Daily E-Clips

Monday, July 13

WA, other states sue Trump administration to block school mental health funding cuts
Fifteen states on Friday sued the Trump administration to prevent millions of dollars in cuts to school-based mental health funding. The new lawsuit is part of an ongoing legal battle between Democratic-led states and the U.S. Department of Education over a mental health grant program that Congress established following the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. At stake is a $1 billion program that offers grants to school districts across the country to help them hire and train more mental health professionals to work in schools. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Corinne Smith)

Outdoor guides struggle as Washington’s rivers shrink amid drought
Washington is in its fourth straight year of drought, and many rivers are running much lower and slower than normal. This impacts fishermen and farmers. It is also a problem for outdoor recreation, as the changing conditions make some activities more difficult and dangerous. Continue reading at KNKX. (Parker Miles Blohm)

WA pre-K program’s growth a frustration for some childcare providers
The program’s rapid growth in recent years has been met with frustration and concern from some private childcare providers, like Murphey, who have struggled to enroll 4-year-olds. That age group is particularly helpful in making providers’ budgets work because they take less resources to care for than younger kids. The saga of Transition to Kindergarten illustrates one of the biggest challenges in expanding access to early learning: The existing childcare system is fragile. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Friday, July 10

Judge: WA can do health inspections at Tacoma detention center
A federal judge ruled in favor of Washington on Thursday, allowing state Department of Health officials to inspect the region’s largest immigration detention center after thousands of complaints from people detained there. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Hundreds of children ordered to appear at new ‘mega’ immigration hearings in Seattle
Seattle’s immigration court is packed with kids this week. Minors used to only have their hearings on Fridays, attorneys say — but starting Tuesday, the federal government embarked on what it says is a new way to process a backlog of cases. All these cases used to take months or years to process. Now they’re being moved up, sped up, and packed in on more days — in what are called “mega master” hearings. These expanded hearings have already been taking place for adults over the past weeks and have now started for children. Continue reading at KUOW. (Gustavo Sagrero)

Washington wildfire season turns deadly
State of play: A fast-moving blaze near Lake Chelan underscores the danger state officials have been warning about for months. Driving the news: The Chelan Hills fire — which investigators say started July 4th near Highway 97 — has killed one person, destroyed homes and forced evacuations. Continue reading at Axios. (Brendan Lynch)

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Axios
Washington’s wildfire season turns deadly
Microsoft’s AI boom collides with its climate goals
Meta’s new AI image maker draws fire over consent
Trump refuses to sign housing bill after SAVE Act stalls
Mexico threatens legal action over citizens’ deaths in ICE custody

Bellingham Herald
Federal judge authorizes health inspections at Northwest ICE Processing Center

Capital Press
Special envoy may visit embattled Washington landowners

Everett Herald
Local officials sound alarm bells over proposed Forest Service cuts
In response to gun violence, some push for police officers at Edmonds School District

The Inlander
It’s easy to compare and complain about what’s missing in the Inland Northwest, but solutions to many major issues are already underway

Kitsap Sun
Belfair man, 7 others charged in alleged plot to attack White House
Expansion of Bremerton’s Warren Ave Bridge slated to begin in 2027
Nimitz arrives at new home after final deployment, Bremerton departure
What are Trump Accounts? Here’s what WA parents should know to sign up

News Tribune
Protesters occupy WA Capitol Campus building in Olympia, disrupt meeting
Federal judge authorizes health inspections at Northwest ICE Processing Center

New York Times
Meta Told to Make Changes to Instagram and Facebook in Europe
Trump Administration Fires Members of Independent Election Group
At Least 21 People Have Been Shot by Federal Immigration Agents Since Last Year

Northwest Asian Weekly
CID advocates rally at Seattle Stadium, demand World Cup economic parity (Santos)
Diverse community rally calls for Mayor Wilson to take down cameras citywide, cancel Axon contract

Olympian
Protesters occupy WA Capitol Campus building in Olympia, disrupt meeting

Puget Sound Business Journal
Radar maker Echodyne opens $40 million plant in Woodinville

Seattle Times
Tacoma says new data centers aren’t allowed
New Washington license plate to honor Mount St. Helens
Okanogan County wildfire prompts immediate evacuation orders
Judge: WA can do health inspections at Tacoma detention center
Opinion: WA pension plans should divest from fossil fuel companies

Spokesman Review
Chelan Hills fire under criminal investigation
Evacuations lifted, I-90 reopened after wildfire in Vantage
WA Republicans call for a special session amid rising gas prices

Washington Post
Trump fires members of bipartisan elections commission
Why we don’t know what food is spreading the parasite sickening thousands
Trump denies this Congress what could be its last major bill-signing ceremony
Assigning FEMA staff to immigration enforcement hurt disaster work, House report says

WA State Standard
WA inspectors must be let inside Tacoma immigrant detention center, judge rules
Bracing for Idaho’s new ban, group maps safe bathrooms across the state for trans people
Columbia Gorge farmers seek pear disaster declaration, revised housing and overtime rules

Yakima Herald-Republic
Galbraith denies ‘illegal activity’ in alleged stalking; Torres voter registration challenge dismissed

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Stand-alone data centers barred in Tacoma under zoning code
Seattle hotel workers still fighting for new deal as strike enters fourth week
Washington Poison Center warns of rise in calls involving NeeDoh squishy toys
‘Way too early’: Budget authors stop short of backing Ferguson’s no-new-tax ‘expectation’ (Robinson, Gregerson)
Federal judge sides with state to allow health inspectors into Northwest ICE Detention Center

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Revive I-5 closures return to Seattle this weekend
Meta to use your Instagram images for AI; how to stop it
New law changes rules, restrictions for E-bikes in Washington
Washington drought set to worsen as heat wave, El Niño loom over Pacific Northwest
Family of pregnant woman killed in shooting sues King Co. homeless organization for wrongful death
Washington Senate Republicans urge Gov. Bob Ferguson to call special session to suspend climate fuel

KNKX Public Radio
Transient killer whales are showing up more often in Washington waters
Emergency response into Longview disaster ends, but investigations continue
A major housing bill is set to become law at midnight — even though Trump says he won’t sign

KUOW Public Radio
Microsoft’s climate-warming emissions surge 25%, driven by AI
Hundreds of children ordered to appear at new ‘mega’ immigration hearings in Seattle

KXLY (ABC)
State mobilization authorized to help fight 2,000-acre wildfire in Okanogan County

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Day shelter site has history of flooding, but Iowa Street drainage project could be remedy

Cascade PBS
Survey of WA youth shows reasons for optimism, but challenges remain

The Urbanist
Zahilay and Wilson Partially Dismantle KCRHA Amid Rising Homelessness
Court of Appeals Hands Seattle Another Burke-Gilman Missing Link Setback
Issaquah Councilmembers Push for Bolder Options as Housing Reforms Ramp Up

Thursday, July 9

WA leads lawsuit to block Trump’s homelessness funding rules
The new federal requirements would limit funding for programs that provide stable, long-term housing to people coming out of homelessness without any requirements for sobriety or income. Historically that has made up 90% of federal homelessness dollars … For Washington state, the changes could reduce federal funding by more than $37 million and cut off support for 2,911 formerly homeless people who are now in housing, according to an estimate from the National Alliance to End Homelessness Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)

The hidden costs of low-tax states
Friction point: The shift toward consumption taxes could make state tax systems feel lighter for high earners while taking a bigger bite from lower-income families. Because Black and Hispanic households are disproportionately represented among lower-income and lower-wealth Americans, the tax divide among states could quietly reinforce racial inequality. Continue reading at The hidden costs of low-tax states. (Erin Davis)

Study finds dangerous chemicals in the breast milk of Seattle moms
Breast milk samples from moms in the Seattle area contained chemicals linked to health problems, new research has found. The chemicals are often used in beverage can liners, receipt paper, and other products, and they’ve been linked to reproductive problems, cancer, and immune problems like asthma. Continue reading at KUOW. (Elaine Thompson)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Contaminated clean up sites in Grays Harbor discussed
Nat Kale picked to direct Ecology’s Office of Chehalis Basin

Axios
The hidden costs of low-tax states

Capital Press
Central Oregon irrigation district shuts off water amid historic drought

Everett Herald
Comment: Forestry matters — Part 1
Healthcare officials break ground on Arlington medical building

Kitsap Sun
How to vote in WA primary if you turn 18 before November 4
Paid parking in downtown Poulsbo starts in August. What to know

Puget Sound Business Journal
Glimmer of hope emerges for Seattle-area office market
Housing project proposed near University District light rail station

Seattle Times
In the AI race, Microsoft’s emissions jump
WA leads lawsuit to block Trump’s homelessness funding rules
Trump to seek Supreme Court rehearing on birthright citizenship

Washington Post
Why health insurance premiums are set to skyrocket in 2027
In reopening Iran war, Trump revives a political problem he can’t shake
Massive Va. data center project won’t go forward after backer ends legal fight
Trump wants the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling upholding birthright citizenship

WA State Standard
Divisions emerge as WA looks to retool its wolf shooting rules
Trump faces looming deadline to sign popular bipartisan housing package

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Federal Way passes one-year data center moratorium
ICE ramps up arrests in Puget Sound region under new nationwide quota
Delta sued over Seattle job posting that allegedly lacked required pay range
Power issue suspends Link light rail between Northgate, Stadium and Judkins Park stations
4 sentenced to federal prison after targeting, robbing Asian American business owners in Oregon and Washington

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle looking to eliminate hidden and junk fees for renters
Surveillance cameras in Seattle’s Stadium District shut off after FIFA World Cup
A look at the damage from the deadly Chelan Hills wildfire as families prepare to rebuild

KUOW Public Radio
Study finds dangerous chemicals in the breast milk of Seattle moms

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Mount Vernon council opts not to censure mayor
New director appointed to Meridian School Board
Opinion: Orca captures are over, but whales still need our help

Cascade PBS
WATCH: Teen gambling on the rise in Washington

MyNorthwest
Washington Republicans urge Gov. Ferguson to call special session on gas prices

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday watch, with West Seattle Summer Fest street closures and bus reroutes
FOLLOWUP: Not quite ‘move-in time’ at new Alki Elementary School

Wednesday, July 8

DOJ threatens WA election officials with prosecution if noncitizens vote
The letter sets up the latest standoff between the Trump administration and Washington election officials. Trump has long railed against noncitizen voting without evidence, and sought state voter rolls to stave off electoral fraud, which is almost nonexistent. This despite election oversight being the purview of states and Congress. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)

Payroll tax, benefits program WA Cares sees 50% denial rate among early applicants
Less than 3% of Americans have private long-term care insurance, according to the governor’s office. The office said nearly half a million Washingtonians are expected to need long-term care services or support within the next decade. Continue reading at KING 5. (KING 5)

Washington state’s gas tax will now rise every year automatically
Between the lines: State Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma), who chairs the House Transportation Committee, told Axios that annual adjustments are partly intended to avoid the need for another large gas tax increase years down the road. He described those votes as “extremely hard,” noting that Washington already has one of the nation’s highest gas taxes. Continue reading at Axios. (Gabriella Turrisi/Axios)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Opinion: Birthright citizenship ruling: Fight goes on for fundamental rights

Axios
Microsoft dashes game developer dreams
Obamacare premiums set for another double-digit jump
Washington state’s gas tax will now rise every year automatically (Liias, Fey)

Bellingham Herald
Visitor spending in Whatcom County dropped in 2025 for first time since pandemic

Kitsap Sun
Areas near Staircase, Lake Cushman reopening after fire closures
Poulsbo council picks new member to fill opening left by resignation

News Tribune
UW Tacoma is contaminated. University wants judge to force city to pay, act
Abuse claims at Remann Hall cost Pierce County again. 100 more are out there

New York Times
Health Insurance Giants Are Fighting Efforts to Break Them Up
Global Economy, Hit by Iran War and Inflation, Faces Sharp Slowdown

Olympian
Testing underway at former Olympia Brewery. What does it mean for the property?

Port Townsend Leader
City, cop face misconduct allegations in federal lawsuit
Uber activated, city confirms rideshare services are allowed
State to conduct safety inspection at mill following deadly implosion in Longview
City manager lone candidate for Bainbridge post, council to discuss succession plan

Puget Sound Business Journal
Foreclosures are rising — and these areas are the hardest hit
Seattle leaders tout World Cup success as spotlight moves on

Seattle Times
Why more WA drivers are going in circles
WA human rights commissioner resigns amid antisemitism claims
Trans people are fleeing red states for Seattle. The city can’t keep up.
WA superintendent proposes life skills class for high school seniors

Spokesman Review
Spokane Valley nabs $21 million grant for Sullivan, Trent interchange project
Spokane pastor resigns from state Human Rights Commission following antisemitic comments

Washington Post
Return-to-office mandates are a pay cut in disguise
Trump accounts could help privatize Social Security
ICE officer fatally shoots Mexican man in Houston during traffic stop
Oil prices surge and markets fall after Trump says Iran ceasefire is over
The state GOP redrew Tennessee’s election maps. Voters are fighting back.
Boomers will pass down massive wealth, and it will mostly go to people who are already rich
Cancer cases worldwide are expected to soar in the coming decades, a report finds. Here’s why.

WA State Standard
Comment: Curbing foster care saves children’s lives
To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums
DOJ threatens WA election officials with prosecution if noncitizens vote

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Pedestrian killed by Sounder train near Carkeek Park
Chelan Hills fire: 100 structures lost, 1 dead as criminal investigation begins
Payroll tax, benefits program WA Cares sees 50% denial rate among early applicants
Experts say AI isn’t directly replacing workers as Microsoft cuts hundreds of jobs in Washington

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Chelan Hills Fire now 50% contained
14-year-old dies in Seattle e-bike crash at Colonnade Park after losing control on steep stairs

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson proposes ban on rental junk fees, hidden landlord charges
‘A dangerous hub for exploitation’: Seattle man gets 20 years for trafficking minor on Aurora Avenue
Storm-ravaged US 2 near Leavenworth getting permanent repairs this month, including 4-day closure

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson turns off Stadium District cameras as soccer fans depart
Washington law says to alert the public when doctors are accused of misconduct. It can take months

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Valley gets $21 million for road interchange project
Wildfire danger peaks in Spokane area as officials urge residents to eliminate fire risks

Web

Cascade PBS
WATCH: A look at dangerous weight control behaviors in WA youth
WATCH: LGBTQ+ teens report less hope, more bullying in WA survey

MyNorthwest
Seattle surveillance cameras shut off after FIFA World Cup
Judge rejects Justice Department attempt to get names of 2020 election workers in Fulton County

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Wednesday watch
FOLLOWUP: King County Executive’s two-part plan for Harbor Island Studios’ future

Tuesday, July 7

These 3 WA communities now need state approval for election rule changes
For the first time, three Washington state local governments will need the state’s OK before implementing new voting policies due to their histories of diluting the power of Latino voters. Yakima County and the cities of Yakima and Pasco won’t be able to change election and voting rules without approval from state Attorney General Nick Brown through a process called “preclearance” under the state Voting Rights Act. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Laurel Demokovich)

Century of fire suppression turned state forests into kindling; Washington is correcting course
The state is nearly halfway to the goal set out in its action plan to “treat” 1.25 million acres of forest using prescribed burns. The effort relies on the coordination of federal, tribal, state, local and private entities that own the total 2.9 million acres of forest in the state…But landscape-scale benefits of prescribed burns may not be realized for decades because of the enormous volume of untreated land. Continue reading at Cascadia Daily News. (Will Durbin)

Seattle mayor wants to ban rental ‘junk fees’
The bill lays out a specific list of fees that landlords are allowed to charge renters. Anything not explicitly mentioned would be banned. The most standard fees would still be permissible — for security, utility surcharges, late rent payments, key replacement, bounced checks and parking. But fees for things like pet rent, mail, in-unit appliances, use of checks or money orders to pay rent and use of the common area would be disallowed. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)