One Washington wants to eliminate the press. The other Washington wants to save it.

The relationship between the federal government and the press is increasingly antagonistic. The Trump administration is trying to turn the nonpartisan Voice of America, which has provided news to millions in repressive countries abroad for more than 80 years, into a right-wing propaganda machine; the White House has barred trusted voices like The Associated Press from covering its activities, a decision recently ruled unlawful; and political leaders are attempting to gut public funding for NPR and PBS.

In Washington state, it’s a different story. Lawmakers are introducing and passing legislation to support local journalism because they view it as essential to civic life and democracy.