Annie E. Casey’s KIDS COUNT finds Washington 31st in education as the state trims Transition to Kindergarten funding — advocates say roughly 2,000 early‑learning slots will go away.

Gov. Bob Ferguson and State Superintendent Chris Reykdal urged lawmakers to push a bell-to-bell phone ban for K–12 schools, proposing limited health and IEP exemptions. The move aims to replace a patchwork of district rules with a statewide standard.

A June OFM memo tells Washington agencies to pause many new programs and prepare for significant shortfalls in the 2027–29 budget as officials reassess priorities.

Andrew Yang told CNBC his company is replacing entry‑level staff with AI and urged taxing automation to fund retraining while cutting payroll taxes.

King County has joined a multi-county lawsuit arguing the state must shoulder more of the cost of public defense as caseload limits tighten.

Pierce County Council voted unanimously to allow home daycares countywide and cut permitting red tape; changes take effect July 1, 2026.

A Walla Walla judge warned he could jail Pasco’s sheriff after the sheriff refused to return county-owned guns, a fingerprint scanner and other equipment. A June 3 hearing was set to consider sanctions.

Two openly gay Seattle officers filed suit this week, alleging the department passed them over for promotions because of their sexual orientation. The complaint names top command staff and seeks relief in King County Superior Court.

WalletHub placed Washington second among state economies; Gov. Bob Ferguson highlighted business growth and outlined housing, infrastructure and tax priorities.

Families in Washington say new federal rules have pushed immigration filing fees into the thousands, forcing fundraisers and fee cuts. Local attorneys and advocates warn the costs block access to justice.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order asking state agencies to create menopause workplace accommodations and training, aiming to retain midcareer women and reduce turnover. The commission will draft guidance for public and private employers.

Pierce County removed Gary Gant as Human Services director after internal memos flagged incomplete briefings and oversight lapses. Interim leadership is overseeing key homelessness and housing programs while the county recruits a permanent director.

WA’s new WA Cares Fund promises a $36,500 lifetime benefit, but state cost data show that nursing‑home and home‑care bills can eat through that sum quickly.