing as a key strategy
New York Times
Struggle Over Americans’ Personal Data Plays Out Across the Government
Forest Service Layoffs and Frozen Funds Increase the Risk From Wildfires
Olympian
Are WA lawmakers who text and talk in hearings really listening? Some say ‘Not a good look’ (Pedersen, Dhingra)
Port Townsend Leader
State Parks terminates PDA lease
‘Thou Musk not steal’: Hundreds gather in protest
After sheriff’s resignation, Democrats nominate three to replace him
Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle nonprofit cuts staff amid funding freeze
Tariffs create uncertainty for port real estate markets
Seattle Medium
City Leaders Provide Update On Downtown Activation Plan
Washington State Legislative Update: Advocates, Black Legislators Denounce GOP’s Attempt To Dismantle State Office Of Equity
Seattle Times
Trump’s firings strike the nation’s health agencies
Washington lawmaker wants to redesign state flag (Peterson)
Trump’s job cuts lead to closed trails, staff shortages in WA
Ferguson suspends auto-deletion of public records after $225K settlement
Opinion: These are troubling times for WA farmers
Editorial: Trump’s gutting of federal workforce threatens national security in WA
South Whidbey Record
Passenger-only ferries concept gaining traction (Nance)
Spokesman Review
Idaho considers end to 50-year physician-training partnership with University of Washington over ‘Idaho values’
‘Public lands will suffer’: Idaho, home to seven national forests, loses integral forest service employees across the state to Trump terminations
Opinion: Medical Lake project shows progress toward bridging the digital divide
Washington Post
After ceding power of the purse, GOP lawmakers beg Trump team for funds
WA State Standard
Washington lawmaker waves plan for state flag redesign (Peterson)
How Republicans want to fix WA’s affordable housing shortage (Pedersen)
Trump’s cuts to federal wildfire crews could have ‘scary’ consequences
Clash in WA Legislature over proposal to add rules for initiative signers (Valdez, Pedersen)
30 Bonneville Power workers get jobs back amid hundreds of layoffs and buyouts
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Hikers, climbers could have increased danger after National Parks layoffs
Everett day shelter granted 2-month reprieve before it must move out of downtown
New bill calls for better fraud protections after Olympia woman loses life savings in scam (Doglio)
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
US Forest Service layoffs hit popular hiking areas in King County
Washington State History Museum reopens after month-long closure
Seattle City Council leaders discuss transit safety following bus violence
Safety on public transit: KIRO 7 takes a ride-a-long with a public safety expert
Second chances with strings attached: DUI record vacation bill clears key hurdle in Washington (Ortiz-Self, Goodman)
KNKX Public Radio
Trump’s budget cuts could put local weather forecasts and you in danger
KUOW Public Radio
WA’s GOP leaders not worried by Trump’s federal changes
Legislative carveout would change penalties for assaults on health care workers
Video appears to show ICE agents targeting Latinos in Washington state, but are mass deportations coming?
KXLY (ABC)
Downtown Spokane businesses hit with flooding for second time in the last few months
NW Public Radio
This Yakima church is getting an upgrade to its energy infrastructure
Washington state bill could strengthen regulations, increase fines for ‘troublesome’ landfills (Duerr)
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Opinion: Whatcom County needs a new path to a modern index of public records
CNBC
U.S. Homebuilders raise alarm over tariffs as sentiment falls to 5-month low
MyNorthwest
Washington’s Road Usage Charge: Future in Doubt (Jinkins)
Statewide ban on flavored tobacco, nicotine and advances (Reeves, Donaghy)
Bill: Washington would confiscate cars from police evaders (Lovick)