WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Wednesday, August 6

Red Square the week before graduation at the University of Washington, June 11 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times)
UW, other WA colleges face big money problems
Across the state, Washington’s struggling public colleges and universities are laying off staff, raising tuition, cutting administrators and trimming programs. State budget cuts have landed at a time when severe cutbacks by President Donald Trump’s administration, on top of inflation, are exerting financial stress on the schools. The administration’s decision to broadly cut billions in federal research dollars will be a major revenue hit to the University of Washington. The cost of providing health care and other benefits to staff is rising. And international students — who help subsidize in-state students by paying higher tuition — are turning to Europe, Canada and other countries, although a full tally of international enrollment won’t be available until the fall. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)


Neighbors Gail Nigro, 75, and Joe Beck, 72, are portrayed on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at their apartment complex in Marysville, Washington.
WA seniors face tough choices after Congress cuts federal food program
Many people expect to live their golden years in leisure after decades of hard work. But two Marysville residents recently found themselves worrying about being able to buy food. They’re among the hundreds of thousands of Washington residents who rely on SNAP, the federal food assistance program. Now that Congress has cut $186 billion in funding for the program, they’re anxiously waiting for what happens next. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)


Data: Tax Foundation, Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios
Washington state’s beer taxes are middle-of-the-pack
The taxes you pay on beer in Washington are lower than in many U.S. states, but far from the lowest in the country, per an analysis by the Tax Foundation. Zoom in: Washington’s beer taxes amounted to $0.26 per gallon — the 25th highest rate among U.S. states, according to the Washington, D.C-based think tank. Continue reading at Axios. (Alex Fitzpatrick)


Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Oped: End of 12/14 Agreement a win for PNW energy

Axios
Washington state’s beer taxes are middle-of-the-pack

Bellingham Herald
How bad is air quality in WA? What to know as Bear Gulch Fire smoke spreads

Capital Press
Judge opens door to wider federal management of wolves
Federal report sees climate change benefiting U.S. agriculture
Oregon governor declares drought emergencies for three more counties

The Daily News
Loss of WA funding causes LCC cuts, as former staff speak out

Everett Herald
Voters approving fire and EMS levy lifts in Snohomish County
Norwegian underwater vehicle company expands to Lynnwood
Crime down overall in Snohomish County in 2024, new report says
Comment: We need a better plan to reform Social Security

International Examiner
“Big Beautiful Bill” Restricts Safety Net Programs, Spells Trouble for Seattle’s Vulnerable

Kitsap Sun
Smoke from Bear Gulch Fire could stick around in Kitsap for a couple days
What is Legionnaires’ disease? Deadly lung infection on the rise in Washington state
‘It’s something I never thought I’d see’: 5-year project brings clearer water to Kitsap Lake

News Tribune
Pierce County bridge inspection will cause traffic delays. Plan ahead.
$100K study to look at ‘pain points’ in Pierce County’s homeless programs
You’ll see crews working on ‘notorious’ Pierce County interchange this week
Understaffed Pierce Co. fire agency asked voters for funds. Early results are in
Tacoma says Sound Transit project caused electrical damages. The city’s suing
Lakewood to get a new mayor, deputy mayor in 2026. See primary election results

New York Times
E.P.A. Moves to Cancel $7 Billion in Grants for Solar Energy
Kennedy Cancels Nearly $500 Million in mRNA Vaccine Contracts
In Reversal, FEMA Won’t Deny Grants to Cities That Boycott Israeli Firms
States Have More Data About You Than the Feds Do. Trump Wants to See It.
Washington State Braces for ‘Inevitable’ Megafire. Climate Change May Bring It Sooner.

Olympian
How bad is air quality in WA? What to know as Bear Gulch Fire smoke spreads
WA food banks brace for longer lines amid SNAP cuts: ‘It eats a piece of my soul’

Port Townsend Leader
Port receives state-of-the-art lift to boost maritime economy
New filtration system to help Boat Haven meet Ecology standards

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft reportedly considers stricter RTO policy
AI adoption means entry-level tech roles face an uncertain future
Seattle-area home market in neutral, with prices flat in most areas

Seattle Medium
Rainier Scholars Helps Guide Students From Fourth Grade To College Graduation
Legacy Of Bridgette Hempstead Lives On As Daughters Lead Cierra Sisters Forward

Seattle Times
UW, other WA colleges face big money problems
WA insurance commissioner fines health insurer $550K
Federal oversight of Seattle police could soon end after 13 years
WA family, in U.S. legally, fears being ripped apart by Trump TPS order
Opinion: WA’s small businesses can’t thrive if we’re drained by ‘swipe fees’

Spokesman Review
Spokane voters agree to aquifer protection tax
Sales tax increase for policing passes in Spokane Valley
DOJ again lists Washington as ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ in new list
Trump threatens federal takeover of D.C. after attack on DOGE worker
Washington to award more than $200 million for affordable rental housing units
Seeing red? Spokane County uses dye to test flow of wastewater into Spokane River

Washington Post
Trump’s tactics are bending the criminal justice system to his agenda
Trump to double tariffs on India, says it’s because of Russian oil purchases

WA State Standard
The threat of political violence is keeping parents out of elected office
Suspected tuberculosis cases reported at Tacoma immigrant detention center
Two WA oil refineries fined over $1.3M each for mishandling of sludge and acid waste


Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Judge denies Sig Sauer’s request to reverse a ban on P320
Lands chief slams wildfire cuts as Lake Cushman fire grows past 5,000 acres
Judge hears lawsuit challenging Trump administration’s changes to Head Start
Live, updated results for the top 2025 primary election races in western Washington

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WSP says backlog of firearms forensic investigations is over a year

KUOW Public Radio
WA seniors face tough choices after Congress cuts federal food program

KXLY (ABC)
Second time around, Spokane County voters show support for fire district levy to fund paramedics and updated equipment


Web

Cascadia Daily News
WWU student publication named best in the country
Two Anacortes oil refineries fined over $1.3M each for mishandling of sludge, acid waste

InvestigateWest
Homeland Security’s ‘welfare’ check on Idaho migrant students raises school privacy questions

MyNorthwest
Seattle, Portland could face lawsuits from DOJ over impeding ICE enforcement

The Urbanist
Mercer Island’s Growth Plan Ruled Out of Compliance with State Law

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Wednesday watch
ELECTION 2025: First round of results – most incumbents in second place