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Monday, January 13

WA bill would offer unemployment benefits to immigrants not authorized to work in U.S.
State lawmakers have limited power over federal immigration enforcement. But in Washington’s upcoming legislative session, legislators will be looking at a bill to strengthen the safety net for immigrants working in the state without legal authorization. Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle, is re-introducing a bill this session to help these workers access unemployment insurance. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Legislative Support Services)

Washington Legislature to again consider free school lunches for all students, could this be the year?
Governor-elect Bob Ferguson intends to trim $4.4 billion from the state budget, but listed universal free lunches for Washington schoolchildren in his budget priorities announced Thursday. He spent part of his day Friday visiting Whitman Elementary in Spokane emphasizing his commitment to free lunches. The push for universal free lunches in Washington started after the federal government instituted the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading at Spokesman-Review. (Tyler Tjomsland)

Rent increases in WA could get capped at 7% under latest push by Democratic lawmakers
Housing affordability is a big concern among Washingtonians who feel crushed under the weight of inflation and skyrocketing rents. It’s why Democratic lawmakers this session are again trying to limit annual rent hikes to no more than 7%. State Sen. Yasmin Trudeau of Tacoma and state Rep. Emily Alvarado of Seattle are sponsoring legislation that would do just that. A similar push failed last session, but the lawmakers hope that 2025 will be their year. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Cameron Sheppard)

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Axios
5 bills we’re watching in Washington’s Legislature this year
Budget battle to dominate new Washington legislative session (Jinkins, Pedersen)

Bellingham Herald
Cantwell, Murray say they’ll push for amendments to improve policies of Laken Riley Act
CA fires brought reports of insurers canceling home, fire coverage. Can that happen in WA?
Bellingham City Council poised to waive parking-space minimums for new housing projects
Rent increases in WA could get capped at 7% under latest push by Democratic lawmakers (Trudeau, Alvarado, Jinkins, Pedersen)

Capital Press
Inslee OKs solar project opposed by county
Lawsuit: Flood insurance rules subvert Oregon farmland protections
Cap-and-trade’s triumph emboldens Washington Democrats (Pedersen)

Everett Herald
Critics question proposed amendments to habitat ordinance
SMART investigators examine police use of force at Marysville Costco.
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence
Comment: King’s call to fulfill dream still ours to heed
Comment: Disaster relief no place for political football
Comment: Investors will sit at end of line for Boeing’s rebound
Comment: The struggle over the Department of Everything Else
Editorial: State, local leaders chew on budget, policy needs (Berg, Kloba)

Federal Way Mirror
Washington lawmakers begin push to ban flavored vapes (Reeves, Nobles)

Journal of the San Juan Islands
New report: Washington met 2020 greenhouse gas emissions limit

Kent Reporter
Kent city leaders to pursue state streamlined sales tax mitigation funds

News Tribune
5 key debates shaping homelessness funding in Pierce County
Popular pre-K class with a waitlist gets Pierce Co. kids outside. Its funding is at risk
Why 3 Pierce County drug-treatment facilities will be on probation for at least a decade
New executive ousts Pierce County’s director of homeless services. Interim chief named
Young people are key part of strategy to tackle homelessness in 2025, Pierce County says
Rent increases in WA could get capped at 7% under latest push by Democratic lawmakers (Trudeau, Alvarado, Jinkins, Pedersen)

New York Times
OpenAI Courts Trump With Vision for ‘A.I. in America’
How Lagging Vaccination Could Lead to a Polio Resurgence
Biden Administration Adopts Rules to Guide A.I.’s Global Spread
What if ICE Agents Show Up? Schools Prepare Teachers and Parents.
How Unauthorized Immigrants Help Finance Social Security Benefits
Dementia Cases in the U.S. Will Surge in the Coming Decades, Researchers Say
Group of Experts Says R.F.K. Jr. Would ‘Significantly Undermine’ Public Health

Olympian
What are local leaders doing to address housing affordability? Public invited to solutions forum (Bateman)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon joins other companies in cutting back diversity programs

Seattle Medium
Seattle In 2025: A Glimpse Into The City’s Future
Washington’s New Law Addresses Negligent Driving Incidents Involving Vulnerable Road Users

Seattle Times
WA parents launch a ‘Billion Dollar Bake Sale’ for K-12 funding
WA is a hotbed for carbon capture research. What is it anyway?
Jay Inslee’s wins and setbacks during his 12 years as WA governor
WA’s new police accountability office is up and running — partially
WA lawmakers to consider rent hike caps, housing density (Macri, Bateman, Walen)
WA Legislature considers climate, environmental bills this session (Fitzgibbon, Doglio, Berry, Mena)
Editorial: WA’s troubled local jails need independent oversight (Saldaña)
Opinion: Setting the record straight on WA clean truck rules

Spokesman Review
Extension of protected status could help thousands of Ukrainian refugees stay in Spokane
After Biden banned Russian uranium, Richland hopes to land $3B nuclear fuel plant with 1,000 jobs
Washington Legislature to again consider free school lunches for all students, could this be the year? (Riccelli)
No amount of drinking is without risk of cancer, surgeon general finds. What does that mean for Spokane?
Washington lawmakers focus on money woes as they consider cuts – and maybe taxes – to balance budget (Ormsby, Riccelli)
Cantwell and Murray say they’ll push for amendments as Senate gears up to debate deportation policy in Laken Riley Act
Opinion: How to keep up with the Legislature as it faces changes, red ink and drama

Tri-City Herald
Hanford nuclear site contractor dinged $10.2M for claims of some ‘excessively’ idle workers
Will Washington state finally make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2025? What we know
Lawmakers focus on money woes as they consider cuts — and taxes — to balance WA budget (Ormsby, Riccelli)

Washington Post
China’s exports jump to record high in rush to beat Trump tariffs
Wall Street firms are ditching climate coalitions. Do they matter?
Billed as nonaddictive, new pain pill could soon win FDA approval

WA State Standard
Six lawmakers to watch in Washington’s 2025 session (Pedersen, Frame, Alvarado)
2025 Washington state legislative session begins today
Minimum wages are increasing in nearly half the states this year
Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases (Alvarado, Trudeau, Pedersen)
Everything you need to know about Washington’s 2025 legislative session
Democratic legislative staff in Washington approve first-ever labor contract
WA bill would offer unemployment benefits to immigrants not authorized to work in U.S. (Saldaña)
Native Americans still searched at far higher rates by Washington State Patrol, new data shows

Wenatchee World
Certain NCW retirees could see thousands in back pay, benefits
Wenatchee native becomes one of WA’s youngest police officers
Overdose deaths climb in Chelan County: Local experts discuss fentanyl
NCW firefighters head to California to help battle devastating Los Angeles wildfires

Yakima Herald-Republic
Path to mental health help isn’t always easy for first responders, but Yakima area officials trying to do more

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Shuttle buses replace light rail in Seattle this weekend for expansion work
Seattle neighborhood shaken after gunfire riddles home, car in school zone

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Centralia officer fatally shoots man during domestic dispute call
Memorial for slain Metro bus driver highlights need for safety improvements
Mercer Island detectives identify suspects involved in hate crime at middle school
Western Washington teachers ask lawmakers for changes to improve classroom safety

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New legislative session to begin with $12 billion budget shortfall
Washington officials urge wildfire preparedness amid California crisis
Family, friends remember safe streets advocate killed in Burien road rage incident
Rescue flight moves 60+ animals from L.A. shelters to Seattle to help with wildfire impact

KNKX Public Radio
Progressive WA lawmakers reintroduce bill to cap rent increases (Alvarado, Macri)
Tribes, environmentalists gather forces against Amazon’s Northwest nuclear plan
Lawmakers aim to pass bill so striking workers can access unemployment benefits (Conway)

KUOW Public Radio
King County Metro drivers mourn Shawn Yim, decry violence
Hundreds of Washington firefighters sent to battle LA wildfires
‘We are at a crisis.’ Seattle Eastside schools call for increased state funding
Adams County violated Washington’s sanctuary laws by cooperating with Border Patrol, lawsuit alleges

KXLY (ABC)
WA lawmakers propose property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans

NW Public Radio
Fish hatchery transferred to Yakama Nation, upgrades underway

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Longer wait times, work visa impacts: What Trump policies could mean for northern border
Rep. Alex Ramel: Legislative preview: To balance budget, it’s time to talk about progressive tax reform

Crosscut
Washington’s 2025 legislative priorities: Budget, housing, police (Pedersen, Frame, Dhingra, Walen, Farivar)
Progressive WA lawmakers reintroduce bill to cap rent increases (Alvarado, Macri)

MyNorthwest
The Washington budget mystery: How big is the state’s deficit really? (Ormsby)
Inslee strengthens abortion laws as one of departing acts before leaving office

The Urbanist
Rent Stabilization Tops Washington Democrats’ Housing Agenda for 2025 Session (Alvarado, Jinkins)
Opinion: Washington State Should Allow Riders to Serve on Transit Boards (Timmons)

Washington Observer
Lawmakers aim for AI (Dhingra, Orwall, Shavers)
Ferguson offers his budget “proposal”

Friday, January 10

4 things to expect from WA’s 2025 legislative session
Washington state lawmakers will convene in Olympia next week for a 105-day marathon legislative session. Leaders offered a preview of their priorities Thursday as they gear up for lawmaking and budget writing, as the clock starts on the new fiscal cycle July 1. Five panels of leaders, including House and Senate leadership, budget and transportation leaders, outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson spoke on new proposals for the upcoming year and how they plan to fill a massive hole in the state budget. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)

Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases
Despite the rent cap bill’s dramatic failure last session, backers say its prospects this year are better given new lawmakers, revamped legislative committees and growing public support. The road to final passage, however, could still be tough. Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, prefiled a “rent stabilization” bill in the House on Thursday. It is similar to where the plan left off last year. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Bill Lucia)

Washington among states with highest homeless population
While homelessness grew at a faster rate nationwide than in Washington between 2023 and 2024, the number of people living without homes in the Evergreen State has continued to rise, despite years of state and local pledges to tackle the problem. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)

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Axios
Wildfire smoke increases dementia risk, study finds
Washington among states with highest homeless population

Bellingham Herald
Second phase of downtown Bellingham affordable housing project inches closer to reality
Judge rules in favor of plaintiff on key points of Lummi Island ferry lawsuit against county
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson proposes $4B in reduced spending to help narrow WA’s budget gap

Capital Press
Early prediction: ‘Severe’ stripe rust year ahead
Advocates drop lawsuit alleging BLM grazing violations
Northwest states send fire teams, equipment, to L.A. area
Fish and Wildlife proposes new grizzly bear protection rules

Columbian
Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program, Council for Homeless get $1.7M to help prevent evictions, homelessness

The Daily News
Longview severe weather shelter to open Sunday

Everett Herald
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires
Comment: Whooping cough vaccine needs more promotion

The Inlander
Ecology approves testing for PFAS at Spokane International Airport

New York Times
How Trump Could Justify His Immigration Crackdown
2024 Brought the World to a Dangerous Warming Threshold. Now What?

Olympian
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson proposes $4B in reduced spending to help narrow WA’s budget gap

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle looks to upgrade downtown parks ahead of 2026 World Cup

Seattle Times
Ferguson opposes wealth tax, calls for spending cuts, but boost for K-12
4 things to expect from WA’s 2025 legislative session (Jinkins, Dhingra, Pedersen)

Skagit Valley Herald
Area state legislators get Skagit County send-off (Ramel, Paul, Lovelett)
Sedro-Woolley adjusts process of making public comments during council meetings

South Whidbey Record
Governor-elect Ferguson visits Whidbey to talk about ferries, signals his commitment (Liias, Fey, Paul, Nance)

Tri-City Herald
1st look inside Eastern WA’s new $125M hospital. It has more of everything
Feds kick in $108M to finally finish widening dangerous Highway 12 after 22 years
Locked out guards at Hanford nuclear site reach contract deal on 23.5% pay increase
Who will helm WA’s health care agencies? Ferguson announces 2 temporary appointments

Washington Post
You just lived through the hottest year on record. Again.
Court strikes down Biden Title IX protections for trans students
Economy adds 256,000 jobs in December as hiring picked up toward the end of 2024

WA State Standard
Ferguson presses for $100M police hiring plan (Dhingra, Ormsby)
Ferguson pitches spending cuts, voices skepticism of ‘wealth tax’ (Pedersen)
Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases (Alvarado, Trudeau, Pedersen, Jinkins)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Memorial’s emergency department reaching capacity as respiratory illness spreads

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
King County Metro to test buses with improved driver safety after killing
Governor-elect Ferguson proposes sweeping budget cuts to combat $12B shortfall (Jinkins, Pedersen)
King County Metro to pay tribute to slain bus driver with citywide memorial, procession
Empty cribs: Why is a WA nursery for drug-affected babies nearly empty during a fentanyl crisis?

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington firefighters head out to help with devastating California wildfires
How does Governor-elect Bob Ferguson plan to balance WA’s massive budget?
Procession and memorial held today to honor late Metro bus driver Shawn Yim
Three Pierce County drug treatment centers placed on probation for at least 10 years

KUOW Public Radio
Ferguson ‘skeptical’ of wealth tax, pitches broad cuts to address WA budget gap

KXLY (ABC)
Childcare costs breaking the budget
DNR approves sale of 200-acre property in Latah Valley
Washington leaders talk budget deficit and other priorities ahead of legislative session (Jinkins, Pedersen)

NW Public Radio
Lawmakers aim to pass bill so striking workers can access unemployment benefits (Conway)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
What does the US northern border look like now before Trump takes office?

Crosscut
WA cop shortage persists statewide as lawmakers gear up in Olympia (Dhingra, Pedersen)

MyNorthwest
How would you like it if your water and sewer bills went up 43%?
Washington faces transportation funding crisis but road usage charge still iffy proposition (Liias, Fey)
How access to birth control medications is impacted by physical distance to abortion clinics

The Stranger
Slog AM: Los Angeles Fires Rage On, Seattle Times Sues Police Department, And The Minimum Wage Increase Is Good Actually

The Urbanist
Statewide Neighborhood Cafe Bill Returns, Expanded to More Types of Businesses

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday info, with Metro memorial procession downtown
FOLLOWUP: Madison Middle School principal’s reminder about ‘School Street’ on 45th SW starting next week

Thursday, January 9

New law restrains boaters from approaching endangered orcas
Under a new law, Washington boaters must stay 1,000 yards away from southern resident killer whales (SRKW) at all times. The law went into effect on Jan. 1, the same day that many islanders spotted J Pod member Tahlequah carrying her dead baby as the pod passed by Point Robinson on Vashon. Continue reading at The Vashon Beachcomber. (Dante Aubert)

Washington lawmakers begin push to ban flavored vapes
Democratic lawmakers in Washington are pushing this year to ban flavored tobacco products, with the support of the state schools chief. Their proposal includes bans on flavored electronic cigarettes, also called vapes, menthol cigarettes and nicotine pouches, like Zyn. The ban would be effective Jan. 1, 2026. Continue reading at The Washington Standard. (Getty Images)

Weed sick: High-potency cannabis leads to ER visits, illnesses for some users
According to his death certificate, Brandon Danielson died of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS, a condition that results from daily use of cannabis, especially high-THC concentrates. As cannabis products like vapes, shatter, and dabs have reached near 100% potency, doctors across Washington state are seeing an increase in cannabis-related disorders, including CHS. Continue reading at KUOW. (the Danielson family)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor County swears in two new Commissioners
Aberdeen launches temporary parking permit and safe parking program

Axios
Up to $20k offered for tips in Washington wolf slayings

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham bolsters City Hall security with metal detector for screening meeting attendees
Whatcom County home prices hit ‘all-time high’ in 2024, as amount of houses sold increased

Capital Press
WDFW opts to try to cull wolf pack
Yakima dairies suffer setback in 9th Circuit Court

Columbian
Vancouver looks at tax break for affordable housing projects built in parking lots
Lawmakers: Water Resource Development Act will boost Columbia River projects, jobs and the economy

The Daily News
Scientists predict the Pacific Northwest’s most active (undersea) volcano will erupt this year

Everett Herald
Snohomish County Council elects new leadership duo
Marysville, Lake Stevens celebrate progress of Bayview Trail
Bill seeks increased penalties for unlawful firearm possession

Indian Country Today
Report raises possibility of doing away with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission

The Inlander
New signage for retail stores explains the risk of high-potency cannabis

Kitsap Sun
Bainbridge Island School District facing two sexual abuse lawsuits

Mercer Island Reporter
Washington State Board of Education accepting applications for next student representative

News Tribune
Creating jobs, listening to voters: Career highlights for U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer
Why 3 Pierce County drug-treatment facilities will be on probation for at least a decade

New York Times
U.S. Efforts to Cut Emissions Stalled in 2024 as Power Demand Surged
Banks Are Racking Up Wins Even Before Trump Is Back in White House
Biden Administration Ignites Firestorm With Rules Governing A.I.’s Global Spread

Northwest Asian Weekly
UW awarded grant for COVID study to be led by researcher Helen Chu

Peninsula Daily News
Building association’s priorities advocate for housing

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft plans performance-based job cuts
Six major landlords named in DOJ antitrust lawsuit

Seattle Times
Seattle Times sues Seattle police, alleging public records violations
Opinion: Study documents steep, painful decline of Olympia press corps

Spokesman Review
Undeveloped Spokane woodland to be transferred to developer with plans to build 1,000 homes
Spokane County to receive additional $44 million in federal funding to assist victims of Gray, Oregon Road fires

Tri-City Herald
New law restrains boaters from approaching endangered orcas
WSU cuts ties to Tri-Cities Master Gardener nonprofit over ‘disputes’ and ‘rivalries’
Major Hwy 240 overhaul in Richland to snarl thousands of Hanford commuters and others

WA State Standard
Yakima County’s two-year ban on solar may continue
Controversial state land transfer in Spokane is approved
Washington lawmakers begin push to ban flavored vapes (Reeves, Nobles)
Ferguson taps Washington transportation department insider to lead agency (Liias)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Larry Mattson appointed to Ecology post
Yakima Memorial’s emergency room reaching capacity as respiratory illness spreads

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Eastside school districts unite at town hall to demand full education funding
Olympia father hopes overdose ‘nightmare’ will serve as lesson to parents, teens

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
REI ends adventure travel business after losses
Gov. Inslee sends WA resources to help fight California wildfires
WSDOT contractor hurt after vehicle hits work zone truck on I-405
Large procession, memorial planned for late Metro bus driver Shawn Yim
Sons sue Metro Parks Tacoma after father is sucked into drain pipe and dies
Local lawmakers, advocates discuss efforts to ban flavored tobacco products in Washington (Reeves)
WA State L&I refuses to pay Kitsap County woman’s medical bills after suffering on-the-job injuries

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
REI cutting 438 jobs as it closes travel, tours division
US will keep protecting more than 2.000 Rocky Mountain grizzly bears
Cyclist sues Seattle over bike lane design after brain injury in Green Lake crash
Seattle boosts funding to tackle Aurora Avenue’s persistent sex trafficking issue
Education leaders and parents urge state to address school funding crisis at town hall
Commuters face delays as Amazon’s return-to-office mandate stirs Seattle’s traffic woes
Washington crews answer urgent call, joining thousands to fight devastating LA wildfires

KNKX Public Radio
Expanded buffer zone for southern resident orcas takes effect

KUOW Public Radio
Washington’s tribes want Medicaid to cover traditional healing
Despite state law, Washington takes 3+ years to reveal its climate pollution
Weed sick: High-potency cannabis leads to ER visits, illnesses for some users (Davis)

KXLY (ABC)
Heavy police response in Othello, Washington
Gov. Inslee sends WA resources to help fight California wildfires
WA lawmakers propose statewide ban on flavored tobacco products; businesses warn of economic impact

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom students tell legislators they’re being ‘failed’ by state’s K-12 funding model (Shewmake, Rule, Timmons)

Crosscut
Majority of voters have a negative outlook on Washington’s future
Poll: WA voters want 2025 Legislature to focus on their pocketbooks (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon)

The Stranger
Where the Left Went Wrong on Homelessness

Washington Observer
Shewmake named chair of Environment, Energy & Technology (Shewmake, Lovelett, Slatter, Riccelli, Chapman)
Slatter named to replace Kuderer in Senate, setting up a D-on-D fight (Slatter, Walen)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday begins
FOLLOWUP: Safe to go in the water at Cove Park again, after overflow
POLICE STAFFING: Mayor says hires outnumbered departures in 2024 – by 1

Wednesday, January 8

Vandana Slatter chosen to fill vacant Eastside WA state Senate seat
The Metropolitan King County Council promoted state Rep. Vandana Slatter to the state Senate on Tuesday, unanimously choosing her to fill a vacancy created when Sen. Patty Kuderer was elected state insurance commissioner in November. Slatter, who represents an Eastside district covering parts of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and Medina, was chosen over her seatmate in the 48th District, state Rep. Amy Walen. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Lindsey Wasson)

Washington pharmacists prescribe abortion pills through new pilot program
A Washington state-based nonprofit has launched a program training pharmacists to prescribe abortion medications via telehealth, a model that organizers hope other states will adopt to expand abortion access. Abortion is broadly legal in Washington state up to the point of fetal viability, which is generally considered to be between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. But Dr. Beth Rivin, president and CEO of nonprofit Uplift International, said there are still many individuals who face barriers to abortion access in Washington. Continue reading at The Washington Standard. (Wichayada Suwanachun)

Families of police shooting victims in Spokane pushing for state and local reform
People who lost family members to officer-involved shootings gathered near Spokane Police headquarters Tuesday for the 72nd monthly protest against police violence. The protest was organized by Debbie Novak, the mother of David Novak who was shot and killed by Spokane Police in 2019. She’s hopeful new state legislation will help create more transparency and accountability for police officers. Continue reading at KXLY. (KXLY)

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Aberdeen Daily World
WDFW approves coastal razor clam digs starting Jan. 10

Axios
Flu cases spike in Washington state
How Seattle is responding to the New Orleans attack

Capital Press
Economist: Trump not afraid to carry out campaign promises

Columbian
Ecology fines Camas man $71,800 for damage to wetlands on his property
Prison-to-homelessness pipeline: Clark County’s housing costs push those leaving prison onto the streets, increasing recidivism

The Daily News
Longview offering $25K match to update local parks

Everett Herald
Editorial: News media must brave chill that some threaten

Indian Country Today
Federal agencies to revise environmental study for Columbia River Basin dam operations

Kitsap Sun
Water fluoridation returns to the news, with Bremerton’s history of debate a backdrop

News Tribune
Can Trump overturn Biden’s ban on offshore drilling? ‘It’s not so simple,’ experts say
Did TPD chief ‘deliberately mislead’ city over $1K+ phone bill? Here’s what probe found
Opinion: Our schoolkids deserve buildings that protect them from today’s climate realities

New York Times
Port Labor Talks Hinge on Deal on Automation
House Passes Bill to Deport Unauthorized Immigrants Charged With Minor Crimes

Port Townsend Leader
Local tourism operations get boost with funds from lodging tax

Puget Sound Business Journal
Ferguson files lawsuit against T-Mobile
Traffic congestion surges in Seattle metro
Getty Images, Shutterstock merging in $3.7B deal
Bothell company to pay $4M to settle falsified research claims
Playbook for 2025: How job-hopping will shape this year’s job market
Biden-era workplace regulations expected to be rolled back under Trump

Seattle Medium
Less Than a Week Into 2025, Seattle Sees A Wave Of Black-Owned Businesses Closing Their Doors

Seattle Times
WA bans commercial net-pen fish farming
Judge allows Seattle driver deactivation law to go into effect
Vandana Slatter chosen to fill vacant Eastside WA state Senate seat (Slatter, Orwall, Nguyan, Salahuddin)
Cle Elum considers bankruptcy amid $22M debt in development dispute
Abortion pills prescribed by WA pharmacists are latest effort to broaden access
‘Obamacare’ hits record enrollment but an uncertain future awaits under Trump
Idaho lawmakers move to restore ‘natural definition’ of marriage, bring back same-sex ban
Editorial: For a true picture of education, look deeper than sound bites (Jinkins)

Skagit Valley Herald
Home prices continue to rise in Skagit County
Skagit County Planning Commission with two openings

Spokesman Review
Family of man shot and killed by police in Spokane Walmart file $50 million claim
Federal agencies, Spokane County offices to close Thursday for National Day of Remembrance
House passes Laken Riley Act, requiring deportation of undocumented immigrants for minor crimes

Tri-City Herald
Everything you need to know about new WA negligent driving law that just went into effect

Washington Post
Landlords are accused of colluding to raise rents. See where.

WA State Standard
State recovery funds available for WA bomb cyclone victims
House lawmaker picked to replace Patty Kuderer in WA Senate (Slatter, Kuderer, Walen, Salahuddin, Trudeau, Senn, Orwall, Krishnadasan, Nguyen)
Washington pharmacists prescribe abortion pills through new pilot program
Opinion: Working Washingtonians need the wealthy to pay what they owe — will legislators get on board?

Wenatchee World
Olds Station, Sunnyslope asked to conserve water after sewer main breaks

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima County’s two-year ban on solar may continue

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Suspected Olympia drug dealer arrested after 16-year-old overdoses, dies
Sheriff Keith Swank vows to clean up streets, tackle violent crime with new strategies
Harrell says Seattle Police Department reported high number of recruits under new leadership initiatives

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
New financial help available for bomb cyclone damage
Suspect killed, police officer injured in officer-involved shooting in Marysville
Seattle Police Department receives highest number of applications in 10 years
Seattle mayor’s plan to double housing capacity sparks debate, concern among city council
LIVE AT NOON: Local lawmakers discuss efforts to ban flavored tobacco products in Washington

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle-based Getty Images buying Shutterstock to create a $3.7 billion company
Apple signs new office space lease in South Lake Union, Seattle’s largest since 2019
Closure of Navigation Center in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District postponed

KUOW Public Radio
Doctor at Joint Base Lewis-McChord pleads guilty to sexually abusing dozens of patients

KXLY (ABC)
Family of man killed by Spokane Police files notice to sue for $50 million
Families of police shooting victims in Spokane pushing for state and local reform
Mead School Board votes to hire law firm to conduct audit, investigation of football program

NW Public Radio
Northwest sees a rise in flu-like illnesses

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Here’s what the City of Bellingham plans to lobby the state for this legislative session

MyNorthwest
Inslee declares bomb cyclone state emergency, opening up $1M in funding
Seattle Police Department receives highest number of applications in 10 years
Washington greenhouse gas emissions through 2021 dropped far below 2000 levels

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit board chair optimistic; opponents not giving up

Tuesday, January 7

Bill would give WA jails independent oversight
After wrongful death claims shuttered one Washington jail last year and threatened to close another, a lawmaker is again trying to create an independent oversight board for the state’s 50 local jails. Little is known of what happens behind many jail walls in Washington state. At least 64 people have died in local jails since 2022, after the Washington State Department of Health began collecting this information. But not all jails report these deaths or the reasons for them to the department. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Galanda Broadman law firm)

Federal cuts threaten Washington crime victims’ advocacy programs
Advocates and agencies are asking lawmakers in Olympia to provide stable funding for crime victims’ support services after several years of declining federal funding. The instability comes from funding dependent on income generated by prosecutions, which can vary from year to year, leading advocates to ask the state to provide a consistent commitment. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Genna Martin)

Progress on student isolation & restraint
During the 2023-24 sessions, the House Education Committee devoted itself to building a bipartisan solution to ban the use of student isolation and chemical restraint in public schools. House Bill 1479 from Rep. Lisa Callan, D-Issaquah, passed the House with a bipartisan vote but died in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee last year for a second time in the last biennium. Despite the blow to the legislative ban last session, money was divvied out to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to help school districts phase out the practice. Continue reading at Washington Observer. (Disability Rights Washington)