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Thursday, February 6

Trump signs executive order intended to bar transgender athletes from female sports
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday intended to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. The order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” gives federal agencies wide latitude to ensure entities that receive federal funding abide by Title IX in alignment with the Trump administration’s view, which interprets “sex” as the gender someone was assigned at birth. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Alex Brandon)

Op-Ed: Wealth Tax on Megarich Would Invest in Washington State’s Future
If Trump did pull federal funding from our state, what public services would be compromised? It is hard to forecast, but certainly imperiled are Apple Health, Head Start, the health subsidies for people getting health care through the Health Benefit Exchange, most likely Pell grants for low-income students and federal student loans, free and reduced school lunches, K-12 funding, and the list goes on. Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Legislative Support Services)

WA Senate Democrats approve changes to parents’ ‘bill of rights’
Washington Senate Democrats on Wednesday approved changes to an initiative passed last year that establishes a parental “bill of rights” for families with children in the state’s K-12 schools. When lawmakers passed Initiative 2081 last year, Democrats said that they would likely need to make changes to it in the future, citing confusing language that did not align with other state and federal laws. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Bill Lucia)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Ocean Shores, Westport team up to combat erosion
Randall calls on Trump to rescind ‘offer’ to federal employees

Axios
Washington braces for education cuts
Washington state bill aims to support pilots’ mental health (Liias)

Bainbridge Island Review
Permit to purchase firearms proposed in legislation (Lovick)

The Inlander
Spokane leaders reaffirm their commitment to the Keep Washington Working Act amid uncertainty for immigrants and refugees

International Examiner
Tsuru for Solidarity, community members respond to defaced Nihonmachi mural

News Tribune
Tacoma police won’t prioritize arrests of those who use plant psychedelics, city decides
Terminal operator at Tacoma port settles lawsuit that alleged polluting of Puget Sound
Masked ‘bounty hunter’ threats upset Eastern WA town. Does ICE pay private trackers?
What are your rights if you see ICE activity? Recommended safety practices for bystanders
Trump immigration order having negative impacts at Tacoma detention center, lawsuit says
Opinion: Washington’s property tax cap is draining local government. It gets worse every year

New York Times
E.P.A. Demotes Career Employees Overseeing Science, Enforcement and More

Puget Sound Business Journal
Why tariffs could slow new housing production
Even AI companies say no to AI in job applications

Seattle Times
WA sees first whooping cough death in more than a decade
Washington 50501 protest draws crowd of over 1,500 at Capitol
Trump moves to shutter environmental offices across the government
WA Head Start programs shaken in aftermath of Trump funding freeze
ICE contractor flight to Seattle may signal WA detention center will fill up
Sen. Murray blasts Trump administration over funding freezes that affect WA
Editorial: Let EV startups join Tesla in selling cars directly to WA buyers (Doglio, Saldaña)
Opinion: WA lawmakers should approve police bill, keep hiring pipeline full (Dhingra, Lovick)

Spokesman Review
Mayor Lisa Brown waives higher costs to large event organizers in Spokane
Spokane Valley City Council will sue Councilman Al Merkel over Public Records Act fight
Idaho GOP lawmaker wants women charged with murder for seeking abortions, end to exceptions
Washington sports association seeking legal counsel after Trump executive order on trans athletes (Jinkins)
Whitman County imposes wind energy moratorium as developer plans a 45-turbine project near Kamiak Butte

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
As schools lose ‘protected’ zone status, VISD starts training staff

Washington Post
How Trump’s return is playing for governors
Here are the words putting science in the crosshairs of Trump’s orders
Judge to hear federal worker union lawsuit with buyout offer set to expire tonight
DOGE agents gain access to OPM data for millions of federal workers, job applicants

WA State Standard
Hundreds gather at Washington state Capitol to protest Trump (Jinkins)
WA Senate Democrats approve changes to parents’ ‘bill of rights’ (Wilson, Stonier, Pedersen)
WA lawmakers and governor are getting big raises. Here’s how much
Washington leaders offer more detail on federal funding blocked by Trump
Seattle judge is second to indefinitely block Trump’s birthright citizenship order
Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s school sports

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima has a new police chief; City Council approves new pool repair fund

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Nonprofit monitors ICE flights at Boeing Field
Illegal gambling kiosks seized across western Washington
Washington state officials urge caution over ‘misleading’ buyout promise
Statewide student meals initiative in Washington hits legislative challenges (Wellman)
People experiencing homelessness in Seattle find lifeline in severe weather as outreach ramps up

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Patti Jackson named interim Police Chief for Tacoma
Sen. Patty Murray: ‘We are pulling the fire alarm here’
Redmond police use drone to chase shoplifting suspect
Trump’s birthright citizenship order is put on hold by a second federal judge
King County to simplify process for inquests into law enforcement-involved deaths
New executive order streamlines inquests into law enforcement-involved deaths in King County
King County Metro driver’s death highlights urgent security needs as new safety barriers unveiled

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
West Pierce Fire & Rescue welcomes new commissioner
Washington 8th grade math scores decline despite increased education spending
Japan Airlines plane strikes parked Delta jet at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
King County shelters overwhelmed as snow falls; calls grow for more funding, open beds

KUOW Public Radio
New rules mean a new chance for Duwamish recognition
Olympia protest joins national day of action in state capitols across the USA

KXLY (ABC)
Washington Senate passes changes to parental rights in education (Wilson)
New funding to help families across eastern Washington become homeowners

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham citizens join national day of protest against Trump administration

MyNorthwest
Trump signs executive order intended to bar transgender athletes from female sports (Jinkins, Pedersen)
Washington lawmakers push to slash parking requirements, paving way for new housing (Bateman)
Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, trys to level playing field for families (Alvarado)

The Urbanist
Parking Reform Gains Momentum at Washington Legislature (Bateman)
State Lawmakers Chart Path to Double Amtrak Cascades Service (Reed, Fey)
Op-Ed: Wealth Tax on Megarich Would Invest in Washington State’s Future (Frame, Scott)

Washington Observer
Fencing off private equity from neighborhood real estate (Alvarado)
House weighs new rules for flavored nicotine and tobacco (Reeves, Santos)

Wednesday, February 5

Washington lawmakers weigh new artificial intelligence regulations
Lawmakers are considering four bills on regulating artificial intelligence in Olympia this session. State Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Clinton, has introduced two bills that would require AI developers to provide ways for users to find out how their images are put together. Meanwhile, state senators Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, and Tina Wells, D-Des Moines, have sponsored similar bills addressing the use of AI in child porn that have been meshed into one piece of legislation. Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, submitted a bill that would forbid forged digital likenesses in certain situations. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (Richard Drew)

Washington lawmakers consider expanding free food for students
Under current state law, public, charter and state-tribal education compact schools must provide free meals to any Kindergarten through fourth grade student if at least 40% of the school is eligible for free or reduced lunch under federal guidelines. Senate Bill 5352 would expand that benefit to all students, regardless of grade or school population, enabling any student to request a free breakfast or lunch. The state would also provide more reimbursement to public schools to offset the costs. Continue reading at KXLY. (KXLY)

WA Legislature weighs paying parents who care for children with disabilities
Under Washington law, anyone except a legal parent or guardian can get paid to provide personal care — bathing, dressing or managing medical needs — to a child under 18 years old. Parents are eligible for this pay only once their child becomes an adult. Legislation making its way through the Legislature this year is trying to change that. House Bill 1200 and Senate Bill 5211 would require the state’s Developmental Disabilities Administration to ask the federal government for permission to use Washington’s Medicaid funding to pay parents of minors with developmental disabilities. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Katie Scheid)

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Auburn Reporter
Feds fly 110 detained migrants to Washington state, advocacy group says

Axios
Record vacancies hit downtown Seattle
More than 300,000 bird flu cases in Washington

Bellingham Herald
Southeast WA refugee group reeling after Trump orders. 30% of employees cut
Executive order to limit birthright citizenship could have broad impact, WSU professor says
If Canada retaliates against Trump tariffs, how would it impact WA? Here’s what WA exports

Capital Press
China hits back as Trump pauses North American tariffs
Oregon lawmakers weigh fertilizer reporting requirement
Onion growers support tariffs, potato growers not so much
R-CALF, National Farmers Union reach settlement with meat-packer

The Daily News
Cowlitz County, Rainier officials plan for safer roads
Kids can learn to bake, garden, sew, more with Cowlitz County 4-H

Everett Herald
North Everett park could get $345,000 upgrade
Hearing examiner OKs 59-home Marysville development
Protest planned Wednesday at Snohomish County campus
Two bills could ease child care costs for families and boost provider wages (Cortes)
Editorial: Trade war would harm state’s consumers, jobs

Issaquah Reporter
Sustainability 2025: Know Where You Throw

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Proposal loosens controls on birth control prescriptions (Macri)

Kitsap Sun
Law enforcement in Kitsap adhering to state law on immigration enforcement

News Tribune
Former sheriff candidate Patti Jackson appointed Tacoma’s interim police chief
Google asked 15 North American teachers to explore AI. Three are from Pierce County
WA imports $1.3 billion of goods from Mexico. Tariffs would impact these items the most
Trump administration orders purge of some online health data. What will that mean in WA?
Opinion: Tacoma’s Landlord Fairness Code: How is it related to evictions in Pierce County?

New York Times
Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order Nationwide

Northwest Asian Weekly
Bill to teach Asian American history in the classroom by 2029 introduced to WA Senate (Nobles)

Port Townsend Leader
Tracing the source of the Fort Worden PDA’s financial problems

Seattle Medium
Retired Black Fire Fighters Secure Legal Victory In Property Dispute

Seattle Times
WA ballooning lawsuit settlements, legal costs add to budget woes (Dhingra)
WA governor orders team to study data centers’ energy, tax, jobs impact
A new mental health crisis center in Lynnwood lacks operator, can’t open
Protests against Trump and Project 2025 are planned in cities across the US
Trump will sign an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing
Editorial: Student test results make it clear: Schools need to change

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County sheriff releases statement on immigration enforcement

South Whidbey Record
Electrification, overhead loading planned for Clinton ferry terminal

Spokesman Review
Man suspected of stealing Kalispel Tribe artifacts arrested near Yakima
Post on requirement to notify an example of ‘politics at its worst,’ Democrats say (Stonier, Pedersen, Ortiz-Self)
Maria Cantwell urges U.S. to embrace ‘capitalism in the digital age’ amid Trump’s tariff threats

Tri-City Herald
All 1.1 million WA students would be eligible for free school lunches under proposed law (Riccelli, Berg, Wellman)
Is crime really out of control and Tri-Cities courts are turning loose criminals, as some suggest?

Washington Post
U.S. government officials privately warn Musk’s blitz appears illegal
Republicans quiet as Trump and Musk move to gut some federal agencies

WA State Standard
$156M solar power grant for Washington in limbo after Trump order
WA Legislature weighs paying parents who care for children with disabilities (Taylor, Frame)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Potential trade war could hit Yakima Valley agriculture

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Federal government to reconsider Duwamish Tribe’s status
New bill may impact rideshare costs during World Cup, other major events in Seattle (Alvarado)
King County Metro to install new barriers on buses for driver safety after fatal stabbing

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WA Senate Democrats propose stricter regulations for ballot measure initiatives

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Issaquah police seek suspects in antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti incidents
Bus drivers urge safety upgrades to combat workplaces violence in King County
Former sheriff candidate Patti Jackson steps in as Tacoma’s interim police chief
Washington House committee holding hearing on bill to protect digital privacy (Kloba)
Seattle shoppers and businesses scramble as egg prices soar due to bird flu impact
From local waters to dinner plates: How the Muckleshoot Tribe helps feed the community
DEA Seattle addresses agency’s involvement in immigration enforcement in the northwest
Parent of South Whidbey student arrested by ICE, district vows to protect school community

KNKX Public Radio
Libraries search for a way to make digital books more affordable

KUOW Public Radio
Bellingham shoppers dubious of US-Canada trade war
Some WA Head Start programs still can’t access federal funds a week after short-lived freeze

KXLY (ABC)
Washington lawmakers consider expanding free food for students (Riccelli, Wellman)
Federal funding freeze could impact $48 million in City of Spokane projects and programs
Most overdose deaths in Spokane County among housed, employed adults, according to new report
‘We’re really concerned’: Washington Head Start programs still experiencing issues following federal funding freeze

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham office space demand improves, retail suffers

Cascade PBS
Washington lawmakers weigh new artificial intelligence regulations (Shavers, Dhingra, Orwall, Ryu, Kloba)
WA congressional hopeful Joe Kent named to counterterrorism post

MyNorthwest
WA Senate Democrats propose stricter regulations for ballot measure initiatives
Parental rights showdown: WA lawmakers accuse one another of lying about student privacy (Stonier, Pedersen)

The Stranger
Shaun Scott’s Radical Agenda Arrives in Olympia (Scott)

The Urbanist
Op-Ed: Mungia’s Narrow Win Shows Washington Voters Want Sweeping Legal Changes

West Seattle Blog
UPDATE: Light repairs planned during next Highway 99 tunnel closure – which is now postponed
WEST SEATTLE SNOW: School closures/changes for Wednesday, plus weather and traffic/transit info

Tuesday, February 4

Hundreds rally in support of immigrants at Washington state Capitol
Despite threats that immigration enforcement agents might show up, more than 500 immigrant rights advocates from across Washington marched to the state Capitol in Olympia on Thursday. They were there to show support for two bills pending before the Legislature this year that would expand safety net benefits — including health care coverage and unemployment insurance — for immigrants who are in the country without legal authorization. Continue reading at Northwest Public Broadcasting. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero)

Tesla is the only EV maker that can sell directly to consumers in WA. Lawmakers might change that
Washington wants more electric vehicles on the road. It’s offered generous incentives for EV buyers and set deadlines barring new gasoline-powered car sales. The next step, some say, is revising a law that does not allow customers to buy an electric vehicle directly from the automaker, instead forcing them to go through a dealership. There’s one notable exception: Tesla. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Rivian)

Step up, WA lawmakers, and finally pass bill to make clergy report abuse
It’s a debate that’s lingered among state lawmakers for about 20 years. In the last two legislative sessions, two bills that would have made clergy members mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect have failed. Now, Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, who sponsored the previous bills, is trying again with Senate Bill 5375. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (campaign)

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Axios
18 Republicans cite 1600s case law to defend Trump birthright citizenship order

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County shelters house hundreds as winter snow, freezing temperatures hit region
Trump administration orders purge of some online health data. What will that mean in WA?

Capital Press
Ag industry groups alarmed by Trump tariffs
Trump’s tariffs on top farm trading partners draw swift reactions

The Daily News
WA bill expected not to affect Cowlitz County medical freedom resolution (Bronoske)

Everett Herald
Snohomish County PUD rates set to increase in April
Northshore school board begins search for new superintendent
Comment: Democrats have a winning issue: drug prices

News Tribune
Opinion: Dueling approaches: Washington considers ranked choice as Wyoming moves to ban it
Opinion: Keeping our kids safe: Addressing dangerous homeless encampments in Washington state

Northwest Asian Weekly
Annual Day of Remembrance for incarcerated Japanese and Japanese Americans to be held on Feb. 8

Olympian
How will Trump’s tariffs affect home prices, construction costs in Washington state?
Trump administration orders purge of some online health data. What will that mean in WA?
New business-sponsored poll shows WA voters think raising taxes, state spending is a ‘bad idea’

Puget Sound Business Journal
University of Washington names new president
Corporate opposition to Seattle tax proposal grows
Private equity real estate group buys Everett apartments
Federal changes create a ‘Wild West’ for employers as high-stakes cases are in limbo
Tacoma’s push to add thousands of affordable housing units by 2028 has been complicated by a sluggish permitting process

Seattle Medium
ICE Arrests Four Criminal Immigrants In Seattle Amid Controversy
Seattle Police Department Achieves First Officer Growth Since 2019
Robert J. Jones Named New President Of University Of Washington
Attorneys General Condemn Trump’s Orders Against DEIA Programs
Rep. Debra Entenman’s Conversation With Larry Jefferson, Director Of The Office Of Public Defense (Entenman)

Seattle Times
Trump preps order to dismantle Education Dept. as DOGE probes data
WA Legislature considers in-car speed limiters to help curb traffic deaths (Leavitt)
Research illuminates growing extinction threat for southern resident orcas
Opinion: Sensible WA tenancy laws will help housing stability
Editorial: Step up, WA lawmakers, and finally pass bill to make clergy report abuse (Frame)

Skagit Valley Herald
State sells retired ferry used in San Juan Island runs

Spokesman Review
Washington AG cautions federal workers on buyout offer
Downtown Spokane convenience stores asked to remove single-serving alcohol
Spokane cracks down on ‘predatory’ sale of crack pipes in downtown convenience stores
State Rep. Mike Volz appointed Spokane County Treasurer, replacing Michael Baumgartner
Trump tariffs target Washington’s top three export markets. Here’s how that might change your bills

Tri-City Herald
‘A Day Without Immigrants.’ Tri-Cities stores, restaurants close for nationwide protest

Washington Post
China strikes back at Trump’s tariffs with levies on U.S. imports
RFK Jr. passes key HHS confirmation hurdle with Senate panel vote
Trump preps order to dismantle Education Dept. as DOGE probes data
Red states eye moves to fingerprint children, certify bounty hunters in immigration crackdown

WA State Standard
Feds fly 110 detained migrants to Washington state, advocacy group says
Tesla is the only EV maker that can sell directly to consumers in WA. Lawmakers might change that (Doglio, Saldana)

Wenatchee World
Cantwell introduces act to improve wildfire forecasting tools
Wenatchee Valley businesses join nationwide ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ protest

Yakima Herald-Republic
MultiCare Yakima Memorial, other hospitals statewide helped by Medicaid payment boost

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Mount Vernon student arrested after bringing gun to school
University of Washington names Illinois Chancellor Robert J. Jones as next President

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Rate increases approved for Snohomish PUD electric customers
Washington’s first electric fire truck unveiled with $1M federal investment
Washington state’s $29 billion Canada trade link at risk by ongoing tariff disputes
Community voices safety concerns after Seattle police prostitution sting nets 9 arrests
UW names Robert J. Jones as first African American president, making historic milestone

KUOW Public Radio
Clergy would be required to report child abuse, under new bill (Frame)
Should Washington cities cut down on parking spots required at new developments?

KXLY (ABC)
Man accused of shooting Spokane 8th grader appears in court
Spokane City Council votes to restrict alcohol sales downtown

NW Public Radio
Hundreds rally in support of immigrants at Washington state Capitol
Inspectors find 21 gallons of invasive mussels on tugboat outside of Spokane

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Cloud Mountain Farm Center stops fruit production amid funding woes
Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Canada and Mexico after they pledge to boost border enforcement

Cascade PBS
Seattle City Council starts prepping for impact of Trump’s orders
University of Washington names Robert J. Jones as new president
Tacoma ICE center company sues to block inspection records release

MyNorthwest
Washington superintendent discusses ICE, budget deficit

The Urbanist
How Much Housing Growth Should Seattle Be Targeting?

West Seattle Blog
Duwamish Tribe wins new chance at federal recognition
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, SCHOOLS, TRANSIT: Tuesday info
WEDNESDAY: Your chance to speak at City Council’s public hearing on proposed rezoning and other Comprehensive Plan changes

Monday, February 3

In-car speed limiters considered as option to tackle rise in WA traffic deaths
“This intentional behavior weaponizes vehicles, turning them into missiles, more dangerous than bullets,” Smith Hudson’s father, Ted Smith, told the state House Transportation Committee on Thursday. “We need stiff consequences for these thrill seekers, and we must use any tools available to detect and stop this from happening again.”A bill the committee heard Thursday aims to do that. House Bill 1596, tentatively named the Andrea Smith Hudson Act, would allow drivers with a suspended license to still be able to drive despite a history of street racing or excessive speeding, defined as 20 mph over the speed limit. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Thurston County Sheriff Office)

Washington House committee advances controversial firearm bills amid heated debate
The Washington State House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee held a crucial executive session on Friday, where lawmakers debated and voted on three major firearm-related bills. These proposals address firearm purchase permits, ammunition sales restrictions and measures to curb firearm theft from vehicles. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Rod Waddington)

Make selection of state university presidents transparent
Sponsored by Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle, the bill would require universities to make the job finalists available to the public in an open forum. The meeting would allow questions from the public, including students and faculty. An expert in hiring of college presidents said campus visits before hiring ultimately are best for the university. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Lawrence Kreisman)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
SW Washington cities consider removing fluoride from drinking water

Axios
What Trump’s tariffs mean for your wallet
Flu high in Washington as “quad-demic” hits the U.S.
Trump, Sheinbaum agree to pause U.S.-Mexico tariffs for a month

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County schools closed after weekend snow, icy chill
Amtrak Cascades ridership nearly reached 1 million passengers in 2024 — a 41% increase
Port of Bellingham pushes ahead with 2025 upgrades to airport and waterfront properties
Pasco nonprofit sues WA Attorney General over unvaccinated workers fired during pandemic

Capital Press
Grant County farmers protest Washington transmission line

The Daily News
Teen lost legs in 2023 work accident. Now that company will oversee $44M Longview rail work.

Everett Herald
ORCA transfers help save money
More Everett students say ‘Hola!’ to another language
Developers challenge Snohomish River Watershed legal rights
Snohomish County officials offer students up-close look at civics in action
Paine Field readies for bigger, better office move
Comment: Health science on trial at Senate hearing
Comment: Using civic muscles behind bars to rebuild lives
Editorial: Push back news desert with journalism support

High Country News
The climate fight endures

Islands’ Weekly
Rent stabilization met with pushback by property owners (Alvarado)

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Joint statement from Attorney General Brown, 12 other attorneys general: State and local law enforcement cannot be commandeered for federal immigration enforcement

News Tribune
Why does WA have no income tax? That’s shaped class and the economy of Evergreen state

New York Times
One Response to Trump’s Tariffs: Trade That Excludes the U.S.
E.P.A. Tells More Than 1,000 They Could Be Fired ‘Immediately’
Trump’s Trade Move Could Increase Costs for Many Online Goods
Trump’s Halt on Climate Spending Freezes Jobs and Stalls Projects
From Groceries to Cars, Tariffs Could Raise Prices for U.S. Consumers

Olympian
ADU popularity is growing in Thurston County. But is it really affordable housing?
WA bill would ban flavored nicotine and tobacco to combat ‘epidemic’ of youth vaping (Reeves)
Pasco nonprofit sues WA Attorney General over unvaccinated workers fired during pandemic

Renton Reporter
REA fights for more education funding, system changes

Seattle Times
WA hospitals issue guidance on what to do if ICE arrives
Burien, WA cities keep tightening homeless camping bans
WA businesses fear higher costs, tougher exports due to Trump tariffs
Trump administration’s push for a federal funding freeze is back in court
Trump administration’s halt of CDC’s weekly scientific report stalls bird flu studies
Editorial: Make selection of state university presidents transparent (Pollet)

Skagit Valley Herald
City of Mount Vernon appoints assistant fire chief

South Whidbey Record
Federal grant freeze effort causes chaos, concern

Spokesman Review
WSU announces grass strain that doesn’t need burning
Website offers education on one side of the state budget problem
Quietly, slowly, Spokane has begun planning for removal of Monaghan statue
Trump tests the limits of presidential power with little resistance from Congress
Can I see your ID? How Idaho libraries are responding to law on ‘materials harmful to minors’
The library system in Kootenai County pulled 140 books from its shelves to review for its adults-only room
Opinion: Supporting democracy by supporting local journalism (Liias)

Tri-City Herald
40 miles of canal banks would expand Tri-Cities network of walking & biking trails
‘Changing face of housing.’ 40 proposed subdivisions hint at Tri-Cities future neighborhoods

Washington Post
Tariffs rattle markets; Dow slides 500 points
Trump halts tariffs on Mexico as it rushes troops to border
Trump, Musk wage two-front war as donor does president’s ‘dirty work’
It’s not just federal workers. Strict work culture is trending nationwide.

WA State Standard
Washington lawmakers confront juvenile detention overcrowding crisis (Frame, Goodman)
In-car speed limiters considered as option to tackle rise in WA traffic deaths (Leavitt)
Washington lawmakers hear public testimony on bill to define the role of sheriff’s ‘posses’ (Goodman)
Opinion: Budget reset: Stop the cycle of overspending — show voters the results

Wenatchee World
Protests against ICE raids draws hundreds in Wenatchee
The River Academy to build new $7M, 61,711-square-foot school
Chelan County Commissioners agree to short-term rental code changes
Hundreds rally for immigrant, refugee rights, urge lawmakers to expand healthcare and wage protections

Yakima Herald-Republic
Hundreds rally in downtown Yakima against Trump’s immigration raids
Yakima City Council to discuss pool funding and proposed developments

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘We don’t want to end up like California’: Washington races to prevent LA-scale wildfire

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Mexico, but import taxes still in place for Canada and China

KNKX Public Radio
The ripple effects of tariffs for Washington state
Washington State Parks pass could get more expensive

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council to vote on new ordinances restricting alcohol sales downtown
Washington legislation could put speed limiting devices on cars of habitual speeders (Leavitt)

NW Public Radio
Yakama Power looks to alternative energy storage projects
Decades-long Highway 12 expansion sees ‘light at the end of the tunnel’

Web

Cascadia Daily News
January DUI arrests are up 58% in Bellingham compared to 2024
This collection service in Bellingham is redefining what is recyclable — it’s gained a fanbase
Trump puts tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, spurring trade war as North American allies respond
Opinion: Bipartisan bill to boost local journalism also boosts democracy (Liias)

Cascade PBS
Lawmakers mull limit on out-of-state National Guard access in WA (Mena, Jinkins)

MyNorthwest
Speed demons on a leash: Bill would require limiter device for reckless drivers (Leavitt)
Washington House committee advances controversial firearm bills amid heated debate (Farivar)

Washington Observer
Because cow flatulence is just funny (Parshley)
Lawmakers pick a knife fight with Tesla (Saldaña, Chapman, Stanford, Liaas)
Big spending for K-12 heads to Senate Ways & Means (Wellman)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: February’s first weekday

Thursday, January 30

Washington Legislature Rolls Out Wide Array of Public Safety Bills
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Olympia have made it clear that public safety remains one of their top priorities, along with affordability, housing, and education. Newly elected Governor Bob Ferguson ran on a pro law enforcement platform and has vocally supported a focus on community safety and hiring more cops. The Washington State Legislature is considering a large array of proposals to meet these goals, from subsidizing police officers to considering more gun control legislation to addressing the state’s public defense crisis. Here is a sampling of the most impactful public safety legislation under consideration in Olympia. Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Amy Sundberg)

Trump admin lays out framework for order targeting transgender protections
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management issued guidance Wednesday instructing federal agencies on how to carry out President Trump’s executive order targeting transgender protections.It’s the latest in a series of moves aimed at stripping away civil rights and protections from transgender Americans in policies that will also greatly impact nonbinary people. Continue reading at Axios. (Maura Losch)

WA child care advocates push for higher pay and more support for providers
Lawmakers are trying to find more ways to support them and keep them in the job, including by upping pay, changing how reimbursement rates are calculated, and cutting fees and regulations. With a budget gap of around $12 billion, any new state spending may be difficult to approve this session, but advocates and lawmakers from both parties agree that strengthening the child care system is critical. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Laurel Demkovich)