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Tuesday, March 4

U.S. Senate Democrats block bill banning transgender athletes from women’s school sports
The U.S. Senate failed to advance a measure Monday night that would bar transgender students from participating on women’s school sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The bill would help codify into law President Donald Trump’s sweeping February executive order, which carries out this exact ban and threatens to rescind federal funds from “educational programs” if schools fail to comply. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Jennifer Shutt)

Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor
President Donald Trump said repeatedly on the campaign trail that, if elected, he wouldn’t cut Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security. As recently as last week, accompanied by his surrogate Elon Musk, he told Fox News’ Sean Hannity the same thing. Yet, U.S. House Republicans got a different message that was tucked into Project 2025. They passed a budget resolution that calls for tax cuts of $4.5 trillion and a $2 trillion cut in federal spending through 2035. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (J. Scott Applewhite)

Senate fiscal committee advances big spending for K-12 priorities
Senate lawmakers advanced some key bills representing more than $1B in new spending for the top three K-12 education priorities: Special education; materials, supplies, and operating costs; and student transportation Continue reading at Washington Observer. (Shutterstock)

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Axios
Seattle’s spring is getting warmer
Why a new Seattle housing plan is sparking backlash

Bellingham Herald
Park update: Play structures ready as first phase of Northern Lights work is complete
‘Real and immediate impact.’ WA outdoor recreation leaders brace for effect of Trump cuts

Capital Press
Treasury Department won’t penalize for ignoring CTA
Judge adds U.S. Fish and Wildlife to order curbing DOGE firings

Everett Herald
Snohomish council members push to improve child care access
Comment: Using civic muscles behind bars to rebuild lives
Bloomberg Comment: Medicaid cuts would hurt millions; and Republicans

The Inlander
Physicians warn Idaho’s doctor shortage could worsen if state lawmakers sever ties with UW’s medical school

Kitsap Sun
Poulsbo plans to launch cafe supporting people in long-term recovery

News Tribune
Bill recognizing 2 Islamic holidays clears WA Senate: ‘We stand by all our communities’ (Trudeau)
We’re setting our clocks ahead for Daylight Saving Time this weekend. Is it the last time?
Opinion: Animal welfare policies are too weak. Washington’s delegation should fix federal law

Olympian
U.S. Education officials open investigation into Tumwater School District over girls sports

Puget Sound Business Journal
Planning stirs around new Mountlake Terrace light rail station
Trump administration scraps mandate for most businesses, vows new rule

Seattle Times
WA Tesla protesters call for end of Musk’s role in federal government
What Trump’s order on cutting federal forests could mean for the Pacific Northwest
Editorial: Cuts to Medicaid would hurt WA’s children, poor
Opinion: Seattle schools should give families reasons to stay

Skagit Valley Herald
Anacortes residents feel 4.5 magnitude earthquake

Spokesman Review
Bill to designate clergy as mandatory reporters of abuse clears Washington Senate (Frame)
Spokane consumers likely to see higher costs for cars, groceries, homes with new tariffs
Court places Mead School District in contempt over withholding documents in hazing lawsuit
Baumgartner invites teacher to Trump’s address to Congress, while Cantwell’s guest highlights research cuts; Murray to skip speech

Washington Post
Trade war escalates as China, Mexico, Canada retaliate
Why these states are helping people pay for stronger roofs
Senate blocks ban on transgender athletes, as Trump pushes forward
Supreme Court strikes down EPA rules on discharge of water pollution
Federal workers sent back to the office, then told the office is going away

WA State Standard
REI board blocks labor-backed candidates from ballot
For Indian Country, federal cuts decimate core tribal programs
U.S. Senate Democrats block bill banning transgender athletes from women’s school sports

Wenatchee World
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority awards YMCA, Pybus $35,000 total for sustainability projects

Yakima Herald-Republic
Possible Medicaid cuts raise concern in Yakima County

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Pacific Northwest braces for ripple effects due to tariffs
Senate passes bill requiring clergy to report abuse, legislation heads to House (Frame)
March 3 marks five years since Manuel Ellis died while being detained by Tacoma police
Trump administration plans to slash HUD programs in the Pacific Northwest, sources say

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Flu deaths on the rise in King County
20 additional victims file complaint against Army over sexual abuse by JBLM doctor

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Will rent control bill help or hurt housing costs in Washington State? (Peterson)
City of Seattle joins lawsuit over federal funding threats to sanctuary cities
Senator Murray among those criticizing canceling of FDA flu shots meeting
WSP trooper arrested for DUI vehicular homicide placed on administrative leave
King County Council to vote on transit safety task force after violence on Metro buses
Trump administration’s NOAA cuts hit Washington state, impacting vital local services
Alleged Title IX violation in sports prompts investigation into Tumwater School District
Aid groups say Trump administration trying to ‘dismantle’ US Refugee Admission Program

KNKX Public Radio
Tacoma counters Trump orders with immigration, LGTBQ+ resolutions

KUOW Public Radio
U.S. Department of Education opens investigation into Tumwater School District
Homelessness is soaring among Seattle students. School support workers are on the front lines

KXLY (ABC)
Federal cuts by DOGE spark concerns for laid off Washingtonians
WSP trooper arrested for deadly crash had “glassy eyes” and “slurred speech”, says Richland Police

Web

Cascadia Daily News
WWU announces more layoffs to chip away at $18M deficit
Ferndale students connect with culture, grow into leaders through Latinos in Action
Opinion: Bellingham’s SE Alaska salmon fleet threatened by lawsuits, misinformation

Cascade PBS
REI board blocks labor-backed candidates from ballot
The obscure state agency that referees WA’s green energy battles
Tacoma counters Trump orders with immigration, LGBTQ+ resolution

MyNorthwest
Washington home construction costs exceed national averages
Parents group sues WA officials for continued support of trans-athletes in schools

The Stranger
Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s Attacks on Abortion

The Urbanist
New Chief Barnes Pledges Seattle Police Department Will ‘Return to Normal’

Washington Observer
Middle housing in the country
Thumbs up for downsizing elevators (Salomon)
A carve-out for small towns in the parking wars (Bateman, Chapman)
Senate fiscal committee advances big spending for K-12 priorities (Pedersen,
Wellman, Dhingra, Nobles)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info; Fauntleroy/Oregon crash
FOLLOWUP: Cameras to crack down on vehicle noise? Legislature hasn’t hit the brakes so far

Monday, March 3

Treasury ends enforcement of business ownership database meant to stop shell company formation
The U.S. Treasury Department announced it will not enforce a Biden-era small business rule intended to curb money laundering and shell company formation. In a Sunday evening announcement, Treasury said in a news release that it will not impose penalties now or in the future if companies fail to register for the agency’s beneficial ownership information database that was created during the Biden administration. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Jose Luis Magana)

Hundreds protest against park ranger cuts as the administration moves to shrink the government
The White House’s Department of Government Efficiency announced the firing of 1,000 newer park rangers earlier this year. After some pushback, including from President Donald Trump’s interior secretary, Doug Berman, 50 were reinstated. The cuts to staffing at National Parks are part of a stated effort of fiscal responsibility and removing wasteful spending in the government. Continue reading at KIRO. (KIRO)

How Medicaid cuts could affect Washington state
Potential cuts to Medicaid could worsen Washington state’s multibillion-dollar budget shortfall and threaten health benefits for nearly 2 million Washingtonians, state officials warn. Why it matters: A budget resolution that the Republican-controlled U.S. House passed last week looks to cut up to $2 trillion from the federal budget over 10 years, with Medicaid a likely target for up to $880 billion of those cuts. Continue reading at Axios. (Jacque Schrag)

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Auburn Reporter
Ferguson proposes $4B in cuts to Washington state budget (Robinson)

Axios
How Medicaid cuts could affect Washington state (Fitzgibbon)

Bainbridge Island Review
New tariffs could hit Washington farmers hard
WSF plans terminal upgrades, service improvements in Kitsap

Bellingham Herald
Take a tour of Bellingham Schools’ new student health center at Options High School
What’s next for new Whatcom County Jail? Council details path to facility’s completion

Capital Press
USDA launches $1 billion avian influenza strategy
Washington governor scours budget and says, ‘hey, come on’

The Daily News
Split Longview council looks to voters for fluoride decision

Everett Herald
Everett updates noise control ordinance
ORCA to keep reduced Regional Day Pass fare
Have you had the flu yet, Snohomish County? You’re not alone.
Port Gardner Storage Facility will allow Everett to meet state outflow requirements
Comment: A government Americans won’t recognize
Editorial: Encourage recycling by increasing use of material
Letter: Trump’s cuts to Forest Service will harm our ‘backyard’
Letter: Pay per mile is sound idea but gas tax must be eliminated

Federal Way Mirror
334 units of new workforce housing open in Federal Way

High Country News
‘Rights of nature’ laws take root in the West

Kitsap Sun
After assessing legal landscape, Bremerton moves forward with DEI initiatives

News Tribune
Earthquake, volcano, wildfire: Ways to prepare for emergencies in Washington state
This Tacoma-based group is fighting Trump Administration’s halt of refugee admissions
Pierce County is spending more than ever to fight homelessness. Why is it getting worse?
‘Real and immediate impact.’ WA outdoor recreation leaders brace for effect of Trump cuts
Opinion: Washington has too few police officers. This proposal could help cut the crime rate

New York Times
Federal Judges Are Ordering Trump to Slow Down. Will He Listen?
Economic Upheaval and Plans to Retaliate: Canada Braces for Tariffs
Clock Ticks Down Toward Sweeping Tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China

Olympian
WA leads, joins 5 lawsuits against Trump: ‘This person doesn’t want to follow our laws’
‘Real and immediate impact.’ WA outdoor recreation leaders brace for effect of Trump cuts

Seattle Medium
First Measles Case Of 2025 Confirmed In King County

Seattle Times
How much has bird flu spread in WA?
Trump moves to increase logging in national forests
First WA prison podcast, ‘Concrete Mama,’ launches at penitentiary
WA seeing fewer Canadians after Trump, tariffs and talk of ‘51st state’
Trump’s tariffs could be another hit to Seattle-area housing affordability
Treasury ends enforcement of business ownership database meant to stop shell company formation
Opinion: Seattle schools should give families reasons to stay
Editorial: WA’s children need House Democrats to vote on endangerment law (Dhingra, Goodman)
Editorial: Ferguson injects much-needed frugality into Democrats’ budget process

Spokesman Review
Spin Control: Initiative restrictions prompt parties to trade arguments
Washington state’s costly salmon recovery effort heads toward mediation
Flu, whooping cough in full force as dual outbreaks spread in Spokane County
Federal judge in Seattle appears skeptical of DOJ in gender-affirming care lawsuit
Trump’s antisemitism order faces mixed reactions from Spokane’s Jewish community
Sen. Shelly Short pulls support for Republic library expansion after Pride flag controversy
Spokane refugee aid groups lose federal contracts; status unclear for more than 400 fleeing danger and previously set to come to Inland NW
Opinion: Immigration system needs fixing, not dismantling
Opinion: Everyone in Washington state deserves access to healthy food and dental care

Washington Post
Hiring freezes, fewer grad students: Funding uncertainty hits colleges
Tariffs on Canada, Mexico to take effect Tuesday barring Trump reprieve
Government shutdown looms as Trump tries to assert new spending powers

WA State Standard
Road usage charge debate returns to Olympia (Fey)
Washington bill aims to give judges more guidance in high-conflict custody cases (Taylor)
Lawyers plead for life-saving care for man in Tacoma immigrant detention center

Wenatchee World
‘No easy answer’: Wenatchee mayor responds to immigrant advocates

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
A more stable future in 21 days: Host homes sought for homeless youth
Tumwater school board bans transgender girls from playing girls sports
Executive director exits Pike Place Market Foundation after event controversy
New affordable housing community in Bellevue’s Spring District breaks ground
Is it safe to fly?: TSA Officer worries for safety of air travel under new administration

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Transit-focused housing project breaks ground in Bellevue
Alaska Airlines flight attendants secure a new 3-year contract
Off-duty Washington State Patrol trooper arrested after alleged deadly DUI crash
Hundreds protest against park ranger cuts as the administration moves to shrink the government

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
4.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Orcas Island
Filmmakers say state incentive program boosted local productions
Seattle police investigate trans hate crime stabbing at apartment complex
WSP trooper arrested for alleged DUI after hitting, killing motorcyclist with car
Communities along Canadian border worry new US tariffs come at a personal cost
Kirkland homeless hotel plans prompts large employer to exit, raising community concerns

KNKX Public Radio
NOAA, federal weather and research agency, is firing workers in Oregon and Washington

KUOW Public Radio
The Washington state flag. People have thoughts
Seattle judge extends order preserving access to gender-affirming care for trans youth

KXLY (ABC)
WSP trooper involved in fatal crash, arrested in Richland
Washington restaurants struggling more than the national average to stay afloat

NW Public Radio
Labor council in Pierce County wants to establish flexible child care facility for laborers

Web

Cascadia Daily News
What’s the Deal With: Specialty license plates?
Hundreds gather at North Cascades National Park headquarters to protest job cuts
Opinion: Short-term rental regulations should be on short list for local leaders

Cascade PBS
Keeping track of Washington state challenges to Trump actions
WA student takes on family food truck after mother arrested by ICE

The Urbanist
Op-Ed: Fund Washington Higher Education, Close Amazon/Microsoft Tax Loophole (Reed)

Washington Observer
Cash money for housing justice (Taylor)
Ferguson’s $4 billion budget knife

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: First Monday in March
Another Nisqually Earthquake anniversary. Two simple ways to get ready for future quake

Friday, February 28

Gov. Ferguson addresses plans for WA’s budget shortfalls; proposes state employee furloughs
New Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) held a press conference on his 43rd day in office to address the state’s budget shortfalls. Ferguson’s office said the state is facing a multi-billion-dollar deficit, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are working to address ways to close the gap. Continue reading at OutletName. (KIRO 7)

Editorial: A chance to balance interests of homeless, cities
Following a reversal eight months ago by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned its own past rulings on issues related to “camping” by homeless individuals in public places, cities and counties across the nation — and in Washington state — have responded with ordinances that strengthen anti-camping bans and in some cases make being homeless a crime. Continue reading at OutletName. (Ryan Berry)

WA bill would help coroners, correctional officers get PTSD coverage
After fatal car crashes, fires or other emergencies, coroners and medical examiners are among the first to respond. But unlike police, firefighters and other first responders, they’re limited in the types of workers’ compensation claims they can file when their mental health is affected. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Luke Johnson)

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Auburn Reporter
Measles detected in King County infant

Capital Press
Honey bee colony losses reach ‘crisis’ levels this year
Oregon considers independent fire-fighting action on federal land
Judge orders Trump personnel director to take back memos on probationary employees

Courier-Herald
USAID update: Confusion reigns, but there are reasons to hope

The Daily News
Amtrak Cascades aims to create faster routes with more tracks in Kelso (Valdez)

Everett Herald
Support state legislation for fair hospital pricing (Robinson)
Everett mayor to deliver state of the city address
Edmonds school board reverts to former Title IX policy
Everett staff share comprehensive plan info at open house
Editorial: A chance to balance interests of homeless, cities (Gregerson)
Letter: How would per-mile charge count out-of-state driving?

High Country News
How DOGE threatens the Forest Service and public lands

Kitsap Sun
Former Washington State Ferry vessel sign finds new home at Klahowya

News Tribune
Construction underway for Orting’s evacuation bridge
King County confirms measles case; public warned of possible exposure
Will telemedicine for seniors survive federal budget battle? Here’s what we’ve learned
Trump supports possibility of $5K stimulus checks. Will that money really come to WA?
This Tacoma-based group is fighting Trump Administration’s halt of refugee admissions
City of Tacoma affirms support for immigrants, LGBTQ+ people. Are resolutions enough?

New York Times
When It Comes to Tariffs, Trump Can’t Have It All
Far From Washington, Some Small Wins in the Fight to Protect Nature
Mass Layoffs Begin at NOAA, With Hundreds Said to Be Fired in One Day
More Than 70 Million Americans Are on Medicaid. This Is Where They Live.
U.S. Terminates Funding for Polio, H.I.V., Malaria and Nutrition Programs Around the World

Olympian
Gov. Bob Ferguson reveals plan to save $4 billion amid multibillion-dollar budget gap (Robinson, Fitzgibbon)
Opinion: Northwest Indigenous leaders recommit to alliance to bolster salmon recovery
Opinion: Washington has too few police officers. This proposal could help cut the crime rate

Puget Sound Business Journal
Starbucks corporate layoffs hit hundreds of Seattle workers
Boeing reportedly explores sale of WA drone subsidiary as part of streamlining efforts

Seattle Times
Federal NOAA cuts hit Seattle offices
Murray: Trump, Musk have made child care crisis worse
Medicaid spending is under scrutiny. Here’s what that means for WA
WA bill would help coroners, correctional officers get PTSD coverage (Dhingra)
Ferguson proposes $4B in cuts, furloughs in face of WA budget shortfall (Fitzgibbon)
WA Democratic lawmakers propose moving state reserves to general fund (Robinson, Pedersen)

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County committed to electric Guemes Island Ferry
Mount Vernon officials face backlash over councilmember’s remarks
Skagit County to consider Anacortes’ request to expand urban growth area

The Skanner
A Federal Judge in Seattle Blocks Trump’s Effort to Halt the Refugee Admissions System

Spokesman Review
Ferguson unveils budget cuts plan as lawmakers look to address deficit (Robinson, Fitzgibbon)
Washington AG files support in effort to block federal ban on transgender military service

Washington Post
Trump fires hundreds at NOAA, National Weather Service
Farmers sue USDA after agency deletes climate change data
Judge blocks Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers
Five former defense secretaries denounce Trump’s ‘reckless’ Pentagon firings

WA State Standard
Ferguson proposes $4B in cuts to Washington state budget (Robinson, Fitzgibbon, Pedersen)
Infant in King County identified as first Washington measles case of the year
As bird flu spreads, feds might undercut states by firing scientists, removing data

Wenatchee World
Helion announces plans for world’s first fusion power facility in Malaga
Eastmont School District to reduce $2.6 million to maintain financial stability

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima County plans community forum on homelessness Monday

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New affordable housing community in Bellevue’s Spring District breaks ground
Safety concerns for Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood fuel well-attended meetings
First case of measles in WA this year identified, officials warn of King County exposure locations
Aquaculture nonprofit sues Washington Department of Natural Resources over ban on net pen fish farming

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Burien battles over minimum wage
Starbucks corporate lays off over 600 Seattle employees
Semi-automatic pistol banned from WA police training group for safety reasons
WA Senate approves measure to remove medical debt from credit score reporting (Riccelli)
Gov. Ferguson addresses plans for WA’s budget shortfalls; proposes state employee furloughs

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle park restrooms fail cleanliness audit, city pledges improvements
Gov. Ferguson proposes plan to save $4 billion amid historic budget shortfall
How to protect yourself from, measles as vaccination rates decline across the nation
King County infant diagnosed with measles; multiple public exposure sites identified
WSDOT efforts to clear 50K pounds of dog food from road face challenges, delays persist
Washington leaders unite against proposed Medicaid cuts, warning of dire health impacts

KNKX Public Radio
Seattle Lunar New Year celebration reveals the CID’s resilience

KUOW Public Radio
The governor’s honeymoon is over with Democrats (Reeves)
No new taxes, for now: WA Gov. Ferguson details plans for budget cuts (Robinson)

KXLY (ABC)
King County infant becomes first Washington state case of measles in 2025
SPS proposes four-year trades high school as part of ‘Together Spokane’ $200M school bond

NW Public Radio
Plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel at Wallula Gap get $1.5M boost
Many USDA researchers working in the Northwest are fired, worked on everything from hops to potatoes

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham aims for more ‘middle housing’ to increase supply
WWU: Governor’s proposed 3% cut would ‘significantly worsen’ institution’s financial woes

Cascade PBS
What’s next for Seattle’s social housing after big tax win? (Reed,
Friday deadline looms for WA’s free-school-meals-for-all bill (Berg)
Governor Ferguson recommends $4B in cuts to Washington budget (Robinson, Pedersen, Fitzgibbon)

MyNorthwest
Ferguson proposes furlough days as way to cut $4B from state budget
WA Republicans accuse Democrats of inflating budget deficit to justify more taxes (Pedersen)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Friday info

Thursday, February 27

State helps hundreds of homebuyers cross a racial barrier
A state program addressing the historic harms of racially restrictive real estate covenants has helped hundreds of Washington residents become homeowners since last summer. Why it matters: For decades, many deeds contained language barring the homes from being sold to Black, Asian, Native and Hispanic Washingtonians, fueling segregation and disparities in homeownership rates that persist to this day. Continue reading at Axios. (Maura Losch)

Trump and Musk take aim at the rural West
Trump’s erratic freezing of Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction acts funds is rippling across the region as well, in ways that reveal the arbitrary nature of the cuts. Western states each lost as much as $156 million that was earmarked to bring rooftop and community solar to their residents, though some of that funding was later restored, while elsewhere it remains in limbo. Continue reading at High Country News. (High Country News)

USA TODAY’s Women of the Year: Going further after moment as a pioneer for LGBTQ rights
A decade ago her name was in the national news, the face of a trail-blazing decision by her tribal government to recognize same-sex marriage at a time when the federal government, states and other tribal authorities did not. But Heather Purser learned from the spotlight, one that she tends to shy away from now, and put the lessons of advocacy learned then – when the Suquamish Tribe’s General Council affirmed same-sex marriages after her request in 2012 – to work in different ways today for her family and community. Continue reading at Kitsap Sun. (Meegan M. Reid)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Foot ferry envisioned from Ocean Shores to Westport (Nance, Fey, Liias)
Possible cougar attack on livestock reported in South Bend
Bill would direct commercial fishing taxes to the city of Westport (Tharinger)

Axios
Global democracy score hits historic low: report
State helps hundreds of homebuyers cross a racial barrier (Taylor, Scott)

Bellingham Herald
At least 2 domestic cats confirmed to be infected with bird flu in Washington state
Newhouse backs US House GOP budget that could lead to Medicaid cuts for WA constituents

Capital Press
Farm group seeks clarity on Trump’s deportation
WSU study tracks CRP impact on dryland wheat farming
Trump official denies ordering mass firing of USDA scientists, others

The Daily News
Opinion: WA parents’ rights movement ignores guardians with ill intent

Everett Herald
“Purpose”: Lynnwood mayor delivers State of the City address
Letter: Cuts to Medicaid would endanger those we love
Letter: Legislation seeks health care that’s fair, affordable (Fosse, Cortes, Parshley, Hasegawa)
Editorial: A chance to balance interests of homeless, cities (Gregerson)

High Country News
Trump and Musk take aim at the rural West

The Inlander
Rural revitalization is happening across Eastern Washington. Will federal funding freezes kill the momentum?

Kitsap Sun
USA TODAY’s Women of the Year: Going further after moment as a pioneer for LGBTQ rights

News Tribune
This $9 million foot bridge will help residents evacuate if Mount Rainier erupts
Jamika Scott gives honest assessment on the limitations of city council resolutions

New York Times
Mass Federal Firings May Imperil Crops, Cattle and Pets
EPA tells White House to strike down landmark climate finding
What Can House Republicans Cut Instead of Medicaid? Not Much.
Trump Said E.P.A. Would Lose 65 Percent of Staff. Then, a Correction.
Trump Says Canada and Mexico Tariffs Will Go Into Effect Next Week
Trump’s Plan to Repeal Climate Policy Could Upend Shift to Electric Cars
U.S. Economy Shows Signs of Strain From Trump’s Tariffs and Spending Cuts
She Lobbied for a Carcinogen. Now She’s at the E.P.A., Approving New Chemicals.
As Trump’s deadline to eliminate DEI nears, few schools openly rush to make changes

Olympian
Gov. Bob Ferguson to discuss budget proposals to address WA’s multibillion-dollar deficit
What is the future of housing in Olympia? City updates to middle housing code will help decide

Puget Sound Business Journal
Companies cautiously navigate DEI landscape
Seattle shifting from ‘doom loop’ to ‘bloom loop,’ civic leader says

Renton Reporter
Letter: Support excluded undocumented workers receiving unemployment benefits

Seattle Medium
Washington State Sees Spike in Unemployment Applications Amid Federal Firings
House Bill 2015 Advances, Shifting Public Safety Investments Toward Accountability and Community Well-Being (Entenman)

Seattle Times
Second wave of seasonal flu hits WA hospitals, fills ERs
IRS to close more than 110 offices with taxpayer assistance centers
FDA cancels meeting of vaccine experts scheduled to advise on flu shots
Burien sues to halt adoption of voter-approved minimum wage initiative
In a reversal, plans for U.S. natural gas power grow, complicating progress on climate
DOGE access to US intelligence secrets poses a national security threat, Democrats say
Immigration officials say everyone living in the US illegally must register. What does that mean?
Trump plans tariffs on Mexico and Canada for Tuesday, while doubling existing 10% tariffs on China

Spokesman Review
Bipartisan secretaries of state object to election bill Republicans dub ‘initiative killer’ (Valdez)
Medicaid could be on chopping block after Northwest Republicans help pass House budget measure
‘Nothing new about backlash’: MLK Jr. scholar tells Whitworth students King’s legacy still relevant today
Spokane police chief tells Senate committee to invest in more technology to catch fentanyl being smuggled over the border
Despite strong performance reviews, Grand Coulee Dam workers fired in DOGE cuts told they ‘failed to demonstrate fitness or qualifications’
Opinion: State must boost Medicaid funding for assisted living

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Is a new mosquito fleet in the cards? (Nance, Fitzgibbon, Thomas)

Washington Post
This federal worker hoped Trump’s victory would change her life, but not like this

WA State Standard
The true cost of the huckleberry industry
Two Washington cats infected with bird flu
Washington could exempt medical debt from credit reports (Riccelli)
Fate of proposed free school meals expansion is in doubt in Washington Legislature (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon, Dhingra)

Wenatchee World
Warmer weather and rainfall leads to runoff and debris across Chelan County
Washington public schools struggle with student achievement despite increased funding
Goehner’s housing bill to expand middle housing in Washington advances with unanimous Senate support

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Successful Washington program reintegrating felons into society faces cuts
As Gov. Ferguson prepares suggested budget cuts, taxes remain ‘last resort’
Seattle man arrested for violent hate crime after punching, attacking woman
Washington veteran family says nationwide VA layoffs have already hurt their quality of care

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Violence on King County busses prompt calls for safety training
WA bill putting limits on rent increases advances in state Senate (Alvarado)
King County budget deficit solution may include cuts to public safety
Governor Ferguson to hold press conference on $4 billion budget savings plan

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘A devastating impact’: King County Sheriff’s office could face $30M budget cut
Child dies in measles outbreak in Texas as Washington officials urge vaccinations
WSDA warns pet owners after avian flu found in cats linked to contaminated raw food
New bill pushes for transparency in courtrooms, requiring judges to justify bail releases (Davis)

KUOW Public Radio
Successful dropout prevention program in Washington state faces uncertain future

KXLY (ABC)
Former WSU coach Rolovich appealing judge’s ruling on his dismissal
A look at what’s moving along, and what’s not, in the Washington legislature (Fitzgibbon)
Spokane Police Chief testifies before U.S. Senate for technology to help detect fentanyl smuggling

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom superintendents oppose proposed limits to Transition to Kindergarten program (Rule, Timmons, Shewmake, Santos)
Cramped classes, dwindling options: Mount Baker students implore Legislature to address funding crisis (Shewmake, Ramel, Timmons)

Cascade PBS
Two cats in King, Snohomish counties test positive for bird flu
Experts, WA reps question rationale for BPA and Hanford layoffs

MyNorthwest
Fired federal workers in Washington struggling to get unemployment, Sen. Murray says
Washington Medicaid funding on the chopping block: Federal cuts could worsen state deficit (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon, Jinkins, Dhingra)

The Urbanist
Op-Ed: SoDo Is for Industry, Seattle Should Reject Rushed Housing Push

Washington Observer
A high-octane road war with auto insurers (Peterson, Stanford)
House advances bill allowing higher property taxes for schools (Bergquist)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday toplines
FOLLOWUP: Restroom report reviewed by City Council committee
FOLLOWUP: What’s next for Admiral Way Bridge project, plus photos
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Next milestone delayed again, on eve of another ‘early acquisition’ vote

Wednesday, February 26

Washington House Speaker lays out ‘devastating cuts’ in a possible ‘no-new-taxes’ budget
Washington is grappling with a significant budget shortfall — ranging from $6 billion to $14 billion, depending on which lawmaker you ask. The partisan arguments over how to fix the deficit have been predictable: Democrats argue that more tax revenue is needed to save critical programs, while Republicans push for reduced spending. House Democrats have launched a website aimed at illustrating what a zero-revenue budget for the next two years could look like and the cuts that could follow. The site is based on what’s known as a “Book One” budget, created by outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Continue reading at KIRO. (Karen Ducey)

Washington state may pause creation of specialized license plates
In a year when 10 new commemorative license plates have been proposed, another bill would pause the state’s implementation of specialty plates in the future. House Bill 1952 would establish a task force to re-examine the qualification process for new plates to be considered by legislators. The bill would prohibit the creation of any new specialty plates for four years. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Forest Service layoffs dire for WA recreational lands
The Trump administration’s recent decision to cut thousands of staff from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have severe impacts on our public lands in Washington. The termination of about 3,400 Forest Service employees leaves our public lands less safe and under-resourced at a time when outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Marcus Yam)