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Thursday, January 16

7 takeaways from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address
Ferguson, a Democrat, took the oath of office on Wednesday in front of family, friends and lawmakers in a crowded House of Representatives chamber. The 59-year-old Seattlite began his new role after 12 years as the state’s attorney general. He is Washington’s 24th governor. In his inaugural address, Ferguson mapped out his priorities: building more housing, hiring additional police, protecting reproductive health care, and providing all public school students with access to free breakfast and lunch. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Ryan Berry)

WA lawmakers consider axing child care licensing fees
Senate Bill 5130, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Federal Way, would eliminate those fees. She said they can be a barrier as Washington battles a child care shortage. The proposal received a brief public hearing in Tuesday morning’s Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee meeting. An in-home provider must pay $30. A child care center must pay $125 for the first 12 children plus $12 for each additional child. The licensing fee for a center with 40 children would be $461. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

A look at the Washington Legislature’s 2025 environmental agenda
The biggest environmental bill that could have been on the table for the 2025-2027 legislative session looks unlikely this year. It would have created a new Washington agency to be a watchdog of the state’s oil industry. Without the impetus of climate hawk Gov. Jay Inslee, the Legislature will shift from trying to tame carbon pollution to a list of less paradigm-shifting goals. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (David Ryder)

Print

Axios
Seattle feels ripples of Amazon return
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson takes office
ICE records show Biden admin plans could give Trump a head start on deportations

Bellingham Herald
What’s behind the promising decline in Whatcom County drug overdoses, deaths in 2024?
Why are eggs so expensive? Whatcom farmers weigh in on bird flu outbreak, U.S. shortage

Capital Press
WDFW removes two wolves in southeast Washington
Editorial: Washington’s carbon limits won’t help climate
Editorial: OT reform would benefit workers as much as farmers

The Daily News
Kalama to resurrect class material committee after book complaints
Housing inventory rose nearly 41% in Cowlitz County, but it’s hardly a buyer’s market
Lack of restrooms leave homeless women at risk for rape, assault, infection, survey says
Homeless mothers seek supportive housing, substance use disorder services to break cycle

Everett Herald
Snohomish PUD reopens appliance upgrade program
South County Fire, UW to lead behavioral health training for firefighters
State, gun shop clash at WA Supreme Court over high-capacity magazine ban
Editorial: Vet shortage requires more access at WSU school

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Washington state makes history: First in the world to permanently ban commercial net pens to protect wild salmon, Orcas and Puget Sound ecosystems

News Tribune
Lion dancers, martial-arts display and food mark Tacoma’s welcome to Year of the Snake
Keith Swank sworn in as Pierce County Sheriff, vows to ‘crack down’ on human trafficking
Over 14,000 Tacomans aren’t U.S. citizens. Who is vulnerable to deportation under Trump?

New York Times
Toyota Truck Unit to Settle Emissions Fraud Charges for $1.6 Billion
Energy Dept. Backs $22 Billion in Loans to Reshape U.S. Power Grids

Olympian
In inaugural address, WA’s new Gov. Bob Ferguson says he’s ‘here to reform’ government (Mena)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing sees big commercial jet delivery decline in 2024
Seattle worker foot traffic up, but it remains stubbornly low
Tax break for residential conversions on the horizon in Seattle

Seattle Medium
Mayor Harrell And SPD Celebrate Recruitment Milestone
Rep. Kristine Reeves Elected Chair of House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
Seattle Launches Youth Civic Engagement Program To Empower Next Generation Of Leaders

Seattle Times
E-bike rebates are finally coming to WA. Here’s what to know
WA lawmakers consider axing child care licensing fees (Wilson, Krishnadasan)
Bob Ferguson issues 3 executive orders on first day as WA governor (Riccelli, Berg)
WA Attorney General Nick Brown opposes Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desired ‘sweep’ of AG funds
Gov. Ferguson distances from Inslee in inaugural speech, draws GOP praise (Scott, Fitzgibbon)
Opinion: It’s time for a hardheaded approach to some of WA’s issues

Skagit Valley Herald
Changes proposed for Skagit County development code

Spokesman Review
Ferguson signs executive orders related to abortion, housing minutes after inauguration
Republican leaders ‘pleasantly surprised’ at Gov. Ferguson’s bipartisan inaugural speech (Riccelli)
Sequins, feathers, glitter, beads. Here are the best dressed at the Governor’s Inaugural Ball (Ortiz-Self)
Ferguson takes oath of office, calls for streamlined government and bipartisanship in inaugural address (Heck)
Opinion: Washington’s illegal vapes are a national security issue

Tri-City Herald
LA shelter dogs and cats headed to Tri-Cities to make room for fire-displaced pets

Washington Post
Deportation at ‘light speed’: How Trump’s crackdown could unfold
Biden warns of the rise of a new American ‘oligarchy’ in farewell address
TikTok races toward a ban as Supreme Court — and Trump — weigh its fate
Trump’s pick for energy secretary rejects linking climate change and wildfires

WA State Standard
Washington’s newly elected statewide officials are sworn in
7 takeaways from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address (Fitzgibbon, Mena, Santos)
Washington’s new AG pushes back on Ferguson’s plan to drain $35M from agency
TikTok ban poised to disrupt information ecosystem, livelihood of millions of users
In farewell speech to nation, Biden warns of threat of ‘extreme wealth, power and influence’

Wenatchee World
Chelan County Commissioners hear final STR public comments
Can Washington’s farms survive? Labor shortages and deportation fears threaten agriculture

Yakima Herald-Republic
Toppenish cold weather shelter stays open as judge orders city and Yakama Nation to mediation

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
How does Washington’s snowpack compare to last year?
An in-depth look at Gov. Ferguson’s first 3 executive orders
City of Everett to shut down day center for homeless people
Bob Ferguson takes office as Washington’s governor (Fitzgibbon)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle Police celebrate hiring boost, first net gain since 2019
Officer-involved shooting in Auburn leaves one suspect dead
Chemical company found liable for some illnesses linked to Monroe school
Edmonds names interim police chief amid troubling city-wide financial woes
New legislation would require bars, nightclubs to provide date rape drug testing kits (Dhingra)
Governor Bob Ferguson takes office, signs executive orders on reproduction rights and housing
An Army doctor who sexually abused JBLM soldiers is sentenced to more than 13 years in prison

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Victims react as former JBLM doctor sentenced to over 13 years for sexual assault
Seattle man’s repeated park damage arrests highlight flaws in mental health interven
Gov. Ferguson signs executive orders on housing, reproductive rights and permitting reform
FULL TEXT: Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address (Jinkins, Davis, Santos, Callan, Reed, Mena, Berg, Senn, Pedersen, Nguyen, Riccelli)

KUOW Public Radio
UW enters federal agreement to improve response to discrimination claims
WA’s new governor takes office, promises big changes: ‘I’m not here to defend government’

KXLY (ABC)
New testing facility aims to make Spokane an aerospace hub
Spokane City Council proposes plans for dangerous intersection in Emerson Garfield neighborhood

NW Public Radio
Washington state, federal agencies finalize agreement for tank waste cleanup at Hanford

Web

Cascade PBS
Former AG Bob Ferguson sworn in as Washington’s 24th governor (Mena)
A look at the Washington Legislature’s 2025 environmental agenda (Doglio, Nguyen, Shavers)

MyNorthwest
From outlawed to mainstream: Washington cannabis workers push for union rights

The Urbanist
$80 Million Grant Advances South King County’s RapidRide I Toward Construction

Washington Observer
Here come the labor bills… (Ortiz-Self)
Bills for Inslee’s revenue proposals (Street)
Introducing the student bill of rights (Stonier)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday toplines
Countywide levy leads to South Delridge land purchase

Wednesday, January 15

With Record Membership, Washington State Black Caucus Sets Sights On Racial Equity
The Washington State Legislative Black Caucus (LBC) has made history as the largest Black Legislative Caucus in the Western United States. With the addition of two new members, Representatives Natasha Hill (D-Spokane) from the 3rd Legislative District and Shaun Scott (D-Seattle) from the 43rd Legislative District, the LBC now boasts 13 members, surpassing California’s Black Caucus in size. Continue reading at Seattle Medium. (Seattle Medium)

WA is ‘a light to the world’ Gov. Inslee tells lawmakers in his final State of the State address
Inslee’s remarks came during a joint session of the full Legislature in the House chamber. The outgoing Democrat highlighted what he views as the state’s strong track record of success, citing its efforts on early childhood education and paid family leave as well as its legalization of gay marriage. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Pete Caster)

Washington lawmakers propose an expansion of gun-free zones to protect public places
Senate Bill 5098 would build on a law passed last year that created gun-free zones in Washington. Last year’s bill included aquariums, zoos, criminal justice facilities, libraries, and transit facilities. This year’s adds local public buildings, parks, playgrounds, and places “where children are likely to be present.” “If you have a firearm and you want to keep people safe, keep it at home,” said Rep. Javier Valdez, a Democrat representing Seattle’s 46th District and sponsor of the bill, “I think you’re protecting more kids and families by not bringing your gun to a public place.”
Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

Print

Columbian
Cover for Interstate 5 connecting Fort Vancouver to downtown gets $30A boost

The Daily News
Longview staff to use ATVs, so council OKs vehicles for everyone
Domestic violence pushes women to Pacific Northwest streets, survey shows

Everett Herald
Edmonds mayor names acting chief during search for permanent replacement
Opinion: Welch: Spreading ‘tax policy love around’ would come at a cost (Frame, Peterson)
The Inlander
For the People: Here’s how you can interact with your Inland Northwest legislators this session

International Examiner
Inscape Arts Building tenants worry new light rail station could force them out

Journal of the San Juan Islands
A new governor piloting WSF (Liias, Fey, Paul, Nance)

News Tribune
It took four votes and a bit of drama, but Pierce County Council appoints a new member
Two years ago Tacoma banned public camping. What do data show about how it is enforced?

Olympian
WA is ‘a light to the world’ Gov. Inslee tells lawmakers in his final State of the State address

Port Townsend Leader
Jefferson County’s population grows 8%
Ferguson proposes $4B in cuts to ease budget deficit

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle falls in best-performing cities ranking
150 workers laid off in Pierce County plant closure
9 WA cities named fan zone sites for 2026 World Cup
Many hiring managers are avoiding new graduates. Here’s why.

Seattle Medium
With Record Membership, Washington State Black Caucus Sets Sights On Racial Equity (Hill, Scott, Donaghy, Entenman, Reeves, Street, Berg, Hackney, Taylor, Lovick, Nobles)

Seattle Times
WA Gov. Jay Inslee’s portrait unveiled as 3rd term comes to an end
Westneat: Amid the verbal sunshine, Inslee also goes out with some shade

Skagit Valley Herald
Burlington-Edison School Board discusses school restructuring
Speed limit to change on I-5 between Highway 20 and Cook Road
Skagit County commissioners extend moratorium on agritourism businesses

Spokesman Review
Gov. Inslee unveils official portrait painted by Spokane native
Spokane named FIFA World Cup fan zone by Seattle organizing committee
‘Evergreen and ever going forward,’ Inslee delivers final state of the state address Wednesday before soon departing governor’s office
‘America is handing the baton to Spokane’: Commerce Department awards $48 million to launch aerospace ‘tech hub’ in Airway Heights

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Water Taxi surges as advocates plan for Legislative session (Nance)

Washington Post
FDA bans controversial red dye found in candy, drinks and snacks
Surge in Americans getting sterilizations given states’ abortion laws
Inflation heated up in December, as prices continue to weigh on Americans

WA State Standard
Maternal death reviews get political as state officials intrude
With final speech, Inslee bids adieu as Washington governor
State and gun shop clash at WA Supreme Court over high-capacity magazine ban
U.S. House passes bill banning trans athletes from competing in women’s school sports

Whidbey News-Times
Net-pen farming no longer allowed in Salish Sea

Yakima Herald-Republic
Inslee pardons man who killed wife and sister-in-law in 1982 Toppenish case

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Traffic stop leads to deadly shooting in Auburn
Inslee doubles down on wealth tax proposal in final State of the State address (Jinkins, Pedersen)
Washington Supreme Court hears arguments on ban of ‘high-capacity’ magazines
Washington schools push back on state’s mandatory 20-minute lunchtime proposal
6 Washington counties suffered an estimated $34 million in damage during bomb cyclone

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington experiencing high flu levels, experts urge vaccination as deaths rise
Sober roads ahead: Washington lawmakers renew push to lower BAC limit to 0.05
Governor-elect Ferguson to deliver inaugural speech after he is sworn in as governor
Washington lawmakers propose an expansion of gun-free zones to protect public places (Valdez)
SBA setting up shop in Snohomish County for victims of November’s deadly bomb cyclone
‘We need to deal with it now’: Frustrations grow over gun violence, prostitution on Aurora Avenue

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods, food manufacturers to comply by 2027
Puyallup police chief calls for policy reform after 3 juvenile shooting arrests
New legislation would require bars, nightclubs to offer date rape drug test kits (Dhingra)
Boeing’s aircraft deliveries and orders in 2024 reflect the company’s rough year
State health officials report flu-related ER visits 5 times higher than alert threshold
Seattle considers stricter limits on less-lethal weapons as federal oversight nears end

KUOW Public Radio
Can a river have rights? Everett is finding out
WA trans community prepares for new administration
Inslee warns against budget cuts on final day as governor

KXLY (ABC)
Public Utility District receives full funding to restore Metaline Falls water system
Gov. Inslee talks progress, budget woes and Trump in final State of the State address

NW Public Radio
Washington State Labor Council wants better standards for child care industry, paid vacation leave for all

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Developers in Bellingham won’t face parking mandates for the next year (Bateman)

Cascade PBS
State, feds set new timeline for Hanford nuclear waste cleanup
Bob Ferguson talks challenges ahead as Washington’s next governor

MyNorthwest
Governor Jay Inslee’s final State of the State Address: A call for equity and resistance
Gun owners could be charged with felonies if firearm gets stolen under new proposed bill

The Urbanist
Ferguson Pushes Budget Cuts as Washington Legislature Seeks New Revenue (Ormsby, Jinkins)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
ALKI POINT HEALTHY STREET: SDOT unveils next steps and survey results

Tuesday, January 14

Rent Stabilization Tops Washington Democrats’ Housing Agenda for 2025 Session
While dozens of bills intended to increase the affordability of housing will be debated over the coming weeks, passing a statewide rent stabilization bill has emerged as a major priority for the caucus. There’s more momentum than ever behind the policy, which is being spearheaded by Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-34th, West Seattle). Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Ryan Packer)

Newly styled fashion bill debuts on Washington’s legislative runway
Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, introduced House Bill 1107 on the first day of this year’s session, which began Monday. The legislation intends to hold fashion giants with gross income over $100 million more accountable for how their products harm the environment. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Thanasis/Getty Images)

‘A different standard’: Native Americans still searched at far higher rates by Washington State Patrol, new data shows
Advocates have called for change. Lawmakers have pressed for answers. And the state patrol has acknowledged it’s a problem. But traffic stop data from 2018-2023 reveals that none of it has reduced the gap between Native American search rates and that of other groups, according to a new InvestigateWest analysis. Troopers continue to search Native Americans at a rate five times higher than whites. In fact, the disparity has increased since 2020. Continue reading at Indian Country Today. (Washington State Patrol)

Print

Axios
Density debate sparks friction in Seattle
What to know about bird flu in the Pacific Northwest

Bellingham Herald
Flu levels are ‘very high’ in Washington right now. Here’s what DOH says you should know
Whatcom County crew among firefighters attacking LA blaze larger than the size of Bellingham
The 2025 WA legislature convenes: Here’s your guide to the busy first week of the 105-day session (Jinkins)

Capital Press
USDA: Winter wheat seeding up 2% in Pacific Northwest, U.S.
Red states, senator ask Supreme Court to keep Corporate Transparency Act in check

Columbian
Clark County criminal justice agencies assess needs in work sessions with city, county officials

The Daily News
Reports show anxiety, depression up among Cowlitz County youth. Here’s how 1 school district’s therapy dog helps.

Everett Herald
Marysville middle school mock trial program in session
Snohomish County bomb cyclone victims can access federal disaster loans
Editorial: Alliance makes renewed pitch for economic efforts

Indian Country Today
‘A different standard’: Native Americans still searched at far higher rates by Washington State Patrol, new data shows (Goodman)

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap farms taking precaution, watching warily as bird flu outbreak continues

News Tribune
Gig Harbor City Council member resigns following decision to move outside city limits
‘Lift everybody up.’ High hopes abound as new community center opens in Pierce County
Flu levels are ‘very high’ in Washington right now. Here’s what DOH says you should know
This Tacoma Democrat was elected as the state Senate’s second-in-command for the ’25 session (Conway, Keiser, Heck, Lovick)
Opinion: Fighting for public education: Washington Charters’ vision for students and families

New York Times
In a First, the E.P.A. Warns of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Fertilizer

Olympian
Will Washington state finally make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2025? What we know

Seattle Times
WA bill would limit cellphone use in schools (Leavitt, Berry)
What to know about Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson
WA Legislature starts 2025 session as fierce budget debate looms (Jinkins)
People of color pay higher interest on business loans, UW report finds
Republicans say they want to put conditions on wildfire aid to California
WA wanted to be a national leader on solar panel recycling. It’s had a tough start
Editorial: Youth incarceration poses major challenge to DCYF’s new boss
Opinion: Reform of policy, care delivery can bridge kids’ dental health gap

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit Transit celebrates $19.5 million grant

Spokesman Review
STA lands $2 million grant for Division Street rapid bus route to Mead
New Spokane-area legislators excited for first day of session as work begins (Hill, Riccelli)
Early learning center in a rural eastern Washington town seeks approval for a $3.9 million to expand and address growing demand

Tri-City Herald
WA Legislature asked to widen Columbia Center Blvd. + other Kennewick priorities

Washington Post
This group says natural gas bans hurt minorities. It has gas industry ties.
Police are using facial recognition to arrest suspects without other evidence

WA State Standard
2025 Washington state legislative session begins (Jinkins, Conway)
WA’s newest state Supreme Court justice is sworn in
Newly styled fashion bill debuts on Washington’s legislative runway (Mena)
Inslee requests federal aid for public infrastructure damaged by bomb cyclone
U.S. Senate moves ahead with immigration bill expanding detention for theft, shoplifting

Wenatchee World
State renames 2 mountain peaks north of Wenatchee
Chelan County PUD to add durable markings, signs, lights on Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail

Yakima Herald-Republic
Gov. Inslee approves largest solar project to date in WA near Sunnyside

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle vets warn pet owners to keep cats indoors to avoid bird flu
Washington considers mandatory minimum lunch breaks for students
What to know about immigration in Washington amid threats of ‘mass deportations’
Plea for safety in Seattle’s CID as community seeks $1.5M for revitalization amid rising crime

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Rapid DNA and the future of solving cold cases
Drivers speak up at Metro safety meeting after death of coworker
Teachers ask lawmakers for changes to improve classroom safety (Santos, Wellman)
Key Peninsula Fire closes station for 24 hours, more closures possible
The Washington budget mystery: How big is the state’s deficit really? (Ormsby)

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
SoDo zoning change pitched for housing on proposed Seattle arena site
Six gun control bills before lawmakers in Olympia on heels of north Seattle shootout
New legislative session begins in Olympia with projected $12 billion budget shortfall
New recruits bring hope and change to Seattle police force amid staffing improvements
Parking woes persist for West Seattle neighbors near high school amid campus changes
King County Council signals support for more police, safety protections on Metro Transit

KUOW Public Radio
Local jails in WA could finally get state oversight
3 things to watch as WA’s 2025 legislative session kicks off (Jinkins)

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane schools see impact of no-phone policy halfway through year

NW Public Radio
In Clarkston, a home sharing company helps people find housing
Amid ‘economic eviction,’ residents find hope for housing authority

Web

MyNorthwest
Healthcare company pays Washington more than $1M for overbilling
Opinion: Facing budget cuts, will Olympia finally fund our roads like it should?

Cascade PBS
Jay Inslee reflects on 12 years as Washington governor
WA legislative staffers approve union contracts ahead of session

The Urbanist
Rent Stabilization Tops Washington Democrats’ Housing Agenda for 2025 Session (Alvarado, Jinkins)

Washington Observer
The curtain goes up in Olympia (Ormsby, Mena, Alvarado)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday toplines

Monday, January 13

WA bill would offer unemployment benefits to immigrants not authorized to work in U.S.
State lawmakers have limited power over federal immigration enforcement. But in Washington’s upcoming legislative session, legislators will be looking at a bill to strengthen the safety net for immigrants working in the state without legal authorization. Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle, is re-introducing a bill this session to help these workers access unemployment insurance. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Legislative Support Services)

Washington Legislature to again consider free school lunches for all students, could this be the year?
Governor-elect Bob Ferguson intends to trim $4.4 billion from the state budget, but listed universal free lunches for Washington schoolchildren in his budget priorities announced Thursday. He spent part of his day Friday visiting Whitman Elementary in Spokane emphasizing his commitment to free lunches. The push for universal free lunches in Washington started after the federal government instituted the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading at Spokesman-Review. (Tyler Tjomsland)

Rent increases in WA could get capped at 7% under latest push by Democratic lawmakers
Housing affordability is a big concern among Washingtonians who feel crushed under the weight of inflation and skyrocketing rents. It’s why Democratic lawmakers this session are again trying to limit annual rent hikes to no more than 7%. State Sen. Yasmin Trudeau of Tacoma and state Rep. Emily Alvarado of Seattle are sponsoring legislation that would do just that. A similar push failed last session, but the lawmakers hope that 2025 will be their year. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Cameron Sheppard)

Print

Axios
5 bills we’re watching in Washington’s Legislature this year
Budget battle to dominate new Washington legislative session (Jinkins, Pedersen)

Bellingham Herald
Cantwell, Murray say they’ll push for amendments to improve policies of Laken Riley Act
CA fires brought reports of insurers canceling home, fire coverage. Can that happen in WA?
Bellingham City Council poised to waive parking-space minimums for new housing projects
Rent increases in WA could get capped at 7% under latest push by Democratic lawmakers (Trudeau, Alvarado, Jinkins, Pedersen)

Capital Press
Inslee OKs solar project opposed by county
Lawsuit: Flood insurance rules subvert Oregon farmland protections
Cap-and-trade’s triumph emboldens Washington Democrats (Pedersen)

Everett Herald
Critics question proposed amendments to habitat ordinance
SMART investigators examine police use of force at Marysville Costco.
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence
Comment: King’s call to fulfill dream still ours to heed
Comment: Disaster relief no place for political football
Comment: Investors will sit at end of line for Boeing’s rebound
Comment: The struggle over the Department of Everything Else
Editorial: State, local leaders chew on budget, policy needs (Berg, Kloba)

Federal Way Mirror
Washington lawmakers begin push to ban flavored vapes (Reeves, Nobles)

Journal of the San Juan Islands
New report: Washington met 2020 greenhouse gas emissions limit

Kent Reporter
Kent city leaders to pursue state streamlined sales tax mitigation funds

News Tribune
5 key debates shaping homelessness funding in Pierce County
Popular pre-K class with a waitlist gets Pierce Co. kids outside. Its funding is at risk
Why 3 Pierce County drug-treatment facilities will be on probation for at least a decade
New executive ousts Pierce County’s director of homeless services. Interim chief named
Young people are key part of strategy to tackle homelessness in 2025, Pierce County says
Rent increases in WA could get capped at 7% under latest push by Democratic lawmakers (Trudeau, Alvarado, Jinkins, Pedersen)

New York Times
OpenAI Courts Trump With Vision for ‘A.I. in America’
How Lagging Vaccination Could Lead to a Polio Resurgence
Biden Administration Adopts Rules to Guide A.I.’s Global Spread
What if ICE Agents Show Up? Schools Prepare Teachers and Parents.
How Unauthorized Immigrants Help Finance Social Security Benefits
Dementia Cases in the U.S. Will Surge in the Coming Decades, Researchers Say
Group of Experts Says R.F.K. Jr. Would ‘Significantly Undermine’ Public Health

Olympian
What are local leaders doing to address housing affordability? Public invited to solutions forum (Bateman)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon joins other companies in cutting back diversity programs

Seattle Medium
Seattle In 2025: A Glimpse Into The City’s Future
Washington’s New Law Addresses Negligent Driving Incidents Involving Vulnerable Road Users

Seattle Times
WA parents launch a ‘Billion Dollar Bake Sale’ for K-12 funding
WA is a hotbed for carbon capture research. What is it anyway?
Jay Inslee’s wins and setbacks during his 12 years as WA governor
WA’s new police accountability office is up and running — partially
WA lawmakers to consider rent hike caps, housing density (Macri, Bateman, Walen)
WA Legislature considers climate, environmental bills this session (Fitzgibbon, Doglio, Berry, Mena)
Editorial: WA’s troubled local jails need independent oversight (Saldaña)
Opinion: Setting the record straight on WA clean truck rules

Spokesman Review
Extension of protected status could help thousands of Ukrainian refugees stay in Spokane
After Biden banned Russian uranium, Richland hopes to land $3B nuclear fuel plant with 1,000 jobs
Washington Legislature to again consider free school lunches for all students, could this be the year? (Riccelli)
No amount of drinking is without risk of cancer, surgeon general finds. What does that mean for Spokane?
Washington lawmakers focus on money woes as they consider cuts – and maybe taxes – to balance budget (Ormsby, Riccelli)
Cantwell and Murray say they’ll push for amendments as Senate gears up to debate deportation policy in Laken Riley Act
Opinion: How to keep up with the Legislature as it faces changes, red ink and drama

Tri-City Herald
Hanford nuclear site contractor dinged $10.2M for claims of some ‘excessively’ idle workers
Will Washington state finally make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2025? What we know
Lawmakers focus on money woes as they consider cuts — and taxes — to balance WA budget (Ormsby, Riccelli)

Washington Post
China’s exports jump to record high in rush to beat Trump tariffs
Wall Street firms are ditching climate coalitions. Do they matter?
Billed as nonaddictive, new pain pill could soon win FDA approval

WA State Standard
Six lawmakers to watch in Washington’s 2025 session (Pedersen, Frame, Alvarado)
2025 Washington state legislative session begins today
Minimum wages are increasing in nearly half the states this year
Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases (Alvarado, Trudeau, Pedersen)
Everything you need to know about Washington’s 2025 legislative session
Democratic legislative staff in Washington approve first-ever labor contract
WA bill would offer unemployment benefits to immigrants not authorized to work in U.S. (Saldaña)
Native Americans still searched at far higher rates by Washington State Patrol, new data shows

Wenatchee World
Certain NCW retirees could see thousands in back pay, benefits
Wenatchee native becomes one of WA’s youngest police officers
Overdose deaths climb in Chelan County: Local experts discuss fentanyl
NCW firefighters head to California to help battle devastating Los Angeles wildfires

Yakima Herald-Republic
Path to mental health help isn’t always easy for first responders, but Yakima area officials trying to do more

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Shuttle buses replace light rail in Seattle this weekend for expansion work
Seattle neighborhood shaken after gunfire riddles home, car in school zone

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Centralia officer fatally shoots man during domestic dispute call
Memorial for slain Metro bus driver highlights need for safety improvements
Mercer Island detectives identify suspects involved in hate crime at middle school
Western Washington teachers ask lawmakers for changes to improve classroom safety

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New legislative session to begin with $12 billion budget shortfall
Washington officials urge wildfire preparedness amid California crisis
Family, friends remember safe streets advocate killed in Burien road rage incident
Rescue flight moves 60+ animals from L.A. shelters to Seattle to help with wildfire impact

KNKX Public Radio
Progressive WA lawmakers reintroduce bill to cap rent increases (Alvarado, Macri)
Tribes, environmentalists gather forces against Amazon’s Northwest nuclear plan
Lawmakers aim to pass bill so striking workers can access unemployment benefits (Conway)

KUOW Public Radio
King County Metro drivers mourn Shawn Yim, decry violence
Hundreds of Washington firefighters sent to battle LA wildfires
‘We are at a crisis.’ Seattle Eastside schools call for increased state funding
Adams County violated Washington’s sanctuary laws by cooperating with Border Patrol, lawsuit alleges

KXLY (ABC)
WA lawmakers propose property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans

NW Public Radio
Fish hatchery transferred to Yakama Nation, upgrades underway

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Longer wait times, work visa impacts: What Trump policies could mean for northern border
Rep. Alex Ramel: Legislative preview: To balance budget, it’s time to talk about progressive tax reform

Crosscut
Washington’s 2025 legislative priorities: Budget, housing, police (Pedersen, Frame, Dhingra, Walen, Farivar)
Progressive WA lawmakers reintroduce bill to cap rent increases (Alvarado, Macri)

MyNorthwest
The Washington budget mystery: How big is the state’s deficit really? (Ormsby)
Inslee strengthens abortion laws as one of departing acts before leaving office

The Urbanist
Rent Stabilization Tops Washington Democrats’ Housing Agenda for 2025 Session (Alvarado, Jinkins)
Opinion: Washington State Should Allow Riders to Serve on Transit Boards (Timmons)

Washington Observer
Lawmakers aim for AI (Dhingra, Orwall, Shavers)
Ferguson offers his budget “proposal”

Friday, January 10

4 things to expect from WA’s 2025 legislative session
Washington state lawmakers will convene in Olympia next week for a 105-day marathon legislative session. Leaders offered a preview of their priorities Thursday as they gear up for lawmaking and budget writing, as the clock starts on the new fiscal cycle July 1. Five panels of leaders, including House and Senate leadership, budget and transportation leaders, outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson spoke on new proposals for the upcoming year and how they plan to fill a massive hole in the state budget. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)

Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases
Despite the rent cap bill’s dramatic failure last session, backers say its prospects this year are better given new lawmakers, revamped legislative committees and growing public support. The road to final passage, however, could still be tough. Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, prefiled a “rent stabilization” bill in the House on Thursday. It is similar to where the plan left off last year. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Bill Lucia)

Washington among states with highest homeless population
While homelessness grew at a faster rate nationwide than in Washington between 2023 and 2024, the number of people living without homes in the Evergreen State has continued to rise, despite years of state and local pledges to tackle the problem. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)