WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, December 7

A pedestrian walks through South Lake Union on a rainy Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022.

WA proposes ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in clothes, other products
The Washington State Department of Ecology has proposed bans and new reporting requirements for toxic chemicals used to repel water, heat and fuel in some clothing, firefighting gear and cleaning products. The chemicals have been turning up in drinking water sources near airports and military bases where crews were required to use and train with toxic firefighting foams for decades. As new statewide drinking water testing requirements roll out, the chemicals have contaminated over 200 public water sources so far. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Kylie Cooper)


Operators of public transit including King County Metro received a portion of Climate Commitment Act dollars distributed earlier this year.

Here’s how WA spent first sliver of cap-and-trade dollars
As Washington conducted another sale of pollution credits on Wednesday, a new report shows initial dollars spent from the state’s carbon pricing program bolstering public transit and transportation services. More than 100 projects received slices of $76.2 million in Climate Commitment Act revenue in the last budget, contributing to a reduction of 191,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, according to data compiled by the Department of Ecology. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (SDOT)


The U.S. is moving to ease restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men and other groups that traditionally face higher risks of HIV.

Bloodworks NW removes barriers for gay, bisexual donors
Starting Wednesday, gay and bisexual men in the Pacific Northwest have more freedom to donate blood than they have had since 1985. This year the FDA changed its donor restrictions that had come out of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and Bloodworks Northwest implemented the modernized rules Wednesday. The old rules made it challenging for gay and bisexual men to donate blood, requiring lengthy wait periods. Now all donors, no matter their sexual orientation, will follow the same donation policies. Continue reading at KUOW. (AP)


Print

Associated Press
2 bodies found in creeks as atmospheric river drops record-breaking rain in Pacific Northwest

Aberdeen Daily World
Recounts: Cosmopolis race holds, Aberdeen, Ocean Shores pushed to Thursday

Bellingham Herald
Equipment breakdowns left two Bellingham fire stations without an engine to deploy
Ferndale company fined nearly $1 million for environmental violations at Cherry Point
About 400,000 state households will receive checks resulting from a lawsuit. Is one yours?
Bellingham school administrators accused of failing to report student assaults resolve cases
“Get out!” – Hundreds show up in opposition to proposed Whatcom County metal shredder

Capital Press
THE ECONOMIST: Randy Fortenbery helps farmers navigate volatility, uncertainty

Columbian
Clark County Council approves 2024 budget after public hearings
Vancouver’s plan to remove lanes from McGillivray Boulevard has residents concerned about safety, congestion
Atmospheric river pushes through Clark County, causing flooding, road closures, record temperatures

The Daily News
Public leaning toward traffic light changes in Allen Street redesign
As public opinion of police wanes nationally, Shop with a Cop more vital than ever, Cowlitz County leaders say

Everett Herald
New science, math facility opens in January at UW Bothell
County Council members launch bipartisan ‘Building Bridges’ nonprofit
Comment: Ranked-choice voting the big winner on election day
Editorial: Fosse shouldn’t have to choose between elected roles (Fosse, Peterson, Berg)

Islands’ Weekly
Ferries to receive $4.8M to extend lifespan of six aging vessels by up to a decade

News Tribune
Three major changes to Tacoma’s rental code are going into effect Friday
Tacoma voters passed a sweeping renters’ rights initiative. But who will enforce it?
Callers spewing racism, defending Nazis hijack council meetings across Pierce County
PNW’s primary blood supplier eases restrictions on gay and bisexual men being donors
Opinion: Critiques of WA gas prices are misguided. Stop whining. Drive a fuel-efficient car

Olympian
Providence, MultiCare again require people to wear masks in patient areas
Fall enrollment in Washington public schools increased by nearly 2,000 students over last year

Puget Sound Business Journal
What to know about the ERC’s tax-credit deadline
Sellers are cutting home prices at a record level. What’s causing it?

Seattle Times
In tiny Silvana, flooding is a way of life. It’s getting worse
Fewer people are moving to WA, driver’s license data shows
WA proposes ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in clothes, other products (Doglio)
Private timberland from WA to CA lost billions in value due to wildfires
King County allocates $3 million to fund 100 hotel rooms for asylum-seekers
Editorial: Seattle building emissions policy will bring more than climate benefits

South Whidbey Record
Smaller boat indicative of ferry system’s struggles

Tri-City Herald
Pasco is running out of water for new development. City fee climbs 140%
1st case of mystery dog respiratory illness confirmed in Washington state
A WA nuclear site 1st. Hanford workers prepare to treat waste from aging tanks
Feds move to give tribes more say on access to Rattlesnake Mountain in Eastern WA

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Community Q&A: Abby Muro advocates for Walla Walla immigrants

WA State Standard
Here’s how WA spent first sliver of cap-and-trade dollars
Patients stuck in Washington hospitals pose quandary for state lawmakers
Biden meets with leaders of tribal nations, signs order easing access to federal funds

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Troopers investigating 3 highway shootings in south King County
Landslide risk in Western Washington high following heavy storm
‘No confidence’ vote against Washington child welfare leader fails to pass
‘It’s someone’s worst day’: 5 people trapped near Grays River in Washington due to flood, rescued by Coast Guard

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Mt. Vernon plans infrastructure improvements as Skagit River flood recedes
Small town of Silvana escapes major damage from Stillaguamish River flooding
‘Staggering’ amount of drugs seized as 10 members of Pierce County drug ring indicted

KNKX Public Radio
Volunteers in Issaquah say their free meal program is under threat

KUOW Public Radio
Is Seattle’s new drug law working?
Bloodworks NW removes barriers for gay, bisexual donors
Few and far between, endangered wolverines are difficult to track
Seattle nonprofit brings back in-person foot patrols to Central District
Heavy rain relents in Western Washington, but floodwater, damage remains along swollen rivers

KXLY (ABC)
23,000+ Washington students will qualify for maximum amount in Pell Grants under new FAFSA reforms

NW Public Radio
Nonprofit for exotic animals in Anacortes could be forced to close
Thousands of Northwest jobs could come from new Forest Service plan
Hanford’s Waste Treatment Plant churns out first container of clean test glass

Q13 TV (FOX)
Tacoma becomes first city in Washington to ban declawing
Port Orchard food bank loses 20,000 lbs of food in floor waters
Washingtonians to get $40 million back after state wins lawsuits over chicken, fish price fixing

Web

Cascadia Daily News
One overdose death reported at Civic Field winter shelter Monday
Whatcom industrial site owners fined nearly $1M for dangerous waste violations

Crosscut
Can Washington bridge its political divide? Some want to try

MyNorthwest
Checks are out to 400,000 Wash. households from $40M price-fixing settlement

West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: SDOT releases data on West Marginal Way, half-year after adding protected bike lane
FERRY ALERT: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth down to 1 boat, replacement on the way