Youth homelessness in WA dropped 40% in 6 years, report says
Washington saw a significant drop in youth homelessness over six years, according to a new report, something advocates say was due in part to new strategies, including emergency cash grants for youth in the margins. Between 2016 and 2022, homelessness among people ages 12–24 in Washington decreased by 40% from nearly 24,000 to just over 14,000, according to the report by the state Office of Homeless Youth — which was created in 2015 — and A Way Home Washington. Continue reading at Axios. (Shoshana Gordon)
How do wildfires affect mental health? A new UW study examines the connection
Checking air quality and staying indoors when smoke inundates the Seattle area has become second nature during Washington’s wildfire season in recent years. But new research highlights how wildfires can affect a less visible aspect of well-being: mental health. A University of Washington study published in late February found an increase in prescriptions to treat depression and anxiety or stabilize mood in the six weeks after wildfires. The study used prescription data, commercial insurance claims and pharmacy records to examine the impact of 25 large California wildfires from 2011 to 2018. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Richard Vogel)
Did Seattle defund the police? Five graphs explain this enduring myth
“Why has Seattle lost so many police officers?” The answer is not that the Seattle Police Department was defunded. Let’s rewind to 2020, when protests following the police murder of George Floyd launched a movement to defund police departments across the U.S. — including Seattle. Activists called for up to 50% police budget reductions, arguing that savings could be put toward community services. In Seattle, council members made gestures toward reducing police spending and “civilianizing” more public safety services. So, was the police department ultimately defunded? Continue reading at KUOW. (iStock)
Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen ramps up cleanup at homeless camps
Axios
Youth homelessness in WA dropped 40% in 6 years, report says
Bellingham Herald
Controversial hire at Thurston Sheriff’s Office resigns after community backlash, threats
Plans for Coast Salish longhouse in popular Bellingham park near WWU moving forward
Gray whale season has arrived in Puget Sound. Here’s where you can find ‘Sounders’ in WA
Walmart encampment property owner pushes back against city’s lawsuit, denies allegations
Capital Press
Site council drafts report to Inslee on Horse Heaven power project
What if…A look at the fallout if the lower Snake River dams are demolished
Columbian
Washington officials want Biden to declare January storms a federal disaster
New Clark College campus at Boschma Farms designed for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy programs
Everett Herald
Police brushed off 911 calls before stabbing at Tulalip hotel
Pfizer to lay off 119 workers with closure of south Everett plant
Lynnwood light rail opening date announcement coming Thursday
County weighs ban on selling fireworks where lighting them is banned
Comment: Hands-free or not, phones still a driving distraction
Comment: Species helped most by Endangered Species Act is us
Editorial: Necessary study of violent extremism gets reprieve
The Inlander
Police shootings already outpace all of last year
As Spokane smashes building permit records, a planned South Hill sixplex offers hints at the city’s dense future
A coalition of elected litigators, including Washington’s Bob Ferguson, looks to disrupt a nascent cannabis industry
Spokane Public Library and Thrive International collab will provide refugee housing in the latest evolution of library services
News Tribune
Controversial hire at Thurston Sheriff’s Office resigns after community backlash, threats
Opinion: My son is one of 750,000 in Washington with a rare disease. Lawmakers failed them
Peninsula Daily News
Makah Tribe to receive federal funds to support ocean mapping capabilities
Puget Sound Business Journal
IRS stops $1B in ERC claims as lucrative tax credit nears deadline
Wetlands project yields abundant climate benefits for Bothell campus
Seattle Times
Washington state’s first journalism fellows hired (Keiser)
Seattle’s social housing developer struggles to take shape
WA utility offers an alternative maritime fuel, but gets pushback
How do wildfires affect mental health? A new UW study examines the connection
Immigrant who died in ICE custody spent 13 years in solitary — many in WA prisons
Officer hired as sheriff’s deputy despite involvement in fatal Manuel Ellis arrest resigns
Editorial: Gates Foundation grant aims to steer more WA students into higher ed
Opinion: Amazon must do better with its packaging for our oceans’ sake
Spokesman Review
WSU police officer who fired at student over knife threat identified
Tri-City Herald
Will Tri-Cities schools see expected ‘financial crisis,’ layoffs other WA districts face?
U.S. Supreme Court refuses to block WA maps ousting Central WA’s first Latina senator
Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Man charged with arson after allegedly starting fire at Walla Walla hospital
Washington Post
America’s new high-risk, high-reward $20 billion climate push
Hundreds of people breached airport security in the past year, TSA says
Which states are restricting, or requiring, lessons on race, sex and gender
America has legislated itself into competing red, blue versions of education (Liias)
Squatters have become a right-wing talking point. What to know about the rare practice.
WA State Standard
Another veteran Washington state lawmaker won’t return in 2025
Here’s how Washington’s legislative districts will change for this year’s elections
Wenatchee World
Weather forecasting tech company plans 2 X-band radars to cover NCW gaps
Yakima Herald-Republic
Amilio Morales puts safety first for WSDOT workers in Central Washington
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Residents in 20 Mercer Island homes asked to temporarily evacuate due to unstable soil
Proposed trail in Kirkland would extend Burke-Gilman by connecting Bellevue to Bothell
Officer acquitted in death of Manuel Ellis resigns from Thurston County job two days after being sworn in
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Would speed-limiting devices in cars work in Washington? (Donaghy)
Police: Passengers assault, rob Uber driver in Rainier Beach
Migrants’ stay in Kent hotel extended thanks to anonymous donation
Ex-Tacoma officer cleared in Manny Ellis trial resigns days after being hired as deputy
‘Children’s lives are at risk’: New traffic camera active in Everett to deter school zone speeding
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Venezuelan refugees take down camp from Seattle tennis courts
‘We’re going to track you down’: Federal Way mayor sends warning to criminals
Lawmaker says Ariel Garcia’s death shows gap in Washington law to protect kids
Residents demand immediate change to save lives at intersection after deadly Renton crash
Officer acquitted in Manny Ellis’ death resigns days after becoming Thurston County deputy
KUOW Public Radio
Did Seattle defund the police? Five graphs explain this enduring myth
Migrants descended on a Seattle tennis court. Then an anonymous donor paid for their hotel
KXLY (ABC)
Spokane International Airport receives enforcement order for PFAS contamination cleanup
NW Public Radio
Washington, Idaho receive “F” grades for tobacco prevention programs
FOX13 TV
Seattle Public Schools cancels gifted program ‘cohorts’ for equity reasons
Web
Crosscut
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block new WA legislative map
Whatcom County city debates removing fluoride from its water
MyNorthwest
Asylum-seeking refugees in Kent get to stay in hotel for another 11 days
White House pushes for extension of internet program aiding many Washingtonians
The Stranger
Will Seattle Respond to the Refugee Crisis with Housing or Handcuffs?
West Seattle Blog
Does the draft ‘One Seattle Plan’ envision enough housing? That question takes centerstage at West Seattle open house