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Wednesday, May 8

Vancouver council awards millions to add affordable housing and shelter beds
Millions of dollars for affordable housing, rental assistance and services for homeless people are coming to Vancouver this summer. The money from the city’s Affordable Housing Fund and the federal government will help around 5,000 people with services for housing, homelessness, foster care and domestic violence, Vancouver city councilors said at their Monday night meeting. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Taylor Balkom)

Alaska tribe signs historic child welfare agreement with Washington state
An Alaska tribe has signed a historic agreement with Washington state to help keep Tlingit and Haida children with their families and tribes. The tribe “will collaborate closely with the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families to deliver culturally sensitive and responsive services that prioritize the well-being of tribal children and families,” Tlingit & Haida said in the statement. Continue reading at Indian Country Today. (Tlingit & Haida)

Seattle gives asylum-seekers living in Central District park notice to leave
Seattle has posted notices at a Central District park saying that it will clear the area Thursday, indicating anyone still staying there in tents or outside will have to move. The notice is the first directed at asylum-seekers who have been moving between a church, hotels, short-term rentals and parks as they await the legal ability to work in the U.S. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Anna Patrick)

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Axios
Washington’s top-ranked high schools
Where to find the Seattle area’s cheapest rents

Bellingham Herald
Touch-up project at Bellingham’s iconic ‘rocket ships’ contaminates Container Village grass
Whatcom County Council names panel to investigate handling of sexual harassment allegations

Capital Press
FMMO reform could have unintended outcomes
USDA concerns don’t dissuade EPA from banning fungicide
Pacific Power faces $42.5 billion in new wildfire claims, seeks more rate increases

Columbian
WA economy slowing but in relatively good condition, state economists say
Vancouver council awards millions to add affordable housing and shelter beds
Clark County Council breaks deadlock to agree on way to distribute housing growth among cities
‘Trafficking happens in every school’: Heritage High School students raise awareness of sex trafficking

Everett Herald
After complaints, county shuts down DTG’s Maltby recycling facility
What Snohomish County ZIP codes have seen biggest jumps in home value?

Indian Country Today
‘We are going to lead the world’
Alaska tribe signs historic child welfare agreement with Washington state

Kitsap Sun
Seattle-Bremerton fast ferry suffers cancellations, vessel maintenance could bring more

News Tribune
South Sound Mag has named ‘best city’ in South Sound. Spoiler: It starts with a ‘T’

Peninsula Daily News
Roundabouts, timber industry top discussion (Tharinger, Chapman, Van De Wege)

Puget Sound Business Journal
What employers need to know about the new overtime pay rule
Forget the four-day workweek. Some corporate giants are trying out six.

Seattle Times
WA lawmaker retaliated by releasing names of witnesses, says report
Seattle gives asylum-seekers living in Central District park notice to leave

Spokesman Review
Avista to begin blackouts during storms to avoid fires
A first for 2024: Inland Northwest to hit 80 degrees and higher this weekend
Spokane County announces plans for initial $7.2 million in opioid settlement disbursements

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Anthony Spada won’t return to Walla Walla Fire Department

Washington Post
TikTok files court challenge to U.S. law that could lead to ban
Human disruptions to planet raise risk of new pandemic, study finds

WA State Standard
Washington Republicans wrestle with realities of a redrawn political map (Mena)

Wenatchee World
Orondo fire threatens structure, almost spreads to brush

Yakima Herald-Republic
Amazon to lease new warehouse in Terrace Heights

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Discovery of bark beetle in Bothell is ‘concerning,’ state says
5 juveniles, 15 and younger, arrested after multiple car thefts in Seattle

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
DOL warns of statewide license plate shortage
Echo Glen was put on lockdown Tuesday; it was not another escape
New cannabis course offered at Tacoma Community College as industry grows
Tacoma mother says 4-year-old non-verbal daughter was choked by school bus driver

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
City of Seattle paying for 2 more months of migrant housing at Kent hotel
Parents claim Shoreline teacher ‘unjustly dismissed’ because she’s engaged to a woman

KXLY (ABC)
Police to enforce rules in public parks throughout Spokane
Spokane County approves spending of $7.2 million in opioid settlement funds
Post Falls School District ‘disturbed’ by student’s racial slur at Utah basketball team

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Council members form investigative committee to review county’s handling of sexual harassment allegations

Crosscut
Mayor Bruce Harrell talks SCOTUS homelessness case and SPD culture

MyNorthwest
Major drug bust: Shoreline officers get 64 pounds of fentanyl off the streets

Publicola
The backlash to Harrell’s comp plan proves we’re all YIMBYs now (Reed, Pollet, Frame)
Burien proposes transitional housing ban that may violate state law (Peterson)

The Urbanist
Issaquah Approves Affordable Housing Incentives Near Future Light Rail

Tuesday, May 7

‘Going to save some lives.’ Puyallup Tribe launches outpatient opioid treatment clinic
Puyallup Tribal Council member Fred Dillon had a lot stacked against him growing up. He came from “broken homes” and ultimately wound up in a treatment center, which he credits with saving his life. Dillon joined his fellow Puyallup tribal members on Friday in celebrating Tacoma’s new Cedar Wellness Center, an outpatient clinic that will treat both Native and non-Native residents. The building, 503 E. 26th St. near the Tacoma Dome, officially opens its doors on Tuesday. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Simone Carter)

Washington to receive over $28 million from EPA for lead pipe replacement
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced over $28 million in federal funds will go to help Washington residents replace harmful lead-lined pipes. According to the EPA, the Biden Administration is sending $28,650,000 to Washington so lead pipes can be identified and replaced which would prevent lead exposure in drinking water. The EPA says the funding will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and made available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Continue reading at KXLY. (Jon Elswick)

A ‘tool of last resort’: PSE may shut off power in some areas when fire risk is high
This year’s wildfire season may bring a new wrinkle for some Puget Sound Energy customers. The utility has said it may begin to use temporary power shut-offs in some communities to prevent powerlines from igniting blazes in risky weather conditions. Officials are calling this new approach a “tool of last resort.” In recent years, climate change, largely fueled by emissions from the use of coal, oil and gas, has led to longer and more severe wildfire seasons in Washington. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

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Associated Press
The problem with leaf blowers

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen City Council meetings shift to Rotary Log Pavilion

Axios
Bird flu found in WA skunks, raccoons and bobcats
Biden outlines antisemitism measures before Holocaust remembrance speech

Capital Press
Outlook worsens for Yakima River basin irrigators
Fire forecasters predict a ‘busier’ summer in parts of West
Washington asparagus acres may vanish, industry leaders say

Columbian
WA State Patrol fined $750,000 for failing to disclose public records after crash

Everett Herald
Boeing faces FAA probe of Dreamliner inspections, records
Traffic cameras begin dinging school zone violators in Everett
Edmonds wants to hear your thoughts on future of fire services
Everett officer alleges sexual harassment at state police academy
After bargaining deadline, Boeing locks out firefighters union in Everett
Editorial: Federal moves on cannabis encouraging, if incomplete

Indian Country Today
Climate bill is huge and it’s coming due
Quinault Nation’s move to higher ground

International Examiner
As Navigation Center shelter prepares to leave Little Saigon, its legacy remains contentious

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Gov. Inslee and Assistant Secretary of WSF meet with county officials

Kitsap Sun
Rep. Greg Nance: Charting a route to success for Washington State Ferries

News Tribune
‘Going to save some lives.’ Puyallup Tribe launches outpatient opioid treatment clinic (Jinkins)
Puyallup developer will pay thousands to settle water quality violations in Gig Harbor
Enjoy the cool mornings while you can — a blast of heat is headed for the South Sound
Seismic shake-up at City Hall? Tacoma’s form of government could shift under proposal
Will new developments help ease area home prices? Pierce County median: $565K in April

Olympian
Thurston Sheriff plans to pilot GPS trackers, grappler nets in pursuits this summer
Did COVID doom isolated WA town? State and federal leaders asked to help save it (Timmons, Shewmake)
As the weather turns warm and dry, it’s a great time to prepare for the wildfire season
State park nearly doubles number of campsites in preparation for centennial celebration

Puget Sound Business Journal
Redfin to pay $9.25 million to settle class-action lawsuit
Job postings are sliding overall, but not for these high-demand roles
Puyallup Tribe opens opioid treatment clinic in Tacoma’s Dome District
Layoffs are overshadowing the real job cut trend. Experts say that’s about to change

Seattle Times
Bring baby to school: How schools keep staff in the classroom
Seattle-area housing market picks up, but buyers feel the squeeze
WA lawmaker retaliated by releasing names of witnesses, says report
Calls mount for action on asylum-seekers’ encampment at Seattle park

Spokesman Review
Two Spokane-area school districts receive Purple Star Award for support of military families
Prosecutors decline to charge suspect in Coeur d’Alene racial harassment of Utah women’s basketball team

Washington Post
FAA investigating whether Boeing falsified 787 inspection reports
Fish are shrinking around the world. Here’s why scientists are worried.

WA State Standard
Washington lawmaker accused of belittling staff faces new scrutiny
As ‘empowered’ cities ban them from public spaces, homeless people in WA search for refuge

Wenatchee World
Upper Valley MEND surpasses $6.8 million fundraising goal, to start new project

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council to discuss opioid settlement funds at Tuesday meeting
Documents show ex-YPD officer Elias Huizar was investigated in Yakima

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Frustration grows in Burien as city and sheriff’s office clash over camping ban enforcement
How an art program has been helping teens in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood for over three decades
‘The city needs to step up’: Neighbors express public health concerns over asylum encampment at Seattle park

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
PSE has new tool to prevent wildfires caused by powerlines
SPD cop who joked about pedestrian’s death to speak at national conference
Catholic school teacher tells parents she is being forced out because she is gay
Class action lawsuit claims biggest landlords in Western Washington are colluding to raise rents
Boeing is on the verge of launching astronauts aboard new capsule, the latest entry to space travel

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Burien elected officials excluded from KCSO public safety meeting planning
Mechanical malfunction sparks fire on arriving Delta flight at Sea-Tac airport
Councilmember suggests loitering law return to combat sex trafficking in Seattle
WA hospitals lose $1,74 billion in 2023, charity law change may add to 2024 losses

KNKX Public Radio
FAA is investigating Boeing for apparent missed inspections on 787 Dreamliner

KUOW Public Radio
A ‘tool of last resort’: PSE may shut off power in some areas when fire risk is high

KXLY (ABC)
North County Food Pantry struggling to get enough food on shelves
Washington to receive over $28 million from EPA for lead pipe replacement

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Opinion: We must hold all leaders — including Democrats — accountable

Crosscut
From the practical to the policy in the national gun control debate

MyNorthwest
Local Boeing firefighters hit the picket line for livable wages
Catholic school teacher loses job because of her alleged sexual orientation

The Urbanist
Urbanism 101: How Urban Agriculture Can Boost Food Security

Monday, May 6

Rep. Greg Nance: From Kitsap, with best wishes for success, some tips for the new ferries chief
Steve Nevey, congratulations on your appointment as assistant secretary for Washington State Ferries. You take the helm of our iconic ferry fleet amid significant headwinds. You’ve inherited a tough job, as every canceled sailing causes hardship with neighbors missing work, missing school and missing medical care. There is good news: The WSF crew cares deeply and is working around the clock to restore reliability. Ferry riders also care deeply and have ideas to help us improve. The Legislature is making bipartisan investments in our maritime workforce and ferry fleet. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

‘It’s hard not to give up.’ The homeless scatter across Washington state as cities ban them from public spaces
In the past year, at least five Washington cities and two counties responded to increased homeless populations with camping bans. Smaller Washington cities like Clarkston are increasingly confronting the housing crisis more commonly associated with densely populated, urban areas. That could be a preview of what’s to come, not just in Washington but nationwide, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision expected in June. Justices are considering whether to overturn lower-court rulings in Oregon and Idaho that protect homeless people from being ticketed, charged, or arrested for sleeping on public property when there is no shelter available. Continue reading at KUOW. (InvestigateWest)

Her best friend died after getting kicked out of treatment. She passed a law to address ejections
It’s a rainy, grey winter morning, and Representative Lauren Davis is trying to get into her parking spot at the state capitol, while also attending a Zoom meeting on drug policy. It’s day one of the 2024 Washington legislative session, which leadership have declared will be focused heavily on fentanyl. Preliminary reports from 2023 show drug deaths are rising faster in Oregon and Washington than anywhere in the country. Davis is one of the many Washingtonians who lost someone fighting addiction last year: Her best friend, Ricky Klausmeyer-Garcia. Continue reading at KNKX. (Jennifer Wing)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Most mountain goats died after airlift from Olympics

Capital Press
Tax shift unexamined as Washington reviews wind project

Columbian
Clark County’s drug court is quiet in wake of Blake Decision, say officials
Elderly Clark County residents are more likely to be financially exploited by relatives
These cities raised taxes — for child care. Parents say the free day care ‘changed my life’
Center for Biological Diversity hopes to protect Washington’s Ashy pebblesnail and shortface lanx
Child care staff often make less money than retail workers. That’s causing staff shortages and long waitlists at daycares

News Tribune
Puyallup developer will pay thousands to settle water quality violations in Gig Harbor

Seattle Times
Seattle has 25 new curbside chargers for EVs, with more on the way
PSE may turn off power in parts of WA to prevent wildfires this year
WA State Patrol fined $750,000 for failing to disclose public records after crash
Editorial: SPD’s defensive tone in face of allegations makes need for review clear
Opinion: Housing First is our best tool among many to combat homelessness
Rep. Greg Nance: From Kitsap, with best wishes for success, some tips for the new ferries chief

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Dixie school levy approved in final special election results
Bree Black Horse formally sworn in to prosecute MMIP cases in federal court

Washington Post
How EVs became so polarized
Chemo can be brutal. This FDA effort aims to make it less so.
DEI is getting a new name. Can it dump the political baggage?
Ultrasound technology is used in many ways. Addiction is the next frontier.

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle couple honors son’s memory by helping youth battling mental illness
What the reclassification of marijuana means for Washington’s cannabis industry
Boeing firefighters picket outside of Renton facility after company locks them out amid contract negotiations

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Wildfire concerns prompt Washington National Guard to step up
As US spotlights those missing or dead in Native communities, prosecutors work to solve their cases

KNKX Public Radio
Coal transition: Raising fish and a workforce with an economic development grant
Her best friend died after getting kicked out of treatment. She passed a law to address ejections (Davis)

KUOW Public Radio
The ‘Better FAFSA’ was not, but the University of Washington says it’s getting there
AI should be used in class, not feared. That’s the message of these Seattle area teachers
‘It’s hard not to give up.’ The homeless scatter across Washington state as cities ban them from public spaces
Drug use in Washington state is changing. More people are smoking and when they look for help, it’s hard to find

KXLY (ABC)
Moses Lake police officer and suspect shot, both injured

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lummi Nation accuses fire district EMS of inadequate emergency services

MyNorthwest
Recent utility vandalism impacts residents in Kitsap, King counties

Waterland Blog
Sen. Karen Keiser honored, legislative and City Manager recruitment updates at Thursday night’s Des Moines City Council (Keiser)

West Seattle Blog
‘Give Them Space’: How boaters can help Southern Resident Killer Whales this season, even before new law takes effect

Friday, May 3

WA grant offers free tuition at several colleges. Here’s why so few apply & how you can
Washington has one of the most expansive financial aid programs of any U.S. state, the Washington College Grant. But according to Governor Jay Inslee, few students are aware that they can apply. They often assume the program is reserved for low-income students, or don’t know about it at all. On May 1, Gov. Inslee’s office published a call for students to apply before next month’s deadline. Here’s what you need to know. Continue reading at the Bellingham Herald. (AP Photo)

Should Washington’s public schools ban students from using cellphones?
Schools around the state and country are searching for a balance with their cellphone policies for students. Phones can not only cause distractions, they can also contribute to bullying and pose mental health risks, especially for kids. A bill in the state Legislature this year would’ve directed school districts to adopt restrictions on student cellphone use by the start of the 2027-28 school year. The measure passed out of the House Education Committee with bipartisan support, then stalled. Continue reading at the WA State Standard. (Getty Images)

What feds’ new cannabis policy could mean for WA weed shops
The U.S. government is moving toward reclassifying marijuana as a less harmful drug, a federal spokesperson confirmed this week. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize recreational cannabis distribution. Yet, weed sellers and lawmakers in Washington state say the cannabis industry faces unfair hurdles that other taxpaying businesses do not. Continue reading at the Seattle Times.

Print

Associated Press
EPA bans consumer use of a toxic chemical widely used as a paint stripper but known to cause cancer

Auburn Reporter
Project targets major flooding of Green River

Axios
Quake-proofing Seattle’s vulnerable buildings

Bellingham Herald
WA grant offers free tuition at several colleges. Here’s why so few apply & how you can
WA Dept. of Ecology files lawsuit officially launching Nooksack River water rights process
Southwest plans to pull its operations in Bellingham. Thousands are asking the airline to reconsider

Columbian
Officials say new Vancouver low-income senior housing will improve lives
Demand for electricity in Northwest projected to grow 30% in decade, triple previous estimates

The Daily News
Editorial: Homelessness won’t go away, regardless of Supreme Court ruling

Everett Herald
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

Kitsap Sun
With childcare at a premium in Kitsap, provider lands state grant to fuel expansion

News Tribune
‘A safe space for all:’ After-school club discusses antiracism, history and politics
Puyallup police, sheriff’s deputy to be honored with Law Enforcement Medal of Honor
Opinion: Health care is broken. Puyallup thrift shop run by ‘grannies’ is the latest victim

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle among nation’s holdouts in return-to-office trend, report finds

Seattle Times
What feds’ new cannabis policy could mean for WA weed shops (Ormsby)
San Juan County ‘encouraged’ by initial results of 32-hour workweek
From Kitsap, with best wishes for success, some tips for the new ferries chief

Spokesman Review
Spokane may be out of the Trent homeless shelter by October
Over 10,000 Premera-insured MultiCare patients in Spokane at risk of losing in-network care at the end of May
The Inland Northwest could burn again: Potential for more wildfires highlights need for safety, preventative measures
Over half of West Plains wells exceed PFAS limits, Ecology finds. Many private wells have PFAS chemicals over ten times the new federal limit

Tri-City Herald
Washington high school ranked third-best in nation in 2024 U.S. News annual ranking list
Editorial: Hanford site nuclear deal is hopeful development. But will it work this time?

Washington Post
Where seas are rising at alarming speed
GOP split could doom bipartisan child tax credit bill
Booming labor market poised to reach milestone for low unemployment

WA State Standard
Should Washington’s public schools ban students from using cellphones?
Demand for electricity in Northwest projected to grow 30% in decade, triple previous estimates

Yakima Herald-Republic
Bree Black Horse formally sworn in to prosecute MMIP cases in federal court
Yakima school superintendent responds community questions about budget cuts

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Mobile Department of Licensing office hits the road in Washington
What EPA, researchers and cleaning industry say about detergent pods
Being Pacific Islander means everything’ | Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month
Friends of woman killed in south Seattle home speak out; Ex-Bothell City Council member arrested

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
How Olympic National Park will respond to wildland and structure fires
Doctors of color call on Congress to help address minority physician shortage
Two more suspects arrested in string of burglaries targeting Asian, East Indian homeowners
‘Workers go home hurt:’ New bill aims to protect warehouse workers from unsafe conditions
Customers to pay for $100k damage after King County power lines, equipment were ‘sabotaged’

KNKX Public Radio
Centralia’s coal plant has to close next year. Can other communities learn from their transition?

KUOW Public Radio
Can King County actually close its youth jail? It’s not so simple, audit finds

KXLY (ABC)
Family of man killed by fellow patient at Eastern State Hospital files lawsuit against the state
Eastern Washington police officers to receive medal of honor for bravery during 2023 Gorge concert shooting

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Department of Ecology files water rights lawsuit in Whatcom County

Crosscut
More students experiencing homelessness in Washington

MyNorthwest
Travel alert: Washington ferry prices have gone up amid wave of riders

Thursday, March 2

Need for diapers persists, even with new WA cash benefit
A law providing low-income Washington families with a monthly subsidy to buy diapers has been in effect for six months, but the need for diaper banks and other resources remains high. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, diaper need is a growing problem. One in two U.S. families can’t afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry and healthy, according to a 2023 study commissioned by the network. Three in five parents miss work or school because they can’t afford the diapers required to leave their baby in child care, the national diaper bank says. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Mike Stewart)

My plan as head of Washington State Ferries
As I settle into the role of directing the nation’s largest ferry system, my commitment is to ensure Washington State Ferries restores service to the levels our customers expect and enact long-term solutions that make us reliable for decades to come. WSF’s greatest challenges are the need for new vessels and licensed maritime workers. Since 2021, legislators adopted policies and funding that empower our agency to be more responsive in a nationally competitive market for shipbuilders and mariners. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Republican legislative staff move first to unionize under new WA law
Employees of the Washington Legislature could start pursuing union representation Wednesday and two groups of workers did. Both are Republican. Legislative assistants for GOP members of the state House and Senate want the recently formed Legislative Professionals Association to represent them. Petitions on behalf of workers in each chamber were filed with the Public Employment Relations Commission, which will certify the bargaining unit and conduct an election. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Laurel Demkovich)