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Thursday, February 20

WA sheriffs respond to Trump’s immigration enforcement plans
In a survey conducted by InvestigateWest and Cascade PBS, the majority of Washington sheriffs said they would focus their resources on public safety and local laws, not federal immigration enforcement. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (Genna Martin)

Seattle holds Day of Remembrance rally 83 years after Executive Order 9066 was signed
Wednesday, Feb. 19, marked a grim anniversary in American history: Eighty-three years ago, an executive order led to the mass incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans. The trauma from the forced removals still remains today, as Seattle held its Day of Remembrance rally. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Washington State Senate Approves Sweeping Parking Reform Bill
By a 40-8 vote Wednesday, the Washington State Senate approved a comprehensive overhaul limiting the ability of local counties and medium- and large-sized cities to require off-street parking in new development. The final passage of Senate Bill 5184, sponsored by Senator Jessica Bateman (D-22nd, Olympia), represents a seismic shift when it comes to parking reform in Washington. It is one of the most robust parking reform packages to move forward in any state. Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Doug Trumm)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Letters (parental rights, gun bills)

Axios
Washington state home listings rise but affordability doesn’t
Trump’s appeal on birthright citizenship order rejected by court
Federal layoffs hit national parks and forests in Washington state

Bellingham Herald
Washington is one of the ‘most educated’ states in the US. Here’s where it ranks and why
Here’s what WA sheriffs said when asked about Trump administration’s immigration plans
Federal investigation finds Bellingham restaurants owe workers $82K for OT, tip violations

Capital Press
Economic outlook for grains appears volatile
Washington Democrat says wolf policy failing (Chapman)
Judge reinstates CTA reporting law; new deadline set
Oregon farm regulators look to expand poultry options
$4 million proposed in Oregon for disadvantaged community water research

Courier-Herald
Opinion: WA journalism bill update, Longview paper resumes after cyberattack

Everett Herald
15 in Snohomish County killed by flu, highest in three years
A frustrated Trump wants Boeing to deliver his new Air Force One pronto
Comment: Musk’s shoddy aim at USAID hit U.S. farmers, too
Comment: In slashing ‘overhead,’ cuts for NIH put health at risk

High Country News
Poll finds majority of Westerners support climate action and conservation

Indian Country Today
Trump’s cuts to federal wildfire crews could have ‘scary’ consequences

The Inlander
Egg-reliant businesses around Spokane take profit hits amid the national bird flu outbreak

Kent Reporter
Federal Way woman recalls her time in U.S. concentration camp

Kitsap Sun
Federal directives create uncertainty for local health care providers, Medicaid funding

News Tribune
Here’s why there have been fewer Sounder trains between Pierce County and Seattle lately
Trump administration cut ‘woke spending.’ Why a Tacoma schools math study got shelved
Here’s what WA sheriffs said when asked about Trump administration’s immigration plans
Op-Ed: Far too many Washingtonians are dying from excessive speeding. This bill could help (Leavitt)
Opinion: With oppression mounting nationally, Tacoma should become a trans sanctuary city

Northwest Asian Weekly
Wing Luke’s 100th birthday celebration: Family and friends share memories and mementos

Olympian
‘It violates who we are as a nation.’ Ex-federal workers from WA angered by firings
WA’s leaders blast Trump’s ‘dangerous’ cuts to Bonneville Power Administration’s staff
As gas tax revenue drops, Washington lawmakers mull pay-by-mile program for drivers (Ramos)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Deadline looms for small-business reporting requirement

Seattle Medium
City Leaders Provide Update On Downtown Activation Plan
Washington State Legislative Update: Advocates, Black Legislators Denounce GOP’s Attempt To Dismantle State Office Of Equity

Seattle Times
State bill aims to regulate WA cities’ homeless camping bans (Gregerson)
Editorial: High-tech roadblock for repeat speeders could save lives

Spokesman Review
Republican legislators propose collection of bills to build more housing amid ‘urgent affordability crisis’

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Ferry leaders land on mid-sized dock for Fauntleroy rebuild

Washington Post
New EV batteries are making electric cars cheaper and safer
These feds took Trump’s ‘fork’ deal. Then they got fired anyway.
Many of Trump’s early actions are unpopular, Post-Ipsos poll finds
Appeals court denies Trump’s bid to reinstate birthright citizenship order

WA State Standard
Even sanctuary policies can’t stop ICE arrests
Washington lawmakers may tap brakes on specialty license plates (Donaghy)
Bracing for impacts on land, water and wildlife after feds fire thousands
Legal battles escalate over Trump executive order on birthright citizenship
Litigation grinds on over WA’s power to regulate immigrant detention center

Wenatchee World
Leavenworth pushes back on Tumwater Mountain cross as county awaits permit application

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Retired ambassador critical of Trump’s proposed USAID closure
‘Wah Mee Massacre’ remains Washington’s deadliest mass shooting
Western Washington universities respond to White House ultimatum on DEI programs
Seattle holds Day of Remembrance rally 83 years after Executive Order 9066 was signed
9th Circuit upholds judge’s ruling to block President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Trump’s historic war on traditional media
Lacey teacher sues district for retaliation following protest
Want to save $19.5 million? Republican lawmaker says cut the Office of Equity

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Electric vehicle fire risks prompt urgent safety warnings by Pierce County officials
New SPD chief emphasizes trust, cooperation in statement on immigration status
Seattle mayor apologizes for joke about Sonics’ return during State of the City address
Popular Washington rec areas hit with closures, unsafe conditions after USFS workers fired

KXLY (ABC)
Ferguson advocates for proposal limiting governor’s emergency powers
Washington sheriffs respond to Trump’s immigration enforcement plans
WA state legislature debates bill mandating teacher-librarians in public schools
Spokane County law enforcement no longer need to consider shelter bed availability when enforcing no-camping ordinance

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham airport has fewer air traffic controllers, tower closed some days
Diverse WA Supreme Court pledges commitment to equity despite federal rhetoric

Cascade PBS
WA sheriffs respond to Trump’s immigration enforcement plans
Washington lawmakers mull new protections for immigrant workers (Hasegawa)
WSU could lose up to $25M per year from Trump research funding cuts

MyNorthwest
UW researchers to rally against Trump administration cuts
Washington senate moves rent cap bill forward, but not without a fight (Trudeau)
Want to save $19.5 million? Republican lawmaker says cut the Office of Equity
State Senate considers controversial bill to ban diet pills and muscle supplements for minors (Lovick)

The Urbanist
Washington State Senate Approves Sweeping Parking Reform Bill (Bateman, Conway, Hasegawa, Peterson)
Washington Legislature Wants to Rein In Historic Landmarking to Spur Housing (Salomon, Bateman, Goehner, Gildon, Walen)

Washington Observer
A tax on smartphones to pay it forward (Gregerson)
A fleeting tax for Seattle’s soccer summer (Cortes)
House pushes forward on new isolation & restraint bill (Callan, Wilson)
Unraveling a shotgun compromise on low-carbon fuels (Fitzgibbon)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday begins

Wednesday, February 19

U.S. homebuilders raise alarm over tariffs as sentiment falls to 5-month low
Sentiment among the nation’s single-family homebuilders dropped to the lowest level in five months in February, largely due to concern over tariffs, which would raise their costs significantly. The National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index, or HMI, dropped a sharp 5 points from January to a reading of 42. Anything below 50 is considered negative sentiment. Last February, the index stood at 48. Continue reading at CNBC. (CNBC)

Statewide ban on flavored tobacco, nicotine and vape moves forward, expect no passage this year
The Washington State House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business narrowly advanced House Bill 1203 (HB 1203) by an 8-7 vote Tuesday, setting the stage for further legislative debate on a proposal to ban flavored tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products statewide. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Bobby Caina Calvan)

New bill calls for better fraud protections after Olympia woman loses life savings in scam
On Tuesday, the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a hearing on a bill to better protect vulnerable adults. This comes amid the rise in financial scams involving transfers of money made by consumers under duress from fraudsters. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Hundreds rally at state Capitol to protect parental rights
What’s in a name? WA wants to officially be ‘The Evergreen State’
From states of emergency to watersports, councils have been busy in recent weeks

Axios
All the ways Washington state is suing Trump in his second term

Columbian
Proposed EPA cuts put funding for Clark County energy, clean water projects at risk

The Daily News
There are no data centers in SW WA. Is that good, or bad?
New Kalama schools solar panels expected to save $7K a year

Everett Herald
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

Islands’ Weekly
Judge grants injunction in WA suit against unconstitutional birthright citizenship order

News Tribune
Busiest library branch in Tacoma to close indefinitely this spring. Here’s what we know
He left his City Council seat for the Pierce County Council. Here’s who might replace him
Opinion: Tacoma’s housing crisis demands solutions: Exploring social housing as a key strategy

New York Times
Struggle Over Americans’ Personal Data Plays Out Across the Government
Forest Service Layoffs and Frozen Funds Increase the Risk From Wildfires

Olympian
Are WA lawmakers who text and talk in hearings really listening? Some say ‘Not a good look’ (Pedersen, Dhingra)

Port Townsend Leader
State Parks terminates PDA lease
‘Thou Musk not steal’: Hundreds gather in protest
After sheriff’s resignation, Democrats nominate three to replace him

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle nonprofit cuts staff amid funding freeze
Tariffs create uncertainty for port real estate markets

Seattle Times
Trump’s firings strike the nation’s health agencies
Washington lawmaker wants to redesign state flag (Peterson)
Trump’s job cuts lead to closed trails, staff shortages in WA
Ferguson suspends auto-deletion of public records after $225K settlement
Opinion: These are troubling times for WA farmers
Editorial: Trump’s gutting of federal workforce threatens national security in WA

South Whidbey Record
Passenger-only ferries concept gaining traction (Nance)

Spokesman Review
Idaho considers end to 50-year physician-training partnership with University of Washington over ‘Idaho values’
‘Public lands will suffer’: Idaho, home to seven national forests, loses integral forest service employees across the state to Trump terminations
Opinion: Medical Lake project shows progress toward bridging the digital divide

Washington Post
After ceding power of the purse, GOP lawmakers beg Trump team for funds

WA State Standard
Washington lawmaker waves plan for state flag redesign (Peterson)
How Republicans want to fix WA’s affordable housing shortage (Pedersen)
Trump’s cuts to federal wildfire crews could have ‘scary’ consequences
Clash in WA Legislature over proposal to add rules for initiative signers (Valdez, Pedersen)
30 Bonneville Power workers get jobs back amid hundreds of layoffs and buyouts

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Hikers, climbers could have increased danger after National Parks layoffs
Everett day shelter granted 2-month reprieve before it must move out of downtown
New bill calls for better fraud protections after Olympia woman loses life savings in scam (Doglio)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
US Forest Service layoffs hit popular hiking areas in King County
Washington State History Museum reopens after month-long closure
Seattle City Council leaders discuss transit safety following bus violence
Safety on public transit: KIRO 7 takes a ride-a-long with a public safety expert
Second chances with strings attached: DUI record vacation bill clears key hurdle in Washington (Ortiz-Self, Goodman)

KNKX Public Radio
Trump’s budget cuts could put local weather forecasts and you in danger

KUOW Public Radio
WA’s GOP leaders not worried by Trump’s federal changes
Legislative carveout would change penalties for assaults on health care workers
Video appears to show ICE agents targeting Latinos in Washington state, but are mass deportations coming?

KXLY (ABC)
Downtown Spokane businesses hit with flooding for second time in the last few months

NW Public Radio
This Yakima church is getting an upgrade to its energy infrastructure
Washington state bill could strengthen regulations, increase fines for ‘troublesome’ landfills (Duerr)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Opinion: Whatcom County needs a new path to a modern index of public records

CNBC
U.S. Homebuilders raise alarm over tariffs as sentiment falls to 5-month low

MyNorthwest
Washington’s Road Usage Charge: Future in Doubt (Jinkins)
Statewide ban on flavored tobacco, nicotine and advances (Reeves, Donaghy)
Bill: Washington would confiscate cars from police evaders (Lovick)

Tuesday, February 18

Washington’s Legislature has more Black members than ever
Having greater Black representation in the Legislature — coupled with greater diversity in general at the Capitol — “really just enhances the number of perspectives being brought to the public policy debate,” state Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way), who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus, told Axios. Continue reading at Axios. (Chona Kasinger)

Editorial: Shut down flavored tobacco’s gateway to youths
That targeting of youths to find new consumers for tobacco has alarmed health and disease experts, parental groups and children’s advocates, coalitions of communities of color and others, who in recent years have sought restrictions on youths’ use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Tony Dejak)

Sen. Patty Murray ‘deeply concerned’ over layoffs at Washington nuclear site
“These are everyone from safety inspectors to people who deal with cybersecurity across the board, and they basically were laying off the newest, latest employees that had only been there a year or two,” Murray told KING 5 on Monday. “These are often our best and brightest. They have the new technology, and this is a real safety concern, at Hanford, which is a nuclear waste clean-up site.” Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Print

Axios
Seattle’s air quality is getting worse
FAA fires hundreds of staff amid Trump admin job cuts drive
Washington’s Legislature has more Black members than ever (Reeves, Scott, Thomas, Nobles, Entenman)

Bellingham Herald
Solemn gathering in support of Palestine draws hundreds to WA Capitol
Travel outlet names Bellingham the best solo travel destination for adventure in the US
Bellingham clears path to shared compost bins for some city residents as new policy looms

Capital Press
NW onion production value increased in 2024
DOGE makes cuts to USDA research positions in Oregon
Economist: Farm profit increases buoyed by government aid
Oregon may exempt H-2A employers from unemployment tax

The Daily News
Castle Rock finds elevated lead levels in intermediate, middle school water

Everett Herald
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park
Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett
Editorial: Shut down flavored tobacco’s gateway to youths (Nobles, Reeves, Lovick)

High Country News
People brace for impacts on land, water and wildlife after feds fire thousands over holiday weekend

Kitsap Sun
Navy updates request to lease space near Bremerton for shipyard modernization

News Tribune
Spanaway homeless village breaks federal, county wetland rules but staves off appeal
Manager of 2nd-largest Pierce County city to retire. No immediate word on replacement

Olympian
Some 2,000 protesters blast Trump at President’s Day protest: ‘No billionaires, no kings’
Does WA need a new state flag? Proposed bill would create a state flag redesign committee (Peterson, Reed, Nance)

Seattle Medium
Seattle Protesters Join Nationwide Protests Against Elon Musk’s Government Role
King County Sees First Decline In Gun Violence Since 2018, But Challenges Remain

Seattle Times
Top Social Security official leaves after Musk team seeks data access
Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions
Editorial: Local issues need voters’ attention. Keep odd-year elections (Gregerson)

Spokesman Review
Washington-based federal judge block gender affirming care executive order
Tall towers would be allowed in much larger swathe of downtown Spokane under likely reform
What can Democrats do about Trump and Musk’s policy blitz? Here’s what Washington lawmakers say
Internal talking points reveal details about Community Library Network’s restrictive child library cards
A federal ‘clown show’: WSU board of regents warns of cuts to research amid Trump federal grant chaos
Washington lawmakers consider bill allowing people to sue cities over rules that restrict camping in public places (Gregerson, Ormsby, Hill)
Is burning trash worth the cash? Spokane to use $650,000 in grant funds to study incinerator as state cracks down on emissions (Riccelli)
Kootenai County libraries approved every relocation request for its mature collection with one notable exception: The Bible
Opinion: Legislature must fund supported living services
Opinion: Washington lawmakers can address revenue shortfall without cutting important services

Tri-City Herald
Trump’s initial federal layoffs hit Tri-Cities WA area. Here’s what we know so far

Washington Post
Inside the Trump administration’s error-plagued firing spree
DOGE sued by taxpayer groups and unions over access to IRS files
Top Social Security official exits after clash with Musk’s DOGE over data
Trump’s wind power restrictions put blue states’ climate goals out of reach

WA State Standard
Washington state bill would set new standards for wood stoves (Shewmake)
Educators and parents call on WA lawmakers to up school funding (Berg)
Billions of dollars at stake for farmers hit by Trump funding freeze, pause on foreign aid
U.S. Education Department threatens yanking funds for schools that use race in decisions
Push for inspections at Tacoma immigration detention center reemerges in WA Legislature (Ortiz-Self)

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee City Council approves Pioneer Park improvements
RiverCom designing new building, searching for state and federal funding

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Two people shot on Metro bus in Tukwila; police searching for 3 suspects
Sen. Patty Murray ‘deeply concerned’ over layoffs at Washington nuclear site
Seattle rallies join 50501 protests to reject Trump policies and Musk influence
Western Washington scrambles to adjust as egg prices surge amid supply shortage
Trump fires thousands of US Parks, Forest Service workers: ‘It’s like having the rug pulled out from under me’

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
State’s pay-by-mile program would require drivers to voluntarily opt-in (Fey)
Two shot on-board Metro bus in Southcenter, police search for suspects
Teachers, supporters rally at the capitol to demand more school funding (Krishnadasan)
Travelers, experts warn of risks as Trump, Musk push to slash FAA staff
Trump administration putting mental health drugs for kids under new microscope
Haphazardness of federal layoffs causes concern with Sen. Murray, Public Power Council
Seattle City Council talks security as another shooting highlights the dangers of public transit
Washington State Lawmakers want to crack down on bounty hunters acting as immigration agents (Trudeau)

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Cantwell criticizes FAA firings amid safety concerns
How WSDOT monitors avalanche threats across the Cascade pass
Seattle-area federal employees rally as Trump cuts national workforce
Audit: WA Commerce Department ‘not in compliance with state law’ on grant funding
Belltown residents demand accountability as drug trade impacts Seattle neighborhood
Trump administration cuts reach FDA employees in food safety, medical devices and tobacco

KUOW Public Radio
29-year-old dad believed to be among immigrants sent to Guantanamo Bay
Fearing deportation, Immigrants are missing appointments at Seattle-area clinics
In the Seattle area, DEI work was already declining before Trump’s vow to end programs
‘It’s a terror campaign.’ Federal workers in Seattle area describe snitching, secrecy under Trump

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane shelters struggling to meet demand amid extreme cold
What’s in a name? WA wants to officially be ‘The Evergreen State’
Federal funding freeze could cost WA billions amid budget crisis (Fitzgibbon, Pedersen, Dhingra, Robinson)
Lawmakers weigh increased penalties for people who try to elude police (Lovick)
Mayor Brown signs ordinances aimed at making downtown Spokane safer and cleaner

NW Public Radio
Exposición en Richland destaca contribuciones de latinos en Hanford

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Timber sale pause has small local impact, contributes to DNR’s funding uncertainty
Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County awarded $1M for infrastructure in Everson
Hundreds of demonstrators in Mount Vernon and Bellingham join nationwide Presidents Day protest

Cascade PBS
Why Seattle’s housing density plans are a disability rights issue
Can Washington’s agriculture industry survive on H-2A workers?

MyNorthwest
Teachers, supporters rally at the capitol to demand more school funding (Krishnadasan)
Local law enforcement can’t use dogs to find bad bears, wolves, cougars under new bill (Liias)
Second chances with strings attached: DUI record vacation bill clears key hurdle in Washington (Goodman, Ortiz-Self)
Washington State Lawmakers want to crack down on bounty hunters acting as immigration agents (Trudeau)
Opinion: Clearing the confusion on the pay-by-mile system

Washington Observer
More of Democrats’ plans to eat the rich (Doglio, Reed)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Tuesday notes

Monday, February 17

Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash
In the Jan. 29 fatal crash between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines passenger jet, which is still under investigation, one controller was handing both commercial airline and helicopter traffic at the busy airport. Just days before the collision, President Donald Trump had already fired all the members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, a panel mandated by Congress after the 1988 PanAm 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. The committee is charged with examining safety issues at airlines and airports. Continue reading at King 5. (Jose Luis Magana)

‘Mosquito Fleet Act’ could bring small ferries to more Puget Sound communities
State Rep. Greg Nance (D–Bainbridge Island) sponsored the bill. He said it would bring much-needed transportation to waterfront towns suffering from a shortage of state ferry boats. Continue reading at KUOW. (Joshua McNichols)

Democratic lawmakers rally for bigger budget to fight gender-based violence
State Senator Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, opened the discussion, emphasizing the stark reality that domestic violence has been on the rise in Washington since the pandemic. “A woman is more likely to be harmed by someone she knows and loves than by a stranger,” Dhingra said. “Domestic violence accounts for 16% of all murders in our state, over 27% of rapes, and more than half of simple assaults.” Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Julia Dallas)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
GHC selected for national project to help rural students

Bellingham Herald
Where is Bellingham’s day shelter? Strained service providers say there’s an ‘urgent need’
Op-ed: Far too many Washingtonians are dying from excessive speeding. This bill could help (Leavitt)

Capital Press
Economist: Farm profit increases buoyed by government aid
Proposal aims to overhaul citizen involvement in Oregon land use system

Columbian
Clark County’s freshman lawmakers introduce bills that reflect campaign promises
Piecing together the OHSU and Legacy Health merger: What will it mean for Clark County?

The Daily News
New north entrance, RV park, more planned at Cowlitz County Event Center, as leaders look for state help

Everett Herald
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales (Doglio)
Op-ed: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise (Robinson)
Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees
Letter: Stick with solutions to homelessness that have heart
Comment: Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

High Country News
Trump’s funding cuts leave the nation vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire

New York Times
As Wall Street Chases Profits, Fire Departments Have Paid the Price
Republicans Want Lower Taxes. The Hard Part Is Choosing What to Cut.

Olympian
Legislative Black Caucus blasts bill that would end Office of Equity: ‘Deeply harmful’
UW, WSU study shows WA residents struggling to pay for one particular monthly expense

Puget Sound Business Journal
First impact of Amazon’s 5-day office mandate revealed in new data

Renton Reporter
‘Follow the damn law’: Washington leaders have terse words for Trump

Seattle Medium
Black Girls RUN! Seattle/Tacoma Is More Than Just A Run Club – It Is A Sisterhood
‘Our Future is Bound by Their Past’– The Washington State Black Legacy Institute Keeps Black History Alive

Seattle Times
Pay-per-mile honor system could supplement WA gas tax
WA Republicans protest amending ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ (Jinkins, Pedersen, Stonier)
WA businesses scrambling as Trump tariffs raise costs, uncertainty
WA scientists plan to publish report on nature that Trump canceled
Murray: Trump layoffs leave Hanford nuclear site with ‘skeleton crew’
Targeted for deportation, WA immigrants with convictions seek pardons
Editorial: Pass Senate Bill 5400 to help save local journalism, strengthen democracy (Liias)
Editorial: WA’s young people are struggling — and our leaders are failing them

Skagit Valley Herald
Public comment being taken on proposed hunting rules

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities saw major shift in fentanyl overdose deaths in 2024. What’s behind it?

Washington Post
DOGE seeks access to personal taxpayer data, raising alarm at IRS
Trump wants to shut the Education Department. Is it sleight-of-hand?
As Musk reshapes the government, some ask: Where are the guardrails?
Trump’s war on wind seems to be winning, experts say, as states are forced to rethink projects

WA State Standard
Ferguson wades into WA Fish and Wildlife Commission turmoil (Springer)
With a phone call, WA governor keeps emergency powers bill alive (Valdez)
WA bill would require REI co-op to reserve board seats for workers (Ryu)
WA courts work to vacate hundreds of thousands of illegal drug convictions
Judge won’t compel state panel to scrap building codes targeted by gas initiative

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
In Session: Washington’s pay-per-mile proposal gets committee hearing (Fey, Street)
Seattle joins nationwide unrest against Elon Musk with Tesla dealership protest
Trump begins firings of FAA air traffic control staff just weeks after fatal DC plane crash
Cracking down on organized retail theft: Lawmaker hopes to lengthen perpetrators’ prison sentences (Leavitt, Goodman)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington legislature introduce bill to redesign state flag (Peterson, Reed, Nance)
Lawmakers look to lower voter approval threshold for school bond measures as many fail to pass (Krishnadasan, Cortes)

KNKX Public Radio
Northwest federal workers are demoralized, but many are determined to keep their jobs

KUOW Public Radio
Washington state clean-energy funding re-frozen by Trump White House
‘Mosquito Fleet Act’ could bring small ferries to more Puget Sound communities (Nance, Reed)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Outgoing Whatcom Community College president honored by state Legislature (Timmons, Rule)
Lummi Nation breaks ground on detox center, first of its kind on WA tribal land (Timmons)
State proposes closing Bellingham Reentry Center, home for those finishing prison time

Cascade PBS
For many in Washington, Long COVID care remains out of reach
WA bill would force REI co-op to reserve board seats for workers (Ryu)

MyNorthwest
Majority of Washingtonians feel the pain of high grocery prices, says survey
Democratic lawmakers rally for bigger budget to fight gender-based violence (Dhingra, Davis, Goodman, Salahuddin, Salomon)
Washington State’s wood-burning stoves: Still legal, but with stricter emissions rules
Washington considers taking over grizzly bear management — But not everyone’s on board (Springer)

The Urbanist
State Bill Would Circumvent SPOG, Clear Path for Seattle Civilian Responder Expansion (Scott, Ryu)

Washington Observer
Senate Democrats leave Ferguson’s universal school meals behind (Wellman, Riccelli, Berg)

West Seattle Blog
PRESIDENTS DAY 2025: West Seattle notes
ELECTION 2025: Where ballot measures stand, with most votes counted, plus other stats of interest

Friday, February 14

Waving goodbye: Washington lawmakers want to redesign state flag for a new era
Three Democratic representatives have introduced a bill to establish a committee overseeing the redesign of the Washington state flag. House Bill 1938, sponsored by Representatives Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds), Julia Reed (D-Seattle) and Greg Nance (D-Kitsap), aims to create a flag that the lawmakers believe better reflects Washington’s unique identity and diverse population. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (KIRO 7)

Lawmakers look at small-scale solar to spare Washington farmland
A House bill proposes electric utilities get more power from small solar projects, likely increasing electric rates, but preserving farmland. House Bill 1847 would require utilities to acquire 10% of their renewable energy from small, customer-owned projects, known as distributed energy resources. Continue reading at Capitol Press. (Capital Press)

Grieving father pushes to change state law after deadly crash involving speeding driver
The proposed law, House Bill 1596, is currently under consideration in the Washington state legislature. If passed, it would allow courts to mandate speed governors, devices that control a vehicle’s speed, for drivers with suspended licenses due to excessive speeding or reckless driving. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)