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Friday, May 30

Communication between FEMA and local jurisdictions upended, officials say
County-level emergency management officials in Washington state have been barred in recent weeks from communicating with their traditional contacts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. Continue reading at King 5. (AP)

Inside the Washington juvenile prison opening next month
For the past few weeks, Kendrick Rochelle has been going to Washington’s overcrowded youth prison in Chehalis to build relationships with the young men held there. Rochelle is trying to recruit them to join a leadership program at a new juvenile detention center called Harbor Heights on the grounds of an adult prison near Aberdeen, where he’ll serve as superintendent. Harbor Heights is set to open June 9. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Jake Goldstein-Street)

New WA law is ‘brazen’ discrimination, Catholic leaders say in lawsuit
Washington’s Catholic leaders sued state leaders and county prosecutors Thursday, alleging that a controversial new law requiring priests to break the confessional seal to report suspected child abuse is “a brazen act of religious discrimination.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert)

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Axios
Washington state infant care now averages over $21K a year

Bainbridge Island Review
There are limits to window tinting in Washington

Capital Press
Army Corps of Engineers receives less federal funding for fish mitigation

Everett Herald
DNR removes derelict barge from Spencer Island
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag
Family of Lake Stevens man shot by police sues over mental health care delays
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Issaquah Reporter
More specialty license plates on the way in WA (Cortes, Ramos, Donaghy)

Kent Reporter
Six Congressional members demand answers about Kent ICE raid

Kitsap Sun
A first-year rep learns her Congressional role amid chaos of the Trump administration
Silverdale Cemetery becomes 30th Kitsap location inducted in Washington Heritage Register
Opinion: Leaders should commit to transparency, real change after another Poulsbo shooting

News Tribune
Family of six detained at Blaine border facility for more than three weeks
Gas prices in WA go up for third straight week, reach highest level of 2025
‘Careless act of violence.’ 7 wounded in Lakewood park shooting. No arrests yet
Pierce County teen fatally stabbed his mom’s boyfriend. Why case was dismissed
Can an unmarked patrol car pull you over in WA? What WSP policy, state law say

New York Times
Energy Dept. Cancels $3.7 Billion for New Technologies to Lower Emissions
Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration, for Now, to End Biden-Era Migrant Program

Puget Sound Business Journal
Everett stadium project faces tight timeline
Tax bill means big breaks, risks for middle-market companies
Washington home loan program expands amid legal challenge

Seattle Times
WA road deaths decreased nearly 10% last year
New WA law is ‘brazen’ discrimination, Catholic leaders say in lawsuit (Frame)
Boeing puts another DEI effort on ice, cites ‘shifting environment’ in US
Editorial: Cops and schools are a risky mix, but worth a try in Seattle
Opinion: I’m on the Seattle School Board. Here’s what we need to do to improve
Opinion: Pushing people into homelessness isn’t the way to revitalize downtowns

Spokesman Review
Green-card holder Lewelyn Dixon should not be deported, WA judge says
Trump’s clemency spree extends to ex-gangster, rapper, former congressmen
Washington small business owners face major health insurance hike: ‘Off the charts’
Beyond talking the talk: Regal Elementary staff literally walk the walk to boost attendance
Spokane, county fling accusations of ‘toxic’ relationship as sewer showdown resurfaces amid $57 million threat

Washington Post
Consumer spending slows as Americans pull back amid tariff uncertainty
Most new cars in Norway are EVs. How a freezing country beat range anxiety.
White House MAHA report may have garbled science by using AI, experts say
Supreme Court allows Trump to revoke legal status for more than 530,000 migrants for now

WA State Standard
New COVID variant found in Washington
Inside the Washington juvenile prison opening next month
Bishops sue to overturn new WA law requiring clergy to report child abuse
Immigrants in U.S. without permanent legal status grew to 12.2 million, study finds

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Judge orders release of UW lab tech from ICE custody
Armed civilian kills teen suspect after downtown Seattle shooting
State to revamp solitary jail unit for juvenile offenders’ rehabilitation
Sound Transit delays light rail extension between Seattle and Eastside
Communication between FEMA and local jurisdictions upended, officials say
Calls grow for King County Assessor John Wilson to resign over new stalking allegations
‘It’s devastating’: Skagit River summer-fall Chinook population expected to hit 15-year low
US formally moves to dismiss prosecution against Boeing and asks judge to cancel trial over crashes

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Public Health: Confirmed case of tuberculosis at Highline College
King County Court backs Burien’s sweeping camping ban as constitutional
3 PNW cities among top 5 worst U.S. housing market outlooks, study finds
International students weigh in on the revocation of Chinese student visas
UW Medicine, Aetna health insurance still far from deal as contract nears expiration
Catholic bishops sue Washington over law requiring priests to break confessional seal
Green card holder and 50-year U.S. resident has been released from Tacoma ICE detention center
US formally moves to dismiss prosecution against Boeing and asks judge to cancel trial over crashes

KNKX Public Radio
Seattle’s new Waterfront Park set for summer debut

KUOW Public Radio
Lawsuit blames oil companies for woman’s Seattle heat-dome death
Filipina green card holder and UW worker released from Tacoma ICE center
City of Bellingham sends love letter (of sorts) to Canadian neighbors boycotting the US
A Pierce County man expected to be deported to Vietnam. Instead, ICE flew him to South Sudan

KXLY (ABC)
Washington expands driver’s education requirements to age 21
Washington State University dissolves Office of the Chancellor in leadership structure shift

Web

Cascadia Daily News
PeaceHealth cutting 1% of workforce, local impact unknown
Daughter of Ferndale woman who died from 2021 heat dome suing Big Oil
Opinion: Farming First: Skagit Valley’s working landscape and the agritourism debate

Cascade PBS
After anti-LGBTQ+ rally, questions linger about Seattle’s response

InvestigateWest
Records reveal Snoqualmie police chief was fired for sexual comments, said recruit ‘could not keep her legs together’

MyNorthwest
Judge rules UW lab technician detained for months should not be deported

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: May’s final Friday
PARKING: Add more street spaces to Alki Avenue after diagonal spaces are removed? New SDOT proposal and survey

Thursday, May 29

Smokey Bear, pickleball, and pollinator license plates on the way in WA
Washington drivers really like their specialty license plates — and they are getting more of them. Up to six new options will arrive this fall, including plates featuring Smokey Bear, pickleball paddles, and pollinators. Old-style plates, one with white lettering on a black background and the other with green lettering on a white background, are in the mix too. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Washington State Beekeepers Association)

Even 6-figure earners rent in Seattle
The share of high-income renters is climbing in Seattle — and across much of the country — as sky-high home prices and rising mortgage rates prompt even affluent households to lease instead of buy. Why it matters: Homebuying costs have climbed faster than rents, making renting an attractive choice for many, even those with deep pockets. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)

Washington tribal court warrants to be enforceable by state authorities
HB 1829 was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on May 14. Lekanoff co-sponsored the bill with Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, and Gerry Pollett, D-North Seattle. “You are going to bring justice to the people whose homelands you call home, whose justice systems have been created based on what you have all been trained on,” Lekanoff told the Senate Law and Justice Committee on March 24. Continue reading at ICT. (Richard Arlin Walker)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Lawmakers conduct postmortem on legislative session (Chapman, Tharinger, Bernbaum)
Court denies request to halt logging activity in Elwha Watershed

Axios
Even 6-figure earners rent in Seattle
How the FBI came to investigate Seattle protests
Now what? Tariff ruling creates chaos on top of chaos
Companies that kept DEI commitments saw higher reputation scores in 2025

Bainbridge Island Review
WSF meetings provide updates on electrification, fares, shipbuilding

Capital Press
Snake Plain grasslands reach fire readiness early
Idaho’s dairy industry continues to grow as West Coast stagnates
Oregon lawmakers approve commercial irrigation with domestic wells
Oregon counties pause litigation over national flood insurance regulations

Columbian
Facing $13M shortfall, Camas School District to lay off 50 employees
East Vancouver development would have 151 apartments and condos, a community center and a dog park for residents

Everett Herald
Marysville schools audit shows some improvement
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement
Southbound 529 to close near Marysville for four days for bridge work
Editorial: ‘Big, beautiful bill’ would take from our climate, too

Indian Country Today
Washington tribal court warrants to be enforceable by state authorities (Lekanoff, Goodman)

The Inlander
Cannabis goes to the California State Fair, but Washington fairs still say no

International Examiner
Seattle streetcar adds Filipinotown to wrap design, recognizing overlooked Chinatown-ID history

Islands’ Weekly
Column: Update on Washington State Ferries crew shortages

News Tribune
Pierce County Sheriff Swank to Prosecutor Robnett: ‘You are my peril’
Tacoma mayor visited Israel. Here’s what city’s ethics board decided about that
Opinion: City of Tacoma shouldn’t withhold Moore records on a technicality

Northwest Asian Weekly
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US will begin revoking the visas of Chinese students

Olympian
WA state employees fought against furloughs. They count new WA budget a ‘win’
Housing Justice Forum to address racially restrictive covenants in Thurston County

Puget Sound Business Journal
UW plans $61M welcome center

Seattle Times
Seattle City Council approves temporary housing density plan
Downtown Seattle shooting and nearby stabbing leave 2 dead, 2 injured
WA AG Nick Brown won’t make ‘Survivor’ return for show’s 50th season
Westneat: Seattle got owned in the latest free speech battle

Spokesman Review
‘We’re going to be looking at you’: Trump administration halts student visa application interviews
Spokane Valley City Council pulls public safety funding to cover costs of struggles with Councilman Al Merkel

Washington Post
Most of Trump’s tariffs halted by Court of International Trade
Elon Musk leaves Trump administration after contentious tenure
What is the Court of International Trade, and what impact does the decision have?
The loss of international students could hurt more than just a universities’ bottom line
Trump administration gives Harvard time to respond on international student enrollment threat
Supreme Court narrows scope of federal agencies’ environmental reviews of infrastructure projects

WA State Standard
Washington traffic deaths down after record year
Smokey Bear, pickleball, and pollinator license plates on the way in WA (Cortes, Donaghy, Ramos)
New book honors 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugees arriving in WA
Federal judges side with states in striking down tariffs imposed by President Trump
HHS presses health care providers, hospitals to curb gender-affirming treatments for kids

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Traffic deaths fall in Washington for the first time since 2019
Controversial Seattle rally spurs legal threats against Mayor Bruce Harrell
Former Green Hill employee admits she tried to smuggle drug filled burrito into detention center

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seven hospitalized in Lakewood park mass shooting; no suspects arrested
WA beach ranks among top 10 most bacteria-contaminated in U.S., report finds
Investigation: Snoqualmie police chief rated women’s bodies, mocked disabled staffer
Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration after leading effort to slash federal government

KXLY (ABC)
North Spokane homeless encampment, “Camp Dope,” continues to cause problems for neighbors

Web

Cascadia Daily News
1,200 WWU student employees go on strike
Opinion: Bill for public support of local news deserves a second chance (Liias)

Cascade PBS
Title IX federal investigation clashes with WA gender identity laws

MyNorthwest
Washington beach ranks in nation’s top 10 for bacteria
‘Obey God rather than men’: WA sued over clergy report law
Fight over hotly debated natural gas initiative headed to Washington State Supreme Court

The Urbanist
OPA, Seattle Police Violated Medical Privacy of Protester, Unearthed Investigation Reveals

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes
CLOSURE ALERT: West Seattle low bridge closing June 7-8 weekend

Wednesday, May 28

White House cuts aid for state unemployment systems
The White House is terminating $400 million in funds for states meant to modernize their unemployment insurance systems. Why it matters: These systems fell apart when unemployment soared in the pandemic, leading to rampant fraud and delays for beneficiaries. Continue reading at Axios. (Maura Losch)

‘I’m pretty upset’: WA lawmaker wants to override governor’s veto of his bill
State lawmakers delivered 423 bills to Gov. Bob Ferguson this year and he signed them all. Except one. Its sponsor hopes the Washington Legislature will override the veto the next time it is in session. “It shocked me,” said Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla. “People were excited about this and the governor turned around and vetoed it.” Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero)

A WA mother had custody of kids and protection from her abuser. Then a guardian ad litem got involved
For a long time, the justice system in Snohomish County believed Gina Bloom. When she told police in February 2020 that her then-husband, Brian Yorks, had assaulted her, they arrested him for second-degree rape. When she reported that he would control and intimidate her, the Snohomish County Superior Court granted her a protection order. And when Yorks filed for divorce following her rape accusation, a court commissioner gave her temporary custody of their 4- and 6-year-old sons. Continue reading at InvestigateWest. (Dan DeLong)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
WDFW, prisoners release butterflies in the prairie
Salary Commission sets county commissioner pay to $143K

Axios
White House cuts aid for state unemployment systems
Lumen Field getting upgrades ahead of 2026 World Cup
Native American programs protected from Trump’s anti-DEI order, agencies say
Trump pauses student visa interviews, weighs social media vetting for applicants

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham buying nearly 100 acres to preserve land around Lake Whatcom

Capital Press
USDA to purchase $16 million of Pacific pink shrimp
Energy secretary ‘passionately in support’ of lower Snake River dams
Shaniko Wool, Oregon Seed Council honored with global trade awards

Everett Herald
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue
Mountlake Terrace celebrates connections at State of the City address
Bloomberg Comment: What’s the upshot of FDA’s new covid shot policy?

The Inlander
Cuts to already-approved taxpayer funding for arts and humanities agencies are impacting the Inland Northwest

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap Transit raising fares, eliminating transfers for fast ferries

News Tribune
California’s Ban on Gas-Powered Cars is Dead
Hanford nuclear site was on the brink of layoffs. Then this happened in D.C.
WA gives $2M towards group’s effort to buy Tacoma motel for refugee housing
Trump administration tells state regulators it won’t back some discrimination claims
Opinion: Washington is deciding — right now — to allow hunger to grow

Olympian
WA doesn’t restrict older drivers. Here’s why changes could be on the way
Olympia officials consider limiting the information landlords can use to screen tenants

Peninsula Daily News
Court denies request to halt logging activity in Elwha Watershed

Port Townsend Leader
Canadian tourism cools, Port Townsend feels the heat

Puget Sound Business Journal
Here’s how many millionaires live in Seattle in 2025
Seattle-area job market shrinks by thousands of roles in months

South Whidbey Record
New bill addresses bad behavior on ferries

Spokesman Review
23 years later, Hanford site set to treat WWII, Cold War radioactive waste
Idaho pauses executions into 2026 as prison system preps for firing squad
State budget shortfall delays $13 million bridge replacement project in Colfax
Mike Volz, now Spokane County treasurer, reiterates intent not to run for re-election to Legislature
Baumgartner calls on RFK Jr. to reopen Spokane research lab focused on safety for miners, wildland firefighters

Tri-City Herald
Traffic detour begins for $8M Richland Highway 240 project near Hanford

Washington Post
Judge blocks bid to end NYC congestion pricing
GOP rejects ‘millionaire tax’ pitch, advancing breaks for the rich
RFK Jr. says he may bar scientists from publishing in top medical journals

WA State Standard
Uber, Lyft drivers win more benefits, protections despite industry pushback
‘I’m pretty upset’: WA lawmaker wants to override governor’s veto of his bill (Peterson, Bateman)
After reaching historic lows, hydropower generation in the Northwest expected to rise in 2025

Wenatchee World
Chelan County signs $2M purchase agreement for potential Malaga waterfront park

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Jayapal slams Trump’s budget plan as ‘big, beautiful betrayal’
Quarter-million Washingtonians could lose health insurance, senators warn
Tacoma church offering hope through housing with 60 new affordable units
Multiple arrests made amid protest of faith-based event outside Seattle City Hall

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Summer ferry schedule about to set sail
Pay up! King County Metro is resuming fare enforcement
Give your input on upcoming changes for ferry fares, policies
Seattle parks will close earlier than normal in citywide safety crackdown
Eight arrested as protest prompts street closures outside Seattle City Hall

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington State DNR battles Second Creek Fire as it expands to 153 acres near Leavenworth

KUOW Public Radio
Washington consumers will gain ‘right to repair’ cellphones, other electronics (Gregerson)
8 arrested as anti-LGBTQ group, counterprotesters descend on Seattle City Hall

KXLY (ABC)
Mead School Board re-enrolls in WIAA, revisits proposed changes to transgender student policy

Web

Cascade PBS
Federal and state cuts threaten Washington early-learning programs

InvestigateWest
Family law experts push legal framework to guide guardian ad litem reform in Washington
A WA mother had custody of kids and protection from her abuser. Then a guardian ad litem got involved

MyNorthwest
The fight over food assistance: For a Washington Senator—It’s personal

The Urbanist
Seattle Just Rezoned the Entire City — That Was the Easy Part
Judge Dismisses Last-Ditch Challenges of Draft Seattle Growth Plan

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Warm Wednesday watch
Seattle Police hiring pace described as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘amazing.’ But you won’t see that on the streets for a while

Tuesday, May 27

The City Let Anti-LGBTQ Religious Zealots Take Over Cal Anderson
On Saturday, an extremist anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion group called Mayday USA took over the center of Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill. And this far-right invasion wasn’t a shock. It was a city-permitted prayer rally at the center of Seattle’s queerest neighborhood. On the first day of Memorial Day weekend, when queer Seattleites would typically be sunbathing in the grass, Seattle’s parks department granted the group a 15-hour permit to dominate the park with stadium speakers. Continue reading at The Stranger. (Ryder Collins)

Yum! You can now take some roadkill home to eat in southwest WA
Good news for people who enjoy deer, elk and saving money: The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife will allow people to take home and eat deer killed in motor vehicle crashes in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The rule change went into effect May 17 and was announced Monday. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)

Seattle parks aim to crack down on late-night parties
Seattle will have more police patrols and new gates installed at some of its busiest parks this summer, as city officials seek to crack down on overnight partying and noise complaints. The big picture: The changes are part of a summer safety plan the mayor’s office announced this week, which will also include shorter summer hours at two of Seattle’s most popular waterfront parks, Alki Beach and Golden Gardens. Continue reading at Axios. (Melissa Santos)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
What’s next for Terry Emmert in Aberdeen?

Axios
Touch-screen kiosks may come to Seattle streets
Seattle parks aim to crack down on late-night parties

Capital Press
House puts tax on remittances to foreign countries
Senate pulls plug on EV mandate; California vows to sue
Oregon increases budget to fight wildfires, federal hiring reaches 84% of target
MAHA report commits to helping farmers; targets ultra-processed foods, chemicals

Columbian
PeaceHealth report highlights critical needs in Clark County region
Clark County CEO pay rising in line with international trends, says survey

Everett Herald
Everett to release final draft of comp plan
Everett City Council approves apprenticeship ordinance (Fosse)
Washington climate goals jeopardized by U.S. Senate vote
WA delegation urges Trump to reconsider request for bomb cyclone aid
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order
Editorial: Youth Forum: Just what are those kids thinking?
Bloomberg Comment: The ugly truth in the GOP’s big, beautiful bill
Bloomberg Comment: What’s the upshot of FDA’s new covid shot policy

News Tribune
Gov. Bob Ferguson delivers message for WA families worried about tax hikes
Puyallup’s finance reports had ‘significant deficiencies,’ including $2M grants
Old Tacoma elementary school to become new childcare center, workforce hub

Northwest Asian Weekly
Seattle Memorial Day events honor Asian American veterans and fallen heroes

Peninsula Daily News
Tourism dips from decreased Canadian visits
Port Angeles School District’s enrollment numbers holding steady

Puget Sound Business Journal
Construction to begin on Everett affordable housing project
Workers feel stigma around disability accommodations has worsened

Seattle Times
WA consumers will gain ‘right to repair’ cellphones, other electronics

Spokesman Review
West Valley Schools fleet adds three (very quiet) electric buses
Columbia River salmon restoration hit hard by $1.5B cut to Army Corps of Engineers
Spokane County, two largest cities agree to share data, coordinate on homelessness response

Tri-City Herald
Hanford nuclear site was on the brink of layoffs. Then this happened in D.C.
23 years later. Eastern WA plant ready to treat WWII, Cold War radioactive waste

Washington Post
A big Trump administration cutback went nearly unnoticed
Trump threatens California’s federal funding over a trans athlete
7 ways Senate Republicans are split over Trump’s tax and immigration bill

WA State Standard
Skagit Delta tidegate repair awaits resolve of legal action
Homebuying options remain slim for middle-income earners
Yum! You can now take some roadkill home to eat in southwest WA
WA consumers will gain ‘right to repair’ cellphones and other electronics (Gregerson)
Funding cut for programs that help Washington foster children navigate school
Red pen politics: 7 vetoes Gov. Bob Ferguson made in the Washington state budget

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
AI stepping up as backup for short-staffed PenCom dispatchers
Seattle leaders blasted for permitting religious rally that sparked protests, arrests

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Calls grow for Seattle mayor to step down after weekend arrests
Beloved Mount Rainier hiking, camping destinations to close for years
Puyallup fails to report $2.1M in federal COVID grants, admits mistake
Lynnwood looks to make up multi-million dollar shortfall in expected revenue

KUOW Public Radio
What’s changed since we got the Strippers’ Bill of Rights?
Ferguson breaks with past Washington governors — on his official bill-signing pens
GOP megadonor planning new round of Washington state tax, parents’ rights initiatives

KXLY (ABC)
Hundreds of tribes gather for Northwest Powwow in Spokane
Washington State Patrol investigating fatal crash near Mattawa
State suing eastern Washington property owners for sparking wildfire that destroyed thousands of acres

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Nurses approve new PeaceHealth contract
Fairhaven pathway will be partly closed for fish passage project this summer
Editorial: Bellingham’s ongoing civic response to major missteps in public schools: Zzzzzzz

MyNorthwest
Washington governor vetoes parts of clemency bill

The Stranger
What’s Behind the Gilded Doors of Aegis Senior Living?
The City Let Anti-LGBTQ Religious Zealots Take Over Cal Anderson

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Post-holiday Tuesday

Friday, May 23

Ferguson warns ‘cruel’ Medicaid cuts would rip health care from 200K WA residents
Gov. Bob Ferguson on Thursday warned that the U.S. Congress’ proposed Medicaid cuts would jeopardize health-care access for nearly 2 million Washington residents. Medicaid is the nation’s health-care program for those with lower income and some people with disabilities. In Washington state, “Apple Health” refers to the state’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible residents. Continue reading at The Olympian. (TVW)

State budget, legislation could help vacant Lynnwood Crisis Care Center
Nearly two years have passed since Lynnwood finished constructing its new crisis care center. But it still sits vacant, waiting for patients to fill its green recliners and empty beds. Crisis care centers throughout Washington have struggled to find operators due to statewide funding challenges. During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers worked to find solutions. Continue reading at The Herald. (Olivia Vanni)

Newhouse pursues legislation to stabilize Washington farm workforce
Washington state’s robust tree-fruit industry could soon be at a breaking point: According to Mark Powers of the Northwest Horticultural Council, the state’s agricultural industry as a whole is contending with enormous ongoing challenges, from adverse weather conditions to reduced crop yields year over year. According to a survey conducted by the Northwest Horticultural Council, tree-fruit growers indicated the cost of agricultural labor for growers has increased by an estimated 127% over the last decade, far exceeding the 22% increase in payments they receive when selling their fruit. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (Genna Martin)