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Tuesday, January 21

Rent cap proposal clears first hurdle in WA House
Supporters of the proposal say it will help tenants stay in their homes and provide predictability in their housing costs. Opponents, however, say it could hurt small landlords and hinder new housing construction in Washington. “This bill is about basic fairness,” sponsor Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, said. “Our constituents are asking for relief on excessive rent increases now.”
Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)

Proposed ‘bill of rights’ would offer labor protections to WA nannies, housekeepers and gardeners
State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña sponsored the bill, also called the domestic workers’ bill of rights, which received a hearing Monday in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. The Seattle Democrat noted the significance of the timing in a news release: Jan. 20 was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday commemorating the man who worked tirelessly for racial and economic justice. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Simone Carter)

WA, local schools stand firm in protecting undocumented students amid Trump’s deportation plans
The State of Washington has more than 16,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. According to an estimate by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, Washington State was home to more than 340,000 undocumented immigrants in 2022. The Wenatchee School District superintendent, Kory Kalahar, said there are protocols in place for Immigration and Customs Enforcement on school property. Continue reading at Wenatchee World. (Jacob Ford)

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Axios
Charging electric vehicles is getting easier in Washington

Bellingham Herald
‘A fresh perspective’: Lummi Tribe member reflects on representing U.S. at 2024 G7 forum
How new partnership with Swinomish will bring opioid treatment resources to Bellingham
Opinion: The youth of today are destined to be the salmon stewards of tomorrow

Capital Press
Washington Senate looks at payouts for wolf-related losses
Court weighs federal authority over Klamath irrigation diversions

Everett Herald
Crabs at Mukilteo aren’t dead. They’re just molting
“Mission Possible”: Community gathers to honor MLK
Editorial: Support those caring for state’s most vulnerable

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap paramedics will provide emerging medication to aid opioid recovery

News Tribune
Hundreds protest in Tacoma for variety of causes on Trump inauguration day
Tacoma’s 2024 eviction rate rose, despite voters’ ban on winter, school-year evictions
Could Pierce County quickly evacuate during a wildfire? Some would have to escape by water

Olympian
WA state law doesn’t allow jails to help ICE. Tri-Cities leader wants to call the bluff
As more states adopt traffic enforcement cameras, here’s where Washington stands
Proposed ‘bill of rights’ would offer labor protections to WA nannies, housekeepers and gardeners (Saldaña)

Seattle Medium
Seattle Councilmember Proposes Restrictions On Police Use Of Blast Balls And Enhanced Oversight

Seattle Times
WA AG Nick Brown suing Trump administration over birthright citizenship

Spokesman Review
‘These are dark times’: Washington Rep. Natasha Hill addresses racism in MLK Day speech (Hill)
Vanessa Waldref reflects on her years as Eastern Washington’s U.S. attorney before departing amid incoming Trump administration

Washington Post
Trump takes sweeping actions, faces pushback
Tracking the president’s executive actions, orders
Opponents, lawsuits argue the returning president exceeded his powers
Democrats move to protect Medicaid, wary of Trump’s looming changes

WA State Standard
Rent cap proposal clears first hurdle in WA House (Alvarado, Peterson)
Trump signs executive orders to kick-start his immigration crackdown
Debate revived in WA Legislature over unemployment benefits for striking workers (Riccelli, Doglio)

Wenatchee World
Museaum’s MLK fest connects, uplifts heritages
20-year comprehensive plan update underway in Wenatchee
Fear of deportation a daily reality for many undocumented families
WA, local schools stand firm in protecting undocumented students amid Trump’s deportation plans

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle march unites thousands against Project 2025 at MLK rally
Washington lawmakers push to ban homeless encampments near schools, parks
Here’s where you can find warming centers in western WA amid sub-freezing low temps
President Trump’s return to White House sparks mixed reactions in western Washington
President Trump’s sweeping Jan. 6 riot pardon includes Auburn man originally sentenced to 18 years

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
How does Governor Bob Ferguson plan to balance WA’s massive budget?
AG Brown to announce lawsuit challenging President Trump Executive Order
30 WA residents included in mass pardons from Trump regarding Jan. 6 attack
Warming shelters opening across Western Washington due to freezing temperatures

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle MLK march and rally brings thousands to streets
Costco Teamsters authorize strike as contract expires Jan. 31
Seattle groups rally against “regressive” immigration policies as Trump takes office
WA Attorney General, lawmakers react to President Trump’s day 1 executive orders
Auburn Proud Boy leader’s 18-year sentence commuted in Trump’s sweeping pardons
WA National Guard reports no immediate security boost at border under Trump administration

KUOW Public Radio
WA Proud Boy Ethan Nordean has 18-year sentence commuted by Trump

KXLY (ABC)
Average price of gas rises in Spokane this week
Proposed rent control bill pushed through WA legislature (Alvarado)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Overdose deaths were down in Whatcom County in 2024
New PeaceHealth program connects overdose patients to outpatient care
Affordable housing projects in Bellingham, Mount Vernon receive nearly $10M from state

Cascade PBS
Yakama Nation fights to reclaim more than 90K acres from WA state

MyNorthwest
Record-setting amount of guns confiscated from Washington airports in 2024
30 WA residents included in mass pardons from Trump regarding Jan. 6 attack

Washington Observer
A business-backed “educational” campaign on the budget and taxation

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

Monday, January 20

Martin Luther King Jr.’s hopes for U.S. echo still
King, who said “there comes a time when silence is betrayal,” would likely encourage all corners of society to speak out for positive change and against things that negatively impact the poor or disadvantaged. And he would likely use his own platform to amplify the voices of those who for centuries have been forced to whisper. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (M. Ryder)

Will kimchi get its own day in Washington?
Democratic state Rep. Cindy Ryu of Shoreline authored legislation to designate Nov. 22 as Kimchi Day in Washington to coincide with the annual celebration of National Kimchi Day in South Korea. Ryu’s bill cleared the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on Friday. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Elena Noviello)

Legislature considers amendment to WA constitution to ease bond passage for schools
It’s a relevant issue for schools across the state and locally. In Spokane County, only Cheney Public Schools had success getting 60% of its voter base to approve a bond issue in the last year. School districts Spokane, West Valley, Deer Park, Riverside and Orchard Prairie each had one or more failed bonds on ballots in 2024 elections. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Jesse Tinsley)

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Bellingham Herald
2nd bill filed to limit WA governor’s authority to approve locally opposed wind farms
New WA board needed to ‘build trust’ in nuclear as electric demand grows, says lawmaker
Bellingham’s unhoused student population is rising. Here’s how the district supports them

Capital Press
Washington considers banning English, Atlantic ivy
Washington’s new lands commissioner pauses logging
Washington Supreme Court upholds immunity for forestland owners
Washington cannabis farmworkers seek collective-bargaining rights (Ortiz-Self)

The Daily News
Cowlitz County businesses account for nearly half of state’s latest pollution fines
WA state releases tentative smelt dipping days ahead of 1st season with license requirement

Everett Herald
Everett homeless service faces uncertain future
Firefighters attend state’s first behavioral health training
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024
South County Fire, UW to lead behavioral health training for firefighters
Stanwood student’s online threats under investigation from sheriff’s office
Comment: Comment: Defining King’s ‘beloved community’
Editorial: What would MLK Jr. do? What, now, will we do?
Comment: Eco-nomics: A brief history of how the climate crisis unfolded

The Inlander
As youth mental health concerns continue to grow, some question Providence’s decision to shutter Sacred Heart’s inpatient youth psychiatric unit

Kitsap Sun
State commission suspends Bremerton judge, recommends removal over conduct

News Tribune
Shelters on alert as coldest weather yet for some areas this year takes hold
A section of SR 99 in Fife will close next week while crews remove old bridge
Why Puppyland will pay nearly $4M after WA alleged illegal sales, advertising practices
Opinion: Joe Biden hypocritically warns America in his farewell about Trump’s abuses of power
Opinion: Washington’s struggle: How far-too-slow salmon recovery impacts Orcas like Tahlequah

New York Times
Big Banks Quit Climate Change Groups Ahead of Trump’s Term

Northwest Asian Weekly
AAPI adults prioritize immigration, but split on mass deportations: AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll

Olympian
New PSE rate changes approved by state regulators. Here’s how much you can expect to pay

Puget Sound Business Journal
How the new administration in Washington could affect your business
Will Covid-era SBA loans be forgiven under Trump administration?

Seattle Medium
The Y’s Commitment To Fostering A Community Of Belonging For All

Seattle Times
WA lawmakers consider flavored tobacco ban
WA’s new lands chief hits pause on controversial timber sales
Trump orders reflect his promises to roll back transgender protections and end DEI programs
Editorial: Martin Luther King Jr.’s hopes for U.S. echo still
Opinion: Seattle innovation hub will help get climate tech off the ground

Spokesman Review
Ferguson orders flags to be temporarily raised for presidential inauguration
Legislature considers amendment to WA constitution to ease bond passage for schools (Wellman, Cortes)
Rep. Michael Baumgartner wants to keep college football from turning into ‘a second NFL’
‘Our entire sheltering system would be in trouble’: Rising insurance costs strains Spokane-area dog shelters
‘Our communities are truly at risk’: Washington advocacy groups urge state leaders to defy federal deportation policies following surprise immigration raids in California (Saldaña)
Opinion: State Supreme Court wrestles with ban on large-capacity magazines

Tri-City Herald
With TikTok ban looming, Washington is more concerned than any other state, study finds

Washington Post
Trump executive order will attempt to end birthright citizenship
Trump readies massive shift in U.S. economy on eve of inauguration
California isn’t the only place where insurers are dropping homeowners

WA State Standard
Will kimchi get its own day in Washington? (Ryu, Stearns)
Former staff at Spokane youth psychiatric unit blame Providence for closure
WA’s new ‘Hope Cards’ offer alternative to carrying thick protection orders (Davis)
Washington lawmakers look at making packaging producers pay for recycling (Berry, Fey)

Wenatchee World
Leavenworth council, PUD approve land study
Wenatchee YMCA receives $158,000 donation from Ballmer Group
Fear of deportation a daily reality for many undocumented families
Wenatchee School District considers moving Valley Academy into Columbia Elementary

Yakima Herald-Republic
New WA lands commissioner orders pause on logging sales for some older forests
Yakima City Council to discuss fund for city pools, community service program for courts

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
How a second Trump presidency could impact Washington state
Washington Gov. Ferguson orders flags to be flown at full-staff Jan. 20
Trump returning to power after unprecedented comeback, emboldened to reshape American institutions
In Session: New governor inaugurated, renewed effort to pass previously failed bills mark first week (Fitzgibbon)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
DNR pauses timber harvesting in efforts to conserve older forests
Thurston County shelters open as cold weather moves into the South Sound
Hundreds rally in Seattle for justice, equality, human right at People’s March
Washington State launches E-bike rebate program to make them more affordable
Biden pardons Fauci and Milley in an effort to guard against potential ‘revenge’ by Trump
Application submitted for sculpture memorializing the legacy of Billy Frank Jr. at the US Capitol

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Gov. Ferguson orders flags at full staff for Inauguration Day
Protests planned in Puget Sound as Trump takes helm as president
Renton police warn residents to stay alert after spike in home burglaries
Pierce Transit offers free rides to warming centers amid Puget Sound cold snap
Mount Rainier monitored closely as scientists keep watch for signs of volcanic activity

KNKX Public Radio
WA state, federal agencies finalize agreement for tank waste cleanup at Hanford

KUOW Public Radio
Western Washington groups scramble to admit refugees before Trump’s inauguration
Tacoma ICE center ordered to pay detainee workers Washington’s minimum wage, $23 million in arrears

KXLY (ABC)
Average price of gas rises in Spokane this week
Colville homeless camp faces closure, residents concerned about limited housing options

NW Public Radio
Labor shortages and deportation fears threaten Washington agriculture
Child care subsidies in Washington could be impacted as state faces budget gap
Two bills could make it easier for people in Washington state custody to vote, politically organize (Simmons, Farivar)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Some farmers await water right approval based on an undocumented promise

Cascade PBS
Washington youth homelessness organizations face upheaval
New WA bill would expand private detention center inspections (Ortiz-Self)
The Newsfeed: Former Gov. Jay Inslee on his tenure and his future

The Urbanist
Facing Budget Crisis, Washington’s Leaders Downplay Focus on Highway Expansion (Liias, Fey)

Washington Observer
Not in my state, you don’t (Mena)
A flurry of special education bills hit Olympia (Wellman, Pedersen, Pollet)
Hey Congress, forget that constitutional convention (Krishnadasan, Pedersen)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday, MLK Day and Inauguration Day

Friday, January 17

Lawmakers again trying to lower legal alcohol limit for drivers in Washington
If passed, Washington would join Utah as the only state with a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration limit. Other states have considered similar legislation, but haven’t passed it. Utah made the move in 2018. The state was also the first to lower the limit from 0.1% to 0.08% in the 1980s. After the switch from 0.08% to 0.05%, Utah saw a 20% drop in fatal crashes, but that figure crept back up during the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with national trends. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Klaus Vedfelt)

Washington Legislature weighs limiting rent increases
Washington state lawmakers are again considering legislation that would limit many tenants’ rent increases to no more than 7% per year. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that nearly 280,000 people in Washington state — about 15% of the state’s renters — saw their monthly rent rise by $250 or more in the past 12 months, per a survey taken last August and September. Continue reading at Axios. (Annelise Capossela)

WA advocates sue ICE over release of detention center records
The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, a Seattle-based human rights group, filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in federal court on Tuesday, alleging violations of the Freedom of Information Act. The complaint, filed in the Western District of Washington, challenges ICE’s failure to turn over public records relating to sexual abuse incidents at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, which is run by the GEO Group, a private detention services company. Continue reading at Cascade PBS.

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Auburn Reporter
Funds are running out to help vacate drug possession charges

Axios
Washington Legislature weighs limiting rent increases (Alvarado, Jinkins, Pedersen)

Bellingham Herald
Washington cities expanding home-rental protections as efforts at state level have stalled

Capital Press
On way out, Inslee offers $15 million to help Danish firm’s energy project
Oregon bill would hold landowners liable for farmworker camp violations

Columbian
Two Clark County school districts receive Energy Efficiency Retrofits grants

The Daily News
Homeless transgender women in Pacific Northwest face greater risk of violence
On brink of homelessness, Pacific Northwest women left alone to face abusers, survey shows

Everett Herald
Snohomish County delays decision on changes to habitat ordinance
Stanwood student’s online threats under investigation from sheriff’s office
Edmonds police serve warrant, sending nearby school into precautionary lockdown

Journal of the San Juan Islands
New Apple Health birth doula benefit

News Tribune
Lakewood Towne Center apartment project is focus of public hearing this month
Puyallup car dealer had license revoked. Now AG accuses manager of stealing tax money
How Washington’s education department is gearing up for the new Trump administration
Tacoma City Manager Elizabeth Pauli is retiring. Now, the city will work to find a new leader

New York Times
More Americans, Risking Ruin, Drop Their Home Insurance
Biden Will Commute Sentences of Nearly 2,500 Drug Offenders
Senate Pushes Bill to Deport Migrants Charged With Crimes Past a Key Hurdle
State Attorneys General Ask Courts to Preserve Biden-era Gun Control Measures

Northwest Asian Weekly
Three AAPI candidates vie for open seat on Seattle City Council
Five indicted in CID, encampments drug bust, following wiretap

Olympian
How Washington’s education department is gearing up for the new Trump administration

Puget Sound Business Journal
Property insurance crisis isn’t expected to improve
AI is shaping hiring decisions as more workers start looking for jobs

Seattle Times
UW agrees to federal terms to address discrimination claims
FDA floats plan to make cigarettes nonaddictive, but its fate rests with Trump
FDA OKs sales of Zyn nicotine pouches, citing health benefits for adult smokers

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit Transit approves capital budget

Spokesman Review
Washington state House lawmakers again push cap on rent increases (Alvarado, Hill, Pederson)
Regional dispatch system kicks out Spokane Fire Department as talks on taking police calls collapse

Tri-City Herald
Richland asks WA state for ‘emergency’ $13.5M advance to cover school district bills
Tiny burrowing owls ‘evicted’ to make room for Pasco water plant. What happened next

Washington Post
Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban-or-sale law slated to start Sunday
Antiabortion advocates look for men to report their partners’ abortions

WA State Standard
Reykdal says Washington risks lawsuit if school funding isn’t hiked
Trump nominee for housing chief calls for building ‘millions more homes’
Lawmakers again trying to lower legal alcohol limit for drivers in Washington (Lovick, Liias, Dhingra)
New WA lands commissioner orders pause on logging sales for some older forests

Wenatchee World
Leavenworth council, PUD approve land study
Wenatchee School District considers moving Valley Academy into Columbia Elementary

Yakima Herald-Republic
Judge rules in favor of petitioners in case on city advisory committees

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
How a second Trump presidency could impact Washington state
Art installation honoring the Northwest’s Indigenous history to open on Seattle waterfront

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Handcuffs used in brutal assault during juvenile detention escape attempt in Chehalis
FBI holds news conference on ballot box fires in Pacific Northwest during 2024 election
WA reps seek aid, disaster declaration from federal government for bomb cyclone recovery

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
How a TikTok ban may adversely affect local businesses in Washington
Everett police use license plate reader to recover stolen car, seize illegal drugs
Measles case confirmed in Alaska resident who traveled through Sea-Tac airport
Gov. Ferguson pushes for free meals for all Washington K-12 students (Berg, Riccelli)
FBI releases new information on devices used in Portland, Vancouver ballot box arsons
Gov. Ferguson signs executive orders on housing, reproductive rights and permitting reform

KNKX Public Radio
Biden says the Equal Rights Amendment is law. What happens next is unclear
Food pantries are bracing for more demand if the Trump administration cuts food aid

KUOW Public Radio
In era of budget cuts, Washington schools chief calls for more ed funding
Democrats pour into Washington state as Republicans leave, analysis shows

KXLY (ABC)
New early learning center to provide 170 childcare spots in Spokane
‘Disagreeable and unwilling’; City, SREC end negotiations for regionalization

NW Public Radio
Unpacking Senate Bill 5041: Unemployment benefits for striking workers (Conway)
Some retirees could see thousands in back pay following new Social Security Fairness Act

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Should public transit prioritize more riders or broader access? WTA to decide

Cascade PBS
WA advocates sue ICE over release of detention center records
WA pharmacists turn to telehealth to prescribe abortion medication

MyNorthwest
State Senate bill with new gun-free zones in parks, where kids are present moves ahead (Valdez)

The Stranger
Rent Fixing in The Emerald City

The Urbanist
Homebuilders Warn Seattle’s Planned MFTE Changes Threaten to Kill Affordability Program

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday watch
FERRIES: Annual report shows Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ridership rose, as did systemwide use

Thursday, January 16

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

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

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

Print

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skagit Valley Herald
Changes proposed for Skagit County development code

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, January 15

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

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

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