New analysis ranks the most energy-efficient states. See why Washington came out on top
Energy is a top household expense, with the average family in America spending over $2,000 each year on utilities, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Gas ran the average consumer another $2,449 in 2023. However, the DOE estimates that energy-efficient measures can reduce utility costs up to 25%, and more fuel-efficient vehicles can save drivers nearly $900 per year. Washington state took the top spot for home and auto energy efficiency in the U.S., according to the analysis. Continue reading at the Bellingham Herald. (Steve Chenn)
Washington ban on over-the-counter sexual assault kits upheld by federal judge
Washington’s ban on the sale or advertising of over-the-counter sexual assault evidence kits was upheld by a federal judge on Monday. Proponents of Washington’s law, passed in 2023 as House Bill 1564, said over-the-counter kits aren’t sufficient compared to forensic sexual assault examinations by trained medical staff. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office called the kits “rarely, if ever, admissible in court.” In its lawsuit, Leda argued that the state’s 2023 ban targets sexual assault survivors and violates First Amendment rights related to free speech and advertising. But U.S. District Court Chief Judge David G. Estudillo disagreed, ruling that the statute is “an economic regulation of the sale of a particular product,” not a regulation of speech. Continue reading at the Washington State Standard. (Leda Health)
New audit reveals Washington’s cannabis tracking system is ‘yet to be fully realized’
Washington remains behind when it comes to tracking cannabis sales from production to smoke shop shelves, according to a new state audit. According to a press release from Adam Wilson, assistant director of communications for the Washington State Auditor’s Office, the active cannabis tracking system, developed more than a decade ago when voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana use in the state, doesn’t efficiently track how cannabis is produced, processed or sold. The system helps identify risks of illegal or unsafe practices within the cannabis business from farm to store. Continue reading at KIRO. (Julio Cortez)
Bellevue Reporter
Health insurance premiums to rise for WA small businesses
Bellingham Herald
New analysis ranks the most energy-efficient states. See why Washington came out on top
Capital Press
Federal workers kill two E. Oregon wolves blamed for killing 12 sheep
USDA won’t regulate gene-edited orange resistant to citrus greening disease
Everett Herald
Amid police staffing crisis, new state academy opens in Arlington
Kent Reporter
City of Kent receives $6 million in state grants for two parks
Kitsap Sun
Washington gas prices fell from last week: See how much here
Lynnwood Times
Lawmakers celebrate soft open of new law enforcement training academy (Lovick, Robinson)
News Tribune
Fixing Tacoma’s bad streets would cost billions. That’s right, billions — with a ‘B’
Opinion: The defense industry is vital to Washington’s economy. We should focus on growing it
New York Times
U.S. Study on Puberty Blockers Goes Unpublished Because of Politics, Doctor Says
Olympian
New analysis ranks the most energy-efficient states. See why Washington came out on top
Port Townsend Leader
Civil rights lawsuit against county prosecutor dismissed
Zoom hack derails Quilcene school board’s LGBTQ+ books decision
Puget Sound Business Journal
Apartment project for homeless families opens in Edmonds
Big penalties await businesses with hard-to-cancel subscriptions
Home sales flatline as housing market remains unaffordable for most
Kroger-Albertsons merger: Here’s the updated timeline for court cases
Seattle Times
October surprise: Seattle schools enrollment doesn’t fall as expected
Snoqualmie Valley Record
WA Board of Education wants to overhaul high school graduation requirements
Washington Post
Colleges enrolled fewer freshmen this year, the first decline since the pandemic
WA State Standard
Washington ban on over-the-counter sexual assault kits upheld by federal judge
Yakima Herald-Republic
Community Q&A: Alicia Stromme Tobin, Safe Yakima Valley executive director
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Attorney, fire commissioner accused of smuggling drugs into King County jail
Man sentenced to 40 years for attempted murder of Whatcom County deputies
Boeing reports $6 billion quarterly loss ahead of vote by union workers who have crippled production
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Lawsuit blames Seattle for lack of affordable housing
Boeing workers to vote on contract as company reports $6B quarterly loss
New audit reveals Washington’s cannabis tracking system is ‘yet to be fully realized’
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Affordable housing provider sues Seattle over laws meant to help tenants
Union workers to vote Wednesday on proposal as Boeing reports $6 billion quarterly loss
New law enforcement training academy opening in Arlington aims to improve recruitment (Lovick)
KNKX Public Radio
Boeing workers vote on a new contract, but the company’s problems are far from over
KUOW Public Radio
American Airlines fined $50 million for its treatment of passengers with disabilities
KXLY (ABC)
Months-long wildfire mitigation project begins in Dishman Hills
14-year-old arrested for making threats against Lind-Ritzville High School on Snapchat
Sandpoint High School senior petitions to bring free feminine hygiene products to school bathrooms
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Estimated price tag for new jail and behavioral health facility rises 16%
A planned covered sports court in East Whatcom will bridge recreation gap
Whatcom County Search & Rescue missions jump this year, already higher than 2023
MyNorthwest
Boeing reports $6 billion Q3 loss, second-worst quarter in company history