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Thursday, September 12

WA health insurance rates to jump over 10% for 2025
Washingtonians who get their health care coverage on the state’s market will see higher rates next year, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner announced Wednesday. Each year, the commissioner’s office approves changes to insurance rates. The 11 insurers selling plans in the upcoming health benefit exchange, or the state’s online health insurance market, asked for an 11.3% average increase, according to the commissioner’s office. The office agreed to a 10.7% average. Continue reading at The Herald. (Olivia Vanni)

College credit program for WA high schoolers sees enrollment jump now that it’s free
About 10,000 more students enrolled in Washington’s College in the High School program in the first school year that the dual credit courses were free for all students. That’s according to data from the Washington State Education Research and Data Center as well as the Council of Presidents, an association representing Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (sdominick)

Washington lawmakers to introduce ban on flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes
A statewide campaign called “Flavors Hook Kids Washington” aims to ban all flavored tobacco products. The effort comes from lawmakers, health experts and anti-tobacco groups working to undo decades of marketing campaigns that targeted the Black community. The statewide flavored tobacco ban bill is expected to be introduced in January 2025 in Washington’s next legislative session. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

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Associated Press
More women had their tubes tied after Roe v. Wade was overturned

Axios
Seattle-area rents are rising again

Bellingham Herald
Sewage spill leads to closure of beach at Bellingham’s Bloedel Donovan Park
Mt. Baker Highway named among ‘sketchiest’ mountain roads in the U.S. in new ranking

Capital Press
FIRST FOOD: What the fish mean for Tribes
THE COUNT: Agencies track wild, hatchery fish in Columbia, Snake rivers
Opinion: Kill this birdbrained scheme

Columbian
I-5 Bridge replacement environmental impact statement to be published Sept. 20
Camas residents concerned about safety of city’s water supply; some eye area’s microchip makers
‘Naloxone saves lives’: Everyone should learn to give the overdose-reversing drug, says Clark County Public Health

Everett Herald
WA health insurance rates to jump over 10% for 2025
In Edmonds, tiles represent the thousands lost on 9/11
Lockdown lifted at Lynnwood High after student arrested

The Inlander
Spokane could prevent evictions if landlords don’t register rental units.
Nature-focused programs at Airway Heights Corrections Center improve prisoner health while providing food for the community

News Tribune
CDC director visits Tacoma with back-to-school reminder: Time to vaccinate your kids
After more than two years and $9.5 million, new Pierce County library opens this week
He alleged sexual abuse at defunct Tacoma boys group home. WA settles case for $150K

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle council weighs controversial drug, prostitution bills
Comment: For the future workforce, fund the student before the system

Seattle Times
Vote by Boeing machinists likely to trigger an immediate strike
Premiums for WA health insurance will go up in 2025. Here’s how much
Pac-12 expansion: Four Mountain West schools officially added for 2026

Spokesman Review
Washington approved insurance rate increase
Which school in Spokane should get a new health clinic? The school board isn’t sure
Shadle Park, North Central open new in-school health clinics to expand healthcare access

Tri-City Herald
Washington is a top-ranked state for teen drivers. Here’s where the state ranks and why

WA State Standard
College credit program for WA high schoolers sees enrollment jump now that it’s free

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle traffic ranks third-worst in US, per ConsumerAffairs report
Some Boeing machinists preparing for strike over proposed labor contract as soon as Friday
Tribal leaders, law enforcement gather for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women summit
Washington lawmakers to introduce ban on flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes (Reeces)
An estimated 25,000-50,000 gallons of raw sewage released into Lake Whatcom, closing beach access at Bloedel Donovan park

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing workers march, many planning to strike
Kitsap Transit sets sail with new ferry thanks to $13.5 million grant
Which schools might close? Seattle Public Schools shares two options
Photo showing kids sitting in the aisle on Lake Stevens bus draws concerns
Pilot on Alaska Airlines flight with door plug blowout speaks about incident

KNKX Public Radio
Micro-hydroelectric power may be the next big climate solution

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle names 21 public schools to possibly close

KXLY (ABC)
Ongoing construction takes a toll on Spokane businesses
Law enforcement officer accused of sexually assaulting woman in custody
East Valley High School’s manufacturing class teaches students professional skills
Three WSU fraternities investigated for conduct violations at start of Fall semester
Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act passes House of Representatives

Web

Crosscut
Highline Public Schools to reopen Thursday after cyberattack

MyNorthwest
WSP reports yet another drive-by shooting on I-5

Wednesday, September 11

Vancouver City Council boosts affordable housing supply
The Vancouver City Council passed an emergency interim ordinance Monday night that clears the way for more accessory dwelling units, duplexes, cottage clusters and small-lot housing. City staff said the decision will boost the supply of affordable housing. The ordinance went into effect immediately after its passage. The city will hold a public hearing on the ordinance within 60 days. The ordinance comes ahead of the city’s 20-year comprehensive plan update, which is part of a countywide process to meet state growth-management requirements. Continue reading at The Columbian. (The Columbian)

State workers walk out across WA to call for wage increases
State employees around Washington walked out of their jobs Tuesday afternoon, amid stalled contract negotiations in which they’ve been bargaining for wage increases and improved conditions to address what they describe as widespread staffing shortages. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)

Washington state changed how it handles police misconduct. Here’s how it’s going
When a police officer does something wrong, one option is decertification – taking away their badge and gun, for good. Washington is one of more than 20 states that have created, or strengthened, paths to decertification. But there are some hurdles. Journalist Jared Brown joined KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick to discuss how an officer recently lost their badge for excessive force; recent reforms to Washington’s decertification policy; and pending decertification cases, including against the officers acquitted of killing Manny Ellis. Continue reading at KNKX. (Erika Schultz)

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Associated Press
Election officials warn that widespread problems with the US mail system could disrupt voting
A Boeing strike is looking more likely. The union president expects workers to reject contract offer

Axios
Autumn is getting warmer in Seattle
Study: Seattle has the 2nd worst traffic congestion in U.S.
The gender wage gap just widened for the first time in 20 years

Bellingham Herald
WWU public service employees join statewide walkout amid union contract negotiations
Bellingham, Whatcom County help YWCA establish emergency shelter for women, children

Capital Press
Ruling: Black farmers can proceed with USDA lending discrimination lawsuit

Columbian
Vancouver City Council boosts affordable housing supply
Clark College classified staff walk out to protest low wage offers from state
Promise of Medicaid funding to plug homelessness budgets unmet in Washington

Everett Herald
Pilots mourn possible sale of Monroe private air field
Adopt a Stream to host free rain garden workshop in Everett
Comment: Proposal reflects future Boeing, IAM are building

Kitsap Sun
Unemployment claims in Washington increased last week
Hood Canal summer chum returning to Union River in record numbers
Discrimination, hostility center lawsuit over Judge Tracy Flood’s treatment of court staff

News Tribune
State workers protested near Steilacoom City Hall. Here’s what they are upset about
‘Survive until you find something.’ Shelters sparse for Pierce County’s homeless kids
Pierce County mine under fire for proposed expansion. We took a look inside the operation

Olympian
‘Public employees deserve better’ state workers say as they walkout over contract talks

Port Townsend Leader
Quilcene school board considers resolution on gender in girls sports

Puget Sound Business Journal
Comment: There’s a lot riding on Boeing’s next union contract
Comment: Cities can’t afford to remain territorially competitive

Seattle Times
Native group cuts ties with Seattle Police Department
State workers walk out across WA to call for wage increases
Seattle City Council considers 7 ‘stay out’ drug or prostitution zones

Spokesman Review
Washington Bureau of Indian Affairs officer indicted in sexual assault of prisoner
Opinion: Kids are back in school, but too many parents are still out of work

Tri-City Herald
Judge finally rules on $45B WA nuclear site contract affecting thousands of workers

Washington Post
Household incomes rose last year for the first time since 2019
Nippon Steel’s doomed effort to court union detailed in emails, letters
Inflation drops to lowest level since February 2021 as Fed plans rate cut
Facebook is blocking emergency warnings as wildfires roar through West
Boar’s Head plant posed an ‘imminent threat’ years before listeria outbreak

WA State Standard
Thousands of Washington state employees take part in lunch hour walkout

Wenatchee World
2 Wenatchee Valley early learning facilities receive slices of Commerce’s $7M grants

Yakima Herald-Republic
YVC instructors walk out in support of state union members

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
King County proposal could issue at least $1 billion in bonds to fund affordable housing
Lynnwood High School student arrested after pulling firearm during road rage incident, police say
Controversial proposals to ban those with drug, prostitution arrests from certain areas of Seattle passes out of committee after tense meeting

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle SOAP and SODA zones under review
Tacoma schools grapple with bus schedule issues
Lakewood police pursuit ends in multi-car collision in Pierce County
Quarantine for Japanese beetles extended in Washington, new rules take effect September 15
‘No one’s happy about the contract’: Possible Boeing strike looms, workers vote on tentative deal
A Boeing strike is looking more likely. The union president expects workers to reject contract offer

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘We recommended acceptance’: Boeing workers face crucial vote on new contract
Seattle City Council approves controversial zones amid chaotic committee meeting
Public service workers strike across Washington, demand better wages and conditions

KNKX Public Radio
Washington state changed how it handles police misconduct. Here’s how it’s going

KXLY (ABC)
City of Spokane phasing out TRAC shelter beds ahead of October closure
Spokane mayor proposes special narcotics attorney to prosecute drug crimes
Spokane County approves $600K contract with Maddie’s Place to help babies exposed to opioids

Web

Cascadia Daily News
WWU, WCC employees join statewide walkout over compensation
What is the Whatcom County Charter? Learn about the once-in-a-decade review process

Crosscut
Can Washington’s governor carry a gun on the state Capitol campus?

MyNorthwest
Public Service workers walk out over staffing crisis, pay cuts
Washington among states most affected by cryptocurrency fraud
Could suicide-prevention nets on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge save lives?

The Urbanist
Policy Lab: Cracking Down on Rental “Junk Fees”

Tuesday, September 10

Study: Washington earns a “B” for usable school data
Washington ranks high on transparency about students’ learning progress since the COVID-19 shutdowns, but the state’s website can still be tricky to navigate, a new study finds. Lack of data can make it hard for parents to choose a school for their child using state report cards that are mandated by federal law, or to put pressure on struggling schools. Washington earned a “B” based on the availability of data for student performance and other metrics going back several years. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)

As one lawsuit against Tacoma immigration detention center ends, another ramps up
A state Department of Health lawsuit seeking to gain entry and conduct inspections at a federal, privately-run immigration detention facility in Tacoma was dismissed on Monday. The department filed suit against The GEO Group, the company that runs the Northwest ICE Processing Center, after both state health and workplace officials were repeatedly denied access to the facility in late 2023. It’s one of several cases where the state and GEO are battling over Washington’s power to regulate the controversial facility. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Grace Deng)

Highline cancels second day of class amid rise in tech troubles for districts nationally
Highline Public Schools (HPS) said classes will be canceled again on Tuesday as it works to investigate “unauthorized activity” on its technology systems. The district said it detected the issues over the weekend and took many of its programs offline to address the issue. It did not confirm that it was a “cyberattack.” A report from the US Government Accountability Office said cyberattacks on K-12 schools have increased in recent years. According to the agency’s research, loss of learning following a cyberattack can range from three days to three weeks, with full recovery taking anywhere from two to nine months. Continue reading at KIRO.

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Associated Press
U.S. seeks new pedestrian safety rules aimed at increasingly massive SUVs and pickup trucks

Aberdeen Daily World
Ecology holds public hearing about Grays Harbor Paper LP site

Axios
Study: Washington earns a “B” for usable school data

Capital Press
Invasive tree of heaven spreads, as do concerns
More than 300 groups to Congress: Pass farm bill

Columbian
State audit finds Camas’ internal controls are inadequate
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center expands its cardiac care, offers nonsurgical heart procedures 24/7
‘Naloxone saves lives’: Everyone should learn to give the overdose-reversing drug, says Clark County Public Health

Everett Herald
Everett and Cascade to open free student health centers
County forces DTG Recycle’s Maltby facility to scale back
Everything you need to know about Community Transit bus changes
‘A true labor of love’: Helping Hands expands behavioral health clinic

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Resiliency planning for the San Juan Islands included in transformational $73.6 MM-Federal Climate Award

Kent Reporter
WSDOT online open house details SR 509/I-5 plans in Kent

News Tribune
‘Definitely sticking around.’ Tacoma civic leader reflects on legacy on eve of retirement
‘Work in Tehaleh and live nearby.’ New industrial park coming to master planned community

Peninsula Daily News
Highway projects coming to Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
Regulators crack down as CRE loan losses pile up
Under Boeing labor deal, next all-new jet would be built in Washington
Pandemic wealth migration left winners and losers among Puget Sound-area counties

Seattle Times
Opinion: Washington news organizations creating Olympia bureau

Skagit Valley Herald
Samish tribe, Friends of the San Juans receive grant for climate resilience project

Snoqualmie Valley Record
WSDOT to open first ramps of I-90/SR 18 interchange

Spokesman Review
Person dies at Spokane Amazon facility, employees evacuated
Spokane International Airport gets $18 million from Biden administration
Spokane business leaders sound off on homelessness: ‘The whole thought is that the city just doesn’t care’
Opinion: State worker contract secrecy benefits no one

Washington Post
42 state AGs endorse federal plan to add warning labels on social media
High toxin levels are illegal in public water. But not for Americans using private wells.

WA State Standard
As one lawsuit against Tacoma immigration detention center ends, another ramps up

Wenatchee World
Level 2 evacuations issued in Wynnie Fire

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima courts return to in person hearings for jail inmates

Broadcast

ING 5 TV (NBC)
Machinists protest union’s tentative deal with Boeing
Highline cancels second day of class amid rise in tech troubles for districts nationally
Hundreds of guns flashed, but few suspects charged in King County highway road rage cases
‘Belltown Hellcat’ driver’s lawyer withdraws from civil case as motion to set aside default denied
Woman accused of causing fatal Olympia crash while fleeing law enforcement has 47 prior arrests

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
New bell schedules & bus routes for Tacoma Public Schools
Parents, teachers worry about lack of discipline for misbehaving students
Did COVID-19 lockdowns prematurely age teen brains? UW researchers weigh in
Highline Public Schools closed through Tuesday after ‘unauthorized activity’ in technology systems
UW receives grant to fund research to detect and manage Alzheimer’s in American Indians communities

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Highline Public Schools cancel classes again Tuesday due to possible cyberattack
Boeing employees express discontent with new tentative contract, threaten to strike
Family of protestor killed on I-5 asks jury to award them $24 million as civil trial wraps

KUOW Public Radio
To strike or not? Boeing machinists consider new contract offer
Deadly white-nose disease is spreading in Western Washington bats
Native-led suicide prevention program focuses on building community strengths

KXLY (ABC)
‘Every day is filled with hope’: Spokane’s Behavioral Health Unit turns lives around
SPD reports decreased crime rates, but downtown business owners still struggling with safety concerns

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Food forests create a ‘sense of place’ for Bellingham college students
Public feedback on Lynden, Sumas border crossing expansion due Sept. 26
Opinion: Can Whatcom farmers and enviros agree on water rights? Common ground exists

Crosscut
Councilmember Zahilay proposes $1B for middle-income public housing

MyNorthwest
Boeing strike potentially days away after union rejects company’s latest offer

The Urbanist
2 Line Beats Ridership Expectations, 1 Line Has Second-Best Month Ever
SDOT Starts Planning for Multimodal Access to West Seattle’s Link Stations

Washington Observer
An ethical kerfuffle on the long-term care initiative

Monday, September 9

WA’s state hospitals are admitting patients on time. What’s needed to keep it up?
For the first time in years, Washington has been admitting mental health patients from jail to its state psychiatric facilities without significant delays. The state is now effectively in compliance with a federal lawsuit known as the “Trueblood” case, which requires that the state quickly evaluate patients to see whether they’re mentally fit to stand trial, and move them from jail to the state mental hospital for treatment if they’re not. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

WA scuttles $200,000 sale of two retired state ferries
Washington’s nearly two-year effort to unload a pair of retired state ferries ran aground this week. Officials with Washington State Ferries announced Thursday they had nixed an agreement to sell the Elwha and Klahowya for $100,000 each to Nelson Armas who planned to tow them to Ecuador to be scrapped. This might turn out to be a good thing as prospective new buyers have discussed ways to “showcase them” in this region, a Ferries official said. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (WSF)

Seattle’s non-police first responders prepare to expand footprint
Seattle’s unarmed crisis responders are staffing up as they prepare to answer calls citywide by next spring. Additional job postings for 18 responders and three supervisors should be online in the coming days, officials say. The expansion is funded by a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Under a pilot program, Seattle 911 dispatchers have been sending a team from Seattle’s new department of Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) to certain non-criminal calls alongside police downtown for almost a year. Continue reading at KUOW. (Amy Radil)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Senator visits Grays Harbor to discuss economic grant

Axios
Biden’s race to spend billions of climate bucks

Capital Press
Feds see second Skagit tidegate repair as threat to salmon, killer whales
Washington high court overturns lower courts, firms up Ecology’s power
Environmentalists, loggers reach consensus on NW Forest Plan amendment

Columbian
Nutrition programs for older adults face service cuts
How wildfire smoke, retardant slurry impact human health, environment
At the center of WA’s DCYF firestorm: A man who can be ‘his own worst enemy’ (Leavitt)

Everett Herald
Boeing reaches tentative pact with machinists
County forces DTG Recycle’s Maltby facility to scale back
Ecology invites public comment on cleanup next to Edmonds Marsh
Comment: Lawmakers must fix growing school funding shortfall

Kitsap Sun
$80M in infrastructure funding aimed at Bainbridge Island’s Wyckoff site cleanup
Septic company files suit against Kitsap health district’s requirement to collect fees

News Tribune
Thousands of vehicles use this busy road. A Pierce County city has plans to improve it
Rules of the Road: Why aren’t pedestrians ticketed for walking on wrong side of the road?
At what age is it OK for kids to walk home from school alone in WA? Here’s what we know

Peninsula Daily News
Housing project to receive $2M from tax fund

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle gears up to rein in design review process

Seattle Times
WA finally catches a (small) break from drought conditions
Promise of Medicaid funding to plug homelessness budgets unmet
What to know about getting addiction treatment for kids in Washington
WA’s state hospitals are admitting patients on time. What’s needed to keep it up?

Spokesman Review
Getting There: Drivers should expect disruptions for Spokane County road projects

Washington Post
Congress returns to face looming deadline to prevent shutdown
Boeing reaches tentative contract agreement with machinists union

WA State Standard
Seattle’s office real estate market still sluggish
WA scuttles $200,000 sale of two retired state ferries

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Driver fleeing law enforcement strikes another car, killing 1 in Olympia
University of Washington researchers to explore impacts of cellphone bans in schools

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Lake Wenatchee adds beach wheelchair for visitors with limited mobility
Boeing says it has a deal to avoid a strike by more than 30,000 machinists
Kentridge High School lockdown prompts debate on student phone access
2 men hospitalized after shooting at Seattle nightclub, no suspect in custody
Highline Public Schools closed Monday as they deal with a possible cyberattack
High-speed pursuit in Lacey/Olympia ends in a head-on crash, one person is dead
Family of Jaahnavi Kandula files wrongful death lawsuit against Seattle and police officer
Starbucks turns to a celebrity CEO as it struggles to define itself for an era of mobile orders
Redmond cannabis shop hit with fifth smash-and-grab robbery, at odds with city over solution
Major cleanup phase commences at Wyckoff-Eagle Harbor Superfund site on Bainbridge Island

KNKX Public Radio
Columbia and Snake River tribes fight to keep fishing traditions alive
Boeing reaches tentative deal with its production workers in hopes to avoid strike

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle’s non-police first responders prepare to expand footprint
Seattle families brace for school closures. What can we learn from last time?
‘I didn’t know it existed.’ Why young people are the least vaccinated in Seattle area
‘Wimpy’ winter ahead for Pacific Northwest despite La Niña prediction, climatologist says

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane International Airport receives over $18 million for reconstruction projects
Spokane County Sheriff deputies face no charges for 2022 killing of Matthew Teears
Addiction recovery center faces resistance in relocation to East Spokane neighborhood
Zona Blanca to close permanently due to crime and drug use in downtown Spokane, says owner

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lynden School Board asks for review of transgender inclusion policies in girls sports

Crosscut
How Roslyn became a model for community-led wildfire management

MyNorthwest
Suspect chase through Lacey leaves 1 dead, 2 hurt
‘Not all encampments are eyesores:’ Man’s makeshift White House catches the eye

The Urbanist
Seattle’s Growth Plan Keeps Most of the City Unaffordable, County Committee Says

Washington Observer
Dueling messaging around Climate Commitment Act Repeal

West Seattle Blog
Highline Public Schools closed Monday, tech trouble blamed

Friday, September 6

Washington to fix accessibility violations at its state parks
A deal, announced Thursday, [requires] Washington to identify and fix ADA violations at all of its state parks. The settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice will also require the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to come up with a formal process to maintain current accessible facilities and construct new ones. As part of the agreement, the department has 90 days to propose new policies and procedures for constructing new accessible parks and maintaining old ones. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (WA State Parks)

Over 100 state employees accused of sexual abuse in Washington juvenile detention centers
A new lawsuit has been filed against the State of Washington, alleging decades of sexual abuse and negligence within the state’s juvenile detention facilities. The complaint, filed in King County Superior Court, details numerous instances of abuse suffered by children placed in state-run juvenile prisons and detention centers as far back as the 1960s. The plaintiffs in the case include 188 men and women who allege they were sexually abused while incarcerated as minors in various facilities managed by the state. Continue reading at KIRO. (KIRO)

King County Council considers housing development for middle-income residents
The King County Council is considering a proposal that would build rent-restricted workforce housing for people who make too much to qualify for low-income housing, but struggle to afford rent. Under the new proposal, put forward by King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, the county would use local government bonds to borrow at least $1 billion to build, renovate, or convert buildings into public housing. If given the green light, the rent from those properties would be used to pay back that debt and cover operating costs. Continue reading at KUOW. (Maria Zeigler)