WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Monday, May 13

Construction workers hold a piece of siding in place while building houses along Northeast 138th Avenue in east Vancouver. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian files)

Washington’s neverending housing crisis
Washington is on track to hit some of its housing goals, but homeownership remains expensive, homelessness is growing, and the supply of affordable homes is still running short. That’s according to a new state report. The Department of Commerce Housing Advisory Plan outlines how Washington has fared with housing since 2015 and what must be done in the next five years to meet the growing need. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Taylor Balkom)


Michelle Scharlock, a 36-year-old West Seattle tech writer, is moving to Vancouver, Wash., with her partner after exhausting their search for a Seattle-area home in their $550,000 price range. For many first-time buyers... (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times)

Where are Seattle’s first-time homebuyers? Some are leaving town
Seattle’s sky-high home prices may not be news, but since the pandemic, a combination of heavy demand, flagging supply and sharp interest rate hikes have fueled a market that frustrates even well-off buyers. And for many first-time buyers, that market has become virtually inaccessible — and a rising generational barrier that could accelerate deeper changes in the Seattle area’s demographics and character. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)


 Legislation that would’ve allowed for more backyard cottages in rural areas derailed in the 2024 Washington state legislative session. (Mint Images/Getty Images)

With state policy stuck, a county charts its own path to allow more rural housing
While Washington lawmakers continue to fight over how to allow for more backyard cottages or in-law suites in rural areas, some counties are already moving in that direction. Whatcom County’s detached accessory dwelling units, like backyard cottages, particularly interested lawmakers, who in recent years have not been able to agree on how to allow more of this housing in rural areas. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)


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Associated Press
Schools turn to artificial intelligence to spot guns
More U.S. parents than ever have paid leave this Mother’s Day – but most still don’t

Axios
Washington’s pets need more vets

Capital Press
WSDA sprays to suppress spongy moths

Columbian
Washington’s neverending housing crisis
Opinion: In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Tackling homelessness; ID woes

Everett Herald
In goal to reduce garbage to ‘nothing,’ Everett recyclers try Ridwell
After traffic cameras went in, Everett saw 70% decrease in speeding
Opinion: Climate column should include role of nuclear energy

Islands’ Weekly
Inslee issues emergency proclamation for imminent danger of spongy moth infestation

News Tribune
White House uses Infrastructure Week to tout progress on thousands of projects
Gig Harbor baby’s injuries raised red flags. Did child-welfare system fail her parents?
Pierce County wants to open a new homeless shelter. Where to put it has become a problem

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle-based corporate foundation grants haven’t kept pace with revenues

Seattle Times
WA older adults fight isolation by rethinking senior housing
Where are Seattle’s first-time homebuyers? Some are leaving town
Four things to know about Seattle’s plan to explore closing schools
Can overcast Seattle be a solar-powered city? Is it even worth trying?
Ending homelessness in downtown Seattle may be harder than expected
Opinion: Seattle can be a national model for large-city climate action

Spokesman Review
Thousands of grocery workers in region approve union contract
Live Nation’s bid to avoid U.S. antitrust suit seen as likely to fail
Getting There: Most Washington IDs won’t fly in a year, state officials say, urging people to get their enhanced licenses for airplane travel

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla City Council approves tax increment area along Myra Road
Public meetings roundup: Sheriff’s Office staffing on agenda in Columbia County

Washington Post
Abortion bans are repelling the nation’s future doctors
How banning genetically modified foods could backfire
Federal judge halts new U.S. rules limiting credit card late fees
Ordered back to the office, top tech talent left instead, study finds
Biden and oil companies like this climate tech. Many Americans do not.

WA State Standard
With state policy stuck, a county charts its own path to allow more rural housing (Lovelett, Salomon)

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Northwest beekeepers battle against leading killer of honeybees
Teen staying at relatives’ house in Spanaway dies in suspected overdose
‘The city has failed him’: Man stabbed to death at Capitol Hill light rail station
Seattle Children’s Hospital seeks to throw out lawsuit alleging health care racism

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Therapist demand grows amid increased awareness of mental health

KNKX Public Radio
Chinook Indian Nation is closer to securing ancestral winter village land

KUOW Public Radio
Washington state farmworkers sue U.S. Department of Labor over depressed wages

KXLY (ABC)
New program offers high school students college credit option
Traffic deaths in Washington the highest since 1990, according to new report
Riverside School District employee arrested on charges related to child pornography

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Start preparing for water rights legal battle, experts say
Hand Up for Health program offers non-traditional medical services and care

Crosscut
Volunteers power wildfire mitigation efforts in the Tri-Cities