Washington News & Current Events | Public News Service

Hanford is a decommissioned nuclear reactor site in Washington state, on the Columbia River. (jdoms/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear energy proposal in NW 'distraction' from proven renewables

Interest in nuclear energy as a solution to "dirty" sources of power is growing, including a proposal in the Northwest. However, some critics say it …

Three in five Americans said they made a conscious effort to buy American-made gifts last year. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Interest in US-made gifts on the rise this holiday season

A new poll from the American Alliance for Manufacturing showed 77% of Americans prefer to buy goods made in the United States, especially during the …

About 350,000 households in Washington state are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit. (tomertu/Adobe Stock)

Report: Direct cash programs could benefit more WA families in need

Support for programs providing direct cash would benefit families in need in Washington state, a new report showed. About one in four Washingtonians …

Since its founding, the CCA program has generated more than $2 billion for transportation and infrastructure upgrades, clean air and water initiatives, utility bill rebates, community solar, indoor air quality improvements and more. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition defeats repeal of WA Climate Act to save environment, jobs

On Election Day, a broad coalition of conservationists, labor, and others helped defeat a ballot initiative to repeal Washington State's Climate …

A new analysis found solar and wind energy sources are much better poised to meet U.S. energy demands in the next decade than new nuclear technology. (maxdigi/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: New nuclear tech distracts from proven renewable energy

New nuclear power options are getting a lot of attention but analysts said the unproven options could distract from readily available renewable energy…

The City of Seattle aims to cut all climate pollution by 2030. (CLShebley/Adobe Stock)

Green New Deal community assemblies in Seattle pioneer citizen involvement

Community members in Seattle had a unique opportunity to weigh in on the policies guiding the city's climate goals. In 2019, the City of Seattle …

More than 1,500 schools in Washington are offering free school meals in the 2024-25 school year. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

Free school meals on agenda for 2025 session in WA

Washington lawmakers will consider providing free school meals to all students in the state. Thanks to legislation passed in previous sessions…

At least 1.2 million people are killed globally from antibiotic-resistant microbes each year. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan bill in Congress could aid fight against antibiotic resistant superbugs

The fight against infections faces an increasing threat: the rise of superbugs resistant to antibiotics. The issue already impacts nearly three …

A new program in Washington state will give people access to long-term care benefit of $36,500 starting in July 2026. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

New book explores living, caregiving questions in 'The Second Fifty'

Aging brings with it new questions on how we can live our best lives and a new book could help people answer some of those questions. One of the …

Finding shelter for young people who are set to be released from detention can be difficult and take much time. (sakhorn38/Adobe Stock)

WA youth with nowhere to go can spend longer behind bars

Incarcerated young people in Washington state can spend a longer time in detention if they do not have a place to go upon release. Some of the …

Dual Special Needs Plans offer more health coverage than Medicare or Medicaid alone. (Kiattisak/Adobe Stock)

Dual care plans could provide some Washingtonians more health coverage

Millions of Americans could qualify for more health coverage. People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid can enroll in a Dual Special …

The electoral college meets on December 17th. (Lori/Adobe Stock)

Experts stress patience in WA, U.S. as votes tallied

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Washingtonians, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid …

People from the right and left spreading rumors online often have a frame for interpreting incidents that occur or will occur during the election. (Ramcreative/Adobe Stock)

UW researchers watching as election rumors ramp up

Researchers at the University of Washington are watching closely as rumors and false claims swirl ahead of Election Day. The University of …

Young Washingtonians with juvenile convictions and misdemeanors have a chance to vote in the Nov. 5 election. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

WA youth in juvenile justice system could still vote

Some young people who are in Washington state's juvenile justice system could have the opportunity to vote in this year's election. Young people …

Voting infrastructure has been an important topic in the lead up to the 2024 election. (wolterke/Adobe Stock)

Voting vulnerabilities spotlighted in UW course on 'How to Steal an Election'

A timely course at the University of Washington explores the vulnerabilities of U.S. elections. The course is called "How to Steal an Election" - …

Opponents of Initiative 2117 say repealing the Climate Commitment Act would cut about $30 million in wildfire prevention funding. (cascoly2/Adobe Stock)

Opponents: WA would be more vulnerable to wildfires if Initiative 2117 passes

Washingtonians are voting on a measure that will decide the future of the state's climate law. Opponents of the initiative say it could hurt the …

Boxes are set up across Washington for people to drop off their ballots. (David Gales/Adobe Stock)

With WA ballots in mail, voters still have time for informed decisions

The 2024 election is hitting its home stretch, and many Washingtonians have already received their ballots in the mail. Even with Election Day …

The first $500 million collected from Washington state's capital gains tax goes toward child care and education. (BGStock72/Adobe Stock)

WA voters to decide on future of funding source for child care, education

Washington voters are deciding on the fate of the state's capital gains tax this election. The tax supports child care and schools. If passed…

Atlantic salmon is the dominant type of fish farmed globally. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

Although banned in WA waters, fish farming could still pose threat

October is National Seafood Month and the fish on your plate might not be coming from where you think. The U.S. imports 90% of the seafood it …

Under WA Cares, workers pay 58 cents for every $100 they make to fund long term care benefits for themselves. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

WA voters to decide future of long-term care program

Ballots are showing up in people's mailboxes and one of the measures Washingtonians will decide on is the fate of a long-term care program in the stat…

Mammography exams at a younger age can help doctors detect breast cancer earlier, when it is more treatable. (My Ocean studio/Adobe Stock)

Women urged to screen for breast cancer at earlier age

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and health professionals are urging women to get screened at earlier ages than previously suggested…

Popular recreation sites like those found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are included in the Northwest Forest Plan area. (jpldesigns/Adobe Stock)

Recreation groups follow update to Northwest Forest Plan

An update to the Northwest Forest Plan is expected soon, and Washingtonians who enjoy the outdoors are being urged to follow the process closely…

Custodians maintain school buildings so schools can operate. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

Custodians help WA schools run despite understaffing

Custodians are often the unseen workers who ensure school buildings operate but in Washington state, understaffing can make their work difficult…

An initiative on November's ballot in Washington state could slow the transition to electric equipment like heat pumps. (nikomsolftwaer/Adobe Stock)

Diverse coalition opposes WA ballot measure rolling back natural gas transition

A diverse coalition of groups is opposing an initiative in Washington that could upend the state's push to make buildings greener and more efficient…

Farm runoff contributes to nitrate pollution in nearby waterways. (Reagan/Adobe Stock)

WA advocates push back on animal operation pollution

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collab…

Salmon species in the Northwest have been struggling because of increasing temperatures. (Cavan/Adobe Stock)

Salmon habitat set to benefit from updated Northwest Forest Plan

Struggling salmon and other fish species could benefit from an updated Northwest Forest Plan. The U.S. Forest Service is set to release a draft …

A bill known as the People's Privacy Act was introduced in Olympia in 2023 to protect people's personal information. (Pakin/Adobe Stock)

Trade rules pushed by big tech could undermine WA regulatory legislation

Groups are warning technology companies could undermine protections on a number of issues with their push for certain provisions in international trad…

Washington State University serves more than 4,100 latino undergraduates. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

WA university recognized for service to migrant students

A program in Washington state helping college students from migrant families is being celebrated for its support of the Latino community. Washington …

The website FundHubWA shows Washingtonians clean energy opportunities, such as electric vehicle rebates. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

With unprecedented climate funding available, WA launches resource hub

Washington state has launched a new website that lets people and organizations know about ways they can fund going green. With resources for clean …

Viva Farms leases out parcels of more than 100 acres it operates in the Skagit Valley. (Lena Beck)

WA incubator helps new farmers overcome land access barrier

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Service Col…

Revenue above $500 million collected from Washington state's capital gains tax goes toward school construction. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Repeal of WA's capital gains tax would hurt families, opponents say

The election is less than six weeks away and Washingtonians will be deciding on a slate of initiatives, including one measure affecting funding in …

Bus drivers and other classified staff in Washington schools are struggling with the high cost of living the state. (Julianna Olah/Adobe Stock)

Classified workers at WA schools struggling with living costs

Workers in Washington state schools are spotlighting the need for higher wages as kids settle back into the classroom. Workers at the preschool …

A Washington state law improving the process for voters fixing their signatures on ballots went into effect on June 6. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

'Curing ballots' affects WA primary

The results of the recent Washington state primary election proved the effect of a new law for voters "curing" their signatures on ballots. During …

A bill in Olympia this year sought to promote

Automated employment decision tools could harbor biases

A legal expert has issued a warning that artificial intelligence tools could lead to discriminatory practices in hiring and firing. Algorithms and …

A new report finds the Climate Commitment Act will lead to job gains in construction in Washington state. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA's cap-and-invest program could add 45,000 jobs, $9 billion

Washington's clean energy law could bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the state, according to a new report. Greenline Insights' …

Immigration arrests have gone down since their peak during the Obama administration but have gone up again since 2021. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Report: Immigration enforcement changing, NW detention still high

A new report looked into the recent shift in immigration enforcement, especially at the immigrant detention center in Tacoma. The University of …

People are reminded to check their voter registration status on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and some young people in Washington state are encouraging people in their age group to ensure they're …

A program in Washington state partners with school districts to help students attend college.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

WA program gets $35 million to help low-income students going to college

Funding is coming to a program supporting students from low-income families in Washington state who want to go on to college or postsecondary educatio…

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is among 17 national forests managed under the Northwest Forest Plan. (heidi/Adobe Stock)

Committee makes recommendations in updated NW Forest Plan

The U.S. Forest Service is considering changes to modernize the Northwest Forest Plan. While it was hailed as a success when it was created 30 years …

The Washington State Department of Commerce expected to fund at least 6,500 rebates for EVs through June 2025 with its new program. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Demand high for WA EV incentive program

Washingtonians want to drive electric vehicles and a new rebate program from the state is providing proof. Earlier this month, the Washington State …

The average ratio of students to counselors across the United States is 385-to-1. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Checking in on mental health as WA kids head back to school

Promoting mental health is on the checklist as the new school year nears for Washington state students. Mental-health professionals on school …

The SUN Bucks program helps families in Washington and 36 other states buy groceries while school is out for the summer. (puhimec/Adobe Stock)

Deadline for summer food benefits for WA kids approaching

The deadline is approaching for families to apply for food benefits in Washington state. The national program known as SUN Bucks is the U-S …

A new transportation tool will help people find ride options in Seattle and surrounding areas. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Fed grant supports transportation planning tool in WA

A grant from the federal government is helping improve transportation planning options in the Puget Sound region. The nonprofit Hopelink received a $…

The Washington state primary election was held Aug. 6. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Ranked choice voting in spotlight after vote splitting in WA primary

A close primary race in Washington state is highlighting the issue of vote splitting and how ranked choice voting could provide a solution. The …

Coastal flooding and erosion caused by rising sea levels are critical issues facing tribes in the Northwest. (Jan/Adobe Stock)

Report finds barriers for NW coastal tribes responding to climate change

Coastal tribes in the Northwest are on the front lines of the changing climate but face barriers to responding to its effects. A new report …

Physicals are important for students who are playing sports during the school year. (rocketclips/Adobe Stock)

Doctor visits important as WA kids head back to school

As children head back to school, doctors said there are a few ways parents can prepare for the transition. One important item on the checklist is …

Infant child care in Washington state costs an average of $14,554 per year. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe Stock)

With costs already high, WA initiative could cut child care budget

The cost of childcare is on the minds of Washington state voters going into November, especially because of an initiative that could upend funding …

SEIU 775 represents more than 50,000 caregivers in three states, including Washington. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

WA home care workers push for better wages, benefits

Washington home caregivers are negotiating with the state on wages and benefits. The caregivers' union, SEIU 775, is in talks with the Consumer …

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