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Wednesday, September 4

More kids are riding electric school buses this fall
More students than ever are headed to class in an electric school bus this fall as school districts race to take advantage of unprecedented government funding to replace their diesel fleets. Exhaust from diesel buses is linked to serious health and development conditions for children, especially in low-income communities. The growing electric bus movement, fueled by a plethora of state and federal incentives, promises to reduce tailpipe emissions and improve kids’ health, too. Continue reading at Axios. (Sarah Grillo)

DACA recipients now eligible to be police officers in Washington
This year Washington joined four other states in opening police jobs to DACA recipients, in a new program aimed at addressing law enforcement shortages while intending to make officer ranks better reflect their communities. Washington offers some unique opportunities for Dreamers, as those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are commonly called, including access to college financial aid and professional licenses in fields like teaching and nursing. But until this July, becoming a police officer was excluded from that list. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Mary Murphy)

As Washington ranks among top states for chronic absenteeism, educators strive to reverse trend
As students across Washington head back to school, educators are doubling down on efforts to improve attendance. The initiative comes after a recent analysis by the Associated Press and Stanford University educational economist Thomas Dee revealed that Washington has the ninth-highest chronic absenteeism rate in the country. The analysis included data for the 2022-23 school year from 42 states and Washington, D.C., where a student is considered chronically absent if they miss over 10% of the school year. According to the AP, that typically adds up to about three weeks of lost learning time. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

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Associated Press
At least 7 cars hit and 6 people injured in random gunfire on Interstate 5 near Seattle

Axios
More kids are riding electric school buses this fall
What Seattle-area light rail stations are coming, and when

Capital Press
Wildfire season burns on in Oregon
Monson Fruit agrees to pay 250K to settle sex harassment suit
Judge decides Glory cherry trees are identical to Staccato cultivar

Columbian
DACA recipients now eligible to be police officers in Washington
Providence, Aetna reach new multiyear agreement, allowing 35K Washingtonians to receive in-network care
Deadline approaching for $200 energy bill credits, a small piece of a big state law under scrutiny this November
Comment: In Our View: Environmental impact report on bridge crucial

Everett Herald
Providence and Aetna reach new multi-year agreement
Frequent rail riders hail Lynnwood Link’s first regular day

International Examiner
InterIm CDA to rehabilitate vacant Republic Hotel into affordable housing

Kitsap Sun
After WSDOT returns to Warren Ave Bridge project, walkway plan may change again
With rising sea levels coming to Kitsap shorelines, county effort looks to plan strategies

News Tribune
Free ice cream, music and chance to tell Tacoma your vision for these historic buildings
Drug ring had long history of moving meth to WA, feds say. Its leader lived in Lakewood
Lummi salmon hatcheries to see major improvements after tribes work to secure federal funding

Peninsula Daily News
COVID-19 rates are high on Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
Providence, Aetna reach deal to keep coverage for 35,000 WA patients

Seattle Times
Seattle council approves rate-hike plans for utilities, electricity
Daily high records could be threatened this week in Western WA
WA State Patrol confirms at least 6 shootings Monday night on I-5
WA lands commissioner recount results: Democrat Upthegrove poised to advance to general

Spokesman Review
WSU receives $4.8M in funding for hydrogen fueling station and research
Portrait of Spokane’s first Black mayor unveiled in art gallery that bears his name
Spokane County Sheriff’s sergeant fired as he faces assault charges for violent arrest
Tuesday was the first day at Spokane Public Schools. For some, it’s their first day of school in America

WA State Standard
No end in sight for Washington’s battle against invasive green crabs

Wenatchee World
RiverCom announces land purchase for location of future facility
KOZI, KZAL owners to retire, seek buyer for Chelan-based stations

Whidbey News-Times
Island County, Oak Harbor leaders seek healthcare expansion, higher standard of care and greater police resources (Paul)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Sunnyside mushroom farmworkers rally after more firings in August

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle Public Library fully operational after ransomware attack in May
Second contractor pleads not guilty in student’s carbon monoxide death
SPS families, students hopeful about new safety changes, but concerns remain

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle sued over Pier 58 construction
Graham-Kapowsin High School student shot before school
AG files petition to civilly commit Whatcom County sex offender
Seattle Public Library systems back up after May ransomware attack
6 shootings with at least 7 vehicles hit in overnight shootings across Interstate 5
Deal reached: in-network coverage secured for 35,000 Providence patients in WA
Bremerton School District on the hook for large settlement for former praying football coach
US Postal Service prepares ahead of elections, looks to boost confidence in ballot management
The CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons are in court to defend plans for a huge supermarket merger

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Can the new owl management plan prevent the extinction of spotted owls?
Yelm schools to open a day late as teachers and school district ratify new contract

KNKX Public Radio
Should WA’s foresters harvest timber or sell it for carbon credits

KUOW Public Radio
As Washington ranks among top states for chronic absenteeism, educators strive to reverse trend

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office fires deputy over misconduct
Spokane Public Schools no longer automatically issuing laptops to middle schoolers

Web

Crosscut
All Seattle Public Library services restored after cyberattack
Upthegrove retains spot in Public Lands general election race

The Urbanist
Lynnwood City Center’s Growth Aspirations Hinge on Two Slow-Moving Megaprojects

Tuesday, September 3

Affordable housing project in Vancouver’s Waterfront Gateway gets $4.5M in state funds
The state commerce department announced Thursday that it’s distributing $12.6 million to help create 300 units of low-income housing near public transit centers across the state…[including] $4.5 million to an affordable housing project in Vancouver’s Waterfront Gateway. The six-floor apartment building to be operated by the Native American Youth Association, or NAYA Family Center, will serve low-income residents. The development will cost more than $40 million. Continue reading at The Columbian. (OTAK)

WA prisoners pay millions in fees to the state. Most of the money isn’t being used
Washington is sitting on millions of dollars collected from incarcerated people for phone calls and other fees – money that is supposed to be spent to improve prisoner welfare. The Incarcerated Individual Betterment Fund grew by about $1 million from last July to an estimated $12 million at the end of June, according to budget documents. Advocates, prisoners and their family members say much of the money in the fund is collecting dust. And many believe the account shouldn’t exist at all, arguing the state should bankroll programs the fund is supposed to support. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (John Moore)

Washington state puts $29 million toward loans for communities most impacted by ‘war on drugs’
A Washington state program meant to address the disparate impacts of the “war on drugs” has given $29 million to 12 homeownership and loan programs for Black, Indigenous, and Latino communities. A slice of that funding has gone to community development financing institutions and other programs that provide low-interest loans for things like a second mortgage to renovate a home, or a loan for a small business or to buy a used car. The effort is only one part of the state Department of Commerce’s $200 million dollar Community Reinvestment Project to help address the legacy of punitive state and federal policy for low-level drug offenses. Continue reading at KUOW. (Tierra Mallorca)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen city council votes to remove request for proposal for ‘homeless village’

Capital Press
EFSEC resets Horse Heaven vote; windmill layout wild card

Columbian
‘Actions must be taken’: Camas schools face $14M budget shortfall
New COVID vaccines arrive in WA as respiratory virus season approaches
Affordable housing project in Vancouver’s Waterfront Gateway gets $4.5M in state funds
Often delayed, I-5 Bridge replacement environmental impact statement expected in September

Everett Herald
South Everett ballfields get inclusive playground
‘Today feels like Christmas’: Lynnwood light rail is here at last
South Everett program sending kids on boat adventure could soon end
‘It’s not a cake walk’: Overdose event spotlights treatment in Snohomish County
Comment: To save one species, should we be killing another?
Comment: Protect state’s strength in drug research, development
Editorial: Light rail reshaping the future of Snohomish County

Indian Country Today
What it takes to preserve and revitalize the Nooksack language, Lhéchelesem

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Governor vaguely hints at possible ‘short-term solutions’ for WSF inter-island service

News Tribune
Stay away from toxic algae at this Key Peninsula Lake, health department warns
A simulated neighborhood is being built in North Puyallup. What will it be used for?
Proctor neighborhood controversy about Amici House church conversion project continues

New York Times
From School Librarian to Activist: ‘The Hate Level and the Vitriol Is Unreal’

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle’s hiring market is one of the hottest in the nation
Seattle lands funding to help building owners curb emissions
Club nurtures space for Native community experiencing homelessness

Seattle Times
What to know about connecting to the new Lynnwood light rail line
What safety measures will be in place on first day of school in Seattle?

Skagit Valley Herald
State Supreme Court rejects recall attempt of three Skagit County officials

Spokesman Review
Spokane County settles $5 million debt to Costco
City of Spokane to spend $9 million to create or rehab 67 affordable housing units
State superintendent recommends school districts update their cellphone policies by next year

Washington Post
A louder voice in fighting abortion bans: Men in red states
New coronavirus vaccines are costing uninsured Americans up to $200
Biden administration moves to end subminimum wages for disabled workers

WA State Standard
Washington embarks on once-a-decade update of wildlife conservation plan
‘Perfect storm’ of crises is leading to cutbacks in abortion care, advocates say
WA prisoners pay millions in fees to the state. Most of the money isn’t being used (Hansen)
Despite federal dams, Columbia and Snake River tribes fight to keep fishing traditions alive

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
How UW scientists are using AI to fight the opioid epidemic
Yelm teachers, district to vote on tentative agreement Tuesday
This popular recreation area in the Cascades could close for a decade
Sewer line collapses in front of Port Townsend ferry terminal, leaving a sinkhole
Washington hotel workers walk off the job, join thousands of others striking across the country

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Officer involved shooting in Kent ruled homicide
Seattle students heading back to classes with new safety plan
Yelm teachers, district reach tentative agreement to avoid strike
Rash of highway shootings increase to as many as 5 with 4 hurt; suspect in custody

KNKX Public Radio
Thawing Alaskan permafrost is unleashing more mercury, confirming scientists’ worst fears

KUOW Public Radio
Puget Sound tanker traffic thickens as Canadian pipeline boosts oil flow
Washington state puts $29 million toward loans for communities most impacted by ‘war on drugs’

KXLY (ABC)
How to spot fake news on social media
Spokane organization awarded grant to help increase homeownership

Web

Crosscut
Idaho, Oregon take different approaches to worker heat deaths
DACA recipients now eligible to be police officers in Washington (Lovick)

MyNorthwest
City of Lakewood raises illegal parking fines by more than $100

The Urbanist
Lynnwood Link Opens to Huge Crowds and Night Markets
Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan Remains Stuck in Low Gear

Friday, August 30

Washington alters bar exam requirement
Since 2019, 4,364 applicants have taken the bar exam in the state, according to the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). More than one-third failed the exam. The notoriously difficult exam has set a lofty standard for those entering the profession, but it may soon fall into obsolescence. The bar exam in Washington state will become optional as early as next year. When that happens, it will be the first time in Washington state’s history that a bar exam will not be necessary to obtain a law license. Washington will join Oregon as the only states to abandon the proven method the legal services industry relies on to determine competency. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal. (PSBJ)

WA House passed tax-free weekend of school shopping in 2022. Why was it never created?
Washington nearly implemented a tax-free weekend back in 2022. Under the proposal, sales tax wouldn’t be charged between Sept. 3 and Sept. 5 of that year on purchases of items under $1,000. The bill made it through the House by a 91-7 vote, but it met a different fate in the Senate, as it didn’t make it out of the Ways and Means committee. So why did Washington’s Senate reject the tax-free weekend back in 2022 after it passed the House by such a wide margin? Continue reading at Tri-City Herald. (Getty Images)

Feds giving West Coast states $100 million to create zero-emission truck fueling network
Oregon, California and Washington are getting a major boost from the federal government to advance the shipment of goods by zero-emission trucks on Interstate 5. The U.S. Department of Transportation is giving the three states $102 million to create a network of charging and fueling stations to power battery and hydrogen-fuel cell semitrucks, according to a news release from Oregon’s congressional delegation on Tuesday. Additional federal funding will also pay Oregon $17 million to create two small-scale electric vehicle charging networks for standard vehicles. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Mustafa Hussain)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Quinault Indian Nation to resume canoe race Sept. 7
Aberdeen city council votes to remove request for proposal for ‘homeless village’

Auburn Reporter
Council considers amending Auburn’s camping laws

Bainbridge Island Review
Jail program says, We don’t want you back

Capital Press
Ecology fines Spokane County farmer $15,000 for irrigation violation
Bird flu blues: Highly pathogenic avian influenza hits dairy herds without warning
Feds giving West Coast states $102 million to create zero-emission truck fueling network

Everett Herald
Timeline of Marysville schools turmoil
Everett council approves buyouts amid financial woes
Hiring freeze, school sports cuts on the table in Marysville
Optum WA cuts care for more than 23K Medicaid patients

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Port one of 11 in Washington awarded electrification grant

Kent Reporter
Kent School District offers free breakfast, lunch to all students

News Tribune
Stay away from toxic algae at this Key Peninsula Lake, health department warns
Opinion: I’m not a fan of regulations. But this dangerous trend calls out for government rules

New York Times
Turbine Blades Have Piled Up in Landfills. A Solution May Be Coming.
Why Interest Rate Cuts Won’t Fix a Global Housing Affordability Crisis

Peninsula Daily News
Funding needed for safety facility
Clallam Transit to welcome four new buses to its fleet
International Overdose Awareness Day set for Saturday
Port of Port Townsend receives $200K in grant funding
High magnitude earthquake simulator comes to Port Angeles
Port Angeles receives $3.4M in federal grant for trail design funding

Puget Sound Business Journal
CEO exits hit record high
Washington alters bar exam requirement
King County Metro signs big contract to upgrade trolley bus fleet

Renton Reporter
Renton Community Court receives additional funding

Seattle Times
Kingston-Seattle fast ferry service will resume Saturday
Immigration agents detain crew after failed WA ferry tow
Light rail to Lynnwood starts today; so do flat fares, systemwide
Washington is falling behind in attracting, retaining high earners
Seattle’s faltering office market inches ahead on a long road to recovery

South Whidbey Record
Navy base to open doors to the public

Spokesman Review
State superintendent recommends school districts update their cellphone policies by next year

Tri-City Herald
WA House passed tax-free weekend of school shopping in 2022. Why was it never created? (Rule)

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Health Care District signs DispatchHealth agreement

Washington Post
As wildfire risks intensify, California insurance rates keep rising
‘All so confusing’: Student loan borrowers in limbo after courts halt a popular plan
Some disabled workers make pennies per hour under a federal program that lacks oversight

WA State Standard
Farmers ask WA Supreme Court to take up fuel exemptions case
Feds giving West Coast states $100 million to create zero-emission truck fueling network

Whidbey News-Times
School construction projects receive DOD grants

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Pressure mounting on Marysville School District to fix budget crisis
SEA Airport says most systems are back to normal after cyberattack
Opening of Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion marks larger milestone
Lynnwood Link Extension opens Friday. Here’s what you should know

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Marysville School District adopts budget as kids return to school
Starbucks hit with class action lawsuit over alleged investor deception
Tacoma hotel lawsuit claims management ignored signs of sex trafficking
Law enforcement urges families to talk about safety as kids head back to school
Seattle Public Schools closer to deciding which 20 elementary schools will close
Seattle Aquarium expansion is latest addition to waterfront revitalization project
Some Seattle schools to lockup students’ cellphones, boost classroom engagement
Marysville School District now under ‘enhanced oversight’ as new school year starts
SEA Airport tests systems impacted by cyberattack, prepares for holiday weekend rush

KUOW Public Radio
Light rail is helping Mountlake Terrace find its heart
‘They aren’t forgotten.’ New memorial honors Japanese Americans incarcerated at Washington State Fairgrounds

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council creates grant for youth programs in wake of pandemic
Spokane Regional Emergency Communication addresses city’s concerns at recent board meeting

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom schools cut budgets, juggle staff amid funding shortfalls

Crosscut
Should WA’s foresters harvest timber or sell it for carbon credits?

MyNorthwest
Lynnwood mayor calls light rail expansion a ‘generational change’
Providence-Aetna talks stall, threatening coverage for 35,000 Washingtonians
Some Seattle schools to lock up students’ cellphones, boost classroom engagement
State cites ‘serious concerns’ as Marysville School District fails to compile viable budget

The Urbanist
Renton Proposes Moving Sound Transit Bus Station, Threatening Five-Year Stride Delay

Thursday, August 29

WA state superintendent calls on schools to limit cell phone use. Here’s why
The Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction is encouraging local school leaders to limit cell phone use during instructional time by changing policies over the next year. The guidance calls for school leaders to work with their local communities to update their policies by the start of the 2025-26 school year. This messaging comes as many schools across the state and nation have started to restrict or plan to restrict cell phone use to improve education and health outcomes. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Eric Rosane)

More money coming to WA for housing for people with disabilities
Washington is getting a boost in funding to help subsidize rent for adults living with disabilities. The state will get $8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which announced last week it would be awarding nearly $140 million in grants nationwide to 18 state housing agencies as part of its Section 811 Project Rental Assistance for Persons with Disabilities program. Washington’s slice of the money will help fund 158 new subsidized rental units. That’s in addition to 132 units the state already supports with this program. It’s the third grant of this type that the department has received. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Bill Lucia)

Washington state launches race-based home loan program
A Washington state home loan program promises to counter racial discrimination by limiting the ethnicities of those eligible for its services. The Covenant Homeownership Program is a product of the state’s 2023 Covenant Homeownership Act, which received bipartisan support in the state legislature. That law directed the Washington State Housing Finance Commission to conduct a study on ways to reverse “racial disparities in home ownership.” Continue reading at KOMO. (Brandon Bell)

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Associated Press
Killings of invasive owls to ramp up on U.S. West Coast in a bid to save spotted owls

Axios
How one company transformed the apartment rental market

Capital Press
Scout CEO: Inslee ‘must’ override EFSEC if needed
USDA approves transgenic drought-tolerant trait for wheat

Columbian
250 soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord join Idaho wildfire-fighting effort
Washington congressman introduces bill that would return land to Quinault Indian Nation

Everett Herald
An early look at the new Lynnwood Link extension
State places Marysville schools under enhanced financial monitoring
Sea-Tac computer outage is ongoing. Here’s what travelers should know.

The Inlander
Spokane County commissioners begin early steps to regulate wind farms now that companies want to build here
As the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub gets its first influx of cash, Douglas County PUD is nearly ready to make green hydrogen fuel

Kitsap Sun
Bremerton schools responsible for Kennedy settlement after appeals court ruling

News Tribune
Proctor neighborhood controversy about Amici House church conversion project continues

Olympian
Yelm teachers vote to strike on first day of school if no agreement is reached
WA state superintendent calls on schools to limit cell phone use. Here’s why
Caregivers at Olympia hospital among those awarded $4.4M in class action lawsuit

Puget Sound Business Journal
$170M Ocean Pavilion opens on Seattle’s waterfront
Here’s what to expect at Sea-Tac Airport this weekend
It’s not just salary. Employers are cutting back on other benefits.

Seattle Medium
Pierce County Election Hand Recount In Historic Primary Underway

Seattle Times
OSPI issues guidance on cellphone use in WA classrooms
Light rail for beginners: How to ride the new Lynnwood extension
Hundreds of endangered frogs released into Central WA wildlife refuge
35,000 Providence patients in WA could soon lose in-network coverage

Skagit Valley Herald
A second day of school canceled in Mount Vernon due to employee strike
Skagit County commissioners weigh in on proposed energy storage facility
State fines Burlington business for knowingly exposing workers to silica dust

Spokesman Review
Portrait of Spokane’s first Black mayor unveiled in art gallery that bears his name
Spokane Public Schools launches engageIRL campaign to bolster activities, distract from phones
Spokane Public Schools approves $590 million spending plan with reduced staff, no layoffs or cut programs

Washington Post
60% of baby and toddler food doesn’t meet nutrition standards, study finds
Opinion: The United States needs 3 million apprentices. We’re not even close.

WA State Standard
More money coming to WA for housing for people with disabilities
Inslee sends prison staff to juvenile detention facility to help deal with overcrowding

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee nonprofit secures climate commitment act funds
NCW Tech Alliance partners with Community Skills Initiative for competition

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Mount Vernon School District cancels school again as union bargaining continues
Auburn’s license plate reading cameras already a ‘huge help’ to detectives, police say
Washington schools superintendent publishes guidance for schools to limit cellphone use
’23andMe’ for bears: How a new project will help efforts to reintroduce grizzlies to the North Cascades

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
License plate readers installed to tackle crime in Auburn
35,000 Providence patients in WA could lose in-network coverage
Scandal in the small town of Morton where $937,000 was allegedly stolen
Yelm teachers vote to strike on first day of school if no agreement is reached
What you need to know ahead of the Lynnwood Light Rail extension opening
Mount Vernon School District cancels classes again due to paraeducator strike

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington state launches race-based home loan program
Washington superintendent urges schools to update cell phone policies
Olympia police banned from personalizing equipment in settlement over 2022
Everetty fire launches new pilot program to help relieve opiate withdrawal symptoms

KNKX Public Radio
100th anniversary of Makah Days showcases revived native culture in Neah Bay

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle Public Schools pushes off closure list — again — to October
Youth jail should be improved, not closed, King County Council votes

NW Public Radio
Longview youth shelter set to open this fall
Longview moves fluoride discussions to early 2025
Washington to study pumped storage benefits, concerns

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Mount Vernon School District paraeducators on strike for higher wages
City progress report: Downtown is trending up, officials have invested $1M

Crosscut
Seattle moves ahead with $27M for six community-picked projects
Even before Dobbs, Washingtonians sought abortion care in Oregon

MyNorthwest
Cowlitz Convention responsible for splitting Washington from Oregon
Mount Vernon schools will be closed again Thursday as strike continues
‘A lot of my income is already being taken:’ Seattleites pay US’ highest sales tax, report says

The Urbanist
Sneak Peek Tour of Lynnwood City Center Station
How Cities in Lynnwood Link’s Path Prepared for Light Rail’s Arrival

Wednesday, August 28

King County Council votes against shuttering youth jail
The Metropolitan King County Council voted 8-0 Tuesday, on a motion declaring its intent to keep open the county’s juvenile detention center, while heaping on language to make clear the body favored alternatives where available and would work toward making the secure facility as humane and restorative as possible. After being deferred for months, the amended motion finally won enough support from members of the council, who were satisfied it conveyed a balance between seeking better paths for young people and acknowledging the realities of dealing with serious crimes. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Kylie Cooper)

New WA program aims to curb air pollution in parts of state most affected by it
Communities in Washington hit hardest by climate change may soon get state funding to improve air quality. Washington’s Department of Ecology is launching a new grant program this week to fund local projects in communities it has determined are historically “overburdened” by air pollution. The $10 million for the grants comes from auction proceeds from the state’s Climate Commitment Act. The goal is to help fund community-based projects to reduce air pollution. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Lindsey Wasson)

Early learning centers get $7 million from state to improve facilities
On Tuesday, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced a $7 million grant for early learning centers across the state. Funded by the Early Learning Facilities Program, the grant provides financial assistance to cover health and safety improvements in centers which can include equipment and facilities upgrades. Out of 179 applicants, 64 licensed early learning centers were approved to receive the money. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (WA Dept. of Commerce)