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Monday, January 8

Lawmakers to take on fentanyl, housing in Inslee’s final legislative session
Lawmakers return to Olympia today to address housing, climate change and the fentanyl crisis in an abbreviated legislative session that marks Jay Inslee’s final one as governor. During a session preview this week, the Democratic governor described climate as the biggest long-term issue he wants to address this session. He referenced his six grandchildren and his fear about what the environment will look like when they’re his age. Continue reading at Associated Press. (Lindsey Wasson)

Recycling 101: What to know about sorting in King County
Got questions about recycling that fresh-fruit packaging or envelopes with plastic windows? We’ve got answers. Times editorial board members and Opinion columnists Melissa Davis and Josh Farley made a malodorous examination of what happens to King County’s recyclables. They both grew up with bottle deposits and came away with revelations to solve family disputes about what is actually recyclable and only aspirationally so. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Josh Farley)

‘Co-Living’ bill would revive a nearly extinct affordable housing type in Washington cities
Should cities in Washington state allow people to live in small rooms with shared kitchens and sometimes shared bathrooms? That’s a question state lawmakers will consider in a hearing on Monday, Jan. 8. Sixty years ago, people in Seattle could rent tiny apartments, just big enough for a bed and a little sitting area. A few older buildings like that burned down, and in the 1970s and 80s, many cities made them illegal. State Rep. Mia Gregerson, a SeaTac Democrat, wants to bring them back, so that people on limited incomes can live near their jobs again. Continue reading at KUOW. (Joshua McNichols)

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Associated Press
Lawmakers to take on fentanyl, housing in Inslee’s final legislative session (Jinkins, Wellman, Trudeau, Doglio)

Aberdeen Daily World
Coastal lawmakers meet in Aberdeen ahead of session (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)

Axios
Nearly 200 Boeing 737 MAX-9 planes grounded globally after hole torn open midflight
Fentanyl, housing, highways top Washington lawmakers’ agenda (Jinkins, Liias, Fitzgibbon)

Bainbridge Island Review
Public safety must be a priority, legislators say (Liias, Jinkins)

Bellingham Herald
As overdoses surge, here’s where to get Narcan and how to use it to help save a life
Overdose fatalities surged in Whatcom County in 2023. How many involved fentanyl?
Alaska Airlines grounds all Boeing 737 Max-9s after hole blows open in cabin during flight

Columbian
Cap-and-trade, climate change return to the 2024 WA Legislature (Doglio, Mullet)

Everett Herald
Boeing seeks a safety-rule exemption on 737 Max jets
What’s on the agenda for Snohomish County legislators? (Robinson, Liias, Lovick, Berg, Cortes)
Comment: Do public officials control own social media spaces?
Editorial: Finland model for state to reduce traffic deaths (Liias, Lovick)

The Inlander
What to look forward to in Washington’s upcoming legislative session (Riccelli, Billig)

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Open Letter to Senator Lovelett (Lovelett)

News Tribune
Washington state facing an increase in spread of the new coronavirus variant, flu and RSV

New York Times
The Income Gap Jeopardizing Retirement for Millions

Olympian
2024 WA LEGISLATURE PREVIEW: Q&A WITH STATE LAWMAKERS. ASK YOUR QUESTIONS (Billig)

Peninsula Daily News
State sees rise in overdose deaths
Family grieves after fentanyl deaths

Puget Sound Business Journal
Alaska Airlines grounds 65 Boeing jets, cancels flights after blowout
Construction in for a ‘mixed’ 2024 as spending slows in private sector

Salish Current
Legislator priorities in the 40th and 42nd Districts: mental health, housing and more (Shewmake, Rule, Timmons, Ramel)

Seattle Times
Harrell wants to revise Fort Lawton housing plan by adding units
From a state clam to car tab discounts, lawmakers’ agenda takes shape (Fitzgibbon, Mena, Nguyen)
So many bills, so little time: What to watch in the WA Legislature’s 2024 short session (Jinkins, Billig, Liias)
Editorial: WA must stay the course on culvert removal to save salmon
Editorial: The 2024 legislative session: A packed agenda in a busy political year
Opinion: Rise in homelessness reflects a governance crisis
Opinion: Recycling 101: What to know about sorting in King County (Fey, Berry)

Spokesman Review
Washington’s right-to-counsel law alters the eviction process
As Washington’s pandemic protections ended, evictions soared
Spin Control: Here’s how to keep tabs on the upcoming legislative session
Washington state’s legislature convenes Monday. What’s in store this year? (Robinson, Billig)
‘Exponential change brought to life’: How educators are using artificial intelligence to teach
Opinion: An essential resource for our schools

Tri-City Herald
WA suspends license of owner of 4 Tri-Cities massage parlors over felony charges
Washington taxpayers paid nearly $700,000 for boulders to deter return to encampments

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
WSF drops ferry restoration plan, now estimates 2028 for resuming full service

Washington Post
Why decades of progress in cars’ fuel efficiency is ending
Yellow school buses are going green with a $1 billion investment

WA State Standard
Washington Legislature will kick off 2024 session today
WA not meeting Medicaid lead testing requirements for kids, audit finds

Wenatchee World
2 flu deaths reported in Chelan, Douglas counties
Modern Policing | De-escalation, mental health and body cameras

Whidbey News-Times
Bill targets military housing tax exemption

Yakima Herald-Republic
Filipino Community Hall in Wapato now on National Register of Historic Places
Yakama Nation Fisheries receives grant funding to realign highway near Leavenworth
Mobile home park residents near Moxee raise concerns about water and cost increases

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington State Ferries releases contingency plans for when new vessels may arrive
Flight delays, cancellations impact hundreds of travelers at SEA after 737 Max 9 grounding

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Local impact worsens as FAA grounds 737s in response to Boeing MAX emergency landing
Year-round standard time, public safety, and more: What’s on the table for state lawmakers in 2024 (Dhingra)
Muslim community mourns rideshare driver and ‘relentless volunteer’ who was gunned down in Edmonds

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘Everyone is fed up’: North Seattle encampment returns months after city outreach efforts to clear it

KUOW Public Radio
FAFSA delays are straining families and colleges
New mental health teams are hitting the streets in downtown Seattle alongside police
‘Co-Living’ bill would revive a nearly extinct affordable housing type in Washington cities
‘Astonishing’ increase in car theft charges as juvenile criminal cases surge in King County
(Gregerson)
WA lawmakers lay out priorities heading into 2024 session as ballot initiatives loom (Jinkins, Ormsby)
Washington State Ferries confirms passenger fears: Service disruptions will continue for years

NW Public Radio
Reactions from PNW on nationwide directive to protect old-growth forests

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Salmon, agriculture among Whatcom executive’s priorities in next 4 years
Opinion: ABC Recycling’s scrap metal plan: 30 jobs at what cost?

Crosscut
The Washington Legislature kicks off today. Here’s what to watch (Robinson, Ormsby, Jinkins, Trudeau, Liias)

Friday, January 5

Eight lawmakers to watch in Washington’s 2024 session
Comfortable shoes are required for the upcoming 2024 legislative session, as this one promises to be a full-on sprint for 60 days. Perseverance and patience, too, for those lawmakers determined to pass a bill or three. A prodigious amount of legislation is pre-filed for introduction on the first day, signaling widespread elevated expectations among the ranks of each party. Here are eight lawmakers to watch as they influence key conversations when the action begins Jan. 8. Continue reading at KNKX. (Ted S. Warren)

WA ferry system scraps timeline for resuming normal service
After several years of trying to predict when normal ferry service might return, Washington State Ferries is now acknowledging what most regular riders likely already suspected: Until new boats come online four to five years from now, normal service is not possible. More trips will be added occasionally as crew and boats become available, but they should not be expected. Under this new plan of lowered expectations, WSF’s goal is to deliver 95% of its trips — lower than its historical goal of 99%. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)

Leading WA lawmakers give media a rundown on their 2024 legislative priorities
Leading lawmakers in Washington discussed some of their legislative priorities for the upcoming 2024 session Thursday during the annual legislative preview leading up to the start of the session on Monday, Jan. 8. Legislators will have a short 60-day window this year to pass a supplemental budget as well as policy bills. They also will have to decide whether or not they will address six ballot initiatives that have been turned into the Secretary of State. Separate panels of lawmakers — including budget writers, transportation leaders, and House and Senate leadership — sat before news media and the public to answer questions Thursday. Gov. Jay Inslee made an appearance to discuss some of his priorities for the session as well. Continue reading at News Tribune.

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Axios
COVID ticking up in King County

Bellingham Herald
Overdose fatalities surged in Whatcom County in 2023. How many involved fentanyl?
New session, new bills. Here’s some of what WA lawmakers are proposing in 2024 (Walen, Duerr, Gregerson, Nguyen, Leavitt, Wellman, Valdez, Berry, Farivar, Ramos, Dhingra, Salomon)

Capital Press
Washington snowpack falls way behind

Everett Herald
Clinic to offer free care for Mountlake Terrace High students

Indian Country Today
Closed juvenile detention facility may be returned to Chinook (Hunt)

News Tribune
Will Tacoma and Olympia get snow next week? One meteorologist thinks there’s a chance

Olympian
Leading WA lawmakers give media a rundown on their 2024 legislative priorities (Robinson, Ormsby, Jinkins, Billig, Liias, Fey)

Port Townsend Leader
EV car sharing service launched in Port Townsend

Puget Sound Business Journal
Small-business owners have a new reporting requirement this year

Seattle Medium
America’s Health Report: Washington State Ranks 7th

Seattle Times
WA ferry system scraps timeline for resuming normal service (Liias)
Seattle’s minimum wage, raised again, among highest in nation

Skagit Valley Herald
Salish Sea Stewards to begin annual training process

Spokesman Review
Washington voters want more social services and less taxes, poll finds
SPS receives $200,000 to expand mental health services in their schools
Washington Supreme Court says WSU had no duty to protect student from sexual assault in an off-campus home

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Plastic recycling resumes in Walla Walla in 2024

Washington Post
Economy added 216,000 jobs in December, capping a year of solid gains

WA State Standard
Ballot initiatives cast shadow over Washington legislative session (Jinkins, Billig)
Legislature’s lead budget writers offer clues about what’s next for state spending (Robinson, Ormsby)

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee Valley internet provider LocalTel faces backlash on widespread email outage

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima County plans public forums on affordable housing needs

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Woodinville tech company is ‘revolutionizing’ electric vehicle batteries
Most commonly stolen vehicles in Washington state might surprise you
New AI technology in Seattle aims to improve traffic flow, reduce carbon emissions
Washington lawmakers to tackle transportation project funding during upcoming session (Liias, Jinkins)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
‘Growing concern’ over Burien homeless crisis fuels lawsuit against camping ban
Lawmakers discuss new approach as public safety focus gains bipartisan support in 2024 (Jinkins, Rule, Billig)

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington state lawmakers to take on fentanyl and housing in Inslee’s final legislative session
Minor Earthquake hits Southwest Washington, not linked to Mt. Saint Helens activity officials say

KNKX Public Radio
Eight lawmakers to watch in Washington’s 2024 session (Robinson, Fitzgibbon, Nguyen, Billig)

KUOW Public Radio
The viruses are returning to normal in Washington for winter 2024
People experiencing homelessness in Burien sue city over camping ban

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane’s Opioid Task Force revived by West Spokane Wellness Partnership

KXRO
Pacific Razor Clam designation as official Washington State Clam up for consideration again (Chapman, Ryu)

Q13 TV (FOX)
10-day waiting period to purchase a firearm starts Monday
Washington’s new street racing law goes into effect on Jan. 1
Washington state lawmakers to take on fentanyl and housing in Inslee’s final legislative session (Jinkins, Trudeau, Wellman)

Web

Crosscut
Over a third of WA’s job safety fines are reduced after appeals

MyNorthwest
Minimum wage in Seattle goes into effect, among highest in county
Exclusive: Gov. Jay Inslee doubles down on the Climate Commitment Act despite high gas prices

Thursday, January 4

WA expands health coverage for immigrants
A growing number of states are opening taxpayer-funded health insurance programs to immigrants, including those living in the U.S. illegally. Eleven states and Washington, D.C., together provide full health insurance coverage to more than 1 million low-income immigrants regardless of their legal status, according to state data compiled by KFF Health News. Most aren’t authorized to live in the U.S., state officials say. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Dreamstime/TNS)

WA AG Ferguson calls for increase to penalty for price-fixing, collusion
Along with Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) and Rep. Darya Farivar (D-Lake City), Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is proposing legislation to increase the maximum penalty for antitrust violations like price-fixing and collusion. According to a media release, the maximum penalty for anti-competitive behavior like collusion, monopolization, or price-fixing is $900,000 for corporations, even if the illegal activity results in a profit many times that amount. The proposed legislation would increase the maximum penalty up to three times the illegal gains or losses avoided. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (Karen Ducey)

Minimum wage hike, new gun regulations become law in 2024
It’s a new year. For Washington, that means a few new laws are in effect. For the second year in a row, Washington will retain the title as the state with the highest minimum wage in the country. In 2024, minimum wage will rise to $16.28 per hour from the current rate of $15.74. Seattle workers will see their minimum wage rate rise over a dollar to $19.97 per hour for employers with 501 workers or more. Continue reading at The Herald. (Lindsey Wasson)

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Axios
What 2024 could bring to Seattle-area real estate

Bellingham Herald
Community organization helps support Walmart encampment residents, clean up site
A cold snap is coming. It could mean snow for Bellingham and Whatcom County lowlands
Summer work scheduled for Mount Baker Highway. Here’s what to expect in Whatcom County

Capital Press
Washington bill proposes shooting first wolf back to carcass (Van De Wege)
New Washington grain commissioner emphasizes sustainability

Columbian
Washington’s U.S. Sens. Murray, Cantwell get up-close look at I-5 Bridge maintenance

The Daily News
Vancouver among 16 communities most impacted by air pollution, according to new state report

Everett Herald
Minimum wage hike, new gun regulations become law in 2024 (Peterson, Lovick)
Editorial: Lawmakers take second swing of hammer for housing (Liias, Peterson)

Indian Country Today
Lummi Nation opposes BP’s purchase of Cherry Point parcels

News Tribune
Opinion: Policing in Tacoma is not broken. Take a walk on the beat before condemning cops

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon finances another low-income housing project, this time in South Seattle

Renton Reporter
Renton presents agenda for 2024 legislative session

Seattle Times
WA expands health coverage for immigrants
Seattle office building is set for apartment conversion
Unhoused people sue Burien over new homeless camping law

Skagit Valley Herald
Fish and Wildlife gathering information on four regional species

Spokesman Review
Spokane plans to clear bike lanes with new and ‘transformative’ snow plow
Sheen on Spokane River originated from spill at Inland Empire Paper Company

Tri-City Herald
New WA ‘targeted’ tax break law could add 200+ nuclear fuel jobs in Richland

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Police Department enters 2024 with new accreditation
Port of Walla Walla takes next step to improve Life Flight services in the Valley

Washington Post
See the states where minimum wage jumped in 2024
Another Covid wave hits U.S. as JN.1 becomes dominant variant

WA State Standard
Redrawing contested legislative district could cost several GOP state lawmakers their seats (Jinkins, Billig)
Why a leading option for treating opioid addiction is not widely available in Washington prisons

Wenatchee World
Town Toyota Center’s public facilities district board bans circus animals for 6 months

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Lawsuit filed against Burien’s public camping ban
Reignited fire at Buddhist temple in Seattle destroys historical documents
New record set for warmest December in history in western Washington areas

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Several homeless people sue City of Burien over new camping ban
Millions of workers get pay boost as 22 states raise minimum wages
WA AG Ferguson calls for increase to penalty for price-fixing, collusion (Trudeau, Farivar)

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington lawmakers draft new plans to counter pot shop burglaries (Keiser)

KNKX Public Radio
Schools enlist chat-based startup to help students address stress

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle electric customers may notice higher bills this month
Washington AG cries fowl, but poultry payout for chicken price-fixing ruffles some feathers
‘They’re our relatives.’ Samish Indian Nation prepares to welcome new orca calf to Puget Sound

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Washington wolverines up for protected status change amid climate threats
Fentanyl, housing, public safety top priorities for Washington Legislature (Ramel, Lekanoff, Alvarado)

Crosscut
Poll: Washington voters want to spend more – while cutting taxes

MyNorthwest
As tree species face decline, ‘assisted migration’ gains popularity in PNW

Wednesday, January 3

State Legislators Push for ‘Year of Housing 2.0’
In 2023, the Washington State Legislature focused its attention on increasing the state’s housing supply with a fervor not seen in decades. With local governments still trying to get a handle on the full impact of the changes around zoning and permitting laws that the legislature passed earlier this year, many state lawmakers currently getting ready to head back to Olympia to begin the 2024 session want to see this upcoming year turn the “year of housing” into a two-parter. Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Ryan Packer)

Cap-and-trade, climate change return to the 2024 WA Legislature
Washington’s 1-year-old cap-and-invest program will be one of the dominant issues of the 2024 Legislature, from adjustments to how carbon auction money is being spent to efforts to study its impact on fuel costs and the oil industry. Lawmakers will consider fine-tuning the new system in several ways when the legislative session begins on Jan. 8. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Genna Martin)

Black Legislators Look To Tackle Key Issues In 2024 Legislative Session
As we turn the page on another year, Black legislators in Washington state are ready to begin a legislative session that has a host of issues they are ready to address. Black leaders in the state legislature represent diverse districts as they set their priorities for the 2024 session. “We have the greatest number of Black legislators in the Washington state legislature in the history of the state at one time,” says Rep. Debra Entenman (47th District). “And there are things that we want to do that will improve the lives of Black people.” Continue reading at Seattle Medium.

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Axios
Washington now bans most pre-employment pot tests (Keiser)

Courier-Herald
Washington seeks options to curb rent pressure for tenants of state-financed housing

The Daily News
Cowlitz County juvenile offenders learn gardening, teamwork

Everett Herald
How to contact your state lawmaker in the 2024 legislative session
‘Good to be home’: Johnson is first woman to be Snohomish County sheriff

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap Homes of Compassion expands to Bainbridge with site focused on workers

Peninsula Daily News
Health officer: Little data doesn’t mean less risk

Puget Sound Business Journal
Former Bellevue senior living center to become affordable housing
Small-business owners need to know about these tax credits in 2024

Seattle Medium
Seattle Urban League Spent Millions To Battle COVID-19
Black Legislators Look To Tackle Key Issues In 2024 Legislative Session (Entenman, Taylor)

Seattle Times
Electric car models eligible for $7,500 tax credit cut to 13
Sound Transit looks to other cities as it considers fare gates
The new FAFSA form for college aid is out: 5 things to know
AG investigating WA mobile home park owner after 100-plus complaints
For many job seekers, WA job market still far from a pre-pandemic norm
Editorial: Investigate at federal level why local justice failed Manuel Ellis
Opinion: Modernize security checks that are vital to our supply chain

Skagit Valley Herald
State Department of Labor and Industries tightens oil refinery safety regulations

Spokesman Review
New Washington state laws regarding guns, pot and drag racing taking effect
State representative introduces bill to address increase in graffiti along state roadways

Washington Post
Seniors are embracing marijuana, which offers relief — and risk

WA State Standard
Eight lawmakers to watch in Washington’s 2024 session (Robinson, Fitzgibbon, Nguyen, Billig, Jinkins)
Building Northwest schools so they can shake off the region’s next megaquake

Wenatchee World
Chelan County PUD considers rate adder for Peshastin Water District customers

Yakima Herald-Republic
New Yakima Council ousts city manager, selects Patricia Byers as mayor

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Repeated fires prompt filing of demolition permits for vacant Seattle apartment building
16 Washington communities identified as ‘overburdened’ by environmental harms, health impacts
Tacoma’s vacant Gault Middle School, known to be ‘dangerous and derelict,’ heavily damaged in early morning fire

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
SeaTac Federal Detention Center sees staffing crisis
Report: Air pollution is shortening lifespans in these Western Washington communities

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
WSU study: Wide pay ranges in job ads may decrease recruits’ trust in employers

KUOW Public Radio
New year, new rules: 2024 brings new laws for Washington state

KXLY (ABC)
Lisa Brown stays busy on first day as Spokane mayor
Downtown Spokane community calling for year-round safety measures following pilot program

NW Public Radio
Paid leave for families in Washington helps some, frustrates others

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham Immigration Advisory Board may be halted
New year brings new leaders in Bellingham, Whatcom County governments

Crosscut
Cap-and-trade, climate change return to the 2024 WA Legislature (Nguyen, Mullet, Doglio)

MyNorthwest
After warmest December on record, new year to bring new cooler days
Atty. General Ferguson responds after state sent checks to dead people

The Urbanist
State Legislators Push for ‘Year of Housing 2.0’

Tuesday, January 2

Washington has highest state minimum wage in 2024
For the second year in a row, Washington has the highest statewide minimum wage in the country. Washington’s 2024 wage floor of $16.28 per hour reflects recent rises in inflation, which determine how much the state’s minimum wage rises each year. The new minimum wage in Washington is higher than California’s, which is $16 per hour. It also tops New York and Massachusetts, which have $15-per-hour minimum wages. Continue reading at Axios. (Tory Lysik)

3 policies we’ll pursue in Olympia to help fix our state ferry system
our ferry system is overworked and overwhelmed. There is no silver bullet to fix our ferries, but there is silver buckshot. After meeting with dozens of WSF crewmembers, union reps, community leaders and maritime experts we are building plans to turn the tide. Our policies focus on three areas: investing in new vessels with lower fuel costs; rebuilding the ferry workforce; and fostering transparent, accountable leadership. Continue reading at Kitsap Sun. (Meegan M. Reid)

Behind bars and then a bill: WA prisoner leads effort on ‘second chance’ legislation
Charles Longshore is a legal expert and a community organizer. And he’s been in prison for more than a decade. As part of his mission to do good, Longshore wrote a bill for the Legislature to consider during the upcoming 2024 session. Over the past several months, Longshore has spent countless hours – and thousands of dollars of his own money – making phone calls and sending messages to dozens of advocacy organizations and people, building a coalition of supporters around the bill. Continue reading at KUOW.