Most Seattle-area renters report big rent hikes in the past 12 months
Rents in the Seattle area, and much of the nation, rose sharply during the early years of the pandemic. Since 2023, though, the rental market has softened, giving some relief to local renters — at least that’s what most industry reports say. But after looking at some new survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau, I’m not sure Seattle-area renters would agree with those reports. According to the survey, a clear majority of renters in the Seattle area say their rents have increased in the past year. And for most, the increase was not an insignificant amount. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)
WA Supreme Court Commissioner hears arguments for, against stay on high-capacity magazine ban
Washington state’s ban on the sale of “high-capacity” magazines will remain for now while state Supreme Court Commissioner Michael E. Johnston decides whether to keep the ban in place as a ruling on its constitutionality makes its way through the court system. The stay was filed April 8 by the Attorney General’s Office after Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor ruled the state’s ban on high-capacity magazines unconstitutional in a lawsuit between Washington State and Gators Customs Guns, a firearms dealer in Kelso. Continue reading at Bellingham Herald. (Steve Bloom)
Summer grocery program to feed WA kids launching soon
When summer nears, hundreds of thousands of kids in Washington can face three months without free meals provided by their schools. But starting this summer, a new federal program will help lower-income families who rely on free school breakfasts and lunches. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children is similar to a program that helped feed families during the pandemic. With a push from Murray, a permanent version of the program was approved federally in 2022 and is set to launch in Washington this summer, thanks to some new funding from the state Legislature. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Justin Sullivan)
Associated Press
Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska’s petroleum reserve
Auburn Reporter
King County releases $3 million to help find shelter for the homeless
Axios
Why Seattle isn’t much of a weed destination city — yet
Bellingham Herald
WA was one of first, biggest adopters of law enforcement drones. Why is it funding more?
WA Supreme Court Commissioner hears arguments for, against stay on high-capacity magazine ban
Opinion: Marginalized communities need big environmental wins
Capital Press
EPA promises to make herbicide strategy better for farmers
Columbian
PeaceHealth nurses picket Vancouver hospital, demanding safe staffing and fair wages
Everett Herald
Study: New AquaSox stadium downtown could cost up to $120M
Key takeaways from Everett’s public hearing on property tax increase
Islands’ Weekly
WSF meets with San Juan County residents
Community meeting: Sea level rise adaptation for Outer Bay and Agate Beach Areas on Lopez Island
Research shows curtailing Chinook salmon ocean fishing promotes Southern Resident Orcas and Wild Chinook recovery
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Land Bank to release strategic plan
Kent Reporter
Sound Transit constructing giant bridge in Kent for light rail
Kent Police to join new Western Washington Carjacking Task Force
News Tribune
WA council rules in split vote on huge Tri-Cities wind farm. Will Gov. Inslee agree?
Would regional approach work better to address homelessness? Local effort is underway
Editorial: Guaranteed income returned to Pierce County this week. Why free money deserves a shot
Port Townsend Leader
Port Angeles port approves contract for Maritime Trade Center bid
Puget Sound Business Journal
New report shows sustained growth for WA’s life science industry
Businesses face deadline to snag part of $5.5B credit-card settlement
Redmond Reporter
Redmond’s new affordable housing project gets mixed feedback
Seattle Medium
The toughest issue for teachers is even tougher for students
Seattle Times
Tourism is big business for Seattle, but it comes with challenges
Two King County cities get $3 million to expand homeless shelters
Most Seattle-area renters report big rent hikes in the past 12 months
Opinion: New limits on ‘forever chemicals’ are great. We can do more
Skagit Valley Herald
Federal agencies release final environmental impact statement on grizzly restoration
Walla Walla Union Bulletin
‘Color of Threads’ short film explores lives of 1909 Pendleton women
Energy efficiency programs in Walla Walla draw visit from Gov. Jay Inslee
Washington Post
Earth’s record hot streak might be a sign of a new climate era
Biden limits oil drilling across 13 million acres of Alaskan Arctic
‘Forever chemicals’ are widespread. Now the U.S. may force a PFAS cleanup.
Biden Title IX rules protect trans students, end Trump-era system on sexual assault claims
WA State Standard
North Cascades Highway will open for year April 19
Summer grocery program to feed WA kids launching soon
Lawmakers hope to use this emerging climate science to charge oil companies for disasters
Despite petitions, federal regulators approve construction on expanded Northwest gas pipeline
Wenatchee World
Community gathers for 2nd public hearing on Columbia closure
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘Dramatic increase’ in bank robberies in North Seattle
Department of Justice launching carjacking task force in Seattle
Violent prison gang accused of running cockfighting ring in eastern Washington
UW researchers hoping to save a sea star population nearly wiped out 10 years ago
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Pierce County teacher arrested on charges of child molestation
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County commits $3 million to combat homelessness in Tukwila and Burien
‘It’s concerning’: Firefighters gear up after early drought declared in Washington
KXLY (ABC)
Deadline to apply for FEMA wildfire assistance, loans is tomorrow
Spokane police shoot armed man on campus of Shadle Park High School
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Emergency drought announcement includes Whatcom, Skagit as dry summer anticipated
Crosscut
Tri-Cities wind turbine farm proposal halved for endangered hawks
Whatcom County paid $225K to settle sexual harassment complaints