July 2025

July 28, 2025

Judge halts WA law on priest confessions — A federal judge blocked a new mandate requiring Catholic priests to report child abuse learned in confession, ruling it violates First Amendment religious freedoms.

Washington state is bracing for major fiscal and social impacts following passage of a federal megabill that cuts Medicaid and SNAP funding while eliminating clean energy tax credits. Analysts estimate the law could cost Washington billions annually, reduce coverage for hundreds of thousands of resi...

Roughly 545,000 acres of Washington’s forestlands showed signs of insect damage, disease, or other stress in 2024, according to a new report from the state Department of Natural Resources. While that represents just 2.5% of the state’s 22 million forested acres, it marks an uptick from 2023 and ...

July 7, 2025

Washington and 14 states sue Trump administration over Medicaid data sharing — Lawsuit seeks to block use of health records by ICE for immigration enforcement.

July 7, 2025

16 states including Washington sue Trump administration over $1B school mental health cuts — Lawsuit filed in Seattle challenges termination of diversity-linked grant programs.

June 2025

Washington’s latest revenue forecast reveals a $720 million gap over the next four years, raising concerns about the state’s financial footing just ahead of the start of the new biennium. Gov. Bob Ferguson said he does not plan to call a special session — for now. The drop is driven by weak...

June 30, 2025

Trump administration moves to block Washington law requiring clergy to report child abuse  — Federal officials argue the law violates religious freedom by compelling priests to break the seal of confession.

June 30, 2025

Washington gas tax rises 6 cents July 1 — The increase brings the state tax to 55.4 cents per gallon; Washington drivers now pay about $4.45 per gallon on average.

June 16, 2025

WA Medicaid data handed to Homeland Security for immigration enforcement — Apple Health officials say they don’t know what was shared or how it’s being used.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is urging state agencies and public colleges to tighten their belts further, even after approving a budget this spring that closed a historic shortfall with tax hikes and cuts. A June 4 memo from the Office of Financial Management directs agencies to request new funds on...