Government Unkept trails, cancelled programs. Washington state feels the impact of federal forest cuts Dozens of people across Washington state who worked at national parks and forests have lost their jobs in recent weeks, as part of sweeping overhaul of the federal workforce by President Donald Trump. Those firings could cause ripple effects across state programs that benefit hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. Casey Martin
Environment More cuts coming to US oceans agency and its Olympic Coast sanctuary The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is planning to jettison 10 buildings it leases in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington as the agency prepares to eliminate another 1,029 employees nationwide. John Ryan
Environment Washington state eyes disaster declaration to reopen Olympic Park’s Hoh Rainforest In December, the Hoh River took out Jefferson County’s Upper Hoh Road, the only vehicular access to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, campground, picnic area, and trailheads. The county’s efforts to get federal aid for emergency repairs have failed, for lack of a disaster declaration. John Ryan
Environment Snow or no? Northwest’s water outlook gets murky with federal cuts Agencies that keep tabs on Northwest rivers and snowpack have been shedding scientists under the Trump administration. John Ryan
Government Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell pushes for another decade of democracy vouchers Harrell's push to renew democracy vouchers comes as the program hits 10 years and faces a potential sunsetting. Without a renewal, the program will end. Noel Gasca
Government Bill to allow more housing near bus stops and rail stations progresses in Olympia It may be easier for Washington State residents to find an affordable home within walking distance of good transit in the future. A “transit-oriented development” bill has made it halfway through the legislature, on its long path to becoming law. Joshua McNichols
Politics No security clearance, no government work. Seattle law firm faces Trump’s wrath President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday stripping lawyers at the Seattle firm Perkins Coie of their security clearance and access to government buildings. Scott Greenstone
Politics Running for Seattle mayor from Tent City 3 “I fully admit that I am not the most qualified candidate under normal circumstances,” Seattle mayoral candidate Joe Molloy said. “But I don’t feel like this city is under normal circumstances.” Amy Radil
Education U.S. Department of Education investigates Tumwater School District over transgender student athlete The U.S. Department of Education has launched a Title IX investigation into the Tumwater School District after a transgender girl from Shelton played in a high school girls’ basketball game last month. Sami West
Environment NOAA firings in Seattle include orca-saving employee of the year Until Thursday afternoon, Hanna Miller focused on protecting whales from oil spills, ship strikes, and fishing gear. While on vacation in Hawaii, the federal biologist opened her work email on her personal phone to find she no longer had a job. John Ryan
