WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Wednesday, September 4

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

More kids are riding electric school buses this fall
More students than ever are headed to class in an electric school bus this fall as school districts race to take advantage of unprecedented government funding to replace their diesel fleets. Exhaust from diesel buses is linked to serious health and development conditions for children, especially in low-income communities. The growing electric bus movement, fueled by a plethora of state and federal incentives, promises to reduce tailpipe emissions and improve kids’ health, too. Continue reading at Axios. (Sarah Grillo)


Victor Manuel Arzate poses with his son and retired officer Raymond Aparicio, who mentored Arzate growing up. (Mary Murphy for Cascade PBS)

DACA recipients now eligible to be police officers in Washington
This year Washington joined four other states in opening police jobs to DACA recipients, in a new program aimed at addressing law enforcement shortages while intending to make officer ranks better reflect their communities. Washington offers some unique opportunities for Dreamers, as those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are commonly called, including access to college financial aid and professional licenses in fields like teaching and nursing. But until this July, becoming a police officer was excluded from that list. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Mary Murphy)


An empty classroom is shown on the first day of school at Mount View Elementary school on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Seattle.

As Washington ranks among top states for chronic absenteeism, educators strive to reverse trend
As students across Washington head back to school, educators are doubling down on efforts to improve attendance. The initiative comes after a recent analysis by the Associated Press and Stanford University educational economist Thomas Dee revealed that Washington has the ninth-highest chronic absenteeism rate in the country. The analysis included data for the 2022-23 school year from 42 states and Washington, D.C., where a student is considered chronically absent if they miss over 10% of the school year. According to the AP, that typically adds up to about three weeks of lost learning time. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)


Print

Associated Press
At least 7 cars hit and 6 people injured in random gunfire on Interstate 5 near Seattle

Axios
More kids are riding electric school buses this fall
What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when

Capital Press
Wildfire season burns on in Oregon
Monson Fruit agrees to pay 250K to settle sex harassment suit
Judge decides Glory cherry trees are identical to Staccato cultivar

Columbian
DACA recipients now eligible to be police officers in Washington
Providence, Aetna reach new multiyear agreement, allowing 35K Washingtonians to receive in-network care
Deadline approaching for $200 energy bill credits, a small piece of a big state law under scrutiny this November
Comment: In Our View: Environmental impact report on bridge crucial

Everett Herald
Providence and Aetna reach new multi-year agreement
Frequent rail riders hail Lynnwood Link’s first regular day

International Examiner
InterIm CDA to rehabilitate vacant Republic Hotel into affordable housing

Kitsap Sun
After WSDOT returns to Warren Ave Bridge project, walkway plan may change again
With rising sea levels coming to Kitsap shorelines, county effort looks to plan strategies

News Tribune
Free ice cream, music and chance to tell Tacoma your vision for these historic buildings
Drug ring had long history of moving meth to WA, feds say. Its leader lived in Lakewood
Lummi salmon hatcheries to see major improvements after tribes work to secure federal funding

Peninsula Daily News
COVID-19 rates are high on Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
Providence, Aetna reach deal to keep coverage for 35,000 WA patients

Seattle Times
Seattle council approves rate-hike plans for utilities, electricity
Daily high records could be threatened this week in Western WA
WA State Patrol confirms at least 6 shootings Monday night on I-5
WA lands commissioner recount results: Democrat Upthegrove poised to advance to general

Spokesman Review
WSU receives $4.8M in funding for hydrogen fueling station and research
Portrait of Spokane’s first Black mayor unveiled in art gallery that bears his name
Spokane County Sheriff’s sergeant fired as he faces assault charges for violent arrest
Tuesday was the first day at Spokane Public Schools. For some, it’s their first day of school in America

WA State Standard
No end in sight for Washington’s battle against invasive green crabs

Wenatchee World
RiverCom announces land purchase for location of future facility
KOZI, KZAL owners to retire, seek buyer for Chelan-based stations

Whidbey News-Times
Island County, Oak Harbor leaders seek healthcare expansion, higher standard of care and greater police resources (Paul)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Sunnyside mushroom farmworkers rally after more firings in August

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle Public Library fully operational after ransomware attack in May
Second contractor pleads not guilty in student’s carbon monoxide death
SPS families, students hopeful about new safety changes, but concerns remain

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle sued over Pier 58 construction
Graham-Kapowsin High School student shot before school
AG files petition to civilly commit Whatcom County sex offender
Seattle Public Library systems back up after May ransomware attack
6 shootings with at least 7 vehicles hit in overnight shootings across Interstate 5
Deal reached: in-network coverage secured for 35,000 Providence patients in WA
Bremerton School District on the hook for large settlement for former praying football coach
US Postal Service prepares ahead of elections, looks to boost confidence in ballot management
The CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons are in court to defend plans for a huge supermarket merger

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Can the new owl management plan prevent the extinction of spotted owls?
Yelm schools to open a day late as teachers and school district ratify new contract

KNKX Public Radio
Should WA’s foresters harvest timber or sell it for carbon credits

KUOW Public Radio
As Washington ranks among top states for chronic absenteeism, educators strive to reverse trend

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office fires deputy over misconduct
Spokane Public Schools no longer automatically issuing laptops to middle schoolers

Web

Crosscut
All Seattle Public Library services restored after cyberattack
Upthegrove retains spot in Public Lands general election race

The Urbanist
Lynnwood City Center’s Growth Aspirations Hinge on Two Slow-Moving Megaprojects