WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Tuesday, August 20

Spokane Hoopfest Association Director Riley Stockton (left), Parasport Spokane Director Teresa Skinner, Washington state Secretary of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah, Spokane Regional Health District health officer Dr. Francisco R. Velazquez, YMCA Vice President Christine Brischl, Greater Spokane Incorporated Vice President Erin Vincent and Spokane Schools Superintendent Dr. Adam Swinyard speak Friday at the Eastern Washington launch of Be Well WA. (Amanda Sullender / The Spokesman-Review)

‘Find your apple’: Be Well WA initiative encourages residents to take small steps to improved health
Launching the new Be Well WA initiative, city and state leaders want Spokanites to take just one step a day to improve their health. Developed by the Washington Department of Health, the campaign aims to give tips on how people can make small improvements in their movement, emotional well-being, nourishment and social connection. Spokane Regional Health District health officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez said recent surveys conducted by the agency have shown improvements in physical activity, but the community still struggles with mental health. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Amanda Sullender)


Teacher sits at a table with preschool students.

Survey finds nearly 40% of WA parents quit work or got fired after having kids
A new study from Child Care Aware of Washington found that a lack of child care in the state costs families and employers billions of dollars annually. Employee turnover and absenteeism and lost family income associated with child care cost about $6.9 billion last year, or around $870 per resident. The report analyzes survey data from Zogby Analytics, which sampled 606 parents in Washington, and applies the findings to the state’s 1.5 million parents with children 12 years or younger. The cost of care, disruptions in availability and a lack of care options are all problems. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Getty Images)


A citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation waits for her Covid-19 vaccination in this 2021 photo at Colville Tribes Indian Health in Nespelem, Washington. The Indian Health Service has a single doctor for the reservation, serving a population of about 5,000.

For Native Americans in Washington, stark health care disparities and preventable deaths endure
A lack of access to quality health care — and the resulting deleterious effects on the health of tribal citizens — reflects a widespread problem affecting Native Americans and Alaska Natives across Washington, a new report finds. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are living shorter lives, suffering from higher rates of preventable and treatable diseases — and dying from them more often — while living with dramatically worse access to health care when compared with white Washingtonians, according to the report from the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to improving health care access. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Tyler Tjomsland)


Print

Auburn Reporter
Report: Prisoners still routinely isolated in WA

Capital Press
Apple industry expects good year, but down from last season
Truckers ask Washington to change course on electric big rigs
Tough firefighting conditions persist in central Idaho mountains

Columbian
Group calls on DOJ to investigate Tacoma police for excessive force and discrimination
350 acres burn near massive Hanford nuclear waste plant in Eastern WA, diverting workers
Washington’s EV rebate program not working as advertised, prospective Clark County car buyers say

Everett Herald
Snohomish County corrections deputies get new contract
Snohomish County struggles to fill open sheriff’s deputy jobs
Everett City Council mulls revival of city’s chamber of commerce
Legacy Forest Defense Coalition set on halting timber sale near Arlington

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Ferry data from staff and local partners shape Council request for ‘Executive Relief’ from state

News Tribune
Would overhaul of WA’s public defense lead to better outcomes or ‘vigilante land’?
Group calls on DOJ to investigate Tacoma police for excessive force and discrimination
It’s seal pup season in WA. You could be fined over $30k if you harass or approach them
Have thoughts on Mount Rainier’s new timed entry system? The park wants your feedback
WA’s high court considers lowering public defense caseloads. What to know for Pierce County

New York Times
How a Law That Shields Big Tech Is Now Being Used Against It

Peninsula Daily News
Growth minimal at Brinnon wildfire
Washington State Ferries sells two vessels

Puget Sound Business Journal
UW breaks ground on $60M facility
AI is already fueling layoffs, but there is one silver lining
Seattle software company sues Albertsons over trade secrets

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit Legal Aid to significantly expand immigration services

Spokesman Review
Kevin Hall to start work as Spokane’s police chief on Aug. 26
Developers hope to pivot on Wandermere property once lauded as next Kendall Yards
‘Find your apple’: Be Well WA initiative encourages residents to take small steps to improved health

Tri-City Herald
350 acres burn near massive Hanford nuclear waste plant in Eastern WA, diverting workers

Washington Post
Why no president has slowed the U.S. oil boom
NFL concussion settlement ignores ‘critical’ MRIs and other tests, saving the league millions

WA State Standard
Survey finds nearly 40% of WA parents quit work or got fired after having kids
Drought in the West has cost hydropower industry billions in losses, analysis finds
Report lays bare stark disparities in health care outcomes for Native Americans in Washington
Opinion: Washington is spending millions to reduce solitary confinement. Where are the results?

Wenatchee World
Evacuation levels lowered in Pioneer Fire; visitors to Stehekin not allowed

Yakima Herald-Republic
Bohoskey Drive fire near Terrace Heights caused by sparks from metal work, fire officials say

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Invasive crab species detected in new area of Washington coast
Here’s how one county in Washington is trying to become fireproof
Washington youth detention facility pays millions in sex abuse settlements against staff

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle smoke shop’s glass prevents smash-and-grab
Wrongful death trial of protester Summer Taylor on I-5 to begin this week
1,300 Snoqualmie Pass customers still without power since Saturday night storm
Company developing fuel efficient airplanes gets investment from Alaska Airlines
Suicide rates increase among young Asian Americans, with some groups at higher risk
Former SPD officer fired for controversial comments that sparked international outrage speaks out

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
WSF bids farewell to 2 ferries after 50 years of service
Fired Seattle police officer says ‘limited value’ comment was taken out of context

KUOW Public Radio
For Native Americans in Washington, stark health care disparities and preventable deaths endure

KXLY (ABC)
Clarkston schools will offer free school meals for all students
Spokane City Council approves Kevin Hall as new police chief

Web

MyNorthwest
Plaintiffs asked to identify and describe their tattoos; They say the request is racist