Plus, new data shows 13% of Washingtonians dropping ACA coverage after federal subsidies expired. The World Cup may not have the economic effect that Seattle or Spokane expected. Medical Lake expands Eastern Washington's ban on selling kratom. Latah County wants a new jail, but isn't sure how to pay for it. Sunnyside is getting more housing for H-2A visa workers. Labor advocates worry fewer local farmworkers will be hired.

Plus, Panhandle Health District are happy to renounce CDC guidelines. New report raises concerns about sexual assault investigations at WA's largest immigration detention center. Washington's Department for Ecology asks for public input on water use this summer. Spokane Valley bans crypto kiosks.

Plus, new polling shows Spokane residents’ top worries continue to be public safety and homelessness. But the cost of living and taxes are catching up. The Spokane Police Department is getting new training in a restraining method that’s said to be safer for both officer and arrestee. The block on WA's new sheriff eligibility requirements will stand as a challenge to the law goes forward. Thousands of people in Washington and Idaho are dropping their subsidized health insurance coverage after Congress failed to renew federal tax credits. Idaho looking for help from the public to decide how to spend opioid settlement dollars.

Plus, Washington's Supreme Court says the "millionaires' tax" can't be challenged by referendum—though voters may still get a chance to weigh in. Rep. Michael Baumgartner holds a town hall in Republic after seeing protestors in Colville. Gas prices in Washington hit another record high today. And Spokane is trying to curb late night street racing.

Plus, more measles cases are popping up in Washington. The Reardan Health Clinic will soon expand to double its capacity. Retired police, firefighters sue Washington over budget maneuver they say puts their pensions at risk. The Spokane Conservation District is asking small towns to support a $5 increase to parcel fees before it asks county commissioners. And at least one artificial intelligence company is approaching small town governments in Washington offering AI tools…to help with AI compliance.

Plus, a Thurston County judge partially blocks WA's new standards for law enforcement leaders. Six transgender Idahoans sue their state over its criminal bathroom ban. Data centers make planning for energy use in the Northwest unpredictable, a new analysis says. STA decides to send sales tax renewal to voters this August—but with a sunset clause. And GOP Rep. Michael Baumgartner embarks on a tour of 12 counties in 12 days ahead of reelection filing.

Plus, WAs ask judge to force private immigration detention center to allow state health inspections. Unofficial special election results show none of the ballot measures in Stevens and Spokane Counties passed. Private construction companies want in on fixing Idaho's failing infrastructure. College students in Idaho will pay more for tuition next year. And Moscow officials deny a permit to a developer connected to a Christian nationalist religious movement.

Plus, WA's Attorney General sues Safeway, Albertsons for allegedly overcharging customers for years on “buy one, get one free” offers. STA calls special meeting to decide whether to put sales tax renewal on August ballots. Hunters will soon see improved water quality after years-long project. And Trump says military training in the Owyhee Desert must continue despite concerns over pollution and disruption to wildlife.

Plus, we look ahead to Idaho’s primary as counties in the panhandle prepare to begin early voting. District 1 will see two rematches: Sen. Woodward v. former Sen. Herndon and Rep. Sauter v. Sauter. Spokane and Stevens County voters have until tomorrow to weigh in on school and library ballot measures. (Editor's note: A previous version of this story mistakenly identified a failed East Valley bond attempt as having taken place in November. The bond appeared on February 2026 ballots. We regret the error.) WA high schools have the chance to get free suicide prevention training, but almost no schools east of the Cascades are participating in the program. And we walk through WA’s new climate action plan, which gives the state 25 years to decarbonize.

Plus, an Adams County hospital "resets," pausing many patient services as it tries to stay afloat until levy dollars arrive. About 30,000 Idahoans likely no longer have health insurance, latest data shows. Idaho lawmakers get first look at federal rural health program. WA officials unveil 400-page statewide climate plan.