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Thursday, January 25

Rep. Reeves: WA families can’t find affordable childcare. Our biggest polluters should pay for it
Too many families must choose between their careers and childcare costs that often outpace their salaries. Meanwhile, despite the rising costs of childcare, nearly 20 percent of childcare workers live in poverty. Through HB 2243, we will create a Child Care Equity Land Trust that will provide secure, permanent funding for child care, expand and empower our work force, and protect our precious natural lands. Continue reading at News Tribune. (DREAMSTIME)

WA intercepts millions in child support for low-income families
Washington, like almost every other state, intercepts millions in child support payments from custodial parents who receive cash benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, historically known as welfare. Federal data shows Washington kept more than $41 million intended for children in poverty in 2022. House Bill 1652, currently under consideration in the state Senate, would redirect a significant portion of future payments back to families. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Kristina Barker)

Proposed bills aim to cap rent increases at 5% a year in Washington
Making housing affordable will be a hot topic in Olympia Thursday. At noon, a group of landlords, elected officials and small business owners plan to call for rent stabilization in the state. Two companion bills – House Bill 2114, sponsored by Rep. Emily Alvarado, and Senate Bill 5961, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau – are gaining support as they work through the state Legislature. The proposed bills would prevent excessive rent increases for tenants, allowing landlords to raise rent a maximum of 5% every 12 months. Continue reading at KOMO. (KATU)

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Auburn Reporter
Washington State Office of Homeless Youth awards $4.8 million in grants

Axios
West Coast researchers drill down on bee disease
DOJ investigates Seattle-area hotels for ADA violations
FAA clears path for Boeing 737 MAX 9 jetliners to fly again

Columbian
Wildfire recovery leaders express frustration to officials at roundtable
Third landslide stops Amtrak services from Portland to Seattle through Friday
Sen. Cleveland takes the reins as health panel chair, juggling meetings and legislation (Cleveland)
State inspectors denied entry to privately-run immigration detention center in Tacoma (Ortiz-Self)
Washington breaks state record for firearms found in luggage for the third year in a row
Had a bad experience buying weed? How to report a marijuana product to state regulators

Everett Herald
In child care desert, Camano’s pioneering forest school faces shutdown
Boeing mechanics in Renton mis-installed piece that blew off plane, whistleblower says
Comment: Studies question ‘regret’ after transgender surgeries
Editorial: School absenteeism crisis needs an all-hands effort

Mercer Island Reporter
MI legislators delve into education, health and technology at linkage session (Wellman, Senn)

News Tribune
Is there a culture of racism inside this Pierce County department? 6 workers say yes
WA lawmakers consider limiting the legal action people seeking public records can take
Rep. Reeves: WA families can’t find affordable childcare. Our biggest polluters should pay for it
Opinion: Last year’s focus was housing. In 2024, lawmakers must tackle WA’s 2 biggest problems

Port Townsend Leader
Marchers stand up for reproductive rights

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle home sales trend toward a ‘lenders market’
Boeing, not its supplier, may be at fault for Alaska Airlines plug
FAA halts Boeing production expansion, clears path for Max 9s to fly

Seattle Medium
Marijuana Use Among Teens Declines In Washington State
Mold Exposure Trial With Seattle Children’s Hospital Begins
Washington State Pharmacies Empowered To Prescribe Abortion Drugs
King County Invests $26 Million In Affordable Housing For Diverse Needs
Survey Shows Seattle Seeing Some Of The Highest Grocery Prices In The U.S.
DoorDash Claims New Minimum Wage Policies Will Impact Workers, Merchants And Consumers

Seattle Times
City of Seattle settles BLM protesters’ lawsuit for $10 million
Cantwell plans hearings to investigate Boeing 737 MAX 9 blowout
Puget Sound Energy cancels liquid natural gas plant expansion in Tacoma
As book battles rage, WA Senate votes to make it harder to shut down a library (Hunt)
Washington state reaches a nearly $150 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson over opioid crisis
Editorial: Don’t let efforts to regulate high-potency pot go up in smoke (Davis, Keiser, Wylie, Kloba)
Opinion: Package of bills would grant real property-tax reform in WA (Robinson, Berg)
Opinion: Police accountability is not the enemy of public safety

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County rejects bids for new Guemes Island Ferry due to high costs

Spokesman Review
Wildfire recovery leaders express frustration to officials at roundtable
Why U.S. union membership has dipped to a record low despite recent high-profile wins
‘The demand is greater than the supply’: Washington officials grapple over how to combat deadly opioid epidemic

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
WSF talks Triangle route schedule, staffing in January meetings

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Reports give some details of three suicides at Washington State Penitentiary

Washington Post
Americans’ bank accounts are stabilizing after inflation shock
What a hand-cranked drill just revealed about the West’s ‘megadrought’
As doomsday predictions dissipate, Biden aides savor booming economy

WA State Standard
WA lawmaker wants to make voting mandatory … sort of? (Hunt)
State inspectors denied entry to privately-run immigration detention center in Tacoma

Wenatchee World
Parents and teachers speak out against plan to close Columbia Elementary
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority to buy $1 million, 6-acre land in Peshastin
Chelan County has purchased a dozen medical sensors to soon be installed in holding and intake cells at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center to alert staff of rapid deteriorations of inmate health.

Yakima Herald-Republic
U.S. Postal Service might move some processing operations out of Yakima

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
City of Seattle settles case with 2020 protesters for $10 million
Whatcom County’s overdose death rate surpasses that of King County
Jefferson County prosecutor believes new state law played role in baby’s death
Bill proposal aims to address the 37.8 million pounds of trash littered per year (Ramos)
Tacoma Public Schools program builds pipeline to future careers in health care
Eastside light rail trains to start ‘practice runs’ between Bellevue and Redmond
Boeing CEO meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill after series of mechanical issues

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Aviation consultant on Boeing’s next steps after door blew off 737-9 MAX
‘I’ve been crying for my kids’: Monroe tenants could be illegally forced out again
Seattle settles lawsuit for $10 million over 2020 protests after murder of George Floyd

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Proposed bills aim to cap rent increases at 5% a year in Washington (Alvarado, Trudeau)
Washington State Patrol intensifies efforts to deter freeway shootings in King County
Washington state reaches $149.5 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson over opioids

KUOW Public Radio
Washington state bill could change how rural communities can close a library (Hunt)
Boeing’s quality control draws criticism as a whistleblower alleges lapses at factory
Advocates push for accountability one year after grad student run down by Seattle cruiser

NW Public Radio
Washington bill aims to create civil fines, could reduce illegal dumping (Ramos)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Bill that would toughen animal cruelty sentencing laws reaches House floor
Do you know how to balance a budget? New bill would make it a graduation requirement

Web

Cascadia Daily News
WA congressman’s opioid crisis report points to grim reality, path forward

Crosscut
WA intercepts millions in child support for low-income families (Taylor, Dhingra)

Everett Post
Dems, Republicans take different approaches to recruiting police officers to WA (Dhingra, Jinkins)

MyNorthwest
Initiative that would outlaw state income taxes certified, ballot may be next

Real Change
Short session may bring stronger renter protections, climate justice

Wednesday, January 24

Using public land to fund child care? WA lawmakers are considering it
For many Washington families, child care is not only expensive, it’s hard to find. Lawmakers are now looking to what might seem like an unlikely place to help solve the problem: the state’s forests. The Department of Natural Resources wants lawmakers to approve a bill that would allow the agency to purchase land and funnel the state revenue it generates to grants that would help pay for opening child care centers in communities where they’re lacking. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Marty Cozart)

Proposed law would make hundreds of Washington prisoners eligible for resentencing if they are serving time for juvenile records
Between 800 and 1,500 Washington residents are sitting behind bars, serving extra time for their juvenile records — offenses state law says should not add additional time onto sentences for crimes committed as adults. Of those incarcerated people, 422 are Indigenous, said state Rep. Chris Stearns, D-Auburn. The state’s House Committee on Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry on Monday held a hearing about a proposed bill sponsored by Stearns that would make last year’s law retroactively apply to prisoners sentenced prior to the new law’s effective date, and in most cases require the state to afford those people a resentencing hearing. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Lindsey Wasson)

Bill aims to increase WA school board pay for first time since 1987
A new bill (SB 6223) proposes a significant pay increase for these elected officials, who decide how 43% of the state’s tax dollars should be spent. According to a recent study from the state’s Department of Commerce, school board members earn 61% less than more than a dozen other elected officials, including port and fire district commissioners. “That’s probably the worst political position you can have in Washington state. You get paid nothing, and you get yelled at a lot,” said state Sen. Joe Nguyễn, D-White Center, the primary sponsor of the bill. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Highway project on pace for 2025 finish

Axios
Washington state’s plan to combat election deepfakes
Alaska Airlines and United CEOs cast doubt on Boeing after 737 Max 9 issues

Columbian
Tribal leaders urge WA for help to fight fentanyl crisis (Lekanoff)
Effort to place Washington’s capital gains tax on November ballot advances (Billig)
‘If it sounds like we’re angry … we’re angry’: WSDOT leaders push back after road workers injured in I-5 crash
Proposed law would make hundreds of Washington prisoners eligible for resentencing if they are serving time for juvenile records (Stearns)

Everett Herald
Edmonds-Kingston ferry route had largest rider increase in 2023
Man, 36, identified in most recent death at Snohomish County Jail
As homelessness trends up, ‘it’s really important to hear their stories’
Comment: Extreme cold doesn’t contradict climate change
Comment: Whistle-blowers should step forward on 737 Max issues

Islands’ Weekly
New state building codes delayed until March 2024

News Tribune
Tacoma’s newest City Council member sues the city, 10 police officers over her arrest

Puget Sound Business Journal
Walmart shuts down tech innovation unit in Redmond, cutting 62 jobs
Companies are tweaking time-off policies — but it’s more than vacation

Renton Reporter
What are the priorities of legislators representing Renton? (Hasegawa, Hackney, Bergquist)

Seattle Times
WA bill tries to make ticket-buying more transparent (Reeves)
Bill aims to increase WA school board pay for first time since 1987 (Nguyen)
Man sues former Tacoma police officer who ran over him in 2021
Boeing, not Spirit, mis-installed piece that blew off Alaska MAX 9 jet, industry source says
SPD cop’s comments on Jaahnavi Kandula’s death were ‘inhumane,’ biased, watchdogs say
Editorial: Lawmakers should make it easier for school levies to pass
Opinion: Make companies responsible for the waste they produce in WA

Skagit Valley Herald
WSU Skagit County Extension shut downs forestry program
Anacortes Department of Licensing office closed amid staffing controversy

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Senators focus on transportation projects in the short session (Mullet)

Spokesman Review
Anonymity, limited testimony and an end to standing: Spokane City Council changes open forum rules

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Police investigate sexual assault at Washington State Penitentiary

Washington Post
Colleges are finally turning the corner on enrollment
Obamacare enrollment hits record level as Trump vows repeal
No, office mandates don’t help companies make more money, study finds

WA State Standard
‘Verge of collapse’: Washington public defenders swamped by cases
Using public land to fund child care? WA lawmakers are considering it (Reeves, Jinkins)

Wenatchee World
Chelan County PUD enters deal for $5.4 million, 4,910-acre land
Plan to close Columbia Elementary under scrutiny from staff, parents

Yakima Herald-Republic
U.S. Postal Service might move some processing operations out of Yakima
Panel discussion centers on Yakima County’s intimate partner violence crisis

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Proposed bill expands death benefits for families of slain rideshare drivers (Berry)
Seattle police officer heard joking about woman’s death violated policy, accountability office finds
Snohomish County volunteers expect to see more homeless people in this year’s Point in Time count

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing airliner loses wheel before takeoff
New bill would increase fire safety standards at pet kennels
King County launches ‘Safer Schools Strategy’ aiming to prevent tragedies
Seattle mayor confirms hiring freeze as city faces nearly quarter-billion deficit
State tribal leaders ask for nearly a million dollars to address opioid, fentanyl crisis
Frustration with Boeing’s manufacturing problems boiling over at United, Alaska airlines
‘I kept replaying the way he violated me’: JBLM Army doctor faces over 50 sexual assault charges

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Proposed bill would change Washington’s jaywalking laws (Saldaña)
Seattle anticipates $220M budget deficit with possible hiring freeze, tax hikes
SPD officer faces discipline for ‘limited value’ comments about Jaahnavi Kandula’s death

KNKX Public Radio
Washington leaders try to find solutions for wolf depredations and killing of wolves

KUOW Public Radio
Washington bill creates civil fines, could reduce illegal dumping (Ramos)
Fire strikes Ilwaco fishing community at mouth of Columbia River
Why some Seattle-area seniors are choosing dorm-sized apartments (Gregerson)

KXLY (ABC)
Washington bill aims to make rebuilding after wildfires easier, more efficient
Washington State House proposes bill to increase accessibility of baby diaper changing stations

Q13 TV (FOX)
State law makes intervention for drugs difficult for child protective services, attorney says

Web

Cascadia Daily News
PSE hit record demands for gas, electricity during winter storm

Crosscut
Legislators are shaping their staff’s collective bargaining rights (Fitzgibbon, Frame)

Tuesday, January 23

Washington state lawmakers consider ban on hog-tying by police following Manuel Ellis’ death
Washington state lawmakers considered a proposal Monday to prohibit police from hog-tying suspects, nearly four years after Manuel Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died face down with his hands and feet cuffed together behind him in a case that became a touchstone for racial justice demonstrators in the Pacific Northwest. The restraint technique has long drawn concern due to the risk of suffocation, and while many cities and counties have banned the practice, it remains in use in others. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Karen Ducey)

Dept. of Commerce invests $312.6 million in housing opportunities
On Jan. 18, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced what the department is calling “historic investments” totaling $312.6 million to address the need for affordable housing in communities throughout Washington state. Lack of affordable housing and sufficient supportive housing options for vulnerable populations are top contributors to chronic homelessness. It is estimated that over 1.1 million new housing units must be added across Washington state over the next 20 years to meet projected needs at all income levels. Continue reading at Auburn Reporter. (Plymouth Housing)

Washington Legislature considers funding more dual-language programs in schools
Washington schools could get multi-lingual if the Legislature passes a bill heard in a House of Representatives committee Monday. The bill would direct the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to oversee grants for establishing and expanding programs where instruction is in English and another language, both in public schools and state-tribal compact schools. The bill is the first step in an extensive effort to expand dual language offerings across the state. By 2040, bill sponsor Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, hopes every district that wants such programming will have it in their course catalogs as early as kindergarten. But a number of Spokane-area programs have long been speaking in two tongues, reaping the benefits of bilinguality. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Dan Pelle)

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Auburn Reporter
Dept. of Commerce invests $312.6 million in housing opportunities

Axios
City of Seattle freezes roughly 2,000 jobs
Bill to abolish daylight saving time filed in Washington (Billig)
Washington’s abortion snapshot on Roe v. Wade anniversary

Capital Press
‘Everyone is struggling’: WSU helps farmers under stress
Ecology resists testing rivers before declaring them ‘outstanding’
Washington NRCS clears backlog using Inflation Reduction Act funds

Columbian
WA lawmakers seek to make fashion friendlier to the environment (Mena, Nguyen)
Vancouver Housing Authority closes voucher waitlist due to rising rents
Benton sheriff could be 1st in WA to use a controversial AI photo search tool
Washington may require diaper-changing sites in bathrooms accessible to men
(Callan)

Everett Herald
Sound Transit starts testing light rail on track bound for Lynnwood
Editorial: Panel on concerns of boys, men deserves hearing (Solomon, Lovick, Fitzgibbon)

Journal of the San Juan Islands
WSF outlines Service Contingency plan in bi-annual public meeting

Kitsap Sun
‘Streamlined path to a sustainable career’: OC offers Navy corpsmen, Air Force medics way to become LPNs

News Tribune
After death of Manuel Ellis, state lawmakers consider ending hog-tying by law enforcement (Trudeau, Mena)
Lack of appropriate food at assisted living facilities an example of broad concerns, WA ombuds says
Opinion: Tacoma is stuck between agitation and peace. Manny Ellis’ death must push us forward

New York Times
To Slash Carbon Emissions, Colleges Are Digging Really Deep

Puget Sound Business Journal
Older Boeing 737 planes scrutinized over ‘door plug’ problem
U District apartment building purchased for supportive housing

Seattle Times
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issues hiring freeze
Tribal leaders urge WA for help to fight fentanyl crisis (Lekanoff)
Cold weather emergency highlights homelessness system’s flaws
Washington state lawmakers consider ban on hog-tying by police following Manuel Ellis’ death (Trudeau)
Opinion: Boeing’s manufacturing, ethical lapses go back decades

Spokesman Review
Washington Legislature considers funding more dual-language programs in schools (Ortiz-Self)
Proposed law would make hundreds of Washington prisoners eligible for resentencing if they are serving time for juvenile records (Stearns)
Opinion: Businesses must stand together to protect the Spokane River Basin by breaking out of status quo behaviors

WA State Standard
Washington’s wolf-killing policy gets fresh attention in Olympia (Van De Wege, Lovick)

Wenatchee World
Chelan elementary evacuated after bomb threat

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Tribal leaders call for united fight against opioid abuse crisis (Lekanoff)
Planned Parenthood says they are having tough finding staffers in Washington due to harassment, threats

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
One federal proposal would create a new school choice tax credit
Paying more for insurance? Higher rates linked to spike in stolen cars
PTA says gravel yard next door to Mukilteo school is making students sick

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Proposed bill would change Washington’s jaywalking laws (Saldaña)
Rising rideshare driver death rate helps prompt new bill for worker benefits
WA Dems propose adding sex offender to policy board: ‘They have invaluable information’ (Simmons, Goodman)
Washington lawmaker pushes to ban hog-tying by police following Manny Ellis’ death (Trudeau, Lovick)

KNKX Public Radio
AI, guns, and initiatives: highlights from Week 2 of Washington’s 2024 legislative session (Jinkins, Leavitt)

KUOW Public Radio
In Washington state, pharmacists are poised to start prescribing abortion drugs
The FAA says airlines should check the door plugs on another model of Boeing plane

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane’s Point-In-Time Count Week underway
National shortage of RSV vaccine raises concerns for babies’ hospitalization

NW Public Radio
New congressional tax package has incentive for more Northwest housing
Early January storms bring much-needed snow to the Northwest – is it enough?
Washington leaders try to find solutions for wolf depredations and killing of wolves

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lummi leaders demand state action on fentanyl epidemic (Lekanoff, Macri)

Crosscut
WA Bill Tracker 2024

Northwest News Network
Washington bill creates civil fines, could reduce illegal dumping (Ramos)

Monday, January 22

Here are some of the noteworthy bills that got hearings before the Legislature last week
Friday marked the end of the second week of the 2024 legislative session for lawmakers in Olympia, who spent the week in committee hearings and at floor sessions. The Washington Secretary of State also notified the Legislature Tuesday that Initiative 2117 was certified after completing signature verification. Lawmakers will have to decide whether they will address the initiatives during the legislative session. Alternatives to the initiatives can be proposed by lawmakers, but if legislators decide to do nothing, the initiatives will appear as is on the November ballot. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Ted. S Warren)

Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding
Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz is urging state lawmakers this legislative session to restore cuts made to the agency’s wildfire preparedness and response programs. Last year, lawmakers approved a $36 million reduction in the funding through 2025. Franz and other Department of Natural Resources officials say that if the state doesn’t restore the funding, they may have to shrink or cut community assistance programs, reduce the amount of land treated with prescribed burns or thinning, and potentially ax staff. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

‘We’re doing our best’: High worker turnover, housing shortage plague supported living communities in Washington
Fifteen years ago, professional caregivers in Washington were paid 10% more than what was considered a self-sufficient wage at the time. Today, those same professionals are paid 21% below a self-sufficient wage, according to data from the Community Residential Services Association. On Wednesday afternoon, dozens of protesters stood out in the rain on the steps of the state Legislative Building in Olympia, holding signs that read “DSPs DESERVE LIVING WAGES” and “QUALITY CARE COSTS MORE THAN MINIMUM WAGE.” Many of those in attendance were lobbying last week in favor of a bill that would raise a tax on expensive properties for programs aimed at affordable housing and helping people who have disabilities. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Ellen Dennis)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Emissions concerns raised over Hoquiam pellet plant proposal

Axios
FAA advises door plug checks for Boeing 737-900ER jets
GOP initiatives target Washington’s capital gains tax, cap-and-trade (Fitzgibbon)

Capital Press
Washington senator: ‘Listen carefully’ to my wolf bill
Newest WSU apple variety has cider makers interested
Washington lawmaker proposes disbanding Fish and Wildlife Commission

Columbian
Amtrak service disrupted by landslide north of Vancouver
How the Boldt decision 50 years ago remade Pacific Northwest fishing
Shoppers love WA’s move to block Kroger-Albertsons merger, but legal experts are puzzled

Everett Herald
Highway 529 to close for months between Everett, Marysville
Gun buybacks in Everett, Mukilteo offer gift cards for firearms
Edmonds-Kingston ferry route had largest rider increase in 2023
Higher pay, higher taxes and a constitutional quarrel in Olympia (Shavers, Riccelli)
After pandemic’s peak, more kids missed school; bill aims to solve that
Comment: Will ‘door plugs’ cost Boeing more than they save?
Comment: Eco-Nomics: Along with changing climate, fossil fuels harm health
Editorial: What King brings to discussion of gun safety bills

The Facts Newspaper
REPORT: Washington’s Office of Firearm Safety & Violence Prevention emerging as national leader in evidence-based, community-supported strategies

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Record numbers sign-up for 2024 health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder as deadline nears

News Tribune
Hate speech is hijacking public meetings. One Pierce County city has a plan to stop it

Olympian
Here are some of the noteworthy bills that got hearings before the Legislature last week (Berg, Thai, Taylor, Hunt, Liias, Kuderer, Keiser)

Peninsula Daily News
OMC CEO updates on staffing, legislation
State Legislature to debate high-speed police pursuits

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle ranks high among US cities for finding job, study finds
Microsoft says Russian intelligence group hacked executives’ emails
Billions in overlooked Covid-era funds are flowing to small businesses
Experts are watching these six economic indicators for Seattle in 2024

Seattle Times
WA lawmakers seek to make fashion friendlier to the environment (Nguyen, Mena)
WA could require diaper changing stations for both moms and dads (Callan)
Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding (Springer)
Expect Highway 529 closures this year as WSDOT works on bridge repairs
Editorial: Congress must force Boeing to be better
Editorial: Time for a full account of WA ferries’ value
Opinion: Succumbing to AI with a whimper, not a bang
Opinion: The complicated ethics of violence-prevention programs
Opinion: Finally, WA no longer has the nation’s most unfair tax system
Opinion: A patent waiver is a bad deal for WA

Spokesman Review
Personalized driver safety ‘SmartSigns’ coming soon to Spokane Public Schools
Spin Control: Proposal to let Washington prison inmates vote sparks heated panel discussion (Simmons, Ormsby)
‘Water is the new gold, and our gold is rotten’: West Plains Water Coalition produces short film on unfolding PFAS contamination
‘We’re doing our best’: High worker turnover, housing shortage plague supported living communities in Washington (Berg)

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
State awards $5M loan, tax credit benefits to Walla Walla Housing Authority project

Washington Post
Economic vibes are finally improving, consumer sentiment surges
Biden expands abortion, contraception protections on Roe anniversary
Is there such a thing as a climate-conscious omnivore? A heated debate erupts.
Most states could see earthquake damage in the next century. See those at most risk.

WA State Standard
State lawmakers writing rules to govern collective bargaining with their staff (Fitzgibbon, Stanford)
WA lawmakers consider free prison phone calls to help keep families connected (Hansen)

Wenatchee World
Columbia Elementary school to close next year

Yakima Herald-Republic
Veterinarian shortage in Yakima Valley can make it harder to find animal care
MultiCare Yakima Memorial focused on the future a year after hospital acquisition

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
In Session: Washington state could expand speed camera use amid rise in deadly crashes

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Debate over criminals’ right to vote intensifies in Olympia (Simmons)
New bill would improve human trafficking laws as Washington gets C grade (Dhingra)
Planned Parenthood in Washington, Idaho forced to fly in nurses amid threats
U.S. Attorney uncovers ‘disturbing spike in threats’ regarding Western WA hate crimes

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘Catastrophic flooding’ shuts down vital Seattle-based Evergreen Treatment Services
Tacoma mayor addresses trust issues in police department following Manny Ellis case

KUOW Public Radio
Taming speed on the Speedway (and other Washington roads)
Will Lunar New Year become a state-recognized holiday in Washington? (Thai)
Week in Review: cold weather, encampments, and the Tacoma Police Department
Washington leaders try to find solutions for wolf depredations and killing of wolves
AI, guns, and initiatives: highlights from Week 2 of Washington’s 2024 legislative session (Jinkins, Leavitt)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington state lawmaker pushes to ban hog-tying by police following Manuel Ellis’ death (Trudeau, Lovick)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lights out for mercury bulbs in Washington? (Hackney)
Lummi educators, students elevate Native culture in Ferndale schools

Crosscut
Should cops be involved in all Washington human trafficking cases? (Shavers)

Friday, January 19

Prisoners would get to vote under bill backed by formerly incarcerated WA lawmaker
An estimated 4.6 million people in the United States cannot vote due to a felony conviction. Washington has already taken steps to change that, having restored voting rights to incarcerated people convicted of felonies immediately upon release in 2022. But Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Kitsap, said that’s not enough. The next step, she believes, should be allowing all Washington prisoners to vote. House Bill 2030 would effectively allow anyone incarcerated in a state prison to vote or sit on a jury. It only bans prisoners from voting who are convicted of a crime punishable by death. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (WA House Democrats)

Protesters urge WA lawmakers to end child marriage
People dressed in bridal gowns and veils gathered inside the Capitol on Thursday, not to get married, but to protest against child marriage in Washington state. Almost 20 protesters were seen with chained arms and taped mouths, calling on the Senate to pass House Bill 1455, which would set a minimum marriage age of 18. On Jan. 8, the first day of the legislative session, the House unanimously passed HB 1455, and now awaits action in the Senate. There have been previous attempts to end child marriage, but this measure was first introduced last year by Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, when it passed the House, but eventually stalled in the Senate. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Nobles Named Chair Of Senate Higher Education, Workforce Development Committee
Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) was named chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee following a vote of the Senate Wednesday. Nobles, who previously served as the committee’s vice chair, brings two decades of experience in education and community leadership to the role. She also is the current caucus majority whip, vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, and a member of the Transportation Committee and the Behavioral Health Subcommittee. Continue reading at The Seattle Medium.