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The U.S. Senate early June 5, 2026, passed a package of $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement. Majority Leader John Thune, seen speaking on March 3, 2026, said GOP leaders were forced to draft the package after Democrats “walked away” from negotiations that could have placed restrictions on federal immigration agents. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through U.S. Senate, with no limits on ICE

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved a nearly $70 billion package early Friday, moving Republicans one step closer to funding immigration and deportation activities for the next three years … more

By Jennifer Shutt / States Newsroom | 6/5/26

An explosion of data center facilities, including the one pictured here in Umatilla County on May 18, 2026, have been built in Oregon along the Columbia River Gorge during the last few years. The boom has caused a more than 500% load growth for the Umatilla Electric Cooperative during the last decade, which has had to buy more gas and coal-powered electricity on the wholesale market to meet demand. (Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Data centers are driving demand for gas from PNW utilities, reports find

Electric utilities in Washington and Oregon are turning to gas to meet rapid and growing energy demand from data centers, according to recent reports. Two analyses from the Hood River-based … more

By Alex Baumhardt / The Oregon Capital Chronicle | 6/5/26

Gov. Bob Ferguson answers questions from the press during a legislative session preview in a Senate Hearing room in Olympia on Friday, Jan. 9.

Washington state GOP leader again urges governor to pause CCA for gas relief

Washington state Senate Republican Budget Leader Chris Gildon is again calling on Gov. Bob Ferguson to suspend the Climate Commitment Act to provide some financial relief at the pump. A gallon … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 6/4/26

An individual with an ANTIFA flag flips off in the direction of the Battle Ground City Council chambers before being detained for disorderly conduct as Mayor Eric Overholser read the title of the proclamation, "Recognizing the Federal Executive Designation of ANTIFA as a Domestic Terror Organization & Affirming the Importance of Public Safety, the Rule of Law, and Peaceful Civic Engagement," on Monday, June 1.

Southwest Washington mayor stands by pro-ICE, anti-Antifa proclamations

The city of Battle Ground has been getting more attention this week than the small southwest Washington community typically receives, due to national coverage of two recent city proclamations. … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 6/4/26

A vehicle fire in rural Yelm quickly turned into a serious situation during the morning hours of Thursday, June 4, as a subject charged police with a firearm after being advised to step away from the vehicle fire. The subject was shot by a Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputy, and later transported to the hospital with injuries “not expected to be life threatening.”

Yelm-area resident shot by Thurston County deputy after charging with firearm

What started out as a vehicle fire at a residence during the morning hours of Thursday, June 4, on 149th Lane Southeast in Yelm quickly turned into a more serious situation, as a Yelm-area resident … more

By Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com | 6/4/26

Pedestrian struck and killed by train in Winlock

A male pedestrian died Wednesday after being struck by a train in Winlock, Lewis County Fire District 15 Chief Richard Underdahl has confirmed. The incident occurred near the World’s Largest … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 6/4/26

Grays Harbor County authorities arrest father in connection with death of 4-year-old son

Early Thursday at around 6:55 a.m., 36-year-old Jacob Bevins of Aberdeen was arrested in connection with the death of his 4-year-old son, Aiden Scott Bevins. According to the Aberdeen Police … more

By Jerry Knaak / The Daily World | 6/4/26

Autonomous weapons firm Anduril betting big on Seattle office, shipyard

Defense contractor Anduril Industries is expanding in Seattle, with hiring plans to fill out what it calls its connected warfare headquarters. After installing a small office in Seattle about … more

Alex Halverson / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 6/4/26

Judge sets ultimatum for Franklin County sheriff — comply or go to jail

The Franklin County sheriff has until Friday afternoon to hand over a fingerprint machine or go to jail. Walla Walla County Judge Brandon Johnson appealed directly to Sheriff Jim Raymond … more

Cameron Probert / Tri-City Herald (TNS) | 6/4/26

12-year-old recovering after her heart stopped on Sequim soccer field

Ashtyn Messinger’s parents credit the quick reactions of a coach and others with saving the 12-year-old soccer player last month after she collapsed on a field in Sequim. Now, as Ashtyn … more

Joseph O’Sullivan / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 6/4/26

Downtown Seattle may house new data center

In the midst of a local and nationwide outcry about data center development, downtown Seattle could soon be home to a new data center. A Texas real estate firm filed permit applications with the … more

Heidi Groover / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 6/4/26

Seattle-area housing market is stuck in affordability trap

Seattle-area home shoppers are struggling to catch a break this spring. As if high home prices weren’t enough of a challenge, mortgage rates hit their highest level in months. “Everything's … more

Heidi Groover / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 6/4/26

Physicians say UW mental health group for doctors harmed rather than helped

“I would want to rewind the time so that I could just do it all over again,” Gray said. For years, Gray envisioned her future as a doctor in obstetrics and gynecology, aiming to provide not … more

Elise Takahama / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 6/4/26

Nearly 60 Idahoans sick after drinking raw milk in past two weeks, officials say

Idaho health officials are investigating how nearly 60 people got sick after drinking raw milk in the past two weeks. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced in a news release on … more

Kyle Pfannenstie / Idaho Capital Sun | 6/4/26

Activities around the 250th highlight America’s disunity

One month from America’s 250th birthday, events and celebrations to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence are as fragmented as the nation’s politics and culture in 2026. … more

Mike Magner / CQ-Roll Call (TNS) | 6/4/26

Iran says no progress in US talks as Lebanon sees more clashes

Iran said there had been no recent progress in talks with the U.S. over an interim peace deal, while fighting persisted in Lebanon despite Washington’s declaration of a ceasefire between Israel and … more

Omar Tamo / Bloomberg News (TNS) | 6/4/26

Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson appears in a campaign portrait.

Seattle mayor criticized again for surveillance camera ban

Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee Chair Bob Kettle is stepping up his criticism of Mayor Katie Wilson's decision not to activate newly installed surveillance cameras by Lumen Field as the … more

Randy Diamond | The Center Square | 6/4/26

ICE pushes back after Spokane schools adopts immigration enforcement policy

Spokane Public Schools adopted a standalone immigration policy on Wednesday that requires federal agents to obtain the superintendent’s permission to access the district’s property. The SPS … more

Tim Clouser | The Center Square | 6/4/26

A vandal broke several windows on the side of the Washington state Capitol in the early morning hours of June 4, 2026.

Man arrested after shattering windows at Washington state state Capitol, authorities say

Authorities arrested a man early Thursday after he allegedly broke several windows of the Washington state Capitol in an unsuccessful attempt to break in. Using rocks and his fists, the man, … more

Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard | 6/4/26

Doug Hicks signs a initiative petition on June 3, 2026 in Tumwater, Washington. The proposed ballot measure would repeal a statewide income tax on high earners enacted earlier this year.

Foes of Washington state income tax race to collect initiative signatures

Signature-gatherers for an initiative to ditch Washington’s new income tax did steady business at a Tumwater church Wednesday afternoon. Seated under a tent outside The Remnant church, a … more

Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard | 6/4/26