Governor signs budget with new taxes: On May 20, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the state's $78 billion operating budget, which includes new tax legislation such as an excise tax on certain zero-emission vehicle credits, changes to capital gains and estate taxes, a sales tax on specific services, and increased business and occupation taxes. Despite criticism from Republicans and businesses, Ferguson argues that the budget strives to preserve core services and programs for Washingtonians while addressing a significant budget shortfall — here’s what to know.
Tacoma Public Schools budget protest: Hundreds rallied at the "Support Our Students" event on May 22, protesting the district's decision to not renew 105 provisional certificated employees' contracts amid a $30 million budget shortfall. Critics argue that cuts should be made at the top, while the district maintains these measures are necessary to avoid financial binding conditions — here’s what to know.
Tacoma's Willard Elementary School to be repurposed: The former Willard Elementary School in Tacoma is set to be transformed into a childcare and workforce development hub, after the Pierce County Central Labor Council AFL-CIO and its nonprofit arm acquired the property with help from a $5 million state contribution. The facility will provide childcare for around 200 children, host workforce development classes, and house the Local 252 Labor Union offices — with a focus on serving working families and single parents who struggle to find childcare outside of typical 9-5 hours, and a goal to help parents spend no more than 7% of their household income on childcare — read more about the project.
Transgender athlete ban in Washington: On May 7, the Quilcene School District in western Washington controversially voted to ban transgender athletes from school sports, a decision that contradicts the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association's policy allowing transgender students to participate in sports according to their gender identity. This ongoing issue has sparked intense discussions and debates within the community — here’s what to know.
New public park spaces in Tacoma: Residents now have increased access to park spaces as schoolyards at Whitman and Mann elementary schools have been converted to public parks, a $2 million project made possible by a partnership among Tacoma Public Schools, Parks Tacoma, and the Trust for Public Land, among others. The new spaces, which opened on May 19, are available to the public outside of school hours and feature renovated playgrounds, walking paths, and more — here’s what to know.
Community support for detained father: Thurston County father Maximo Londonio was arrested by federal immigration agents upon returning from a family vacation to the Philippines, sparking a rally of family, union members, and community supporters outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma on May 23. With additional rallies planned and a fundraiser ongoing to support legal costs, the situation highlights concerns about the potential ripple effects on families and communities — here’s what to know.
Preparing for 'above average' wildfire season: Firefighters across western Washington are training intensively in anticipation of a potentially severe wildfire season. With a focus on public preparedness, inter-agency coordination, and enhanced resources, local fire agencies aim to be ready for the increasing threat of wildfires in the region — here’s what you need to know.
Fatal motorcycle crash in Puyallup: A motorcyclist died and a driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide following a reckless driving incident on Sunday evening in Pierce County. The continued risk of reckless and impaired driving incidents makes this an ongoing concern for local residents — here’s what to know.
Other highlights this week:
- Discover Washington's education funding challenges
- Check Washington high school rankings
- Read about Missoula man's DUI arrest
- Celebrate 79-year-old Vietnam veteran's graduation
- Apply for NextLaw's young entrepreneurs scholarship
- Learn about Clean Buildings Performance Standard
- Support Tacoma teachers against district cuts
- Understand Trump's education department dismantling
- Relief as missing 14-year-old girl found
