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Friday, February 14

Washington state flag. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Waving goodbye: Washington lawmakers want to redesign state flag for a new era
Three Democratic representatives have introduced a bill to establish a committee overseeing the redesign of the Washington state flag. House Bill 1938, sponsored by Representatives Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds), Julia Reed (D-Seattle) and Greg Nance (D-Kitsap), aims to create a flag that the lawmakers believe better reflects Washington’s unique identity and diverse population. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (KIRO 7)


Washington capitol. (Capital Press file photo)
Lawmakers look at small-scale solar to spare Washington farmland
A House bill proposes electric utilities get more power from small solar projects, likely increasing electric rates, but preserving farmland. House Bill 1847 would require utilities to acquire 10% of their renewable energy from small, customer-owned projects, known as distributed energy resources. Continue reading at Capitol Press. (Capital Press)


King 5
Grieving father pushes to change state law after deadly crash involving speeding driver
The proposed law, House Bill 1596, is currently under consideration in the Washington state legislature. If passed, it would allow courts to mandate speed governors, devices that control a vehicle’s speed, for drivers with suspended licenses due to excessive speeding or reckless driving. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)


Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Letters to the Editor
Ocean Shores declares erosion emergency
Port of Grays Harbor delivers annual report
 
Bainbridge Island Review
Federal funds, SIDS concerns for KPHD

Bellingham Herald
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s message to President Trump: ‘We will stand up to you’
WA joins lawsuit decrying DOGE and Elon Musk’s role in government as ‘unconstitutional’

Capital Press
Lawmakers look at small-scale solar to spare Washington farmland (Doglio)
Economists: Oregon overtime laws reduce profitability, worker earnings
Exempting Washington farmers from cap-and-trade taxes popular, bewildering
WSU: Climate change poses big apple challenges, particularly for Yakima orchards

The Daily News
Kelso School District predicts $2M budget shortfall next school year

Everett Herald
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag
Comment: Birthright citizenship has helped make America great

The Inlander
Spokane’s Community Court handles most nonviolent offenses downtown. While arrests increase, founders say improving quality of life is “not an easy fix.”

Journal of the San Juan Islands
State of Washington joins lawsuit against Trump Administration for defunding medical and public health innovation research

Kitsap Sun
A former petroleum engineer is fighting to curb emissions, and starting in Bremerton

News Tribune
Trump administration’s reduction of federal workforce could hit hard in South Sound
WA Secretary of State warns that federal gutting of cybersecurity agency puts elections at risk

New York Times
FEMA Quietly Eases Rules Meant to Protect Buildings in Flood Zones
How Trump’s Medical Research Cuts Would Hit Colleges and Hospitals in Every State

Olympian
WA Secretary of State warns that federal gutting of cybersecurity agency puts elections at risk

Puget Sound Business Journal
Business leaders face more stress amid economic uncertainty

Seattle Medium
Seattle Judge Issues Indefinite Block On Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order
Seattle Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Connection With Border Patrol Agent’s Fatal Shooting

Seattle Times
Should WA test human waste fertilizer for PFAS?
Seattle voters embrace new tax to fund workforce housing
WA leaders tell Trump to ‘follow the damn law,’ vow to shield state
Grocery self-checkout rules would change under WA lawmaker’s plan (Fosse)
WA to speed up sex-designation changes in pushback on Trump orders
Boise couple contends with Idaho lawmakers’ effort to undo same-sex marriage

Spokesman Review
Government offices, libraries to close for Presidents Day
Spokane Police Department names officer who shot suspect outside East Central apartment
Ferguson vows to work federal government when possible despite ‘chaotic start’ to Trump administration
Opinion: Medicaid expansion saves lives, boosts economies in rural Idaho

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Editorial: Eyes on Olympia (Nance, Alvarado)

Washington Post
This data may vanish under Trump, so we charted it
Scientists have a new explanation for the last two years of record heat
Park Service deletes trans references on Stonewall Inn monument page
Trump administration directs agency heads to fire most probationary staff

WA State Standard
‘Follow the damn law’: Washington leaders have terse words for Trump
What is WA’s parental ‘bill of rights’? And how are Democrats seeking to change it?
Western Washington’s top federal prosecutor removed from post amid Trump purge

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee superintendent fined for 2023 election interference
Humblebee Collective offers holistic approach to healthcare, healing in NCW
Solarity Credit Union employees donate 1,255 volunteer hours, $10,965 to NCW nonprofits

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington craft breweries brace for higher costs as aluminum tariffs loom
Washington lawmakers introduce bill that would charge drivers for every mile driven (Fey)
Grieving father pushes to change state law after deadly crash involving speeding driver (Leavitt)
Gov. Ferguson says state is prepared to fight Trump’s policies to protect Washingtonians

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
King County sees first decline in gun violence since 2018, report shows

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington election observer charged with felony over mask policy dispute
Washington state leaders tell Trump to ‘follow the damn law’ on federal funding
Washington florists fear Trump tariff impacts on fresh flower prices, wedding pre-orders

KUOW Public Radio
Gov. Ferguson concerned Trump cuts will worsen WA budget woes
Washington lawmakers consider bill to prevent abuse in youth sports (Rule)
Washington state drivers could be charged per mile under proposed bill (Fey, Liias, Dhingra)

KXLY (ABC)
Washington leaders criticize Trump actions, detail the state’s response

NW Public Radio
Northwest federal workers are demoralized, but many are determined to keep their jobs

Web

Cascade PBS
Federal funding freeze could cost WA billions amid budget crisis (Fitzgibbon, Pedersen, Dhingra, Robinson)

MyNorthwest
Willl Washington juvenile gun laws be strengthened?
Road Usage Charge hit with overwhelming opposition
Gov. Bob Ferguson criticizes Donald Trump, but open to working together
State advances bill to expand voter registration services on a party-line vote (Valdez)
Scanning for safety: Clerks pushing WA bill to end chaos at the self-checkout line (Fosse)
Waving goodbye: Washington lawmakers want to redesign state flag for a new era (Peterson, Reed, Nance)
Washington AG going to court today over Trump’s order on gender-affirming care
WA bill letting homeless sue cities for not allowing camping, lying in parks is still alive (Gregerson)
Student Safety vs. Classroom Control: Washington lawmakers debate limits on restraint and isolation (Wilson)

The Urbanist
Walkability Isn’t Just Good Urban Planning: It’s a Public Health Intervention

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday watch
Didn’t get your recycling picked up this week?

Thursday, February 13

A worker holds the first of five bins of cherries he picked on Aug. 2, 2018, at an orchard in Wenatchee. Some agriculture officials are worried that a federal mass deportation plan could result in worker shortages and food inflation. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)
‘We cannot feed ourselves as a country’: Northwest agriculture could be in jeopardy if mass deportations happen, farm groups warn
Washington State Dairy Federation Executive Director Dan Wood doesn’t carry around papers proving his citizenship in America. But he knows others, often those of Hispanic heritage, feel they have to. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Tyler Tjomsland)


More than 131,000 drivers crossed the Interstate Bridge between Portland and Vancouver each day in 2021 compared to 33,000 in 1961. (Grant Stringer/States Newsroom)
Washington looks to raise $1.6 billion from tolls for new I-5 bridge
Washington state lawmakers set out Wednesday to raise $1.6 billion from tolls to help pay for construction of a replacement bridge on Interstate 5 across the Columbia River.
Bills introduced in the state House and Senate authorize the sale of $1.6 billion in general obligation bonds, a long-assumed source of financing for the new span linking Washington and Oregon. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Grant Stringer)


King County sheriff’s deputies work near the intersection of South Jackson Street and 12th Avenue South in Seattle. President Donald Trump’s promises to crack down on undocumented immigrants and begin mass deportations have spurred renewed discussion of a 2019 law passed in Washington that forces local law enforcement agencies to play little part in helping the federal government arrest or deport undocumented immigrants. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times, 2024)
Most WA law enforcement agencies say they won’t work with ICE
In response to anxiety and confusion around federal immigration enforcement, police departments and sheriff’s offices around the state have released a flurry of statements, nearly all including identical wording: that state law “prohibits local law enforcement from assisting in or making arrests for civil immigration offenses.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)


Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Deadlines near for 2025’s new state laws
Westport joins county emergency management

Axios
Washington state gets less federal money than it sends
Even in Washington state, trans people face passport hurdles

Bellingham Herald
WA Democrats back bill to raise revenue. But critics say folks ‘not in the mood’ for more taxes (Pollet, Fitzgibbon, Pederson)

Capital Press
Grass seed industry facing difficult times
DOGE nips at USDA as blue states scramble to save grant
Washington lawmakers tackle cap-and-trade’s unkept promise
Oregon proposal would tackle barriers to recycling wastewater for irrigation

Columbian
Vancouver, Evergreen and Ridgefield school boards add new policies, resolutions on immigration

Everett Herald
Snohomish County to mail property tax statements this month
Beginning March 1, Community Transit to reduce some fares
Lake Stevens schools bond leading early; Arlington voters reject latest levy attempt
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates
Letter: State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

The Inlander
Washington lawmakers consider allowing cannabis producers to sell direct to consumers (Saldaña, Krishnadasan, Nobles)

News Tribune
Pierce County deputy died of a heart attack. Should he be memorialized at WA capital?
Vandals take chainsaws to 200-year-old trees in Puyallup along popular trail, WDFW says
Debate over Tacoma apartment tax breaks continues as project gains 12-year MFTE extension
Opinion: Balancing power: The case for legislative control during emergencies in Washington

New York Times
‘Deregulation by Firings’: Breaking Down the Cuts to Financial Oversight
After Abortion Bans, Infant Mortality and Births Increased, Research Finds

Olympian
WA’s health department speeds up sex designation change requests on birth certificates

Puget Sound Business Journal
Explosive growth in million-dollar earners hasn’t just stalled
Seattle voters back new tax for social housing in early returns

Seattle Medium
Rep. Taylor Introduces Bill To Protect Access To Affordable Health Care (Taylor)
Rainier Prep Shines In Outcomes For Diverse Students; A Model Of Public School Excellence In Washington

Seattle Times
WA debates how much cities can collect in property taxes (Pollet, Fitzgibbon)
WA bill would set new limits on when police can stop drivers (Street)
Most WA law enforcement agencies say they won’t work with ICE
Seattle to join other ‘sanctuary’ cities suing Trump administration
Speed camera tickets coming soon to freeway work zones around WA
King County chooses location for its first levy-funded crisis care center
Seattle voters lean toward funding social housing developer with new tax
Editorial: Grant hearing for bill to make hiring of university presidents transparent (Paul)

Skagit Valley Herald
Port of Skagit approves marina rate increases
Skagit County commissioners hear appeal on Lake Erie gravel pit expansion

Spokesman Review
Secretaries of State past and present question federal criticism of election integrity efforts: ‘The threats continue’
‘We cannot feed ourselves as a country’: Northwest agriculture could be in jeopardy if mass deportations happen, farm groups warn

Washington Post
Trump and Musk can’t seem to locate much evidence of fraud
Musk team kicks off federal layoffs as White House eyes big cuts
Trump takes aim at agencies that police wrongdoing, protect federal workers

WA State Standard
Washington looks to raise $1.6 billion from tolls for new I-5 bridge (Liias, Fey)
Washington to begin speed camera enforcement in roadwork zones (Liias)
WA bill intends to protect immigrants from coercion in the workplace (Hasegawa)
Washington lawmaker proposes regulations for self-checkout machines (Fosse)
Ferguson wants to cut WA agency spending by 6%. Here’s what that looks like

Wenatchee World
City approves permits for downtown Majestic Apartments

Yakima Herald-Republic
What can or can’t people do when interacting with ICE?
Signs point to possible third year of drought in the Yakima Valley
Election results show Central WA residents didn’t always vote a straight party line in November

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Voters reject scaled-back levy to replace aging school
Speed zone cameras coming to Washington work zones soon (Liias)
Pike Place Market withdraws from nonprofit’s Day of Remembrance event
Seattle voters approve Proposition 1A, pledging millions for social housing
New bill urges less tolerance for minors repeatedly caught with guns in Washington (Hackney)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle voters approve two key levies for public school
WSDOT to deploy work-zone speed cameras to improve safety, reduce crashes

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Ferguson to give update on federal funding and state’s response to Trump’s orders
Washington State Ferries answers concerns about staffing issues, sailing cancellations
Washington expedites 3-day sex designation change on birth certificates for adults, minors

KNKX Public Radio
Burien voters appear to favor expanding $21.10 minimum wage
Seattle poised to pass ‘excess compensation’ tax for social housing

KXLY (ABC)
Washington lawmaker proposes regulations for self-checkout machines (Fosse)
Washington State speeds up gender designation changes on birth certificates
Pullman Police Chief back in court for a protection order; attorneys requesting more text message records
Child protections vs. parental rights; A controversial law may be endangering the kids it’s designed to protect (Ormsby)

NW Public Radio
Washington bills attempt to give public workers power to bargain on AI (Parshley)
An exhibition in Richland highlights the Latino contributions at Hanford

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Wildfire protection plan in Whatcom still lacking, county just starting process
Newcomers to Glacier say Airbnbs make finding housing ‘borderline impossible’

Cascade PBS
Burien voters appear to favor expanding $21.10 minimum wage
What’s in a name? WA wants to officially be ‘The Evergreen State’
How Washington communities are responding to ICE deportation orders

Washington Observer
A bid for a better state flag (Peterson)
New fronts in the rideshare wars (Alvarado, Obras)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday watch
Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth updates, and other toplines from first session of Washington State Ferries’ systemwide community meeting

Wednesday, February 12

Cars drive in frosty conditions during a morning commute in Seattle. (Photo courtesy of @SteveJohnson via Flickr)
WA eyes pay-by-mile system as gas tax revenue declines
After more than a decade of tabletop exercises, pilot programs and studies, the legislature is finally going to take up the Road Usage Charge (RUC). The plan to have us pay-by-mile will have its first hearing on Thursday. The gas tax just doesn’t cut it anymore. I have been reporting on this idea for more than a decade. Fuel-efficient cars get better gas mileage and pay less gas tax. Electric vehicles don’t use gas, and their owners don’t pay gas taxes for the upkeep of roads. We know the legislature fails to fund the maintenance and preservation of roads by a billion dollars a year. Continue reading at KIRO. (Steve Johnson)


(Photo by Phil Augustavo/Getty Images)
House Democrats begin push to repeal Washington’s cap on property tax hikes
Democratic state lawmakers are aiming to erase a voter-approved limit on annual property tax hikes as a way to generate hundreds of millions of dollars for public schools and local governments. The state House Finance Committee held a hearing Tuesday on House Bill 1334 which would repeal a 1% cap on annual growth for property tax collections and give the state and local governments the ability to levy hikes up to 3%. This could drive $818 million into state coffers for education and close to $1 billion for cities and counties over the next four fiscal years, according to a fiscal analysis. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Phil Augustavo)


Community organizers and lawmakers take a photo during the Fix Our Ferries lobby days at the state capitol in Olympia. From left to right: Haylee Anderson, Policy Analyst at Kitsap County; Amy Drayer, Islanders for Ferry Action; Peter Philips, Colibri NW; Kathleen Johnson, Historic South Downtown; Senator Marko Liias; Alena Woolotira, Kingston FAC; Jane Fuller, San Juan County Councilmember; Oran Root, Kitsap County Commissioner; Christine Rolfes, Kistap County Commissioner; and Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner. (Courtesy photo)
Vashon leaders take the ferry cause to Olympia
Advocates from Vashon as well as the counties of San Juan, Island, and Kitsap met with more than 15 representatives and senators to advocate for three core priorities: build new boats to restore the WSF fleet as quickly as possible, allocate funds for continued crew retention and recruitment, and support policies to increase transparency and accountability at WSF. These “Fix Our Ferries” priorities are now co-signed by twenty-nine regional entities, representing local agencies, governments, organizations, healthcare advocates, chambers of commerce, and elected officials from communities across the Sound affected by ongoing WSF service disruptions. Continue reading at The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. (Beachcomber)


Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Bird flu found at farm north of Tri-Cities

Axios
U.S. air traffic controller shortage affects Washington state
DOGE plans for NOAA, FEMA could have big climate impacts

Bellingham Herald
WA bill would limit police officers’ ability to make certain traffic stops. Here’s why (Street)
WA, 21 other states sue Trump administration for defunding medical, public health research
Trump signed executive order against paper straws. Does that mean they’ll be banned in WA?

Columbian
Voters approve Vancouver, Evergreen, Ridgefield levies; Battle Ground trailing while Hockinson fails

Everett Herald
Edmonds community discusses annexation into the regional fire authority
Lake Stevens schools bond leading early; Arlington voters reject latest levy attempt
Column: Welch: State Democrats’ bill would undermine parental rights (Pedersen)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

Kitsap Sun
Shipyard employee resource groups end after Trump’s order on DEI programs

News Tribune
‘Trigger happy’ deputy killed off-duty cop chasing suspect in Washington, lawsuit says
Opinion: Investing in child care would be a win for Washington’s economy and working families

New York Times
Who Pays for Tariffs
Trump’s W.H.O. Exit Throws Smallpox Defenses Into Upheaval
Republicans Love Trump’s Spending Cuts. Just Not in Their States.
Opinion: Trump’s War on D.E.I. Is Really a War on Civil Rights
Editorial: Trump’s Shameful Campaign Against Transgender Americans

Northwest Asian Weekly
Local and national advocates look to put ICE raids on ice

Olympian
Mason County has its first case of bird flu, WA state Department of Agriculture announces
WA Democrats back bill to raise revenue. But critics say folks ‘not in the mood’ for more taxes (Pollet, Fitzgibbon, Pedersen)
Opinion: Investing in child care would be a win for Washington’s economy and working families

Peninsula Daily News
State funding challenges dominate legislative conversations (Fey)

Port Townsend Leader
City cracks down on press access after salary story
Port executive expects big boost in jobs with shipyard expansion

Puget Sound Business Journal
States tighten grip on noncompete agreements

Skagit Valley Herald
La Conner voters passing school levy

South Whidbey Record
Ferry study shows economic impact on Whidbey

Spokesman Review
Washington moves forward with state-funded EV infrastructure after federal pause
‘What is the American dream?’: Kootenai County Jail’s border holds jump 450% after Trump inauguration
Spokane County facing unfair labor practice complaints following decision to expand agreement with company providing care to detainees
Opinion: Washington’s tax system for alcohol needs an update

Tri-City Herald
What happened to plans to build the 1st tribal casino in Tri-Cities?
Election results: 3 Tri-Cities area school levies failing by wide margins in 1st counts
Richland voters take resounding stand on $81M Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Vashon leaders take the ferry cause to Olympia (Alvarado, Thomas, Nance, Liias)

Washington Post
U.S.-China trade war hits small and midsize businesses especially hard
California’s insurer of last resort runs out of money to pay L.A. fire claims
Inflation heated up more than expected in January, driven by grocery and housing prices

WA State Standard
House Democrats begin push to repeal Washington’s cap on property tax hikes (Pollet, Pedersen, Berg, Ortiz-Self)
$156M solar power grant reopened for Washington amid federal funding turmoil

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New bills could make school bond approval easier in Washington state (Stonier)
US inflation worsened last month with cost of groceries and gasoline rising
Seattle council approves limited use of blast balls, tear gas for crowd control
Advocates clash over Keeping Families Together Act as child deaths, near deaths rise
Former federal workers in Washington describe ‘chaos’ at their workplaces after Trump, Musk takeover

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
House Bill 1334 would raise property tax cap, effectively nullifying 2001 voter initiative (Pollet)
Seattle City Council approves new police crowd control rules with oversight, accountability

KNKX Public Radio
How a $22M judgment against Cle Elum pushed the city to bankruptcy

KXLY (ABC)
Voters pass $53 million levy for Moses Lake School District
Lawmakers propose pay-by-mile charge for Washington drivers (Fey)
Spokane foster parents rally against bill they say puts children in danger
Rosalia Swimming Pool faces closure without additional tax support from voters
Washington State University warns of potential cuts, hiring freeze with federal funding in question
WA legislature considers bill that could override Spokane’s ordinance that makes camping in public illegal

Web

Cascadia Daily News
WWU pays $18K penalty for hazardous waste violations 
Special election results: La Conner schools levy poised to pass

MyNorthwest
WA eyes pay-by-mile system as gas tax revenue declines (Fey)
Democratic proposal would raise state minimum wage to $25/hour by 2032
WA Democrats debating ‘tax the rich’ property plan as alternative to cap increase (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon)
Legislation to lower school bond approval threshold stalls on eve of important elections (Wellman)
Reducing traffic stops: Bill proposes warnings by mail, targeted enforcement for safer roads (Street)
Democratic state lawmakers push back against Trump’s deportation policies with new clemency bill (Hasegawa)

Pluribus
Legislators eye car tech to slow down habitual speeders (Leavitt)

The Stranger
Right Now, and What You Can’t
UW Student Activists Fear Repression Under Trump’s New Executive Order
UPDATED: Trump’s Federal Government is Blocking Gender Marker Changes Here’s What You Can Change

The Urbanist
Mercer Island’s Growth Plan Doesn’t Meet State Standards, Appeal Alleges

Washington Observer
Does Washington’s flag…stink? (Peterson)

Tuesday, February 11

KXLY
Legislators hear bill to lengthen sentences for organized retail theft
Heard in the House Committee on Community Safety Monday afternoon, House Bill 1276 would create a new sentencing enhancement for anyone convicted of stealing or possessing a high value of goods. 12 months would be added to the sentence of a person guilty of organized retail theft where the property is worth $20,000 or more. If the property has a value of $50,000 or more, 24 months would be added to the sentence. Continue reading at KXLY. (KXLY)


Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s executive order targeting gender-affirming care. (M. Scott Brauer/Cascade PBS)
Washington sues to stop ban on funding for gender-affirming care
“This order will kill transgender children if it is not stopped,” she said at a Friday press conference in Seattle where Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Other plaintiffs are Oregon, Minnesota and three doctors who treat trans children. The doctors fear their patients and themselves could face physical retaliation, Brown said. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (M. Scott Brauer)


The dome of the Washington state Capitol building in Olympia with Mount Rainier in the distance last month. While state funds are tight, some are advocating during this year’s legislative session to boost reimbursement rates for room and board at substance use treatment facilities. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times)
WA drug addiction treatment centers face strain of overhead costs
When Washingtonians addicted to drugs seek long-term care, they arrive at treatment facilities knowing that, on top of therapy and medication, they’ll also get food, a bed to sleep in and a roof over their heads. What they might not know: The meals, beds, chairs, shower facilities, pest control, building repairs and wages for cooks, janitors and groundskeepers aren’t covered by public insurance. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Karen Ducey)


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Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor County mobile health team making the rounds

Capital Press
Washington bill seen as driver to fuel prices (Fitzgibbon)
Washington lawmakers mull methane minutiae (Parshley)
Scammers target USDA organic certifiers and operations
Agencies extend comment period for Columbia River review re-do

Columbian
Clark County again has highest eviction rate per capita in Washington and it shows no signs of slowing

The Daily News
149 people helped by Longview weather shelter

Everett Herald
Drivers licensing offices to close Feb. 14-17
Funding gap leaves Lynnwood without a crisis center provider
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Judge grants injunction in WA suit against unconstitutional birthright citizenship order

Kitsap Sun
Culvert replacements around Sinclair Inlet will affect traffic starting 2026

News Tribune
WA bill would limit police officers’ ability to make certain traffic stops. Here’s why (Street)
Group housing to be built inside historic Tacoma church. Neighbors are not pleased
This Pierce County hospital has one of the busiest ERs in the U.S. Meet its new president
Why isn’t anyone keeping track of the number of homeless people dying in Pierce County?
Look inside the modern new structure on the Capitol Campus: Irving R. Newhouse Building
Tacoma-based group sues Trump administration for suspending refugee-resettlement program
Opinion: Balancing power: The case for legislative control during emergencies in Washington

New York Times
Skilled Legal Workers Find They, Too, Are Targets of Trump Citizenship Order

Northwest Asian Weekly
Wing Luke Museum to hold special 100th birthday celebration in honor of Wing Luke and his lasting legacy

Olympian
WA bill would limit police officers’ ability to make certain traffic stops. Here’s why (Street)
Ticket-triggering speed cameras coming soon to Washington’s roadside construction zones
WA, 21 other states sue Trump administration for defunding medical, public health research

Puget Sound Business Journal
Why homes are sitting on the market longer
Early tariffs activity viewed as ‘tip of the iceberg’

Seattle Medium
Major Fire At Ballard Construction Site Forces Evacuations And Leaves One Injured
Egg Heist In West Seattle As Thieves Steal Over 500 Eggs And other Breakfast Foods

Seattle Times
Here’s what advocates are telling WA immigrants about ICE raids
WA drug addiction treatment centers face strain of overhead costs (Macri)
Farmers on the hook for millions after Trump freezes USDA funds
NOAA is told to make list of climate-related grants, setting off fears
WA students lag in reading and math, but some districts gain ground
Proposed NIH funding cuts leave WA research institutions fearing ‘fiscal chaos’
What to know about proposals to ban abortion pills and punish women who seek abortion
Editorial: Restricting sleeping in public won’t end homelessness

Spokesman Review
Patty Murray: RFK Jr. meeting was most troubling she’s had in 32 years
Spokane voices support for Washington’s sanctuary law in most crowded meeting in years
$71 million program for EV charging stations in Eastern Washington suspended after Federal memo
‘They are not other. They are us’: Community members at Spokane rally urge city support for immigrants
Judge temporarily halts slash in federal research spending that could force major cutbacks at WSU and UW

Washington Post
Trump announces round of tariffs on steel and aluminum
Trump’s NIH challenges the model that underlies U.S. scientific dominance
Pope Francis rebukes Trump over mass deportations, warns it ‘will end badly’

WA State Standard
Washington bill would set new limits on when police can stop drivers (Street)
Washington lawmakers consider bills to recognize two Muslim holidays (Trudeau, Salahuddin)
WA senator sparks fury with description of 40-year-old law limiting parental rights (Pedersen)
What happens to a school that refuses to obey the Trump ban on transgender athletes?

Wenatchee World
Health district warns of fentanyl contamination in methamphetamine supply
Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort reps to discuss expansion plans at public forum

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Man caught on camera pushing youth hockey refs at Kraken Community Iceplex
Bill: Police would not be able to stop drivers for broken headlights, recently expired tabs (Street)
‘We don’t want this fight’: Canadian official responds to President Trump’s tariff proposal
Foster mothers demand legislators address growing number of child deaths, near deaths under CPS supervision

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Slow down! Speed camera headed to highway projects in WA
‘They’re going back’: Trump’s renewed attack on refugees challenged in WA court
Seattle-area aid groups sue over Trump’s order suspending federal refugee program and funding

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New graffiti-battling drone deemed ‘very effective’ in WSDOT report
Work zone speed camera to rotate through Washington highway projects
Washington state joins lawsuit against Trump’s health research funding cuts
Parental Bill of Rights debate rages on as Democratic party chair comment goes viral (C. Wilson, Pedersen, Stonier)
New CARE team expands to north Seattle, easing pressure on police with crisis response
Voter confusion grows over Seattle’s social housing measure with dueling funding options

KUOW Public Radio
Who’s at risk of deportation in Washington state? 5 things to know
WA, UW join lawsuit over Trump order cutting funding for medical research
‘We can afford a tent’: Tenants pray for relief as housing industry pushes back on rent limits

KXLY (ABC)
Legislators hear bill to lengthen sentences for organized retail theft (Leavitt)
New medical center near Lewis and Clark High School raises safety concerns for parents
Spokane City Council passes resolution in support of refugee and immigrant communities

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Here’s why Bellingham Technical College is seeing enrollment growth

Cascade PBS
WSU announces Elizabeth R. Cantwell as new president
Native nations lead salmon restoration efforts in Columbia Basin
Washington legislature considers strengthening youth labor laws (Fosse)
Washington sues to stop ban on funding for gender-affirming care (Jinkins, Pedersen)

Washington Observer
Local school politics shows the power of supermajority requirement for bonds (Stonier)

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

Monday, February 10

Syringes, Everett Herald
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia
Washington could be the first state in the country to approve a publicly financed universal health care system if a bill, co-sponsored by representatives from Everett, passes in the State House and Senate. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Will Geschke)


A group from Wenatchee gathered in Olympia to advocate for immigrant rights on Jan. 30. Clockwise from left, Liz Oropeza Palacios, Ivon Lopez Ramirez, Maria Gonzalez, Grace Mondragon and Zoe Mondragon. (Credit: Renee Diaz / NWPB)
Wenatchee residents join statewide push for immigrant rights in Olympia
More than 500 people gathered for the eighth annual Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day, calling on lawmakers to support immigrant justice campaigns. The event was organized by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), a coalition that provides support services across Washington state for immigrants and refugees. A group of 31 people went to represent Wenatchee on behalf of their community. Continue reading at Northwest Public Broadcasting. (Renee Diaz)


Senate Bill 5174 by state Sen. Sharon Shewmake aims to help cut back on air pollution. By TVW
Are WA Democrats really considering a ban on wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves?
Washington’s Department of Ecology is “clearing the air” on a bill that aims to cut back on pollution. Senate Bill 5174, requested by the department, would ensure that new wood-burning devices — think: woodstoves and fireplaces — can’t be installed unless they meet certain certification requirements and emission standards. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (TVW)


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Axios
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Bellingham Herald
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Columbian
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Everett Herald
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Islands’ Weekly
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Kitsap Sun
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News Tribune
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Opinion: Are WA Democrats really considering a ban on wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves? (Shewmake)

New York Times
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Port Townsend Leader
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Puget Sound Business Journal
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Seattle Times
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Skagit Valley Herald
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Spokesman Review
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Tri-City Herald
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Washington Post
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WA State Standard
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Wenatchee World
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Yakima Herald-Republic
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Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
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KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
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KXLY (ABC)
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NW Public Radio
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Wenatchee residents join statewide push for immigrant rights in Olympia (Ortiz-Self)
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Web

Cascadia Daily News
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The Stranger
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The Urbanist
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