In Tulalip, Inslee signs bills to push back against opioid crisis
Drums and applause filled the Tulalip Resort Casino on Tuesday, as hundreds celebrated new strides in addressing the opioid crisis. Away from the walls of the governor’s conference room Tuesday, tribal members and lawmakers witnessed Gov. Jay Inslee sign into law a fleet of bills to help prevent drug overdoses, fortify behavioral health services for tribes and honor a Tulalip leader. Inslee also signed legislation making it mandatory for public schools and higher education institutions to incorporate overdose prevention education in their teachings. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Ryan Berry)
New Washington law stiffens penalties on animal cruelty
A bill that imposes tougher criminal penalties for animal cruelty convictions was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee last week and takes effect on June 6. The new law elevates the punishment for first-degree animal cruelty — which is already a class C felony — by reclassifying it as a crime that is ranked level III on the seriousness scale .Supporters say House Bill 1961, which overwhelmingly passed both chambers earlier this year, adds uniformity to sentencing by elevating the crime to a ranked, as opposed to unranked, felony. Continue reading at Axios. (Pasado’s Safe Haven)
Gov. Inslee signs bill expanding death benefits for families of slain rideshare drivers
Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation Tuesday that will expand death benefits for families of rideshare drivers who are killed while on the job. House Bill 2382 passed the state House and Senate in early March. Supporters of the new law hope it will fill a crucial gap in current benefits. Since 2020, there have been five rideshare drivers killed while on the job. Washington state is the first in the nation to offer expanded benefits. Continue reading at King 5.
Associated Press
EPA issues new auto rules aimed at cutting carbon emissions, boosting electric vehicles and hybrids
Aberdeen Daily World
Health center for students, staff opens at North Beach Jr/Sr High
Axios
New Washington law stiffens penalties on animal cruelty
Bellingham Herald
Child care grants adding nearly 30 spaces in Bellingham preschools
Columbian
January storm cost Clark Public Utilities about $26 million
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Vancouver man sentenced for selling low-quality body armor to law enforcement, military
Ridgefield, Woodland business co-owner pleads guilty to tampering with federally regulated pollution devices
The Daily News
Sunrise Village’s affordable housing project breaks ground in Longview
Everett Herald
In Tulalip, Inslee signs bills to push back against opioid crisis
High Country News
Washington’s controversial cap-and-trade program, explained. Really.
Port Townsend Leader
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Grow America To Empower Local BIPOC Businesses
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Seattle Times
WA drops 5-day COVID isolation rule
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Editorial: Gov. Inslee should veto legislation that keeps Seattle from regulating strip clubs (Saldaña, Pedersen)
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Skagit Valley Herald
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Spokesman Review
Inslee signs a bundle of bills advocating for Washington tribes and fighting opioid epidemic
Washington cherry growers to get federal loans after USDA declares 2023 harvest a disaster
Washington Department of Health’s Dr. Bob Lutz, former county health officer, speaks about Spokane opioid crisis, resigns days later
Washington Post
Biden seeks to accelerate the EV transition in biggest climate move yet
U.S. abortions reach recent high, with record number done via medication
WA State Standard
Inslee signs bills fighting opioid epidemic
How police reform efforts in the Legislature faltered this year (Trudeau, Goodman)
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Wenatchee World
New high temps set Sunday in NCW
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Yakima Herald-Republic
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Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
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Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer announces he won’t run in 2024 election
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Gov. Inslee signs bill expanding death benefits for families of slain rideshare drivers (Berry)
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KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
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KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
10 years after deadly Oso landslide, climate change is increasing the danger
Gov. Inslee signs new laws addressing opioid crisis on tribal lands, in schools
Washington State drops bar exam requirement to reduce ‘barriers’ and inequities
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KUOW Public Radio
In a boost for EVs, EPA finalizes strict new limits on tailpipe emissions
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Whitman County neighbors upset about proposed wind farm
Web
Crosscut
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InvestigateWest
New WA Legislation Prioritizes Human Trafficking Prosecutions And Support For Child Victims (Dhingra, Orwall)
Route Fifty
Longtime state senator announces plans to retire (Keiser)