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Wednesday, May 22

Behind on rent? You aren’t alone if you live in Pierce County, according to study
A study that aimed to quantify the amount of rent owed to landlords by tenants nationwide estimated that renters in Pierce County are more than $30 million behind on rent, with more than 13,000 households in rent debt. National Equity Atlas estimates that tenants across the country owe more than $9.877 billion in rent across more than 4.7 million households. They estimate that there are more than 4.7 million children living in households that are behind in rent, with roughly 47% of all the households owing rent having children living in them. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

Ex-Tacoma cop acquitted in Manuel Ellis’ death plans defamation suit
One of three former Tacoma police officers acquitted in the 2020 killing of Manuel Ellis has taken steps to sue city and state officials with his wife for a total of $47 million, alleging they falsely accused him of racist and criminal misconduct, destroying his reputation and ruining his chances of finding work. Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died at a south Tacoma intersection on March 3, 2020, after Rankine, Collins and Burbank shocked, beat and hogtied him while he repeatedly pleaded for air. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Tony Overman)

Seattle Public Schools’ climate solution captures $7.5M from White House
Seattle is leading the nation in geothermal heating and cooling for its public schools. Seattle Public Schools’ goal is to be fossil-free by 2040. Its accomplishments were recently showcased during a Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 Schools and Grounds at the White House. The district is about to get a check for $7.5 million from the IRS, reimbursing the Seattle schools for about a third of last year’s expenses for this climate-friendly technology. Continue reading at KNKX. (Bellamy Pailthorp)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Multiple departments confront brushfire near Artic

Axios
Six Seattle CEOs rank among the nation’s highest-paid
Biden administration cancels another $7.7B in student loans

Bellingham Herald
No criminal charges to be filed against Bellingham police sergeant accused of abuse
WWU student employees walk out of jobs, begin strike as talks with administration continue

Capital Press
West Coast commodity groups get USDA grants to boost trade

Everett Herald
Sound Transit’s $375K payout to ex-CEO didn’t buy help
Boeing union firefighters to vote on new contract proposal
Boeing 767, built in Everett, gets 5-year lifeline from Congress
Ahead of grizzly arrival, wildlife advocates assess past translocations
Letter: Making college affordable key to our future

High Country News
The West’s wetlands are struggling. Some have been overlooked altogether.

News Tribune
Behind on rent? You aren’t alone if you live in Pierce County, according to study
Tacoma-based MultiCare’s reach expanding in King, Snohomish counties with partnership
Opinion: Oops. Former Tacoma teacher’s op-ed slamming DEI in schools proves how vital it is

New York Times
Biden Administration Cancels Another $7.7 Billion in Student Loans

Puget Sound Business Journal
Overlake agrees to affiliation with MultiCare system
These WA colleges and universities have the highest faulty pay
US rental market continues to cool as record amount of new supply delivers
Workers with unseen disabilities face stigmas in the workplace. Here’s how employers can help.

Seattle Times
WA mountain goats struggle to survive
Seattle police veteran sues chief, alleging discrimination, retaliation
Ex-Tacoma cop acquitted in Manuel Ellis’ death plans defamation suit

Skagit Valley Herald
Samish Indian Nation unveils housing project
Mount Vernon taking applications for housing grants
County gives community an update at Guemes Island Ferry meeting

Spokesman Review
State fire marshal says washing machine failure caused Big Eddy fire
State Parks seeking community input to shape future of Mount Spokane

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla teachers propose new language arts curriculum

Washington Post
Fentanyl is fueling a record number of youth drug deaths
‘Pretty gross’: The toxic mix of fast-rising seas and septic systems
Consumer watchdog classifies ‘buy now, pay later’ apps as credit cards
California pays people with addiction to stay clean — with feds’ blessing
Biden releases 1 million barrels of gasoline in bid to lower summer costs

WA State Standard
Utility serving San Juan Islands proposes to harness tidal power

Wenatchee World
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority looks to add tax increment financing district

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima to accelerate North First Street road project; council rejects Pride proclamation

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
PNW preparing to weather another season of wildfire smoke
Seattle City Council approves plan to speed up police officer hiring
‘Hate breeds hate’: Three women responsible for exhibit showing how Black, Asian and Jewish people can confront hate together

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Man dies while in custody at Snohomish County Jail
Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz facing another lawsuit
Crippling consequences over shortage of diabetes drug used for weight loss
Former Tacoma police officer, acquitted in Manny Ellis case, files $94M claim

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle City Council passes legislation to streamline police recruitment
Seattle police captain sues chief, claims retaliation for reporting discrimination
Snohomish County reports nearly 10% drop in homelessness compared to last year
Boeing proposes new contract to end firefighter lockout, union members expected to vote

KNKX Public Radio
Warehouse fire in the Tri-Cities could be emitting potentially toxic smoke
Seattle Public Schools’ climate solution captures $7.5M from White House

KUOW Public Radio
Muslim students in Seattle face choice between graduation and Eid al-Adha celebrations
Federal Way’s rhododendron garden has noticed how NW summer is affecting certain rhodys

KXLY (ABC)
Neighbors respond to the city’s traffic calming master plan
Sen. Murray, democrats champion new tool to ensure pregnant women get necessary care

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Local innovation celebrated at tech award ceremony
Trees of a certain size now protected by law in Bellingham
County council approves resolution to make medical examiner’s office county employees
Paul G. Allen Family Foundation awards funding to 27 Whatcom County arts organizations

Crosscut
WSF says building new diesel ferries would create two-year delay

MyNorthwest
Two people dead in Yelm standoff involving SWAT, bomb squad
Boeing firefighters to depart picket lines to vote on a new contract
King County Sheriff: Watch for scam phone calls pretending to be law enforcement
Bothell couple says neighbor threatened them by leaving empty ammo boxes outside of their home

Publicola
Interim KCRHA Director Powell withdraws name from list of finalists for permanent position

The Urbanist
SDOT Sprints Toward the End of the Move Seattle Era
New Tacoma Waterfront Park Begs for I-705 Freeway Removal
Seattle Proposes Co-Living Ordinance Seeking to Meet New State Mandate

Tuesday, May 21

How reclassifying marijuana could impact Washington state
A proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug could have a major impact on cannabis enterprises in Washington state, industry officials say. The proposal could give workers and owners the same financial tools available to other legal businesses, which in turn could lower the number of robberies and burglaries at retail stores, said Aaron Pickus of the Washington CannaBusiness Association. Continue reading at Axios. (Aïda Ame)

State will provide $120 EBT cards to help keep Clark County kids fed while school is out
Tens of thousands of children in Clark County will be eligible to receive grocery benefits this summer as part of a new program launched by the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program — also known as SUN Bucks — will send eligible children a $120 benefit card for food sometime between early June and August, according to an announcement last week. State leaders estimate more than 500,000 children will be eligible statewide. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Amanda Cowan)

Northwest tribes, feds dive into work on salmon revival in upper Columbia River
Three Northwest tribes and federal agencies are getting closer to understanding how to revive Chinook and sockeye salmon runs on the upper Columbia River that were once among the most abundant in the world but were decimated by dams over the last century. Members of the tribe have for decades been cut off from salmon that used to migrate to them on the Spokane River, a tributary of the Columbia. Salmon are gone from the river today due to Grand Coulee Dam. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Bureau of Reclamation)

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Axios
California hate hotline documents 1,020 reports in first year
How reclassifying marijuana could impact Washington state

Bellingham Herald
Can you file a Better Business Bureau complaint against a Washington healthcare provider?
Whatcom County kicking tires on costs, benefits of converting fleet to electric with new study

Capital Press
Northwest conditions hint at higher yields for wheat crop

Columbian
State will provide $120 EBT cards to help keep Clark County kids fed while school is out
Private equity moves into care in Northwest: Investment firms buying mental health, substance use clinics
Opinion: In Our View: Washington Saves program to provide lifeline

Everett Herald
Elected officials to get 10% pay bump, or more, in Snohomish County
Homelessness down nearly 10% in Snohomish County, annual count shows

High Country News
When school lunch is free

News Tribune
Pierce County bridge closed indefinitely to pedestrians, traffic after deemed unsafe
Nearly $600K in arts funding headed to Pierce County. Is your favorite group on list?
Tacoma’s Antique Row shaken after more than 50 windows destroyed in vandalism spree

Northwest Asian Weekly
Seattle’s legacy, Irvine’s future — Korematsu Center’s move to California

Olympian
Pierce County lawmaker under fire a second time for conduct at state Legislature (Morgan)
Yelm teachers union ‘blindsided’ by district sending layoff notices to a third of teaching staff

Puget Sound Business Journal
These high-paying jobs are vanishing in the post-pandemic era
Puyallup Tribe eyes opening for Tacoma waterfront restaurant
Opinion: Sound Transit light rail decision will shape future around South Lake Union

Seattle Times
Can the child care crisis be fixed? Q&A with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray
Sammamish finally proceeds with major housing, commercial project

Skagit Valley Herald
Snowpack remains low, Skagit County in drought
Skagit County commissioners double drainage utility rates

Spokesman Review
Collins Aerospace announces $200 million West Plains factory expansion
Development in the Latah Valley put on hold for a year as strained infrastructure examined
Spokane landlords may soon no longer ban air conditioning units during the worst summer heat

Tri-City Herald
Wildfire embers destroy a Snake River dam building in Eastern Washington
$160K unpaid taxes, vandalism plague developer whose micro-apartments eased rental woes

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Martin Fujishin named director of Walla Walla Community College wine program
Jacob Crenshaw named new director of culinary arts at Walla Walla Community College

Washington Post
This ‘doomsday’ glacier is more vulnerable than scientists once thought

WA State Standard
Fewer Canadians are crossing the border to visit Point Roberts
Northwest tribes, feds dive into work on salmon revival in upper Columbia River

Wenatchee World
Chelan County settles discrimination suit with former deputy Jennifer Tyler for $1.5M

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima receives grant funding for sewer, water line extensions
Construction on solar power project near Moxee is ahead of schedule

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Gunfire erupts at Auburn park as youth baseball game is played nearby
Pro-Palestinian encampment protest on UW campus cleared by agreed-upon deadline

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington receives first shipment of free naloxone kits
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle beaches adjust hours for 3rd year to curb summer crime and violence
Tacoma sees drop in violent crime, but residents near ‘hot spot’ still feel unsafe
‘The administration has failed”: UW faces costly damages after pro-Pakestinian encampment

KNKX Public Radio
Ex-Tacoma officer seeks $94M from city, state for defamation

KUOW Public Radio
Bremerton treats Kitsap Lake to tackle toxic algae
‘Appearance of segregation’ at Seattle Police Department, captain says in lawsuit

KXLY (ABC)
Emergency moratorium placed on development in Latah Valley

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham passes new bike, pedestrian master plans

Crosscut
Origins season three winners will document Indigenous reefnetting

MyNorthwest
Tacoma businesses playing loud music to discourage loiterers
Seattle police aptitude test under scrutiny amid recruitment struggles

The Washington Observer
Adding up lawmakers’ bill wins in Olympia (Jinkins, Chopp, Pedersen, Hansen, Orwall, Goodman, Fey, Senn, Cleveland, Conway, Keiser)

Monday, May 20

Washington is 2nd in the U.S. for missing and murdered Indigenous women; have recent efforts made headway?
Indigenous people go missing and are murdered at higher rates than any other group. In Washington, Indigenous people make up 2 percent of the general population but account for 5 percent of unsolved cases. Washington ranks second highest in the nation for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Although Washington has created a state task force and an alert system, advocates say justice remains out of reach for victims and their families. Obstacles include lack of data, tribal jurisdictions and the lingering impacts of colonization. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Taylor Balkom)

How much has Washington state spent on housing in the past decade?
For much of the past decade, the amount of money Washington lawmakers dedicated to housing and homelessness programs grew gradually, climbing from around $200 million to $400 million in each two-year budget between 2013 and 2021. Part of that spike is due to an infusion of federal pandemic aid. But it also reflects a growing acknowledgment among lawmakers that Washington has a housing problem, particularly a shortage of affordable homes. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Ian Dewar)

If you haven’t paid your electric bill, you may hear from a collection agency
If you haven’t paid your electric bill for a while, you may get a call from a collection agency. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) stopped using bill collection agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the utility recently got permission from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to resume its collections processes, according to a news release from PSE. Continue reading at My Northwest. (PSE)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Westport wants fresh eyes on wetlands

Axios
Marijuana research could still be difficult after rescheduling
How a major real estate settlement could affect homebuying in Seattle

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County kicking tires on costs, benefits of converting fleet to electric with new study

Capital Press
Farm groups support repeal of Corporate Transparency Act
Stemilt Growers to appeal $76,000 safety fine in worker’s death

Columbian
Navy jet noise could mean long-term health impacts for Washington’s Whidbey Island
Washington is 2nd in the U.S. for missing and murdered Indigenous women; have recent efforts made headway?
Opinion: In Our View: No tolls before date to begin bridge construction

Everett Herald
New hydrogen, electric buses get trial run in Snohomish County
On I-5 in Everett, traffic nightmare is reminder we’re ‘very vulnerable’
Elected officials to get 10% pay bump, or more, in Snohomish County

Federal Way Mirror
Washington state passes Halal Food Consumer Protection Act (Wilson)

The Inlander
Spokane city leaders denounce hate following defacement of an LGBTQ+ crosswalk (Billig)

Kitsap Sun
Delays expected at Southworth ferry terminal next week

News Tribune
This Pierce County school district to lay off 60 teachers, staff amid budget issues
Weaponizing music? Some Tacoma stores are blasting tunes to deter loitering, camping
Why doesn’t WSDOT shift traffic to the other Narrows Bridge during emergency repairs?
Opinion: Hilltop and the Eastside deserve new libraries. Don’t expect it anytime soon

Puget Sound Business Journal
Investor homebuying activity grows slightly in Q1
It’s not just housing: Another soaring cost is squeezing employees
Washington state ahead of the game as lawsuit rewrites real estate commission rules

Seattle Times
Beetles killing more trees in WA, likely due to drought
Burien poised to kill King County-funded shelter project
Western WA predicted to see above normal fire risk this summer
UW protesters start taking down encampment as deadline looms

Spokesman Review
A big impact on Spokane’s housing shortage could come in a tiny form
Shooting near Lilac Torchlight Parade that resulted in two injured remains under investigation
Shoplifting has retailers putting more items behind antitheft glass, but it’s driving customers away

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Warren Community Action Fund awards $58K in grants to area nonprofits

Washington Post
Charging stations are failing to keep up with the EV boom

WA State Standard
Electrician strike in Puget Sound region stretches beyond five weeks
How much has Washington state spent on housing in the past decade?

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council appoints four new planning commission members
Construction on solar power project near Moxee is ahead of schedule

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Tukwila Schools take on hundreds of new students from asylum-seeking families

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
300 union workers join Boeing firefighter picket lines in Seattle
UW encampment organizers reach agreement to disband by Monday afternoon

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County Recorder’s Office mishandled millions, audit reveals financial flaws
College seniors wary of homeownership amid soaring prices, rising mortgage rates
Honey bees at risk for colony collapse from longer, warmer fall seasons, per WSU research

KUOW Public Radio
Samish Indian Nation debuts first village in 125 years to ‘bring the elders back home’

KXLY (ABC)
Who pays for the Pride crosswalk in downtown Spokane?
City councilman calls on Mayor to condemn antisemitism at city council meetings

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Here’s where initial Healthy Children’s Fund dollars are going: Serving vulnerable children

Crosscut
Refugees find a new home in majority-immigrant Des Moines school

MyNorthwest
If you haven’t paid your electric bill, you may hear from a collection agency
Progress or problem? Seattle’s population keeps growing, but the growth has slowed

West Seattle Blog
YOU CAN HELP: Alki UCC’s monthly clothing-donation drive, concurrent with vandalism-response community art creation

Friday, May 17

WA homebuilding is slowing down, unlikely to keep up with growing need
Despite a building boom in recent years, Washington is not on track to add enough housing to meet residents’ needs over the next two decades, a red flag for the state’s affordability crisis. Applications for permits have dropped statewide, an early sign that the production of homes of all price points will dip in the coming years. The drop could worsen the scarcity of affordable homes. While overall housing production soared in recent years, construction of affordable housing has not kept pace with the need. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

College students in Washington’s prisons will soon have access to federal Pell Grants
Compared to the rest of the country, Washington already has a robust college prison program funded by the state — but thanks to new federal dollars, offerings for students behind bars are set to expand. That’s because the U.S. Department of Education last summer restored federal Pell Grants for incarcerated students, following a nearly 30-year ban as part of the 1994 federal “tough on crime” bill signed by President Bill Clinton. Washington, alongside states across the country, is rushing to put these new funds to use and passed legislation in 2024 to use federal funding for the state’s college prison courses. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Richard Stephens)

Medical residents are avoiding abortion-ban states, survey finds
According to new statistics from the Association of American Medical Colleges, for the second year in a row, students graduating from U.S. medical schools were less likely to apply this year for residency positions in states with abortion bans and other significant abortion restrictions. Since the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, state fights over abortion access have created plenty of uncertainty for pregnant patients and their doctors. But that uncertainty has also bled into the world of medical education, forcing some new doctors to factor state abortion laws into their decisions about where to begin their careers. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Matt M. McKnight)

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Aberdeen Daily World
‘Big win for the Harbor’: Leaders celebrate pellet approval

Axios
King County homeless count rises
School segregation persists 70 years after Brown v. Board

Bellingham Herald
Expect long delays at intersection north of Bellingham as roundabout project nears
Meet the Bellingham teacher who is a finalist for a prestigious national science award
Planning a summer camping trip? These seven Washington state parks have closures coming up
Editorial: Long road ahead on eliminating traffic deaths

Capital Press
Lawsuit targets logging in Colville National Forest

Columbian
Support at Safe Stay communities helps residents address problems, exit cycle of homelessness

Everett Herald
Amid lockout, Boeing, union firefighters return to bargaining table
Is Port of Everett’s proposed expansion a ‘stealth tax?’ Judge says no
Everett-based magniX appoints longtime aerospace exec as new CEO
Harvey Field seeks to reroute runway in floodplain, faces new pushback
Letter: State must provide more financial aid for college students

Kitsap Sun
Bremerton landowner’s interest leads to affordable housing community

News Tribune
Tacoma’s wandering bear has been caught sightseeing. Here’s where he’s going
This system is supposed to help people in crisis find housing. It’s broken, many say
New emergency shelter opens for homeless families. It’s first one in this part of county

Peninsula Daily News
Crews evaluated after RV fire on Coho ferry
Clallam Transit considering proposal for Narcan at Gateway center

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing receives orders for just 7 planes in April
Tacoma City Councilmember Catherine Ushka dies at 55
Homeless population in King County climbs to over 16,000
Construction starting on hundreds of homes, retail in downtown Sammamish

Seattle Times
WA Supreme Court reverses century-old Yakama decision: ‘An injustice’
WA homebuilding is slowing down, unlikely to keep up with growing need

Spokesman Review
Thousands of free opioid overdose reversal kits headed to Washington
Downtown Spokane rainbow intersection defaced again, this time with fire
Bye bye benches: city of Spokane blocks off seating on Monroe Street bridge as part of safety improvement project

Tri-City Herald
Guilty. Federal officer thought he was meeting 13-year-old for sex in Eastern WA
Bat captured in Benton County house tests positive for rabies. 1st in WA this year
‘Buried at home.’ Tri-Cities is proposed new site for WA state’s 2nd veterans cemetery
WA school bus law named for slain Tri-Cities driver should ‘go federal,’ says lawmaker
Moses Lake lays off 100 teachers after $11M accounting error. Superintendent put on leave
Editorial: Tri-Cities health leaders must come together to deliver vital addiction services

Washington Post
The U.S. just took its biggest step yet to end coal mining
A water war is brewing between the U.S. and Mexico. Here’s why.
Brown v. Board of Education, 70 years on, is both revered and unfulfilled

WA State Standard
Beetles killing more trees in Washington, likely due to drought
Housing boom in most of the US could ease shortage, but cost is still a problem
College students in Washington’s prisons will soon have access to federal Pell Grants

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
SPS to hold public meetings over possible closure of 20 elementary schools
Road rage incident ends in state trooper shooting, killing suspect on I-5 in Everett
Teens take the wheel: Truck driver shortage has public schools preparing the pipeline
Washington State Ferries prepare for busy summer season, still facing shortage of boats
New report estimates over 16,000 people experience homelessness in King County on any given night

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Jewish students at UW feeling threatened after latest protest graffiti
Yelm school district holds community meeting after 120 teacher layoffs were announced
Key Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems is laying off 450 after production of troubled 737s slows
Fire district in Mason County losing insurance; public calling on two fire commissioners to resign

KNKX Public Radio
On time or not, the ferry schedule drives life in Bremerton
How can Washington build a sustainable state ferries system? (Nance)

KUOW Public Radio
Pro-Palestine protesters to disband UW encampment in Seattle after university makes concessions

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Pride crosswalk defaced again
Washington AG’s office joins forces with local police to intensify search for missing Indigenous teen

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Ceremonial student projects honor Lummi’s cultural connection to salmon

Crosscut
Medical residents are avoiding abortion-ban states, survey finds
L&I issues $650K in fines after ag worker death in East Wenatchee

The Stranger
Lost Melodies: The Costs of Underfunded Music Education in Washington
Bad Apples: Seattle Police Officers Dismiss Domestic Violence, Unjustifiably Tase a Person, and Drive Drunk (Again)

Thursday, May 16

Spokane Public Schools teaching kids to ride bikes in gym class through state program
A statewide pilot project to bring bicycle education to elementary school students has arrived in the Inland Northwest, with Spokane Public Schools one of six districts in Washington selected to host the new program. The Cascade Bicycle Club is leading the effort, based on its experience offering youth bike education to students in Seattle and Edmonds public schools since 2016, teaching more than 25,000 students about bike safety skills. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Colin Mulvany)

Cash crunch persists for WA’s paid family leave program
Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program has a popularity problem. More people are applying for its benefits, but the state is running short of money to pay for them. The program, launched in 2020, allows people to take paid time off from work if they have a serious health condition, if they’re caring for family members, or if they have a new child. A tax that workers and employers each pay a share of covers the program’s cost. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Getty Images)

‘Take it with you wherever you go’: Gov. Inslee celebrates change to WA Cares
Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday celebrated the changes lawmakers made to the state’s new long-term care insurance program. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed a bill allowing residents to take their WA Cares savings with them if they leave the state, a longtime criticism of the original legislation. WA Cares now gives retirees access to the $36,500 benefit even if they move out of state. It also allows those who move out of state to continue participating in the long-term program if they continue paying into it. Continue reading at King 5.