WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, October 19

A construction worker sands a door opening at a new apartment complex, Tuesday, February 28, 2023, in Miami.

A historic housing construction boom may finally moderate rent hikes
An unprecedented surge in the nationwide construction of new housing — mostly apartments — may finally be making a dent in fast-rising rents that have been making life harder for tenants. More than 1.65 million housing units were under construction last year, the highest annual number since federal record-keeping started in 1969. This year, the number was even higher — almost 1.7 million in September. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Marta Lavandier)


The Washington State Department of Transportation says it’s only getting half the funding it needs to preserve and fix our roads.

WSDOT issues grim warning for Washington roads on ‘glide path to failure’
The Washington State Department of Transportation says it’s only getting half the funding it needs to preserve and fix our roads. According to WSDOT, it’s facing an estimated $11 billion budget shortfall over the next decade. Their warning for drivers: This is likely to only get worse if nothing is done. Continue reading at KIRO 7 TV. (WSDOT)


WA recovers $2 million from ‘predatory’ student loan debt adjusters
With the recovery of $139,600 in restitution this week, Washington state’s yearslong campaign to prosecute student loan adjusters has now recouped more than $2 million for residents who were charged illegal fees. The Attorney General’s Office found several illegal practices, including false marketing about loan forgiveness and charging above the legal limit in fees. Some adjusters even claimed to be affiliated with the federal government. Continue reading at Seattle Times.


Print

Associated Press
Farm workers to speak out against new WA farming overtime law in Quincy
Thrift store chain case was no bargain for Washington attorney general; legal fees top $4.2 million

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham affordable housing tenants speak out about conditions, safety concerns at complex
Bellingham tenant advocates unveil ‘Horrible Properties Map’ detailing renters’ complaints

Capital Press
Western Innovator: Entomologist aids cranberry, shellfish growers

Columbian
With state’s tolls in limbo, Oregon lawmaker pushes feds to block tolling proposal

Courier-Herald
Mount Rainier National Park wants public input disability accessibility

Everett Herald
Stillaguamish Tribe to ‘repair, restore’ river with salmon funding

Mercer Island Reporter
City council approves proclamation to condemn the attacks against the State of Israel

News Tribune
Litter-sucking trucks, road work, graffiti priorities in Pierce public works budget
Witness to Manuel Ellis’ fatal interaction with police cross-examined by defense lawyers
Opinion: Critics say Pierce County’s homeless village would hurt the environment. That’s false

Olympian
Owner of Lacey Mexican restaurants apologizes for $100k in overtime and labor violations

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon to expand Prime Air drone delivery to new test markets
Businesses are staring down an insurance problem. It could be costly.
Some young homebuyers use family money to buy a house

Seattle Times
Shake it out for earthquake preparedness, Seattle
Earthquake early warning test buzzes some WA phones seven hours too early
UnitedHealthcare failed to meet mental health requirements, WA says
WA’s legal fees top $4.2M in failed lawsuit against Value Village
WA recovers $2 million from ‘predatory’ student loan debt adjusters
How do Seattle’s evolving neighborhoods include older residents?
Opinion: Despite new drug law, Seattle is no closer to solving fentanyl crisis

Skagit Valley Herald
Public comment period open for Fidalgo Landing project
Timber harvest lawsuit involving Concrete School District dropped

Spokesman Review
‘So many opportunities’: Kids learn about a life after high school that doesn’t include college at Ferris High School trades night
Comment: In Kirkland and across U.S., working people are living out of their cars

Tri-City Herald
New Tri-Cities housing partnership to help homeless, seniors, veterans and families

Washington Post
A tale of two sisters, two countries and their health systems

WA State Standard
A historic housing construction boom may finally moderate rent hikes
WA hospitals sue state Department of Health over expanded charity care requirements

Wenatchee World
$4.56 million project diverts water over Tumwater Dam, maintains fish migration

Yakima Herald-Republic
Farmworker housing to be added near I-82 in Yakima
Shigella outbreak continues in Yakima County, health district says

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WSDOT issues grim warning for Washington roads on ‘glide path to failure’

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
71 cars a day reported stolen in King, Pierce counties last month
The Great Washington ShakeOut is Thursday. Are you earthquake ready?

KNKX Public Radio
No, it’s not weird that so many people are running for WA lands commissioner

KUOW Public Radio
Congressmember Jayapal joins call for ceasefire in Israel and Gaza
Seattle homicides set record, but King County has big plans and lots of funding to prevent gun violence

NW Public Radio
Kaiser Permanente of WA removes First Fill, other benefit changes for public and school employees

Q13 TV (FOX)
Great Washington ShakeOut: What to know about the earthquake drill happening Thursday

Web

The Stranger
Planning to Fail – Unearthing the Original Sin of Urban Planning in Seattle