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Friday, March 28

$160M in WA health funding axed by Trump administration
Washington state is losing about $160 million in public health funding as part of the Trump administration’s latest purge of federal grants. The money is part of $12 billion in cuts nationwide this week to funding for infectious disease tracking, mental health services and drug addiction treatment that could cost thousands of jobs in public health departments nationwide, according to news reports. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (National Institutes of Health)

WA Sen. Patty Murray slams ‘Measles President’ Trump’s cuts to Department of Health
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said Thursday that her office is “getting panicked calls” from state health agencies following the news of massive job cuts at the federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Earlier that day, DHHS announced plans to “Make America Healthy Again” through a dramatic restructuring. This, DHHS said, aligns with an executive order from President Donald Trump related to his administration’s Department of Government Efficiency campaign. Continue reading at The Olympian. (The Olympian)

WA families are using ‘Joel’s Law’ for involuntary commitments more than ever. Is it working?
Joel’s Law, which passed the state Legislature with overwhelming support in 2015, was designed to provide a lifeline for parents like Leone who wished to directly petition the judicial system to get their loved one into treatment. Typically, designated crisis responders — mental health professionals who act as a bridge between the medical system and the courts — are the ones to recommend involuntary detainment if they believe someone’s behavioral health conditions meet the state’s legal criteria. Continue reading at InvestigateNorthwest. (Meegan M. Reid)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Letters (Rent Stability)
Hospital price transparency bill gets reworked (Riccelli)
Grays Harbor mayors discuss initiatives, challenges
WA state parks camping reservation system is changing

Axios
Washington state targets rent-pricing algorithms (Salomon)

Bainbridge Island Review
Popular BISD programs could be key to more state funding (Hansen, Simmons, Nance)

Capital Press
Sued by the EPA, Central Washington dairy hangs on
Legal disagreement arises over Oregon farm labor housing standards

Everett Herald
Amtrak suspends most train service on Cascades route
Sheriff, council member elected to lead Snohomish justice council
‘It’s going to lead to more hungry people’: Cuts hit SnoCo food banks

Federal Way Mirror
FWEA members fight for students and school funding

Kitsap Sun
When do new Social Security identity verification rules start? What to know in Washington
Bremerton mom among growing group using Joel’s Law to help loved one with mental illness

News Tribune
How are immigration enforcement policies impacting Pierce County?
Proposed Social Security staffing cuts, service reductions raise alarms in WA state
Pierce County police chief who ‘built lasting trust within the community’ set to retire
Are city efforts to treat toxic algae at this Pierce County lake working? What we know
WA Sen. Patty Murray slams ‘Measles President’ Trump’s cuts to Department of Health (Jinkins)
Detained population at Tacoma ICE center nearing capacity as immigration arrests increase
Sound Transit board just voted on Dow Constantine’s CEO nomination. Here’s what happened

New York Times
E.P.A. Offers a Way to Avoid Clean-Air Rules: Send an Email
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Let Him Cancel Grants to Teachers
States Will Be Able to Bar Federal Food Benefit Recipients From Buying Soft Drinks, Kennedy Says

Olympian
WA bill targeting excessive speeding advances: ‘Risking our lives for the fun of it’ (Goodman)
WA Sen. Patty Murray slams ‘Measles President’ Trump’s cuts to Department of Health (Jinkins)
Tri-Cities school board wants ‘urgent’ federal intervention over WA athlete gender laws
WA treats most manufactured homes like cars and trucks. A Tri-Cities Republican has a fix

Peninsula Daily News
Port Angeles sends letter to governor; Requests a progressive tax code

Puget Sound Business Journal
HHS job cuts, restructuring could impact Seattle
Lawsuit claims Seattle biotech firm withheld financial risks
Tariffs, political tensions throw tourism economy into question
Dow Constantine named Sound Transit CEO at ‘success or failure moment’

Seattle Times
ICE arrests spark protest at Tacoma immigration detention center
Olympia is leading WA’s housing policy. That isn’t sitting right in Seattle (Bateman)
Editorial: Rep. Frank Chopp’s legacy of service will live on, to WA’s benefit (Stonier)
NY Times: Top Senate Republican protests Trump bid to withhold spending

Skagit Valley Herald
Residents urge Mount Vernon council to strengthen commitment to immigrant protections

Spokesman Review
Led by state Supreme Court justice, Gonzaga panel calls for support to public health
House passes Baumgartner-led bill to require universities to disclose foreign financing
North Spokane Corridor construction could face delays without new revenue, legislators say (Liias, Fey)
Conservationists make another last ditch effort to halt transfer of Thorpe Road woodland to developer
Washington’s senators raise alarm over Trump administration’s changes to Social Security Administration
Spokane police to get eight pole-mounted surveillance cameras, including four ‘covert’ ones, for nearly $78,000
Republicans accuse Democrats of being killjoys with proposed taxes; Democrats say revenue needed for preserve ‘prosperity’ (Berg, Liias)

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
ADU, permitting reform pitched at housing forum

Washington Post
Affordable compact cars could be first to see rising prices from tariffs
The Trump administration says it’s revoking hundreds of visas. What rights do noncitizens have?

WA State Standard
$160M in WA health funding axed by Trump administration
Washington AG backs gun permit bill as it advances in state Senate
Corrosion problem knocks most Amtrak Cascades trains out of service
Oregon looks to expand per-mile charges for electric cars as gas tax sputters
Democrats in WA Legislature shift approach to parental and students’ rights bills (Wilson, Stonier)
Commentary: It’s time to balance access with conservation on public lands and waters
Commentary: Will making clergy mandated reporters curb child abuse? It doesn’t have a prayer

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Business owners calling for budget do-over in Olympia (Berg)
Washington police urge lawmakers to save Recovery Navigator Program
‘Free them all’: Protestors cry for release of detainees at ICE center in Tacoma
Vancouver could become the second-largest city in Washington through annexation

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Man arrested for allegedly impersonating ICE, targeting Fife Ukrainian store
Proposed WA bill could allow police to hire non-U.S. citizens, Pierce County sheriff says he refuses (Lovick)
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington state vaccination clinic canceled after CDC funding cut
Federal judge in Tacoma blocks Trump policy banning transgender troops in the military

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Public Library wants to hear your thoughts on library services

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Hundreds rally in support of immigration activist detained inside Tacoma ICE facility
Roundup: What school districts did this week to address multi-million-dollar deficits

Cascade PBS
How would you fix Washington’s $15 billion budget crisis?

InvestigateWest
WA families are using ‘Joel’s Law’ for involuntary commitments more than ever. Is it working?

The Stranger
ICE Detained Activist Farmworker Alfredo Juarez Zeferino

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Friday notes
Here’s when Seattle Parks wants to close Alki Beach, Don Armeni Boat Ramp this summer. One more West Seattle park proposed for changes too

Thursday, March 27

ICE apprehends two men in Skagit County
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents apprehended two men in Skagit County on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. One of the men was farmworker and community activist Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino. Juarez Zeferino, who was taken into custody in Sedro-Woolley, has organized for farmworkers with organizations such as Familias Unidas Para La Justicia. Continue reading at Skagit Valley Herald. (U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector)

Department of Health and Human Services will cut 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring plan
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will eliminate 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring plan, it announced Thursday. Overall, the agency, which is responsible for monitoring infectious diseases, inspecting foods and hospitals and overseeing health insurance programs for nearly half the country, says it will decrease its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 positions. That includes 10,000 in layoffs as well as another 10,000 workers who are taking early retirements or buyout offers that were given to nearly all federal employees by the Trump administration. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Washington bill to cap rent increases clears first Senate hurdle
A new cap on rent hikes in Washington got one step closer to becoming law Wednesday. On a party-line vote, the Senate Housing Committee passed House Bill 1217, which would set a 7% limit on annual residential rent increases, with some exceptions. The bill, one of the most controversial moving through Olympia this legislative session, would also prohibit rent increases during the first year of a tenancy. The rules wouldn’t apply to buildings under 12 years old or those owned by nonprofits or public housing authorities. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Photo by Jason Finn/Getty Images)

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Associated Press
Turkish student at Tufts University is latest Palestinian supporter swept up in US crackdown

Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor mayors discuss initiatives, challenges
WA state parks camping reservation system is changing
WDFW seeks public input on recreation at Olympic, Johns River, and Chehalis wildlife areas

Axios
Corrosion sidelines Amtrak trains on Cascades route
Washington state has one of the widest gender pay gaps

Bellingham Herald
Eastern WA nuclear site top manager resigns. No. 2 Hanford leader already is gone
WA Democrats in Congress demand Trump’s defense secretary resign amid Signal scandal

Capital Press
Some farm sectors asking Trump for tariffs
Oyster harvesting accused of polluting Tillamook Bay
Washington Farm Bureau stands alone against farm fuel bill
Commodity farmers can apply for emergency economic relief

Columbian
Vancouver businesses wary of proposed fees of up to $1.5 million on Chinese ships docking at U.S. ports

The Daily News
Learn business banking, bookkeeping, more at LCC workshop
Gas pipeline upgrades, new compressor station planned near Kelso

Everett Herald
County council approves changes to ADU laws
Edmonds red-light camera program begins Friday
Port of Everett seeks new bids for bulkhead replacement project
Partnership works to train Snohomish County mental health doctors
Editorial: Right to repair win for consumers, shops, climate (Gregerson)
Comment: Governor should reconsider pulling fisheries expert
Bloomberg comment: Signal fiasco too big to be dismissed as a ‘glitch’

Kitsap Sun
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue shifts plans, will rebuild Meadowdale station

News Tribune
Proposed Social Security staffing cuts, service reductions raise alarms in WA state
License plate cameras are controversial. Here’s what one Pierce County city decided
Employees, families predict turmoil if Pierce County center for disabled adults closes
Tacoma mayor accepted paid trip to Israel from advocacy group American Jewish Committee

Northwest Asian Weekly
Hobbs criticizes Trump’s election overhaul

Olympian
Proposed Social Security staffing cuts, service reductions raise alarms in WA state
WA Democrats in Congress demand Trump’s defense secretary resign amid Signal scandal

Peninsula Daily News
Activists answer call to protect forests
Port of Port Angeles talks project status (Senate Bill 5794)

Port Townsend Leader
Resolution on trans girls in sports stirs emotions in Quilcene
Proposal to cap rent hikes continues to move despite objections
Commissioners weigh short-term-rental rules as moratorium’s end nears

Puget Sound Business Journal
Snohomish County’s new zoning rules begin soon
Affordable housing project advances in Lynnwood
How Trump’s trade policies could affect US hotel market

Renton Reporter
Layoffs at Valley Medical Center stem from loss of funding

Seattle Medium
Trump Spending Freeze Threatens Free School Meals For Nearly 800,000 Students In Washington
Former Seattle Employee Sues City Over Alleged Wrongful Termination And Religious Discrimination
UW Foster School Of Business Program Uplifts Marginalized Students In Their Transition To Higher Education

Seattle Times
WA is losing $160M in federal health funding. Here’s what to know
Trump tariffs, ‘attacks’ over water complicate Columbia River Treaty negotiations
Editorial: WA Lawmakers can remake youth incarceration. Don’t blow it
Opinion: Surcharge on packaging to boost recycling in WA would hurt consumers
New York Times: 10,000 federal health workers to be laid off
New York Times: Trump administration abruptly cuts billions from state health services
LA Times: Deadly, drug-resistant fungus CDC calls ‘urgent threat’ is spreading in hospitals

Skagit Valley Herald
ICE apprehends two men in Skagit County

Spokesman Review
March heat breaks records over a century old across Inland Northwest
Meta, Micron projects will guzzle Idaho electricity, lawmakers say. Who’s going to pay?
Idaho Senate passes bill to prevent local, state governments from displaying some flags
Feds cancel $12 billion of grants to state health department, including $130 million to Washington
Washington’s senators raise alarm over Trump administration’s changes to Social Security Administration
Spokane temporarily waives downtown height restrictions for new development. Will the city’s towers get any taller?
Nearly $5 million in Washington emergency food assistance is canceled by USDA, including over $400K for Spokane
Opinion: Protecting our relationship with Canada protects us all

Tri-City Herald
UPDATE: Richland delta blaze 100% contained but blustery winds could change that

Washington Post
See all the tariffs Trump has enacted, threatened and canceled
Craft distillers hit hard as tariffs mix with 1930s rules for alcohol
How tariffs could upend the auto industry and add thousands to car prices
RFK Jr. says he’ll cut 20,000 positions from Health and Human Services workforce

WA State Standard
Washington bill to cap rent increases clears first Senate hurdle (Salomon, Alvarado, Pedersen)
Hospital price transparency bill in Washington Legislature gets reworked (Riccelli)

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Gov. Ferguson blocks release of Timothy Pauley, a three-time convicted killer
Minority leader: Democrat proposals ‘tax the joy out of being a Washingtonian’ (Berg, Liias)
Hundreds of Seattle environmental education programs, volunteers and employees cut from budget
Department of Health and Human Services will cut 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring plan
Anti-abortion groups mount effort to strip Planned Parenthood funding ahead of Supreme Court hearing

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Gov. Ferguson cancels parole for triple murder convict set for release
Amtrak pulls train services in Cascades; here’s what you need to know
Here’s how a new law will fight catalytic converter thefts in Washington
Teens, parents fighting to keep Redmond teen center from closing down
Whooping cough cases continue to surge in Seattle, and across Washington
WA couple warns public after losing over $23,000 to scammer’s fake WSDOT text
‘Persistent gun violence is unacceptable’: New safety measures unveiled for bars open past 2 a.m.

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Controversial CID homeless facility closes amid public safety concerns
Amtrak removes railcars from service due to corrosion damage, Cascade line affected
Seattle parks education programs at risk: 50% funding reduction, staff cuts announced

KUOW Public Radio
ICE detains leader of farmworker union in northwest Washington state
Trump’s order on voter registration raises questions for WA elections system

KXLY (ABC)
Washington lawmakers consider increase in gas tax to support transportation efforts (Fey, Liias)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Last disenrolled household ordered to leave Nooksack housing
Supporters, politicians decry Northwest Washington activist’s ICE detention

Cascade PBS
Watch: PBS and NPR heads testify in U.S. House hearing
Federal cuts to Native services could impact Northwest nations
Frank Chopp remembered as champion for WA housing & homelessness (Macri, Taylor, Lovick, Fitzgibbon)

MyNorthwest
Washington AG joins coalition in writing letter to not give into ‘bullying’ by Trump Administration

The Urbanist
Op-Ed: Washington’s Legal Establishment Can’t Deliver True Justice for Our Kids

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday toplines
FOLLOWUP: Here’s the $450,000+ starting-salary contract Sound Transit proposes for Dow Constantine to become CEO

Wednesday, March 26

Taxes, furloughs, funding for cops: WA Democrats tee up budget negotiations
Democrats in the Washington Legislature have laid their plans to close the state’s historic budget gap. On Monday, budget leaders for both the Senate and House Democrats unveiled their full budget proposals, which include a combination of new cuts, taxes, and spending. Though there is some overlap between both plans, there are clear differences for lawmakers to sort out in the coming weeks. Continue reading at KUOW. (AP)

Lawmakers condemn protest at home of Democratic WA legislator
Lawmakers have sprung to the defense of a Washington state lawmaker who faced a protest at her home over the weekend. Rep. Tarra Simmons estimated 20-25 protesters showed up at her Bremerton home on Saturday. The Democratic lawmaker held two town hall events that day in her district and was planning to stop at home after the first, but said she got calls from neighbors about the demonstration, so stayed away. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (LSS)

Singing the Songs of Gratitude for Frank Chopp
I was three songs into a night of karaoke with the family when I got the news alert that State Representative Frank Chopp had passed away. It was startling. I paused to take it in and feel the loss. His impact has been immense. Frank had a powerful steadfastness in his commitment to creating change for his community. He found ways forward even when it seemed impossible to serve the most vulnerable. He was a constant presence—unrelenting, always vigilant—reminding us that when one suffers, we all suffer. He mentored us in the ways of justice and urged us to embrace “good trouble.” Continue reading at The Stranger. (The Stranger Archives)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Conservation District conducts tour of key sites

Axios
Vaccines urged as whooping cough cases rise

Bellingham Herald
Gov. Bob Ferguson blocks release of WA man convicted of killing 3 in SeaTac tavern
Protest emerges at Ferndale facility after ICE reportedly detains Whatcom County activist

Columbian
Camas Woods: Vancouver developer wants to build nearly 300 housing units near Camas High School

Islands’ Weekly
Latino Legislative Day draws a crowd (Jinkins, Saldaña, Ortiz-Self)
Senate votes to shield medical debt from credit reports (Riccelli)

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Living conditions in federal detention facilities questioned; Legislation would allow inspections by state (Ortiz-Self)

Kitsap Sun
Poulsbo to crack down on downtown parking enforcement, delays paid parking to 2026
Project funding for Bremerton’s West Sound Tech in jeopardy as state budget cuts loom

News Tribune
WA Republican state representative asks President Trump to rethink Medicaid cuts
Gov. Bob Ferguson blocks release of WA man convicted of killing 3 in SeaTac tavern
Hawaii state rep speaks about Pierce County resident detained in Tacoma ICE facility
With no state money in the offing, fate of 300 homeless-shelter beds in Tacoma unclear
She’s been in US for 50 years. Now Pierce County woman with green card detained by ICE
Pierce County preschool says it’s weeks away from opening infant room in child care desert
As Trump orders DOE breakup, here’s how much federal money flows to Pierce County schools
Opinion: Wood is key to building. Importing it is worse than responsible Washington logging

New York Times
Supreme Court Upholds Biden Administration’s Limits on ‘Ghost Guns’

Northwest Asian Weekly
Longtime UW employee held by ICE after trip to Philippines

Olympian
WA Republican state representative asks President Trump to rethink Medicaid cuts
Protest emerges at Ferndale facility after ICE reportedly detains Whatcom County activist
Opinion: Wood is key to building. Importing it is worse than responsible Washington logging

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County gets Legislative update
Opinions differ on cultural tax funds

Seattle Times
ICE arrests WA farmworker activist in Sedro-Woolley
Ferguson’s ‘impossible’ choice as state worker raises clash with budget (Ormsby, Scott)
Long waits, waves of calls, web crashes: Social Security is breaking down
Trump signs order seeking to overhaul US elections, including requiring proof of citizenship
Editorial: WA needs more Ralph Munros
Opinion: Mayors to WA lawmakers: Lift the local property tax cap

South Whidbey Record
Nationwide rise in measles cases has county officials worried
Impact of loss of Department of Education unclear on Whidbey

Spokesman Review
Spokane Councilwoman Lili Navarrete will not run for re-election
State attorney general responds to Trump’s order forcing major changes to Washington’s elections
Who are the real killjoys in Olympia? Democrats for taxing fun or Republicans for cutting programs that spread joy? (Berg, Liias, Pedersen)
Mead School Board proposal suggest it would follow Trump orders that conflict with state law on transgender policy
Opinion: Legislature should remove barriers to education, especially for low-income students

Tri-City Herald
Deal for 300 homes at Vista Field is biggest in 110-year history of Eastern WA port
WSU Tri-Cities research caught in crossfire of Trump education cuts. Is financial aid next?
‘We need to fight.’ Hundreds of incensed Tri-Citians push back on Trump, DOGE and Musk
Othello business owner reunited with teen son after bond release from Northwest ICE Processing Center

Washington Post
Here’s where Americans are increasingly at risk for wildfires
U.S. could hit borrowing limit as soon as May, budget office warns
Vaccine skeptic hired to head federal study of immunizations and autism
Supreme Court allows Biden-era requirement for ghost gun registrations and background checks

WA State Standard
Ferguson cancels parole for man convicted of triple murder
Trump signs broad elections order requiring proof of citizenship
Lawmakers condemn protest at home of Democratic WA legislator (Simmons, Fitzgibbon, Nance)
Federal cuts squeeze already-struggling food banks, school lunch programs
U.S. Supreme Court in 7-2 ruling upholds Biden administration regulation on ghost guns

Wenatchee World
Spencer Taylor hired as permanent Eastmont superintendent

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Farmworker activist Alfredo Juarez detained by ICE
Proposal to drain rainy day fund ‘dangerous,’ treasurer says (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon)
Victims’ daughter relieved after WA governor halts killer’s release
Push to save Rainier School in Buckley intensifies after state budget writers consider closure (Fitzgibbon)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Proposed changes to Parents Bill of Rights sparks ire (Santos, Wilson)
WSU researchers abuzz over declining honeybee population
Senate transportation plan proposes first state gas tax hike since 2016 (Liias)
50-year resident and green card holder being held in ICE detention in Tacoma
‘This is catastrophic’: Seattle payroll tax revenues $47M short as jobs leave city
‘Big Brother’ in Stanwood? Police Chief responds to concerns over license plate cameras
House and Senate propose substantial gas tax hikes to close budget gap, community weighs in

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New housing facility in Kirkland sets draft rules, but enforcement remains uncertain
New Seattle ordinance mandates security measures for after-hours lounges to curb violence
King County assessor slams Constantine Sound Transit CEO appointment: ‘Too many insiders’

KNKX Public Radio
Point Roberts is forced to grapple with Trump’s trade war with Canada
With no state money in the offing, fate of 300 homeless shelter beds in Tacoma unclear

KUOW Public Radio
Late Washington state powerbroker Frank Chopp left a lasting legacy
Taxes, furloughs, funding for cops: WA Democrats tee up budget negotiations (Robinson, Ormsby)

KXLY (ABC)
Reactions come in over budget proposals from legislative Democrats (Ormsby)
Thousands of ECEAP spots could be eliminated in latest budget proposals (Robinson)
U.S. Marshals launch manhunt for two suspects in murder of Moses Lake teen

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Two Skagit school boards approve staff cuts
Prominent Bellingham immigration activist detained by ICE
My landlord, a city councilor, failed to protect my health, then retaliated

MyNorthwest
Gas tax hikes and sneaky fees: Comparing Washington plans to fund road repairs (Fey)
Democrats, Republicans agree on proposed 6-cent gas tax increase to address $1B shortfall (Liias)
Washington Senate unveils nearly $80B budget with tax hikes for the wealthy and big corporations (Robinson)
GOP leaders condemn protest at democratic representative’s Bremerton home, urge civility in politics (Simmons)
Washington Democrats divided on budget: How House and Senate plans differ on taxes, cuts, spending (Berg, Ormsby, Robinson, Frame)

The Stranger
Singing the Songs of Gratitude for Frank Chopp

The Urbanist
State Budget Proposals Focus on Highway Expansion in Both Chambers (Liias, Pederson, Fey)

Tuesday, March 25

Which taxes are on the table for Washington state lawmakers
Democrats in Washington’s Legislature are weighing a range of taxes to help bridge a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall, including proposals that would target the state’s wealthiest residents and businesses. Why it matters: Democrats, who control both legislative chambers in Olympia, say new revenue is needed to avoid deep cuts to public services, while Republicans are focused mainly on reducing spending. Continue reading at Axios. (Brendan Lynch)

New studies may lead to removal of Snake River dams
Time is running out to save Pacific Northwest wild salmon and steelhead, but studies conducted by tribes and the states of Washington and Oregon are providing data needed to preserve them and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them. In February 2024, a joint agreement between Pacific Northwest tribes and the Biden administration commenced a new approach to recovering salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. Parties agreed to consider breaching the four lower Snake River Dams, which have long been contentious for their part in decimating fish populations. To remove the dams, which provide energy, irrigation and transportation routes, data on the feasibility of replacing their infrastructure was needed. Continue reading at Indian Country Today. (Jessie Wardarski)

WA transportation budget lays out options: All cuts or new taxes, fees
A few competing transportation budgets came out of Olympia on Monday, but regardless of how the state’s road finances play out in the coming weeks, drivers can expect one thing: higher gas taxes. In a $16.2 billion proposal for the 2025-27 biennium favored by Democratic and Republican leaders on the Senate Transportation Committee, gas taxes would go up by 6 cents per gallon, and grow 2% every year through 2031 to help meet inflation. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Dean Rutz)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Rep. Bernbaum takes to the airwaves
Senate Dems unveil tax proposals, budget debate heats up

Axios
Half of Washington students qualify for lunch aid
Which taxes are on the table for Washington state lawmakers (Frame)

Bellingham Herald
New taxes included in House, Senate Democrats’ plans to fix WA’s gaping budget hole (Robinson, Fitzgibbon, Ormsby)

Capital Press
Wildfire smoke bill introduced in Washington, D.C.
USDA provides progress report on bird flu, egg prices
Apples, pears, cherries look for Trump’s help with trade

Columbian
After mass firings, rehired Gifford Pinchot National Forest workers return to work
Measles vaccination rate among Clark County kindergartners drops to 89.9%; some schools even lower

Everett Herald
Editorial: Changes to WA Cares will honor voters’ confidence
Bloomberg comment: It matters that we understand decline in overdoses

High Country News
A billion-dollar ICE contractor is fighting to pay detainees as little as $1 a day

Indian Country Today
New studies may lead to removal of Snake River dams

The Inlander
The Spokane region is expanding opioid treatment and facilities

Kitsap Sun
Unemployment claims in Washington declined last week
NTSB warns 2 bridges in Washington could have similar fate to Francis Scott Key Bridge
WSDOT toll notices will never come through text, department says amid latest scam alert

News Tribune
This $24 million fire station just opened in Pierce County. Take a look inside
With no state money in the offing, fate of 300 homeless-shelter beds in Tacoma unclear

Northwest Asian Weekly
Seattle area celebrates Holi
Longtime UW employee held by ICE after trip to Philippines

Olympian
WA’s multi-billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall could ‘mean pausing a project’ (Liias, Fey)
How a WA city’s war with its own council member could chip away at public-records access
Ruling against Trump administration, judge says deported migrants entitled to due process

Seattle Medium
Seattle Ranks 24th For Best Overall Commute, According To Lyft Survey
Arson Strikes Tesla In Capitol Hill Amid Growing Backlash Against Elon Musk

Seattle Times
WA’s costly salmon recovery effort heads toward mediation
WA transportation budget lays out options: All cuts or new taxes, fees (Liias, Ramos, Fey)
WA Democrats’ budget proposals intensify debate on new taxes, spending (Robinson, Pedersen, Fitzgibbon, Ormsby)
Anti-trans Trump policy raises travel, safety concerns for WA residents
WA governor orders team to study data centers’ energy, tax, jobs impact
US consumer confidence tumbles for the 4th consecutive month to a 12-year low
Opinion: Progressive WA needs a progressive tax structure to match
Editorial: Tribe, port’s new alliance a bright spot in unsteady economic times

Skagit Valley Herald
Rep. Clyde Shavers hosts 10th Legislative District town hall (Shavers)
Local protestors turn out to support U.S. Postal Service workers

Spokesman Review
Federal court rejects longer block on Idaho’s transgender bathroom restriction law
Spokane City Council considers outlawing employers discriminating against the homeless
Democratic lawmakers unveil budget proposals; call on higher taxes for wealthy and companies (Ormsby, Robinson, Frame, Berg)
Spokane City Council approves another $100,000 in legal fees fighting suit brought by Robert Bradley’s estate

Washington Post
This muggy city keeps cool with minimal AC. Here’s how.
Clock ticks on Trump and GOP’s ‘big, beautiful’ bill on taxes
New Trump demand to colleges: Name protesters — and their nationalities
Long waits, waves of calls, website crashes: Social Security is breaking down
EPA knew it wrongfully canceled dozens of environmental grants, documents show

WA State Standard
Gas tax increases key to fueling Washington transportation budgets (Liias, Fey)
Democrats in Washington Legislature pitch competing budget plans (Fitzgibbon, Robinson, Ormsby)
Washington bill would speed up pardon reviews for immigrants facing deportation (Hasegawa)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Tieton canal faces uneasy future as district prepares for irrigation season
Lawmakers hear mixed opinions about plan to close Yakima Valley School and Rainier School

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
UW lab tech, permanent U.S. resident in ICE custody
Washington Democratic lawmakers release operating budget proposals
Washington lawmakers propose gas tax hike as part of transportation budget (Robinson, Liias)
WA police departments oppose academy’s ‘outrageous’ ban on Sig Sauer P320 handguns

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Car thefts plummet in WA: State leads U.S. with 32% decrease
Metro fare enforcement goes into effect at the end of the month
Senate transportation plan proposes first state gas tax hike since 2016 (Liias)
New calf born to descendant of last orca captured in Washington waters
Family sues ICE after man dies in Tacoma immigration center during withdrawal
King County Executive Dow Constantine tapped as Sound Transit CEO with up to $650K salary

KXLY (ABC)
Dozens of Spokane mail carriers rally against potential USPS privatization
Washington legislative Democrats release budget proposals for next four years (Robinson, Ormsby, Frame)
Spokane City Council votes to eliminate building height restrictions downtown
Community members voice concerns on Mead School District’s transgender athlete policy

NW Public Radio
Washington state reports seven-year peak in influenza-related deaths
Striking workers in Washington could get access to unemployment claims if bill passes (Riccelli)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Blaine School Board approves staff cuts for third year in a row to address deficit
One family’s complaint changed how Bellingham schools handle sexual harassment
District sued, family of student who was sexually harassed calls response ‘catastrophically broken’

Cascade PBS
REI withheld pay from union workers, national labor board finds

The Urbanist
Sound Transit Picks Dow Constantine, Elevating Board Insider to CEO

Washington Observer
Unpacking “dueling” tax packages from House and Senate Democrats

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info
Before budget time, 34th District legislators answer constituents’ questions in ‘telephone town hall” (Alvarado, Fitzgibbon, Thomas)

Monday, March 24

Frank Chopp, former WA House speaker and tireless advocate, dies at 71
Frank Chopp, the longest-serving House speaker in Washington state history and a fierce advocate for working families and low-income housing, has died. He was 71. With his trademark mustache and a penchant for backroom maneuvering, Chopp wielded his gavel to lead Democrats to stronger House majorities while racking up years of policy wins as the most powerful politician in the Capitol. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Lawmakers could tax social media companies to fund local journalism
State lawmakers are considering throwing the news industry a lifesaver by taxing some of the world’s biggest tech platforms. If adopted, the legislation would impose a surcharge on large search engines and social media companies with a gross income of $5 million or more, with the tax capped at $6 million a year. The Office of Financial Management estimates the tax would raise $27 million in fiscal year 2027 and an additional $102 million between 2027 and 2031. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Rachel La Corte)

WA’s multi-billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall could ‘mean pausing a project’
Washington state’s transportation budget — like its operating-budget — has a bumpy road ahead as lawmakers face a multi-billion-dollar shortfall in the coming biennia. State Sen. Marko Liias, chair of the upper chamber’s transportation committee, puts the transportation-deficit estimate at $4 billion over the next six years. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Steve Bloom)