Local news:
▪  In today's Yakima H-R -- Global Horizons sues state -- The labor contractor files a lawsuit against two state agencies, alleging the state violated Global's right to due process under a 2005 settlement of labor law violations involving workers from Thailand.
▪  In today's Yakima H-R -- More fruit growers ready to use guest worker program -- Last year's bidding wars over wages heightens interest in the H-2A program, allowing growers to hire foreign workers for a certain period if they provide housing, transportation and other requirements.
▪  In today's Everett Herald -- Jet makers expect big orders -- As long-established U.S. carriers begin to replace their fleets, single-aisle jets from Boeing and Airbus will be high on the priority list.
▪  In the PS Business Journal -- Seattle hotel market among nation's hottest, report shows
▪  In today's Bellingham Herald -- Ferndale likely to clarify big-box store ban -- The City Council's temporary ban on big-box stores has holes that Wal-Mart-sized retailers could slip through.
▪  In today's Seattle P-I -- Top execs rake in the perks -- Local CEOs get country club memberships, personal security, Internet allowances and personal trips on the corporate jet.
▪  In today's Tri-City Herald -- Hastings honored by trade group -- Do-nothing/as-you're-told Doc scored perfect 100% voting record from the National Association of Manufacturers.

Legislative news:
▪  In today's Olympian -- Bills address family and medical leave insurance
▪  In today's News Tribune -- Why wait for courts to rule when you have Democrats? (editorial) -- By trying to undercut the EFF and protect unions, lawmakers also would weaken public disclosure laws and subvert the will of voters. Perhaps the bills are what passes for just desserts in the political arena, but that doesn’t make them stink any less.
▪  In today's News Tribune -- Sonics, NASCAR know it's not over 'til it's over (Callaghan column) -- Like now, the politicians said no, no and no to the demands of the Seahawks and Mariners for tax-subsidized stadiums. And then, they said yes.
▪  In today's Kitsap Sun -- A fresh tack could keep NASCAR bills on track -- The bills that would keep the Kitsap project going need to clear their committees by March 5 to stay alive.
▪  In today's Seattle Times -- Attacking initiatives (editorial) -- Bills to require signature gatherers to sign each petition are another attack on the people's right of initiative and referendum.
▪  In today's Tri-City Herald -- Rep. Hankins' history of heavy-handedness -- She promoted her two daughters' tire-baling business with the state Department of Ecology.
▪  In Sunday's Everett Herald - Lawmakers create far too many "emergencies" (Rep. Bailey op-ed)
▪  In today's Oregonian -- Democrats spar over medical marijuana for workers 

EFCA news:
▪  At AFL-CIO Now -- Unions needed to stop American dream from "slipping away" --  Princeton economist and NY Times columnist Paul Krugman, UC-Berkeley professor Harley Shaiken, Harvard economist Richard Freeman and others agree that a great way to address income inequality is to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and empower workers to form unions. 
▪  In today's LA Times -- Congress to consider how unions organize -- Choose your weapon: cards or ballots? That question -- of paper and power -- moves from the workplace to Congress this week, when the House is scheduled to cast the first vote in what could be a years-long legislative battle between the country's largest labor unions and most powerful business lobbies.
▪  Today from AP -- U.S. House considering legislation on formation of unions

National news:
▪  Today from Reuters -- Labor sees Bush trade talks failing with Congress -- The AFL-CIO says the Bush administration is unlikely to reach a deal with the Democratic-led Congress to salvage free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Peru.
▪  Today from AP -- Governors seek more money for children's health insurance -- Governors from both parties appeal for the Bush administration and Congress to provide more money.
▪  In today's LA Times -- Wal-Mart calls itself a good neighbor in town -- The chain goes urban by tailoring stores to local shoppers and aiding community businesses.
▪  At AlterNet.com  -- Maybe we deserve to be ripped off by Bush's billionaires -- If the estate tax is  completely repealed, as Bush's latest budget envisions, the savings to just one family -- the Waltons (of Wal-Mart) -- would be $32.7 billion.  Our own Nordstroms (of Nordstrom) would get $826.5 million, while Community Service Block Grants would be eliminated, a $630 million cut.