Biden signs gay marriage law, calls it ‘a blow against hate’
A celebratory crowd of thousands bundled up on a chilly Tuesday afternoon to watch President Joe Biden sign gay marriage legislation into law, a joyful ceremony that was tempered by the backdrop of an ongoing conservative backlash over gender issues. “This law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms,” Biden said on the South Lawn of the White House. “And that’s why this law matters to every single American.” Biden criticized the “callous, cynical laws introduced in the states targeting transgender children, terrifying families and criminalizing doctors who give children the care they need. Racism, antisemitism, homophobia, transphobia, they’re all connected,” Biden said. “But the antidote to hate is love.” Continue reading at Associated Press. (Patrick Semansky)
What Washington’s housing legislation could look like in 2023
How to build more housing, quickly, will be on the agenda when the Washington state Legislature begins its session in January 2023. Many lawmakers appear to agree on the need to make three big changes around the state: Removing bans on denser forms of housing, such as townhomes, eliminating “design review boards” statewide for residential projects, and spending at least $1 billion more each year on affordable housing. Disagreement between lawmakers centers around what the minimum allowable density should be, and whether denser housing should be required on all residential land or only near parks and frequent transit. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)
Big plans for WSU Tri-Cities. Legislature will be asked for $10M for a new energy center
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has big plans for Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland to become a center recognized globally for its innovation in developing clean energy sources and technology. He will ask the state Legislature this year for $10 million to launch the new Institute for Northwest Energy Futures at WSU Tri-Cities, he announced during a Monday visit to the Richland campus. “The world has to invent new fossil-free methods of energy, and it is going to look right here at the WSU Institute for Northwest Energy Futures,” he said. Inslee said he was cautiously optimistic about legislative support for the institute because it is “so in keeping with the basic DNA of the state of Washington of recognizing the power of R&D,” he said. Continue reading at Tri-City Herald.
Associated Press
Biden signs gay marriage law, calls it ‘a blow against hate’
Lawmakers announce ‘framework’ on bill to keep government open
Aberdeen Daily World
Mobile health van on tour this month
Central School to host no-cost vaccine clinic
Bellingham Herald
Work to begin on this new Bellingham park
Bellingham student who reported assaults files federal lawsuit against school district
Capital Press
Inslee to propose ‘new ways’ to site energy projects
Columbian
I-5 Bridge replacement program studies auxiliary lane options
Vancouver compiles ‘comprehensive’ list of legislative priorities
Southwest Washington senators, representatives, business leaders discuss outlook for 2023 session
Editorial: In Our View: State Republicans adding to energy discussion
Editorial: In Our View: I-5 Bridge replacement price tag grows with time
Everett Herald
Lynnwood light rail could sit unused for months
Recount confirms Clyde Shavers win in 10th Legislative District (Shavers)
New state health insurance tax credit offers enticing premium: $0
Comment: Fighting anti-vax misinformation still worth effort
Editorial: Stanwood schools’ prompt response to racial slurs
News Tribune
Jury to decide: Did sheriff ‘weaponize’ TPD to settle score? Or call threat ‘as he saw it’?
Editorial: Will Sound Transit’s Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension ever be finished? Not at this rate
Op-Ed: My son was killed while using a crosswalk. Our leaders can prevent similar tragedies
Olympian
Thurston County hires new public health director after year-long search
Peninsula Daily News
Jefferson County seeks more on carbon
Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle claws away at process that delays affordable housing projects
Boeing lands record 787 Dreamliner order from United Airlines
Businesses are using more contractors now than before the pandemic
Amazon pledges another $150M toward Seattle-area housing projects
Millwright District development contract approved by port commission
Seattle Medium
Health Officials Encourage Blacks, Especially Black Men, Over The Age Of 45 To Get Screened For Colorectal Cancer
Seattle Times
WA hospitals start cutting services, warn of possible closures
King County jail diversion programs not collecting enough data
WA proposes reforms for special education schools, citing Seattle Times, ProPublica stories
Climate change could make WA streams too hot for fish, report shows
Opinion: Breaking down barriers for entrepreneurs of color
Skagit Valley Herald
Concrete appoints new council member, approves 2023 budget
Deception Pass State Park gains 78 acres
Skagit Valley College emergency assistance funding dwindles as students face inflation
Spokesman Review
Ecology Department may use more stringent water testing for contaminants on Spokane River, Washington Supreme Court rules
Northwest Republicans’ votes reflect conflicts within GOP on same-sex marriage law
Spokane City Council wipes away past-due city utility bills of low-income residents
Inslee pushes for funding to make WSU Tri-Cities clean energy hub in Washington
Tri-City Herald
Pasco School Board Member resigns shortly after taking oath of office. Here’s why
Big plans for WSU Tri-Cities. Legislature will be asked for $10 million for new energy center
Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima will not participate in regional crime lab, council decides
Masks recommended, but won’t be required with respiratory illnesses in WA, officials say
Terrace Heights Landfill remains until 2031; Lower Yakima Valley transfer station slated for closure
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
WSDOT, WSP, families urge caution on I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass
King County tells judge WA should pay fines for being ‘forced’ to house mentally ill
Washington drivers would pay 2.5 cents per mile under recommendation
Airport taxi drivers want union rights, public oversight from Port Commission
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Hundreds of Fred Meyer, QFC employees say they’ve experienced problems receiving paychecks
Seattle City Council votes to make street cafes permanent
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Tacoma police launch initiative to combat property crimes against businesses
Everett police to host guns for gift cards event Saturday
KNKX Public Radio
More Washington counties trying ‘microtransit’ for flexible routes
Authorities are urging indoor masking in major cities as the ‘tripledemic’ rages
KUOW Public Radio
What Washington’s housing legislation could look like in 2023 (Bateman)
Should Washington end these traffic stops?: Today So Far
What the Respect for Marriage Act means to and for Washingtonians
Onboarding progresses slowly for new Office of Independent Investigations
Bracing for the economic fallout after the collapse of the Bering Sea crab season
An effort to end low-level traffic stops in Washington state
A record number of unhoused people have died in King County in 2022
KXLY (ABC)
Want a new Spokane County jail? You’ll have a chance to vote on it
NW Public Radio
Rural housing shortage impacts everyone, even those with homes
Web
Crosscut
Lummi Nation prioritizes tradition in new food assistance program