Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Wednesday, August 6

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)

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)

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

Tuesday, August 5

Housing Research Center coming to UW
The Puget Sound Regional Council is spearheading an effort to establish Washington state’s first Housing Research Center at the University of Washington. This comes as King County’s median home price reached $1.3 million in April and average rent surpassed $2,300 per month. The proposed “Housing Futures Center” would be a collaboration between UW’s College of Built Environments and the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, with plans to launch later this year. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Mental health support for preschools sees 50% cut in new WA budget
The biggest communities hit will be in King and Pierce County, where a staff of 10 consultants has been cut down to only two, said Janet Fraatz, director of Holding Hope at Child Care Aware of Washington. Knowles is one of the two consultants left in the region – a hit he says hurts both those he serves and his own mental health. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (Ting-Li Wang)

Advocates report suspected tuberculosis cases, inhumane conditions at Tacoma ICE facility
An immigrant advocacy group raised concerns about possible tuberculosis (TB) cases at the Northwest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center in Tacoma, according to KIRO 7. La Resistencia, a local advocacy organization, claimed there may be as many as seven individuals showing signs of TB among those detained at the facility. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring the situation, though the cases remain unconfirmed at this time. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (KIRO 7)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Democratic lawmakers attend Indivisible Ocean Shores meeting (Chapman, Bernbaum)

Capital Press
Washington seeks members for Wolf Advisory Group
Skagit officials, farmers seek promise Seattle won’t take farmland
New WSU Center for Global Health director says ‘Disease has no borders’

The Daily News
Fibre Federal plans Ridgefield expansion
Lightning, people cause fires in Gifford Pinchot

Everett Herald
Mill Creek breaks ground on new, larger food bank
After disagreement, Edmonds to resume $6M in payments to RFA
$450,000 grant will send Washington State University Everett students to Sweden
South County Fire rolls out new deployment method to improve emergency response.
Comment: Attack on transgender kids isn’t just cruel; it’s a threat

Kitsap Sun
Immigration crackdowns likely to worsen staffing shortage at state nursing homes

News Tribune
Are bicyclists allowed to run stop signs in Washington? What state law says
Pierce County drivers: Expect two weeks of delays during embankment work
WA food banks brace for longer lines amid SNAP cuts: ‘It eats a piece of my soul’
Members of former drug unit sued Pierce County. Here’s what federal judges ruled

New York Times
Food Stamp Cuts Could Deal a Blow to Small Grocers
U.S. to Require Some Foreign Visitors to Pay Bonds of Up to $15,000 for Entry

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft trims WA workforce again
Corporate heavyweights are dialing back DEI disclosures

Seattle Medium
Seattle Police Chief Calls For Community Action After Three Shootings In Four Days
Washington Faces Significant Construction Job Losses Amid Soaring Housing Prices

Seattle Times
Microsoft lays off dozens of WA workers
UW, other WA colleges face big money problems
WA bans company trying to sell ‘fishy’ carbon allowances
WA House lawmakers get OK to auto-delete records after 30 days
WA promised tenants lawyers. Why are so many facing eviction alone?
Tacoma agrees to $6M settlement in Manuel Ellis’ police custody death
WA appeals court says counties can sue state for public defense funding

Spokesman Review
Transgender people allowed to correct passports despite executive order
What’s the buzz with native bees? Washington’s Bee Atlas fixes to find out
After Spokane asks to help choose new SCRAPS chief, citing ethical concerns, county says no
Opinion: The real problem isn’t the wolves — it’s us

WA State Standard
Wholesalers sue Oregon over new statewide recycling program
WA’s new work zone speed cameras cite 7K drivers in first 90 days
Justice Department demand for state voter lists underscores their importance
Trump, Congressional Republicans propose big cuts for Western renewable energy labs
Opinion: Coal gets a boost as renewables are gutted

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima police shut down crime-free rental housing program in advance of city budget cuts

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Housing Research Center coming to UW
Seattle mural memorializing Japanese American history vandalized for second time this year

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
14 Washington rural hospitals face risk of closure under proposed federal cuts

KUOW Public Radio
Washington’s new work zone speed cameras cite 7K drivers in first 90 days

KXLY (ABC)
City of Pullman seeks feedback on parks plan
Public safety, fire protection, water quality on the ballot this primary day

NW Public Radio
Sound Transit light rail line in Federal Way to wrap up construction soon
Funds from Washington state go toward accelerated trade school programs, expanding skilled workforce

Web

Cascade PBS
Mental health support for preschools sees 50% cut in new WA budget

MyNorthwest
WA businesses: Americans will end up paying for tariffs
Effort underway to change Amber Alerts in wake of Travis Decker case
ICE arrests in Washington double monthly average, reflecting national surge
Washington Health Care Authority anticipates layoffs amid funding uncertainty
Advocates report suspected tuberculosis cases, inhumane conditions at Tacoma ICE facility

The Urbanist
Seattle Growth Plan Amendments Would Shrink Neighborhood Centers, Expand Density Incentives

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Tuesday info

Monday, August 4

Idaho lost over a third of OB-GYNs since enacting abortion laws
A new peer-reviewed study shows Idaho lost a net 35% of its obstetrician-gynecologist physicians between the implementation of Idaho’s numerous strict abortion bans in 2022 and December of 2024. While Idaho recruited 20 obstetric physicians in that time frame, another 114 of 268 physicians stopped practicing obstetrics, left the state, closed their practices within the state, or retired. Continue reading at NWPB. (Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Bear Gulch fire spreads to 4,500 acres, one of several active wildfires in Washington
The Bear Gulch fire in Mason County has reached 4,500 acres and is now just 3% contained, but officials say no structures have been damaged in the weekslong wildfire near Lake Cushman. It’s one of seven “large” wildfires in the state, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Is Lyme disease common in Washington state? Justin Timberlake diagnosis ignites curiosity
After the singer Justin Timberlake shared that he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease and is struggling with symptoms such as nerve pain, fatigue, and general sickness, online interest in the disease has spiked in Washington state, with search terms related to the disease topping the charts on Google Trends. Continue reading at Kitsap Sun. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Print

Axios
Washington parents face steep childbirth costs

Bellingham Herald
State auditor criticizes Port of Bellingham over contract selection process

Capital Press
Trump makes deals and hikes tariffs as deadline arrives

The Daily News
New I-5 Bridge clears another funding hurdle in two separate votes

Everett Herald
Clean Prosperous updates map to search Climate Commitment Act projects
Community Transit shares more details on upcoming Gold Line
Comment: Paris climate accord moves on without United States

Kitsap Sun
Bainbridge putting supplemental school operations levy on November ballot
Where does Trump’s approval rating stand in Washington state? See the latest polls
Is Lyme disease common in Washington state? Justin Timberlake diagnosis ignites curiosity
New school in East Bremerton aiming to reengage struggling students set to open in October

News Tribune
‘Economic and emotional hardship.’ Union upset about Tacoma Fred Meyer closure
Rules of the Road: Your stylish license plate may be against the law
Opinion: Tacoma food deserts are growing. Municipal grocery stores could help

Puget Sound Business Journal
What this retiring Seattle nonprofit CEO has learned about delivering affordable housing
Harrell Introduces Legislation To Protect Seniors And Low-Income Homeowners from Predatory Homebuyers

Seattle Medium
Surge in ICE Arrests in Washington Reflects Shift Toward Non-Criminal Offenders

Spokesman Review
WA individual buyers of health insurance could face a ‘double whammy’
Washington bans company trying to sell ‘fishy’ carbon allowances
Updated five-year plan in progress to combat homelessness in Stevens County
Bear Gulch fire spreads to canopy, burns deeper into Olympic National Park

Tri-City Herald
ICE anxiety puts chill on WA’s largest open-air market. ‘People are fearful’

Washington Post
Scientists say they’ve solved the mystery of starfish that turn to goo
Zuckerberg fired Meta’s fact-checkers. So we tested community notes.
Texas governor threatens to seek removal of Democrats who fled state, escalating tensions

WA State Standard
Justice Department demand for state voter lists underscores their importance
In wildfire-prone Washington, ‘collaboration’ on forest management gives way to timber interests

Yakima Herald-Republic
Here’s what Yakima has cut from its general fund budget
Speakers talk about how Medicaid cuts will affect the Yakima Valley

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
ICE arrests in Washington spike in June
‘No good reason’: Washington Sen. Murray, business leaders slam Trump tariffs
Bear Gulch fire spreads to 4,500 acres, one of several active wildfires in Washington

KNKX Public Radio
Seattle’s ‘Hot Rat Summer’ mosaic is now here to stay

KXLY (ABC)
Rising demand empties emergency food pantry for Spokane seniors
Tiny home village for homeless people sparks opposition in Spokane’s West Hills

NW Public Radio
Idaho lost over a third of OB-GYNs since enacting abortion laws

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Skagit elected officials, farmers fear Seattle land grab
‘Bee Atlas’ project turns up 26 new or rare species buzzing around Washington
Farmworkers’ union fights to curb migrant H-2A visa expansion in Whatcom, Skagit

Cascade PBS
How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ could help Washington farmers

The Urbanist
Harrell Pushes to Expand Recently Passed Surveillance Camera Pilot Program

Washington Observer
Thoughts on the Ferguson-Webb flight
Recommended reading: Cracking the condo conundrum

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: First Monday of August

Friday, August 1

WA gas prices are dropping despite new tax. Here’s where to fuel up for less
Gas prices tend to rise in Washington state in the summer due to an increase in demand and refineries switching to a more stable gasoline blend that’s pricier to produce, as the Tri-City Herald previously reported. Tensions in the Middle East have also impacted fuel prices in recent months. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (The Bellingham Herald)

Washington’s food banks are on the brink
Washington’s already-squeezed food bank system expects further pressure as an estimated 170,000 residents stand to lose food stamp benefits under the president’s tax cut law. Food banks already face high demand and difficult choices about how much they can stay open and what food they can hand out. Many are also burning through reserves they built up during the COVID era, when more donations were rolling in to help people struggling to buy food. This comes as inflation and other factors have kept grocery prices high, worsening food insecurity. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Spencer Platt)

Washington parents face steep childbirth costs
Having kids is expensive in Washington state and giving birth is no exception, according to data from FAIR Health. Why it matters: Birth costs are just one of many financial burdens for new parents, with pediatrician and child care bills often following soon after. Washington also has some of the highest day care center prices in the country, with the average infant tuition topping $21,000 per year. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)

Print

Axios
Washington parents face steep childbirth costs
Gov. Ferguson knew of concerns about top aide years ago, audio confirms

Bellingham Herald
WA gas prices are dropping despite new tax. Here’s where to fuel up for less

Columbian
Clark County Council weighs how to address Vancouver Lake issues after state pulls $330,000

Everett Herald
City report gives options to boost south Everett economy
Snohomish County receives $1.6 million in grants from the state to improve park accessibility

Kitsap Sun
St. Michael nurses union, hospital leaders unable to reach agreement
Lake Cushman closed; campfire ban in Olympic National Park, Forest amid wildfire growth

News Tribune
Tacoma paid employees thousands for hours they never worked, audit says
Would you pay $100 per year to make a dent in Pierce County homelessness?
Tiny home village for homeless headed to Pierce County following zoning change
Washington State Auditor talks about promoting accountability in local government

New York Times
Energy Dept. Attacks Climate Science in Contentious Report
Childhood Vaccination Rates Have Dropped Again, C.D.C. Data Shows
States Have More Data About You Than the Feds Do. Trump Wants to See It.

Northwest Asian Weekly
Power, jobs, and progress on the line, WA leaders sound the alarm on energy cuts

Puget Sound Business Journal
WA construction jobs losses mount at alarming rate
Washington-Canada wine diplomacy may be short-lived
How cutting back on DEI initiatives has impacted hiring practices
Comment: Why sports and Seattle continue to be a perfect fit

Seattle Times
Seattle sues Trump administration over funding threats
King County food banks brace for demand as federal SNAP cuts loom

Spokesman Review
As Spokane’s summer watering restrictions kick in, adapt or kill your lawn
Opinion: Cuts to residency program likely to lead to more primary care shortages in the future

Tri-City Herald
ICE anxiety puts chill on WA’s largest open-air market. ‘People are fearful’

Washington Post
Summer labor market has been much weaker than previously reported
Trump is remaking the global trade system even as some see trouble ahead
The government may try paying for weight loss drugs. What it might mean for you.
Elon Musk is out of government. Another Silicon Valley player is taking over Washington.

WA State Standard
Washington’s food banks are on the brink
‘Bee Atlas’ project turns up 26 new or rare species buzzing around Washington
Trump administration seeks to revoke limits on oil drilling in parts of Alaska’s North Slope
Trump’s big proposed cuts to health and education spending rebuffed by US Senate panel

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seven suspected tuberculosis cases at Tacoma ICE processing facility
City lawsuit challenges Trump orders limiting DEI and gender identity rights

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
US childhood vaccination rates fall again as exemptions set another record
Trump administration cancels plans to develop new offshore wind projects
It’s not just about cheating. How AI is quietly eroding college students’ networks
Boeing faces new lawsuits from Alaska Airlines crew aboard MAX 9 mid-air panel blowout flight

Web

Cascadia Daily News
A decades-long quest to restore Washington’s only native oyster sees success

InvestigateWest
Union says Providence fired 15 nurses in retaliation for news coverage of girl’s suicide at Spokane hospital

The Urbanist
Medina Clinging to ‘Semi-rural’ Streets While Vying for Complete Streets Dollars

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: First day of August

Thursday, July 31

Church gets another chance to challenge WA abortion coverage law
For more than six years, the Cedar Park Assembly of God in Kirkland has been fighting Washington state in court over a law that requires employer-sponsored health insurance to cover access to abortion. The church lost another round in its case in March, with a federal appeals panel issuing a 2-1 ruling that upheld a lower court decision siding with the state. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty)

Washington state climate policies face headwinds as Trump aims to ax regulations
Fighting climate change in Washington state could get more difficult if a Trump administration proposal becomes law. Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin announced the proposal to overturn what’s known as the “endangerment finding” — and the anti-pollution laws it enables — at an auto dealership in Indiana on Tuesday. Continue reading at KUOW. (Kathleen Lumiere)

Washington joins 21-state SNAP data lawsuit against USDA
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has joined 20 other states in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), challenging a federal directive that requires states to submit sensitive data on millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (KIRO 7)