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Thursday, March 20

Editorial: Adopt permit-to-purchase gun law to cut deaths

Over the last 10 years, Washington state, through legislative action and citizen initiative, has adopted some of the nation’s strictest firearm safety laws. Among those are restrictions on high-capacity ammunition magazines, a ban on the sale of so-called assault-style weapons, universal background checks for gun purchases and a red-flag law that allows law enforcement or family members to seek a court order that temporarily removes guns from those deemed a danger to themselves or others. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Dan Bates / The Herald file photo)

Ukrainian grocery store in Fife targeted by suspected impersonators pretending to be ICE
An investigation is underway in Fife after suspected U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement impersonators targeted a local Ukrainian store on Sunday. The impersonators staked out Emish Market on 70th Avenue East at about 5 p.m. while they were inside a Ford SUV, decorated with false “ICE” decals and symbols to reference the department, according to the Fife Police Department in a news release. Continue reading at News Tribune. (Puneet Bsanti)

Washington educators rally for school funding amid $13B deficit
Educators, parents, and students across western Washington took to the streets Wednesday to voice concerns over potential cuts to public education. Rallies were held in Bellevue and Federal Way as demonstrators urged state and federal lawmakers to prioritize school funding amid looming financial shortfalls. Continue reading at KING5. (Sebastian Robertson)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Summit Pacific named finalist for 2024 rural hospital leadership award

Axios
Seattle sees drop in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities
Fake toll bill texts are on the rise, WSDOT warns

Bainbridge Island Review
State’s inaccurate funding model hurts BI (Hansen, Nance, Simmons)

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County health director who guided community through pandemic has been ousted
Clinic closures, firings, buyouts: Northwest tribes sound alarm about cuts to key services

Capital Press
Washington dairy worker charged with theft
Washington may allow coal power, if no one knows
More hives but less honey for U.S. beekeepers in 2024
Proposed incentive program would help recruit Oregon beginning farmers

Columbian
Vancouver teachers ‘walk-in’: ‘With public education under attack, we show up and we fight back’

Everett Herald
Snohomish County Council approves child care ordinance
Editorial: Adopt permit-to-purchase gun law to cut deaths (Farivar)
Opinion: Save rules that buffer wetlands from homes

The Inlander
Health care workers battled a raging storm during the pandemic, but some parts of the health system have changed for the better

Journal of the San Juan Islands
DEI shutdowns “not going to happen” in Washington state

Kitsap Sun
Washington’s latest budget outlook shows another $845M dent in state revenue
These states have the worst performing highways. Where does Washington rank?

News Tribune
Tacoma’s New Interim Police Chief Patti Jackson talks first days as chief
Clinic closures, firings, buyouts: Northwest tribes sound alarm about cuts to key services
British tourist who was detained at Tacoma’s ICE facility reunites with family in Wales
Pierce County tables $7.4M building purchase for Sheriff’s Office. Here’s what we know
Ukrainian grocery store in Fife targeted by suspected impersonators pretending to be ICE

New York Times
Trump Administration Live Updates: President to Sign Order to Dismantle Education Department

Northwest Asian Weekly
Bellevue City Council appoints Claire Sumadiwirya

Olympian
Olympia council to consider more protections for renters and some homeowners. How they might help

Seattle Times
WA sees $845 million drop in state revenue in new budget outlook (Robinson, Ormsby)
WA initiative takes aim at Parents’ Bill of Rights changes (Stonier)
Trump backs higher pay for wildland firefighters while DOGE cuts staff
Editorial: Well-intentioned but costly gun bill could backfire (Berry)
Opinion: The staff is the heart of our national parks. Don’t decimate it

Spokesman Review
Spokane dispatch funding bill passes house, heads to Senate (Ormsby, Hill)
Spokane County Veterans Services claims more than doubled to $20 million last year
Tribes call on Pentagon to restore websites honoring Native American military service
Opinion: Lawmakers must pass rent increase caps, improve legal support for tenants to slow the eviction crisis

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities student revives Black Student Union — and earns national race-relations prize

Washington Post
Republican policies are set to slam the brakes on the EV transition
Trump knocks Federal Reserve for keeping interest rates steady
Trump to sign order aimed at closing Education Department

WA State Standard
Housing bills to watch as the Washington legislative session enters its final weeks (Pedersen)

Wenatchee World
Chelan County PUD considers modifying hydrant valve costs, adding EV charger rates
Father of student with disability sues Eastmont for negligence and discrimination

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Man arrested by ICE alleges Spokane County broke state law
Amazon sues Consumer Product Safety Commission over recall order for hazardous products
Olympia teen’s overdose death sparks warning over social media drug deals
Facilities for those with developmental disabilities could close in Washington
Washington educators rally for school funding amid $13B deficit

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing faces lawsuit in whistleblower’s death
King County transit safety taskforce to hold first meeting
State says ‘no lost revenue’ because of free HOT lane rides on SR 167
Trump will order a plan to shut down the US Education Department
Snohomish County votes to expand childcare availability
Experts warn car prices could increase if tariffs are implemented

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Trump backs higher pay for wildland firefighters while DOGE cuts wildfire support staff
Report: Trump to sign executive order to shut down Department of Education
‘I am here to stay’: Patti Jackson sworn in as Tacoma’s new interim police chief

KNKX Public Radio
Billy Frank Jr. statue brings modern representation to U.S. Capitol

KUOW Public Radio
Inside the private room where volunteers monitor ICE flights
A new podcast explores daily life at Washington State Penitentiary
Why WA Democrats are trying to repeal parts of a law they passed a year ago
Washington Gov. Ferguson loses another team member as chief of staff resigns (Jinkins)

KXLY (ABC)
Washington lawmakers consider raising carbon standards for fuel, raising concerns about gas prices (Fitzgibbon)
Downtown Spokane zip line permits in the works
Downtown Spokane Partnership to host Seattle City Attorney for discussion on chronic crime

Web

Cascadia Daily News
City data: Bellingham tenant protection ordinance enacted in 2024 is underused
Opinion: It’s Sunshine Week; let a little shine on government activities

Cascade PBS
What’s happening with Seattle’s housing density plan?
$17M from Pierce County affordable housing tax funds 9 projects

InvestigateWest
‘It’s an uphill battle’: Decades-long effort to unify Washington’s court system again falls short

MyNorthwest
Washington House moves to shield abortion, pregnancy loss from legal scrutiny (Farivar)
Top Bob Ferguson aide resigns following accusations of ‘toxic’ workplace in Governor’s Office (Trudeau)
Modified bill making clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse moves toward House floor vote (Hill, Jinkins)

The Stranger
Editorial: What Version of Washington Do We Want to Be?
Slog AM: RFK Wants to Let Bird Flu Run Wild, Burning Teslas Is Domestic Terrorism Now, and Dolphins Greeted Astronauts in the Gulf of Mexico (Trudeau)

Washington Observer
Corporate cash flows into anti-tax-increase PAC

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: First morning of spring
VIDEO: Mayor, CARE chief come to West Seattle to talk about response team expansion here

Wednesday, March 19

Nearly 3 million immigrants got amnesty under Reagan. Some of them still work on Washington’s farms
These days, like all employers, farms gather social security numbers and other paperwork documenting their employees’ work authorization. But, statistically, most growers know it’s possible — or even likely — that some of that paperwork isn’t valid, said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. That’s because about 40% of farmworkers are in the U.S. without legal status, according to the federal Department of Agriculture. As immigration enforcement ramps up, farms and growers in Washington and across the country are at risk of losing their workforce and the skill that comes with seasoned workers. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

Washington’s budget deficit grows to $13 billion over the next four years after newest projection
Washington state’s budget problem just got a little worse. Almost $1 billion worse, according to budget forecasters. The latest report from the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council projects revenue collections through 2029 will be $845 million lower than originally estimated, according to the Governor’s Office of Financial Management. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Why Washington legislators want to add textured hair care to beauty industry training
People with textured hair, especially in rural parts of Washington, often struggle to find local hair care that meets their needs and are sometimes forced to travel long distances for it as a result. Lawmakers are hoping to change that with House Bill 1874, which would require people working in the hair care industry to receive training on textured hair during cosmetology school or apprenticeships. Textured hair is described in the bill as hair that has a distinct shape or pattern such as coils, curls, kinks, spirals, or waves. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty)

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Associated Press
Fishermen want to go green but say DOGE cuts prevent that

Aberdeen Daily World
Gov. Bob Ferguson visits Grays Harbor County
Gov. Ferguson speaks to Hoquiam High School students

Axios
When social housing could open in Seattle

Bellingham Herald
Top Ferguson aides resigning amid toxic workplace complaints, lawmakers say (Trudeau, Chapman)
Clouds in state-revenue forecast: Projected collections through 2029 drop $845 million (Robinson, Ormsby)
Ferguson, WA lawmakers honor Seattle-born guitar icon Jimi Hendrix with Medal of Merit (Santos)

Capital Press
Washington looks at new agency to build transmission lines (Shewmake)

Everett Herald
Panel discusses county’s proposed Critical Areas Regulations ordinance
Snohomish County resident identified with measles
Column: Welch: Lawmakers ignore needs of families with disabled kids
Letter: Fair taxes can pay for state, federal needs

Indian Country Today
Clinic closures, firings, buyouts: Northwest tribes sound alarm about cuts to health care, education and other key services

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Letter: Islanders feel impacts to federal cuts

Kitsap Sun
New school, and temporary classrooms, coming to district’s East Bremerton site
Olympic College launching new bachelor’s degree, the 7th now available in Kitsap
Could millions of Washington residents get a DOGE refund check? Here’s the latest
Innovative treatment helping Kitsap Mental Health address patients with severe depression

News Tribune
Clouds in state-revenue forecast: Projected collections through 2029 drop $845 million (Robinson, Ormsby)

Northwest Asian Weekly
Jayapal’s bill takes aim at outdated law behind WWII incarceration

Olympian
Clouds in state-revenue forecast: Projected collections through 2029 drop $845 million (Robinson, Ormsby)
Ferguson, WA lawmakers honor Seattle-born guitar icon Jimi Hendrix with Medal of Merit (Santos)
No permitting fees for affordable housing developers in Olympia? Officials discuss proposal
Opinion: Election security shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Defunding DHS programs puts it at risk

Port Townsend Leader
Council hits pause on pay-to-park plan
DNR: State will be ready for wildfires regardless of federal funds

Puget Sound Business Journal
Construction costs rise amid tariff policy, uncertainty
Seattle council decides on controversial rezoning in Sodo
Anxiety, hope in Pioneer Square as shelter, clinics set to open
How downtowns are being redefined in the post-pandemic world
Lenders say millions in small-business funding, tax credits at risk

Seattle Times
Top Gov. Ferguson aide resigns amid workplace complaints
WA sees $845 million drop in state revenue in new budget outlook (Robinson, Ormsby)
Trump not in contempt in Seattle Children’s gender-affirming care case, judge says
Editorial: Make vacant strip malls part of solution to WA’s housing crisis
Opinion: DOGE’s real goal is privatizing government
Opinion: As more of our neighbors go hungry, WA lawmakers must do better
Opinion: Seattle was told it was ‘disappearing’ its top students. Did SPS hear?

Spokesman Review
Economic forecast projects Washington to see nearly a billion less in revenue over four years (Ormsby, Jinkins, Pedersen, Robinson)
Legendary musician and Washington native Jimi Hendrix awarded state’s highest civilian honor posthumously (Santos)
‘These folks are heroes’: Four Washington Department of Ecology employees receive state’s top civilian honor for rescuing woman
Opinion: The federal workforce in Spokane has been shrinking compared to our economy

Washington Post
Trump aides prep new tariffs on imports worth trillions
Social Security to require millions to make claims in person rather than by phone
Federal workers think Trump won’t improve their agencies — even his voters, poll finds

WA State Standard
Flu deaths rise around U.S. as anti-vaccine disinformation takes root
Washington’s latest budget outlook shows another $845M dent in state revenue (Robinson, Ormsby, Jinkins)
Why Washington legislators want to add textured hair care to beauty industry training (Morgan)

Wenatchee World
Legislative Watch: March 17

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Snohomish County mulls new daycare ordinance to help meet childcare demand
Fife police investigating after suspected ICE impostors target Ukrainian grocery store
Major Puget Sound area construction project could be delayed amid funding concerns
Washington’s budget deficit grows to $13 billion over the next four years after newest projection (Ormsby, Jinkins, Pedersen)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle City Council passes controversial SODO housing rezoning proposal
Wrongful death suit filed against WA trooper accused in deadly DUI crash
State losing millions? No license plate readers on SR 167 since 2008
People accused of yelling anti-gay slurs at Capitol Hill bar customers ID’d
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘CARE’ teams expanding into south and southwest Seattle
New housing project at JBLM to cut off-base living, boost military community

KUOW Public Radio
Washington lawmakers rebuke Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid
After ICE arrest, attorney alleges Spokane County Sheriff’s Office broke WA law
Nearly 3 million immigrants got amnesty under Reagan. Some of them still work on Washington’s farms

KXLY (ABC)
Proposed changes to child care provider qualifications spark debate in Washington
Washington revenue forecasts decline as lawmakers set to release budget proposals (Ormsby)
‘We are looking for an opportunity to have some protection’: Ukrainian community meets with Rep. Baumgartner

Web

Cascade PBS
Ferguson budget plan extends child support garnishment (Dhingra)
Trump tariffs, potential cuts could muddy WA’s financial future (Robinson)
WA keeps details of severe workplace injuries, deaths from public (Springer)

InvestigateWest
Clinic closures, firings, buyouts: Northwest tribes sound alarm about cuts to health care, education and other key services

MyNorthwest
Dem Senators warn of Cuts to Apple Health in Washington
Governor Ferguson’s furlough plan ‘betrays’ union workers?
Democrat Ortiz-Self defends controversial parental rights bill (Ortiz-Self)

The Urbanist
Federal Funding Review Jeopardizes $25 Million for Sound Transit Infill Station
Op-Ed: We Need a Bolder Bob Ferguson as Governor

Washington Observer
Housing policy highlights (Berg, Peterson, Lovelett)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Last day of winter

Tuesday, March 18

Democratic lawmakers warn of ‘all-out assault’ on Medicaid, though Trump says the program is safe
Billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid would have a devastating impact on the more than 1.8 million Washingtonians who rely on the program, particularly in rural and Eastern Washington, Sen. Patty Murray said during a news conference at the state Capitol Monday. Murray said Republicans are waging an “all-out assault” on a program that provides health coverage for the elderly, those with disabilities and those in lower income levels, as they seek to pass tax cuts for billionaires. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Mitchell Roland)

GOP Rep. Baumgartner faces angry, disruptive town hall in Spokane
U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner was confronted by a disruptive, angry crowd that demanded answers about the freshman Republican congressman’s voting record and recent actions in President Donald Trump’s White House — and regularly interrupted each answer during a town hall Monday evening at Whitworth University in Spokane. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Aaron Barna)

WA bill aims to extend unemployment benefits to workers on strike
The Washington State Senate has passed Senate Bill 5041, which aims to extend unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to workers during a labor strike. If the bill passes the House and is signed by the Governor, Washington would become the third state — after New York and New Jersey — to grant this benefit. Striking workers who have logged at least 680 hours in the past year would become eligible for UI benefits starting the second Sunday after their legal strike begins, following a required one-week waiting period. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (M. Scott Brauer)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Major milestone for fish passage project along coast

Axios
Washington unemployment dips but layoffs loom

Bellingham Herald
Ecology letters coming to 30k Whatcom County water users as part of adjudication process

Capital Press
USDA: Exempt farm pesticides from monarch butterfly rule

The Daily News
Longview woman gets 2nd chance at becoming a teacher

Everett Herald
Everett council awards $2M contract for Mall Station relocation
Editorial: One option for pausing pay raise for state electeds
Bloomberg Comment: Have lawmakers forgotten they have constituents?

Islands’ Weekly
Public health hot topic: Measles outbreaks

Kitsap Sun
Trump job cuts continue: What Washington state is saying about federal layoff numbers

News Tribune
Puyallup Tribe and NWSA enter historic pact to create new pier at Port of Tacoma

New York Times
Citing Trump’s Order, V.A. Halts Most Transgender Care
Musk’s Team Evicts Officials at the U.S. Institute of Peace
Trump Administration Aims to Eliminate E.P.A.’s Scientific Research Arm

Puget Sound Business Journal
Puyallup Tribe unveils plan for new terminal in Tacoma
Port officials raise concerns over $337M in airport grants
Affordability remains key barrier to minority homeownership

Seattle Medium
Dr. Brent Jones To Step Down As Superintendent Of Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Times
GOP Rep. Baumgartner faces angry, disruptive town hall in Spokane
Proposal would force millions to file Social Security claims in person
As Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act, here’s how it shaped WA history
Ferguson aide resigned amid toxic workplace complaints, lawmakers say (Trudeau, Chapman)
Editorial: WA lawmakers, resist the urge to keep your emails private

Skagit Valley Herald
San Juan County to rejoin Northwest Clean Air Agency

Spokesman Review
Spokane proposes spending plan for $1.5 million in opioid settlement funds
Baumgartner faces angry, disruptive town hall following two months of Trump’s presidency
Democratic lawmakers warn of ‘all-out assault’ on Medicaid, though Trump says the program is safe (Riccelli, Jinkins)
‘Housing is health’: As Colville phases out homeless camp, students and organizations are stepping up to get people sheltered

Tri-City Herald
Judge orders DOJ lawyers to justify secrecy around El Salvador deportations: reports
WA losing invasive beetle battle in Tri-Cities. Fight to stop them moves to Columbia River

Washington Post
VA rolls back care for trans veterans after Trump’s executive order
Trump escalates fight with federal courts over deportation authority
Trump administration plans a 25 percent staff cut at IRS taxpayer help office
Small banks in mostly red districts could lose funding under new Trump order

WA State Standard
Trump not held in contempt in WA gender-affirming care case
Opening of new Washington juvenile detention center is delayed
State workers blast Ferguson’s furlough plan, calling it a betrayal (Frame, Scott)
Will Idaho legalize medical marijuana? State lawmakers open discussion

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington state rally calls for tax hikes in budget plan (Frame)
How to make sure you’re ready for May 7 REAL ID deadline
Lawmakers, medical providers issue warning over possible Medicaid cuts
‘It made me feel crazy’ | Filipino fishermen spent nearly 2 months trapped aboard fishing vessels in Westport

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington highways among the worst in the nation, per report
Seattle eyes controversial change of zoning requirements in SODO
Infant hospitalized for possible fentanyl exposure, father in custody

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County Sheriff’s Office reduces staffing amid budget constraints
Customers using Lake Stevens water system asked to conserve during pipeline repairs

KUOW Public Radio
Federal forestry changes leave state officials in the lurch

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane officials and WSDOT clash over traffic plans for Latah Valley development
Sen. Murray raises concerns over potential Medicaid cuts and impacts to state budget (Riccelli)
Crowd reacts at Rep. Baumgartner’s town hall, raises concerns on healthcare, veterans affairs and social security

NW Public Radio
Religious freedom vs. health care access: How faith influences health care in Washington and Idaho

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Water right claim forms will start arriving this week

Cascade PBS
Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones to resign
WA bill aims to extend unemployment benefits to workers on strike (Riccelli)

MyNorthwest
Washington Senate bill would tax big tech to help save local journalism—here’s how (Liias)
Controversial bill expanding protections for undocumented or gender-diverse students advances to House (Nobles)

The Stranger
We Could Have Had Universal Healthcare (Cleveland, Bronoske, Hasegawa)

Washington Observer
A shocking departure from the gov’s office

West Seattle Blog
Seattle Public Schools looking for a new superintendent, again
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Winter’s final Tuesday
Two West Seattle routes lose trips, one gains trips for Metro’s next service change March 29

Monday, March 17

Legislators still considering furlough of Washington state employees
As Washington lawmakers look for solutions to the state’s $12 billion budget deficit, they’re considering a furlough of state workers. Workers could have to take one furlough day a month for two years. That could save about $300 million, according to a proposal by Governor Bob Ferguson. Continue reading at KNKX. (Andrew Stubblefield)

‘A wake-up call’: Fear of immigration enforcement leads to attendance declines in some NCW schools
Schools across North Central Washington are seeing mixed attendance trends as families navigate concerns over immigration enforcement. While the Quincy and Wenatchee school districts report steady attendance, the Eastmont School District has seen a noticeable drop among migrant students since the start of the school year. Continue reading at Wenatchee World. (Jacob Ford)

House Passes Bill To Strengthen Public Safety, Support Law Enforcement Recruitment And Training
The Washington State House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2015, legislation aimed at strengthening public safety by providing local governments with the resources they need to support law enforcement and public safety services. Sponsored by Representatives Debra Entenman, Kristine Reeves, and April Berg, along with other members of the Legislative Black Caucus, the bill establishes new funding mechanisms to help recruit and retain officers while prioritizing crisis intervention, de-escalation training, and trauma-informed policing. Continue reading at Seattle Medium. (LSS)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe hosts Uphill Developments seminar

Axios
Washington unemployment dips but layoffs loom
Trump’s historic test of immigrants’ speech rights
Seattle metro grows faster than U.S., driven by foreign immigration

Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
Opinion: Eastside residents battle large unexpected rent increases

Capital Press
Washington House passes cannabis union bill (Ortiz-Self)
Washington House passes farm fuel bill, rejects Farm Bureau’s proposal
New Office of Columbia River director: Drought relief ‘as soon as we can’

Columbian
Should Safe Stays stay? Vancouver officials, advocates for the homeless debate whether communities should be permanent

The Daily News
Woodland board member questions if schools should have nurses

Everett Herald
Everett responds to higher traffic deaths with ‘Vision Zero’ goal
Snohomish County schools react to education department firings
Lynnwood City Council eyes path forward at contentious meeting
Editorial: Don’t gut Medicaid for richest Americans’ tax cuts
Bloomberg comment: Learning costs of ignoring environment the hard way

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Shield Law for health care workers, patients winning support (Hansen)

Kitsap Sun
Bremerton police arrest 15 in drug operation, with more investigations ongoing
Grant from hospital system allows YMCA to expand efforts against chronic disease

News Tribune
New calf, loss, and trends in Washington’s Southern Resident killer whale population
Mount Rainier has many names to regional Native American tribes. Here are 19 of them
Amid mass NOAA firings, U.S. Sen. Murray delivers grim forecast: ‘Dark clouds coming’
Equity-sharing experiment part of new affordable-housing project in Tacoma. Can it work?

Northwest Asian Weekly
What to do if ICE comes to the CID: Community defense strategies

Renton Reporter
Renton moves forward with plan to expand middle housing

Seattle Medium
How Personal Income Has Changed In King County, Washington
House Passes Bill To Strengthen Public Safety, Support Law Enforcement Recruitment And Training (Reeves, Entenman)

Seattle Times
WA lawmakers aim to relieve strained juvenile legal system (Wilson C., Cortes J.)
WA schools see declines statewide in measles vaccination rates
Ferguson’s legislative director quits in governor’s office shake-up
Seattle Schools reaffirms support for all students amid DEI crackdown
Seattle law firm Perkins Coie drew Democrats’ cash, and Trump’s wrath
Editorial: Pass bill to cut plastic pollution and reduce waste in WA
Editorial: Closing Seattle SBA office one more petty act of retribution
Editorial: Special education students need more than an infusion of money

Skagit Valley Herald
Legislators of 40th District hold Mount Vernon town hall (Lovelett, Lekanoff, Ramel)

Spokesman Review
Lawmakers consider new permit for gun purchases as ammo tax fails to gain support (Berry, Valdez)
WSDOT again warns it may close local access to U.S. 195 without Latah Valley improvements
Patty Murray voices Democrats’ outrage over GOP spending bill after Schumer folds to avert shutdown
Spokane law enforcement leaders propose new strategies, state policy changes to drive down homicides
Tilting at windmills: How a developer’s emails became the bullhorn of Spokane’s anti-progressive politics
Opinion: ‘Sunshine’ an essential part of a functional democracy
Comment: High court upholds checks of voters’ signatures on ballot envelopes

Washington Post
Trump has a plan to remake the economy. But he’s not explaining it very well.
After CDC pick is abruptly yanked, worry over U.S. measles messaging remains
More than a quarter of computer-programming jobs just vanished. What happened?

WA State Standard
Ferguson loses his legislative team (Reed, Trudeau)
What Trump’s escalating trade wars mean for your grocery bill
Barring a referendum, WA elected leaders will receive hefty pay hikes in July
Fate of bill to cap rent increases now rests on fine-tuning in Washington Senate (Pedersen)
Washington bill seeks to prevent bail bond agents from enforcing immigration law (Trudeau)

Wenatchee World
‘A wake-up call”: Fear of immigration enforcement leads to attendance declines in some NCW schools
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority prepares to surplus Mansfield Airport, local entities push back

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakama Nation and city reach agreement on Toppenish cold weather shelter
OIC announces programs to get funds to first-time homebuyers and local businesses
Yakima Council could approve new internet company, rezone on Summitview in Tuesday meeting

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
In Session: Senate leader says with changes, rent stabilization bill could pass (Pedersen)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Layoffs, hiring freezes raise concerns about economic stability in Western Washington
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Close vote expected on SoDo housing rezone, refugee organization seek passage
Everett’s electric bus fleet faces setback, city turns to retrofitted diesel buses for now

KNKX Public Radio
Top staffer for Ferguson abruptly resigns (Trudeau)
Legislators still considering furlough of Washington state employees (Fitzgibbon, Saldaña)

KXLY (ABC)
City Council wants to hear your thoughts on Spokane’s public safety and traffic calming issues

NW Public Radio
Richland Lego robotics team hopes state grants won’t be put on hold
State considers closure of residential facilities for people with disabilities
Mount Vernon may create committee to address concerns from immigrant communities
Legislators still considering furlough of Washington state employees as lawmakers meet (Fitzgibbon)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
State budget cuts take center stage at Mount Vernon town hall (Lekanoff, Shewmake, Timmons, Rule, Lovelett, Ramel)
Refugees, aid agency face uncertainty with abrupt end of essential funding
Lawmakers discuss state budget woes, education funding at packed Ferndale town hall (Shewmake, Lekanoff, Lovelett, Ramel, Timmons, Rule)
Opinion: Add tariffs, border strife to expansion woes at Bellingham’s airport

Cascade PBS
Washington among the bottom of states in public defense funding
The Newsfeed: Why WA counties sued the state over public defense
Seattle housing, homelessness crisis would grow if Trump cuts HUD
Can Spokane’s shelter network program help alleviate homelessness?

MyNorthwest
Washington drivers feel higher gas prices as carbon costs soar
Hundreds rally at Washington state capitol for rent control bill
Washington highways among the worst in the nation, per report
WA Superintendent to Mead School Board: ‘Follow state law’ not Trump’s directive

Washington Observer
The houses of origin have spoken (Robinson, Alvarado, Macri, Wellman, Wilson, Ryu)

Friday, March 14

Washington joins 20 states to protect students from Trump’s education cuts
Washington state has joined a coalition of 20 other states in a lawsuit aimed at halting the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown stated that the administration’s actions are illegal and threaten to dismantle a critical federal agency responsible for ensuring that millions of students receive quality education and essential resources. Continue reading at KOMO. (AP)

With another cutoff having passed, here are some bills that WA lawmakers are still mulling
Another major deadline of the 2025 legislative session is now in the rear-view mirror. Wednesday marked the cutoff date for Washington state lawmakers to clear bills out of their respective houses of origin. Subjects ranged from passenger-only ferries to rent stabilization to cacti. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Simone Carter)

WA Parents’ Bill of Rights advances out of House after heated debate
House Democrats advanced a bill in the early hours of Thursday that will undo several provisions of a popular Republican-backed parents’ rights initiative passed by the Legislature last year. The House vote comes after months of intense debate that centers on the balance between the rights of students to privacy, the rights of parents to know what students disclose to school officials and how existing legal frameworks deal with those issues. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ted S. Warren)