WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, September 18

Plaintiffs in federal lawsuit allege harms to places like Glacier National Park due to climate change. Pictured is Glenns Lake in Glacier National Park (Photo by Jeff Pang via Glacier National Park and Flickr | CC-BY-SA 2.0).
Youth, scientists, argue for court to halt Trump executive orders ‘unleashing’ fossil fuel industry
For the second time in two years a youth-led lawsuit challenging the government’s role in climate change is seeing the inside of a Montana courtroom — this time with more plaintiffs and Democratic political consultant John Podesta as a key witness. Twenty-two youth are suing the Trump administration over the president’s executive orders aimed at supporting the fossil fuel industry, curbing renewable energy and suppressing climate science. “This case asks a fundamental question: Does the United States Constitution guard against abuses of power by executive order that deprive children and youths of their fundamental rights to life and liberty?” Julia Olsen, founder of the law firm Our Children’s Trust and lead attorney for the plaintiffs said in her opening remarks. “The three executive orders the plaintiffs challenge prioritize pollution over protections for the most vulnerable Americans.” Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Jeff Pang)


Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president in the Capitol rotunda on Jan. 20, 2025. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
A record number of Latinos voted for Trump. How are Washington’s Latinos feeling about federal immigration crackdowns 9 months into his presidency?
Just a couple of weeks ago, Abby Palacios went to a local Mexican restaurant with her niece for dinner when she saw a man with a “Make America Great Again” hat walk in. She started shaking. “I literally got my check and left, because I was like, that is not the kind of energy I need to be around,” Palacios said. President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential win shocked voters when they found out 48% of Latinos voted for him, despite his anti-immigrant rhetoric. According to Pew Research Center, this is the highest percentage ever received by a Republican presidential nominee. While many are still surprised over the outcome, others say it makes sense. Continue reading at Spokesman-Review. (Doug Mills)


The national average for a regular gallon of gas is approximately $3.20, while Washington drivers are paying $1.65 more on average. FILE - A customer pumps gasoline into his car. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
State leaders sound off as Washington’s gas prices soar to highest in nation
Washington state has the highest gas prices in the country right now, even surpassing California by a fraction of a cent. The national average for a regular gallon of gas is approximately $3.20, while Washington drivers are paying $1.65 more on average. State lawmakers agree, there are likely a few causes that have led to this, like supply chain issues. But there are some increases that have been in the hands of lawmakers. For example, in July, the state gas tax went up by six cents per gallon. Continue reading at KOMO. (Justin Sullivan)


Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Bear Gulch Fire explodes to 15,730 acres
County holds community flood meeting for North Beach area
Project Eagle aka Amazon warehouse readying for final inspection
 
Axios
Seattle residents look abroad for psilocybin healing
ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel after Charlie Kirk comments
Planned crisis clinic in Seattle’s Capitol Hill sparks debate
Immigration judge says Mahmoud Khalil must be deported to Syria or Algeria

Bellingham Herald 
Year-and-a-half project to replace Lake Samish bridge reaches final stages
Trail detour planned as shoreline work begins at Bellingham’s Boulevard Park
Bellingham moves ahead with tax to fund public safety programs

Capital Press
Alternative proposed to Harney basin groundwater restrictions
Taiwan flour millers make $1.3 billion commitment to purchase U.S. wheat

The Daily News
Debris outside Longview’s PNW Metal Recycling catches fire
Cowlitz County auditor: DOL renewal notices had wrong fees, went to wrong addresses

Everett Herald
Stanwood jail costs expected to exceed budget by end of 2025
A divided Arlington City Council votes to reduce SkyFest grant by half
Comment: We can’t let a generation lose faith in free speech

Kitsap Sun
SKFR’s plan to build a new fire station fails to land DoD grant
Schedule, fare changes coming this fall for Kitsap Transit fast ferries
Little Norway just got bigger: Finished Nordic cottages to welcome low-income residents

News Tribune
New West Coast Health Alliance issues vaccine recs ahead of winter season
Anti-tax activist Eyman attacks proposed Pasco road fees. City officials push back
Summer is lingering longer in WA, new study says. How many more days of heat?
Can I be fired for making a political post on Facebook? What Washington law says

New York Times
The Trump Administration Is Dismantling Climate Policies

Olympian
New West Coast Health Alliance issues vaccine recs ahead of winter season

Peninsula Daily News
Bear Gulch Fire brings smoke to the Peninsula

Port Townsend Leader
Priced out: nearly 40% of Jefferson County jobs filled by commuters

Puget Sound Business Journal
Top Seattle health care provider lays off staff
Travelers rank Sea-Tac near bottom for mega airports
Harrell draws line on funding for regional homelessness authority

Seattle Medium
Wilson Backlash Over Use of Community Leader’s Image
DOJ Seeks Washington Voter Data; State Officials Demand Clarity Before Release

Seattle Times
Pipeline closure pushes up WA gas price to the highest in the nation
CA just aligned its carbon market with WA’s. Here’s why that matters
West Coast Health Alliance sets vaccine guidance on flu, RSV and COVID
Seattle mayor calls for other cities to contribute to homelessness response
Opinion: Why the Trump administration shouldn’t rescind the roadless rule

Spokesman Review
Fed cuts interest rates by quarter point and signals more cuts could be coming
Colville gets electric vehicle charging station in hopes of boosting local economies, aid EV owners
A record number of Latinos voted for Trump. How are Washington’s Latinos feeling about federal immigration crackdowns 9 months into his presidency?

Tri-City Herald
WA treatment plant gets go-ahead to treat radioactive waste

Washington Post
Trump officials ask Supreme Court to allow firing of Fed governor
Trump, allies seek to punish speech they dislike following Kirk killing
RFK Jr.-appointed panel says it will revisit vaccines given in pregnancy
Censorship fears deepen after Kimmel is suspended over Kirk comments
Cities where buying a house is most and least affordable as mortgage rates change

WA State Standard
West Coast states announce broadened vaccine guidance amid CDC turmoil
WA will replace Planned Parenthood’s lost Medicaid funding with state dollars
Plan for new juvenile detention center in Pierce County pitched for next WA budget
Youth, scientists, argue for court to halt Trump executive orders ‘unleashing’ fossil fuel industry


Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle Children’s to cut 150 jobs, citing loss of federal funds
Seattle rally demands action after state shares DOL data with ICE
Village for chronically homeless moves forward in Spanaway following legal challenges
Wildfires burn across Washington as crews battle flames in Olympic, North Cascades and Chelan forests

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Gas prices on the rise in Washington (Fey)
Seattle Children’s Hospital laying off 154 employees
Large fire on Olympic Peninsula rages on as dry conditions fuel spread
Seattle school district delays decision on bringing police back to Garfield High

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
State leaders sound off as Washington’s gas prices soar to highest in nation (Fey)

KNKX Public Radio
Pacific Northwest college programs at risk after Trump administration cuts

KUOW Public Radio
Trump’s push to repeal the Roadless Rule gets mixed reaction in the PNW
‘Vaccines are the best protection we have.’ West Coast states issue their own guidance ahead of feds

KXLY (ABC)
South Hill neighbors say $200K traffic calming project isn’t working
Why you’re paying some of the highest gas prices in the country in Washington
Spokane County deputies use PIT maneuver to end high-speed chase involving stolen car
“The community will decide”: $440 million ‘Together Spokane’ measure on the ballot in just a over a month

NW Public Radio
Understanding suicide and tools to help loved ones


Web

Cascadia Daily News
When it comes to voting, your signature matters
Relicensing of Skagit hydroelectric dams delayed
Environmentalists rally public comment around Ferndale fossil fuel facility
Indigenous, immigrant legacy at the heart of flotilla between NW island communities
Opinion: Skagit residents should demand early warning system for City Light dams

Cascade PBS
Little Saigon leaders share new plan to combat drugs, disorder

MyNorthwest
Washington 3rd best state for teachers, study shows
Seattle Children’s Hospital layoffs affect 5 WA locations
West Coast Health Alliance issues first joint winter vaccine guidance
More King County beaches closed due to contamination, now 8 total

The Stranger
Seattle Children’s Eliminates 5 Percent of Staff Positions

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday info
FOLLOWUP: Road closure begins for drainage project at east end of Sylvan Way