Washington in the national news

Washington State
Attorney General
Bob Ferguson

By Diane Hettrick

They say you never want to make the national news - since it's usually for serial killers, massive storms, earthquakes, or volcanos.

But in this case, it's good. We seem to be faring well in the public spotlight, with positive articles in both the New York Times and the Washington Post. As someone who has lived here for a lifetime, it's a little surprising, and refreshing, to see us treated with respect by the national press.

Both stories, of course, are about Washington state's suit against the President's executive order banning people from seven predominantly Muslim countries - although he did say he would take Christians from those countries.

New York Times: How Washington State upended Trump's travel ban

Washington is a major tech center whose businesses have offices worldwide, with employees from many of the banned countries.

Washington Post: How Washington state became the epicenter of resistance to Trump’s agenda

Attorney General Bob Ferguson successfully filed for an injunction to temporarily halt the ban nationwide. It was challenged by federal attorneys and held up on appeal.

The case was argued in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals by Solicitor General Noah Purcell. The court is expected to make a ruling this week.

You can listen to the proceeding here.

Ferguson was formerly the King County Council representative for north King county, including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore.