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Monday, January 15

A quick start and renters’ pleas: Week 1 recap of Washington’s 2024 legislative session
Washington’s 2024 legislative session started Monday, Jan. 8, after weeks of lead-up and conversation from key lawmakers about what to expect this go-around. The House gaveled in and immediately started passing leftover legislation from last year, including a lot-splitting housing bill, a measure to end child marriage, and another bill to ramp up state support for local communities responding to extreme weather events. Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) says the bills already passed are those that the House worked on last year and are likely welcome in the Senate, as lawmakers “get the cobwebs out” in their race against the 60-day clock. Session is scheduled to end March 7. Continue reading at KUOW. (NW News Network)

Proposed law would ban the controversial practice of isolation as punishment in Washington schools
In Washington schools, Black children and disabled children are disproportionately physically restrained and secluded more than children of other races or without disabilities, an advocate testified in a state hearing last week. State law prohibits schools from restraining or isolating students unless there is an “imminent likelihood of serious harm.” Yet some students and parents have reported educators used those tactics without a situation escalating to a dangerous threshold, inflicting pain on children. A group of lawmakers and activists is pushing for a bill that would ultimately outlaw student isolation as a form of punishment in schools. The bill would still allow for restraint if the situation is immediately dangerous and a school staffer has no alternatives. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review.

As enrollment drops, school closures loom for more Washington communities
Washington’s K-12 enrollment numbers dropped by 47,885 students since the 2019-2020 school year, putting the state’s total number of students at 1,098,997 during this school year. During COVID-19, parents pulled their kids out of public schools — and the public school system simply lost track of many students. However, drops in enrollment predate the pandemic due to declining birth rates and other factors. Nobody wants to see a school close and education is Washington’s biggest priority, said Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, who sits on the House Education Committee. Still, asking for more funds to keep open schools with fewer kids is a “difficult ask.” Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Bill Lucia)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Waves batter Ocean Shores sand berm; officials look to ‘harder’ option

Bellingham Herald
As temperatures drop in Whatcom County, another warming shelter now in operation
Two heavily-used bridges being replaced beginning this spring near downtown Bellingham
Home prices in Whatcom County decrease as Bellingham’s prices jump to average of $700k

Capital Press
Inslee orders up wolf-removal rule for second time

Columbian
WA unions wary of proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger
Washington Legislature aims to regulate AI — but treads cautiously (Shavers)
Rents have skyrocketed at Woodland East Mobile Home Park; now residents want to buy their park but are running out of time

Everett Herald
‘Scared to sleep’: Everett’s crime crackdown comes at a cost
Police: Edmonds man ‘overreacted,’ shot apologetic rideshare driver
Zero emissions by 2044 part of Community Transit’s long-range plan
After grim record in overdose deaths, county seeks change in Olympia
Editorial: Getting around, on wheels or water, not any easier (Fey, Liias, Nance, Robinson)

Kitsap Sun
Cold weather shelters in Kitsap to remain open over the weekend due to below freezing temps

News Tribune
Tacoma hit its highest tally of homicides two years ago. 2023 saw a turnaround
Rules of the Road: Law still requires license and registration for those tiny trucks

Olympian
WA state lawmakers consider legislation to stabilize rent for tenants (Alvarado, Trudeau)

Seattle Times
WA needs more housing. Should it limit rent hikes, too? (Alvarado, Trudeau)
Seattle’s minimum-pay law for delivery-app drivers takes effect
Family of worker killed in Marysville gets $9.8 million settlement
U.S. attorney opens federal review of Manuel Ellis’ death in Tacoma
City of Seattle appeals arbitrator’s order to reinstate fired SPD officer
Model of Billy Frank Jr. statue unveiled in Olympia before 2025 debut
The Supreme Court will decide whether local anti-homeless laws are ‘cruel and unusual’
BP bought a sacred place. Now Lummi Nation is preparing again to fend off development.
Editorial: Honor the legacy of MLK with activism and engagement
Editorial: Do the math: More money for education has not solved inequities
Opinion: A lot of ‘what ifs’ still loom in death of Manuel Ellis
Opinion: Gone missing: The struggling public schools as a top issue in WA

Skagit Valley Herald
Wildlife managers struggle with what to do about two owl species

Spokesman Review
Inslee orders new wolf removal rules in Washington
Bill would allow death investigators in Washington to receive workers comp for PTSD (Ormsby)
Avista advises customers they can resume normal energy usage amid Spokane cold snap
‘Unaware’ and ‘willfully ignorant’: Transgender patients struggle for respect in health care
Getting There: Key northern Spokane County roadways set to receive much-needed attention
Proposed law would ban the controversial practice of isolation as punishment in Washington schools (Callan)

Tri-City Herald
WSU Tri-Cities student workers feeling ‘exploited’ threaten to strike this week
Tri-Cities Airport parking overflowed with cars at Christmas. Now it will cost more

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
WWU President John McVay to retire
Volunteers sought for Walla Walla’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Washington Post
Fast-food giants overwork teenagers, driving America’s child labor crisis

WA State Standard
As enrollment drops, school closures loom for more Washington communities (Ortiz-Self)
New legislation would pave way to merge Washington carbon market with California’s (Nyguen)

Wenatchee World
Chelan County PUD continues Tumwater Dam rehabilitation
1,200 without power in Chelan County, PUD asks customers to turn off appliances
Wenatchee Valley law enforcement leaders talk modern policing at Pybus forum

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
In Session: Rebates, rent limits could be part of 2024 legislature (Jinkins)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WWU students go without heat amid single digit temps, 20 mph winds
‘This is helping me to get my feet back on the ground’: Shelters open during Seattle’s cold snap

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Proposed bill would increase penalties for protests on Washington’s freeways (Hackney)

KNKX Public Radio
WA lawmakers weigh proposal to slow rising rental costs amid ongoing housing crisis (Peterson)

KUOW Public Radio
Week in Review: Boeing, police, and primary ballots
Longtime Seattle Police leader sues Police Chief Adrian Diaz for sexism
Homeless people in Seattle endure brutal winter cold, one night at a time
FAA expands oversight of Boeing amid investigation into in-flight blowout
DOJ now reviewing case against Tacoma PD officers acquitted in Manuel Ellis’ death
A quick start and renters’ pleas: Week 1 recap of Washington’s 2024 legislative session (Jinkins, Ramos)

Q13 TV (FOX)
High school referees equipped with body cams, Washington legislation aims to protect them

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Inslee orders state to rework wolf-killing policy in livestock conflicts

West Seattle Blog
WEEK AHEAD: Got questions for Washington State Ferries?
One week into State Legislature session, see what your representatives are doing (Nguyen, Alvarado, Fitzgibbon)

Friday, January 12

Washington officials turn to schools in fight against opioid epidemic
As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage Washington and the rest of the country, officials are considering new policies to curb youth overdoses and addiction. Washington has seen a dramatic increase in opioid overdose deaths among young people, particularly due to fentanyl, a cheap and devastating drug. In 2022, at least 31 adolescents ages 10 to 17 and 157 people ages 18 to 24 died from an opioid overdose in Washington, according to Department of Health data. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Friends for Life)

Washington Legislature aims to regulate AI — but treads cautiously
At least three AI bills are proposed for the session that began Jan. 8. The legislature passed a minor bill on AI in 2023. This session marks the first time that the Legislature will attempt to address AI in a methodical way. Artificial intelligence is an ill-defined, rapidly evolving technology that has entered commerce, education and daily life. Continue reading at Crosscut. (John Locher)

Washington bill aims to reduce ‘fast fashion’ carbon emissions, pollution
Fast fashion adds thousands of new styles daily into the market. While that might be a shopaholic’s dream, it’s a nightmare for some environmental advocates. That’s why Washington State Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, sponsored a bill to help regulate large fashion companies. Manufacturers and sellers would have to make more than $100 million globally and operate in Washington. The bill would require these large companies to report their environmental due diligence policies and environmental impacts. Continue reading at KUOW. (Flickr Creative Commons)

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Associated Press
FAA to audit Boeing manufacturing, increase scrutiny after panel blew off jet in midflight last week

Aberdeen Daily World
Homelessness response groups brace for frigid conditions

Auburn Reporter
Dept. of Health to give Naloxone to schools as opioid overdoses increase

Axios
Mass shootings rose in Washington in 2023
Biden cancels student loans for more borrowers
Seattle-area housing crunch predicted to last decades
Alaska Airlines passengers sue Boeing over 737 MAX 9 incident

Capital Press
Washington lawmakers hear bill to ban gas-powered equipment (Walen)
Feeding the Northwest reports 20% higher shipment volume of produce

Columbian
Design unveiled for Billy Frank Jr. statue that will be displayed at U.S. Capitol
Over 180 EV chargers coming to Western WA in nationwide buildout. Here’s where

Everett Herald
Despite turnaround, Everett buys Waits Motel for $1.85M
Mill Creek rep proposes new tax to fund over $3M in affordable housing (Berg)

New York Times
At Sea With the First Major Offshore Wind Farm to Power U.S. Homes
F.A.A. to Increase Oversight of Boeing and Audit 737 Max 9 Production

Puget Sound Business Journal
TikTok expected to take former Microsoft office in downtown Bellevue
Cancellations mount at Sea-Tac Airport as probes open into 737 Max 9 blowout

Seattle Medium
Top 10 Most Commonly Stolen Cars In Washington State In 2023 Are
Washington Voters Urge Legislators To Invest In Social Services And Call For Tax Repeal

Seattle Times
SPD official sues department, alleging gender discrimination
Cantwell blasts FAA oversight of Boeing after 737 MAX 9 blowout
Tukwila church tries to keep asylum-seekers warm with little help
Some Americans will get their student loans canceled in February as Biden accelerates his new plan
Editorial: Fix WA climate law’s broken promise to farmers (Mullet, Chapman)
Opinion: Inslee budget fails WA’s strapped school districts

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County to translate elections material into Spanish

Spokesman Review
‘This is a day on, not off’: Spokane set to celebrate, honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day
State certifies Washington ballot measure that would erase police pursuit restrictions
‘It’s practically health care’: WA teens urge lawmakers to require Narcan in every high school (Kuderer)
Male pronouns within Washington state constitution could be changed to gender-neutral terms (Jinkins, Ramos, Mena)
Spokane declares state of emergency, increasing homeless shelter capacity as temperatures plummet

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla City Council reelects Tom Scribner as mayor, recognizes MLK Day

Washington Post
How plastic hides in supposedly eco-friendly laundry products
Is this covid surge really the second biggest? Here’s what data shows.

WA State Standard
Washington lawmakers look to cap rent increases (Alvarado, Trudeau, Billig)
Washington officials turn to schools in fight against opioid epidemic (Kuderer)
For second time, Washington House backs tougher penalties for threatening election workers (Leavitt)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Fewer homicides in Yakima and Yakima County in 2023, but rate exceeds Seattle’s
Comprehensive Healthcare in Yakima gets $4 million federal boost to increase services

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Passengers of Alaska Airlines flight sue Boeing following 737 Max 9 door plug loss
State patrol continues gathering evidence from ‘illegal and unsafe’ protest that blocked I-5 for hours
‘It terrifies me, the thought of freezing to death’: Cold weather exposes shelter shortage in Skagit County

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing whistleblower ‘not at all’ surprised after door plug blows of MAX 9 midflight
Lawyer explains your rights as a renter amid rising threat of winter weather damage

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle light rail service to be reduced for 3 weeks as crews work on tracks
Washington high schools set to receive Narcan amidst rising opioid overdose rates

KUOW Public Radio
Washington State Patrol investigating protesters who blocked I-5
Washington bill aims to reduce ‘fast fashion’ carbon emissions, pollution (Mena)
Washington schools chief calls for changes to better fund special education
Olympia gets preview of Billy Frank Jr. sculpture slated for Washington, D.C. (Lekanoff)
WA lawmakers weigh proposal to slow rising rental costs amid ongoing housing crisis (Peterson)

KXLY (ABC)
“We’re going to fix a law”: Lawmakers introduce bill to re-define hate crimes (Billig)

Q13
New Washington bill could make ‘stealthing,’ described as akin to rape, a penalty (Berry)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Thousands without power in Bellingham; county-run severe-weather shelter full

Crosscut
Washington Legislature aims to regulate AI – but treads cautiously (Keiser, Shavers, Valdez, Nguyen)

MyNorthwest
Legislature considers rent increase cap, but don’t call it ‘rent control’ (Alvarado)

Thursday, January 11

Washington House passes bill to allow splitting of residential lots
The state House of Representatives on Monday voted to require cities to allow residential property owners to split their lots into smaller parcels – the first of many proposals this year aimed at getting more housing built across Washington. Following a year of significant housing legislation in 2023, lawmakers have again made the issue a priority. The lot-splitting legislation was one of three bills the House approved on the first day of this year’s legislative session. The measure will go next to the Senate. The same bill, House Bill 1245, passed the House last year but failed to make it through the Senate. On Monday, it passed the House 94-4. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Taylor Balkom)

Rep. Doglio: A vision for Washington’s future: Priorities for the 2024 legislative session
In the ever-shifting landscape of Washington state, our unwavering commitment to progress is paramount. As we navigate the current 60-day legislative session, I emphasize three critical priorities requiring immediate attention: rent stabilization, optimizing Washington’s recycling system, and clean energy. Navigating through the ongoing 2024 legislative session, the path forward is clear. Urgency is required in addressing rent stabilization, revolutionizing our recycling system, and investing in clean energy. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Tony Overman)

Proposal would limit rent increases in Washington
Washington state could limit how much landlords can raise the rent. Bills submitted in the House and Senate would cap rent hikes to 5% a year starting in 2025. Under the proposals, landlords would need to give renters six-months notice of any increases higher than 3%. Those tenants would be allowed to get out of their leases, if the law passes as written.” Unfortunately, so many people are hurting and suffering from significant rent increases that we must be compelled to act,” said Democrat Rep. Emily Alvarado. Continue reading at King 5.

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Associated Press
Carbon pollution is down in the US, but not fast enough to meet Biden’s 2030 goal, new report says

Auburn Reporter
Gov. calls for action on homelessness, climate, abortion rights (Reed)

Axios
West Coast study to examine disease impacting honeybees
Washington had sixth-highest U.S. homelessness rate in 2023

Capital Press
What’s in a name for new apple? Potentially millions of dollars

Columbian
Washington House passes bill to allow splitting of residential lots (Peterson)
Democrats propose new tax on real estate sales over $3M to fund affordable housing (Berg, Chopp)
State schools superintendent touts student success, broaches need for sustained funding

Everett Herald
Low bill would make fighting at school a felony for kids, parents (Berg)
‘From COVID to heart failure’: Long-COVID patients feel unseen, unheard
Comment: Will of the people doesn’t always get the final say
Editorial: Humans should keep eye on rise of generative AI (Nguyen, Lovelett)

The Inlander
New regulations in Olympia and Boise aim to impact workforce, change voter registration requirements, update gun buying process

News Tribune
Watch: 2024 WA Legislature Preview, Q&A with state lawmakers. (Billig)
Will Tacoma cops acquitted in Manny Ellis case be fired? Here’s when decision will come

New York Times
State Legislators, Wary of Deceptive Election Ads, Tighten A.I. Rules
As Utility Bills Rise, Low-Income Americans Struggle for Access to Clean Energy

Olympian
Rep. Beth Doglio: A vision for Washington’s future: Priorities for the 2024 legislative session

Port Townsend Leader
Development director promises faster permitting

Seattle Times
Seattle’s high housing costs haven’t stopped people from living alone
As Alaska Airlines cancellations mount, travelers may still get a break
Homeless people are getting older, but age-appropriate help is limited
WA chicken, tuna rebate checks leave some recipients scratching their heads

Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon Library Commons fully funded after receiving $12.5 million grant

Spokesman Review
It’s about to get really cold in Spokane. Here’s how to stay safe
Male pronouns within Washington state constitution could be changed to gender-neutral terms (Ramos, Mena)
State Superintendent says Washington school kids’ rights are ‘slipping,’ asks for help from state (Stonier)

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Developing resilience against ferry challenges

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Valley schools part of nationwide substitute shortage
Walla Walla YMCA opens outdoor nature-based preschool program

Washington Post
SEC makes it easier to trade bitcoin in landmark decision
Budget fight threatens poor families with cuts to housing aid, evictions
We’re in danger of falling off a ‘snow loss cliff.’ Here’s what that means
Covid kills nearly 10,000 in a month as holidays fuel spread worldwide, WHO says

WA State Standard
Design unveiled for Billy Frank Jr. statue that will be displayed at U.S. Capitol
Democrats propose new tax on real estate sales over $3M to fund affordable housing (Berg, Chopp)
Washington regulators restrict medical license of Idaho doctor who spread COVID-19 disinformation

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee Rescue Mission to open 24-hour cold shelter this weekend
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority to hire consultant for possible tax increment area
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife takes Chelan County, businesses to court over land use permit

Yakima Herald-Republic
No forever chemicals detected in Yakima’s latest drinking water test

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Proposal would limit rent increases in Washington (Alvarado)
Seattle city attorney opposes bill that would allow dismissal of misdemeanor cases (Farivar)
‘You ask yourself if it’s even worth working’: Skagit County parents push for more child care centers

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Alaska says it will continue to cancel flights through Saturday
‘Wide range’ of possibilities for Western Washington snow as forecasts take shape

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington lawmakers propose criminal charges for crane operators who violate safety regulations (Frame)

KNKX Public Radio
3 takeaways from Gov. Jay Inslee’s ‘State of the State’ address kicking off his final year in office

KUOW Public Radio
Alaska cancels all 737 Max 9 flights through Saturday

KXLY (ABC)
Washington Department of Health providing Narcan to public high schools

NW Public Radio
A Journey Delayed — Sea-Tac airport flights delayed, canceled after 737-9 Max grounding

Web

Cascadia Daily News
WWU student workers aim for ‘wall-to-wall’ union protection
Whatcom County calls on Inslee, Biden to declare a fentanyl emergency

MyNorthwest
Man settles for $250k with WA state prisons after injury from basketball game

The Stranger
Democrats Could Pass Huge Wins for Workers (Fitzgibbon, Keiser)

Wednesday, January 10

Washington Republicans introduce bills targeting abortion providers and transgender youth
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Monday, January 8, marked the first day of session for the Washington State Legislature, and Republican lawmakers in Washington have introduced some controversial bills. According to the Washington State Legislature website, Senators Mike Padden, Phil Fortunato, Jim McCune, Cyndy Jacobsen and Leonard Christian have sponsored bills that would affect abortion providers, LGBTQ+ youth and those seeking gender affirming care. Continue reading at KXLY. (4 News Now)

Edmonds lawmaker wants to stop police from lying in interrogations
Rep. Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds) introduced House Bill 1062, which would effectively ban police from lying about evidence during suspect interrogation. Under HB 1062, anything a suspect says in custody while a police officer uses “false facts about evidence or unauthorized statements regarding leniency” during interrogation will be thrown out of court. The legislation is meant to prevent false confessions. Continue reading at The Herald. (Ryan Berry)

Washington lawmakers look at providing unemployment benefits to striking workers
Washington may become one of a few states that allow striking workers to qualify for unemployment benefits under certain conditions. Under House Bill 5777, workers who walk off the job will qualify for unemployment if employers lock them out of their place of employment. Lockouts are one way management can pressure a striking workforce during contract negotiations. Workers experiencing lockouts would still have to wait a week before being eligible for unemployment insurance. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Anna Liz Nichols)

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Associated Press
2023 was the hottest year on record: What can be done?
Starting his final year in office, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee stresses he isn’t finished yet

Axios
Antisemitic incidents in U.S. surged 360% after Hamas attack: ADL

Bellingham Herald
‘The strongest state in the nation’: Gov. Jay Inslee delivers State of the State address

Capital Press
Impending cold snap not likely to harm winter wheat
Report: Wind and solar projects cause tax shift in Washington

Columbian
Bill to ban child marriage gets unanimous support in Washington House, moves to Senate (Stonier)
State Department of Ecology fines Washougal waste transfer facility $25,000 for violations

Everett Herald
State pays out $250K to inmate for neglect of Monroe prison injury
Edmonds lawmaker wants to stop police from lying in interrogations (Peterson)
Letter: Take action at state, national level to address poverty, homelessness

News Tribune
Strong winds bring Pierce Co. power outages. How to prepare, what to do if you lose power

New York Times
U.S. Carbon Emissions Fell in 2023 as Coal Use Tumbled to New Lows
More Than 20 Million People Have Signed Up for Obamacare Plans, Blowing by Record

Olympian
‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.’ Smokey Bear could soon be on WA state license plates (Nobles, Donaghy)

Peninsula Daily News
Legislature kicks off with a housing focus (Jinkins)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amid Max 9 grounding, Boeing reports brisk order, delivery activity

Seattle Medium
Declaring, “Hate Has No Home Here,” Renton Used COVID Funds To Close Racial Gaps
Washington Lawmakers Prioritize Fentanyl Addiction, Homelessness, And Housing Affordability
Mayor Harrell Seeks To Increase Affordable Housing By Advancing Improved Fort Lawton Redevelopment Plan

Seattle Times
Truck fuel leak disrupts WA ferries in Anacortes
Gov. Inslee to WA lawmakers: ‘I’m not riding into the sunset’ (Billig)
Federal proposals could curtail climbing anchors in WA wilderness
Extra homeless shelter space opening during Seattle-area cold weather
Editorial: Fully explore option of Sound Transit fare gates
Opinion: Bring back oversight for WA’s jails. Lives depend on it
Opinion: King County setting records for homeless deaths is becoming awfully routine

Spokesman Review
Meet two guests of honor at Inslee’s annual state legislature address this year
In last annual address, Inslee tells Washington lawmakers the state is the best it’s ever been (Billig)
New bill aims to solve healthcare shortage by offering med school scholarships for underserved areas
Spokane city attorney, spokeswoman and housing and homelessness leaders approved by City Council

Tri-City Herald
High winds rattle Tri-Cities, knocking out power. Next up is a frigid snowstorm
2023 was Earth’s hottest year on record. Here’s how hot it got in Tri-Cities last year
Whatever happened to Richland’s plan to build a 3rd high school to ease crowding?

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Oil tank removal from Heritage Square Park site adds $130K in project costs

WA State Standard
Washington lawmakers look at providing unemployment benefits to striking workers (Keiser)
Inslee vows to press ahead on climate policy and other priorities in final year of term (Ortiz-Self)

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee Valley College receives grant for agricultural department
Chelan County PUD decides not to change Columbia River water levels

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Around 3,400 PSE customers still without power in Puget Sound area
‘Our state is stronger than ever’: Inslee addresses priorities in final State of the State address
Blizzard Warning in effect for the Cascades, WSDOT recommends delaying mountain pass travel
Police shoot, kill woman who was experiencing mental health crisis, firing shots outside Tacoma home

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Blizzard-like conditions descend on Western Washington mountain passes
Starting his final year in office, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee stresses he isn’t finished yet

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee delivers his final state of the state address
Seattle city attorney rejects statewide proposal to lessen misdemeanor cases

KNKX Public Radio
Lawmakers return to Olympia to tackle housing, public health, education and transportation

KUOW Public Radio
3 takeaways from Gov. Jay Inslee’s last ‘State of the State’ address (Billig)
State Patrol was not prepared for ‘sheer size of the crowd’ at I-5 protest
A prayer for cooperation and compassion as Washington’s 2024 legislative session begins (Jinkins)

KXLY (ABC)
Washington Governor Inslee to sign executive order to reduce recidivism
Spokane Public Schools partners with nonprofit to expand student mental health services
Washington Republicans introduce bills targeting abortion providers and transgender youth
‘It feels like nobody cares’: Homeless Spokane couple struggling to find shelter as temperatures get colder

Web

Cascadia Daily News
What to do if you see a suspected overdose
Everyone should carry naloxone. Here’s how to get it
300-bed Bellingham homeless shelter slated for November opening ‘at the latest’

Crosscut
Q&A: Gov. Jay Inslee talks policing housing and his final year

The Stranger
Slog AM: WA GOP Wants to Ban Trans Care, Florida School District Bans Five Dictionaries, Serious Winter Weather Ahead

Tuesday, January 9

WA Legislature kicks off short session with optimism, lengthy agenda
Monday’s opening ceremonies kicked off what is expected to be an active two months. Lawmakers will pass an updated budget, including untangling the mathematical knot caused by a massive increase in the cost of transportation projects. They will also work on some of the biggest issues facing Washington: homelessness, the lack of affordable child care and the quest to provide more treatment for people with substance use disorders amid record overdose deaths. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Lindsey Wasson)

Bill to ban child marriage gets unanimous support in Washington House, moves to Senate.
Child marriage is still legal in Washington, and on Monday state lawmakers moved along a proposed law to ban it. Today, children of any age can get married in the state. If they’re 17, they need parental consent. If they’re younger than that, they need approval from a judge. State law currently says a judge may grant permission for a child younger than 17 to get married “out of necessity.” But the law doesn’t outline what that so-called necessity looks like. On the first day of the 2024 legislative session, the state House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to ban marriages of anyone under the age of 18. Continue reading at Spokesman Review. (Ellen Dennis)

Washington Bill Would Allow People to Sue for Stealthing
Washington could become one of the few states to make stealthing, the act of secretly removing a condom or some other sexual barrier during sex, explicitly illegal. House Bill 1958 would add a new chapter to the Revised Code of Washington describing civil penalties for this form of sexual assault. Bill sponsor Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle) wrote the bill after a friend shared their story of being stealthed. Continue reading at The Stranger. (Lester Black)