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Thursday, January 18

As opioids devastate tribes in Washington state, tribal leaders push for added funding
Tribal leaders in Washington state are urging lawmakers there to pass a bill that would send millions of dollars in funding to tribal nations to help them stem a dramatic rise in opioid overdose deaths. The money would be critical in helping to fight the crisis, said Tony Hillaire, chairman of Lummi Nation in northwest Washington and one of four tribal leaders to testify Monday in support of the bill. The proposed measure would guarantee $7.75 million or 20% of the funds deposited into an opioid settlement account during the previous fiscal year — whichever is greater — go to tribes annually to respond to the opioid crisis. Continue reading at KNKX. (Lindsey Wasson)

How Seattle police failed to get kids lawyers, despite new law
Seattle police failed to comply with a new law requiring them to connect kids to lawyers about 96% of the time between early 2021 and late 2022, a recent audit found. Supporters of the new law say children are less likely than adults to understand their constitutional right to remain silent and more prone to make false confessions or incriminating statements under pressure. The audit, released in late December by Seattle’s independent Office of Inspector General, found that many Seattle officers weren’t well trained on the new law and didn’t understand all the situations where it applies. Continue reading at Axios. (Allie Carl)

After 2 fires at dog daycare businesses, proposed bill aims to increase pet safety at kennels
Washington state lawmakers have proposed a bill that aims to increase safety at dog daycare and boarding facilities after both of Seattle’s Dog Resort locations caught fire in the span of just nine months. Nearly a year ago on Feb. 1, 2023, a fire tore through The Dog Resort in Lake City where more than 100 dogs escaped and all survived. It was shocking for State Rep. Darya Farivar, who started looking into the issue after the first fire.”I found very quickly that there is next to nothing in law about this,” said Farivar, a Democrat who represents Washington’s 46th Legislative District. “We don’t have animal shelters defined, we don’t have boarding facilities or kennels defined. There’s really nothing.” Continue reading at King 5.

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Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor County creates administrator position
SBRFA opening training center to public in open house

Axios
How Seattle police failed to get kids lawyers, despite new law

Capital Press
THE VOICE: Alex McGregor speaks out for Northwest farmers
Washington senators hear how cap-and-trade tops off pump prices (Nguyen)
Bill proposes to let Washington landowners euthanize suffering elk
Washington bill calls for review of whether turbines obstruct firefighting

Columbian
WA lawmakers may end open carry in parks, require a permit to buy a gun (Valdez)
WA Rep. Newhouse fights to withhold congressional support for breaching 4 Snake dams

Everett Herald
Gov. Inslee stops by to visit the electrifying Port of Everett
Landslide bill, sparked by Highway 530 slide, set for renewal in Congress
Comment: Supreme Court may soon allow arrests for homelessness

The Inlander
Washington schools to get lifesaving overdose reversal kits

News Tribune
88-unit South Tacoma homeless shelter Aspen Court closes, falling short of city goals
More people experienced homelessness in Pierce County last year. Will 2024 be better?
You’ll need a reservation to enter Mount Rainier National Park at peak times this summer
In wake of Ellis case, changes are coming to Tacoma police contract. Here’s what we know
Opinion: I watched a polluting smelter turn into a vibrant development. Don’t lose perspective

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle earns dubious distinction in construction cost ranking
Corporate titans are slashing jobs, but 2024 brings a new wrinkle
Backlash is growing against DEI programs. Are companies backing down ?

Seattle Times
Proposed WA law may make it easier to pass school bonds (Stonier, Santos)
Lunar New Year could become a recognized holiday in WA (Thai)
Travel insurer to pay $1.5M in mental health discrimination case
WA districts facing steep enrollment declines consider closing schools
King County cities’ approach to homelessness in Supreme Court’s hands
WA suit to block Kroger-Albertsons merger gets cheers, raised eyebrows
Island County pays $2.75 million to former Navy chief shot after standoff
Editorial: A formula that pays off to keep WA’s youth housed
Opinion: Affordable Connectivity Program is more than broadband; it’s a lifeline

Skagit Valley Herald
Winter storm causes problems in Skagit County

Spokesman Review
WA congressman fights to withhold support for breaching 4 Snake River dams
Legislature pushes for mandatory genocide and Holocaust education in Washington public schools (Salomon)

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Official confirms Washington State Penitentiary inmate death
WA legislative committees hear bills that would update library district dissolution statute

Washington Post
White House urges schools to address absenteeism amid troubling data

WA State Standard
Strip club workplace standards debate revived in WA Legislature (Jinkins)
WA Senate wants LGBTQ+ history and perspectives taught in public schools (Liias, Pedersen)
Mount Rainier National Park to require reservations at popular entrances this summer

Wenatchee World
East Wenatchee approves $1.5 million Grant Road overlay project
Wenatchee buys final 19.78 acres at half price for Foothills Regional Recreation Area Project
Washington cherry industry saw ‘excellent quality cherries,’ so why was the harvest a ‘disaster’?

Yakima Herald-Republic
New program to offer free testing, bottled water and filter systems in Lower Yakima Valley

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Cascade foothills could see period of ‘significant’ freezing rain Thursday
After 2 fires at dog daycare businesses, proposed bill aims to increase pet safety at kennels (Farivar)
DUI drivers could be required to pay restitution to kids of people they kill or disable under new bill (Lovick)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Driver says ‘people go unprepared’ as I-90 sees 3 shutdowns from crashes
State bill that would allow flexible work schedule for police officers passes senate (Lovick)
Officers acquitted in Manny Ellis trail to receive $500,000 for voluntary resignation

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
2 flu-related deaths in Thurston County raise Washington’s total to 31 this season
Washington House bill seeks to guarantee student-athlete scholarships, compensation (Berg)
Group of Tacoma residents decry $500k resignation deals for acquitted police officers

KNKX Public Radio
As opioids devastate tribes in Washington state, tribal leaders push for added funding (Kauffman)

KUOW Public Radio
Should rules around gift cards be relaxed in Washington state, or is that a recipe for fraud? (Trudeau)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Rep. Liz Berry’s main purpose is to pass gun laws during her fourth year in the legislature (Berry)

Web

Crosscut
Five new maps proposed for Central Washington redistricting (Torres)

West Seattle Blog
Washington State Ferries could use more boats, more staff, more money, officials tell winter community meeting’s first session

Wednesday, January 17

Sweeping package of gun legislation proposed by Democrats is met by packed public hearing
Democrats in Washington are proposing several new pieces of legislation aimed at reducing firearm violence in the state. On Tuesday, a public hearing on five of the measures was conducted in a packed room before the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee at the state Capitol. On Monday, Senate lawmakers had heard testimony from the public on another bill that would prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces, including parks, zoos and aquariums. Here is the legislation that was considered Tuesday. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Getty Images)

How state legislators hope to curb trend of crash-and-grab burglaries
Over the past year, KING 5 has reported extensively on smash-and-grabs in Western Washington. Sen. Karen Keiser is proposing a grant program that would help small businesses bolster security at their stores. Sen. Keiser said the money could be used for things like bollards, security cameras, or anything else that could deter would-be burglars from crashing into a business. Continue reading at King 5.

WA lawmakers consider whether to tweak or repeal laws governing police chases
Regulating police vehicle pursuits emerged as a highly charged issue at the state Legislature in recent years. Lawmakers enacted strict regulations in 2021 in the wake of widespread anti-police protests, then loosened those restrictions slightly last year amidst reports of suspects brazenly fleeing police stops. The issue is back on the agenda during this session, in the form of an initiative and other legislative proposals. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees near Wishkah River

Axios
Seattle schools’ settlement with Juul

Columbian
Initiative 2117 to repeal WA climate act takes key step toward ballot
Bipartisan tax package and changes to tax credit program could boost Clark County affordable housing

Everett Herald
Fourth inmate since September dies in Snohomish County Jail
Comment: Fentanyl crisis in U.S. requires broad response

News Tribune
Tacoma cops acquitted in death of Manuel Ellis will get $500K each to resign, city says

New York Times
Consumer Bureau Proposes Overdraft Fee Limits for Large Banks

Olympian
Sweeping package of gun legislation proposed by Democrats is met by packed public hearing (Berry, Walen, Senn, Farivar)
U.S. Supreme Court will not rule on Washington state’s capital gains tax

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA offers collections reprieve to PPP, Covid EIDL borrowers
What the $78B Congress tax deal means for small businesses
Seven high-stakes employment law changes to watch in 2024
Washington attorney general sues to block Albertsons, Kroger deal
Boeing taps retired Navy admiral to lead independent quality review

Seattle Times
Initiative 2117 to repeal WA climate act takes key step toward ballot (Mullet, Fitzgibbon)
Tacoma officers acquitted in Manuel Ellis’ death to leave department
Passengers sue Alaska Airlines, Boeing after 737 Max 9 fuselage blowout
Opinion: Yakima could be part of the solution to airport problem

Spokesman Review
‘Ditch the switch’: Washington could move to Pacific Standard Time year-round (Dhingra)
Customers help Avista avert natural gas crisis over weekend cold snap: ‘We know it was a hardship’

Washington Post
Report finds drops in policing and mental health services in schools
U.S. unveils plan to limit overdraft fees amid banking industry opposition

WA State Standard
Voters to decide on repeal of Washington cap-and-trade program
Washington’s latest daylight saving time proposal would mean earlier summer sunsets (Dhingra, Billig)

Wenatchee World
Rock Island mayor wants to expand city’s urban growth area
Bob Bugert appointed seat to state Recreation and Conservation Funding Board

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council to consider interim city manager hire, new municipal court judge

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
How state legislators hope to curb trend of crash-and-grab burglaries (Keiser)
Refugees in Tukwila demand help with housing, healthcare and job services
Done with Daylight Saving Time: Bill would opt into permanent Pacific Standard Time for Washington state

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Several passengers suing Alaska Airlines after door plug blew off mid-flight
3 officers acquitted in death of Manny Ellis to leave Tacoma Police Department
Several schools forced to close for icy roads, broken pipes as winter weather tapers off

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
U.S. Supreme Court resists appeal against Washington capital gain tax
As opioids devastate tribes in Washington state, tribal leaders push for added funding. (Kauffman)

KNKX Public Radio
SCOTUS won’t hear case challenging the WA capital gains tax

KUOW Public Radio
Washington state AG sues to block Kroger-Albertsons grocery merger
WA lawmakers consider whether to tweak or repeal laws governing police chases (Lovick, Dhingra)
Officers acquitted in Manny Ellis death to resign from Tacoma Police Department

KXLY (ABC)
House Bill aims to provide resources for disaster recovery for places like Medical Lake

Q13 TV (FOX)
Secretary of State certifies initiative to repeal ‘hidden gas tax’

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Immigration board resists Bellingham council’s effort to suspend meetings

Crosscut
Amanda Knox testifies in Olympia for stricter interrogation laws (Peterson, Simmons)

MyNorthwest
Push for tougher laws on obstructing traffic grows after recent protests

Tuesday, January 16

Guns would be prohibited in more WA public places under new bill proposed by lawmakers
Washington lawmakers are considering a new proposal to prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces in the state. Under the legislation, public libraries, zoos, aquariums, parks, transit stations and state or local public buildings would be added to the list of designated areas where weapons are prohibited. Senate Bill 5444 is sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, and co-sponsored by five other Senate Democrats. Valdez noted that he introduced the bill because he wanted to continue the work in the Legislature to keep communities as safe as possible and to reduce gun violence. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Shauna Sowersby)

State lawmakers hold press conference on Sea-Tac Airport noise, pollution bill
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is at the center of new legislation aimed at improving life for residents nearby. At 9 a.m. on Monday, State Senator Karen Keiser and Representative Tina Orwall held a press conference on House Bill 2103. It would require port districts to use levy money to mitigate noise, pollution, and adverse health impacts. A 2020 King County Department of Health study found people living within 10 miles of the airport have been greatly impacted. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

Whidbey Island rep wants to reduce sky-high costs for EpiPens, inhalers
Rep. Dave Paul has seen the cost of his family’s life-saving medications skyrocket in recent years. Two of his four children live with asthma while another has food allergies, making inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, a must-have at all times. House Bill 1979, sponsored by Paul, would put a cap on the costs of inhalers and EpiPens so customers with insurance would only have to pay $35 out of pocket. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Mark Zaleski)

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Associated Press
Washington state sues to block proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons grocery chains

Auburn Reporter
State Senate bill would boost pay for school board members (Nguyen)

Axios
5 gun control bills to watch in Washington’s Legislature (Dhingra)

Bellingham Herald
Family whose son was hit by vehicle in Bellingham crosswalk sues city, federal agency
Home prices in Whatcom County decrease as Bellingham’s prices jump to average of $700k

Capital Press
Washington apple harvest second largest ever
Washington bill calls for review of whether turbines obstruct firefighting

Columbian
Seattle’s minimum-pay law for delivery-app drivers takes effect
New legislation would pave way to merge Washington carbon market with California’s (Nguyen)

Everett Herald
Whidbey Island rep wants to reduce sky-high costs for EpiPens, inhalers (Paul)

Kitsap Sun
Mental health providers connecting with homeless by meeting people where they area

News Tribune
Possible freezing rain anticipated in Pierce and Thurston counties on Tuesday

Olympian
WA Attorney General files lawsuit hoping to block Kroger-Albertsons merger
Guns would be prohibited in more WA public places under new bill proposed by lawmakers (Valdez)
Opinion: A year of housing columns. Do we agree more or less on how to house our community?

Peninsula Daily News
State officials turn to schools in opioid fight (Kuderer)
Design unveiled for Billy Frank Jr. statue at U.S. capitol

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing faces audit, class action lawsuit over 737 Max 9 incident

Seattle Times
‘Should Seattle remove encampments?’ Advocates debate
WA attorney general sues to block Kroger, Albertsons merger
U.S. Supreme Court won’t take up WA capital gains tax challenge
The Supreme Court declines to step into the fight over bathrooms for transgender students
Editorial: Stay focused on the road ahead in I-5 bridge megaproject
Opinion: My sons died in a Boeing 737 MAX crash. Not much has changed

South Whidbey Record
Commissioner Bacon urges lawmakers to prioritize ferry funding (Paul)

Spokesman Review
Proposed law would lower WA school bond election threshold to 55% (Stonier, Santos)
Getting There: Key northern Spokane County roadways set to receive much-needed attention

Tri-City Herald
Travel Alert | Snow for Tri-Cities. Heavy snow in mountains, ice storm in Columbia Gorge
Opinion: WA public records secrecy returns from the grave in Olympia

Washington Post
Where the world warmed the most in Earth’s hottest year

WA State Standard
WA lawmakers may end open carry in parks, require a permit to buy a gun (Valdez)
Ranchers and farmers would help state fight wildfires under proposal in Legislature (Springer)

Wenatchee World
Chelan County breaks record lows, high energy usage
Confirmed salmonella cases in Chelan and Douglas counties linked to statewide outbreak
Unemployment ticks upward in Chelan and Douglas counties, lowest reading since recording began

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle honors MLK Jr. Day with march, rally
Tacoma officers cleared of wrongdoing in Manuel Ellis’ death by internal affairs investigation
Kroger-Albertsons merger would hike grocery prices, create near monopolies in some Washington communities, AG says

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
State lawmakers hold press conference on Sea-Tac Airport noise, pollution bill (Keiser, Orwall)
From Sea-Tac to schools: Bursting pipes wreak havoc across Western Washington
‘One issue people agree on’: Bill to keep state in standard time comes up on first hurdle
Boeing will increase quality inspections on 737 Max aircraft following Alaska Airlines blowout

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Results of internal affairs investigation of 3 acquitted Tacoma officers expected Tuesday
Washington lawmakers push for training requirements for permanent cosmetic technicians (Ryu)

KUOW Public Radio
Airbnbs and other short-term rentals face scrutiny in Port Angeles
Amid long wait for new WA ferry, Bremerton leans on nimble passenger-only service

KXLY (ABC)
Washington Attorney General sues to block Kroger-Albertsons merger

NW Public Radio
Snake River toxic algal bloom warnings lifted
Late tribal leader, Billy Frank Jr., honored at Washington capitol
New technology helps forensic scientists, police do more with less DNA
Washington bill aims to reduce ‘fast fashion’ carbon emissions, pollution (Mena)

Web

B-Town Blog
Port of Seattle responds to proposed new legislation aimed at mitigating environmental/health impacts of Sea-Tac Airport (Keiser, Orwall)

Cascadia Daily News
Rent-cap bill gets second chance in Olympia (Ramel, Alvarado)
WA bill would support consumers, small businesses in repairing electronics, appliances (Ramel, Gregerson)

Crosscut
The seed vault holding Washington’s rarest plants
WA unions wary of proposed Kroger/Albertsons supermarket merger

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)

Print

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)