WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, October 23

Sandbags line areas of the Duwamish River to help protect Seattle’s South Park neighborhood from flooding in December 2024. The government shutdown has paused the federal National Flood Insurance Program, which provides the vast majority of flood insurance nationwide. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times)
WA homebuyers in flood-prone areas are stranded amid government shutdown
It’s October. Halloween decorations are up. Leaves are changing colors. Pumpkin spice lattes are back. And it is time to think about floods. The state has nailed the timing for its flood awareness month, with a level 1 flash flood threat for parts of southern coastal Washington starting Friday. Unfortunately, this year, October brought a government shutdown that has tied the hands of many seeking flood insurance — making the month a whole lot scarier for those living near the water. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)


The 2025 Voters' Pamphlet published by Whatcom County. (Rhonda Prast/Cascadia Daily News)
You should have your ballot and local voters’ pamphlet
“Voters should contact us if they did not receive a local voters’ pamphlet in their mailbox so we can investigate,” Henthorn said, noting that it was too late to do so by the time Morales reached out. As part of the investigation, the auditor would reach out to their USPS representative and ask them if there was a systemic delivery issue. However, concerns need to be raised immediately, Henthorn said. Continue reading at Cascadia Daily News. (Rhonda Prast)


Patty Kuderer KIRO 7
WA families face tough choices as healthcare premiums rise by the thousands
Healthcare out-of-pocket premiums in the United States are set to rise in 2025, forcing families to make difficult decisions about their healthcare coverage and other expenses. The average cost for family coverage is set to reach tens of thousands of dollars. In some cases, the increases are comparable in price to a brand-new car, according to recent reports. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)


Print

Bellingham Herald
Why health insurance premiums will rise 66% for 9,900 Whatcom County residents
Lummi Nation files petition in B.C. Supreme Court over environmental assessments

Capital Press
USDA to reopen Farm Service Agency offices
Administration announces plan to boost beef producers, supply
Judge dismisses “forever chemicals” lawsuit but offers farmers alternative

Columbian
Ridgefield City Council approves sales tax increase to fund police; Battle Ground may follow suit
WSU study finds spike in gun-related deaths among teens; Clark County school districts practice lockdown drills to prepare for emergencies

Everett Herald
Lake Stevens celebrates official transfer of Cavalero Hill Park
South County Fire’s proposed budget adds 30 firefighters, six administrative staff.

The Inlander
Washington won’t mandate priests report abuse admitted in confession (Frame)
KWSU is going dark and KSPS lays off some staff after Trump and Congress cut public TV budget

Kitsap Sun
Tacoma-based MultiCare announces affiliation with Oregon nonprofit

News Tribune
Drug used by nearly half of seniors under massive recall
Border Patrol searched Lakewood license-plate camera data, UW report says
WAGOP accuses Gov. Bob Ferguson of committing ethics violations. Did he?
‘Gambling with our safety.’ Neighbors want safety fixes on busy Tacoma roadway (Fey)

New York Times
Higher Obamacare Prices Become Public in a Dozen States
Drug With a 30-Year Monopoly Is Target of State-Level Push to Curb Prices
U.S. Health Workers Recalled From Shutdown Furlough for Medicare, A.C.A. Enrollments

Puget Sound Business Journal
New SPD contract a ‘paradigm shift’ in public safety, Harrell says
Small-business growth opportunities could be on the horizon for 2026

Seattle Times
New map tracks measles exposures across WA
Moderates eye coalition to shift debates, votes in WA Statehouse
Congress is running out of time to meet a crucial health care deadline
WA homebuyers in flood-prone areas are stranded amid government shutdown
Opinion: Privatizing electronic home monitoring would be disastrous for Renton

Spokesman Review
New map tracks measles exposures across Washington
Arraignment delayed for man accused of breaking into Washington Capitol
WA homebuyers in flood-prone areas are stranded amid government shutdown

Washington Post
Can you pass the new U.S. citizenship test?
Republicans struggle to explain shutdown of the House
U.S. Anglican Church archbishop accused of sexual misconduct, abuse of power

WA State Standard
New map tracks measles exposures across Washington
WA governor moves to improve state consultation with tribes
Trump’s National Guard deployments raise worries about state sovereignty
Shutdown on day 22 sets record as second-longest in US history, with no sign of a deal


Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New drought maps show major shifts in conditions across the US
Dangerously large waves on the Washington coast begin Thursday
Union says Pierce County sheriff’s deputies are leaving for higher pay
Inside the ICE facility that’s become the flashpoint of Portland protests

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WSP steps up protection for lawmakers amid increasing threats
Seattle settles for $2.5M years after Pier 58 collapse injured workers
WA families face tough choices as healthcare premiums rise by the thousands
Legal concerns raised as WA license plate data is shared with federal agencies
Over 930k people could lose SNAP benefits on Oct. 31 if government shutdown persists

KUOW Public Radio
Sticker shock: WA health insurance buyers confront steep price hikes
Proposal for 1,300-acre solar farm goes again to Washington governor for approval
Immigration agencies accessed WA law enforcement license plate data, report finds
Bremerton food bank launches extra hours for federal employees working without pay
New Seattle Police contract includes pay boost, increased use of unarmed crisis responders


Web

Cascadia Daily News
You should have your ballot and local voters’ pamphlet

InvestigateWest
‘I want people to know he’s done this’: Student alleges sexual misconduct by another Mercer Island teacher

MyNorthwest
King County approves ambitious climate action plan
Federal immigration agencies access WA license plate data
City reaches new agreement with Seattle Police Officers Guild
Tacoma expands camping ban to parks, playgrounds, libraries
WSP steps up protection for lawmakers amid increasing threats

The Urbanist
SDOT Plans ‘Tactical Urbanism’ on Occidental Avenue Ahead of World Cup

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday notes