Local News
Washington remembers and honors 93 at Worker Memorial Day ceremony
https://www.lni.wa.gov/news-events/article/24-05
Inslee statement on EPA's landmark rules to cleanup power sector
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2024/inslee-statement-epas-landmark-rules-cleanup-power-sector
Why young people need Washington’s Climate Commitment Act
https://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article287951850.html
WA farmers brace for summer drought on heels of harvest shortfalls
https://crosscut.com/environment/2024/04/wa-farmers-brace-summer-drought-heels-harvest-shortfalls
From Earth Day to Arbor Day, one week in Washington shows momentum in clean energy transition
https://medium.com/wagovernor/from-earth-day-to-arbor-day-one-week-in-washington-shows-momentum-in-clean-energy-transition-c9489a4b2b9c
Washington air quality ranked among best in the U.S. Which counties have the best and worst air?
https://www.chronline.com/stories/washington-air-quality-ranked-among-best-in-the-us-which-counties-have-the-best-and-worst-air,339145
WA, feds upend plan to clean up one of nation’s most costly, dangerous radioactive sites
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/hanford/article288102420.html
US long-term care costs are sky-high, but Washington state’s new way to help pay for them could be nixed
https://theconversation.com/us-long-term-care-costs-are-sky-high-but-washington-states-new-way-to-help-pay-for-them-could-be-nixed-228174
Moving to Universal Health Care, Beginning in the States
https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/04/26/moving-to-universal-health-care-beginning-in-the-states/
What does human trafficking look like? Washington woman shares her story
https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/human-trafficking-cases-western-washington-on-rise/281-a7ead9ca-acbb-4603-a894-ab226a361f48
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Campaign to defend Washington state's climate law raises $11 million, far outpacing opposition
https://www.kuow.org/stories/campaign-to-defend-washington-state-s-climate-law-raises-11-million-far-outpacing-opposition
Initiative to axe carbon emissions law could ‘slam the brakes’ on Washington’s climate tech sector
https://www.geekwire.com/2024/initiative-to-axe-carbon-emissions-law-could-slam-the-brakes-on-washingtons-climate-tech-sector/
Gov. Inslee visits Walla Walla to see impact of Climate Commitment Act funds
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/top-video/gov-inslee-visits-walla-walla-to-see-impact-of-climate-commitment-act-funds/video_42f064ea-fd35-11ee-b886-a7786198bdc2.html
Earth Day gives WA a chance to remember its obligations — and reject Initiative 2117 | Opinion
https://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article287775835.html#storylink=cpy
We Must Save the Climate Commitment Act from Cynical Climate Arsonists
https://www.thestranger.com/guest-editorial/2024/04/22/79473086/we-must-save-the-climate-commitment-act-from-cynical-climate-arsonists
Eastside cities take important step toward coordinated climate action
https://bellevuewa.gov/city-news/eastside-greenhouse-gas-inventories
What cities can learn from Seattle’s racial and social justice law
https://theconversation.com/what-cities-can-learn-from-seattles-racial-and-social-justice-law-225765
Washington electric vehicle rebates up to $9,000 available beginning in August
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/04/23/washington-electric-vehicle-rebates-up-to-9000-available-beginning-in-august/
Low-income Seattle households eligible for free A/C units with energy assistance programs
https://komonews.com/news/local/low-income-seattle-households-eligible-for-free-ac-units-with-energy-assistance-programs-electric-utility-repair-replace-air-conditioning-lights-furnace-natural-gas-homeless-financial-aid-program-year-byrd-barr-place-puget-sound-lifeline#
Los Angeles has seen more rain than Seattle so far this year
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/climate-science/los-angeles-seen-more-rain-than-seattle/281-933cdb54-c755-4769-b0d9-66511f2365ad
Kroger to pay Washington state $47.5 million over role in opioid crisis
https://www.chronline.com/stories/kroger-to-pay-washington-state-475-million-over-role-in-opioid-crisis,339066?
Washington high school students walk out of class in pro-Palestinian protest
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/washington-high-school-students-walkout-israel-palestine-protest/281-992cde3f-3e79-4547-bca3-3b2a260dbde1
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/12/05/food-insecurity-rate-washington-increase
Jewish Voice for Peace Seattle calls for ceasefire in Gaza, end to US military aid to Israel
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/jewish-voice-for-peace-seattle-calls-ceasefire-gaza-end-us-military-aid-to-israel/281-526d9f74-34f0-4999-b545-bf8304bdbfe8
Food insecurity is rising in Washington, new report shows
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/12/05/food-insecurity-rate-washington-increase#
A Glimpse at Hunger, Nutrition and Food Insecurity in Seattle
https://seattlespectator.com/2023/11/08/a-glimpse-at-hunger-nutrition-and-food-insecurity-in-seattle/
Summer grocery program to feed WA kids launching soon
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/04/18/summer-grocery-program-to-feed-wa-kids-launching-soon/?emci=2e17962e-dffd-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&emdi=c2287968-5cfe-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&ceid=32653
‘We are all human’: Amid crisis back home, Spokane group supports area’s growing Haitian community
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/apr/19/we-are-all-human-amid-crisis-back-home-spokane-gro/
Auburn police officer’s murder trial tests new state law for police misconduct
https://www.kuow.org/stories/auburn-police-officer-s-murder-trial-tests-new-state-law-for-police-misconduct
Styrofoam, packaging with PFAS will be banned in Washington this summer. What that means for consumers
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/new-washington-policies-ban-styrofoam-pfas-chemicals/281-3b58c6a9-1da3-4be1-b7a2-fc648efe6701
Housing and homelessness in Washington, by the numbers
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/03/27/housing-and-homelessness-in-washington-by-the-numbers/
How child care fared in this year’s Washington state legislative session
https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/mar/15/how-child-care-fared-in-this-years-washington-state-legislative-session/
Washington State Health Care Authority
https://www.hca.wa.gov/
Washington State Health Care Authority - VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2_tBogIUnVye4GBwbVXxNw
2024 WA Legislature passes bills on guns, environment, education
https://crosscut.com/politics/2024/03/2024-wa-legislature-passes-bills-guns-environment-education
WA students could forfeit thousands if they don’t submit a FAFSA
https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/wa-students-could-forfeit-thousands-if-they-dont-submit-a-fafsa/
Washington Law Attempts To Fill The Void In Federal Regulation Of Hazardous Chemicals
https://www.invw.org/2024/01/09/washington-law-attempts-to-fill-the-void-in-federal-regulation-of-hazardous-chemicals/
University of Washington Students Bemoan Choices for President, Contemplate Not Voting
https://www.thestranger.com/elections-2024/2024/03/15/79427944/university-of-washington-students-bemoan-choices-for-president-contemplate-not-voting
>>>>>>>>>>>>
NO on I‑2117 launches new website and video urging Washingtonians to defend the Climate Commitment Act
https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2024/04/no-on-i-2117-launches-new-website-and-video-urging-washingtonians-to-defend-the-climate-commitment-act.html
WA ecology department declares nearly statewide drought emergency
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2024/04/wa-ecology-department-declares-nearly-statewide-drought-emergency
B.C. Climate News: April snowpack lowest on record | Is B.C. prepared for another hot wildfire season? | March was 10th straight hottest month on record
https://vancouversun.com/news/climate-news-to-april-14-24
LOOKING BACK: Canada On Fire: Fighting the Largest Canadian Wildfire in Recorded History | Foreign Correspondent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrDi0AXASMc
A Washington State Coal Plant Has to Close Next Year. Can Pennsylvania Communities Learn From Centralia’s Transition?
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17042024/washington-state-coal-plant-closing-can-pennsylvania-learn/
Why environmental justice matters, from the founder himself |
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/what-is-environmental-justice-and-why-it-matters-in-a-climate-crisis/
12 WA districts earn ‘Purple Star’ for military family support
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2024/04/12-wa-districts-earn-purple-star-military-family-support
In WA, it might soon be easier to get mental health help over the phone
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/mental-health/why-it-might-soon-be-easier-to-get-mental-health-help-over-the-phone/
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bob Ferguson for Washington Governor
https://www.bobferguson.com/
AG Ferguson’s statement on today’s ruling in Washington v. Gator’s Custom Guns
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-s-statement-today-s-ruling-washington-v-gator-s-custom-guns
Washington’s Housing Trust Fund explained
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/04/08/washingtons-housing-trust-fund-explained/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Can $500 a month make a dent in Seattle-area poverty?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/can-500-dollars-a-month-make-a-dent-in-seattle-area-poverty
New program helps students graduate with extra training to tackle carbon emissions
https://news.wsu.edu/news/2024/04/08/students-graduate-with-extra-training-to-tackle-carbon-emissions/
Washington youth homelessness has dropped 40% but gaps remain, report says
https://mynorthwest.com/3956757/washington-youth-homelessness-dropped-40-percent-report-says/
Farm-to-school programs flourish in Washington
https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/apr/09/farm-to-school-programs-flourish-in-washington/
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Gov. Inslee urges Washington state to stay the course in ‘glide path’ toward zero emissions
https://www.kuow.org/stories/gov-inslee-urges-washington-state-to-stay-the-course-in-glide-path-toward-zero-emissions
After a long slog, climate change lawsuits will finally put Big Oil on trial
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/04/05/after-a-long-slog-climate-change-lawsuits-will-finally-put-big-oil-on-trial/
Did Seattle defund the police? Five graphs explain this enduring myth
https://www.kuow.org/stories/did-seattle-defund-the-police
Did Oregon pull the plug too soon on drug decriminalization?
https://thehill.com/homenews/4575434-oregon-drug-decriminalization-too-soon/
Youth homelessness in WA dropped 40% in 6 years, report says
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/04/04/youth-homelessness-washington-seattle
Killing owls to save owls: the US wildlife plan that sparked an ‘ethical dilemma’
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/06/kill-barred-owl-save-spotted-conservation#:~
Nick Brown for Attorney General
https://nickbrownforag.com/priorities/
>>>>>>>>>>>>
WA Gov. Inslee signs slate of climate and environment bills into law
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/wa-gov-inslee-signs-slate-of-climate-and-environment-bills-into-law/
Washington’s key climate law is under attack. Big Oil wants it to survive.
https://grist.org/politics/washington-cap-and-invest-law-repeal-oil-companies/
No on 2117 - 2024
https://www.stopgreed.org/
How the drought hit WA’s farms, forests, fisheries and drinking water
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/how-the-drought-hit-was-farms-forests-fisheries-and-drinking-water/
WA governor urged to veto $25M for nuclear power project
https://www.dailyrecordnews.com/news/wa-governor-urged-to-veto-25m-for-nuclear-power-project/article_35209066-ed21-11ee-b745-9fb2b884edd9.html
Washington youth mental health shows best improvement in 20 years
https://crosscut.com/news/2024/04/washington-youth-mental-health-shows-best-improvement-20-years
State spending to rise tenfold on housing for people with developmental disabilities
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/03/26/state-spending-to-rise-tenfold-on-housing-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities/
Bipartisanship rises in Washington Legislature
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/31/bipartisanship-rises-in-washington-legislature/
A government proposal to kill a half-million owls sparks controversy
https://www.kuow.org/stories/a-government-proposal-to-kill-a-half-million-owls-sparks-controversy
Editorial: A welcome return of grizzlies to North Cascades
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-a-welcome-return-of-grizzlies-to-north-cascades/
Washington becomes first state to ban lead in cookware
https://mynorthwest.com/3956077/washington-becomes-first-state-ban-lead-cookware/
Elect Victoria Hunt (D) - WA State 5th LD Representative - A Mom and Scientist Fighting for the Environment, Affordable Housing, Reproductive Rights, Public Safety in WA State
https://victoriahunt.com/
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Inslee signs Washington's 'Strippers' Bill of Rights' into law
https://www.kuow.org/stories/inslee-signs-strippers-bill-of-rights-into-law
New study ranks states with the most affordable healthcare. Washington places in top five
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article286977660.html
With pennies on the dollar and surprise notices, this nonprofit clears Washingtonians' medical debt
https://www.kuow.org/stories/with-pennies-on-the-dollar-and-surprise-notices-this-nonprofit-clears-washingtonians-medical-debt-4da4
Washington bans sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals
https://www.nwpb.org/2024/03/26/washington-bans-sale-of-cosmetics-newly-tested-on-animals/
Why is Seattle’s rent so high? Justice Department investigates possible price fixing
https://www.kuow.org/stories/why-is-seattle-s-rent-so-high-the-justice-department-investigates-possible-price-fixing
Who was Lillian Massey? A journey to Northern State psychiatric hospital
https://www.kuow.org/stories/who-was-lillian-massey-a-journey-to-northern-state-psychiatric-hospital
Seattle’s City Council Must Stay the Course on Protections for App Workers
https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/seattle-protect-app-workers
WA passes bill to protect libraries, as other states target them
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-passes-bill-to-protect-libraries-as-other-states-target-them/
Why Portland failed where Portugal succeeded in decriminalizing drugs
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/28/oregon-drug-criminalization-portugal-00148872
'Uncommitted' vote campaign to send 2 Washington state delegates to Democratic National Convention
https://www.kuow.org/stories/uncommitted-campaign-to-send-2-washington-state-delegates-to-democratic-national-convention
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Inslee signs 7 laws that aim to fight opioid crisis in Washington
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/jay-inslee-signs-opioid-epidemic-legislation/281-4fb2b59c-f6b0-462c-b805-14311ad9913c
Washington Governor Jay Inslee signs House Bill 1999, creating penalties for explicit AI Images
https://www.krem.com/video/news/local/washington-governor-jay-inslee-signs-house-bill-1999-creating-penalties-for-explicit-ai-images/293-73c397b7-2d28-46f6-b04e-3c0cad670560
Bob Ferguson unveils public safety policies he'll implement if elected governor
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/ferguson-public-safety-policies-if-elected-governor/281-d9cf07bc-82ac-4470-9cc0-3b31b5dc1ae6
More than $55M paid to local governments this month from AG Ferguson opioid cases
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/more-55m-paid-local-governments-month-ag-ferguson-opioid-cases
More than $32M coming to WA tribes to adapt to climate change
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/more-than-32m-coming-to-wa-tribes-to-adapt-to-climate-change/
New report shows how drought impacted WA, helps agencies plan for future
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/report-shows-drought-impact-plan-for-future/281-717967b5-68cc-4763-bae2-16b65f5e642a
Should mental health treatment be forced if someone needs care, but refuses it?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/when-someone-needs-treatment-but-won-t
New Washington law stiffens penalties on animal cruelty
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/03/20/animal-cruelty-washington-state
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thousands attend memorial service for fallen WSP Trooper Christopher Gadd
https://komonews.com/news/local/christopher-gadd-memorial-public-washington-state-trooper-killed-fallen-dead-service-procession-everett-angel-of-the-winds-arena-tulalip-resort-casino-marysville-snohomish-county-wsp-line-duty-impaired-family-daughter-child-wife#
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signs bill updating state's hate crime law
https://www.krem.com/video/news/local/washington/washington-gov-jay-inslee-signs-bill-updating-states-hate-crime-law/293-8a44555f-db0f-438e-b09a-f108c8cbadf1
A boy named Adam: When psychosis spills onto Seattle streets (Lost Patients podcast)
https://www.kuow.org/stories/when-psychosis-spills-onto-seattle-streets-lost-patients-podcast
Why Seattle's mental health problems are so visible
https://www.kuow.org/stories/why-seattle-s-mental-health-problems-are-so-visible
Libraries in Western Washington confront the challenges of being open to all
https://www.kuow.org/stories/libraries-in-western-washington-confront-the-challenges-of-being-open-to-all
How did Washington's 'uncommitted' voters do on presidential primary night?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/how-did-washingtons-uncommitted-voters-do-on-presidential-primary-night
How the uncommitted movement rocked Biden over Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/17/us-uncommitted-voters-biden-gaza
Western Washington sees record-breaking temperatures amid warm and sunny weekend
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/days-before-spring-western-washington-hits-record-high-temperatures-seattle/281-e284325a-a161-453d-b952-2ffd612c73c9
Congress hears suggestions for US wildfire response changes as season approaches in WA
https://komonews.com/news/local/congress-hears-suggestions-for-changes-to-wildfire-response-in-us
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Governor Jay Inslee responds to death of Washington State Patrol trooper
https://www.khq.com/news/governor-jay-inslee-responds-to-death-of-washington-state-patrol-trooper/article_83221dd6-dde3-11ee-a28a-e3061e3a7fd1.html
Moving the Needle Toward Tax Fairness in the States
https://itep.org/moving-the-needle-toward-tax-fairness-in-the-states/
PNW colleges see 'explosive' increase of students enrolling in environmental studies
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/pnw-colleges-see-recent-increase-environmental-studies-students/281-4bad3119-27c6-4455-9316-c30617169026
El Niño is 'on the wane.' What is in the forecast for Washington?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/el-nino-is-on-the-wane-what-is-in-the-forecast-for-washington
King County Council members push back on criticism over handling of asylum-seeker crisis
https://www.kuow.org/stories/king-county-council-members-push-back-on-criticism-handling-asylum-seekers-crisis
Oregon Gov. Kotek to Sign 'Unconscionable' Bill Recriminalizing Drugs
https://www.commondreams.org/news/oregon-drug-laws
Why I Don’t Rely on Hope
https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/don-t-rely-on-hope-activism
>>>>>>>>>>>>
'We will never forget': WSP identifies trooper struck, killed on I-5
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wsp-identifies-trooper-struck-killed-i5/281-f70079c3-c0ad-4be2-a69e-b4ecad73bda1
WSP trooper shot 9 times during Kent traffic stop released from hospital
https://komonews.com/news/local/wsp-trooper-shot-9-times-during-kent-traffic-stop-in-feb-released-from-hospital-washington-state-patrol-firearm-enhancement-unlawful-possession-firearm-state-route-167-dui-investigation-harborview-medical-center-entry-exit-raymond-seaburg#
Former King County sheriff discusses line-of-duty deaths in law enforcement
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/former-king-county-sheriff-discusses-line-of-duty-deaths-law-enforcement/281-1c2c4d6e-e84e-46ee-8c2d-8e66a6fcaa39
Legislature Adopts Ferguson’s Proposal To Launch Artificial Intelligence Task Force
https://seattlemedium.com/legislature-adopts-fergusons-proposal-to-launch-artificial-intelligence-task-force/
WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass
https://crosscut.com/politics/2024/03/wa-legislators-are-pushing-new-gun-bills-heres-what-could-pass
Washington legislature unanimously passes bill to help over 35,000 veterans
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/washington-legislature-unanimously-passes-bill-help-over-35000-veterans/AA3ERPZXBRGZ7ESTT5ZQUZ2PKE/
These Washington Democrats are voting 'uncommitted' to send message to Biden
https://www.kuow.org/stories/these-washington-democrats-are-voting-uncommitted-to-send-message-to-biden
First class graduates from program that gives construction apprenticeships to formerly homeless in King County
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/homeless/first-class-graduates-program-gives-construction-apprenticeships-homeless-king-county/281-a69f84f7-abe3-45cc-b2e8-1112d4f3799a
UW dental students participate in training to help underserved communities
https://www.kxly.com/news/uw-dental-students-participate-in-training-to-help-underserved-communities/article_fe1a24e4-d9b4-11ee-9615-e315b6dd7694.html
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Governor Jay Inslee Announces Flag Lowering in Honor of Fallen Marine
https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/governor-jay-inslee-announces-flag-lowering-in-honor-of-fallen-marine/article_ab8ed2a8-d72d-11ee-b77c-a7c91ea56f7c.html
On the road: Encampment resolution and clean energy manufacturing in King County
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2024/road-encampment-resolution-and-clean-energy-manufacturing-king-county
Bill to ban octopus farming in Washington state heads to Gov. Inslee's desk
https://komonews.com/news/local/octopus-farming-washington-state-senate-vote-governor-jay-inslee-desk-seattle-octopuses-fish-seafood-food-house-of-representatives-bill-1153-rep-strom-peterson-edmonds-democrat-vote-short-session-march-harmful-environment-ecological-ocean-consumption
Ferguson Secures Major Victory In Fight to Protect Consumers From Unlawful Medical Debt Collection Practices
https://seattlemedium.com/ferguson-secures-major-victory-in-fight-to-protect-consumers-from-unlawful-medical-debt-collection-practices/
State Attorney General’s Office will implement state hate crimes hotline
https://www.chronline.com/stories/state-attorney-generals-office-will-implement-state-hate-crimes-hotline,335680?
Washington State’s Biggest Private-Sector Union Backs “Uncommitted” Democratic Vote
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/02/washington-state-ufcw-union-democrats-uncommitted-biden/
Washington's prison population is down 30% since 2017
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/26/prison-washington-state-population-down-jail
Seattle therapist addresses climate anxiety - VIDEO
https://crosscut.com/video/human-elements/seattle-therapist-addresses-climate-anxiety
>>>>>>>>>>>>
WA health officials throw away millions of pandemic supplies
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2024/02/wa-health-officials-throw-away-millions-pandemic-supplies
Washington utility rebate proposal to support low-income families
https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/proposal-to-give-some-washingtonians-utility-rebates-has-some-saying-its-all-about-politics
Palestinian group demands WA ceasefire resolution in Olympia
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2024/02/palestinian-group-demands-wa-ceasefire-resolution-olympia
Washington state pushes back on book bans
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/20/book-bans-washington-state-law
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Washington State AG Bob Ferguson—Who’s Challenged Obama, Trump & Biden— Makes His Case For Governor - VIDEO
https://www.forbes.com/video/6346938494112/washington-state-ag-bob-fergusonwhos-challenged-obama-trump--biden-makes-his-case-for-governor/?sh=290dadf051fe
Bob Ferguson overtakes Dave Reichert in NPI’s first gubernatorial poll of 2024
https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2024/02/bob-ferguson-overtakes-dave-reichert-in-npis-first-gubernatorial-poll-of-2024.html
State House passes major climate policy
https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/briefs/state-house-passes-major-climate-policy/article_50904bd4-caad-11ee-8068-e393910927a4.html?block_id=774208
Initiatives on climate action, WA Cares Fund and capital gains to go to November ballot
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/washington-legislature-hold-initiatives-hearings/281-07492fb8-963f-4eca-bee6-9eb5e705ca56
It’s Official. Climate Change Has Brought Deadly Health Risks to BC
https://thetyee.ca/News/2024/02/14/Climate-Change-Deadly-Health-Risks-BC/
Recent cougar attack raises questions about how it happened
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/recent-cougar-attack-raises-questions-about-how-it-happened/QOCFNEBOJVHARCYLBW575GUOZU/
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Jay Inslee reflects in his final year as governor
https://www.chronline.com/stories/jay-inslee-reflects-in-his-final-year-as-governor,334421
Shrinking snowpack and Pacific Northwest impacts | Environment Northwest
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/environment-northwest-shrinking-snowpack-pacific-northwest-impacts/281-41580cd0-3e1b-48b0-96d5-fcf73db9dd1a
El Niño weakens in Pacific as NOAA issues La Niña Watch
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/weather-blog/la-nina-watch-issued-noaa/281-35b8787c-eef5-4193-aa20-23281295f510
PFAS in Washington’s well water could make you sick
https://crosscut.com/environment/2024/02/pfas-washingtons-well-water-could-make-you-sick
>>>>>>>>>>>>
‘It’s just starting’: Inslee champions climate initiatives in Marysville
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/02/05/out-of-gas-inslees-oil-transparency-bill-stalls-out-in-legislature/
Out of gas: Inslee’s oil transparency bill stalls in Legislature
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/02/05/out-of-gas-inslees-oil-transparency-bill-stalls-out-in-legislature/
Spring-like temps expected for western Washington in February
https://komonews.com/news/local/pacific-northwest-noaa-extended-forecast-western-washington-national-weather-service-january-february-temperature-outlook-records-precipitation-2024-weather-puget-sound-snow-warm-national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration-spring#
WA bill wants to create 'healthier' prisons for inmates, officers
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2024/02/wa-bill-wants-create-healthier-prisons-inmates-officers
Bipartisan bill aims to curb homelessness among young adults
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/bipartisan-bill-aims-to-curb-homelessness-among-young-adults/
Small Acts of Kindness Can Have Big Impacts on Recipients, Study Finds
https://nicenews.com/acts-of-kindness/acts-of-kindness-big-impact-study/
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Generative AI: Inslee executive order prepares Washington for opportunities, challenges
https://medium.com/wagovernor/generative-ai-inslee-executive-order-prepares-washington-for-opportunities-challenges-54c2eea11096
WSLC votes to endorse Bob Ferguson for Governor
https://www.thestand.org/2024/02/wslc-votes-to-endorse-bob-ferguson-for-governor/
Reproductive Freedom Alliance urges Supreme Court to respect longstanding FDA authority & access to safe abortion medication
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2024/reproductive-freedom-alliance-urges-supreme-court-respect-longstanding-fda-authority-access-safe
Washington is first in the nation for need-based financial aid
https://www.fox41yakima.com/washington-is-first-in-the-nation-for-need-based-financial-aid/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
No more prizes for killing ‘nuisance’ animals under these hunting contest bans
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/01/30/no-more-prizes-for-killing-nuisance-animals-under-these-hunting-contest-bans/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
>>>>>>>>>>>>
‘We wish that we could put you out of business’: Governor visits Centralia domestic violence organization
https://www.chronline.com/stories/we-wish-that-we-could-put-you-out-of-business-governor-visits-centralia-domestic-violence,333021
'Everyone is struggling': WSU helps farmers under stress
https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/rurallife/everyone-is-struggling-wsu-helps-farmers-under-stress/article_40197b12-b64a-11ee-8828-276db7b7fd22.html
AG Ferguson: Johnson & Johnson to pay nearly $150M over its role fueling opioid epidemic
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-johnson-johnson-pay-nearly-150m-over-its-role-fueling-opioid
WA’s opioid epidemic and the state’s effort to fight it, by the numbers
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/01/25/was-opioid-epidemic-and-the-states-effort-to-fight-it-by-the-numbers/
Closing Keynote: Attorney General Bob Ferguson discusses efforts to curb Washington’s opioid epidemic - VIDEO
https://stateofreform.com/washington/2024/01/closing-plenary-attorney-general-bob-ferguson-discusses-efforts-to-curb-washingtons-opioid-epidemic/
Washington lawmakers propose bill that would strengthen animal cruelty penalties
https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/wa-lawmakers-bill-strengthen-animal-cruelty-penalties/281-74399da9-e3e8-4ac9-a1ae-666585beed73
As book battles rage, WA Senate votes to make it harder to shut down a library
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/as-book-battles-rage-wa-senate-votes-to-make-it-harder-to-shut-down-a-library/
>>>>>>>>>>>>
End of an era: Who comes after Kerry?
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/17/end-of-an-era-who-comes-after-kerry-ee-00136043#:~:text=Potential
Jay Inslee Fast Facts
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/05/us/jay-inslee-fast-facts/index.html
People over pollution: Inslee unveils 2024 policies building on landmark climate achievements
https://medium.com/wagovernor/people-over-pollution-inslee-unveils-2024-policies-building-on-landmark-climate-achievements-ca773287ca86
Community Climate Justice - Governor Inslee's Plan for Environmental & Economic Justice in an Inclusive Clean Energy Economy
https://www.jayinslee.com/issues/climate-justice
Q&A: Gov. Jay Inslee’s Thoughts on Countering Climate Change in the State of Washington and Beyond
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04032022/qa-gov-jay-inslees-thoughts-on-countering-climate-change-in-the-state-of-washington-and-beyond/
Pacific Coast Leaders Release Strategy for Building More with Less Carbon
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2024/pacific-coast-leaders-release-strategy-building-more-less-carbon
Podcast | Ride along with Seattle's new CARE response team
https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut-reports/1/53/podcast-ride-along-seattles-new-care-response-team
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear WA capital gains tax case
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2024/01/us-supreme-court-declines-hear-wa-capital-gains-tax-case
Kitsap judge declines to hear Trump ballot challenge, but effort continues in Washington
https://www.kuow.org/stories/kitsap-judge-declines-to-hear-trump-ballot-challenge-but-effort-continues-in-washington
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Washington Governor Inslee to sign executive order to reduce recidivism
https://www.kxly.com/news/washington-governor-inslee-to-sign-executive-order-to-reduce-recidivism/article_47a2da36-af29-11ee-a398-7f59163a2480.html
LOOKING BACK: The Axe Files with David Axelrod & Governor Inslee - SEP 14, 2023
https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/axe-files/episodes/de1f07ae-0b37-42af-aefe-b07c0148fb0c
Homeless people in Seattle endure brutal winter cold, one night at a time
https://www.kuow.org/stories/homeless-people-in-seattle-endure-brutal-winter-cold
Jayapal: US-led strikes on Yemen ‘an unacceptable violation’ of Constitution
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4404709-jayapal-strikes-yemen-violation-constitution/
Kroger-Albertsons merger would hike grocery prices, create near monopolies in some Washington communities, AG says
https://www.king5.com/article/money/business/washington-ag-sues-stop-kroger-albertsons-merger-monopoly-antitrust-laws/281-dc13ab64-25d1-4cff-b063-a29476d9fc2c
Trump's place on Washington state's ballot challenged by 8 voters
https://www.kuow.org/stories/challenge-emerges-to-trump-s-place-on-washington-s-presidential-ballot
Above normal temps expected for western Washington within 2 weeks after frigid cold
https://komonews.com/news/local/pacific-northwest-noaa-extended-3-month-forecast-western-washington-national-weather-service-january-february-march-2024-weather-puget-sound-snow-bitter-cold-warm-national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration#
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Gov. Inslee to WA lawmakers: ‘I’m not riding into the sunset’
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/gov-inslee-to-wa-lawmakers-im-not-riding-into-the-sunset/
Washington governor’s race will be a close one, poll finds
https://crosscut.com/politics/2024/01/washington-governors-race-will-be-close-one-poll-finds
Freeway reopens after protesters demanding cease-fire in Gaza shut down I-5 in Seattle
https://www.king5.com/article/traffic/protestors-ceasefire-gaza-i-5-seattle/281-647d41e7-13de-4688-82ee-e1913d7581ab
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Washington Law Attempts to Fill the Void in Federal Regulation of Hazardous Chemicals
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/01012024/washington-state-regulates-toxic-chemicals/
Washington state lawmakers to take on fentanyl and housing in Inslee's final legislative session
https://komonews.com/news/local/washington-state-lawmakers-olympia-fentanyl-crisis-governor-jay-inslee-legislative-session-democrats-proposals-politics-housing-homelessness-addiction-climate-commitment-act-pollution-investments-emissions-overdose-deaths-education-king-county#
Mild December weather sets new records in western Washington
https://komonews.com/news/local/mild-december-weather-sets-new-records-in-western-washington-temperature-spring-sea-tac-government-forecaster-warm-snow-skier-snowboarders#
Increasing spring heatwaves to be a danger to snowpack, WSU study says
https://komonews.com/station/researchers-at-washington-state-university-find-increasing-spring-heatwaves-to-be-a-danger-to-snowpack-wsu-el-nino-warmer-drier-pacific-northwest-winter-melting-springtime-heat-dome-snow-spring#
2023: Year in review
https://medium.com/wagovernor/2023-year-in-review-770d20be56e4
Investing in Washington’s people and communities: Inslee budget prioritizes urgent needs in homelessness, fentanyl and behavioral health
https://medium.com/wagovernor/investing-in-washingtons-people-and-communities-inslee-budget-prioritizes-urgent-needs-in-b6a361acb741
People over pollution: Inslee unveils 2024 policies building on landmark climate achievements
https://medium.com/wagovernor/people-over-pollution-inslee-unveils-2024-policies-building-on-landmark-climate-achievements-ca773287ca86
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Mild quake shakes Western Washington. What should we do to prepare for something bigger?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/mild-quake-shakes-western-washington-what-should-we-do-to-prepare-for-something-bigger
First-of-its-kind treatment center for mothers opening in Everett
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/first-of-its-kind-treatment-center-for-mothers-opening-in-everett/
Inslee pushes for Washington to become offshore wind manufacturing hub
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/10/10/inslee-pushes-for-washington-to-become-offshore-wind-manufacturing-hub/?emci=3a26a1c1-8367-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&emdi=830f280c-4668-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
Former U.S. attorney Nick Brown announces bid for Washington AG
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/07/former-us-attorney-nick-brown-announces-bid-washington-ag
No guns, no uniforms: Meet WA’s new investigators of police force
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/no-guns-no-uniforms-meet-was-new-investigators-of-police-force/
States that send a mail ballot to every voter really do increase turnout, scholars find
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/10/09/states-that-send-a-mail-ballot-to-every-voter-really-do-increase-turnout-scholars-find/?emci=bcf1187b-5f66-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&emdi=553a8457-b466-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
Editorial: North Cascades need return of grizzly bears
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-north-cascades-need-return-of-grizzly-bears/
WA colleges say Indigenous students need more support post-pandemic
https://crosscut.com/equity/2023/10/wa-colleges-say-indigenous-students-need-more-support-post-pandemic
Tacoma Rail to buy Northwest’s first electric locomotives
https://www.kuow.org/stories/tacoma-rail-to-buy-northwest-s-first-electric-locomotives
Report: Washington the safest state for high school students
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/report-washington-the-safest-state-for-high-school-students/article_f13f9bd8-6794-11ee-82e1-97a25382dbfd.html
WSU student honored for dedication to mental healthcare
https://news.wsu.edu/news/2023/10/10/wsu-tri-cities-student-honored-for-dedication-to-rural-mental-healthcare/
Washington state gets $1B boost for roadwork, including EV infrastructure
https://kuow.org/stories/washington-state-gets-1b-boost-for-roadwork-including-ev-infrastructure?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Get text alerts about your ballot in Washington state
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/10/11/text-ballot-status-washington-state
Mike Fong: Federal funding potential game changer for Washington state
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/oct/10/mike-fong-federal-funding-potential-game-changer-f
*****
Inslee formally requests federal aid for Spokane County wildfire survivors
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2023/inslee-formally-requests-federal-aid-spokane-county-wildfire-survivors
WA minimum wage to increase to $16.28 an hour next year
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/wa-minimum-wage-to-increase-to-16-28-an-hour-next-year/
How does climate change threaten your neighborhood? A new map has the details.
https://grist.org/extreme-weather/new-map-climate-change-risks-neighborhood-vulnerability-index/
How North Bend became a true Northwest mountain town
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/how-north-bend-became-a-true-northwest-mountain-town/#:~:text=North Bend was founded i,and eventually became I-90.
Washington’s Hispanic poverty rate falls, but disparities linger
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/10/02/latino-hispanic-poverty-rate-washington-state
WA drafts permanent rules to better protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke
https://www.kuow.org/stories/wa-is-drafting-wildfire-smoke-rules-to-better-protect-outdoor-workers
Washington’s Job Skills Program has trained employees for 40 years
https://www.heraldnet.com/business/washingtons-job-skills-program-has-trained-employees-for-40-years/
WA Prison Deters Participation in Restorative Justice by Ordering Strip Searches
https://truthout.org/articles/wa-prison-deters-participation-in-restorative-justice-by-ordering-strip-searches/
Freeze! Police! What happens when people get caught doing drugs in Seattle?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/freeze-police-what-happens-when-people-get-caught-doing-drugs-in-seattle
NPR's Climate Week: A spotlight on solutions
https://kuow.org/stories/npr-kuow-climate-week-a-spotlight-on-solutions
Washington state ramps up fight against air pollution with new data-collecting devices
https://komonews.com/news/local/air-pollution-governor-jay-inslee-safety-seattles-beacon-hill-neighborhood-duwamish-river-community-climate-coalition-department-of-ecology-health-issues-data-issaquah-manson-mount-rainier-spokane-white-salmon#
Libraries protect the freedom to read
https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/oct/06/libraries-protect-the-freedom-to-read/
Environmental groups ask Avista and Puget Sound Energy to leave powerful gas lobby
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/10/05/environmental-groups-ask-oregon-and-washington-utilities-to-leave-powerful-gas-lobby/
Washington among states suing feds to force update of wood stove standards
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/10/05/washington-among-states-suing-feds-to-force-update-of-wood-stove-standards/
*****
Early snowfall at Mount Rainier hints at upcoming winter wonderland in western Washington
https://komonews.com/news/local/early-snowfall-at-mount-rainier-hints-at-upcoming-winter-wonderland-in-western-washington-snow-cayuse-pass-chinook-national-park-service-ski-snowboard-crystal-snoqualmie-white-pass-baker
WA Gov. Inslee tests positive for COVID
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/gov-inslee-tests-positive-for-covid/
Inslee didn’t abuse power with pandemic eviction moratorium, Washington Supreme Court rules
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/28/inslee-didnt-abuse-power-with-pandemic-eviction-mo/
Judge orders Seattle business scamming immigrants to pay back victims, plus interest
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/judge-orders-seattle-business-scamming-immigrants-pay-back-victims-plus-interest
CONSUMER ALERT: AG Ferguson urges Biden administration to protect student loan borrowers as repayments begin
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/consumer-alert-ag-ferguson-urges-biden-administration-protect-student-loan
Seattle mayor unveils $7.8B budget plan with increased focus on affordable housing, homelessness
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-mayor-bruce-harrell-2024-budget-city-council-finance-economy-politics-washington-state-homelessness-crisis-human-services-progressive-revenue-task-force-dsa-construction-infrastructure#
28% of families in Washington state can't afford basic needs, UW study finds
https://www.kuow.org/stories/28-of-families-in-washington-state-can-t-afford-basic-needs-uw-study-finds
Bellevue joins Seattle, Kirkland in asking residents to reduce water use
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bellevue/bellevue-asks-residents-reduce-water-use-dry-summer-fall/281-f2c27b88-3e52-4bad-904b-232abad01b8c
Emergency alert test to go out on cellphones in Washington, across country
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/emergency-alert-test-go-out-cellphones-washington-across-country/DJ56STWWWJH33PSPQ4AM3EKCGA/
Washington State Patrol hiring lateral officers for first time ever
https://www.kxly.com/news/washington-state-patrol-hiring-lateral-officers-for-first-time-ever/article_32e9c2aa-5d79-11ee-8e01-db5de2578000.html
First hybrid ferry to set sail in 2024, Washington state officials say
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/first-hybrid-ferry-to-set-sail-in-2024-washington-state-electric/281-c141654f-9ef6-42a7-b68a-f4219210b2fc
WA prisoners struggle with wildfire smoke as ventilation upgrades go unfunded
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/09/25/wildfire-smoke-stifles-air-for-wa-prisoners-ventilation-upgrades-unfunded/
As federal shutdown looms, WA agencies told to start preparing
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/as-federal-shutdown-looms-wa-agencies-told-to-start-preparing/
She overdosed and no one noticed. Grim realities as Seattle rushes to expand homeless housing
https://www.kuow.org/stories/she-overdosed-and-no-one-noticed-grim-realities-as-seattle-rushes-to-expand-homeless-housing
82-year-old Seattle woman among 804,000 long-term borrowers having student loans forgiven before payments resume
https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/long-term-borrowers-student-loans-forgiven-before-payments-resume-2023-fall-debt-credit-balance-pay-off-adjustment-income-driver-repayment-plans-loan-partial-payment-pandemic-financial-hardship-reduce-letter-department-of-education-financial-aid#
Seattle drug plan will balance rehabilitation and public safety, Harrell says
https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-drug-plan-will-balance-rehabilitation-and-public-safety-harrell-says
Green River could become one of highest-protected waterways in the state
https://tdn.com/lifestyles/outdoors/green-river-could-become-one-of-highest-protected-waterways-in-the-state/article_85581dea-5642-11ee-8883-e3711ccaf22b.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
Podcast | WA educators burnt out over classroom political clashes
https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut-reports/1/37/podcast-wa-educators-burnt-out-over-classroom-political-clashes
The Cleanup of Seattle’s Only River Could Cost Boeing and Taxpayers $1 Billion. Talks Over Who Will Pay Most Are Secret.
https://www.propublica.org/article/cleanup-cost-seattle-duwamish-boeing-taxpayers
New state budget forecast offers $1B worth of good news for Washington leaders
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/new-state-budget-forecast-offers-1b-worth-of-good-news-for-washington-leaders/
Tacoma to consider new tenant rights measure on Nov. 7 ballot
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/09/tacoma-consider-new-tenant-rights-measure-nov-7-ballot
The effort to save SeaTac’s biggest forest amid airport expansion
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/09/effort-save-seatacs-biggest-forest-amid-airport-expansion
District’s electric buses run first routes
https://www.mi-reporter.com/news/districts-electric-buses-run-first-routes/
Spokane gets $12 million for urban canopy projects to help plant more trees and train community foresters
https://www.inlander.com/news/spokane-gets-12-million-for-urban-canopy-projects-to-help-plant-more-trees-and-train-community-foresters-26714921
*****
Inslee tells the Washington story at Climate Week NYC
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-tells-the-washington-story-at-climate-week-nyc-9a6d59d3a280
Inslee touts carbon cap, heat pumps at United Nations
https://www.kuow.org/stories/inslee-touts-carbon-cap-heat-pumps-at-united-nations
Ready for fall weather? A month's worth of rain could drench western Washington next week
https://komonews.com/news/local/puget-sound-fall-forecast-rain-windy-storm-seattle-king-pierce-snohomish-county-moderate-atmospheric-river-western-washington-radar#
Weather in review: Weather trends of summer 2023
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/forecast/weather-in-review-trends-of-summer-2023-show-stretches-of-heat-little-rainfall-seattle-tacoma-washington/281-0780e748-033c-4bde-bfa3-66b70e2460e5
AG Ferguson’s innovative unemployment fraud recovery initiative nets $42 million
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-s-innovative-unemployment-fraud-recovery-initiative-nets-42-million?fbclid=IwAR2AX7b48WM5rDLjHw0SYcEbzLwG-q9GMPmorM9EF8gXvUIwLUEXx2tQ1Bw
Seattle mayor says new drug possession law prioritizes treatment over jail time
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-mayor-bruce-harrell-drug-possession-law-legislation-ordinance-city-attorney-ann-davison-washington-state-olympia-city-council-andrew-lewis-primary-election-environment-officers-fentanyl-crisis-spd-treatment#
Heat pumps key to WA, coalition’s plan to end building emissions
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/heat-pumps-key-to-wa-coalitions-plan-to-end-building-emissions/
Lummi Nation bringing Tokitae's ashes back to Bellingham on Wednesday
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lummi-nation-bringing-tokitaes-ashes-home-bellingham/281-864490a1-43af-4037-bcdf-8d2335b751a7
New COVID vaccines may be a ‘few weeks’ from becoming common in Washington, the state Department of Health says
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/19/new-covid-vaccines-may-be-a-few-weeks-from-becomin/
Federal government to start providing free coronavirus tests once again
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/09/20/free-covid-tests-mail-usps/
Could selling sewage save the Salish Sea? - Waste flushed into Puget Sound harms fish and marine life. A nutrient pricing system — like WA’s cap-and-trade program — may curb pollution.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/09/could-selling-sewage-save-salish-sea
Feds announce millions in funding to bring salmon back to the Upper Columbia River
https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/environment-and-planning/2023-09-21/feds-announce-millions-in-funding-to-bring-salmon-back-to-the-upper-columbia-river
Embattled WA library wins lawsuit, won’t shut down after book-ban fight
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article279582849.html
New tree-planting projects to sprout in Washington with help from $36M in grants
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/09/21/new-tree-planting-projects-to-sprout-in-washington-with-help-from-36m-in-grants/
Eastern Washington railroad getting millions for upgrades
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/21/eastern-washington-railroad-getting-millions-for-u/
Wildfires calmed, but not out
https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/wildfires-calmed-but-not-out/
You can now order free COVID tests by mail again
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/09/25/order-free-covid-tests-mail
New regional law enforcement training facility graduates first class of officers
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article279647554.html
*****
'It's only going to get worse': Scientists speak to WA governor about warming climate
https://www.yahoo.com/news/only-going-worse-scientists-speak-035900986.html
Governor Jay Inslee Climate Change Panel Discussion - VIDEO
https://tvw.org/video/governor-jay-inslee-climate-change-panel-discussion-2023091167/?eventID=2023091167&fbclid=IwAR1OvZMh3sTtOs-wFfrE5STFiIr3WXzzK1wswTi_07g02oOiP6Xe5tt-qgY
The Axe Files with David Axelrod - David Axelrod, the founder and director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, and CNN bring you The Axe Files, a series of revealing interviews with key figures in the political world. Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.
https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/axe-files/episodes/de1f07ae-0b37-42af-aefe-b07c0148fb0c
Inslee promotes Climate Commitment Act while touring Wenatchee
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/15/inslee-promotes-climate-commitment-act-while-touri/
Refreshing a 60-year bond with Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture
https://medium.com/wagovernor/refreshing-a-60-year-bond-with-japans-hyogo-prefecture-e48ecfac9e1a
13 emergency preparedness items you should have
https://komonews.com/shopping/13-emergency-preparedness-items-for-your-home-car-and-family-kids-crisis-disaster-water-food-rations-prepare#
Medical Lake School District's Wellness Center turns into resource hub for students
https://www.kxly.com/news/medical-lake-school-districts-wellness-center-turns-into-resource-hub-for-students/article_6ec792ce-528f-11ee-98ed-3307b4b02779.html
Is housing a form of health care? A Washington program says it is - Apple Health and Homes has distributed $41M from Medicaid to shelter and support those with behavioral or other health issues.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/09/housing-form-health-care-washington-program-says-it
Democrats push to extend federal child care grant program - Sen. Patty Murray of Washington warned that if the program ends, child care providers may raise costs or not be able to continue serving families.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/09/13/democrats-push-to-extend-child-care-grant-program/?emci=900598ac-6152-ee11-9937-00224832e811&emdi=ed560dae-0e53-ee11-9937-00224832e811&ceid=32640
New respiratory illness dashboard launches to monitor numbers across Washington
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/new-respiratory-illness-dashboard-launches-to-monitor-numbers-across-washington/article_4c8e9992-563a-11ee-adcf-c38f79130530.html
To confront WA’s high rents, feds increase limits on housing vouchers
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/to-confront-was-high-rents-feds-increase-limits-on-housing-vouchers/
Wenatchee Reentry Center Opening Draws Visit From Gov. Inslee
https://kpq.com/wenatchee-reentry-center-opening-draws-visit-from-gov-inslee/
Washington’s reworked heat pump rules get a cool reception from critics - The push to install electric heat pumps, rather than natural gas furnaces, in new homes cleared a key panel Friday amid continuing concern from builders that it will drive up costs.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/09/15/washingtons-reworked-heat-pump-rules-get-a-cool-reception-from-critics/
U.S. electric vehicle sales reach breakthrough pace
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/u-s-electric-vehicle-sales-reach-breakthrough-pace/
Washington Department of Ecology raising awareness on million-pound litter problem
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/washington-department-ecology-raising-awareness-million-pound-litter-problem/CVIPQM6GLZC43F36GCEWU2R6K4/
*****
Jay Inslee endorses Bob Ferguson to succeed him as WA governor
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/jay-inslee-endorses-bob-ferguson-to-succeed-him-as-wa-governor/
VIDEO: Governor visits Myers Way, declares: ‘This encampment has been eliminated’
https://westseattleblog.com/2023/09/video-governor-visits-myers-way-declares-this-encampment-has-been-eliminated/?fbclid=IwAR3AvCvimjJ86TLoMTKPEN0b-V0Fxg3k5r7l9tos5Hg01WogeAPi6UfaS_Q
Q&A: Gov. Jay Inslee’s Thoughts on Countering Climate Change in the State of Washington and Beyond - Inslee, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2019 as a climate change candidate, says, “The way to build hope is to take action.”
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04032022/qa-gov-jay-inslees-thoughts-on-countering-climate-change-in-the-state-of-washington-and-beyond/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoavu87iegQMVoxCtBh1Zdgz-EAAYASAAEgKi_fD_BwE
Climate Change Is Melting Mount Rainier’s Glaciers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/12/climate/mount-rainier-glaciers-climate-change.html
How WA firefighters mobilized for large wildfires throughout the state
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/how-wa-firefighters-mobilized-for-large-wildfires-throughout-the-state/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=TheSeattleTimes/magazine/Seattle+News
Inslee statement: “We’ve made Washington a beacon for progress for the nation. I’m ready to pass the torch.”
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2023/inslee-statement-weve-made-washington-beacon-progress-nation-im-ready-pass-torch
Inslee visits Whatcom to see progress on climate change goals.
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article279291104.html
Stepping in for survivors of domestic violence
https://www.kuow.org/stories/stepping-in-for-survivors-of-domestic-violence
Washington state awards $14.5M to aid all residents in getting internet access
https://www.geekwire.com/2023/washington-state-awards-14-5m-to-aid-all-residents-in-getting-internet-access/
Washington Crime Lab on track to clear backlog of rape kits in next 3 months
https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/washington-state-crime-on-track-to-clear-the-once-massive-backlog-of-rape-kits-in-next-three-months
Washington’s new equity director on where her office goes from here
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/09/08/a-qa-with-the-washington-office-of-equity-director/?emci=2d111c7d-0550-ee11-a3f1-00224832e1ba&emdi=4dc78bd5-b550-ee11-a3f1-00224832e1ba&ceid=32640
Streamlined permitting will help get more people into housing
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/streamlined-permitting-will-help-get-more-people-into-housing/
Crowding Out Cougars - Expanded development on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, viewed as a climate refuge, is encroaching on prime wildlife habitat. As big cats find it harder to avoid people, many are winding up dead.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/13092023/crowding-out-cougars/
Cold Case solved: Genetic genealogy unravels 1978 killing of Krisann Baxter near Whitworth
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/08/cold-case-solved-genetic-genealogy-unravels-1978-k/?fbclid=IwAR2g25LwhChqQ42R41Q0toFWKtqfAguTwnct3B1kxBzYxk40hilSndDNkIo
CWU Will Take Part in $15 Million Regional Earthquake Research Center
https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/cwu-will-take-part-in-15-million-regional-earthquake-research-center/article_2b3ab73e-a786-596b-9f91-7bb7916e12a5.html
Food insecurity, early learning in East Whatcom highlighted during Inslee visit - Governor touted recent budget that allotted $1B to support housing in state
https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/sep/12/food-insecurity-early-learning-in-east-whatcom-highlighted-during-inslee-visit/
Refunds since launch of website total $276k in WA state
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/state/washington/article279114174.html
Facility planned for Longview will convert surplus food into carbon-negative renewable energy - - Divert will process up to 100K tons of food waste annually, offsetting 23K metric tons of carbon dioxide
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/sep/13/facility-planned-for-longview-will-convert-surplus-food-into-carbon-negative-renewable-energy/
Whidbey Island is ‘kicking gas’ in push for all-electric homes - In eight months, the Kicking Gas campaign helped 118 Whidbey Island homes install energy-efficient heat pumps. That’s just the first step.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/whidbey-island-is-kicking-gas-in-push-for-all-electric-homes/
*****
Gov. Inslee expands emergency assistance eligibility for Spokane County wildfire victims - The Washington state governor issued a proclamation allowing families without children to apply for cash assistance benefits to recover from wildfire damage.
https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/wildfire/gov-inslee-expands-emergency-assistance-eligibility-spokane-county-wildfire-victims/293-98b6b17b-3e65-4fb1-b920-f7dc7c883705
Hockinson school showcases sustainability as Gov. Inslee visits - Students exhibit climate-forward projects for governor
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/sep/06/hockinson-school-showcases-sustainability-as-gov-inslee-visits/
Biden wants an extra $4 billion for disaster relief, bringing the total request to $16 billion - House Republicans could be a major roadblock in getting more money for natural disaster relief passed in the near future.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-world/biden-4-billion-for-disaster-relief/507-a11c3e5c-7209-4cb8-b74e-33257d371eb7
How artificial intelligence is helping Washington state fight wildfires
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/how-artificial-intelligence-is-helping-washington-state-fight-wildfires/LVEQN65CQND3VFYDPNS6HTPCBU/
Washington is a leading state for workers — a long history of state action paved the way
https://medium.com/wagovernor/washington-is-a-leading-state-for-workers-a-long-history-of-state-action-paved-the-way-496305bc6c3e
AG Ferguson: More than $60 million coming to Washington in the next three months to combat fentanyl epidemic
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-more-60-million-coming-washington-next-three-months-combat-fentanyl?fbclid=IwAR3afZn5CItdb8ZRwZr20W9rnqq5pbzZXQYWJ7TGe5nW1uYSX3_rea_36ds
Readers sound off on Washington’s high gas prices - The state’s cap-and-trade system is met with skepticism and grudging acceptance as companies pass the program's cost to consumer pocketbooks.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/09/readers-sound-washingtons-high-gas-prices
DOE to lease 19,000 acres of Hanford site for energy projects |
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/hanford/article278795679.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Here's how WSP uses forensic dental records testing to solve missing persons cases
https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/unsolved/wsp-forensic-dental-records-identify-missing-persons/281-a8e61576-a15e-441d-91da-75a001b3b257
A step closer to tech equity through broadband expansion
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/a-step-closer-to-tech-equity-through-broadband-expansion/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
King County Council considers increasing minimum wage to $19/hour - The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, would make the rate for unincorporated parts of King County among the nation's highest.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/09/king-county-council-considers-increasing-minimum-wage-19hour
Seattle passes grim milestone with record high homicides
https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-passes-grim-milestone-with-record-high-homicides
*****
Governor Inslee issues proclamation for families to receive cash assistance
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/governor-inslee-issues-proclamation-for-families-to-receive-cash-assistance/article_7995c9da-4846-11ee-b359-cb7f9da8407e.html
Ready, Set, Go: What to know about evacuating Western Washington wildfires
https://www.kuow.org/stories/ready-set-go-what-to-know-about-evacuating-western-washington-wildfires
Amid heavy smoke, wildfire crews work without practical respirators - ‘There are times where you just don’t breathe, because you can’t.’
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/08/amid-heavy-smoke-wildfire-crews-work-without-practical-respirators
WA Task Force 1 returns from Maui after helping local firefighters find missing loved ones
https://mynorthwest.com/3925831/wa-task-force-1-returns-from-maui-after-helping-local-firefighters-find-missing-loved-ones/
Insurance advice offered for victims of wildfires
https://www.thecentersquare.com/content/tncms/live/
Do property owners have to pay taxes if a wildfire destroys their home?
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/aug/31/do-property-owners-have-to-pay-taxes-if-a-wildfire/
Washington receives $23M million from feds to strengthen electrical grid against disasters
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/electrical-grid-against-disasters/
Editorial: State, county overdose rates call for all-out effort - With no slowing of deaths, communities must welcome steps key to confront addiction and its harms.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-state-county-overdose-rates-call-for-all-out-effort/
Fentanyl gets into WA in ‘any manner you can think of’
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/how-fentanyl-gets-to-seattle/
HUD secretary says ‘Seattle gets it’ on homelessness
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/hud-secretary-says-seattle-gets-it-on-homelessness/
Washington among top states for workers, report finds
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/31/washington-best-states-workers-2023
Traffic-related deaths are on the rise in Washington. Here's why.
https://www.king5.com/article/traffic/traffic-news/historically-deadly-year-washington-roads-washington-traffic-safety-commission-washington-state-patrol/281-93bb04b0-fa81-4a7d-8c9b-6fc0a1dfeb66
AG Ferguson urges addition of Everett, Spokane, Yakima to federal initiative fighting fentanyl crimes
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-urges-addition-everett-spokane-yakima-federal-initiative-fighting?fbclid=IwAR1WgFYFoIcr7Muj2ier6v96JkfnfbNrkD31e7kb5HfGCYxyDYbOaY7GDu0
Inside the tumultuous debate behind Seattle's tree ordinance - The debate over more density or more tree canopy got personal as developers clash with the city's Urban Forestry Commission.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/09/inside-tumultuous-debate-behind-seattles-tree-ordinance
WA mobile home communities organize against 'economic eviction’ - Port Orchard-based Hurst & Son LLC bought dozens of parks in recent years. Now residents say the company is raising rents and cutting services.
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/08/wa-mobile-home-communities-organize-against-economic-eviction
Most workers want a 4-day work week. Here’s what might make employers come around
https://www.kuow.org/stories/most-workers-want-a-4-day-work-week-here-s-what-might-make-employers-come-around
White House plan to cut drug prices could lower costs for over 100K WA seniors
https://kuow.org/stories/white-house-plan-to-cut-prescription-drug-prices-could-cut-costs-for-over-100-000-washington-seniors
Federal government, salmon advocates agree to continue talks that could lead to breaching Snake River dams
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/aug/31/federal-government-salmon-advocates-agree-to-conti/
*****
Inslee talks with Biden, FEMA after his visit to Eastern WA wildfires
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/inslee-talks-with-biden-fema-after-his-visit-to-eastern-wa-wildfires/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
FEMA authorizes federal funds for Eastern WA fire relief
https://mynorthwest.com/3922581/fema-authorizes-federal-funds-for-eastern-wa-fire-relief/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Living with wildfire: How to protect more homes as fire risk rises in a warming climate
https://theconversation.com/living-with-wildfire-how-to-protect-more-homes-as-fire-risk-rises-in-a-warming-climate-208652
Are WA forests worth more as carbon sponges or timber harvests? - ‘Working forests’ like state-run Tiger Mountain retain greenhouse gases — but logging is deeply entrenched in Northwest economies.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/08/are-wa-forests-worth-more-carbon-sponges-or-timber-harvests
Washington state to cut down greenhouse gas emissions with electric ferry conversions
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/article278490309.html#storylink=cpy
Climate-friendly heat pumps are not cheap. Rebates can help
https://www.kuow.org/stories/climate-friendly-heat-pumps-are-not-cheap-rebates-can-help
Why does the US drug czar think WA schools should stock Narcan like fire extinguishers?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/why-does-the-us-drug-czar-think-wa-schools-should-stock-narcan-like-fire-extinguishers
‘The internet is no longer a luxury’: $667M from USDA for rural broadband
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/08/21/the-internet-is-no-longer-a-luxury-667m-from-usda-for-rural-broadband/
King County awards $800,000 in grants to boost construction workforce
https://www.thecentersquare.com/content/tncms/live/
Americans rate Seattle one of safest cities in Gallup poll
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/22/seattle-gallup-safety-poll
This Washington county is moving to a 32-hour work week
https://www.kuow.org/stories/this-washington-county-is-moving-to-a-32-hour-work-week
Believe it or not, rents are down in Washington state
https://www.kuow.org/stories/believe-it-or-not-rents-drop-in-washington-state
Seattle-Tacoma wages rose between 2022 and 2023
https://www.kuow.org/stories/wages-rise-in-seattle-june-2023
King County and 21 Other WA Counties Sue State for Failure to Provide Behavioral Health Care
https://www.thestranger.com/news/2023/08/23/79133143/king-county-and-21-other-wa-counties-sue-state-for-failure-to-provide-behavioral-health-care
Worries over seafood safety mount as Japan releases Fukushima water into the Pacific
https://www.kuow.org/stories/worries-over-seafood-safety-mount-as-japan-releases-fukushima-water-into-the-pacific
Changes are coming to Seattle Public Schools' sex education courses
https://www.kuow.org/stories/changes-are-coming-to-seattle-public-schools-sex-ed-courses
It’s a new era for the Washington State Patrol
https://medium.com/wagovernor/its-a-new-era-for-the-washington-state-patrol-91d51af6097e
Don’t stand by as books are banned; stand up for libraries
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/dont-stand-by-as-books-are-banned-stand-up-for-libraries/
New hotline has connected kids to lawyers more than 3,000 times
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/24/hotline-kids-lawyers-washington-state
Spokane County fire victims are eligible for property tax relief
https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2023-08-24/spokane-county-fire-victims-are-eligible-for-property-tax-relief
‘We still have each other’: Fairchild’s fire department hosts cookout for military members affected by local fires
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/aug/24/we-still-have-each-other-fairchilds-fire-departmen/
From needles to pipes. Seattle outreach adapts to morphing drug crisis
https://www.kuow.org/stories/from-needles-to-pipes-seattle-outreach-adapts-to-morphing-drug-crisis
******
Gov. Jay Inslee declares state of emergency for fires across Washington
https://www.khq.com/fires/gov-jay-inslee-declares-state-of-emergency-for-fires-across-washington/article_004e27b8-3efd-11ee-9afa-e3a569ba33c7.html
Inslee names man "Washingtonian of the Day" for act of bravery in Gray Fire
https://www.kxly.com/news/inslee-names-man-washingtonian-of-the-day-for-act-of-bravery-in-gray-fire/article_2900097e-3fbb-11ee-a42e-2b4a8fcb76a5.html
Whole of Washington State is under inferno alert as wildfires continue to burn -VIDEO
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12426573/Whole-Washington-State-fire-alert-as.html
Historic climate devastation demands historic action
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/historic-climate-devastation-demands-historic-action/
State legislators vow to help people affected by wildfires
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/aug/20/state-legislators-vow-to-help-people-affected-by-w/
CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Ferguson issues price-gouging warning to businesses in the Spokane area to protect consumer impacted by wildfires
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/consumer-alert-attorney-general-ferguson-issues-price-gouging-warning-businesses?fbclid=IwAR0M5mRnPLriBa4PySVB6H8i35AdtT4AefsUwqkkJpsO2e4mmmAqS7WRfVI
How to sign up for WA emergency alerts
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/how-to-sign-up-for-wa-emergency-alerts/
Extra cap-and-trade auction may net $62M for Washington
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/extra-cap-and-trade-auction-may-net-62m-for-washington/
Having Our Say Against Carbon Pollution
https://seattlemedium.com/having-our-say-against-carbon-pollution/
Seattle heat wave got you down? You’re not alone
https://www.kuow.org/stories/hot-weather-s-bad-for-mental-health-here-s-how
How hot temps, wildfire affect NW power grid
https://www.kuow.org/stories/how-hot-temps-wildfire-affect-nw-power-grid
Washington to adopt rules protecting farmworkers from wildfire smoke - Some labor advocates say they don’t go far enough.
https://www.hcn.org/articles/labor-washington-to-adopt-rules-protecting-farmworkers-from-wildfire-smoke
On Washington’s public lands, a rise in fires caused by people - The trend comes as hot and dry conditions persist. A careless campfire or a car parked on dry grass is all it takes to spark a fire.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/08/16/on-washingtons-public-lands-a-rise-in-fires-caused-by-people/?emci=8f36e4de-9f3c-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&emdi=d764c64c-0e3d-ee11-a3f1-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
Seattle unveils plan to incentivize use of electric freight vehicles
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2023/08/16/seattle-rebate-program-electric-freighters.html
Ultra high-speed train connecting Vancouver B.C. to Portland would 'transform the Pacific Northwest,' Washington Democrats argue
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/high-speed-light-rail-seattle-canada-portland/281-9a7aea9a-80fd-4d7c-9fa6-1dbdffdd68ef
Hot prisons are ‘cruel and unusual punishment,’ advocates allege - Incarcerated people are taking extreme measures for relief, with some even opting for the cooler temperatures of solitary confinement cells.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/08/hot-prisons-are-cruel-and-unusual-punishment-advocates-allege
Where’s that smoke coming from? Wildfire maps show location, status of WA state fires
https://www.theolympian.com/news/weather-news/article278272448.html#storylink=cpy
Official: Puget Sound-area mail carriers are being targeted with violence
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/official-puget-sound-area-mail-carriers-are-being-targeted-with-violence/JCX46I5HZBDINIYIVQGFZ5FHD4/
Some pregnant workers at O'Reilly Auto Parts were forced out of their jobs, new Washington lawsuit says
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/oreilly-auto-parts-pregnant-worker-lawsuit/281-70578e3b-05c9-4312-af8b-dda43523d8fd
Homelessness surges by 11% nationwide largely due to cost of living, evictions, report says
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-homeless-crisis-homelessness-washington-king-county-state-national-average-evictions-cost-affordable-housing-real-estate-government-community-development-hud-study-report-raising-increase-surge-new-york-boston#
How Washington is treating housing as health care - The state’s Apple Health and Homes program uses Medicaid dollars to provide housing aid and other support services.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/08/18/how-washington-is-treating-housing-as-health-care/
Planning begins for Washington law offering new pathways to high school graduation
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/planning-begins-for-washington-law-offering-new-pathways-to-high-school-graduation/
******
Washington firefighters who died in the line of duty honored in statewide memorial service - The seven firefighters that were commemorated are all considered line-of-duty deaths.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/fallen-washington-firefighters-honored-state-memorial-service/281-f8020514-2bd1-4e3f-9454-e303acc9b672
LOOKING BACK - Q&A: Gov. Jay Inslee’s Thoughts on Countering Climate Change in the State of Washington and Beyond - Inslee, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2019 as a climate change candidate, says, “The way to build hope is to take action.”
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04032022/qa-gov-jay-inslees-thoughts-on-countering-climate-change-in-the-state-of-washington-and-beyond/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl5-nsILdgAMVfBStBh2DWQUZEAAYASAAEgJWpPD_BwE
WA state task force deploying to Hawaii in wake of fires. Here’s its makeup and mission
https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article278150017.html
Local, state agencies release more warnings about increased fire danger amid rising temperatures
https://komonews.com/news/local/wildfire-danger-rising-temperature-local-state-agency-warning-washington-seattle-region-national-weather-service-northwest-interagency-coordination-center-incident-pacific-northwest-firefighter#
Tips to beat the heat as summer-like weather blankets western Washington
https://komonews.com/news/local/weather-heat-wave-hot-sun-seattle-washington-tacoma-bellevue-eastern-western-puget-sound-air-conditioning-stroke-illness-movie-theater-mall-library-bath-shower-clothes-cdc-warm-forecast-water-dehydration
EPA clears WA to do more controlled burns to prevent wildfires
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/epa-clears-wa-to-do-more-controlled-burns-to-prevent-wildfires/
Washington state Democrats ask Buttigieg for $200M to plan Canada-Seattle-Portland bullet train
https://www.adn.com/nation-world/2023/08/15/washington-state-democrats-ask-buttigieg-for-200m-to-plan-canada-seattle-portland-bullet-train/
Washington awards $150M contract to convert ferries to hybrid-electric power
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/washington-awards-150m-contract-to-convert-ferries-to-hybrid-electric-power/
How extreme temperatures can take a toll on your home
https://komonews.com/news/consumer/how-extreme-heat-can-damage-home-hvac-overtaxed-diy-fix-flooding-water-pipes-leak-metal-pipes-expand-contract-moen-detector-insurance-roofing-shingles-tiles-humidity-climate-change#
Washington state buys shuttered psychiatric hospital in Tukwila - Cascade Behavioral Health’s parent company closed the 137-bed facility last month. Now the state hopes the acquisition will expand treatment options.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/08/washington-state-buys-shuttered-psychiatric-hospital-tukwila
AG Ferguson announces the collection of DNA from more than 2,000 violent and sex offenders
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-announces-collection-dna-more-2000-violent-and-sex-offenders?fbclid=IwAR3S2LbBBH42bqTUkP9j-lD-Av9uKpA7_0GwTZtD71OWTdEZaROMFyr_fbE
King County shows off salmon habitat where once stood a hotel
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/king-county-shows-off-salmon-habitat-where-once-stood-a-hotel/
Washington buys upgraded devices to help prevent wolf-livestock conflict
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/aug/10/washington-buys-upgraded-devices-to-help-prevent-w/
Should Seattle consider a high-pay CEO tax? That’s one option to fill the city’s budget gap
https://www.kuow.org/stories/should-seattle-tax-high-paid-ceos-that-s-one-option-to-fill-the-city-s-budget-gap
Washington expands access to fentanyl test strips
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/15/fentanyl-test-strips-washington-state
******
Contacting your legislator? Cite your sources – if you want them to listen to you
https://theconversation.com/contacting-your-legislator-cite-your-sources-if-you-want-them-to-listen-to-you-207179
Seattle fire union warns of escalating 'violence and disorder' after recent attacks on firefighters
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-fire-fighters-union-warns-escalating-attacks-violence-disorder-against-firefighter-paramedics-medics-sfd-units-crime-concerns-homeless-crisis-drugs-wallingford-weapons-threats-homelessness-brick-thrown#
Washington cities, counties now required to plan for climate change - Starting in 2025, local governments will need to consider emissions and natural disasters in their long-term planning. Some already do.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/08/washington-cities-counties-now-required-plan-climate-change
Group petitions to dump Washington’s new carbon-pricing system - Advocacy organization Let’s Go Washington is gathering signatures on six policy-related petitions that it wants to bring to the Legislature.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/08/group-petitions-dump-washingtons-new-carbon-pricing-system
Don’t let the oil industry gaslight us about high prices at the pump
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/dont-let-the-oil-industry-gaslight-us-about-high-prices-at-the-pump/
Climate summit brings local high school students together
https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/aug/06/climate-summit-brings-local-high-school-students-together/
The Politics and Science of Jet Fuel - No, planes won’t run on fruit compost, but they can be made more sustainable.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-politics-and-science-of-jet-fuel-climate-change-sustainability-tax-credits-regulators-d1e46020
Is climate change bringing more disease-carrying bugs to the PNW?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/is-climate-change-bringing-more-disease-carrying-bugs-to-pnw
Plaintiffs drop challenge against Washington state's gas ban for new homes
https://www.thecentersquare.com/content/tncms/live/
State turns unexpected hospital closure into opportunity to address urgent behavioral health needs
https://medium.com/wagovernor/state-turns-unexpected-hospital-closure-into-opportunity-to-address-urgent-behavioral-health-needs-8d46098dc89d
A wheelchair ramp, respite care: What WA's long-term care tax could realistically get you
https://www.kuow.org/stories/this-is-how-the-payroll-tax-could-help-you-if-you-need-long-term-care
Washington state strikes a chord licensing a new kind of therapist
https://www.thecentersquare.com/content/tncms/live/
Whatcom County selected by the state to be a Health Equity Zone. Here’s what that means
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/politics-government/article277971218.html#storylink=cpy
Oil spill fines aid restoration projects in Washington
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/oil-spill-fines-aid-restoration-projects-in-washington/
Supreme Court reinstates federal ‘ghost gun’ rule backed by Washington state - The move allows authorities to enforce the regulations while a legal challenge against them continues.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/08/08/supreme-court-reinstates-federal-ghost-gun-rule-backed-by-washington-state/
***
Ocean heat wave comes to Pacific Northwest shores
https://www.kuow.org/stories/ocean-heat-wave-comes-to-pacific-northwest-shores
What WA’s new wildfire smoke rules might mean for outdoor workers - Washington could be the second state to impose permanent safety regulations, but employers and workplace advocates disagree on the proposal.
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/08/what-was-new-wildfire-smoke-rules-might-mean-outdoor-workers
As the Climate Crisis Escalates, Here Are 18 Food and Ag Solutions - Climate change is here, and the news is dire. We share our recent stories of the many food system innovators finding ways to mitigate damage, increase resilience, and adapt to our ever-changing realities.
https://civileats.com/2023/08/01/as-the-climate-crisis-escalates-here-are-18-food-and-ag-solutions/
With help of local farms, Clark County Food Bank keeps produce flowing to those who need it most
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/jul/31/with-help-of-local-farms-clark-county-food-bank-keeps-produce-flowing-to-those-who-need-it-most/
Gov. Inslee, AG Bob Ferguson say Idaho abortion travel ban ‘illegal' - Ferguson is one of 20 attorneys general from around the country challenging the Idaho law.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/ag-bob-ferguson-idaho-abortion-travel-ban-illegal/281-949132c0-e324-401f-8d91-829cd5294929
Dolly Parton is coming to Washington to celebrate Imagination Library. What to know
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article277897008.html#storylink=cpy
AG Ferguson: Companies sent hundreds of thousands of deceptive texts, emails targeting small businesses, nonprofits
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-companies-sent-hundreds-thousands-deceptive-texts-emails-targeting?fbclid=IwAR1Bt81RTXXXRk0daUm-OFj6OLC5ZaXdTta2yXz5toq4bammsRXpfV54YVo
Big spike in human-caused fires across Washington and Oregon in 2023
https://kuow.org/stories/there-has-been-a-spike-in-human-caused-fires-across-washington-and-oregon-in-2023
State Patrol invites the public’s help as it launches new hit-and-run alert system
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article277833408.html#storylink=cpy
A vending machine in Seattle that dispenses the morning-after pill
https://kuow.org/stories/a-vending-machine-in-seattle-that-dispenses-the-morning-after-pill
Electric vehicle sales accelerate in Washington state
https://kuow.org/stories/electric-vehicle-sales-accelerate-in-washington-state
Getting There: Federal money could bring affordable housing to empty WSDOT land along I-90
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/getting-there-federal-money-could-bring-affordable/
What does substance-use treatment in Seattle actually look like? - There are a slew of recovery services — medication-assisted, jailhouse, in- and outpatient — but stigma and other barriers pose challenges.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/07/what-does-substance-use-treatment-seattle-actually-look
Tribes call for feds to ban chemical in car tires that is linked to salmon deaths - So far, a more environmentally-friendly alternative to keep tire rubber from degrading hasn’t emerged.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/08/01/tribes-call-for-feds-to-ban-chemical-in-car-tires-that-is-linked-to-salmon-deaths/
******
WA officials warn of peak of wildfire season, expect more blazes
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/wa-officials-warn-of-peak-of-wildfire-season-expect-more-blazes/
LOOKING BACK: Washington's Gov. Inslee On Fighting Climate Change Amid Heatwave, Wildfire Threats - VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imdWcc8n4Vc
Washington declares drought emergency in 12 counties
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/state-declares-drought-emergency-in-12-counties/?emci=f4c27a52-642a-ee11-a9bb-00224832e1ba&emdi=977b9af7-f92a-ee11-b8f0-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
Gov. Inslee signs emergency proclamation related to flooding in Douglas, Grant counties
https://www.krem.com/article/weather/severe-weather/douglas-grant-counties-washington-flooding-emergency-proclamation/293-dde7fe16-00b6-4994-9ee8-5ac61d9078a8
Washington Governor: Heat Wave Is Earth “Screaming at Us” to End Fossil Fuel Use - “The fuse has been burning for decades, and now the climate change bomb has gone off,” Inslee said.
https://truthout.org/articles/washington-governor-heat-wave-is-earth-screaming-at-us-to-end-fossil-fuel-use/
LOOKING BACK: Even as he prepares to leave office, Jay Inslee is pushing for climate action - The longtime Washington governor said he will continue to focus on the issue in the future. ‘When you have the kind of passion that I do, it’s not going to be dimmed just because I’m out of public office.’
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/05/04/jay-inslee-governor-washington-climate-change/
LOOKING BACK: Jay Inslee’s Lesson in Bowing Out Gracefully - After making his mark on climate change policy throughout the country, the Washington governor has announced that he won’t seek reelection.
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/jay-inslee-retirement/
LOOKING BACK: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee: Time to 'Seize the Moment' on Climate Change, Clean Energy
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2021-04-22/washington-gov-jay-inslee-time-to-seize-the-moment-on-climate-change-clean-energy
LOOKING BACK: Governor Inslee is leading the race against climate change. Other governors should keep up.
https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/2021/05/18/governor-inslee-is-leading-the-race-against-climate-change-other-governors-should-keep-up/
LOOKING BACK: Can Jay Inslee Make Climate Change More Than a Campaign Talking Point? - “You can’t just talk about climate—you’ve got to mean it.”
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/04/climate-change-inslee-2020-elections/
LOOKING BACK: Gov. Jay Inslee on the Climate Crisis: ‘We Cannot Give in to Defeat and Pessimism’ - The Washington state governor writes about the wildfires that have ravaged the West Coast, the importance of this election, and why we have no more time to lose
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/jay-inslee-wildfires-washington-climate-crisis-1065359/
LOOKING BACK: How Big Oil Blocked Gov. Jay Inslee on Climate Change
https://features.weather.com/collateral/big-oil-blocked-gov-jay-inslee-climate-change/
LOOKING BACK: JAY INSLEE JUST DROPPED THE MOST AMBITIOUS CLIMATE PLAN - FROM A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. HERE’S WHO IT TARGETS. - “There’s a complicity in continuing to invest. That’s a different type of responsibility.”
https://theintercept.com/2019/06/24/jay-inslee-climate-change-pollution/
New law pushes Washington cities and counties to plan for climate change - They’ll have to incorporate strategies to cut emissions and better withstand natural disasters and severe weather into their long-term plans.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/07/24/new-law-pushes-washington-cities-and-counties-to-plan-for-climate-change/
Cleaner jet fuel, made in Washington, is set to take off
https://medium.com/wagovernor/cleaner-jet-fuel-made-in-washington-is-set-to-take-off-7b8c2e13d19
1 in 6 Washington cars are electric. The state aims for more
https://www.kuow.org/stories/1-in-6-washington-cars-are-evs-the-state-aims-for-more
Millions in wildfire funding coming to the West, projects already underway
https://kuow.org/stories/millions-in-wildfire-funding-coming-to-the-west-projects-already-underway
WA site once dedicated to powering nuclear weapons may soon generate clean energy
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/hanford/article277636583.html
Finding a fix for ‘forever chemicals’ - Tests found PFAS in nearly all the public drinking water in Vancouver, Washington. The city is testing a solution that could take years — and more than $170 million — to build.
https://www.hcn.org/issues/55.8/north-pollution-finding-a-fix-for-forever-chemicals/
New Washington state laws go into effect Sunday. Here are some of the key ones
https://www.theolympian.com/news/state/washington/article277472713.html
WA law to protect trans youth in crisis takes effect as repeal effort fails
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-law-to-protect-trans-youth-in-crisis-takes-effect-as-repeal-effort-fails/
Washington's June unemployment rate tied for lowest ever
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/25/washington-state-unemployment-low-record
WA expands Medicaid coverage for people nearing release from jails and prisons
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/wa-expands-medicaid-coverage-for-people-nearing-release-from-jails-and-prisons/
King County invests $25M to address racism as a public health crisis
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/king-county-invests-25m-address-racism-public-health-crisis/TEHHYDJ24BFFRPZR6GPKMA4GO4/
New portal to issue refunds in overturned drug cases in Washington state
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/27/new-refund-portal-refunds-fines-overturned-drug-cases-washington-state
Endangered Southern Resident orca baby gets a name
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/27/endangered-orca-baby-named-seattle
******
'The Earth is screaming at us': Gov. Inslee calls for climate action amid record heat - VIDEO
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/earth-screaming-us-gov-inslee-calls-climate-action/story?id=101581760
Seattle is quickly tallying up 80 and 90 degree days this year - The Emerald City normally experiences 27 days of 80 degrees or warmer each year but we've already recorded 25 days and there's two months of summer left.
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/seattle-weather-80-90-degree-days-2023/281-c6eea22c-2647-4024-8a4c-039c57474735
Washington governor: Climate change ‘pounding on the door’
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4114433-washington-governor-climate-change-pounding-on-the-door/
Washington’s governor on climate: ‘The Earth is screaming at us’ - Gov. Jay Inslee said that the consequences of climate change have hit sooner than expected.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/23/inslee-climate-change-earth-screaming-00107724
'The Climate Change Bomb Has Gone Off,' Says Jay Inslee Amid Extreme Heat - “What the scientific community is telling us now, is that the Earth is screaming at us," said the Washington governor. "We need to stop using fossil fuels. That is the only solution to this massive assault on humanity."
https://www.commondreams.org/news/inslee-climate-extreme-heat
Inslee, lawmakers turn up heat on oil companies as WA gas prices top nation
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/inslee-lawmakers-turn-up-heat-on-oil-companies-as-wa-gas-prices-top-nation/
Inslee and legislators say it’s time for “radical transparency” as Big Oil rakes in excessive profits
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-and-legislators-say-its-time-for-radical-transparency-as-big-oil-rakes-in-excessive-9a3ab71f894a
Oil companies' lies are costing us dearly
https://www.climatesolutions.org/article/2023-07/oil-companies-lies-are-costing-us-dearly
Washington scientist says climate change is creating ‘a world with fewer seabirds’
https://www.opb.org/article/2023/07/23/seabirds-climate-change-die-off/
Issaquah Receives LEED Gold Certification
https://www.425business.com/content/tncms/live/
AG Ferguson makes his case to be Washington’s next governor
https://myedmondsnews.com/2023/07/ag-ferguson-makes-his-case-to-be-washingtons-next-governor/
CityLine, zero emissions rapid bus transit, launches in Spokane
https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2023-07-18/cityline-zero-emissions-rapid-bus-transit-launches-in-spokane?fbclid=IwAR2pzkqTYN26ez4DfTsryEfxw6c1t2gZaSmUbvon2JwHkM9r1Z_zZmyn_0w
Road trip! Kicking the tires on electric travel in the Northwest
https://www.kuow.org/stories/road-trip-kicking-the-tires-on-electric-travel-in-the-northwest
Newly FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill fully covered by any Washington state health insurance
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/21/newly-fda-approved-over-the-counter-birth-control-/
State's 988 crisis line sees calls spike 75% in first year
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/21/988-calls-washington-state
Seattle Fire Department continues to grapple with theft amid emergency responses
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-fire-department-chinatown-international-district-neighborhood-union-warehouse-rescue-saws-generator-overdoses-first-responders-washington-king-county-ballard-fred-meyer-violence-criminal-activity#
******
READING RECOMMENDATION: Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World (2023)
https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Weather-Story-Hotter-World/dp/1399720201/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689430058&sr=1-2
Western Washington grapples with higher-than-normal temperatures, yet records indicate it could be hotter
https://komonews.com/news/local/washington-weather-heat-heatwave-record-temperature-national-weather-service-nws-hot-dome-seattle-degrees-sweltering-hottest-day#https://mynorthwest.com/3909963/gov-inslee-endorses-nick-brown-for-attorney-general/
Gov. Inslee endorses Nick Brown for Attorney General
https://mynorthwest.com/3909963/gov-inslee-endorses-nick-brown-for-attorney-general/
Why are we seeing more black bears in King County these days?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/tis-the-season-for-black-bears-here-s-what-you-can-do-to-live-harmoniously-with-them
Yakima orchard owners pay half-million dollars in back wages, settling lawsuit
https://lni.wa.gov/news-events/article/23-016?fbclid=IwAR02D5_1cPeTHmeMU3plNqKkcqGONIrYnpdwGa_6e7UxZRHh6xNuXFVIdOk
5 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE RESTART OF STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT
https://wsac.wa.gov/loan-repayment-restart?fbclid=IwAR0Xwdk_SGX6vV58LrTo6o_olpAPcnxjUSOpsZuoOUPVL8xyWhCWpqExlFk
New agency now accepting requests to review cases of police deadly force - Lawmakers established the state Office of Independent Investigations amid a national outcry for law enforcement reforms after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/07/12/new-state-agency-now-accepting-requests-to-review-cases-of-police-deadly-force/?emci=4b5e49c8-1121-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&emdi=79b5ef0e-8c21-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
******
State legislator: Big Oil, not cap and trade, is gouging your wallet - Consumers should know the whole story
https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/jul/11/state-legislator-big-oil-not-cap-and-trade-is-gouging-your-wallet/?fbclid=IwAR0BMlOYOCezoIja4DwgJBqMHyQ7srYr6Yca3riqULTU42ZjACyckbhY3AA
Drought advisory issued for Washington state as summer temps rise
https://www.kuow.org/stories/drought-advisory-issued-for-washington-state
How to Survive a Blackout in a Heat Wave - No matter where you live, you should be prepared to live without power during extreme heat.
https://heatmap.news/climate/heat-wave-blackout-power-outage
NW drinking water concerns could get worse as the climate changes
https://www.kuow.org/stories/nw-drinking-water-concerns-could-get-worse-as-the-climate-changes
WA wildfire information: What’s the difference between a controlled and a contained fire?
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/state/washington/article277041618.html
Can Washington utilities turn off your electricity in a heat wave? New law says they can’t
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/jul/06/can-washington-utilities-turn-off-your-electricity-in-a-heat-wave-new-law-says-they-cant/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Justice Department chooses Eastern Washington as focus of effort to solve cases of missing and slain Indigenous people
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/06/justice-department-chooses-eastern-washington-as-f/
Poultry companies reach $35 million settlement with Washington State AG
https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/28277-poultry-companies-reach-35-million-settlement-with-washington-state-ag
AG Ferguson and Legislature partner to create Organized Retail Crime Unit within Attorney General’s Office
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-and-legislature-partner-create-organized-retail-crime-unit-within
Contractor sentenced for criminal wage theft, false reporting of workers’ comp payments
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/contractor-sentenced-criminal-wage-theft-false-reporting-workers-comp-payments?fbclid=IwAR1j1J9qPYg1liBVVkTvJ_OVuvvKU80lr-nybF6sFvYl-osQe-dFtz5Lmxs
AG Ferguson defeats second attempt to block Washington’s ban on the sale of assault weapons
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-defeats-second-attempt-block-washington-s-ban-sale-assault-weapons
Rep. Bill Ramos announces campaign for State Senate
https://www.issaquahreporter.com/news/rep-bill-ramos-announces-campaign-for-state-senate/
******
Planet records unofficial new hottest day on record, climate scientists say - The global record is still preliminary, but it is an indication that climate change is reaching into uncharted territory.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-world/global-hottest-day-on-record/507-c08a39e4-b7f7-4668-b739-3dadcbd3f2dd
Marissa Aho named as King County Climate Director
https://www.shorelineareanews.com/2023/06/marissa-aho-named-as-king-county.html
Climate change making wildfires, smoke worse, Scientists call it the ‘new abnormal’
https://mynorthwest.com/3904845/climate-change-keeps-making-wildfires-and-smoke-worse-scientists-call-it-the-new-abnormal/
New heat protections for outdoor workers go in effect starting July 17
https://komonews.com/news/local/new-heat-protections-outdoor-workers-washington-state-department-of-labor-industries-july-17-cool-down-period-illness-climate-rules-emergency-summer-hot-water-mandatory-empoloyer-employees#
Canada Offers Lesson in the Economic Toll of Climate Change
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/03/business/economy/canada-wildfires-economy.html
Gov. Inslee visits former Camp Hope site to discuss lessons state can learn (VIDEO)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdv0y-Mnkxs
Supreme Court affirmative action ruling likely won’t impact WA
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2023/06/supreme-court-affirmative-action-ruling-likely-wont-impact-wa?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Washington AG Ferguson responds to Supreme Court same-sex ruling
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2023/06/washington-ag-ferguson-responds-supreme-court-same-sex-ruling
Yakima man sentenced to more than three years in prison in fourth attempted child rape conviction by Attorney General’s Office
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/yakima-man-sentenced-more-three-years-prison-fourth-attempted-child-rape?fbclid=IwAR1BSukgXwBmNTdP623vYEEgDCUwS-LR0pBkeEX1Gpcur2uXO8hgE2WZD-o
Low-income domestic violence survivors still lack support in WA - While the state has expanded its full protection-order policies, advocates say funding for housing, shelters and legal services is still needed.
https://crosscut.com/equity/2023/07/low-income-domestic-violence-survivors-still-lack-support-wa
How the Supreme Court student loan decision affects you
https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-debt-forgiveness-supreme-court-2d6eec61822b9e7a89ff59453d2486a5
New Washington state laws take effect in July. Here are a few:
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/01/new-washington-state-laws-take-effect-in-july-here/
WA Supreme Court is clear: Fix discriminatory election systems
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/wa-supreme-court-is-clear-fix-discriminatory-election-systems/
Record number of businesses in Washington cited for child labor violations in 2022 - The child labor citations totaled $686,000 in fines, which is the largest amount for a single year in Washington.
https://www.king5.com/article/money/business/businesses-washington-child-labor-violations-2022/281-cd321f5a-4e65-47e9-95d4-3c47aae07a92
Could Seattle see rent control? Only if the state allows it
https://www.kuow.org/stories/could-seattle-see-rent-control-only-if-the-state-allows-it
About the gun that killed a boy at Seattle’s Ingraham High School
https://www.kuow.org/stories/about-the-gun-that-killed-a-boy-at-seattle-s-ingraham-high-school
******
Washington Gov. Inslee Talks APEC, China, And Why He Sees Economic Growth In Fight Against Climate Change (VIDEO)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanylewis/2023/06/28/washington-gov-inslee-talks-apec-china-and-why-he-sees-economic-growth-in-fight-against-climate-change/?fbclid=IwAR2Tk2DDvYZHDX2y8rAMNTBeitxvubpTiSFOKvJFaJacOG5-WkxNhHNab4Y&sh=2937d6fb1398
Inslee statement on SCOTUS ruling gutting affirmative action
https://governor.wa.gov/news/2023/inslee-statement-scotus-ruling-gutting-affirmative-action
WA Gov. Jay Inslee responds to state’s high gas prices (VIDEO)
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/wa-gov-jay-inslee-responds-states-high-gas-prices/LHHP35QIARDFRKPYYLXKNNQTKA/
Making “internet for all” possible in Washington - How the state and federal governments are working together to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the Evergreen State
https://medium.com/wagovernor/making-internet-for-all-possible-in-washington-3160670364bd
Here's why Washington state has the most expensive gas in the U.S. - According to AAA, a gallon of unleaded gasoline costs $4.98 in Washington state, up from $4.61 one month ago.
https://www.king5.com/article/traffic/gas-prices/washington-state-highest-gas-prices-united-states/281-81820d35-df88-4f58-acb3-7fcff1ff8da4
Rising gas prices in Washington fuel debate over who pays to combat climate change
https://www.opb.org/article/2023/06/28/rising-gas-prices-in-wa-fuel-debate-over-who-pays-to-combat-climate-change/
What can be learned from the Pacific Northwest’s 2021 heat wave - A new analysis suggests strategies to better prepare for extreme heat and prevent attributed deaths across Washington.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/06/what-can-be-learned-pacific-northwests-2021-heat-wave
Can Seattle take the heat? Officials say area is better prepared this summer
https://www.kuow.org/stories/officials-say-seattle-is-better-prepared-now-for-extreme-temps-than-in-2021
In Washington, people keep building houses where they might burn - Researchers found as more Americans move into fire-risk areas, they increase the likelihood and impact of wildfires.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/06/washington-people-keep-building-houses-where-they-might-burn
Billions are being spent to turn the tide on the US West's wildfires. It won't be enough
https://komonews.com/news/local/billions-are-being-spent-to-turn-the-tide-on-the-us-wests-wildfires-it-wont-be-enough#
Roads, bridges, trails, ports: White House awards $2.2B in transportation grants - Nine Washington projects will together receive upwards of $100 million.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/28/roads-bridges-trails-ports-white-house-awards-2-2b-in-transportation-grants/?emci=d859de05-4b15-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&emdi=60fef088-c015-ee11-a9bb-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
A lot more electric buses are coming to Western Washington roads
https://kuow.org/stories/a-lot-more-electric-buses-are-coming-to-western-washington-roads
Body of whale washes up in Ocean Shores raising concerns for overall health of the ocean
https://mynorthwest.com/3904012/body-of-whale-washes-up-in-ocean-shores-raising-concerns-for-overall-health-of-the-ocean/
In Our View: State’s efforts to combat opioids commendable
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/jun/23/in-our-view-states-efforts-to-combat-opioids-commendable/?fbclid=IwAR1UZ8SejFiBk5SONXTeAXuqTXNnBdlnUkxs7Kfuhi_Gtd2jRyEPe-9HCAg
Behind the scenes at Washington state's DNR Fire Academy - This is the first year spring training is being held at the North Bend Fire Academy site. Students camp for 10 days and undergo extensive hands-on training. (VIDEO)
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wildfire/behind-the-scenes-at-washington-states-dnr-fire-academy/281-9a3cf8d2-76c4-4e0a-989c-cfb541002a73
SouthSound 911 now staffing 988 workers to help with mental health crisis calls
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/call-911-speak-to-trained-counselor-pierce-county/281-b1e7e091-d128-4e74-a45f-82a5a3dfa276
Washington needs more pharmacists. WSU is reducing out-of-state tuition in an attempt to help
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jun/26/washington-needs-more-pharmacists-wsu-is-reducing-/
Young orca calf spotted with pod of Southern Resident killer whales
https://mynorthwest.com/3902187/orca-calf-spotted-with-pod-of-southern-resident-killer-whales-along-coast/
WA’s new capital gains tax brings in millions more than expected - The latest state revenue forecast brings good news for the current two-year budget cycle, and for the next one as well.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/06/was-new-capital-gains-tax-brings-millions-more-expected
Zeke Smith: Building blocks for addressing homelessness: Takeaways from Camp Hope
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jun/25/zeke-smith-building-blocks-for-addressing-homeless/
******
WA wins e-fuel and hydrogen power pledges at Paris Air Show
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/washington-state-announces-e-fuel-and-hydrogen-power-wins-at-paris-air-show/?fbclid=IwAR0RgSbW9GdZzic_rRfmZ1Lv2TMah6OgjwhGSC2EA7QcXsCG5BAjKDja8bU
Washington State could soon be key player in sustainable jet fuel industry
https://news.yahoo.com/washington-state-could-soon-key-015213636.html
Environmentalists and industry weigh in on how to decarbonize aviation
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/as-aviation-scrambles-and-climate-pressure-grows-wa-takes-center-stage/
El Niño has arrived, and here’s what it means for Washington’s summer heat, winter snow
https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article276665266.html#storylink=cpy
The Pacific Northwest’s deadly 2021 heat wave fuels a new lawsuit against Big Oil - Multnomah County’s suit is one of the first to seek damages related to a specific weather event.
https://grist.org/accountability/multnomah-county-lawsuit-exxon-deadly-2021-heat-wave/
'Very well prepared' | State DNR commissioner speaks on upcoming fire season
https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/very-well-prepared-state-dnr-commissioner-speaks-on-upcoming-fire-season/article_58fa508c-0ee0-11ee-8c63-5b94a9d80583.html?block_id=774208
Verdict in Oregon wildfires case highlights risks utilities face amid climate change
https://apnews.com/article/oregon-pacificorp-wildfires-lawsuit-5ecdfe35de0bfc18df670eac2e2c38a5
Summer has arrived in the Northwest. The weather ahead and what to expect for wildfire season
https://www.kuow.org/stories/summer-has-arrived-in-the-northwest-the-weather-ahead-and-what-to-expect-for-wildfire-season
Half the nation’s wetlands just lost federal protection. Their fate is up to states. - A Supreme Court ruling leaves large swaths with widely varying oversight.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/19/us-supreme-court-ruling-leaves-wetland-protections-to-states/
With water cuts a reality, Yakima Basin farmers find new ways to stretch a precious resource
https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/with-water-cuts-a-reality-yakima-basin-farmers-find-new-ways-to-stretch-a-precious/article_a5280fe0-070f-11ee-8cc4-672c6f7dc8b4.html
How WA cities’ lobbying muscle shapes housing, public records bills - Lobbyists for the Association of Washington Cities flex the group’s influence in Olympia — including the ability to draft policy themselves.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/06/how-wa-cities-lobbying-muscle-shapes-housing-public-records-bills
WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife expands accessibility, rules for people with disabilities
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/latest-news/article276595311.html#storylink=cpy
******
3 more glaciers gone from Mount Rainier, scientist reports
https://www.kuow.org/stories/3-more-glaciers-gone-from-mount-rainier
Are smoke-free summers a thing of the past in Washington state?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/are-smoke-free-summers-a-thing-of-the-past-in-washington-state
About Governor Jay Inslee
https://governor.wa.gov/about-jay
AG Ferguson: More than $370 million coming to Washington to fight opioid epidemic
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-more-370-million-coming-washington-fight-opioid-epidemic?fbclid=IwAR3u_GnLKGVjXlY1utDyrRWkG3L11Qf1Eav-7lGQFTJVT0mb8A4faj1bqyY
Early Poll In Washington State’s Governor’s Race: Ferguson Leads
https://www.postalley.org/2023/06/09/early-poll-in-washington-states-governors-race-ferguson-leads/?fbclid=IwAR1BXBy5PsvxbkJ37__amLV0QTX7M8BbEkPkHy7bCnAbtD26PkaSzukoti4
State Supreme Court upholds Washington Voting Rights Act - The court decided the voting rights law to be constitutional and that Latino voters had standing when pursuing a case against Franklin County.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/06/state-supreme-court-upholds-washington-voting-rights-act
New WA law will make breast cancer exams more affordable and ‘flat out save lives’
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/state/washington/article276263776.html
Editorial: What good is that new payroll deduction?
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-what-good-is-that-new-payroll-deduction/
Washington Cares Fund lauded as valuable safety net - Program to create fund for long-term care goes into effect on July 1
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/jun/14/washington-cares-fund-lauded-as-valuable-safety-net/
WA state is a leader when it comes to managing long-term care. New tax begins July 1 | Opinion
https://www.theolympian.com/opinion/op-ed/article276323716.html
Washington State’s Ninth Grade Success Initiative Shows Promising Results In Boosting Academic Achievement
https://seattlemedium.com/washington-states-ninth-grade-success-initiative-shows-promising-results-in-boosting-academic-achievement/
State will launch ‘Refund Bureau’ for fines paid in overturned drug cases - A new website coming next month aims to make it easier for people to get money they’re owed in the wake of the 2021 Blake decision.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/13/state-launches-refund-bureau-for-fines-paid-in-overturned-drug-cases/?emci=954b3d68-520a-ee11-907c-00224832eb73&emdi=40e02893-c30a-ee11-907c-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
Rising costs prompt retirees to consider unretirement for financial stability
https://komonews.com/news/local/return-to-work-advantages-disadvantages-for-retirees-retired-paychex-study-americans-working-workforce-irs-money-retirement-taxes-medicare-costs#
Over $700M in funding for rural broadband projects unveiled by USDA
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/12/over-700m-in-funding-for-rural-broadband-projects-unveiled-by-usda/
Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people - The Native and Strong Lifeline provides connection and culturally-specific care to callers in crisis.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/06/washington-mental-health-lifeline-made-and-native-people
Homelessness efforts in Yakima are moving toward permanent housing - While the “Housing First” model has gained statewide interest, organizations still face an uphill battle for initial financial investment.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/06/homelessness-efforts-yakima-are-moving-toward-permanent-housing
Washington’s bold new abortion protections in spotlight at White House - A quartet of Democratic lawmakers are sharing how the state became a safe harbor for those obtaining and providing abortions.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/15/washingtons-bold-new-abortion-protections-in-spotlight-at-white-house/
Supreme Court upholds Indian Child Welfare Act, a victory for tribal sovereignty
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jun/15/supreme-court-upholds-indian-child-welfare-act-a-v/
Washington gas stations are leaking toxins into nearby groundwater - Faulty tanks have caused a $20 billion environmental disaster across the U.S. Who will pay for the cleanup — the stations, oil companies, or you?
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/06/washington-gas-stations-are-leaking-toxins-nearby-groundwater
Washington employers push back on new worker heat-protection rules - Business owners and advocates have voiced concerns about who would bear responsibility for monitoring safety conditions.
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/06/washington-employers-push-back-new-worker-heat-protection-rules
******
Washington at ‘epicenter’ of wildfire threat - Federal fire forecast shows Western Washington has one of the most dire outlooks in the U.S.
https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/washington-at-epicenter-of-wildfire-threat/
El Nino advisory predicts warmer, drier fall and winter in the PNW - The weather pattern is a weak one for now. The system is expected to bring more impacts beginning in November.
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/el-nino-advisory-noaa-pacific-northwest/281-4cdc3462-4805-4782-9916-33074d253422
As historic smoke blankets the East Coast, Northwest leaders hope Congress will wake up to the wildfire threat
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jun/08/as-historic-smoke-blankets-the-east-coast-northwes/
Washington Smoke Information
https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
Early fire conditions mark start of ‘a very long’ season - Washington’s heightened fire risk west of the Cascades is unusual this early in the year and is worrying officials.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/06/early-fire-conditions-mark-start-of-a-very-long-season/
Experts say smoky fire seasons will be more common as temperatures trend warmer - University of Washington Professor Daniel Jaffe says the most important message for fire season is to be prepared.
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/smoke-filled-fire-seasons-more-common-temperatures-trend-warmer/281-b9f89b61-05ab-49b7-b752-599a374f9ad5
Which mask is best for wildfire smoke?
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4039364-which-mask-is-best-for-wildfire-smoke/
Tensions, gas prices rise as Washington state auctions carbon
https://www.eenews.net/articles/tensions-gas-prices-rise-as-washington-state-auctions-carbon/
Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Issaquah
https://weatherspark.com/y/856/Average-Weather-in-Issaquah-Washington-United-States-Year-Round
Unhoused and out of sight on King County's Eastside
https://www.kuow.org/stories/unhoused-and-out-of-sight-on-king-county-s-eastside
Student activists helped pass Washington’s new assault weapons ban - Born on Instagram, the youth-founded and -led Seattle Student Union is working to build safer communities in schools.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/06/student-activists-helped-pass-washingtons-new-assault-weapons-ban
Military families battling mold, rodents in Washington base housing - The Defense Department underwent reforms in 2019 after unsafe conditions were found on U.S. bases, but residents say there are still problems.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/06/military-families-battling-mold-rodents-washington-base-housing
How building more backyard homes and in-law suites can help alleviate the housing crisis
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/06/how-building-more-granny-flats-and-in-law-suites-can-help-alleviate-the-housing-crisis/
In This Washington, the Fantastically Rich Are Finally Frowning
https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/06/13/in-this-washington-the-fantastically-rich-are-finally-frowning/
What to expect with WA ban on toxic chemicals in consumer products
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/what-to-expect-with-wa-ban-on-toxic-chemicals-in-consumer-products/
Washington State Replaces 'Derogatory' Names of Three Geographic Features
https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/news/state/washington/washington-state-replaces-derogatory-names-of-three-geographic-features/article_467c5211-705c-517c-b87d-383be9567f31.html
As Camp Hope closes, Spokane politicians inch closer to a regional response to homelessness
https://www.inlander.com/news/as-camp-hope-closes-spokane-politicians-inch-closer-to-a-regional-response-to-homelessness-26090166
'Our identity, our consent, our data': Women in tech seek stronger privacy protections for AI - The President of Women in Cloud says she has seen women in tech negatively impacted due to a lack of online privacy.
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/women-tech-seek-privacy-protections-artificial-intelligence/281-a5b4980a-6da4-4479-a0af-a5a571354cc0
Seattle launches new effort to address youth mental health crisis
https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-launches-new-effort-to-address-youth-mental-health-crisis
******
2020 State of the State Address: The Best of Who We Are - Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his 2020 State of the State address on Jan. 14, 2020, reminding legislators that the state sees the best of Washington when the people embrace big ideas and see them through together.
https://governor.wa.gov/news/speeches/2020-state-state-address-best-who-we-are
Gov. Jay Inslee to lead 100-member delegation representing $70-billion aerospace and aviation sector in Washington state – “Where the Next Big Thing Begins”
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news/sustainable-aviation-space-flight-and-air-mobility-among-innovations-showcased-by-washington-state-companies-at-paris-air-show/
Report: Washington state has strongest economy in U.S.
https://kgmi.com/news/007700-report-washington-state-has-strongest-economy-in-u-s/
Seattle sees 6-inch rain deficit for the year after a dry, warm May - The warm temperatures in May led to the month ending as the second-warmest May on record.
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/seattle-six-inch-rain-deficit-after-dry-warm-may/281-e486d9b0-b376-4aa1-bc7e-284b91df22ca
Dry spring has climatologists looking at drought possibilities for summer
https://komonews.com/news/local/national-weather-service-precipitation-rain-washington-state-climatologist-says-dry-spring-no-drought-yet-summer-seattle-water-supply-may-june-sea-tac-airport-snowpack-rapid-melt-measurable#
Spokane breaks another monthly weather record with scorching May
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/may/31/spokane-breaks-another-monthly-weather-record-with/
Washington's capital gains tax collects $850 million, over three times the estimates
https://www.king5.com/article/money/washingtons-capital-gains-tax/281-3fe9d8c3-7f89-46a5-ae91-e148a7f31c72
Washington Cares Fund goes into effect on July 1. Here’s what to know
https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article275996986.html
Your questions about WA Cares, answered
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/06/01/faq-long-term-care-washington-state
King County Regional Homelessness Authority unanimously approves 5-year plan - The five-year plan, which operates within KCRHA's current budget, lays out its path forward to reduce unsheltered homelessness in the county.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/homeless/king-county-regional-homelessness-authority-approves-5-year-plan/281-ea8182b9-329e-462e-9084-6e479f01d52b
Walk the beat with an outreach worker helping people who live on Seattle streets
https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/walk-the-beat-with-an-outreach-worker-helping-people-who-live-on-seattle-streets/
Washington Grain Commission in 'strong position,' approves $8.6 million budget
https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/grains/washington-grain-commission-in-strong-position-approves-8-6-million-budget/article_c98c67dc-ff1c-11ed-99e6-977ec9f37f80.html
Washington state hits the reset button on its search for a new airport site
https://kuow.org/stories/washington-state-hits-the-reset-button-on-search-for-new-airport-site
Climate hazards are the Duwamish Valley's top concern, survey finds - The Duwamish Valley Climate Resilience Survey found environmental impacts outweigh issues like crime and housing for residents. How can people prepare?
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/06/climate-hazards-are-duwamish-valleys-top-concern-survey-finds
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Names Washington Governor Jay Inslee 2023 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion
https://www.chinookobserver.com/news/state/rails-to-trails-conservancy-names-washington-governor-jay-inslee-2023-doppelt-family-rail-trail-champion/article_4005d8f0-5904-5b12-a882-5e0b15cc2ee2.html
Washington vies to become a national hub for hydrogen fuel - The state is helping lead a regional coalition trying to secure federal funding–possibly $1 billion or more–to ramp up production of the fossil fuel alternative.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/05/washington-vies-to-become-a-national-hub-for-hydrogen-fuel/?emci=ccffea4b-1f03-ee11-907c-00224832eb73&emdi=b577210c-ae03-ee11-907c-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
Washington's strained mental health care system prepares for another blow
https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-s-strained-mental-health-care-system-prepares-for-another-blow
King County joins legal efforts against PFAS manufacturers
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/king-county-joins-the-legal-attack-on-pfas-manufacturers/?fbclid=IwAR2RkH3PXj_hExDs5XSOoFLXQYv7-iUEOMMNZ-9VV_t5LNNjBf4WpNeR2s0
SCOTUS ruling on WA strike damages 'not [a] catastrophe' for unions - The case involving a Washington concrete company was being watched for the possibility it would tip the balance more in favor of employers over workers.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/06/scotus-ruling-wa-strike-damages-not-catastrophe-unions
Newly unearthed 6,000-year-old archaeology site near Newport reveals history of Kalispel Tribe
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jun/05/newly-unearthed-6000-year-old-archaeology-site-nea/
******
At the state Capitol, a longstanding tribute to lives lost in WWI
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/05/29/at-the-state-capitol-a-longstanding-tribute-to-lives-lost-in-wwi/?emci=bbcac82b-e9fd-ed11-907c-00224832eb73&emdi=297b44bd-33fe-ed11-907c-00224832eb73&ceid=32653
Inslee talks clean energy jobs, Malden rebuild and battling climate change
https://www.nwpb.org/2023/05/25/inslee-talks-clean-energy-jobs-malden-rebuild-and-battling-climate-change/
Amazon workers walkout Wednesday over return-to-office, climate frustrations
https://komonews.com/news/local/amazon-employees-plan-leave-work-climate-frustrations-ceo-tech-andy-jassy-pandemic-covid-19-web-services-meta-microsoft-seattle-washington-layoffs-culture-shareholder-meeting-redmond-bellevue#
Lewis County’s Centralia bets on clean energy as coal economy fades
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/lewis-countys-centralia-bets-on-clean-energy-as-coal-economy-fades/
How new Washington laws aim to lower out-of-pocket health care costs - Legislators passed a number of bills this year to limit a range of medical expenses, including for insulin and hearing aids.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/05/30/washington-state-insulin-cap-out-of-pocket-health-care-costs/
Find your park in Washington this spring!
https://medium.com/wagovernor/find-your-park-in-washington-this-spring-b2264539dd91
‘Don’t be the spark:’ Early predictions point to a manageable fire season, but you should still remain cautious
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/may/26/dont-be-the-spark-early-predictions-point-to-a-man/
Who likes a hotter climate? Northwest mosquitoes
https://www.kuow.org/stories/who-likes-a-warming-climate-northwest-mosquitoes
Inslee: Thumbs up to medical residency program - Washington governor thinks program can boost state’s ability to retain quality doctors
https://dnews.com/local/inslee-thumbs-up-to-medical-residency-program/article_76b80a89-607b-5a0e-b024-f55d90647595.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
$8M in behavioral health grants to benefit children, youth, families - Snohomish County awarded one-time federal funding to five projects that will reach at least 440 new people each year.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/8m-in-behavioral-health-grants-to-benefit-children-youth-families/
New Washington state laws give debt relief to people exiting prison
https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-washington-laws-give-debt-relief-to-people-exiting-prison
'988 saved my life': University Place man shares how quickly-growing crisis line helped him overcome dark period
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/988-saved-local-mans-life-university-place/281-2edaba8e-f408-47de-bd29-666bad62397e
******
‘This is the most consequential time for humans on the planet’: Governor Jay Inslee on climate change
https://www.fastcompany.com/90899903/governor-jay-inslee-climate-change?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss
‘What do we want? Zero emission!’: Students protest the speed of Amazon’s Climate Pledge
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/what-do-we-want-zero-emission-students-protest-speed-amazons-climate-pledge/NIKOA7GP2JGPNBQDMAFKP54ROM/
Washington among US states sending firefighting resources to Canada amid wildfires - Nearly 100 wildfires are burning in western Canada, bringing some smoke down into western Washington.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/washington/washington-firefighting-resources-canada-wildfires/281-8f59aee2-758e-4f29-930d-27b731252c6b
Comment: Sorry, Northwest, you won’t be a climate ‘winner’ - Three heat waves in three years refute the hope the Northwest will ecape the worst of climate change.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-sorry-northwest-you-wont-be-a-climate-winner/
Here’s how the new drug possession law in Washington is different that what was on the books
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/may/21/heres-how-the-new-drug-possession-law-in-washingto/
State taking input on new rules for working outdoors in wildfire smoke
https://www.yakimaherald.com/content/tncms/live/
Supreme Court weakens EPA power to enforce Clean Water Act - Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., writing for the majority in the 5-4 opinion, said the EPA’s interpretation of its powers went too far
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/25/supreme-court-clean-water-act/
Eastern Washington astronomers chalk up new black hole discovery that sent ripples through time
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/may/24/eastern-washington-astronomers-chalk-up-new-black-/
Having trouble finding mental health care in WA? A new agency can help
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/mental-health/trouble-finding-mental-health-care-in-wa-this-new-agency-can-help/
Washington clergy still not required to report child abuse - A compromise proposal near the end of the legislative session died after Catholics rejected the bill over religious objections.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/05/washington-clergy-still-not-required-report-child-abuse
$121 million awarded to broadband projects across Washington
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/121-million-awarded-to-broadband-projects-across-washington/?emci=a19ba773-2cf9-ed11-907c-00224832eb73&emdi=d838fc50-76f9-ed11-907c-00224832eb73&ceid=32640
Housing bill signed by Inslee will create more housing
https://www.vbjusa.com/news/top-stories/housing-bill-signed-by-inslee-will-create-more-housing/
New WA laws expand voting access and convenience
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/new-wa-laws-expand-voting-access-and-convenience/
******
Seattle weather forecast: Record heat continues
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weather/seattle-weather-forecast-record-heat-continues/
Washington slates $50M for trees to shade salmon streams - Gov. Jay Inslee and a bipartisan group of legislators are using a low-tech approach to combat deadly warming waters.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/05/washington-slates-50m-trees-shade-salmon-streams
Washington lawmakers make drug possession a gross misdemeanor - The Legislature needed an extra day to pass the new law after failing to come to an agreement at the end of the 2023 regular session.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/05/washington-lawmakers-make-drug-possession-gross-misdemeanor
Washington leaders call new drug law 'imperfect' solution to overdose crisis
https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-leaders-call-new-drug-law-imperfect-solution-to-overdose-crisis
New railroad safety rules under debate after string of derailments across country
https://komonews.com/news/local/new-railroad-safety-rules-under-debate-string-of-train-derailments-across-country-bnsf-norfolk-southern-gallons-diesel-oil-chemicals-explosion-waterway-spill-hazard-legislation-proposal-federal-safety-explosion-evacuation-east-palestine-materials-detect
Gov. Jay Inslee signs bill that bolsters protection against endangered Washington orcas
https://komonews.com/news/local/washington-governor-jay-inslee-orcas-olympia-legislation-senate-house-of-representatives-southern-resident-killer-whale-vulnerable-pacific-northwest-protection#
Washington Governor Inslee Expands Working Families Tax Credit
https://247wallst.com/economy/2023/05/16/washington-governor-inslee-expands-working-families-tax-credit/
Washington bans 9 toxic chemicals in makeup - The Washington state Department of Ecology found high levels of toxic chemicals in some common beauty products as part of a study published in January.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/gov-inslee-sign-bill-banning-toxic-chemicals/281-aa7deb9a-2294-459b-9c4b-2470c6e645d9
New Washington state law should mean fewer spam robocalls
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/16/robocall-law-washington-state
Inslee signs new budgets that go big on housing, behavioral health
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-signs-new-budgets-that-go-big-on-housing-behavioral-health-895891e6754c
Effort to build new airport in western Washington shifts to expanding existing airports
https://www.king5.com/article/travel/western-washington-expanding-existing-airports/281-58f525b5-0b87-4509-aa4d-d55095cc49ec
Your Washington ZIP code may affect your health-care quality - A new report from the Washington Health Alliance found that there's work to be done for the state's more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
https://crosscut.com/equity/2023/05/your-washington-zip-code-may-affect-your-health-care-quality
Voter registration is getting simpler in Washington state
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/18/voter-registration-washington-state-online
Job growth stays strong in Washington state
https://kgmi.com/news/007700-job-growth-stays-strong-in-washington-state/
WA launches dashboard tracking ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/wa-launches-dashboard-tracking-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
******
Washington to invest $21M in abortion, reproductive health care - ‘Historic' state budget funding will go toward medical personnel, new provider training, clinic security and other resources.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/05/washington-invest-21m-abortion-reproductive-health-care
Gov. Inslee signs bill to help survivors of sex trafficking in WA - The legislation will fund healing and transition services for people who have experienced sex trafficking.
https://crosscut.com/briefs/2023/05/gov-inslee-signs-bill-help-survivors-sex-trafficking-wa
Governor Jay Inslee on Washington's Assault Weapons Ban
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/takeaway/segments/governor-jay-inslee-washingtons-assault-weapons-ban
Governor Inslee signs bill regulating “deep fakes” in political ads
https://kgmi.com/news/007700-governor-inslee-signs-bill-regulating-deep-fakes-in-political-ads/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Washington “goes big” on housing in 2023
https://medium.com/wagovernor/wa-goes-big-on-housing-in-2023-cc9df87bf4d5
State seeks to repair harm caused by racially restrictive real estate covenants
https://www.axios.com/2023/05/09/washington-state-reparations-real-estate-covenants
Washington passes climate goals for crypto and data centers
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/may/05/washington-passes-climate-goals-for-crypto-and-dat/
INSLEE SIGNS MOST COMPREHENSIVE IN THE NATION BATTERY RECYCLING BILL THAT ADDRESSES ALL BATTERY TYPES
https://sanjuanislander.com/news-articles/government-news/state/36073/inslee-signs-most-comprehensive-in-the-nation-battery-recycling-bill-that-addresses-all-battery-types
Early-season heat wave to bring prolonged hot, record temperatures - Highs will climb into the 80s & 90s possibly breaking several records, could be the longest stretch of 80s for the month of May on record.
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/early-season-heat-wave-record-temperatures/281-7e182201-7479-4def-9027-05887e7ec5be
Ready for wildfire season? Here's how bad this year's season could be across the west
https://komonews.com/news/local/how-bad-will-2023-western-united-states-wildfire-be-fire-season-risk-drought-climate-environment-rain-snowpack-meteorology-smoky-skies-air-quality-forests-firefighters-smoke-jumpers-washington-oregon-idaho-utah-nevada-montana-california#
Why Are Heat Waves Getting Worse?
https://www.wunderground.com/article/news/climate/news/2023-05-09-climate-change-and-heat-waves
The early heat wave gripping the Northwest is rare — and worrying
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/05/13/west-coast-early-heat/
WA lawmakers' 'year of housing' could ease the affordability crisis - The Legislature passed 10 laws and put $1 billion toward one of Washington’s most pressing problems: a statewide lack of accessible shelter.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/05/wa-lawmakers-year-housing-could-ease-affordability-crisis
Bipartisan, Cantwell-backed rail safety bill informed by Spokane officials advances to Senate floor
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/may/10/bipartisan-cantwell-backed-rail-safety-bill-inform/
The national COVID emergency is over. What does that mean in WA?
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/the-national-covid-emergency-is-over-what-does-that-mean-in-wa/
Washington state now has the nation’s strongest law against toxic cosmetics - The legislation targets harmful chemicals that are often found in products marketed to women of color.
https://grist.org/regulation/washington-state-just-passed-the-nations-strongest-law-against-toxic-cosmetics/
******
Seven of Washington's fallen officers honored during ceremony
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seven-names-added-washingtons-law-enforcement-memorial/281-e929f482-59be-481e-a57d-a7bc0440f6ee?fbclid=IwAR3TAO5qT-EH7TBF5zGlyfHzBloV9kTP89SM4qsg95IUJJ03-JmOF0Uy0mc
Outgoing Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on his climate record
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/04/outgoing-washington-gov-jay-inslee-his-climate-record/
WA Gov. Inslee Not Seeking a Fourth Term in Office: A Look Back on his Legacy
https://thewatchdogonline.com/wa-gov-inslee-not-seeking-a-fourth-term-in-office-a-look-back-on-his-legacy-35242
Even as he prepares to leave office, Jay Inslee is pushing for climate action
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/05/04/jay-inslee-governor-washington-climate-change/
‘Clean energy revolution.’ WA Gov. Jay Inslee signs 7 energy bills into law in Tre-Cities
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/politics-government/article275025501.html
New suite of climate laws continue path to 100% clean energy future
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/new-suite-climate-laws-continue-path-100-clean-energy-future
Inslee calls WA Legislature special session to address drug possession
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/inslee-calls-wa-legislature-special-session-to-address-drug-possession/
More than 100 bills were signed into WA law in the last week. Here are some key ones
https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article275075811.html
WA to tackle caregiver shortage with new plan to reduce barriers
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-to-tackle-caregiver-shortage-with-new-plan-to-reduce-barriers/
Insurers will pay for hearing aids in Washington, thanks to 8-year-old’s testimony
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/insurers-pay-hearing-aids-washington-state/281-02baf40b-bf5d-4b36-8555-59ee6cd79363
Bob Ferguson Launches Exploratory Campaign for Governor of WA (VIDEO)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnzAp6CB0LA
A Disaster the Size of Multiple Katrinas Is Building Off Washington’s Coast - The Coast Guard is the first line of defense against a massive tsunami. Will it also be an early victim?
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/07/coast-guard-tsunami-00058594
Seattle’s about 5 inches behind normal rainfall this year
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/weather-blog/seattle-dry-weather-no-rain/281-b86cc8c2-2595-42c4-b161-675d51080dbe
Fire and floods across western Canada force evacuations
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/fire-flood-record-spring-heat-forces-evacuations-across-western-canada-2023-05-05/
Western fires could be delayed after months of rain and snow, but risk remains
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/05/03/fire-outlook-west-risk/
Ready for the heat? Sunday could be Seattle's earliest 90-degree day ever
https://komonews.com/news/local/hot-weather-heat-wave-spring-summer-pacific-northwest-earliest-90-degree-day-seattle-western-washington
WA Passes Climate Goals For Crypto And Data Centers While OR’s Effort Fails
https://www.invw.org/2023/05/03/wa-passes-climate-goals-for-crypto-and-data-centers-while-ors-effort-fails/
For Native activist Roxanne White, MMIWP advocacy is a lifeline - White’s own journey led her to organize and support the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people, including a May 6 march in Seattle.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/05/native-activist-roxanne-white-mmiwp-advocacy-lifeline
This local school has a garden, a worm bin, cafeteria compost, and national recognition
https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/gateway/g-news/article274932551.html
Washington on its way to modernizing mental health centers
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/washington-its-way-modernizing-mental-health-centers/IFMD3QBKINGI3KPGAG2DDX75SQ/
WA passed a 'Voting Rights Act 2.0' bill. Here's what's in it - The new law, which has already been applied to a case in Yakima, expands voter protections — but not without criticism.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/05/wa-passed-voting-rights-act-20-bill-heres-whats-it
Suciasaurus rex becomes official Washington state dinosaur after Gov. Inslee signs bill
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/suciasaurus-rex-official-washington-state-dinosaur/281-71ff3da4-021d-4b01-9a5a-ecda8b24b84e
******
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he won't run for a fourth term - First elected in 2012, Inslee is only the second person to serve three consecutive terms as the state's governor.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/05/washington-gov-jay-inslee-says-he-wont-run-fourth-term
Inslee statement: “We’ve made Washington a beacon for progress for the nation. I’m ready to pass the torch.”
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-“we’ve-made-washington-beacon-progress-nation-i’m-ready-pass-torch”
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, Climate Champion, Won’t Seek Re-Election - Mr. Inslee, 72, a former presidential candidate and a leading Democratic proponent of policies to slow climate change, said he would not seek a fourth term.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/us/politics/jay-inslee-washington-governor.html
What will Jay Inslee's legacy be after 12 years as governor?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/what-will-jay-inslee-s-legacy-be-after-12-years-as-governor
Jay Inslee Sees Greener Pastures Ahead - After nearly 30 years in elected office, Washington’s governor plans to shift his focus to climate solutions and clean energy, underscoring the need for “a sense of optimism and confidence.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/02/us/politics/jay-inslee-climate.html
Attorney General Bob Ferguson to explore run for Washington governor
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/attorney-general-bob-ferguson-explore-run-washington-governor/IC335MKADVD77GG63OCD3CXEDE/
Best States Rankings - Washington #2
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington
Sea-Tac airport hits 81 degrees breaking April record
https://komonews.com/news/local/sea-tac-international-airport-warm-weather-spring-summer-heat-seattle-northwest-avalanche-center-national-weather-service-washington-climate-pledge-arena-record-temperatures-puget-sound#
Where air pollution is improving — and where it's worsening
https://www.axios.com/2023/04/27/air-pollution-rates-map
Climate change is changing public health - In Washington, a new team of epidemiologists is preparing for a hotter, smokier future.
https://www.hcn.org/issues/55.5/north-public-health-climate-change-is-changing-public-health/
Inslee signs laws to protect reproductive health and gender-affirming care
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-signs-laws-protect-reproductive-health-and-gender-affirming-care
King County voters approve raising property taxes to fund crisis care centers
Voters have approved a levy that will create a network of five crisis care centers across King County.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/elections/election-king-county-voters-approve-crisis-care-centers-levy/281-edd7d16d-0b38-4de8-858a-3c4dd8720701
Student, family homelessness funding doubles in state budget
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/student-family-homelessness-funding-doubles-in-state-budget/
State budget includes $21 million for ‘safety net’ abortion providers - Money will be used to cover the costs of care, hire more workers and increase security.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-budget-includes-21-million-for-safety-net-abortion-providers/
******
El Niño watch: What to expect in the PNW
https://komonews.com/news/local/el-nino-la-nina-weather-seattle-washington-western-puget-sound-climate-winter-fall-pacific-ocean-summer-spring-snow-rain-sun-united-states-warm-cold-precipitation-sea-level#
Washington’s climate action a source for optimism this Earth Day - Washington’s accomplishments are a template for how to lead as Earth Day celebrations globally draw attention to the need for climate investments
https://medium.com/wagovernor/washingtons-climate-action-a-source-for-optimism-this-earth-day-a5f1657bbd29
Reduce, reuse, recycle. PNNL’s spin on Earth Day science and technology innovations
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/pacific-northwest-national-lab/article274504376.html#storylink=cpy
Inslee says he’ll call back legislators to pass drug possession law
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/apr/23/changes-to-drug-possession-laws-may-not-clear-wash/
WA bans sale of AR-15s and other semiautomatic rifles, effective immediately
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-bans-sale-of-ar-15s-and-other-semiautomatic-rifles-effective-immediately/
Will Washington's new assault weapons ban hold up in court? Gov. Inslee thinks 'it should survive’
https://www.kuow.org/stories/will-washington-s-assault-weapons-ban-hold-up-in-court-gov-inslee-thinks-so
Washington to invest more in 988 mental health crisis line - HB 1134 will fund mobile units and increased training for the hotline and response service that launched last summer.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/washington-invest-more-988-mental-health-crisis-line
Legislature Makes Progress on OSPI Priorities Including Special Education, School Meals, and More
https://medium.com/waospi/legislature-makes-progress-on-ospi-priorities-including-special-education-school-meals-and-more-82a68a89977b
Expanded WA free-meal program headed to a school near you
https://kuow.org/stories/more-free-meals-coming-to-washington-students-next-school-year
2023 session was ‘the year of housing’ for Washington Legislature - Middle housing gets boost; rent cap defeated
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/apr/25/2023-session-was-the-year-of-housing-for-washington-legislature/
The bills that survived Washington's 2023 legislative session - From gun regulations to affordable housing and a new state dinosaur, these are the initiatives that passed — and some that were not so lucky.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/bills-survived-washingtons-2023-legislative-session
Washington establishes cold case unit to investigate missing and murdered Indigenous peoples cases
https://www.nwpb.org/2023/04/20/state-establishes-cold-case-unit-to-investigate-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-peoples-cases/
Washington state legislature passes $400M increase for special education
https://www.kptv.com/2023/04/24/washington-state-legislature-passes-400m-increase-special-education/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
New law gives nurses stronger voice in setting hospital staffing levels
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-law-gives-nurses-stronger-voice-in-setting-hospital-staffing-levels/
Black students in Washington state played key role in the Civil Rights Movement, new book states
https://theconversation.com/black-students-in-washington-state-played-key-role-in-the-civil-rights-movement-new-book-states-202907
The U.S. Supreme Court is losing the trust of WA voters, poll says
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/us-supreme-court-losing-trust-wa-voters-poll-says
******
Inslee signs bill banning death penalty in Washington state - Washington state has not executed anyone since 2010 and Inslee vowed to never sign a death warrant while in office.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/inslee-signs-bill-banning-death-penalty-washington-state/281-3e4792e3-b121-40ce-afa7-904865dec21a
Gov. Inslee: What Earth Day means in Washington
https://news.yahoo.com/gov-inslee-earth-day-means-170817772.html
Gov. Inslee visits Perry Tech students, announces solar projects coming to Yakima County
https://www.yaktrinews.com/news/gov-inslee-visits-perry-tech-students-announces-solar-projects-coming-to-yakima-county/article_5cc57bde-dd4d-11ed-a852-d7cd2ab083f3.html?&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
"The sky is the limit for solar energy in the Yakima Valley," Gov. Inslee says
https://kimatv.com/news/local/inslee-the-sky-is-the-limit-for-solar-energy-in-the-yakima-valley
New count of WA’s past heat wave deaths gives a ‘warning to the PNW’
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/new-count-of-states-past-heat-wave-deaths-give-a-warning-to-the-pnw/?fbclid=IwAR3a1DwB32atPoaeHHllJMDp8R4dcCMDLPllFZC7ix4evc5pqdzRxwJI5U0
Lawmakers vote to bar utilities from cutting power in extreme heat
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/lawmakers-vote-to-bar-utilities-from-cutting-power-in-extreme-heat
Pacific Northwest is in a snow drought: what that means and a look at the numbers
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/pacific-northwest-snow-drought/281-9bfa3f88-c7be-4598-827a-c473265d1ed1
How melting Arctic ice could be fueling extreme wildfires in the Western U.S.
https://www.npr.org/2023/04/20/1170884097/how-melting-arctic-ice-could-be-fueling-extreme-wildfires-in-the-western-u-s
Electric vehicle adoption doubles in Seattle
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/20/electric-vehicles-seattle-registrations
In Our View: Confronting climate change can boost economy
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/apr/16/in-our-view-confronting-climate-change-can-boost-economy/
WA governor has signed nearly 100 bills into law so far. Here are some of the key ones
https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article274299080.html
To protect orcas, boats in Puget Sound must stay 1,000 yards away
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/04/protect-orcas-boats-puget-sound-must-stay-1000-yards-away?&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Department of Ecology encourages people to stop littering with litter bags
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/department-of-ecology-encourages-people-to-stop-littering-with-litter-bags/article_6bd2a6b0-dcbc-11ed-aa3e-77074d33741a.html
‘Incredible resiliency’: Paralympian Susannah Scaroni makes hometown of Tekoa proud with Boston Marathon win
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/apr/17/incredible-resiliency-paralympian-susannah-scaroni/
Bill offers added protections for personal health care data
https://mynorthwest.com/3877338/bill-offers-added-protections-for-personal-health-care-data/
In Washington, FDA Lawsuit Is Part Of Larger Strategy To Preserve Abortion Access
https://www.invw.org/2023/04/19/in-washington-fda-lawsuit-is-part-of-larger-strategy-to-preserve-abortion-access/
******
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on abortion pill ruling: 'We are not powerless on this’ - ABC News’ Kayna Whitworth spoke with Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., about stockpiling mifepristone and the ruling by a federal judge in Texas that could take the medication off the market nationwide.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/video/washington-gov-jay-inslee-abortion-pill-ruling-powerless-98485887
No time to lose on transitioning to clean energy | Guest column
https://www.issaquahreporter.com/opinion/no-time-to-lose-on-transitioning-to-clean-energy-guest-column/
NW scientists study the promises – and challenges – of offshore wind
https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2023-04-10/nw-scientists-study-the-promises-and-challenges-of-offshore-wind
Tacoma ship fire worse for climate than burning a million gallons of gasoline
https://www.kuow.org/stories/tacoma-ship-fire-worse-for-climate-than-burning-a-million-gallons-of-gasoline
How is Washington's snowpack looking this spring?
https://www.kuow.org/stories/how-is-washington-s-snowpack-looking-this-spring
Lake Tapps facing delayed start to opening day due to low water levels
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/lake-tapps-facing-delayed-start-opening-day-due-low-water-levels/F6YPKOKFTBHQREOZNTOHU5RH5Q/
Inslee signs hate crimes protection bill into law
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/inslee-signs-hate-crimes-protection-bill-into-law/article_38eccbc6-d54c-11ed-951c-a721616c2a8b.html
Bidenomics: Policies that lift up all Americans - Pramila Jayapal is a Seattle Democrat representing the state’s 7th Congressional District in the House of Representatives
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/bidenomics-policies-that-lift-up-all-americans/?fbclid=IwAR1XyyPqluDwre0bdINbN65HJGjubjR2ThaqELRa_CTU00bjlTxFNEklQ1E
King County has no walk-in mental health crisis centers. This levy aims to change that
https://www.kuow.org/stories/there-s-nowhere-in-king-county-for-people-in-crisis-to-go-a-levy-aims-to-change-that
Biden could protect student-loan borrowers from being stuck with useless degrees and a lot of debt by bringing back a rule Trump ditched, progressive lawmakers say - Rep. Jayapal
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-keep-student-loan-debt-from-growing-gainful-employment-2023-4?fbclid=IwAR3yanm9R_FyYlPnVYPA0-fMnDrsaqqNwwiK_84QANzecukCq7dhXvQsBq0
Bill in Washington Legislature aims to expand training on sexual assault investigations
https://komonews.com/news/local/proposed-law-aims-to-expand-training-on-sexual-assault-investigations-house-bill-1028-prosecutors-police-criminal-justice-king-county-resource-center
Washington had sixth-lowest COVID death rate in U.S., analysis finds
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/10/washington-state-covid-death-rate
Assault weapon ban clears WA state Senate
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/assault-weapon-ban-clears-wa-state-senate/
Lawmakers have until Wednesday to pass bills from the other chamber. Here’s some of what’s passed
https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article274120660.html
WA House passes bill to make drug possession a misdemeanor
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/wa-house-passes-bill-make-drug-possession-misdemeanor
******
Gov. Inslee buys 3-year supply of abortion pills in case of ban
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/gov-inslee-buys-3-year-supply-abortion-pills-case-ban
“Corporations Are Not People”: Jayapal Files Bill to Reverse “Citizens United” - The proposal specifies that corporations do not have the same constitutional rights as individuals.
https://truthout.org/articles/corporations-are-not-people-jayapal-files-bill-to-reverse-citizens-united/
Jayapal Laments Biden's Cave to Insurance Industry on Medicare Advantage
https://www.commondreams.org/news/jayapal-medicare-advantage
How Washington plans to spend money from the new carbon-cap law - Lawmakers are looking to invest revenue from the Climate Commitment Act in electric buses, ferries and more clean-energy projects around the state.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/how-washington-plans-spend-money-new-carbon-cap-law
Why We Need Stories of Climate Optimism
https://www.newamerica.org/the-thread/climate-optimism-stories/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Thousands of Washington homes don’t have high-speed internet, $900M in federal funds may help
https://www.knkx.org/government/2023-04-04/250-000-washington-homes-dont-use-internet-the-state-wants-to-use-millions-of-dollars-to-help
Washington's wolf population continues to grow with 8 new packs in 2022
https://komonews.com/news/local/gray-wolf-wolves-endangered-population-growth-cascades-washington-endangered-department-fish-wildlife-south-cascades-north-cascades-west-coast-livestock-depredation#
WA lawmakers crack down on robocalls
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-lawmakers-crack-down-on-robocalls/
Washington trying to ban out-of-state puppy mills from selling in state
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/apr/07/washington-bill-to-eliminate-out-of-state-puppy-mi/
House backs hospital staffing standards bill by wide margin - Legislation is a hard-fought compromise between hospitals and nurses. It cleared the House on a 92-6 vote.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/house-backs-hospital-staffing-standards-bill-by-wide-margin/
King County to vote this month on a levy for crisis care centers - A $1.25 billion proposal on the special election ballot would open five on-demand mental health and addiction facilities and increase worker wages.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/04/king-county-vote-month-levy-crisis-care-centers
Western Washington students join nationwide walkout to protest gun violence
https://komonews.com/news/local/high-school-students-protest-national-walkout-end-gun-violence-western-washington-schools-mukilteo-gig-harbor-issaquah-snoqualmie-sammamish-shootings-gun-control-nashville-the-covenant-school
Governor Inslee signs traffic safety bill as WSDOT remembers fallen workers
https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/inslee-traffic-safety-bill-wsdot-remembers-workers/293-75c168b5-2e21-4a6e-b3a4-7d16e55e2868
******
Northwest’s hottest summer in 1,000 years revealed by tree rings
https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-report-pnw-2021-summer-was-the-hottest-in-at-least-1000-years
Pass WA sustainable aviation fuels bill to combat climate crisis
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/pass-wa-sustainable-aviation-fuels-bill-to-combat-climate-crisis/
Washington cities could soon be required to plan for climate change as they manage growth
https://www.inlander.com/spokane/washington-cities-could-soon-be-required-to-plan-for-climate-change-as-they-manage-growth/Content?oid=25694705
Is WA's capital gains tax a step toward a less regressive system? - Democratic lawmakers are celebrating last week's state Supreme Court ruling, but it's unclear where tax reform will go from here.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/03/was-capital-gains-tax-step-toward-less-regressive-system
Gov. Inslee signs bill that will impose harsher penalties for sexually abusive jail and prison guards
https://www.king5.com/video/news/investigations/gov-inslee-signs-bill-that-will-impose-harsher-penalties-for-sexually-abusive-jail-and-prison-guards/281-8f97a88c-83ed-46fa-b4f3-5c3971f82115
Monthly $35 insulin cap made permanent by WA Legislature
https://mynorthwest.com/3867863/monthly-35-insulin-cap-made-permeant-by-wa-state-legislature/
WA lawmakers may pass bill to boost dense development near transit
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-lawmakers-may-pass-bill-to-boost-dense-development-near-transit/
Orca taken in the 1970s to be released from captivity, returned to PNW
https://kuow.org/stories/orca-taken-in-the-1970s-to-be-released-from-captivity-returned-to-pnw
Seattle may have figured out how to get more poor people into better housing - Yes, assistance programs help. But there’s one unsung factor that moved the needle: better customer service
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2023/4/3/23647615/raj-chetty-housing-vouchers-cmto-seattle
Is there lead in your lipstick? Arsenic in your face powder? Proposal in Washington legislature would ban those chemicals in cosmetics.
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/29/is-there-lead-in-your-lipstick-arsenic-in-your-fac/
Washington state ranked14th among states with most train derailments
https://komonews.com/news/local/train-safety-washington-anacortes-east-palestine-measures-swinomish-committee-commerce-transportation-secretary-erailments#
Rights for LGBTQ+ Students in Washington’s Schools
https://medium.com/waospi/rights-for-lgbtq-students-in-washingtons-schools-812bdbbd282a
Despite Setbacks, Far-Right Extremists Are Winning Positions In Mainstream Northwest Politics
https://www.invw.org/2023/03/29/despite-setbacks-far-right-extremists-are-winning-positions-in-mainstream-northwest-politics/
As Election Deniers Target The U.S. Voter Database, WA Worries
https://www.invw.org/2023/03/23/as-election-deniers-target-the-u-s-voter-database-wa-worries/
WA bill would bring trauma-informed practices to sexual assault cases - The legislation aims to improve victim experiences and outcomes through better training and reviews of prosecutions.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/03/wa-bill-would-bring-trauma-informed-practices-sexual-assault-cases
******
Will Gov. Jay Inslee run for reelection?: Today So Far
https://kuow.org/stories/will-gov-jay-inslee-run-for-reelection-today-so-far
It's early, but prominent Dems are eyeing a run for governor in 2024
https://www.kuow.org/stories/early-buzzing-about-washington-governor-s-race
Democrats Propose $300 Billion Investment to Treat Housing as Human Right - “In the richest country in the world, it is a moral imperative that we take this issue head-on," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/housing-is-a-human-right?fbclid=IwAR2G-dm6BRf5bv3dhbhmSi5B3isIsaNEoDhNEzNx2MpKhFcIlGaUVLdwRsE
WA Supreme Court upholds capital gains tax
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-supreme-court-upholds-capital-gains-tax/?fbclid=IwAR2GyfqB18NXIu0wqd2edjveXX-ffldPXaqSv0_9FWZz2ji31wnUHllrLk0
It just got a little more expensive to be filthy rich in Washington. Boo-hoo | Opinion
https://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article273580195.html#storylink=cpy
Schools, housing, salaries score big in Senate Dems $70B budget - The proposed spending plan also spends money to fight climate change, help abortion providers and study police pursuits
https://www.issaquahreporter.com/news/schools-housing-salaries-score-big-in-senate-dems-70b-budget/
Washington lawmakers lean into addiction treatment as reduced drug possession penalties are set to expire
https://www.inlander.com/spokane/washington-lawmakers-lean-into-addiction-treatment-as-reduced-drug-possession-penalties-are-set-to-expire/Content?oid=25658250
Plans to bring grizzly bears back to North Cascades move forward
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/plans-to-bring-grizzly-bears-back-to-north-cascades-move-forward/
Insulin cost-cap bill moves toward Inslee's signature
https://www.ncwlife.com/content/tncms/live/
Brush Prairie woman receives 2022 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/mar/21/battle-ground-woman-receives-2022-gold-presidential-volunteer-service-award/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Behind the scenes of a new lawmaker's effort to pass a utility shutoff moratorium in WA
https://www.knkx.org/politics/2023-03-23/behind-the-scenes-of-a-new-lawmakers-effort-to-pass-a-utility-shutoff-moratorium-in-wa?fbclid=IwAR2Eg0f0oP_LLjdxo_Nug2TrdUKdDY9rPh7u1bEbD2AvuzqOapJYZUgEuR8
After another harsh winter, Whatcom County continues flood repair
https://www.kuow.org/stories/after-another-harsh-winter-whatcom-county-continues-flood-repair
******
Inslee statement on Senate capital budget proposal and need to go bigger on housing
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-senate-capital-budget-proposal-and-need-go-bigger-housing
'Baby steps won't cut it': Inslee wants more done to address encampments on state property - The encampment near First Avenue and Michigan Street SW in Seattle is the fifth site in King County to be cleaned under the state’s Right of Way Safety Initiative.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/homeless/gov-inslee-more-address-homeless-encampments-state-property/281-3da9b64f-611e-4c3d-8969-7ef76567ffa1
Foster, homeless college students in WA could get more housing support
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/foster-homeless-college-students-in-wa-could-get-more-housing-support/
Bill aims to promote ‘transit-oriented’ housing in Washington - The bill would prohibit local jurisdictions from limiting housing developments to single-family homes and requiring on-site parking for apartments in those zones.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bill-promote-transit-oriented-housing-washington/281-70d4c5b8-9e8f-47fa-944a-96ff4678e955
A federal definition of ‘homeless’ leaves some kids out in the cold. One state is trying to help
https://www.knkx.org/education/2023-03-19/a-federal-definition-of-homeless-leaves-some-kids-out-in-the-cold-one-state-is-trying-to-help
WA state revenue forecast is down, reflecting expected slowdown in economy
https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article273388685.html
In Our View: Access to fentanyl test strips could save lives
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/mar/22/in-our-view-access-to-fentanyl-test-strips-could-save-lives/
Cut emissions quickly to save lives, scientists warn in a new U.N. report
https://www.knkx.org/2023-03-20/cut-emissions-quickly-to-save-lives-scientists-warn-in-a-new-u-n-report
Both L.A. and San Diego have recorded more rain in 2023 than Seattle - Los Angeles has seen more than double the rain that Seattle has seen so far this year.
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/la-san-diego-recorded-more-rain-2023-seattle/281-b1cdb87f-6cd9-4944-b971-7b280754e0c8
Spring begins Monday. Here's what weather to expect this season - The spring season begins Monday, March 20 and the spring outlooks favor drier conditions with equal chances for warmer or cooler temperatures.
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/spring-begins-monday-weather-outlook/281-9aaf8033-5f35-4020-9716-b367e16bcb42
Supporters tout bill adding climate change to Washington's growth plan as way to reduce emissions
https://www.thecentersquare.com/content/tncms/live/
Outdoor Workers in Washington State Would Gain Increased Protection from Heat Exposure Under Proposed Rule Update
https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/content/tncms/live/
More than $23 million in federal grants will pay for Washington wildfire mitigation projects
https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2023-03-22/more-than-23-million-in-federal-grants-will-pay-for-washington-wildfire-mitigation-projects
******
Our winters are warming, despite this year's cold spell
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/03/13/seattle-warming-winters-climate
Pacific Northwest forests are heating up and drying out - Extreme heat and drought present foresters and tree farmers with distinct challenges that require unique solutions.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/03/pacific-northwest-forests-are-heating-and-drying-out
Washington’s first carbon auction sold pollution for $300 million - Under the Climate Commitment Act, the money will go toward funding climate solutions and investing in communities that face environmental injustice.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/03/washingtons-first-carbon-auction-sold-pollution-300-million
Washington's cap-and-invest program is the nation's second market aimed at decreasing greenhouse gas emissions
https://www.inlander.com/spokane/washingtons-cap-and-invest-program-is-the-nations-second-market-aimed-at-decreasing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/Content?oid=25620490
Washington bill could help ease renewable energy development tensions
https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/government-and-politics/2023-03-15/washington-bill-could-help-ease-renewable-energy-development-tensions
British Columbia premier's Washington visit emphasizes regional cooperation
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/british-columbia-premiers-washington-visit-emphasizes-regional-cooperation
Northwest lawmakers will play key roles in bipartisan rail safety push after Ohio derailment
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/12/northwest-lawmakers-will-play-key-roles-in-biparti/Washington has a shot at passing a massive housing reform package - So far, state lawmakers have passed bills to increase housing density and reform residential zoning. Can they keep the momentum going?
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/03/washington-has-shot-passing-massive-housing-reform-package
“No tax in this proposal:” Inslee proposes $4B bond to fight WA homelessness
https://www.yaktrinews.com/news/local-news/no-tax-in-this-proposal-inslee-proposes-4b-bond-to-fight-wa-homelessness/article_3d308c4e-c2ce-11ed-a78f-97260e4e9754.html
Gov. Jay Inslee urges bold action on affordable housing during Walla Walla visit
https://www.union-bulletin.com/news/local/gov-jay-inslee-urges-bold-action-on-affordable-housing-during-walla-walla-visit/article_c614a4ac-c2a9-11ed-ba8b-879f3c70a303.html
In Our View: To combat homelessness, outreach essential
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/mar/12/in-our-view-to-combat-homelessness-outreach-essential/
BNSF train derails on Swinomish Reservation in Anacortes area
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/bnsf-train-derails-on-swinomish-reservation-in-anacortes-area/?utm_source=marketingcloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning+Brief+3-16-23_3_16_2023&utm_term=Registered User
Safe staffing for hospitals bill makes its way through Legislature. Does it go far enough?
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/state/washington/article273185795.html#storylink=rss
UW food pantry struggles to meet demand that goes beyond students
https://www.kuow.org/stories/uw-food-pantry-struggles-to-keep-up-with-demand-that-goes-beyond-students
Oregon eyes mandate for climate change lessons in schools
https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-education-school-oregon-united-states-376bed4c1b916bcf038ca9e89302401e
Over 5.4M pounds of trash collected from Washington state roads in 2022
https://katu.com/news/local/washington-state-department-ecology-litter-pickup-collected-state-highways-54-million-pounds-2022-huge-problem-roadways-trash-covid-pandemic-transportation-wsdot-cars-trucks-drivers-crews-roads-freeway
******
Progressives Say Military Budget Should Be Cut as Biden Floats $30 Billion Increase - “There is simply no reason for taxpayers to continue to pay for outrageously high budgets rife with waste, fraud, and abuse," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/progressives-military-budget-cut
Failing to plan for climate change is planning to fail
https://medium.com/wagovernor/failing-to-plan-for-climate-change-is-planning-to-fail-d681c0b46d86
Inslee statement on White House's Industrial Decarbonization Grants and Federal-State Buy Clean Partnership
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-white-houses-industrial-decarbonization-grants-and-federal-state-buy
Inslee urges federal regulators to reject GTN pipeline expansion
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-urges-federal-regulators-reject-gtn-pipeline-expansion
How Washington raised $300 million for climate action from polluters - The state's first "cap-and-invest" auction nearly doubled the price of carbon recently sold in California.
https://grist.org/economics/how-washington-raised-300-million-for-climate-action-from-polluters/
The Urbanist Podcast: Governor Jay Inslee Shares Optimism for Housing and Climate Action
https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/03/04/the-urbanist-podcast-governor-jay-inslee-shares-optimism-for-housing-and-climate-action/
Housing solutions are climate solutions
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/housing-solutions-are-climate-solutions/
Inslee points to housing plans as solution to immediate and long-term homelessness issues
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-homeless-crisis-washington-school-crime-education-housing-king-county-inslee-points-to-housing-plans-as-solution-to-immediate-and-long-term-homelessness-issues#
State eyes $300M haul from first-ever carbon emission auction - More than 6 million pollution allowances were snapped up in a three-hour bidding window.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-eyes-300m-haul-from-first-ever-carbon-emission-auction/
AG Ferguson, Gov. Inslee legislation banning sale of assault weapons passes House in historic vote this evening
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-gov-inslee-legislation-banning-sale-assault-weapons-passes-house
To end gun violence, build on what works - Washington’s public health approach to confronting America’s epidemic of gun violence is saving lives
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/end-gun-violence-build-what-works
State of the County: Constantine discusses homelessness, environment, cameras for deputies
https://www.issaquahreporter.com/news/state-of-the-county-constantine-discusses-homelessness-environment-cameras-for-deputies/
Kirkland plans to build mental health crisis center
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/mental-health/kirkland-plans-to-build-mental-health-crisis-center/?fbclid=IwAR0T_S22P0LJeeFhnmeVP7B8kKQHcaAZtK8H0JGtdNLqNCNxJOFx2qmhEB8It's a good day to celebrate Billy Frank Jr.
https://kuow.org/stories/it-s-a-good-day-to-celebrate-billy-frank-jr
Author Heidi Roop shares how you can act on climate change - In writing ‘The Climate Action Handbook,’ the former UW scientist learned about barriers to acting on climate change, and how small mindset shifts can remove them.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/03/author-heidi-roop-shares-how-you-can-act-climate-change
How WA food banks are handling a hunger cliff
https://www.kuow.org/stories/how-wa-food-banks-are-handling-a-hunger-cliff
First-of-its-kind program helps unhoused kids in Washington state - A 2016 bill allows schools to assist students in securing stable housing — even if they aren’t considered 'homeless' by the federal definition.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/03/first-its-kind-program-helps-unhoused-kids-washington-state
Struggling Northwest kelp forests sending out an SOS. Help is coming.
https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2023-03-05/struggling-northwest-kelp-forests-sending-out-an-sos-help-is-coming
Racist covenants excluded many from homeownership. WA lawmakers seek to remedy 'decades of direct harms’
https://www.kuow.org/stories/wa-lawmakers-seek-to-remedy-racist-housing-covenants-harm
Washington's next drug law could let accused choose treatment, services over jail time
https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-s-next-drug-law-could-let-accused-choose-treatment-services
Washington Senate passes bill making drug possession a gross misdemeanor
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/mar/06/washington-senate-passes-bill-making-drug-possessi/
World’s 1st carbon-free fertilizer plant to be built in Richland, WA. Price tag is $1B
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/business/article272894035.html#storylink=mainstage_card2
******
'A Decent Society Would Not Let This Happen': 30 Million Across US Face Food Aid Cuts - “Ending these increased benefits will cause more food insecurity and poverty. It's unacceptable," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. "Poverty and hunger are policy choices. It's time we step up and do more.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/snap-food-aid-cuts
Washington state is moving to cap carbon emissions
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/28/washington-state-is-moving-cap-carbon-emissions/?&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Gov. Inslee calls KIRO Newsradio to defend $4B homelessness proposal
https://mynorthwest.com/3845064/inslee-hopeful-4-billion-proposal-end-scourge-homelessness/?&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Senate approves urgently-needed reforms to competency restoration system
https://medium.com/wagovernor/senate-approves-urgently-needed-reforms-to-competency-restoration-system-cefdd3c143b3
Washington State considers backyard cottage rules in bid to ease housing crisis
https://pluribusnews.com/news-and-events/washington-state-considers-backyard-cottage-rules-in-bid-to-ease-housing-crisis/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Bill aiming to support children 'stuck' in Washington hospitals passes through House
https://komonews.com/news/local/washington-state-support-children-crisis-hospital-emergency-rooms-house-bill-1580-children-youth-multisystem-care-coordinator-lisa-callan#
Dogs are being surrendered more in Seattle area because of soaring pet food costs, inflation
https://www.kuow.org/stories/higher-animal-costs-mean-more-pet-surrenders-around-seattle
Washington food banks brace for 'hunger cliff' amid SNAP cuts - As food stamp recipients see grocery budgets tighten, state proposals would shift money to already strained and short-staffed local services.
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/02/washington-food-banks-brace-hunger-cliff-amid-snap-cuts
Listen: Tacoma pioneer of politics put environmental justice on the map in Washington state
https://www.knkx.org/environment/2023-02-28/listen-tacoma-pioneer-of-politics-put-environmental-justice-on-the-map-in-washington-state
Rural communities desperately need more pharmacists. A new initiative aims to help
https://kuow.org/stories/rural-communities-are-in-serious-need-of-more-pharmacists
To solve home care aide shortage, Washington may expand who can be one
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/to-solve-home-care-aide-shortage-washington-may-expand-who-can-be-one/
Can Fixing Abandoned Houses Lower Rates Of Gun Violence?
https://seattlemedium.com/can-fixing-abandoned-houses-lower-rates-of-gun-violence/
Washington needs more than 50K new homes a year to keep up with population growth
https://komonews.com/news/local/affordable-housing-population-growth-middle-housing-washington-state-department-of-commerce-homelessness-housing-crisis
******
ICYMI: Twenty states announce historic governor-led Reproductive Freedom Alliance
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/icymi-twenty-states-announce-historic-governor-led-reproductive-freedom-alliance
Gov. Inslee orders flags to half-staff to honor corrections officer who died in the line of duty
https://www.fox41yakima.com/gov-inslee-orders-flags-to-half-staff-to-honor-corrections-officer-who-died-in-the-line-of-duty/
Inslee's new way to greenlight energy projects moving in House
https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/rurallife/inslees-new-way-to-greenlight-energy-projects-moving-in-house/article_4dc62f88-b2e2-11ed-8464-73b2e04a15e5.html
'We can’t find people to work': The newest threat to Biden's climate policies — (Governor Inslee)
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/27/biden-climate-jobs-00080207
WA preparing for conflict with anti-abortion states
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/wa-preparing-for-conflict-with-anti-abortion-states/?fbclid=IwAR2KzxpClQfmIcw_m81vHc_X5TLXO5oxZnNNH7CLn16I5cuL1X9adKXdq5o
West Seattle veteran operating warming center, overnight shelter honored by Gov. Inslee
https://www.cbsnews.com/seattle/news/west-seattle-veteran-operating-warming-center-overnight-shelter-honored-by-gov-inslee/
Seattle’s Working People Won the Nation’s First Ban on Caste Discrimination - Many South Asians who have immigrated to the United States have been unable to leave caste-based discrimination behind. A new local law aims to change that reality.
https://www.thenation.com/article/society/seattles-caste-discrimination/
Washington kids rank high for eating veggies, per CDC
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/02/22/washington-kids-eat-vegetables-cdc
Washington food banks brace for 'hunger cliff' amid SNAP cuts
https://crosscut.com/investigations/2023/02/washington-food-banks-brace-hunger-cliff-amid-snap-cuts
Free school lunch for all is off the table, but WA may expand access - State lawmakers are considering an extension of the meal program, lowering the threshold for schools to offer free school meals to all students.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/02/free-school-lunch-all-table-wa-may-expand-access
Washington's salmon population struggling against climate change - Washington’s salmon populations have been declining for decades.
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/washingtons-salmon-population-struggling/281-3778ab52-95c2-4c63-b544-0d65a7f4ac55
Low-temperature record set at Sea-Tac Airport
https://www.king5.com/article/weather/western-washington-cold-lowland-snow-weather-forecast/281-d7cc50db-3aaf-4656-91fc-29bc1bb681b2
******
‘Positive kind of vibe’: Gov. Inslee assesses Washington legislative session so far
https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/positive-kind-of-vibe-gov-inslee-assesses-washington-legislative-session-so-far/article_0b56333a-ae57-11ed-983c-432a0a9174c9.html
A Place to Call Home: Reducing homelessness through partnership and collaboration
https://kcrha.org/news-a-place-to-call-home-reducing-homelessness-through-partnership-and-collaboration/?fbclid=IwAR3z3SZtnTvbzDjPRs63G63AqLQbBf_5xaFJJbIwLh4OFYkdLq_oMPAk2A8
Republicans are right: Solving homelessness in WA requires more than housing | Opinion
https://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article272541645.html
Washington state's push to reduce emissions
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/15/1157274284/washington-states-push-to-reduce-emissions
The climate change real estate bubble risks billions
https://www.axios.com/2023/02/17/climate-change-real-estate-bubble
Executive Constantine announces Veterans, Seniors & Human Services levy renewal: continued focus on veterans, seniors, and strengthening resilient communities to ensure community-centered programming and connection to resources
https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/constantine/news/release/2023/February/17-veterans-seniors-human-services.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1bwoR-ArbSFJuAoQ5By5OIS3GVv-Rqzsh5VRV_HLsJIIT7e_8TGgfXgAU
Executive Constantine to co-chair National Association of Counties Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing
https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/constantine/news/release/2023/February/13-naco-mental-health.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2IsGP_jU1yPmrrHVkibYqHsBNW7IP-StaMSEPSH91L3_GXdH4MAqd-z08
WA lawmakers propose protections for mobile home residents
https://www.yakimaherald.com/content/tncms/live/
SALMON PARKS - Inside a movement to conserve Pacific Northwest old growth
https://projects.seattletimes.com/2023/local/salmon-parks-movement-to-conserve-Pacific-Northwest-old-growth/
Bill that would crown Suciasaurus rex as official state dinosaur passes House
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/20/washington-legislature-looks-to-establish-an-offic/
Twenty governors are forming a new coalition to support abortion rights (Washington Post)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/02/21/twenty-governors-are-forming-new-coalition-support-abortion-rights/
How a Texas ruling on abortion pills would affect Washington - Medication abortion would remain legal. But the lawsuit could disrupt patient care, exacerbate side effects and create logistical barriers.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/02/how-texas-ruling-abortion-pills-would-affect-washington
State abortion laws are strong; Democrats want to make them stronger - A suite of legislation aims to make Washington a haven for those seeking and providing reproductive health services.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-abortion-laws-are-strong-democrats-want-to-make-them-stronger/
Rifle ban among gun-control bills advancing in the WA Legislature
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/02/rifle-ban-among-gun-control-bills-advancing-wa-legislature
What the right has wrong about caring for trans youth
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/what-the-right-has-wrong-about-caring-for-trans-youth/
Exhibit spotlights Japanese Americans' resistance to incarceration
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/02/17/day-remembrance-japanese-incarceration-2023-seattle
WA is poised to model a major culture shift in gun laws
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/wa-is-poised-to-model-a-major-culture-shift-in-gun-laws/
******
Invasive species awareness week
https://www.nbcrightnow.com/content/tncms/live/
Washington Bill Aims to Boost AC for Vulnerable Residents in Wake of 2021's Extreme Heat Wave
https://www.chronline.com/stories/washington-bill-aims-to-boost-ac-for-vulnerable-residents-in-wake-of-2021s-extreme-heat-wave,313540
How extreme heat scorched Pacific Northwest’s evergreen trees
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/how-extreme-heat-scorched-pacific-northwests-evergreen-trees/
All former WA prisoners can now vote. So far, few have - Of the 24,000 residents with felony records now able to vote, just 414 did so last fall. Advocates hope to increase registration and voter education.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/02/all-former-wa-prisoners-can-now-vote-so-far-few-have
Podcast | The effort to reform Washington prison culture
https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut-reports/1/11/podcast-effort-reform-washington-prison-culture
Washington State Bill Proposes $28 Million in Food Assistance for When Federal aid Expires in March
https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/content/tncms/live/
Capital gains tax will help rural communities and struggling families | Guest Opinion
https://www.tri-cityherald.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article272481801.html
Law offers free ID cards for unhoused Washington residents - ‘This law is intended to make it easier for people to live’
https://www.columbian.com/news/2023/feb/13/law-offers-free-id-cards-for-unhoused-washington-residents/
Washington volunteers deliver aid to earthquake victims in Syria
https://www.knkx.org/social-justice/2023-02-15/washington-volunteers-deliver-aid-to-earthquake-victims-in-syria
Love, Equally remembers the fight for marriage equality in Washington state
https://www.sgn.org/story.php?ch=arts__entertainment&sc=books&id=322772&fbclid=IwAR3Z7zZCg09e3bUOiWyKxpNbD-6QeRDS_TRPRX7BpYTSkilgdoaInJOniZ0
Washington lawmakers highlight bills to address domestic violence, missing and murdered Indigenous people
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/14/washington-lawmakers-highlight-bills-to-address-do/
******
Washington could be first state to pass approach to addressing domestic violent extremism - A proposed domestic violent extremism commission could make Washington the first to address with issue with a public health approach.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/washington-pass-approach-addressing-domestic-violent-extremism/281-e27fc5c2-acbb-4312-bdbb-9f6840111531
Inslee wants $4 billion for affordable housing. In WA, it’s a steep price worth paying | Opinion
https://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article271900552.html?fbclid=IwAR1Nk0UB7-Ld6mabVsck9cr7jWuXkISf5nWzPJINqRITWCPwtADHNIGyzKQ
Chemicals 'of concern' flowing into Puget Sound, affecting marine life, scientists say
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/chemicals-concern-puget-sound-affecting-marine-life/281-5908c3a7-424f-4d38-bb7c-d1bb33c49c82?ref=exit-recirc
Violent crime in Seattle reached 15-year high in 2022
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-police-crime-report-data-2022-shootings-all-time-high-shots-fired-chinatown-international-district-brighton-northgate-neighborhood-gun-violence#Seattle students, teachers rally for more ethnic studies and school counselors
https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-students-teachers-rally-for-more-ethnic-studies-school-counselors
Lack of housing is hurting WA’s workforce
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/lack-of-housing-is-hurting-was-workforce/
Rising rents are drowning Washington's smaller cities - Seattle may have the highest rents statewide, but communities such as Walla Walla and Spokane have seen the most drastic losses in affordability.
https://crosscut.com/news/2023/02/rising-rents-are-drowning-washingtons-smaller-cities
Seattle Goes Global: a Center of Empire
https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/02/08/seattle-goes-global-a-center-of-empire/
‘God, come help us’: Pakistan families still hungry and homeless six months after floods
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/feb/08/pakistan-families-hungry-and-homeless-floods
Agriculture economist forecasts Washington’s crop outlook
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/08/agriculture-economist-forecasts-washingtons-crop-o/
EarthGen helps WA teachers address environmental injustice
https://www.knkx.org/education/2023-02-09/earthgen-helps-washington-teachers-address-environmental-injustice
******
Inslee issues emergency proclamation for extreme winter weather and flooding
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-issues-emergency-proclamation-extreme-winter-weather-and-flooding
Inslee wants WA to borrow $4B to build housing and shelter. How would that work?
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/inslee-wants-wa-to-borrow-4b-to-build-housing-and-shelter-how-would-that-work/
Washington Gov. Inslee tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.koin.com/news/health/coronavirus/washington-gov-inslee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
Attorney General Ferguson convenes Washington Organized Retail Crime Theft Task Force
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/attorney-general-ferguson-convenes-washington-organized-retail-crime-theft-task?fbclid=IwAR1ejqAQ2IuJb7rkTa0pjsIhKUfHRCS9YesH7beQuU3HLZXtSCK15nw-KJo
Executive Constantine launches Re+, reinventing the region’s waste system to cut carbon emissions, transition to a sustainable economy
https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/constantine/news/release/2023/February/01-Re-plus-launch.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1wZRCApysBOtj4rfR2MrRriimvBtNZw_otdVm8t3R7oyWkwsoCV142T3c
New Working Families Tax Credit returns up to $1,200 for eligible families - The Department of Revenue officially launched the Working Families Tax Credit at a press event in Seattle on Feb. 1.
https://medium.com/wagovernor/new-working-families-tax-credit-returns-up-to-1-200-for-eligible-families-75aeff836197
WA lawmakers of both parties back 13 bills meant to boost housing supply
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-lawmakers-of-both-parties-back-13-bills-meant-to-boost-housing-supply/
How local youth are taking on school gun violence
https://kuow.org/stories/local-youth-are-taking-on-school-gun-violence
Homeless services could face cuts in WA's 2023 legislative session - Advocates have outlined steps to ease the housing crisis — but it all depends on how legislators divvy the budget.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/01/homeless-services-could-face-cuts-was-2023-legislative-session
'We've literally hit bottom': Jails across Washington are overwhelmed by mentally ill inmates, sheriff says
https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/washington-jails-overwhelmed-mentally-ill-inmates-sheriff-says/281-4a7fc841-fef4-417a-b060-aa1b781b2f94
Proposal to expand free lunch to all public school students in Washington gains bipartisan support
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jan/30/proposal-to-expand-free-lunch-to-all-public-school/
Democrats advance assault weapons ban, new rules for gun buyers - The measures passed a House committee without Republican support. They are part of a broader agenda to curb gun violence.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/democrats-advance-assault-weapons-ban-new-rules-for-gun-buyers/
Can Community Programs Help Slow the Rise in Violence?
https://www.propublica.org/article/are-community-violence-interruption-programs-effective
Climate change could turn Seattle into an umbrella city
https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/31/umbrella-seattle-climate-change-rain
There's a $1.25 billion proposal to improve behavioral health in King County - If approved by the King County Council, voters would decide to support the proposal or not on the April ballot.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/health/proposal-improve-behavioral-health-king-county/281-34a6542b-3a80-4787-b8e6-fd6dd2d345da?fbclid=IwAR2yeHQHEKD0Pwc3TWCwoWDD8W5E0z6E07tbtNASTlfRb5bW2eQKmZCqgRk
Can Washington prisons change the culture of corrections? - Officials are trying a new program inspired by Norway to improve quality of life. The challenge is convincing officers to change their approach.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/02/can-washington-prisons-change-culture-corrections
Changes down the road for Washington drivers: Today So Far
https://kuow.org/stories/changes-down-the-road-for-washington-drivers-today-so-far
Podcast | On WA’s coast, the threat of a flood is its own disaster - Reporter Hannah Weinberger tells us how a monumental levee project could ease economic turbulence in two Grays Harbor County cities.
https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut-reports/1/9/podcast-was-coast-threat-flood-its-own-disaster
How the Supreme Court could finally force Big Oil to face trial - Dozens of cities and states sued oil giants for deceiving the public. The Supreme Court could soon break these cases out of limbo.
https://grist.org/accountability/supreme-court-state-climate-lawsuits-oil-exxon/
King tides offer clues about effects of rising sea levels - Washington Department of Ecology experts studied king tides to forecast what to expect with sea level rise and decide how to adapt to it.
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/king-tides-offer-clues-of-rising-sea-levels/283-10cfbe96-b496-4474-823e-b677787b270d
Scientists try to keep up with chemical blizzard entering Puget Sound - Wastewater treatment plants are sending hundreds of unregulated chemicals into Puget Sound.
https://www.kuow.org/stories/scientists-try-to-keep-up-with-chemical-blizzard-entering-puget-sound
Report: Harmful PFAS Chemicals are Pervasive in Building Materials
https://greensciencepolicy.org/news-events/press-releases/report-harmful-pfas-chemicals-are-pervasive-in-building-materials
A Good Week for Northwest Wilderness and Old Growth Forests
https://www.postalley.org/2023/01/30/a-good-week-for-northwest-wilderness-and-old-growth-forests/?fbclid=IwAR3Oa6rwZZGZSiLQzTmC_rrzgdmlWiOhiJDzg0NnJCq3PF2iNMmUhobUgik
******
Navy temporarily closes a series of dry docks in the Pacific Northwest over seismic concerns - The move affects two facilities in Washington state.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-closes-dry-docks-pacific-northwest/
'We need action': Inslee reacts to family's encampment house near I-5 on-ramp in Seattle
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-couple-explains-why-theyre-building-a-home-in-the-median-of-i-5-on-ramp-homeless-bruce-harrell-south-lake-union-downtown#
Ending homelessness in King County will cost billions, regional authority says
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/ending-homelessness-in-king-county-will-cost-billions-regional-authority-says/
Inslee and pro-choice advocates testify in support of state constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-and-pro-choice-advocates-testify-support-state-constitutional-amendment-protect
Executive Constantine announces $52 million for 36 projects that will protect greenspace, restore habitat, conserve tree canopy, increase access to homegrown food
https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/constantine/news/release/2023/January/25-Conservation-Projects.aspx
Seattle police, mayor call for action following release of Tyre Nichols video
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-police-city-leaders-react-to-tyre-nichols-video-washington-law-enforcement-chief-protest-westlake-center-memphis-tennessee#
Washington's new capital gains tax goes before state Supreme Court - The case is part of a century-old struggle to make the state's tax system more progressive.
https://crosscut.com/politics/2023/01/washingtons-new-capital-gains-tax-goes-state-supreme-court-0
States Reimagine Power Grids for Wind and Solar Future
https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2023/01/25/states-reimagine-power-grids-for-wind-and-solar-future
A resilience hub might be coming to your Seattle neighborhood - These community centers, powered by green energy, provide resources during extreme weather and double as gathering spaces during calmer times.
https://crosscut.com/environment/2023/01/resilience-hub-might-be-coming-your-seattle-neighborhood
******
Governor Inslee Orders Flags to be Flown Half-Staff on January 21 in Honor of Clallam County Fire Captain Killed in Line of Duty
https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/content/tncms/live/