Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Friday, December 20

Note: Thanks to those who responded to our survey last week, your suggestions and comments are being reviewed and considered. The Daily E-clips will be on holiday hiatus for the next few weeks and will resume regular publication on Monday, January 6.

Inslee says it’s been ‘an astounding 12 years’ as Washington governor
Jay Inslee knows the one place he won’t be going when he leaves office as Washington’s governor next month. Idaho. “I am not moving to Idaho. I do not have any property in Idaho. Some right-wing blogger started this rumor. It is objectively false,” he told reporters Thursday, adding he is staying on Bainbridge Island where he’s lived for years. Inslee answered the question, which he said he gets asked most these days, during a wide-ranging conversation with reporters on the legacy of his long tenure as governor, the future of the Democratic Party and the advice he’d share with his successor. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Jerry Cornfield)

Having an IUD is Great. Getting One Can Be Terrible
The appeal of the IUD is undeniable…but for a lot of patients, the pain that comes with an IUD insertion is way more than “a little.” And worse, the pain is often downplayed by providers—if it’s even addressed at all. When Rep. Amy Walen (D-48) accompanied a young woman to an insertion appointment, she found this lack of pain control horrifying. So horrifying that she’s prefiled a bill for the upcoming 2025 legislative session addressing it. House Bill 1077 would require clinicians to discuss pain management with patients before IUD insertions. Continue reading at The Stranger. (Liudmila Chernetska)

King County deploys new mobile crisis teams to assist with mental health emergencies
New mobile crisis teams have been deployed throughout King County, offering expanded access to immediate mental health care and alleviating the burden off other agencies that may be less equipped to handle a mental health crisis. The county added 10 teams on December 2 to support adults experiencing a mental health emergency. While the county previously had mobile crisis teams, this milestone marks a major expansion, made possible by funding approved by voters last year. The teams are part of King County’s broader push to expand and streamline mental health services, by providing dispatchers to talk to, teams to respond and crisis care centers where individuals in crisis can go.
Continue reading at KIRO 7.

Print

Axios
Starbucks union plans “escalating strikes” to start Friday morning

Capital Press
USDA gives three Northwest groups $34 million for rural internet

Columbian
‘Unlawful’ or ‘a critical next step’? Feds to update Columbia River dams’ environmental guidelines

Everett Herald
Police: Social worker unknowingly brought Suboxone into Everett jail

High Country News
Tribes sue after massive wind farm in Washington gets green light

The Inlander
Lawsuit seeks to block natural gas initiative, claiming it violates Washington’s constitution
CHAS Health commemorates 200 Inland Northwest people who died without homes this year

News Tribune
Why does it seem like everyone’s getting sick? Look out for these 6 winter illnesses in WA
Over 7,000 marijuana plants seized from illegal cannabis operation in Tacoma, police say
Eastern WA company admits selling juice from moldy, putrid concentrate for school lunches

New York Times
Starbucks workers begin a strike in 3 cities on Friday
Why it’s hard to control what gets taught in public schools
How drug overdose deaths have plagued one generation of Black men for decades

Olympian
Gov. Jay Inslee reflects on 12-year legacy. ‘Being governor is the greatest job’ in U.S.

Puget Sound Business Journal
UW president delivers ‘master class’ in leadership
Boeing lands its biggest 737 Max order of the year
Sweeping defense bill has small-business changes too

Seattle Times
What to expect on WA ferries as you travel for the holidays
Starbucks workers begin strikes that could spread to hundreds of US stores by Christmas Eve

Spokesman Review
Congress veering toward government shutdown after Trump, Musk sink bipartisan funding bill

Washington Post
Starbucks baristas to strike during holiday rush
These steelworkers want a U.S. Steel sale. Biden and Trump don’t.
This high school banned phones. Here’s what students have to say about it.
White House tells agencies to prepare for shutdown; House GOP to propose a third funding plan

WA State Standard
Immigration drives nation’s population growth
Inslee says it’s been ‘an astounding 12 years’ as Washington governor
Regulators to assess environmental risks of Northwest Hydrogen Hub
Aerial drones helpful in removing graffiti along WA highways, agency says

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Suspect in deadly Seattle bus stabbing identified by police
Tacoma to pay $14.9 million settlement after road-rage victim paralyzed in shooting
Who was Shawn Yim? Friends, riders and community leaders remember slain bus driver
Washington’s new governor goes on the record as he prepares for budget crisis, political shift

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Starbucks union goes on strike in 3 major cities
Over 2 million travelers expected at SEA Airport through end of the year
Fatal bus stabbing suspect not charged in 2023 deadly stabbing of roommate
WDFW confirms bird flu cases in cougars; advises public on safety precautions
Metro drivers demand action after fatal stabbing of colleague in University District
Chehalis juvenile rehabilitation facility takes steps to prevent contraband, new drug
King County deploys new mobile crisis teams to assist with mental health emergencies

KNKX Public Radio
Columbia River Basin officials miss goal on salmon return but see progress

KUOW Public Radio
Inslee looks back on his way out
Transgender woman sues Washington state corrections department over placement in men’s facility

NW Public Radio
Yakama Nation, city of Toppenish in court battle over warming center

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Port officials working ‘extra hard’ to get air service back at Bellingham airport
As Foothills Food Bank closes for the holidays, clients brave rain and cold to stock up

Crosscut
WA lawmakers fight to keep public records hidden — on your dime

MyNorthwest
Bezos saves $1 billion in taxes after moving out of WA
New bill filed would ensure no restrictions on the types of tires you can buy (Street)

The Stranger
Having an IUD is great. getting one can be terrible (Walen)
City Attorney Ann Davison stretches the truth in war on judge she doesn’t like

Thursday, December 19

Big roles in Washington state for two Native leaders
Casey Sixkiller and Chris Stearns will in January become the two highest-ranking Native Americans in Washington state government. Stearns, Navajo, who’s represented the 47th District in the state House of Representatives since December 2022, was nominated by House Democrats to be speaker pro tem, pending a confirmation vote by the House. He will be the second Native American to serve as speaker pro tem; Jeff Morris, Tsimshian, served as speaker pro tem from 2008-11. Continue reading at Indian Country Today. (Washington House Democrats)

Ferguson taps Mercer Island representative to lead children’s services agency
State Rep. Tana Senn will be the new head of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Senn, a Democrat from Mercer Island, has served in the state Legislature since 2013. Her work has focused on improving education and increasing access to child care and youth mental health services. She helped craft the Fair Start for Kids Act, which passed in 2021 and made record investments into child care and early learning. In the Legislature, Senn has also worked on laws to close gender wage gaps and require zero-emissions school buses in districts across the state. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Legislative Support Services)

With RFK nomination, Washington state health leaders brace for local impacts
President-elect Donald Trump has named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a choice that worries some Washington state leaders, largely because of his position on vaccines. They anticipate funding cuts and increased vaccine skepticism under the next administration, and want to ensure local vaccination programs are safeguarded from a political shift. Public health officials are also worried about funding — Kennedy could cut funding for research into new vaccines, or reduce the federal budget for vaccine purchases and distribution. Continue reading at KUOW. (Meg Kinnard)

Print

Axios
Seattle-area home listings spike
Murder hornets have been eradicated in the U.S., officials say

Bellingham Herald
Pair of Mt. Baker Ski Area rescues over the weekend a reminder of the dangers of tree wells
Cold and dark? No problem. Meet the volunteers testing Bellingham’s stormwater for pollution

Capital Press
Court declines to rehear ‘Cody’s Beef’ lawsuit
Washington declares victory over fearsome hornets
Vote could establish natural grass sod checkoff program
Washington sawmill accused of violating water quality standards
Federal agencies to redo dam environmental review; stakeholder coalition protests

Everett Herald
Everett council chooses downtown site for potential AquaSox stadium
Inslee proposes taxing the wealthy and businesses to close budget gap
Editorial: Protect state’s youths from flavored vapes, tobacco (Nobles, Reeves)

Indian Country Today
Big roles in Washington state for two Native leaders (Stearns)
Officials fall short of salmon return goals in Columbia River Basin but see signs of progress

The Inlander
WSU is in a bind over the fate of its historic Jensen-Byrd building. If a hero developer appears, will it be enough?

News Tribune
Pierce County animal shelter with 64 pets closes indefinitely for emergency maintenance

Olympian
Gov.-elect Ferguson names Tana Senn director of Department of Children, Youth and Families (Senn)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Everett makes call on $120M stadium proposal
The major storylines that could shape industrial real estate in 2025

Seattle Times
Evictions around Washington soar to record-high levels
Editorial: Federal anti-hazing law with WA roots would help save lives

Spokesman Review
Spokane Public Schools to sell or lease up to seven buildings after U-District purchase

Tri-City Herald
Gov.-elect Ferguson names Tana Senn director of Department of Children, Youth and Families (Senn)

Washington Post
The war against murder hornets is over, officials say. The U.S. won.
Government shutdown nears after Trump and Musk kill compromise
Americans rush to buy cars and appliances before Trump’s new tariffs

WA State Standard
Ferguson taps Mercer Island representative to lead children’s services agency (Senn)
New home chosen for Cal Anderson memorial on Washington Capitol grounds
Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in Washington have been eradicated, officials say
Federal agencies to revise environmental study for Columbia River Basin dam operations

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New rule could protect Bellingham’s trees
Landslide disrupts Amtrak service between Seattle and Vancouver
Portland-Seattle-Vancouver high-speed rail idea lands $49.7 million federal grant
Day after former Seattle police chief is fired, city releases romantic letter at center of case
Promising cancer trials: Bill Gates’ Everett lab now leading production of a rare, sought-after isotope

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle police officer who hit Jaahnavi Kandula will pay $5,000 fine
Tacoma basketball players attacked with racial slurs during game against Gig Harbor High School

KUOW Public Radio
Why Washington state aims to ban English ivy
Amazon faces multiple strikes as union targets holiday shopping rush
With RFK nomination, Washington state health leaders brace for local impacts

KXLY (ABC)
Idaho bans DEI policy and offices in public colleges and universities

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Healthy Children’s Fund rollout a complicated task, vexing some contractors
People whose NEXUS cards were revoked want answers — a court ruling could help

The Urbanist
Bellingham votes to end to parking mandates as part of housing push
Seattle Planning Commission pushes for bolder housing growth strategy
Shoreline votes to ditch parking mandates, legalize neighborhood cafes and stores

Washington Observer
Thoughts on the portability of wealth
Senn to head the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services (Senn)

Wednesday, December 18

Gov. Jay Inslee pitches WA wealth tax and business tax increases
Seeking to cover a looming budget shortfall and stave off cuts to state services, Gov. Jay Inslee is throwing his support behind a proposed “wealth tax” on the state’s richest residents. His plan would start with a temporary one-year 20% business and occupation tax rate increase on bigger businesses, followed by a 10% boost in business tax rates. Inslee unveiled the tax proposals as part of his final budget proposal to the Legislature. He’ll leave office Jan. 15, when Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson is sworn in. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Evictions around Washington soar to record high levels
Washington is on track to have more eviction filings this year than any other year on record. Nine counties, including King and Spokane, hit new high marks, and seven others are on their way. Washington’s policies, like its right to counsel program, have helped keep some of those people from becoming homeless, Thomas told the Senate Housing Committee on Friday. But he said without more action and funding, evictions will rise further. Some lawmakers are voicing similar concerns. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Stephen Zenner)

Proposal would end flavored vape, nicotine pouch, and menthol sales in Washington state
Some Washington state lawmakers want to end the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, saying they stand to hook kids on products such as vapes and menthol cigarettes for life. Two Democrats — State Senator T’wina Nobles and State Representative Kristine Reeves — introduced the legislation in September. This week, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal put his support behind the legislation, saying that vaping is rampant in public schools. Continue reading at KUOW. (VAPES)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Rep. Walsh advocates for freedom with tire safety bill
City of Aberdeen appoints first Student Council Representative

Axios
Seattle-area food banks see record demand
Child flu vaccinations plummet in Washington state
Seattle to expand civilian 911 response teams citywide
How the Seattle City Council plans to replace Tammy Morales

Capital Press
Expanded U.S. dairy processing coming online
Supreme Court to hear challenge to California EV mandate
With small harvest, pear exports will be lowest since 1980s
Skagit Delta farmers ask judge to overturn federal fish finding
Funding bill includes one-year farm bill extension, $10 billion in farm aid

Everett Herald
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028
Judge finds Edmonds tree mandate unconstitutional
New state policy could affect timber sales in Snohomish County
This land handout will bring apartments to Lynnwood light rail station
‘It’s the right time’: Edmonds police chief talks retirement, budget woes
Somers lets Snohomish County budget go through without his signature
‘A whirlwind of a person’: Community remembers Edmonds nonprofit founder

Federal Way Mirror
Project targets salmon-friendly streams in Federal Way

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Washington state poised to set precedent as first government in the world to successfully remove and permanently ban commercial net-pen aquaculture

News Tribune
Seeking a college scholarship in WA? A guide to programs, resources, tips for applying
Albertsons said in unsealed filing that Kroger had ‘buyer’s remorse’ after inking merger
How much does the Port of Tacoma spend on travel? Commissioner spending up this year
Thousands of Pierce County residents without power from intense windstorm on Wednesday
A nuclear fuel company promising $4.5B project and 1,000 jobs is wooing an Eastern WA city
Opinion: Power for all: Why Washington needs community solar to advance equity and justice

Olympian
Gov. Jay Inslee calls for more taxes to help fill Washington’s $10B-$12B budget hole (Robinson, Trudeau)

Port Townsend Leader
Council sets legislative agenda for 2025
State challenges court’s 90-day extension for PDA receiver

Puget Sound Business Journal
TikTok’s Bellevue workforce in limbo with US ban looming
Seattle company First Mode files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
New laws are coming for job listings. Many employers aren’t prepared.
Business leaders report dissatisfaction with Gen Z. For many, the feeling is mutual.

Seattle Times
Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz fired
Gov. Jay Inslee pitches WA wealth tax and business tax increases (Berg, Robinson, Frame, Thai)
The closed-door negotiations to save King County’s health clinics
Seattle police deputy chief retires ahead of command-staff overhaul
Seattle to buy Beacon Hill block for new park to close green-space gap

Skagit Valley Herald
City of Burlington passes 2025 budget
Fish and Wildlife adding 15 acres to Milltown Island Unit of Skagit Wildlife Area

South Whidbey Record
Sound Off: State Ferries is growing green but weeds remain

Spokesman Review
Spokane moving forward with $500,000 settlement with fiancée of man killed by police
Sponsors, opposition each file lawsuit regarding future of voter-approved natural gas initiative
Washington electors in Electoral College cast votes for Harris although some want new system
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to use AI to review body camera footage in effort to improve training practices

Washington Post
Biden backs California’s push to Trump-proof its EV plans
Consumer watchdog takes aim at credit-card rewards programs
Companies that mandate RTO see slower workforce growth, studies show
Lawmakers reach deal to avert shutdown, but many in GOP grumble about its provisions
Supreme Court to hear challenge to a TikTok ban in U.S., scheduling arguments for January

WA State Standard
A guide to understanding the Washington state budget
Evictions around Washington soar to record high levels (Kuderer)
Making sense of Washington’s multi-billion dollar budget hole (Jinkins, Pedersen)
Nearly 150 miles of Columbia River added to EPA’s Superfund list
Washington’s electors cast Electoral College votes for Harris and Walz
Washington officials weigh where to relocate 9,000-pound Marcus Whitman statue
Inslee proposes taxing wealthy residents and businesses to close Washington’s budget gap (Robinson)

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Metro bus driver stabbed, killed near UW campus
The new laws going to effect in Washington on Jan. 1
Yes, the U.S. health care system is the most expensive in the world
‘I don’t feel safe’: Seattle mayor urged to act as business, home break-ins persist
Outages: Over 120,000 without power after heavy winds hit western Washington
More than 2 million travelers expected to pass through SEA airport during the holidays
Gov. Inslee floats ‘modest wealth tax’ to help close Washington state’s $12 billion budget gap

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington’s newest apple hybrid to be named ‘Sunflare’
Scammers continue to target small Washington businesses
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz fired, releases statement
EPA is giving $8.4 million to buy 28 electric vehicles in Washington
Seattle Police Department announces leadership changes, including deputy chief
New study finds psychedelic drug can help ease depression among healthcare workers
Struggling with internet? Washington receives federal funding to help locals get online
Outgoing Washington governor suggests ‘wealth tax’ to avoid cuts to education and police

KNKX Public Radio
Incoming Pierce County Executive on affordable housing, homelessness and crime

KUOW Public Radio
Proposal would end flavored vape, nicotine pouch, and menthol sales in Washington state (Nobles, Reeves)

KXLY (ABC)
Gas prices continue steady decline in Spokane
New Washington legislature will require residents to separate yard waste in 2027
Federal anti-hazing bill led by mom who lost son to hazing at WSU passes Senate
City of Spokane approves contract with social service organization for ‘hot spotters’ program
Washington state faces $12-16 billion budget gap, Gov. Inslee proposes new budget plan in response

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham moves to eliminate parking minimums citywide
Health insurance rates on state marketplace increase in 2025 while tax credits deflate

Crosscut
Gov. Jay Inslee’s final budget proposal includes new wealth tax (Robinson)
Five WA Native nations split $32M in federal broadband grants
Seattle nixed a gunshot detection system but increased surveillance

The Washington Observer
Slumping returns for apartment tax breaks

West Seattle Blog
FERRY ALERT: 1 more day without ‘bonus boat’ on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route

Daily E-clips on break 12/16-12/17

The Daily E-clips is briefly pausing publication on 12/16 & 12/17 as HDC staff is attending the 2024 Legislative Advance.

In the meantime, help us make the Daily E-clips better by taking this short survey! Your feedback is appreciated.

Clips will resume Wednesday, 12/18 before taking a holiday hiatus from 12/23-1/3.

Friday, December 13

Why there’s an ‘outrageous’ lack of drug detox beds for WA youths
Physically withdrawing from drugs is a critical and potentially dangerous moment in addiction recovery. But across Washington, only two detox beds are reserved for youths, The Seattle Times has found. The Washington State Department of Health licenses detox beds for youths, but doesn’t monitor how many are staffed and open; The Times reached every substance use facility and psychiatric hospital licensed to detox youths to determine which beds are operational and dedicated to adolescents and teenagers. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Victoria Chittenden)

State fines insurance companies for violations of state laws
Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued a total of $576,500 in fines to insurance companies, agents, brokers, and unlicensed entities for violating state insurance laws and regulations in October and November 2024. Among the largest fines were $100,000 levied against PacificSource Health Plans for improperly processing claims, $130,000 against Delta Dental and its healthcare benefits manager, Wyssta, for improper claim denials, and $100,000 against Lemonade Insurance Company for using an incorrect base loss cost in property policies. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

New law guarantees college tuition for WA families receiving SNAP food benefits
Students from low-income families will soon have their college tuition guaranteed as early as their sophomore year in high school. Completing the FAFSA is one of the most accurate predictors of whether a high school senior will go to college, according to the National College Attainment Network. However, for many, that may not result in enough aid for students to pursue higher education. One Washington organization passed a law that will take the guesswork out of this transition. Continue reading at KXLY. (KXLY)