WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, April 30

Mark Lamb, the attorney for four eastern Washington sheriffs, speaks in Thurston County Superior Court against a new law setting heightened eligibility standards for sheriffs as several county sheriffs observe on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Judge blocks Washington’s new sheriff standards law
Washington’s new law setting stricter eligibility standards for sheriffs was partially blocked in state court on Wednesday, one day before much of it was set to take effect. The preliminary decision from a Thurston County Superior Court judge came in response to a lawsuit four eastern Washington sheriffs filed against the state. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Jake Goldstein-Street)



Map of states that cover doulas

Washington among states expanding Medicaid coverage for doulas
Doula care has gone from a niche birth option to a Medicaid-covered benefit in more than half of U.S. states — including Washington. Why it matters: Research has linked doula support to lower cesarean rates and fewer preterm births…Zoom in: Washington is now one of 26 states actively reimbursing for Medicaid coverage of doula care, according to the National Health Law Program. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)



A rendering of Sound Transit's preferred alignment at the Tacoma Dome, currently planned for 2035 if the board keeps the project on track.

Light Rail Will Reach Tacoma Dome ‘Come Hell or High Water’, Pierce County Leaders Say
The Tacoma Dome Link Extension is currently scheduled to open in 2035, adding four new stations in South Federal Way, Fife, and Tacoma. But different approaches to closing the sizable budget gap that have been put on the table including a potential truncation of the line at Fife until additional funds are available – an idea that’s been treated as a non-starter in the only county without any stations in the Link light rail network right now. Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Courtesy of Sound Transit)


Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Resource adequacy and energy transition in the PNW
Improving Grays Harbor County residents access to digital health resources

Axios
What a weakened Voting Rights Act means in today’s America
Washington among states expanding Medicaid coverage for doulas

Bellingham Herald
New preliminary jail budget cap approved by County Council committee
Lummi Nation files federal lawsuit over disturbance of ancestral remains

Capital Press
Farmers see Horse Heaven wind and solar project as ag’s salvation
USDA reinstates largest ag grant in UI’s history after yearlong pause
Judge rejects $1.1 million sought by environmentalists in grazing lawsuit

Columbia Gorge News
SB 5974 bringing new rules for Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer and his posse

Everett Herald
Everett council approves $10.6 million in stadium spending 
Mill Creek moves forward in possible assumption of Penny Creek Natural Area

New York Times
As Wildfire Risks Rise, Forest Service Shutters Labs That Study Them
How the Trump Administration Ended Independent Science at the E.P.A.
How the Voting Rights Decision May Block the Rise of Young Black Leaders

Northwest Asian Weekly
“They served us raw meat”: State sues GEO Group over blocked inspections at Tacoma ICE facility

Puget Sound Business Journal
Everett puts more funding toward stadium project
Amazon’s and Microsoft’s big bets on AI show early returns
Businesses can now claim vouchers for EVs under WA program

Seattle Times
Judge halts WA law that would oust decertified sheriffs
Opinion: Why are domestic violence victims doing all the work?
Editorial: Asking taxpayers to foot Trump ballroom bill is a huge misstep
Trump administration announces moves to sharply curtail gun regulations

South Seattle Emerald
Mayor Katie Wilson Expands Preschool, Free School Meals Citywide
Seattle Black Film Festival Will Feature Local and International Filmmakers

Spokesman Review
Thurston County judge sides with Nowels in blocking new law adding requirements for sheriffs to take office 

Washington Post
Economy picks up in early 2026, but rise in inflation stirs worries
Louisiana governor set to suspend House primaries after Supreme Court ruling
Oil prices hit four-year high with Trump and Iran locked in high-stakes standoff

WA State Standard
Judge blocks Washington’s new sheriff standards law
Millionaire taxes gain steam as states face budget crunches
Tacoma housing activists push to strengthen renter protections

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle Public Schools announces cellphone ban
Snoqualmie asks King County, PSE to reconsider battery storage site
Trash, split ownership complicate cleanup at McSorley Wetland in Kent
Everett City Council to vote on releasing $10.6M to advance new AquaSox stadium
Blue Cross Blue Shield $2.6B settlement to begin payments next month: What to know

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
New sheriff removal law ruled unconstitutional
Seattle Schools roll out new student cell phone restrictions starting Monday
Seattle leads all U.S. cities in bike commuting with 3.3M miles logged last year
WA trails and campgrounds likely impacted by White House Public Lands Cuts
Impacted by December flooding? Assistance center locations + how to apply for FEMA aid

KXLY (ABC)
Judge blocks parts of new sheriff oversight law

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Preparedness is essential as region enters high-risk wildfire season
Opinion: Process undermines progress in Whatcom County AltaGas permits
Whatcom County Council tentatively approves $225M budget cap for justice project

Cascade PBS
WATCH: Report shows WA immigration enforcement increased in late 2025

MyNorthwest
Washington sheriff standards law partially blocked by judge 
Seattle Schools roll out new student cell phone restrictions starting Monday

The Stranger
Impoverished Journalists Threaten Strike Across Pacific Northwest

The Urbanist
Light Rail Will Reach Tacoma Dome ‘Come Hell or High Water’, Pierce County Leaders Say

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: April’s conclusion
FERRY ALERT: Fauntleroy trestle work to last another week
Seattle Public Schools dials in new cell-phone policy starting Monday
FERRY ALERT: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth back to 3-boat service Saturday