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Thursday, March 7
Washington lawmakers finalize spending plans for the year
Lawmakers are turning their attention in the final hours of the 2024 session to money. More specifically, exactly how they want to spend lots of additional dollars in the second half of the state’s two-year budgeting cycle. Agreements for the supplemental operating and transportation budgets are awaiting action before Sine Die on Thursday. Lawmakers approved the capital budget on Wednesday. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Bill Lucia)
Legislation aims to increase access to lifesaving allergy medication in schools
Schools may see increased access to lifesaving allergy medication thanks to a bill that would allow them to stock epinephrine vials and autoinjectors. Schools are currently only allowed to stock epinephrine autoinjectors, more commonly known as EpiPens, for when a student has a severe allergic reaction. However, this year’s legislation would allow schools to house vials of the drug, which school nurses or other trained people could administer via syringe. Continue reading at Spokesman Review. (Melissa Lukenbaugh)
Lawmakers, county agencies drive toward more electric buses
lawmakers passed HB1368, a measure aimed at moving school districts toward all-electric buses. The bill strengthens a current grant program, directing funds to go first to districts where students face disproportionate amounts of poor air quality and have old diesel buses. The Climate Commitment Act helps to fund the grant program for electric school buses, covering the difference between the costs of diesel and electric buses until electricity is less. Continue reading at King 5.
Aberdeen Daily World
Commissioners push ahead with homeless shelter funding
Final state capital budget showers Harbor, tribe in funding
Axios
Singles need 27 years to save for a Seattle starter home
What’s next for a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia River
Bainbridge Island Review
Police given more leeway to pursue suspects (Entenmann, Dhingra)
Capital Press
Washington ranch sues state over canceled grazing leases
Columbian
Vancouver group among those suing Washington over squirrel
Washington’s Insurance Commissioner urges companies to work with fire victims
Vancouver Farmers Market, Papa Murphy’s see impact after rollback in food stamps
Stepping stones to a home: Vancouver man finds affordable housing after living in his car
Everett Herald
Public memorial announced for state trooper killed on I-5
Editorial: Bills offer financial health for residents, state
Letter: Work of legislators, groups to protect animals appreciated (Peterson, Walen)
The Inlander
For more than a hundred years, bridges have united — and divided — Spokane
A refurbished bus brings opioid treatment to Deer Park, testing a model that could be used across the rural U.S.
International Examiner
Japanese Americans organize ‘Day of Remembrance, Week of Action’ to shut down Washington state’s ICE detention center, end deportation flights
News Tribune
Editorial: A famed provider says Tacoma’s camping ban is toxic. It’s returning money to prove it
Puget Sound Business Journal
A workforce crisis is brewing, but employees are getting the message
Seattle Times
Daylight saving begins soon. When will it ever end?
WA lawmaker questions validity of Seattle’s housing plan (Bateman)
Seattle police use of force nears all-time lows, but racial disparities still plague the numbers
Opinion: Don’t stigmatize users; address the real source of overburdened ERs
Spokesman Review
Spokane Valley to purchase land for affordable housing development
Spokane Public Schools bans Border Patrol agents from entering schools
Legislation aims to increase access to lifesaving allergy medication in schools (Bronoske)
PFAS well testing now underway. EPA is looking for another 150 homeowners to sign up
Washington lawmakers finalized the state’s 2024 supplemental capital budget. What’s in store for Spokane County?
Opinion: Welcoming immigrants is a win-win for Spokane
Washington Post
Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power
Earth posts warmest February and ninth straight record-setting month
WA State Standard
WA Legislature ramps up school construction spending (Mullet)
Washington lawmakers finalize spending plans for the year (Robinson, Fey)
Wenatchee World
Douglas County PUD residential customers could see $3 monthly rate increase in 2026
Cost of policing going up for Douglas County towns as commissioners consider new contracts
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Lawmakers, county agencies drive toward more electric buses (Senn)
WA lawmakers pass new law to combat catalytic converter thefts
Bill that raises minimum age to marry in Washington lands on governor’s desk (Stonier, Trudeau)
Mountlake Terrace Police Department distributing Narcan to community members
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Lawmakers pass legislation expanding places where you can’t carry a gun
KUOW Public Radio
Tukwila is swelling with asylum-seekers. What can be done?
Will Seattle’s new growth plan produce enough housing for newcomers?
Corner stores are the cornerstone of Seattle’s quest to become a 15-minute city
NTSB says Boeing is withholding key details about door plug on Alaska 737 Max 9 jet
KXLY (ABC)
Spokane community requests state of emergency for fentanyl overdoses
FOX13 TV
State lawmakers pass bill phasing out natural gas (Doglio, Orwall)
Web
Crosscut
A heap of housing bills failed in WA’s legislative session (Reed, Morgan, Alvarado, Peterson)
Wednesday, March 6
Dual language education is one step closer to becoming a WA law
Educators say that to sustain and expand dual language and tribal education, increased funding is needed. House Bill 1228, sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. It would create permanent funding to make these programs available to every school district by 2040. The Legislature plans to annually fund at least 10 new dual language education programs, with the average grant award of $40,000. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Aidé Villalobos)
WA lawmakers vote to prohibit firearms in more public areas
Washington lawmakers are expanding the list of places in the state where weapons, including firearms, will be prohibited under a new bill passed by the Legislature Monday. Senate Bill 5444, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, will prohibit individuals from possessing weapons at zoos, aquariums, libraries and transit stations in Washington. The prohibitions in the bill do not apply to those with a concealed pistol license. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Tri-City Herald)
Local students, staff have better access to naloxone under new law
Last month, lawmakers in both the state House and Senate voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 5804, requiring all public schools to stock naloxone, also known as Narcan. Another bill, House Bill 2112, would provide free Narcan to high school and college students to take home. The House bill was proposed as part of the state’s operating budget. The Senate Ways and Means Committee is set to decide on the budget this week. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Olivia Vanni)
Aberdeen Daily World
Former Gateway Center property listed for surplus sale, then removed
Axios
How wildfires impact mental health
Bellingham Herald
WA Legislature passes 3 controversial initiatives as clock counts down for 2024 session (Robinson, Pederson, Kuderer)
Columbian
Interstate 5 Bridge program releases second set of renderings for replacement span
Meals on Wheels gets 2 grants for $1.7M for meals tailored to those just released from hospital
EPA proposes adding Columbia River from Grand Coulee Dam to Canada border to superfund list
Major Columbia River property owner frustrated that I-5 Bridge project has yet to get Coast Guard approval
Everett Herald
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs: ‘I wanted to serve my country’
Local students, staff have better access to naloxone under new law (Kuderer)
‘¡Una erupción!’: Dual language programs expanding to 10 local schools (Ortiz-Self)
Kent Reporter
State Sen. Keiser announces retirement after 29 years in Legislature (Keiser, Billig)
News Tribune
WA lawmakers vote to prohibit firearms in more public areas (Valdez)
This city just committed $1 million to controversial Spanaway homeless village project
What’s up with Tacoma apartment building? Rents on rise as city mulls new housing options
Peninsula Daily News
Closures for fish passages shortened
Puget Sound Business Journal
The Washington capital gains tax is here to stay, for now
Seattle Times
Bill that would up oversight of WA hospital consolidations dies (Simmons)
Dual language education is one step closer to becoming a WA law (Ortiz-Self)
WA to train public defenders, prosecutors for rural, underserved areas (Dhingra)
WA won’t legalize cafes in residential neighborhoods, lawmakers decide
After march on King County Courthouse, help arrives for asylum-seekers
WA’s lackluster snowpack draws concerns, especially on the Olympic Peninsula
Opinion: Fencing will make our freeway overpasses safer
Editorial: Close gap between promise and reality of dual-credit courses
Spokesman Review
EPA proposes adding Upper Columbia River to superfund list
Keep on trucking: Spokane confronts issues in replacing its fire and police vehicles
Not just ‘a big city issue’: Stevens County raises community awareness of opioid overdoses
Tri-City Herald
WA lawmakers vote to prohibit firearms in more public areas (Valdez)
Worse than COVID shutdown. Pasco businesses in dire straits over overpass closure project
Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Planned Parenthood installs 24/7 morning-after pill vending machine
Washington Post
Businesses escalate fight against Biden rule on gig worker pay
Federal judge orders minority-business agency opened to all races
Why hospitals in many states with legal abortion may refuse to perform them
WA State Standard
House, Senate at odds on rules to govern collective bargaining with their staff (Stanford, Riccelli)
Child sex trafficking survivor says update of WA laws will help prevent stories like hers (Dhingra)
EPA looks to unlock Superfund dollars for Columbia River site in northeast Washington
Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley junior water rights holders looking at reduced supply for coming year
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Duwamish tribe wants input on City of Seattle projects
Puget Sound Energy works to make power outages ‘invisible’ to customers
Some law enforcement agencies say they won’t change pursuit policies after new initiative goes into effect
Hundreds of Longview residents are unable to get opioid medication for chronic pain from local pharmacies
Former WSDOT economist sues agency and governor’s office, claims he was pressured to lie about gas prices
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Bill to create AI task force passes Washington state legislature
Seattle Mayor announces “One Seattle” comprehensive housing plan affecting all neighborhoods
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
K-12 parental ‘bill of rights’ set to become law in Washington State (Marci)
KNKX Public Radio
Washington police pursuit rules to change after Legislature adopts 3 voter initiatives (Trudeau)
KUOW Public Radio
Here’s why WA Democrats passed 3 Republican-backed voter initiatives (Goodman, Pedersen, Jinkins)
King County leaders say they have new plans to fight the opioid crisis. But when?
Washington’s legislative maps were challenged by someone who helped draw them
Facing another hotel eviction, Seattle area asylum-seekers lean on religious groups to foot the bill
KXLY (ABC)
New law aims to ease police chase restrictions in Washington
EPA proposes adding Upper Columbia River to National Priorities List for cleanup
FOX13 TV
Washington’s ‘Stripper Bill of Rights’: Proposed bill aims to protect sex workers
Web
B-Town Blog
Sen. Karen Keiser announces that she will retire from WA State Legislature (Keiser, Billig)
Cascadia Daily News
A maxed-out power grid: What it takes to keep the lights on in Whatcom County
New Skagit hearing examiner to review controversial decision on gravel mine project
Crosscut
Seattle shares plan for more housing density in every neighborhood
Tuesday, March 5
As an opioids scourge devastates tribes, lawmakers work to provide relief
A bill that would bring millions of dollars to tribes in Washington state to address the opioid crisis received unanimous support in the House on Friday, opening the door for state funding to address a scourge that some say is claiming a generation. “This bill invests in Indian country. It invests in the Native Americans of Washington state. It invests in the preservation of generations of Native Americans whose land we stand on today,” Democratic Rep. Debra Lekanoff, who is Tlingit and Aleut, said during the vote. Continue reading at ICT News. (Lindsey Wasson)
Bill requiring WA schools to carry overdose reversal medication heads to Inslee
Washington House and Senate lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill requiring all public, charter and certain tribal schools in the state to carry naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication also known by the brand name Narcan. Senate Bill 5804, sponsored by Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, will move to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law, Kuderer’s office said. “We all wish we weren’t here as a nation, but we are,” Kuderer said. “This bill is about saving lives.” Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Drew Angerer)
Rules on firearms storage, open-carry, buybacks, and gun dealers advance in Washington Legislature
As the Washington Legislature heads into its final week, four bills that address firearms storage, open-carry, buybacks and gun dealers have passed both chambers and appear headed to the governor’s desk. HB 1903 establishes a civil infraction and fine of up to $1,000 for gun owners who fail to report a lost or stolen firearm within 24 hours. The owner could be fined if a “prohibited person” subsequently gains access to the firearm. Continue reading at KUOW. (Everett Police Department)
Axios
Seattle among first to get double-decker wireless electric buses
Bellingham Herald
Thousands of schools at risk of closing due to enrollment loss: An exclusive report
This WA agency handled dozens of complaints in ’23. Here’s what angered consumers
Capital Press
Federal water managers to increase spill over dams
Reclamation bureau projects 72% water supply in Yakima River basin
Columbian
Housed, but hanging on by thread: Vancouver family struggles as they watch neighbors end up homeless
PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center sued by former worker, accused of wage and hours violations
Everett Herald
To combat overdoses, Mountlake Terrace police expand naloxone access
Editorial: Schools need to adopt policies on use of AI tools
Indian Country Today
As an opioids scourge devastates tribes, lawmakers work to provide relief (Lekanoff)
Islands’ Weekly
State Government: No ‘implementation’ funds this year for privately-run water taxi service in San Juans (Ramel)
News Tribune
Locked-up sex predators sued WA over dirty water. State’s agreed to settle for millions
WA Legislature passes 3 controversial initiatives as clock counts down for 2024 session (Robinson, Pedersen, Kuderer)
Puget Sound Business Journal
FAA finds production line issues at Boeing and key supplier
Bankruptcy filings are on the rise, but a larger surge is looming
Seattle Medium
Washington State Legislature Passes Bill To Expand Benefits For Veterans (Lovick)
Seattle Times
King County announces 5 new priorities in addressing fentanyl crisis
Mayor Harrell proposes housing density in every Seattle neighborhood
As free COVID test program ends, here’s how to get no-cost tests in WA
WA Legislature passes 3 initiatives covering taxes, schools and police chases (Street, Macri, Kuderer)
Spokesman Review
SPS investigates racist slavery-themed item in Wilson Elementary newsletter
Initiative enhancing parental rights over school-aged children approved by Washington legislature (Wellman, Wilson)
Washingtonians do not – and will not – have to pay personal income tax with initiative passed by the Legislature (Robinson, Ormsby, Street)
Washington Legislature loosens restrictions on police pursuits as Legislature backs initiative walking back chase reforms (Billig, Ormsby)
Opinion: New parental rights legislation poses a threat to youth health
Tri-City Herald
Bill to avert U.S. government shutdown includes record $3B Hanford nuclear site spending
Washington Post
Want to electrify your home? It might need this upgrade first.
U.S. caps most credit card late fees at $8 in new Biden crackdown
‘On stolen land’: Tribes fight clean-energy projects backed by Biden
WA State Standard
Washington Legislature approves three citizen initiatives (Robinson, Street, Wellman, Macri, Kuderer, Farivar)
WA Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig not running for reelection (Billig)
Bill requiring WA schools to carry overdose reversal medication heads to Inslee (Kuderer, Leavitt)
Wenatchee World
Columbia Elementary supporters rally at Washington Park
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
King County reveals plans to combat fentanyl overdoses
Burien City Council approves amendment to make public camping ban stricter
Seattle family real estate business shares hope amid decades-old racist housing practices
Driver who hit and killed WSP trooper on I-5 admitted to weed, alcohol use before deadly crash, court documents say
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Sound Transit beefing up security after numerous violent occurrences
Washington lawmakers pass initiative to roll back limits on police pursuits (Farivar)
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County announces new fentanyl overdose prevention actions
FAA says Boeing fails to meet quality-control standards in manufacturing
Seattle city attorney’s office seeks removal of judge from future cases, alleging bias
KUOW Public Radio
State steps in as Tukwila School District faces fiscal crisis
FAA audit faults Boeing for ‘multiple instances’ of quality control shortcomings
Washington police pursuit rules to change after Legislature adopts 3 voter initiatives (Trudeau)
Measure would clear the way for Washington high schoolers to get an even earlier jump on college
Rules on firearms storage, open-carry, buybacks, and gun dealers advance in Washington Legislature
KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council considers declaring a public health emergency due to growing drug crisis
NW Public Radio
New hearing is scheduled for WA redistricting map case
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Lynden High School sees double-digit jump in freshmen passing classes
Opinion: Secrecy spreads as Washington’s landmark transparency law is shredded
Crosscut
How the Israel/Hamas war influenced a WA genocide education bill (Wellman, Alvarado)
West Seattle Blog
State Legislature passes initiative allowing more police chases; West Seattle legislators all vote no (Nguyen, Alvarado, Fitzgibbon)
Monday, March 4
WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass
After the Washington Legislature passed a ban on the sale of many semiautomatic rifles in 2023, Everytown for Gun Safety ranked Washington among the top 10 states with the strongest regulations. But gun safety and responsibility advocates weren’t done with their work in Olympia, and have proposed a group of new regulations during the 2024 session, with a few proposals likely headed toward the governor’s desk – including one that would require people to report the theft of a firearm within 24 hours. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Amanda Snyder)
Fentanyl crisis in WA needs a turning point, so what is being done?
Washington came to understand the scope and severity of the state’s fentanyl crisis in 2023 more than any other year. State lawmakers made fentanyl one of the pressing issues in the short legislative session. A new Seattle City Council has also named the drug crisis a top priority, inspiring a renewed focus on law and order. Here are five things to look for in 2024, according to experts from state and local policy, health, education and law enforcement. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)
Washington lawmakers move to rein in unscrupulous rooftop solar companies
Out-of-state sales lead generators and marketing companies are responsible for many of the dubious solar energy ads you encounter online. Deceptive and high-pressure in-person tactics are also generating complaints to state government, notably when salespeople overpromise on incentives and electricity bill savings. And, in some cases, homeowners have reported flawed installs that left their homes damaged and their new solar panels not working correctly. In Olympia this winter, state lawmakers took a stab at addressing these issues by strengthening consumer protections for solar installations.
Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Getty Images)
Aberdeen Daily World
Some hospital patients may be affected by cyberattack
Bellingham Herald
A WA bill to cap rent increases just failed in the Senate. Here’s what your city can do (Shewmake)
Capital Press
Washington lawmakers take step to join California on cap-and-trade (Doglio)
Columbian
Fees, deposits barriers for renters in Clark County
Everett Herald
No grades, no teachers: Inside a Bothell school run by student vote
Following lawsuit, Providence commits to improved care for Deaf patients
Comment: What’s next for the supermarket supermerger?
Comment: Eco-nomics: Preparing for, limiting climate crisis demands a plan
Editorial: Lawmakers miss good shot for fewer traffic deaths (Lovick, Liias, Stanford)
The Inlander
This summer, Washington says good riddance to foam food containers and coolers
People in Eastern Washington throw away too much food — state policy and Spokane educators are trying to change that
A Washington initiative will let voters decide whether to repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which has brought in $1.8 billion so far
News Tribune
Washington’s first state park in nearly 40 years is closer to completion
Washington State Patrol trooper who was a Pasco native struck and killed on I-5
Puyallup School District to cut budget due to $14 million deficit. Here’s what to expect
Three new homeless shelters could open in Pierce County this year. Here’s what we know
Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing confirms it is in talks to buy Wichita’s Spirit AeroSystems
Seattle Times
Three key updates on King County’s crisis care centers
Peggy Maxie, first Black woman elected to WA state House, dies (Santos, Street)
Seattle officer who struck, killed pedestrian issued traffic infraction
Fentanyl crisis in WA needs a turning point, so what is being done? (Wellman)
WA lawmakers pass bill to create hotline for hate crimes and bias incidents (Valdez, Taylor, Santos)
Jaywalking debate pits safety concerns against unnecessary stops of homeless people (Saldana)
Fentanyl, unions and Chinese American history — what records are lawmakers hiding? (Jinkins)
As an opioids scourge devastates tribes in Washington, lawmakers advance a bill to provide relief (Lekanoff)
Editorial: Sound Transit must make public safety a top priority
Opinion: Overhaul WA laws so oil companies pay for spills
Opinion: School meals are about to get more healthful; now, let’s make them free
Sol De Yakima
Legislatura aprueba iniciativa de ley para ayudar a solicitantes de asilo en Washington (Gregerson)
South Whidbey Record
Coupeville ferry run is among state’s most challenging
Spokesman Review
Washington state likely to give public school districts more money for special education
The majority of marijuana waste in Washington ends up in the landfill. New legislation aims to redirect it (Kloba)
As the infertility treatment comes under threat nationally, here’s how local politicians have weighed in on IVF
Opinion: Undoing the injustice of juvenile fines and fees (Frame)
Tri-City Herald
WSU Tri-Cities Black Student Union honors college’s first Black president
World’s 1st carbon-free fertilizer plant seeks $20M property tax break from Richland
Washington Post
CDC officially drops five-day covid isolation guidelines
Health-care hack spreads pain across hospitals and doctors nationwide
WA State Standard
Washington lawmakers move to rein in unscrupulous rooftop solar companies (Reeves, Stanford)
Washington Legislature approves tax break for affordable housing built on state land (Kuderer)
Parents caring for disabled children left waiting for pay, as bill fails in WA Legislature (Taylor)
Wenatchee World
State legislature passes ‘Walking Start to Running Start’ bill
Yakima Herald-Republic
WA state wants school districts to keep better track of truant students
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘We will never forget’: WSP identifies trooper struck, killed on I-5
Memorial for Washington State Patrol trooper killed in line of duty growing
Former King County sheriff discusses line-of-duty deaths in law enforcement
Community holds solidarity walk for Jaahnavi Kandula after officer issued traffic citation
Two men accused of home invasions targeted Asian families, now charged with hate crime
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington to enhance survivor benefits for families of rideshare drivers (Berry)
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
US housing market value climbs $2.4 trillion, limits options for homebuyers
Tukwila officials, volunteers urge state and feds to address migrant situation
Washington House, Senate pass police pursuit initiative out of committee (Dhingra, Salomon Trudeau, Kuderer, Valdez, Pedersen)
‘It’s not enough to just be nice’: WSU study highlights importance of teachers’ mindset
KNKX Public Radio
WA police pursuit, parent rights, income tax initiatives poised for final vote in Olympia (Simmons, Farivar)
KUOW Public Radio
How will Seattle grow? Next week, we get a hint
Week in Review: protesters, rent, and strip clubs
Strippers’ rights win, tenants’ rights lose: The fate of key bills in Washington state (Dhingra)
Police pursuit, parent rights, income tax initiatives poised for final vote in Olympia (Dhingra, Farivar, Simmons)
KXLY (ABC)
Federal bill could allow marijuana shops access to financial services
UW dental students participate in training to help underserved communities
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Residents near deal to buy mobile home park in Bellingham
Raising salmon helps Puget Sound population — and students learn to run a hatchery
Crosscut
WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass (Billig, Fitzgibbon, Berry, Walen, Hansen, Dhingra, Valdez)
WA’s carbon pricing system may fund $200M for new electric ferries (Liias)
Friday, March 1
Help for WA asylum-seekers is focus of bill passed by Legislature
A bill designed to free up state help for a growing number of asylum-seekers coming to Washington is headed to the governor’s desk to become law. Sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac, the bill passed the House with a vote of 61-35 on Feb. 13 and the Senate with a vote of 29-20 Wednesday. It now needs Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)
WA lawmakers approve out-of-state option for long-term care benefit
Workers may soon be able to bring their state long-term care benefit with them if they move out of Washington. A bill to allow eligible retirees to access the $36,500 lifetime benefit, even if they move away from Washington, passed the state Senate 27-21 on Wednesday. Under the bill, others who move out of state would also be able to participate in the program if they continue paying into it. The bill now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Getty Images)
Most WA youth exiting mental health treatment face homelessness
A 2023 report from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services found that within 12 months after exiting inpatient behavioral health treatment, 78% of young adults aged 18-24 become homeless. House Bill 1929 would allocate tax dollars to the Health Care Authority (HCA) to support existing nonprofit or tribal community organizations in establishing at least two residential programs on both sides of the state, offering 90 days of housing for young people aged 18-24 who have recently completed an inpatient behavioral health program and do not have long-term housing. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Matt M. McKnight)
Aberdeen Daily World
Cosi discusses solutions as budget woes cause layoff of half of police department
Axios
Washington residents lost $250 million to scammers last year
Columbian
Help for WA asylum-seekers is focus of bill passed by Legislature (Gregerson)
Peggy Maxie, first Black woman elected to WA state House, dies (Santos, Street)
Northwest to get federal prosecutor dedicated to missing and slain Indigenous people
GOP-backed citizen initiatives still in flux; state lawmakers have held hearings on 3 of 6 measures
40-year-old corrections officer at Medical Lake juvenile detention facility charged with raping 15-year-old female inmate
Everett Herald
Washington’s 5th police academy could be in Snohomish County
Everett transgender mechanic alleges Boeing treated her ‘like a zoo animal’
High Country News
The dangers of PFAS — and of downplaying their ubiquity
News Tribune
Tacoma gets $1.3 million to plant more trees in effort to protect kids, cool the city
Olympian
Only some WA state lawmakers say they will commit to transparency. Is your lawmaker one of them?
Seattle Times
Help for WA asylum-seekers is focus of bill passed by Legislature (Gregerson)
FAA raises new anti-ice system concerns on Boeing 737 MAX, 787 jets
Where your WA legislator stands on push for ‘privilege’ exemption on public records (Jinkins, Billig, Pollet, Fitzgibbon, Frame, Hackney, Entenman, Mullet)
Editorial: Don’t let another legislative session pass without a catalytic converter bill
Editorial: Pass initiative to modify police-pursuit law
Opinion: Climate Commitment Act fund request is turning point for Quinault
Skagit Valley Herald
County collecting information about impacts of January weather
Spokesman Review
Washington universities extend decision deadlines due to problematic new FAFSA rollout
Bill to require Washington courts to try minors based on their age at the time of the crime awaits Inslee’s signature (Cortes)
Washington Post
U.S. prescription drug market in disarray as ransomware gang attacks
Winter is warming almost everywhere. See how it has changed in your town.
WA State Standard
WA lawmakers approve out-of-state option for long-term care benefit (Macri, Conway, Keiser)
Washington Senate balks at moving some local elections to even-numbered years
Wenatchee World
Chelan County Commissioners and department heads to host community meetings next week
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Toll rate increases for I-405, SR 167 go into effect March 1
‘Lucas Petty Act’ would add opioid, fentanyl awareness to health education courses
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing faces new lawsuit from former employee alleging it failed to provide a safe work environment
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Lawmakers propose bill to allow cannabis shops to go cashless, use bank accounts
Efforts to help homeless people on Washington state properties see steady success
KUOW Public Radio
Parental rights ballot gets support, little pushback in Washington state legislative hearing (Wellman)
Bill to create independent prosecutor for police deadly force cases fails in Washington state (Stonier)
NW Public Radio
WA lawmakers prepare to act on voter initiatives targeting police pursuits, parental rights (Wellman)
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Birch Bay group eyes incorporation
Jury scam callers target Whatcom County residents, pose as law enforcement
Port: ABC Recycling has 30 days to meet environmental requirements — or leave
Crosscut
Most WA youth exiting mental health treatment face homelessness (Cortes)
The Stranger
Washington Wants More Deadly Police Chases, and Lawmakers Say OK! (Salomon, Goodman)