The Boldt Decision’s impact on Indigenous rights, 50 years later
Fifty years ago, a federal judge in Western Washington issued a decision that dramatically improved the economic – and legal – prospects of Indigenous nations within the state. U.S. District Judge George Hugo Boldt ruled on Feb. 12, 1974, that Native Americans were entitled to half the salmon catch in the state because of treaties signed a century before. It was a key decision in the long-running Fish Wars that had rocked Washington for decades. The case, United States vs. Washington, is considered by experts one of the most comprehensive and complex legal fights in the history of Native American law, not only forcing the U.S. to keep promises in signed treaties but also affirming in U.S. law that tribes are sovereign nations. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Ted S. Warren)
A proposed bottle-deposit bill in Washington would help the environment — and low-income communities
Billions of bottles and cans flow through the American economy every year, from the squeezable plastic of Poland Springs to the crisp pop tabs of OLIPOP. Most of these containers end up in public and household recycling bins, but in a constellation of 10 states, including California and Oregon, many will go to redemption centers, where residents can receive 5 or 10 cents per bottle upon return. Now, an 11th state is considering a bottle bill. Like most bottle bills, Washington’s HB 2144 is primarily a piece of environmental legislation, created to reduce litter and landfill waste. But this bill goes further: It acknowledges that the vast majority of bottles are collected by people who return drink containers for informal income. Continue reading at High Country News. (Erin X. Wong)
Rep. My-Linh Thai: Recognizing Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Inclusion and Healing
As Washington prepares to usher in the Year of the Dragon this Lunar New Year, I find myself reflecting on the complex tapestry of our community. This vibrant celebration, observed by billions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, shines a light on the richness and diversity that our communities contribute to the American fabric. Yet, celebrating Lunar New Year also compels us to acknowledge the historical shadows that persist—stark reminders of the need for greater understanding and inclusion. The history of Asian Americans in the United States is, unfortunately, marred by exclusion and prejudice. Continue reading at NW Asian Weekly.
Axios
Why Washington’s dancers want a “strippers’ bill of rights”
Capital Press
Judge grants Snake River dam litigation stay through 2028
Columbian
Vancouver Police Department lauds year-old body cam program, but some critics still wary
Washington state drinking water, hydropower at risk as Pacific Northwest snowpack shrinks
The Daily News
Longview library to up ESL programs as local Spanish speakers increase
Everett Herald
Navy plans frigate shuffle to increase military ships in Everett
At aerospace gathering in Lynnwood, Boeing urges workers to ‘speak up’
Comment: Better use for your gift-card balances than companies (Alvarado, Trudeau)
Comment: Lawmakers see pool of cash in unspent gift cards
Comment: Lawmakers dismiss concerns for well-being of boys, men (Hunt, Ramos, Bateman, Doglio)
Comment: More work remains to improve law enforcement culture (Lovick)
Letter: Octopus farms should be banned before they open in state
Editorial: Boeing safety failures draw more eyes on its jets
High Country News
A proposed bottle-deposit bill in Washington would help the environment — and low-income communities
News Tribune
State trooper, Thurston County jail accused of mistreating woman who suffered brain bleed
Clergy reporting, stripper safety and fake images ban. Here’s what passed in the WA Legislature this week (Pedersen, Gregerson, Orwall, Berry, Saldaña, Frame)
Northwest Asian Weekly
Rep. Thai: Recognizing Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Inclusion and Healing
Seattle City Council answers call to recognize Lunar New Year
Puget Sound Business Journal
Pay-transparency rules could expand to millions of workers
Home prices up in Seattle area in January, with largest gain in Kitsap
Here’s what analysts expect for the housing market after a tough 2023
Seattle Times
For the first time in decades, number of kids in King County drops
King County pleaded for help from the Legislature. Olympia said no (Nobles, Randall, Pedersen)
Students rally for more representative classes, staff in Seattle schools
Financial literacy may become a graduation requirement for students
SPD’s woman employees describe harassment, discrimination in report
A Seattle suburb known for affordability becomes example of U.S. debate on homelessness
Editorial: Don’t delay legislation on high-potency cannabis (Davis, Salomon, Robinson)
Editorial: The Boldt decision’s enduring legacy, 50 years on
Opinion: The ‘terrifying’ teen hit-and-run case shows: We still need locks
Opinion: End ‘juvenile points’ sentencing that disproportionately harms Indigenous people
Sol De Yakima
Cámara de Representantes de WA aprueba elecciones locales en años pares (Paul, Mena, Gregerson)
South Whidbey Record
Letter: Lawmakers need to understand ferry needs
Spokesman Review
Spokane’s ‘normal’ snowpack drops 38% in the last year
Cheers! Accelerated liquor license bill advances through the Washington Senate (Keiser)
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Workforce housing project receives $2 million boost
Washington Post
Colleges, students and states reeling from FAFSA setbacks
Medicaid’s prescription for health includes food and housing in some states
Earth breached a feared level of warming over the past year. Are we doomed?
WA State Standard
WA Democrats ditch bill repealing voter-backed cap on property tax hikes (Pedersen, Jinkins)
Controversial proposal to regulate hospital mergers advances in Legislature (Randall, Kuderer, Dhingra)
Estimates show capital gains tax repeal draining billions from Washington budget (Robinson)
Yakima Herald-Republic
Water is a component of Yakima plan to respond to climate change
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Parents of woman killed by falling crane in Seattle fight to improve safety laws
Fentanyl education in schools: Unanimous support one new bill is seeing from House lawmakers (Riccelli)
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Bill requiring AEDs in gyms unanimously passes Senate (Hunt)
New bill would force clergy to report child abuse, neglect (Frame)
‘Self-centered act’: WSP suggests charges for I-5 protesters
Behind the scenes: Troopers crack down on dangerous drivers from above
Washington is only state providing tax-payer funded lawyers to tenants facing eviction
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle’s payroll tax proposal scrutinized as businesses demand usage clarity
Washington State Senate pays tribute to former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll
KUOW Public Radio
Controversial energy project moves closer to breaking ground
In Tacoma, some volunteers chafe at ‘toothless’ police oversight role
Passing bills, bills, bills: Highlights from week 5 in the WA Legislature (Pedersen)
Seattle Police is a ‘good old boys club’ where women struggle to get ahead, report says
NW Public Radio
Bellingham’s Immigration Advisory Board being evaluated
Clarkston homeless facing another move as camp is forced to close
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Biden’s No. 2 in agriculture promotes aquaculture’s next generation at Northwest Indian College
Crosscut
The Boldt Decision’s impact on Indigenous rights, 50 years later
My Edmonds News
Town hall meeting with 21st District lawmakers Feb. 17 at Kamiak HS (Ortiz-Self, Peterson, Liias)
Shoreline Area News
Stanford bill funding more paraeducators in schools passes Senate (Stanford)
Senate passes Stanford bill to protect homeowners from losing equity (Stanford)
Waterland Blog
33rd District Town Hall will be Saturday, Feb. 17 at Highline College (Gregerson, Keiser, Orwall)