Ferguson breaks with past Washington governors — on his official bill-signing pens What pen a governor uses to sign laws might not seem that important — but it’s a token and often an extension of who they are as a person. Scott Greenstone
To recuse or not to recuse? The Seattle City Council debates an ethics conundrum The Seattle City Council is scheduled to debate a change to the city's ethics policy Thursday. Current rules require council members to recuse themselves if they have a financial conflict of interest, which can mean some districts aren't fully represented in a vote. A proposed bill would make it easier for members to vote on legislation they have an interest in, but still require them to disclose any potential conflicts. Paige Browning Play AudioListen 6 mins
Washington, other states sue to regain electric-vehicle funding as sales sag As electric vehicle sales slump, Washington and 15 other states have sued the Trump administration for blocking funding for vehicle charging stations. John Ryan
Joe Mallahan, former business exec and 2009 candidate, announces new bid for Seattle mayor A new competitor has emerged against Bruce Harrell in Seattle’s 2025 race for mayor. KUOW Staff
Federal funding cuts to AmeriCorps leave Washington volunteers, nonprofits scrambling for answers Cuts to the federal volunteer service program AmeriCorps are disrupting the work of non-profits across Washington as well as the lives of volunteers. Noel Gasca
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 Play AudioListen 4 mins
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 Play AudioListen 5 mins
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