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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)

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Aberdeen Daily World
U.S. Rep. Randall Visits Grays Harbor County
Gov. Ferguson meets with The Daily World Editorial Board
Summit Pacific warns of devastating impact of proposed Medicare and Medicaid budget cuts

Axios
Why Gen Z buyers are looking beyond Seattle
Immigrants pay billions in taxes in Washington state

Bellingham Herald
WA’s multi-billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall could ‘mean pausing a project’
Longtime former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp has died: ‘He led our march of progress’ (Jinkins)
Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood: Potential Medicaid cuts could harm most vulnerable patients
Rules of the Road: How pervasive is aggressive driving in Washington compared to other states?

Columbian
Threats to Social Security rattle Clark County seniors: ‘When you can’t predict what will happen, how can we prepare?’

The Daily News
‘Not afraid to fight’: Local lawyer takes on controversial Cowlitz County cases

Everett Herald
Timber guild finds new use for salvaged wood
Edmonds mayor talks budget at 2025 State of the City
Editorial: Keep journalism vital with state grant program
WaPo Comment: Speed limits aren’t a choice; nor should vaccines be

Journal of the San Juan Islands
San Juan County point-in-time unhoused count results

Kitsap Sun
USS Nimitz departs Bremerton for its likely last deployment

News Tribune
This $24 million fire station just opened in Pierce County. Take a look inside
Will this Pierce County city get license plate cameras? Privacy is part of the debate
Busy Tacoma street to close for construction that will connect downtown to waterfront
WA’s multi-billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall could ‘mean pausing a project’ (Liias, Fey)
Longtime former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp has died: ‘He led our march of progress’ (Jinkins, Heck)

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA to slash workforce as part of larger reorganization
Microsoft president warns WA tax proposal would do ‘lasting damage’

Seattle Times
WA’s need for EVs comes at a cost for mining towns
Frank Chopp, former WA House speaker and tireless advocate, dies at 71 (Jinkins, Pedersen)
Lewelyn Dixon, UW lab technician, held in Tacoma ICE detention center
Military veterans are becoming the face of Trump’s government cuts and Democrats’ resistance

Skagit Valley Herald
New bridge connects pair of trails in Northern State Recreation Area

Spokesman Review
Got a text saying you have an unpaid toll? It’s a scam
Lawmakers could tax social media companies to fund local journalism
Senate Democrats want to raise billions in revenue ahead of formal budget announcement (Frame)
Mead School Board to discuss ‘noncompliant’ transgender students policy at Monday meeting
They were fired in the name of efficiency based on ‘a lie.’ Now the VA is paying them not to work
‘Are we just left to die?’: Spokane health care providers, patients consider Medicaid cuts in roundtable
‘This is about our humanity’: Transgender Air Force member at Fairchild worries about her employment due to Trump ban
Elon Musk’s DOGE puts government agencies in Spokane Valley, Lapwai, Pomeroy on notice for building lease terminations
After Pentagon temporarily purges references to Native American Code Talkers’ contributions to World War II, here’s a look back at
Opinion: Washington’s housing crisis demands real solutions, not rent caps

Tri-City Herald
This Pasco mechanic isn’t a felon or violent. So why was he arrested by ICE?
Update: DOGE to close Hanford, PNNL claims office, 5 other federal leases in Eastern WA

Washington Post
DOGE is struggling to find fraud in Social Security
Paris votes on making 500 streets car-free, in test for green city policies
Trump wants to build more ships in the United States. It’s not so simple.

WA State Standard
Former Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp dies (Pedersen, Jinkins)
Youth gun deaths in the U.S. have surged 50% since 2019
Judge overturns Washington natural gas measure approved by voters
After fatal accidents, WA Fish and Wildlife workers press Ferguson on agency appointee

Wenatchee World
Eastmont School District responds to negligence lawsuit
Trump order to slash Education Department raises local funding questions
U.S. Small Business Administration drought disaster loan deadline: April 21st

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima water plan supporters ask Legislature to extend water storage deadline

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Former Washington State House Speaker Frank Chopp passes away (Pollet)
‘Fight like hell’: Hundreds of postal workers statewide hold rallies against potential cuts within USPS

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Video shows Metro bus sideswipe pedestrian after running red lights
Seattle Police release bodycam video of fatal shooting outside Southwest Precinct
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
IRS nears deal with Homeland Security to aid in locating undocumented migrants
Washington mourns as former House Speaker Frank Chopp leaves enduring legacy

KNKX Public Radio
Fishermen want to go green but say DOGE cuts prevent that

KUOW Public Radio
Former longtime Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp dies at 71 (Pedersen, Jinkins)

KXLY (ABC)
Dozens of Spokane mail carriers rally against potential USPS privatization

NW Public Radio
Bill in Washington state Legislature could expand housing options
Orofino mobile home park residents feeling trapped as rents continue to rise
Searching for sage grouse: Looking for a chicken-sized needle in south-central WA

Web

Cascadia Daily News
What’s the Deal With: The old Northern State Hospital?
Point Roberts businesses feel sting of U.S., Canada trade war
Hundreds of local Latino students attend leadership conference at WWU
Opinion: Region’s high cost of living a vexing problem for young adults

InvestigateWest
How a Washington city’s war with its own council member could chip away at public records access

MyNorthwest
Longest-serving House speaker Frank Chopp dies at 71
Elon Musk, DOGE target Washington state offices with lease terminations
Chaos in Olympia: Security removes Tim Eyman, citizens from WA Senate hearing on Parents’ Bill of Rights changes (Stonier)

The Urbanist
Op-Ed: Adam Smith Is Responsible for Trump’s Victory, Not the ‘Left’

Washington Observer
New taxes on the wealthy and Big Tech, and a sales tax cut for everyone (Frame, Walen)

Friday, March 21

We’re WA landlords and we agree with rent stabilization
The last election was largely about the affordability crisis facing most Americans. The cost of housing was a major factor. That’s why elected leaders in Washington would be wise to pay attention to recent polling showing 72% of registered voters — a supermajority — support a policy to limit how much landlords can increase rents. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Democratic state senators push $17B tax package to balance Washington budget
Democrats in the Washington state Senate kicked it off Thursday with a monstrous opening statement, calling for higher property tax collections and new levies on the state’s wealthiest individuals and largest corporations. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero)

Tax the rich, cut sales tax: WA Democrats gear up for budget talks
Washington’s Democratic lawmakers began to unveil details Thursday about how they want to change state taxes as they grapple with how to close a multibillion-dollar budget deficit. Their plans include five separate proposals that would boost taxes on wealthy people and companies, give local governments more options to raise property taxes, end some tax exemptions, and cut the state’s sales tax rate. Continue reading at KUOW. (NW News Network)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
U.S. Rep. Randall Visits Grays Harbor County
Gov. Ferguson meets with The Daily World Editorial Board

Axios
Prosecutors push to clarify Washington’s hate crime law

Bellingham Herald
Senate Democrats unveil 5-part tax plan to solve WA’s multi-billion-dollar budget problem (Frame, Pedersen, Robinson)

Capital Press
Farm exports caught up in U.S.-China shipping dispute
Bipartisan duo advocates for Oregon water modernization

Everett Herald
Everett City Council approves more than $200M in bonds
Edmonds mayor responds to PDC over complaint about public funds
New regional police training campus in Arlington to welcome first class (Lovick)
Bloomberg Comment: DOGE’s real goal is to privatize government services
Bloomberg Comment: Anti-vax culture war on mRNA may end up costing lives

International Examiner
Friends of Little Saigon launches place-based initiative to improve neighborhood safety and livability

Kitsap Sun
These states have the worst performing highways. Where does Washington rank?
How Trump’s order targeting Education Department could affect Washington schools

News Tribune
2 federal offices in Pierce County are on DOGE lease termination list. Will they close?
School zone cameras bring this Pierce County city $500,000 a year. Where does it go?
Pierce County tables $7.4M building purchase for Sheriff’s Office. Here’s what we know
Gas prices in America went down four weeks in a row. Is that true for Washington state?
Pierce County city appoints new council member to start next week. Here’s what we know
City of Tacoma contributes $6M for affordable housing. Here’s which projects will benefit
Tacoma Immigration Court only in nation denying residents bond hearings, lawsuit claims
Senate Democrats unveil 5-part tax plan to solve WA’s multi-billion-dollar budget problem (Frame, Robinson, Pedersen)
Opinion: Long-term care provides vital services in Washington. Without funding, it’s in danger

Olympian
Tacoma Immigration Court only in nation denying residents bond hearings, lawsuit claims
‘A true statesman.’ Former WA Secretary of State Ralph Munro has died, SOS Steve Hobbs says
Opinion: Long-term care provides vital services in Washington. Without funding, it’s in danger

Peninsula Daily News
Hospitals are likely to feel state cuts
Clallam jail program results in fewer overdoses

Puget Sound Business Journal
Child-care costs reshape workplace benefits
Tariffs start to put cost pressure on construction materials
Workers fear a recession, and they’re taking these steps to prepare
Central Washington among hottest US markets for this growth industry

Seattle Times
Senate Democrats release tax proposals as budget debate heats up (Pedersen, Frame)
WA lawmakers eye salary cuts for state employees amid budget crunch (Robinson)
WA state parks camping reservation system is changing; what to know
Seattle-area H-1B workers grapple with uncertainty over visa program
Need treatment your doctor doesn’t support? Under new Idaho law, they can deny it
Ralph Munro, longtime WA secretary of state and champion of disability rights, dies
Opinion: We’re WA landlords and we agree with rent stabilization

Spokesman Review
Eastern Washington University, Whitman College deny allowing antisemitic activity
Senate Democrats want to raise billions in revenue ahead of formal budget announcement (Frame, Pedersen)
Leftwing activist group says it reserved hundreds of seats at Rep. Baumgartner’s tumultuous town hall
‘To disregard our cultural language is disheartening’: Trump’s executive order on official language sparks conversation among Eastern Washington leaders
Opinion: Liquor tax study a waste of money

Tri-City Herald
Newhouse defends federal cuts, pledges to meet with public as calls pour into his office
Trump orders Education Department dismantled. How much money do Tri-City K-12 schools get?

Washington Post
Amazon wants a product safety regulator declared unconstitutional

WA State Standard
Trump wants to log more trees. He’ll need states’ help.
Democratic state senators push $17B tax package to balance Washington budget (Pedersen, Jinkins, Frame)
Remembering Ralph Munro, five-term Washington secretary of state and statesman
Staff at Washington AG’s office stage walkout to protest proposed furloughs and budget cuts

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Task force tackles urgent transit safety issues in King County
Father of 12 dies amid workplace safety violations at Washington company
Hundreds of Washington state Attorney General employees walk off job over proposed budget cuts
‘If he goes back to Iran, they’re going to kill him’: Iranian national, U.S. permanent resident in ICE custody
Leader of education in Washington state responds to Trump’s order to dismantle Education Department of Education

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Transit safety task force drives forward changes for workers
Washington lawmakers consider electronic monitoring for sex offenders

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Community demands action a year after deadly crash at Renton intersection
Edgewood residents debate school zone cameras as safety tool or revenue source
Washington mourns the loss of Ralph Munro, state’s longest-serving secretary of state
WA lawmakers propose changes to Parents’ Bill of Rights for gender inclusivity in schools

KNKX Public Radio
Billy Frank Jr. statue brings modern representation to U.S. Capitol
Pierce County to spend $17M raised from new sales tax on affordable housing

KUOW Public Radio
Is this the year rent limits pass? (Alvarado)
Tax the rich, cut sales tax: WA Democrats gear up for budget talks (Jinkins)
Remembering Ralph Munro, 5-term Washington secretary of state and statesman
Washington schools chief blasts ‘cruel chaos’ of Trump’s order to eliminate the Department of Education

KXLY (ABC)
New broadband project breaks ground in Rice, promising faster internet to Stevens County
Washington Senate Democrats hope to balance budget with new taxes on wealthy and changes to property and sales taxes (Pedersen, Frame)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Weigh in on proposed budget cuts for Bellingham Public Schools
Ecology invites public input on plan to clean up Ferndale industrial site

Cascade PBS
Former Washington Secretary of State Ralph Munro dies at 81
Gov. Ferguson’s top aide resigns amid staff workplace complaints (Trudeau, Chapman)

MyNorthwest
Trump orders a plan to dismantle the Education Department
Washington Senate Democrats propose wealth tax to address deficit (Pedersen, Frame)
Senate Democrats float pay cut for Washington state employees as budget crisis looms (Robinson)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday info

Thursday, March 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northwest Asian Weekly
Bellevue City Council appoints Claire Sumadiwirya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 19

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

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

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

Print

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

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

Axios
When social housing could open in Seattle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wenatchee World
Legislative Watch: March 17

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, March 18

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

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

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