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Wednesday, December 18

Gov. Jay Inslee pitches WA wealth tax and business tax increases
Seeking to cover a looming budget shortfall and stave off cuts to state services, Gov. Jay Inslee is throwing his support behind a proposed “wealth tax” on the state’s richest residents. His plan would start with a temporary one-year 20% business and occupation tax rate increase on bigger businesses, followed by a 10% boost in business tax rates. Inslee unveiled the tax proposals as part of his final budget proposal to the Legislature. He’ll leave office Jan. 15, when Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson is sworn in. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Evictions around Washington soar to record high levels
Washington is on track to have more eviction filings this year than any other year on record. Nine counties, including King and Spokane, hit new high marks, and seven others are on their way. Washington’s policies, like its right to counsel program, have helped keep some of those people from becoming homeless, Thomas told the Senate Housing Committee on Friday. But he said without more action and funding, evictions will rise further. Some lawmakers are voicing similar concerns. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Stephen Zenner)

Proposal would end flavored vape, nicotine pouch, and menthol sales in Washington state
Some Washington state lawmakers want to end the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, saying they stand to hook kids on products such as vapes and menthol cigarettes for life. Two Democrats — State Senator T’wina Nobles and State Representative Kristine Reeves — introduced the legislation in September. This week, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal put his support behind the legislation, saying that vaping is rampant in public schools. Continue reading at KUOW. (VAPES)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Rep. Walsh advocates for freedom with tire safety bill
City of Aberdeen appoints first Student Council Representative

Axios
Seattle-area food banks see record demand
Child flu vaccinations plummet in Washington state
Seattle to expand civilian 911 response teams citywide
How the Seattle City Council plans to replace Tammy Morales

Capital Press
Expanded U.S. dairy processing coming online
Supreme Court to hear challenge to California EV mandate
With small harvest, pear exports will be lowest since 1980s
Skagit Delta farmers ask judge to overturn federal fish finding
Funding bill includes one-year farm bill extension, $10 billion in farm aid

Everett Herald
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028
Judge finds Edmonds tree mandate unconstitutional
New state policy could affect timber sales in Snohomish County
This land handout will bring apartments to Lynnwood light rail station
‘It’s the right time’: Edmonds police chief talks retirement, budget woes
Somers lets Snohomish County budget go through without his signature
‘A whirlwind of a person’: Community remembers Edmonds nonprofit founder

Federal Way Mirror
Project targets salmon-friendly streams in Federal Way

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Washington state poised to set precedent as first government in the world to successfully remove and permanently ban commercial net-pen aquaculture

News Tribune
Seeking a college scholarship in WA? A guide to programs, resources, tips for applying
Albertsons said in unsealed filing that Kroger had ‘buyer’s remorse’ after inking merger
How much does the Port of Tacoma spend on travel? Commissioner spending up this year
Thousands of Pierce County residents without power from intense windstorm on Wednesday
A nuclear fuel company promising $4.5B project and 1,000 jobs is wooing an Eastern WA city
Opinion: Power for all: Why Washington needs community solar to advance equity and justice

Olympian
Gov. Jay Inslee calls for more taxes to help fill Washington’s $10B-$12B budget hole (Robinson, Trudeau)

Port Townsend Leader
Council sets legislative agenda for 2025
State challenges court’s 90-day extension for PDA receiver

Puget Sound Business Journal
TikTok’s Bellevue workforce in limbo with US ban looming
Seattle company First Mode files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
New laws are coming for job listings. Many employers aren’t prepared.
Business leaders report dissatisfaction with Gen Z. For many, the feeling is mutual.

Seattle Times
Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz fired
Gov. Jay Inslee pitches WA wealth tax and business tax increases (Berg, Robinson, Frame, Thai)
The closed-door negotiations to save King County’s health clinics
Seattle police deputy chief retires ahead of command-staff overhaul
Seattle to buy Beacon Hill block for new park to close green-space gap

Skagit Valley Herald
City of Burlington passes 2025 budget
Fish and Wildlife adding 15 acres to Milltown Island Unit of Skagit Wildlife Area

South Whidbey Record
Sound Off: State Ferries is growing green but weeds remain

Spokesman Review
Spokane moving forward with $500,000 settlement with fiancée of man killed by police
Sponsors, opposition each file lawsuit regarding future of voter-approved natural gas initiative
Washington electors in Electoral College cast votes for Harris although some want new system
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to use AI to review body camera footage in effort to improve training practices

Washington Post
Biden backs California’s push to Trump-proof its EV plans
Consumer watchdog takes aim at credit-card rewards programs
Companies that mandate RTO see slower workforce growth, studies show
Lawmakers reach deal to avert shutdown, but many in GOP grumble about its provisions
Supreme Court to hear challenge to a TikTok ban in U.S., scheduling arguments for January

WA State Standard
A guide to understanding the Washington state budget
Evictions around Washington soar to record high levels (Kuderer)
Making sense of Washington’s multi-billion dollar budget hole (Jinkins, Pedersen)
Nearly 150 miles of Columbia River added to EPA’s Superfund list
Washington’s electors cast Electoral College votes for Harris and Walz
Washington officials weigh where to relocate 9,000-pound Marcus Whitman statue
Inslee proposes taxing wealthy residents and businesses to close Washington’s budget gap (Robinson)

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Metro bus driver stabbed, killed near UW campus
The new laws going to effect in Washington on Jan. 1
Yes, the U.S. health care system is the most expensive in the world
‘I don’t feel safe’: Seattle mayor urged to act as business, home break-ins persist
Outages: Over 120,000 without power after heavy winds hit western Washington
More than 2 million travelers expected to pass through SEA airport during the holidays
Gov. Inslee floats ‘modest wealth tax’ to help close Washington state’s $12 billion budget gap

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington’s newest apple hybrid to be named ‘Sunflare’
Scammers continue to target small Washington businesses
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz fired, releases statement
EPA is giving $8.4 million to buy 28 electric vehicles in Washington
Seattle Police Department announces leadership changes, including deputy chief
New study finds psychedelic drug can help ease depression among healthcare workers
Struggling with internet? Washington receives federal funding to help locals get online
Outgoing Washington governor suggests ‘wealth tax’ to avoid cuts to education and police

KNKX Public Radio
Incoming Pierce County Executive on affordable housing, homelessness and crime

KUOW Public Radio
Proposal would end flavored vape, nicotine pouch, and menthol sales in Washington state (Nobles, Reeves)

KXLY (ABC)
Gas prices continue steady decline in Spokane
New Washington legislature will require residents to separate yard waste in 2027
Federal anti-hazing bill led by mom who lost son to hazing at WSU passes Senate
City of Spokane approves contract with social service organization for ‘hot spotters’ program
Washington state faces $12-16 billion budget gap, Gov. Inslee proposes new budget plan in response

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham moves to eliminate parking minimums citywide
Health insurance rates on state marketplace increase in 2025 while tax credits deflate

Crosscut
Gov. Jay Inslee’s final budget proposal includes new wealth tax (Robinson)
Five WA Native nations split $32M in federal broadband grants
Seattle nixed a gunshot detection system but increased surveillance

The Washington Observer
Slumping returns for apartment tax breaks

West Seattle Blog
FERRY ALERT: 1 more day without ‘bonus boat’ on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route

Daily E-clips on break 12/16-12/17

The Daily E-clips is briefly pausing publication on 12/16 & 12/17 as HDC staff is attending the 2024 Legislative Advance.

In the meantime, help us make the Daily E-clips better by taking this short survey! Your feedback is appreciated.

Clips will resume Wednesday, 12/18 before taking a holiday hiatus from 12/23-1/3.

Friday, December 13

Why there’s an ‘outrageous’ lack of drug detox beds for WA youths
Physically withdrawing from drugs is a critical and potentially dangerous moment in addiction recovery. But across Washington, only two detox beds are reserved for youths, The Seattle Times has found. The Washington State Department of Health licenses detox beds for youths, but doesn’t monitor how many are staffed and open; The Times reached every substance use facility and psychiatric hospital licensed to detox youths to determine which beds are operational and dedicated to adolescents and teenagers. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Victoria Chittenden)

State fines insurance companies for violations of state laws
Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued a total of $576,500 in fines to insurance companies, agents, brokers, and unlicensed entities for violating state insurance laws and regulations in October and November 2024. Among the largest fines were $100,000 levied against PacificSource Health Plans for improperly processing claims, $130,000 against Delta Dental and its healthcare benefits manager, Wyssta, for improper claim denials, and $100,000 against Lemonade Insurance Company for using an incorrect base loss cost in property policies. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

New law guarantees college tuition for WA families receiving SNAP food benefits
Students from low-income families will soon have their college tuition guaranteed as early as their sophomore year in high school. Completing the FAFSA is one of the most accurate predictors of whether a high school senior will go to college, according to the National College Attainment Network. However, for many, that may not result in enough aid for students to pursue higher education. One Washington organization passed a law that will take the guesswork out of this transition. Continue reading at KXLY. (KXLY)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Group seeks salmon habitat restoration projects

Auburn Reporter
Proposals seek new rules for transgender athletes in WA schools

Axios
Seattle’s home office era fades
WSU unveils its newest apple, Sunflare
World Cup could pump $929 million into Seattle
Trump appears to side with union in port contract dispute

Bellingham Herald
Washington’s voter-approved natural gas measure snared in two lawsuits
Ferguson names Tim Reynon new director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs
‘Begging for a change’: Dangerous Whatcom County intersection converted to a four-way stop

Capital Press
Columbia River salmon, steelhead returns average 2.3 million each year

Indian Country Today
Washington state emerging as a national leader in climate battle

News Tribune
Nationwide milk testing ordered for bird flu. Why isn’t WA first on the list?
Ferguson names Tim Reynon new director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs
Popularity of Tacoma & Pierce County makes cost of living here “challenging for sure.”
Gig Harbor’s newest City Council member continues dad’s 36-year legacy of public service
Why are gas, groceries, housing so expensive in Pierce County? Tacoma economist explains
Pierce County’s plan to tackle homelessness in 2025 includes $30M in spending, plans show

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon-backed housing project opens in Bellevue
Seattle’s World Cup organizers plan to blaze a new path
Here’s what to expect for the national rental market in 2025

Seattle Times
WA back on top of national ranking of best bike states
Upper Columbia River in Northeast WA listed as a Superfund site
2 more WA youth detention center staffers accused of misconduct
Why there’s an ‘outrageous’ lack of drug detox beds for WA youths
This land handout will bring apartments to Lynnwood light rail station
Nearly $2M awarded to 12 WA police agencies from gun store settlement

Skagit Valley Herald
Antisemitic comments disrupt Sedro-Woolley City Council meeting

Spokesman Review
The city of Colville is planning to shut down its homeless camp
‘I think it would have saved him’: Parents of 2019 WSU hazing victim help push anti-hazing bill to Biden’s desk
New firefighting hangar at Spokane International Airport touted as investment in ‘the future of wildfire response for our state’

Washington Post
Skyrocketing car-insurance premiums are pushing inflation higher

WA State Standard
Democrats flip southwest Washington state Senate seat following recount (Cortes)
Tension mounts over state plan to transfer 192 acres in Spokane to private developer

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council looks at an adopt-a-block program and approves budget committee
Canton Landfill’s boundary, brush piles and recycling debated in hearing about permit

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Two more Green Hill workers arrested for sexual misconduct
Seattle City Council to consider new regulations for after-hours clubs
New proposal could have EV drivers in Washington volunteer to pay per mile (Fey)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
State fines insurance companies for violations of state laws
Biden pardons 3 Washington residents in biggest single-day act of clemency

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
WIAA to consider new rules for transgender athletes next year
Washington state considers forming separate sports division for transgender students
King County grapples with telecom wire thefts, urging public violence amid rising outages

KNKX Public Radio
On-duty medic and fire units often staff Seattle sporting events and concerts, leaving coverage gaps

KXLY (ABC)
Bill tackling child abuse in residential treatment facilities passes the Senate
President Biden pardons Colville woman, wiping clean 20-year felony record
New law guarantees college tuition for WA families receiving SNAP food benefits
Carbon Auction Prices surge following defeat of Climate Commitment Act repeal

Web

Crosscut
Dueling lawsuits fuel debate over WA natural gas initiative
Gun violence is declining, but King County still has work to do
Two Democrats appointed to fill Washington state Senate vacancies (Krishnadasan, Orwall, Obras)

MyNorthwest
Scammers continue to target small Washington businesses
King County expert urges parents to talk to children amid teacher abuse allegations

Thursday, December 12

Experts tackle the ‘all of us problem’ of housing in Snohomish County
What’s the solution to the housing crisis? Building more housing. It sounds simple, but getting to that point — and at the scale required to fix a problem that’s been worsening for more than a decade — is a big ask. On Tuesday, a panel of experts discussed how to do just that, in a virtual presentation hosted by Economic Alliance Snohomish County. Right now, most of the numbers in Snohomish County don’t tell a positive story. Based on occupational median incomes, more than two-thirds of workers in the county don’t earn enough on their own to rent the average apartment without being rent-burdened, or spending more than a third of income on housing. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Olivia Vanni)

WA’s carbon market prices increase after failed repeal effort
Prices in Washington’s fledging carbon market spiked this month, after the state’s Climate Commitment Act survived a hard-fought repeal effort in November. The state’s Dec. 4 auction raised nearly $272 million from some of the state’s largest climate polluters by selling about 5.3 million 2023 and 2024 allowances at $40.26 each and 2.2 million 2027 allowances at $26 each. One allowance represents one metric ton of emissions for the year it is labeled. Washington aims to cut emissions nearly in half by 2030, and become a mostly carbon-free state by 2050, while using the carbon market’s revenue for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)

Unsheltered homelessness reduced slightly in Vancouver in 2024
There were 1,366 people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver in 2024, according to the annual homelessness counts presented to the city council on Monday night. The new data paint a picture that shows progress as well as ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in Southwest Washington’s largest city. There was a 5% increase in the total number of people experiencing homelessness in 2024. But, for the first time in six years, there were more people living in shelters than outdoors. Continue reading at KNKX. (Troy Brynelson)

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Axios
Trump commits to protecting abortion pill access
Dueling lawsuits filed over natural gas ballot measure in Washington

Bellingham Herald
‘We’re here’: Whatcom service providers share ideas for aiding unhoused in encampments

Capital Press
Fish and Wildlife proposes federal protection for monarch butterflies

Everett Herald
Washington unions celebrate Kroger-Albertsons merger’s demise
Everett committee finds downtown AquaSox stadium more viable
Experts tackle the ‘all of us problem’ of housing in Snohomish County
Comment: Understanding the anger behind insurance CEO’s murder

The Inlander
Photos from the fight against fentanyl

Mercer Island Reporter
City briefs: State legislative priorities, sport courts opening

News Tribune
Tacoma Fire will get $2.5M in more funding, but city budget reveals difficulties ahead
Pierce County’s eviction rate among highest in state. Are more aid programs necessary?
Does WA Gov. Jay Inslee really plan to move to Idaho when he leaves office in January?
Opinion: Supporting caregivers: How WA Cares addresses long-term care needs in Washington

Peninsula Daily News
Student aid now simplified process

Puget Sound Business Journal
Kraken co-owner David Bonderman dies at 82
Affordable housing investor expands to WA with portfolio purchase

Seattle Times
New Federal Rule Limits Overdraft Fees at Large Banks
WA’s carbon market prices increase after failed repeal effort (Fitzgibbon)
These are Seattle’s highest- and lowest-income neighborhoods
King County, Seattle sue over natural gas initiative passed by voters
Seattle assistant principal resigns after arrest in sex trafficking sting
Tina Orwall chosen for vacant state Senate seat in South King County (Orwall, Obras)

Skagit Valley Herald
Hamilton approves budget, water systems plan update

Spokesman Review
Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers make year-end push to pass Kids Online Safety Act
Opinion: Legislature must address schools’ financial crisis

Tri-City Herald
Out of options, Franklin agrees to join $30M fix for Tri-City region’s failing 911 towers

Washington Post
Americans say their wages aren’t going up enough, report finds
The Postal Service’s electric mail trucks are way behind schedule
Biden commuting nearly 1,500 sentences, pardoning 39 in ‘largest single-day grant of clemency’

WA State Standard
With repeal measure rejected, WA carbon auction prices surge
Washington’s voter-approved natural gas measure snared in two lawsuits
Gig Harbor education leader to become WA’s newest Democratic state senator (Krishnadasan)

Wenatchee World
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority to tap into $8.9M ‘reserves’ in 2025 budget

Yakima Herald-Republic
Spreading the word about pears, Washington’s ‘forgotten’ fruit
New WA apple will be called Sunflare, WSU announces at event in Yakima
Mabton residents and council raise concerns about police protection and next year’s budget

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Officials plan to file lawsuit challenging constitutionality of I-2066
Washington guarantees free in-state tuition for low-income students
Some WA districts propose more rules governing trans athletes’ participation in school sports
Body-worn video shows arrest of off-duty Edmonds cop after she allegedly pointed gun at driver

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Road sign with alarming message spotted along Lake Union
WIAA proposes new league for transgender high school athletes
Seattle expands opioid crisis response with buprenorphine pilot program
Amazon faces class-action lawsuit over claims of withholding full refunds
Are anti-graffiti drones the future of keeping WA’s roads clear of the vandalism?

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle City Council member pushes for ordinance to make Seattle nightlife safer

KNKX Public Radio
A river in Washington state now has enforceable legal rights
A state lawmaker is suing the nonprofit she created. Here’s why
Unsheltered homelessness reduced slightly in Vancouver in 2024

KUOW Public Radio
Washington voters agree — tax the wealthy
What Trump’s second term could mean for education in Washington state
Sea-Tac Airport says major expansion will do little harm. Neighbors don’t buy it
Washington voters approved a natural gas initiative. Lawsuit wants to blow it up

KXLY (ABC)
Washington DNR sues Inland Power over Gray Fire
WIAA says decision on transgender athlete amendments won’t be made until April
Spokane City Council reviews findings from community roundtables on homelessness crisis

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Albertsons gives up on Kroger merger and sues the grocery chain for failing to secure deal
County calls in outside aid as Sudden Valley recovers from destructive November windstorm

Crosscut
WA carbon auction hits high for 2024
Migrant brush pickers face risks, few protections in WA woods

Washington Observer
A TVW-familiar face gets Keiser’s seat (Orwall, Keiser, Gregerson)
MAGA moms slam GOP-backed school attendance bill (Wellman)
Gun control advocates push again for permit-to-purchase (Berry)

Wednesday, December 11

Replacement picked for longtime Washington senator
Democrat Tina Orwall is the latest state representative to make the switch to the Legislature’s other chamber. Orwall was appointed by the King County Council on Tuesday to be the next senator representing the 33rd Legislative District, which covers communities in south King County, including SeaTac, Des Moines and Kent. Orwall replaces outgoing Sen. Karen Keiser who is retiring after 30 years in the Legislature. The council also approved Edwin Obras as Orwall’s replacement in the state House of Representatives. Obras is the deputy division director at the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Ethan Miller)

Rent stabilization, new faces and a big budget gap: A picture of WA’s upcoming legislative session
The election results in Washington state are now certified, and we have a clear picture of which lawmakers will be in Olympia for the start of the legislative session in January. Democrats have had a majority in Olympia since 2018 and still have control of the legislature after November’s election. Democrats even picked up a couple more seats to expand the majority, there are a lot of new faces and some important changing dynamics for both chambers. Continue reading at KNKX. (Lindsey Wasson)

New Washington state law aiming to protect ‘vulnerable road users’ takes effect Jan. 1
Starting January 1, 2025, Washington state will be implementing a new law intended to enhance safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using personal mobility devices. The law aims to reduce injuries and deaths from crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists by increasing the penalties for negligent drivers, according to a press release. Officials defined a “negligent driver” as someone who fails to exercise ordinary care while they’re behind the wheel, which then endangers another person. Continue reading at KOMO. (KOMO)