The race to replace Sharon Nelson as Senate Democrats’ leader is taking shape, with two contenders emerging as frontrunners. Senators Andy Billig (D-Spokane) and Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle), according to Washington State Wire, are the likely candidates. A new leader will be selected when the Senate caucuses reorganize after the November elections. (Washington State Wire)

Seattle is joining five other cities in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s plan to include a citizenship question in the 2020 census. Mayor Jenny Durkan said the question is unreasonable, unjust, and an attempt to “stifle democracy, strip our community of much-needed resources and undercount communities of color and immigrants.” (Seattle Times)

At the last minute, King County Executive Dow Constantine cancelled his State of the County address Monday to avoid being confronted by protesters. The demonstrators were calling on Constantine to halt the new youth jail. Constantine instead spoke in private to a smaller group of officials and community leaders, spokesman Alex Fryer said, where he announced that Metro Transit will become a standalone agency, moving it from its current home under the county’s Dept. of Transportation. (Seattle Times)

Eastern Washington’s farmers are likely to feel the effects of any trade war between China and the U.S. In a tit-for-tat following President Trump’s trade restrictions, China announced a 15 percent tariff on Washington-grown cherries, apples, and pears. China is currently the largest export market for Washington cherries at $127 million, and customers there buy $50 million in apples each year. Wheat growers, among others, remain wary of an escalating trade war. (Washington State Wire)

Officials at Washington State Penitentiary are investigating inmate demands after roughly 800 prisoners began a hunger strike last weekend. Allison Window, public information officer at the Penitentiary, said prison officials were aware in advance that prisoners were planning something like this, with rumors circulating around the facility last week. (The Union-Bulletin)

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