All eyes are on Texas as Republicans work to draw new congressional districts ahead of

26. But the battle for control of Congress runs through Southwest Washington, home to one of the

most competitive districts in the country. And that's where incumbent Marie Glucent-Camp

Perez has a new challenger. He's the Republican leader in the state Senate. Meet John Braun,

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From the KUOW Newsroom, this is Seattle now.

I'm Patricia Murphy.

Our feature story today, inside the scramble to get eggs in Washington by buying baby chicks. But first, a roundup of today's top stories. It's Monday, March 31st. King County Metro says more than a third of all bus riders who should be paying fair aren't. If that's you,

load up that orca card. Casey Martin reports enforcement officers will return to buses near you today.

For most adults in King County, it costs $2.75 to ride the bus. But not everyone knows where to pay, or they

choose not to. John Ng rides daily and says

he sees people hopping on without paying all the time. It only seems fair. You should pay for your

fare if you're riding the bus. Metro says fares make up less than 10% of the agency's budget. They

want that closer to 25% to maintain service. Starting Monday, fair enforcement officers

will be on streetcars and rapid rides talking to fare skippers. Vernon on the 44 isn't sure about

this plan. I think it's unnecessary. Plus this should be free. Why do you pay?

Good question. Because you're supposed to.

After some outreach and warnings, Metro says it could find riders up to $40 for not paying.

Casey Martin, KOWW News.

In other transit news, Seattle Public Schools families, check before you send your kids out to the bus tomorrow morning.

Unionized bus drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics with Teamsters Local 174 have authorized a strike against First Student.

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