WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, September 12

Annaberies Colmena, a patient navigator, sits behind an open enrollment flyer at Sea Mar in 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

WA health insurance rates to jump over 10% for 2025
Washingtonians who get their health care coverage on the state’s market will see higher rates next year, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner announced Wednesday. Each year, the commissioner’s office approves changes to insurance rates. The 11 insurers selling plans in the upcoming health benefit exchange, or the state’s online health insurance market, asked for an 11.3% average increase, according to the commissioner’s office. The office agreed to a 10.7% average. Continue reading at The Herald. (Olivia Vanni)


Photo of a graduation cap and tassel with “2024” charm

College credit program for WA high schoolers sees enrollment jump now that it’s free
About 10,000 more students enrolled in Washington’s College in the High School program in the first school year that the dual credit courses were free for all students. That’s according to data from the Washington State Education Research and Data Center as well as the Council of Presidents, an association representing Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (sdominick)


Display of various brands of cigarette packs

Washington lawmakers to introduce ban on flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes
A statewide campaign called “Flavors Hook Kids Washington” aims to ban all flavored tobacco products. The effort comes from lawmakers, health experts and anti-tobacco groups working to undo decades of marketing campaigns that targeted the Black community. The statewide flavored tobacco ban bill is expected to be introduced in January 2025 in Washington’s next legislative session. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)


Print

Associated Press
More women had their tubes tied after Roe v. Wade was overturned

Axios
Seattle-area rents are rising again

Bellingham Herald
Sewage spill leads to closure of beach at Bellingham’s Bloedel Donovan Park
Mt. Baker Highway named among ‘sketchiest’ mountain roads in the U.S. in new ranking

Capital Press
FIRST FOOD: What the fish mean for Tribes
THE COUNT: Agencies track wild, hatchery fish in Columbia, Snake rivers
Opinion: Kill this birdbrained scheme

Columbian
I-5 Bridge replacement environmental impact statement to be published Sept. 20
Camas residents concerned about safety of city’s water supply; some eye area’s microchip makers
‘Naloxone saves lives’: Everyone should learn to give the overdose-reversing drug, says Clark County Public Health

Everett Herald
WA health insurance rates to jump over 10% for 2025
In Edmonds, tiles represent the thousands lost on 9/11
Lockdown lifted at Lynnwood High after student arrested

The Inlander
Spokane could prevent evictions if landlords don’t register rental units.
Nature-focused programs at Airway Heights Corrections Center improve prisoner health while providing food for the community

News Tribune
CDC director visits Tacoma with back-to-school reminder: Time to vaccinate your kids
After more than two years and $9.5 million, new Pierce County library opens this week
He alleged sexual abuse at defunct Tacoma boys group home. WA settles case for $150K

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle council weighs controversial drug, prostitution bills
Comment: For the future workforce, fund the student before the system

Seattle Times
Vote by Boeing machinists likely to trigger an immediate strike
Premiums for WA health insurance will go up in 2025. Here’s how much
Pac-12 expansion: Four Mountain West schools officially added for 2026

Spokesman Review
Washington approved insurance rate increase
Which school in Spokane should get a new health clinic? The school board isn’t sure
Shadle Park, North Central open new in-school health clinics to expand healthcare access

Tri-City Herald
Washington is a top-ranked state for teen drivers. Here’s where the state ranks and why

WA State Standard
College credit program for WA high schoolers sees enrollment jump now that it’s free

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle traffic ranks third-worst in US, per ConsumerAffairs report
Some Boeing machinists preparing for strike over proposed labor contract as soon as Friday
Tribal leaders, law enforcement gather for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women summit
Washington lawmakers to introduce ban on flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes (Reeces)
An estimated 25,000-50,000 gallons of raw sewage released into Lake Whatcom, closing beach access at Bloedel Donovan park

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing workers march, many planning to strike
Kitsap Transit sets sail with new ferry thanks to $13.5 million grant
Which schools might close? Seattle Public Schools shares two options
Photo showing kids sitting in the aisle on Lake Stevens bus draws concerns
Pilot on Alaska Airlines flight with door plug blowout speaks about incident

KNKX Public Radio
Micro-hydroelectric power may be the next big climate solution

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle names 21 public schools to possibly close

KXLY (ABC)
Ongoing construction takes a toll on Spokane businesses
Law enforcement officer accused of sexually assaulting woman in custody
East Valley High School’s manufacturing class teaches students professional skills
Three WSU fraternities investigated for conduct violations at start of Fall semester
Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act passes House of Representatives

Web

Crosscut
Highline Public Schools to reopen Thursday after cyberattack 

MyNorthwest
WSP reports yet another drive-by shooting on I-5