Plus, Washington's new 'millionaire's tax' faces legal challenges led by two previous state attorney generals. Washington school superintendent Chris Reykdal lambasts Democrats for cuts to kindergarten prep. A far-right blogger appeals her defamation case over a CDA drag performance, and Idaho Governor Brad Little vetoes five bills.

WA declares a fourth consecutive statewide drought, and the state Ecology director says future snowpack will be unreliable. The second-biggest gender pay gap in the U.S. is in WA. Why?STA says its all but certain federal dollars are coming to cover half the cost of bus rapid transit on North Division.Famed Northwest climber Jim Whittaker, the first U.S. man to summit Mt. Everest, dies at 97.

Plus, Spokane Housing Authority builds childcare into its newest low income housing project, the Forest Service plans to close research stations and WSU gets a "new" athletic director.

Plus, the WA Supreme Court is set to consider a Let's Go Washington lawsuit challenging the new income tax's referendum clause. And a new law in Idaho will ban transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, but some Idahoans say it will be difficult to enforce. Finally, Spokane Valley could be the next American city to ban cryptocurrency kiosks amidst a nationwide crackdown.

Plus, the Spokane County Sheriff's office has temporarily stopped using its license plate reader system in response to a new state law, sheriffs sue WA to block new eligibility requirements for law enforcement leaders, SPD's new gun crime unit is taking shape in northeast Spokane, crimes against cannabis retailers are chronically underreported to the Washington Liquor and Cannabis board, ID Democrats say this year's budget cuts were unnecessary and harmful after years of tax cuts, and climate officials warn low snowpack means Northwest residents should prepare for a bad wildfire season.

Plus, Legislators wrap up 2026 legislative session in Boise, Idaho moves to restrict teachers' unions, Spokane's legislative delegation sees more turnover, unemployment in Washington hit its highest rate since 2021, and a UW researcher says a newly FDA-approved GLP-1 pill could have major benefits worldwide.

Plus, ID is poised to increase work requirements for Medicaid expansion health coverage, transgender Idahoans could face prison for using some bathrooms that match their gender identity, and the Gem State is considering allowing the public to carry guns into county courthouses. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office gets money from the Department of Homeland Security to help keep Spokane and Seattle safe during the FIFA World Cup. More seniors and disabled people will be exempt from Washington property taxes next year. And Amazon is paying into a fund for water infrastructure because of a lawsuit over data centers in northeastern OR.

Plus, Republicans sue over WA's "millionaires' tax," WA restricts ALPRs like Flock cameras, ID looks to track immigration statuses for all arrested and impose penalties for school and medical staff who don't tell parents a child wants to socially transition, WA creates a transmission authority, and cannabis use could be degrading your memory—slightly.

Plus, Gov. Ferguson signs housing bills, including on land banks and homeless shelter signing; WA's only income tax is set for signature today; WA farmers see skyrocketing diesel prices as war continues in Iran; AG Nick Brown sues Kalshi and thousands gather for "No Kings" rallies across the Inland Northwest

Plus, Gov. Ferguson signs state artificial intelligence regulations, WA preserves funds for long-term care for legal immigrants, ID may restrict eligibility for Medicaid expansion, and libraries in Stevens County could cut services without a levy increase.