A controversial bill to limit rent hikes is on the brink of becoming law after gaining approval in Washington’s state Senate. But Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay reports, the bill is putting divisions among Democrats on full display.

[Host’s Lead:]

Gray Whales pass through Washington waters every year as they complete a 10-thousand-mile migration along the west coast. They’re also the target species for a possible renewed hunt by the Makah Tribe. And there’s an annual trip many Whidbey Island whale watchers make, a kind of pilgrimage, to San Ignacio Lagoon, in Baja California. That’s where gray whales mate and give birth…and they’re known to be amazingly friendly to tourists. KNKX environment reporter Bellamy Pailthorp went along this year

LEDE: More than two-hundred people gathered for a town hall last night [Wednesday} in Yakima, many calling for a public meeting with Representative Dan Newhouse. N-W-P-B’s Reneé Dìaz has more.

Oregon leaders pushed back today/yesterday ((THURS)) against a Trump Administration demand to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion policies in public schools. From Oregon Public Broadcasting, Rob Manning has more.

The head of the Oregon Republican Party resigned this week, following revelations the party described as ‘deeply troubling.” Dirk VanderHart reports,

Blue River is still rebuilding from the Holiday Farm Fire of 2020.

Last weekend [recently/April 5], the community held a block party to celebrate the progress. [KLCC’s Rachael McDonald has this update.][:54 soq]

Minor league baseball could be returning to Medford after a 25-year absence. The Giants affiliated Eugene Emeralds are looking at packing up and moving south after they failed to secure enough funding to build a stadium that meets current minor league requirements.

Call them the Medford Emeralds, the Timberjacks, or maybe the Medford Pears. Jefferson Public Radio's Roman Battaglia (buh-TALLY-uh) reports a minor league baseball team may be moving to the city.

Host lead-in: Washington state workers are urging lawmakers not to cut state services and instead, increase tax revenue as the state faces a budget deficit. N-W-P-B’s Lauren Gallup reports.

Democratic leaders in Washington’s legislature say a wealth tax is unlikely to make it into a final budget deal. Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay explains, it comes after the governor said he won’t sign a budget that relies on a wealth tax.