Why there’s an ‘outrageous’ lack of drug detox beds for WA youths
Physically withdrawing from drugs is a critical and potentially dangerous moment in addiction recovery. But across Washington, only two detox beds are reserved for youths, The Seattle Times has found. The Washington State Department of Health licenses detox beds for youths, but doesn’t monitor how many are staffed and open; The Times reached every substance use facility and psychiatric hospital licensed to detox youths to determine which beds are operational and dedicated to adolescents and teenagers. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Victoria Chittenden)
State fines insurance companies for violations of state laws
Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued a total of $576,500 in fines to insurance companies, agents, brokers, and unlicensed entities for violating state insurance laws and regulations in October and November 2024. Among the largest fines were $100,000 levied against PacificSource Health Plans for improperly processing claims, $130,000 against Delta Dental and its healthcare benefits manager, Wyssta, for improper claim denials, and $100,000 against Lemonade Insurance Company for using an incorrect base loss cost in property policies. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)
New law guarantees college tuition for WA families receiving SNAP food benefits
Students from low-income families will soon have their college tuition guaranteed as early as their sophomore year in high school. Completing the FAFSA is one of the most accurate predictors of whether a high school senior will go to college, according to the National College Attainment Network. However, for many, that may not result in enough aid for students to pursue higher education. One Washington organization passed a law that will take the guesswork out of this transition. Continue reading at KXLY. (KXLY)
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Auburn Reporter
Proposals seek new rules for transgender athletes in WA schools
Axios
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WSU unveils its newest apple, Sunflare
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Trump appears to side with union in port contract dispute
Bellingham Herald
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Ferguson names Tim Reynon new director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs
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Capital Press
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Amazon-backed housing project opens in Bellevue
Seattle’s World Cup organizers plan to blaze a new path
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Seattle Times
WA back on top of national ranking of best bike states
Upper Columbia River in Northeast WA listed as a Superfund site
2 more WA youth detention center staffers accused of misconduct
Why there’s an ‘outrageous’ lack of drug detox beds for WA youths
This land handout will bring apartments to Lynnwood light rail station
Nearly $2M awarded to 12 WA police agencies from gun store settlement
Skagit Valley Herald
Antisemitic comments disrupt Sedro-Woolley City Council meeting
Spokesman Review
The city of Colville is planning to shut down its homeless camp
‘I think it would have saved him’: Parents of 2019 WSU hazing victim help push anti-hazing bill to Biden’s desk
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Washington Post
Skyrocketing car-insurance premiums are pushing inflation higher
WA State Standard
Democrats flip southwest Washington state Senate seat following recount (Cortes)
Tension mounts over state plan to transfer 192 acres in Spokane to private developer
Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council looks at an adopt-a-block program and approves budget committee
Canton Landfill’s boundary, brush piles and recycling debated in hearing about permit
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Two more Green Hill workers arrested for sexual misconduct
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New proposal could have EV drivers in Washington volunteer to pay per mile (Fey)
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
State fines insurance companies for violations of state laws
Biden pardons 3 Washington residents in biggest single-day act of clemency
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
WIAA to consider new rules for transgender athletes next year
Washington state considers forming separate sports division for transgender students
King County grapples with telecom wire thefts, urging public violence amid rising outages
KNKX Public Radio
On-duty medic and fire units often staff Seattle sporting events and concerts, leaving coverage gaps
KXLY (ABC)
Bill tackling child abuse in residential treatment facilities passes the Senate
President Biden pardons Colville woman, wiping clean 20-year felony record
New law guarantees college tuition for WA families receiving SNAP food benefits
Carbon Auction Prices surge following defeat of Climate Commitment Act repeal
Web
Crosscut
Dueling lawsuits fuel debate over WA natural gas initiative
Gun violence is declining, but King County still has work to do
Two Democrats appointed to fill Washington state Senate vacancies (Krishnadasan, Orwall, Obras)
MyNorthwest
Scammers continue to target small Washington businesses
King County expert urges parents to talk to children amid teacher abuse allegations