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Thursday, February 13

‘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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

Print

Axios
Seattle revisits police force rules for crowd control
The push to allow neighborhood stores and cafes across Washington

Bellingham Herald
‘No one left to save us but ourselves’: Bellingham crowd protests ICE arrests, deportations
Washington wants to eliminate one of its 11 reentry centers, and Bellingham is on the block
Look inside the modern new structure on the Capitol Campus: Irving R. Newhouse Building

Columbian
‘It never seems to be enough’: Clark County residents earning a bit over minimum wage struggle to pay bills, stave off homelessness

Everett Herald
Lake Stevens sewer district trial delayed until April
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project
Tribes: State fish passage projects knock down barriers for local efforts
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia (Fosse, Cortes)
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you
Letter: Rent stabilization can keep more from losing homes
Comment: Comment: Democracy depends on support of local journalism (Liias)

Islands’ Weekly
LWVWA endorses SB 5400 supporting local news journalism

Kitsap Sun
State hospitals advised to prepare for immigration officers

News Tribune
Major investments driving economic growth in Tacoma
WA courts are mandated to vacate many drug-possession cases. Why is it taking so long?
Shelters and warming centers available as snow melts and cold air lingers across Western WA
Opinion: Are WA Democrats really considering a ban on wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves? (Shewmake)

New York Times
A Third Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order
Trump’s Actions Have Created a Constitutional Crisis, Scholars Say
Opinion: As Fellow Pro-Lifers, We Are Begging Marco Rubio to Save Foreign Aid
Opinion: Five Former Treasury Secretaries: Our Democracy Is Under Siege

Port Townsend Leader
Immigration fears hit Olympic Peninsula
Local immigrants worry about federal orders

Puget Sound Business Journal
Alaska extends deal with startup that aims to resell your seat
Top Seattle restaurants team up to support immigrant rights

Seattle Times
Patty Murray: RFK Jr. meeting was most troubling she’s had in 32 years
Seattle Public Schools seeks $60 million from state to prevent budget cuts
Future of transgender athletes uncertain in WA following executive order
Trump killed a major report on nature. They’re trying to publish It anyway.
Trump administration orders consumer protection agency to stop work, closes building
Opinion: I’m a humanitarian aid worker. Here’s what gutting USAID will do

Skagit Valley Herald
New Guemes Ferry ticketing system launching March 19

Spokesman Review
Murray, Cantwell among senators sounding the alarm on national park staffing decisions
Spokane County to host placemaking public forums as part of comprehensive plan update
WSU’s next president Elizabeth Cantwell talks Pac-12, DEI and handling the Trump administration

Tri-City Herald
Opinion: Debunking myths perpetuated by Donald Trump about undocumented immigrants

Washington Post
Tech layoffs reveal the unintended consequences of mass job cuts
Farmers on the hook for millions after Trump freezes USDA funds
Trump says he will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports
Here’s who’s losing out as White House freezes the Inflation Reduction Act

WA State Standard
Seahawks fans may get a state-recognized day (Mena)
Bill to make clergy report child abuse advances in Washington
Funding for crime victim services in Washington is running short (Dhingra, Davis)

Wenatchee World
Supreme Court: DCYF broadly protected in Rustin Atkersn death case
New Wenatchee YMCA building permit issued, construction begins in March
Housing summit brings hard discussions on NCW affordability and housing crisis

Yakima Herald-Republic
Bill could give Ecology and health districts ability to fine landfills (Duerr)

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Accidental shooting claims life of 17-year-old in Lynnwood
Trump says he will announce 25% steel and aluminum tariffs Monday, and more import duties are coming

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Community leaders say Tacoma police department faces leadership crisis
Protestors rally at Seattle hospital against Trump order on gender-affirming care
Burien Severe Weather Shelter expends hours ahead of dangerously low temperatures
20K volunteers keep Food Lifeline’s Hunger Solution Center functioning for food banks

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Police officer shoots man in East Central neighborhood

NW Public Radio
Washington State University Regents appoint incoming WSU president
Wenatchee residents join statewide push for immigrant rights in Olympia (Ortiz-Self)
Why do they have to all be killed? Bird flu found at farm north of Tri-Cities, WA

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lynden School Board pushes back on bills that ‘threaten’ parental rights
Business owners near severe weather shelter decry rise in vandalism, trespassing

The Stranger
The Mystery of the Four Bobs
Trump Order Causing Document Troubles for Trans People

The Urbanist
Lawmaker Seeks to Jumpstart New Passenger Ferry Routes Across Puget Sound (Nance)

Friday, February 7

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill
House Bill 1125 (HB 1125) would allow certain incarcerated individuals to petition for a reduced sentence if their original sentence no longer aligns with the “interests of justice.” Judges would have judicial discretion to determine what qualifies as the “interests of justice.” Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (MyNorthwest )

Bill to ban concentrated sodium nitrite heads to Washington Senate after overwhelming House vote
Vasquez-Stickley is the mother of Tyler Schmidt, who died by suicide in 2020 at the age of 15. The Camas, Wash. mother has since advocated for the bill and has testified before legislative committees. The legislative push follows a KING 5 investigation revealing Amazon sold the product despite repeated warnings about its misuse. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Why a WA lawmaker wants to collect data on cow farts and burps
The latest beef in Olympia? Cow burps, farts, and poops. Washington lawmakers are considering a bill that seeks to gather better data on the scale and scope of methane emissions released by dairies and feedlots in the state. House Bill 1630 is sponsored by Rep. Lisa Parshley, D-Olympia, who was previously a veterinarian and has a Ph.D. in biochemistry. The bill received a hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee on Thursday. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)