Washington News & Current Events | Public News Service

Family caregivers provided 770 million hours of unpaid work in Washington state in 2021. (Svyatoslav Lypynskyy/Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 24, 2023

Report: WA's Unpaid Family Caregivers Provide $16.8 Billion Value

Family caregivers provide valuable work to Washington state - even if they don't get paid. A new report puts a value to the unpaid work they do…

Businesses would have to pay up to $1,000 if they delay releasing their employees' personnel files longer than four weeks. (JRB/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 23, 2023

WA Bill Gives Workers Access to Important Employment Info

A person's work personnel file can be important to review, but some Washingtonians are finding them hard to obtain. A bill in Olympia would ensure …

The European Union is the world's largest consumer of wood pellets for energy. (Rokas/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 20, 2023

Energy Market for Wood Pellets Globally Threatens U.S. Forests

Overseas markets could be harming forests in the U.S. Demand for wood pellets for biomass energy has increased dramatically around the world…

Tacoma Art Museum workers have held multiple rallies calling for recognition of their union. (Washington Federation of State Employees)

Tacoma Art Museum Workers Persistent in Calls for Union Recognition

Tacoma Art Museum workers are rallying Thursday outside the museum while the Board of Trustees meets, to call for recognition of their union from the …

Washington state lawmakers will begin crafting their budgets as the session begins to wind down in April. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Housing Assistance on Docket for Lawmakers in Olympia

Affordable housing is a major concern in Washington state and lawmakers in Olympia are considering a slate of measures to address it. One option is …

The National Credit Union Administration is a government-backed insurer of U.S. credit unions. (Timon/Adobe Stock)

Bank Collapses Highlight Credit Unions as Alternatives

The collapse of two banks has put the U.S. financial sector into focus this week. Some are considering the alternative structures of institutions …

As part of the ClimeTime program, teachers attend seminars on topics such as renewable energy. (maxdigi/Adobe Stock)

WA First in Nation to Bring Climate-Change Education to Classrooms

By Ashira Morris for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Net…

Yakima Valley College is a public college in Yakima, Wash. that was established in 1928. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

Yakima Valley College Faculty, Staff Frustrated Over School's Policies

Faculty and staff members at Yakima Valley College say they're tired of the lack of transparency and clear policies from the school. Faculty…

Kelp beds in Puget Sound are important habitat for marine life. (knelson20/Adobe Stock)

WA DNR Seeks Input on Kelp, Eelgrass Conservation

Kelp and eelgrass are in trouble, and Washington state wants help from the public identifying where these marine plant species should be saved…

The Bonneville Power Administration is a key partner for building and modernizing Washington state's transmission lines. (Nadia/Adobe Stock)

In DC, Focus on Fish, NW Energy Grid

Northwest energy experts and conservation leaders are in Washington, D.C. to urge policymakers to invest in modernizing the region's grid. Updating …

About 20,000 people age of 50 are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. (Paul Maguire/Adobe Stock)

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Screening for Deadly Disease Critical

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and an increase in cancer rates among people younger than 55 is highlighting the importance of screenings…

The podcast Spark Hunter explores the story of an artificial intelligence robot that goes rogue. (ipopba/Adobe Stock)

Death Anxiety Inspires Podcast About AI

A podcast has incorporated the philosophical work of Ernest Becker and his theory on death. The cultural anthropologist Becker's work Denial of Death …

Leaders from Port Angeles, Washington, asked the state to stop logging in a forest near the Elwha River known as Aldwell. (forest2sea.com)

Post-Dam Elwha River Thriving, But Logging Threatens Gains

The Elwha River watershed on the Olympic peninsula has been transformed since dam removal a decade ago, but logging could harm the the habitat's …

AR-15-style rifles were responsible for five of the deadliest mass shootings in modern history. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill: Decrease Mass Shootings through High-Powered Rifle Ban

Amid growing concerns about mass shootings, Washington state lawmakers are considering a measure to restrict high-powered guns. House Bill 1240 …

Critics of the GTN XPress pipeline say it would create an additional 3.47 million metric tons of annual carbon emissions. (Diane/Adobe Stock)

Critics Ask Govs to Speak Out Against NW Pipeline Expansion

Environmental groups want West Coast governors to speak out against the expansion of a gas pipeline in the region. The Canadian company TC Energy is …

Highways are hot spots for soot, fine particulate matter which has major effects on people's health. (Naris Dorndeelers/Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA Air Quality Update Not Good Enough, Groups Say

A new air quality standard from the federal government does not go far enough to protect the public, advocates said. For the first time in a decade…

In the midst of a housing crisis, a program in the state Legislature would create a fund for low-income Washingtonians to buy a home. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

WA Baby Bond Bill Could Help Address Racial Wealth Gap

In Olympia, lawmakers want to address the wealth gap early with a fund set aside for children of low-income households. The Washington future fund …

More than 10,000 simulation stations are in use across the U.S., according to RQI Partners. (RQI Partners)

Training Program Ups Critical CPR Skills for Health-Care Providers

CPR is a critical skill in hospitals, and health providers might not be spending enough time training for it, so a program is helping fill the gap…

AARP Washington set up a demonstration of an accessory dwelling unit near the Capitol in Olympia. (AARP Washington)

WA Lawmakers Consider Backyard Solution to State's Housing Crisis

Lawmakers in Olympia are looking for a solution that can fit in people's backyards to help ease the state's housing crisis. A bill in the Washington …

The wildlife crossings over I-90 are considered crucial for creatures in the Cascades. (Washington State DOT/Flickr)

Resilient Wildlife Crossings Crucial as Climate Changes, Experts Say

Wildlife crossings could be a path to a future where the climate has significantly changed the planet. Wildlife and climate experts are urging …

Bills, such as one that would introduce ranked choice voting, must be voted out of their committee of origin by Friday to advance in this session in Olympia. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Would Let Voters Rank Preferred Presidential Primary Candidates

Supporters of ranked choice voting say the system could improve Washington state's presidential primary elections. A bill in Olympia would create a …

More than 40 million Americans receive aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (jetcityimage/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Provides Food Assistance in Face of Federal 'Cliff' to Aid

The pandemic-era boost to federal food aid is scheduled to end soon, but legislation in Olympia aims to help fill the gap in hunger relief. The …

Washington state broadened protections for child sexual abuse survivors three decades ago, but critics argue its fallen behind since then. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Eliminates Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases

Washington state lawmakers are considering eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. House Bill 1618 would revise the …

Too much screen time at night has shown to be detrimental to children's sleep cycles. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Eye Strain from Digital Screens Growing Concern for Health Professionals

People are spending more time than ever looking at screens, and it is putting a strain on their eyes. The hours spent looking at digital devices can …

Overtime pay for Washington state farmworkers began phasing in starting in 2022. (Oksana Perkins/Adobe Stock)

Overtime Gains for WA Farmworkers Threatened in Olympia

Legislation in Olympia would roll back recent gains farmworkers have made to receive overtime pay in Washington state. Senate Bill 5476 would allow …

Whale-watching vehicles in Puget Sound are required to stay 1,000 yards away from Southern Resident orcas. (ronnybas/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Supports Orcas' Need for More Space from Boaters

Whales are disturbed by vessel noise, but a measure in Olympia would provide a greater buffer for the endangered orcas in Puget Sound. The …

Many older Americans take multiple prescription drugs that caregivers should note. (InsideCreativeHouse/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Caregivers to Avoid Prescription Drug Interactions

People taking care of someone should take notice of their medications because interactions between drugs can have dire consequences. In extreme …

Federal waivers allowed every K-12 student to receive free school meals for two years during the pandemic. (Dennis M. Swanson/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Provides Free School Meals, But Worker Shortage is Hurdle

A measure in the Washington State Legislature would provide free school meals to K-12 students, but nutrition service workers are worried they are …

Washington state will need to obtain energy from other states to meet its renewable energy goals. (William/Adobe Stock)

WA's Renewable Future Hinges on Building More Power Lines

Washington state is pursuing an aggressive climate plan to switch to renewable energy sources, but it faces one often overlooked issue: enough high-…

The death penalty was abolished in Washington state in 2018. (Felipe Caparr�s/Adobe Stock)

UW Professor: Fear of Death Inspires Death Penalty Views

A new book by a University of Washington professor on the death penalty finds support for executions may be motivated by people's own fear of death…

A three-pound sockeye salmon filet is now one of the options in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations for the Lummi Nation. (O'Kelly Photography/Adobe Stock)

Locally Caught Salmon Provide Step Toward Food Independence for WA Tribe

Under a new project, locally sourced food is part of a food assistance program for members of the Lummi Tribe in northwest Washington. The Food …

The City of College Place, Wash., received a grant to improve wireless internet connection in the community. (City of College Place)

Community Challenge Grant Provides Unique Opportunity for WA Cities

A grant program to improve communities is open for applications. Started in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge program provides grants to …

In a recent survey, 62% of Washingtonians said they've experienced at least one health care affordability burden in the past year. (grzejnik1981/Adobe Stock)

WA Lawmakers Look to Tackle Staggering Health Care Cost Increases

Lawmakers in Olympia have introduced a host of measures to address one of the biggest issues facing Washingtonians: rising health care costs…

A bill in the Washington Legislature would lift cities' restrictions on multifamily housing like triplexes, seen above. (Imagenet/Adobe Stock)

WA Lawmakers Look to Add Affordable Housing for 'Missing Middle'

Washingtonians are being squeezed out of the housing market, and some state lawmakers want to see significant changes to cities' zoning laws to …

A program in Colorado gives undocumented workers who are laid off access to unemployment benefits for up to 13 weeks. (Mr Doomits/Adobe Stock)

Undocumented Workers Could Get Access to Unemployment Under WA Bill

Undocumented workers in Washington state do not have access to unemployment insurance, but some state lawmakers aim to change it this session…

Cases on workplace injuries can sometimes turn contentious. (Freer/Adobe Stock)

Under Bill, WA Workers Could Record Med Exams in Injury Cases

Washington state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would address some workers' concerns about the thoroughness of medical exams performed in worke…

Washington state's tax code has been rated one of the nation's most regressive. (frittipix/Adobe Stock)

WA Joins Multi-State Effort to Pass Wealth Tax

Lawmakers in Washington and other states are introducing bills taxing wealth in their legislatures in a coordinated effort today. In Olympia…

Washington state's approximately 67,700 employees have contracts up for ratification this session. (George Cole/Adobe Stock)

Amid Retention Issues, WA State Workers Push for Raises

Washington state workers face a bevy of challenges, but they hope to get a lifeline from lawmakers this legislative session. Along with lagging pay…

Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Dungeness, spoke to the Age Wave Coalition on Thursday. (Christina Clem/AARP Washington)

Groups Gather in Olympia to Discuss WA 'Age Wave'

With the state legislative session underway, a coalition advocating for older Washingtonians gathered on Thursday to discuss priorities for 2023…

Sunburned apples hurt their quality and can lead to a 40% yield loss. (Guzel/Adobe Stock)

Extreme Heat Prompts NW Farmers to Consider Climate-Change Mitigation

By Michael Crowe for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washingon News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

Health care workers' unions are supporting a measure in the Washington State Legislature that seeks to address understaffing in hospitals. (Olena Bloshchynska/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Addresses Understaffing for Nurses at 'Breaking Point'

Nurses are describing bleak conditions because of understaffing in Washington state hospitals, and a bill introduced in Olympia aims to address it…

Gov. Jay Inslee's last live State of the State address to lawmakers was in 2020. (TVW)

Gov. Inslee's State of the State Covers WA's 'Multifaceted' Challenges

Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his State of the State speech on Tuesday to open up the 2023 legislative session, touching on a wide range of issues he …

Resolutions that focus on helping others can help people be less materialistic. (ricka_kinamoto/Adobe Stock)

How New Year's Resolutions Can Help Combat Consumerism, Death Anxiety

The beginning of a new year is a time for resolutions, offering people a chance to assess their own values and priorities. Some might wish to cut …

About 10% of the child care workforce has left the profession, compared to the numbers at the start of the pandemic. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Crisis Squeezes Families, Workers as WA Session Begins

Child care could be a crucial issue for state lawmakers as the session begins in Olympia today. Because of its cost, early childhood education and …

The demand for in-home caregivers is growing as the population rapidly ages. (pikselstock/Adobe Stock)

WA Caregivers Look to Lawmakers for Help with Worker Shortage

There is a shortage of in-home caregivers in Washington state, but a union representing workers hopes state lawmakers will be able to make changes …

Many Washingtonians have seen their recycling costs increase in the past few years. (hiv360/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Introduced to 'WRAP' Up Wasteful Packaging

A bill in Olympia aims to reduce packaging and improve recycling in Washington state. The Washington Recycling and Packaging or WRAP Act is designed …

Hate groups target certain people to harass online. (burdun/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Guarding Kids from Online Bigotry

It can be challenging for parents and caregivers to shield their children from bigotry and hatred online, but there are a few tips they can follow…

Glacier Northwest appealed the Washington Supreme Court's decision to the U.S. Supreme Court in May. (davidevison/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Case from WA Could Have Far-Reaching Implications for Unions

A case before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington state could have big implications for labor unions and their ability to strike. The case, Glacier …

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