Across Oregon, school districts large and small are facing another year of multi-million-dollar budget deficits.

Oregon Public Broadcasting's Natalie Pate explains the obstacles district leaders are up against.

Cannabis is a one-point-one billion dollar industry in Washington. As N-W-P’B’s Lauren Paterson explains, programs across the state are helping people get training in the industry or help those looking to break into the business.

Cannabis sales in Washington totaled one-point-one billion dollars in 20-24, according to the Washington Department of Revenue. And there are programs across the state designed to get people into the business or to help those who are already in it.

The federal Department of Justice is investigating Washington state over a new policy about child abuse. Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay explains, state law now requires priests to report abuse – even if it’s information they hear in confession.

Pike Place Market is entering a new era. Last month, the market announced a trial period for a vehicle ban. It limits traffic except for deliveries, ADA access, and emergencies. …..Casey Ford, a vendor at City Fish, thinks it’s a great idea.

[NOTE: :27 MUSIC TAIL and HOST TAG]

After years of debate, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is trying out a ban on most vehicles to make it more pedestrian-friendly.That follows the opening of several public spaces that local leaders hope will make the area more connected than ever. KNKX Murrow News Fellow Nate Sanford has more.

The Trump administration has been turning down requests for disaster assistance following floods, wind storms, and fires.

Washington is one of the states to be denied federal help with little explanation.

KUOW’s John Ryan investigated the federal government’s shrinking role in disaster relief.

In Washington and Oregon, wind power is the second largest source of renewable energy, after hydroelectric power. Attorneys General from both states joined a lawsuit today [Mon 5/5] challenging an executive order issued by President Trump in January.

The Oregon Legislature is considering a bill that would make major changes to the state’s groundwater quality laws for the first time since 1989. The bill has the backing of the governor, but also a lot of opposition. Antonio Sierra has more:

A commercial fisher found an unusual species of crab in the Columbia River last month --- alarming wildlife officials in Oregon and Washington. OPB's April Ehrlich [[ER-lick]] has more.