Government

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Washington state joins lawsuit over 'reckless and unlawful' AmeriCorps cuts

The attorneys general from Washington and Oregon are joining a coalition of states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s recent attempts to dismantle AmeriCorps.
- Tiffany Camhi/OPB
100 days in, Trump voters in Washington have some reservations but say 'be patient'

Tuesday marked 100 days into President Trump's second term, and it's been a whirlwind start for his administration. Many Washingtonians who voted for him say they still support him — but they're a bit hesitant about some of his actions.
- Casey Martin
Rent limits, tax hikes head to governor as Washington lawmakers end session

In the session's final days, the Democratic majority settled on a deal for new rent caps, approved a gun permit requirement, and signed off on unemployment benefits for striking workers. The state budget passed with a slate of new tax hikes -- and without a single Republican vote in support.
- Jeanie Lindsay
Lobbying spending in Washington state has doubled since 2014 What’s it buying?

In the last decade, money spent lobbying in Washington rose more steadily and dramatically than other U.S. state that tracks lobbying money — from around $41 million in 2014 to more than $90 million last year.
- Scott Greenstone
Seattleite killed by Israeli sniper commemorated in legislation amid push for independent investigation

A new House resolution is mostly symbolic in its recognition of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi’s life. But a Senate bill, if passed, would pressure the federal government to independently investigate her killing by an Israeli sniper last year.
- Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Tacoma ICE center detentions spike by nearly 50% since March, says U.S. Rep. Randall

The number of people held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma has jumped almost 50% in the past month, according to numbers provided to a Washington congressmember.
- Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Police hiring bill advances in Washington, requiring mix of state and local funds

Washington state is closer to providing new state grants for cities and counties to hire more police officers following a bipartisan vote in the state Senate on Wednesday.
- Amy Radil
Trump administration plans to end free IRS direct tax filing, AP sources say

The Trump administration plans to eliminate the IRS’ Direct File program, an electronic system for filing tax returns directly to the agency for free, according to two people familiar with the decision.
- Associated Press
Washington state Democrats reveal sweeping new tax plan

The plan cobbles together a range of hikes, including on businesses, capital gains, and property. A question now is whether Gov. Bob Ferguson will support the proposals.
- Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard
There's no such thing as 'local' and these Pacific Northwest industries prove it

The tariff landscape is constantly shifting, but one thing has remained consistent: the Trump administration's claim that tariffs will protect American industry and reshore manufacturing. So, tariffs should be good for our iconic Pacific Northwest industries, right?
- Monica Nickelsburg

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