Washington News & Current Events | Public News Service

Symptoms from foodborne illnesses can appear as quickly as 30 minutes, but can also take days to manifest. (Mirsad/Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 26, 2024

WA launches food poisoning monitoring system

The state of Washington has launched an online system for tracking food poisoning cases. The Washington State Health Department has opened its …

A 2018 law in Washington state phased out fish pen farming of non-native species. (cascoly2/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Seattle conference inspires push for sustainable fishing in WA

A meeting on sustainable fishing in Seattle could inspire greater protections for Washington state's waters in Olympia. The State Innovation Exchange …

SEIU members from the across the country met with the Biden-Harris administration at the White House. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Nursing home workers in Washington state have come back from the White House with renewed resolve to fight for their union contract. A delegation of …

The Hanford site in Washington state contains waste from the production of plutonium for the two atomic bombs used on Japan in World War II. (Alison Jones, Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Environmental groups criticize Hanford nuclear waste cleanup plan

A new agreement on plans for cleaning up nuclear waste at the Hanford site in Washington state is receiving pushback from environmental groups…

The Johnston Ridge Observatory at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is among the latest projects to receive improvement funds. (Francisco/Adobe Stock)

Feds send $27 million to improve recreation at NW forests

More than $27 million is coming to upgrade forests in the Northwest for recreation. The investment is the latest round of funding from the Great …

Washington state lawmakers approved the long-term care program, WA Cares, in 2019. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Costs high for making WA long-term care program optional

A new analysis from Washington state shows passing an initiative making a long-term care benefit program optional could cost taxpayers millions…

Washington state legislators passed a law in 2018 allowing voters to register up to and on Election Day. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down

A 30-day residency requirement to register to vote in Washington state will not go into effect, after a federal judge struck it down. Under the …

More than two-thirds of the Local Food System Infrastructure projecta funded were small farms or food businesses. (Jaskaran Kooner/Adobe Stock)

$1.5 million in grants support WA local food infrastructure

Washington state has allocated nearly $1.5 million in grants to support local food systems and supply chains. The Washington State Department of …

Cherry-picking season has begun in Washington state. (Valmedia/Adobe Stock)

Fed judge restores higher WA farmworker wages

A ruling from a federal judge will keep Washington state growers from depressing wages for farmworkers this harvest season. Judge John Chun has …

Four projects across Washington were chosen to receive AARP Community Challenge grants this year. (AARP Washington)

WA projects receive $68,000 for community project upgrades

Four projects in Washington state were selected to receive grants from the AARP Community Challenge program. Combined, the organizations will …

Kitsap Transit's new maintenance facility will mean buses will travel shorter distances for tune-ups. (Bluedisk/Wikimedia Commons)

$90 million in federal infrastructure funding headed to WA

Washington state is receiving nearly $90 million in federal infrastructure funding, from the Biden Administration. The funds were distributed by the …

In King County in 2023, people needed to make $47 per hour to afford the average two-bedroom apartment. (Ryan/Adobe Stock)

WA advocates say SCOTUS is punishing homelessness

Advocates for affordable housing are still grappling with a U.S. Supreme Court decision they say could criminalize homelessness. Justices voted 6-3 …

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families provides subsidies to eligible families to help them pay for child care. (bernardbodo/Adobe Stock)

WA call center provides child care support for families experiencing homelessness

The high cost of child care in Washington can strain family budgets. It can be even harder when families are experiencing homelessness. A statewide …

The mental health crisis line 988 was activated nationwide in July 2022. (7N23/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA 988 crisis line rollout successful but more work needed

A new report examines the rollout of the 988 mental health crisis line in each state and finds Washington state has fared well but still has more work…

Amazon sold a chemical used for suicide at high concentrations but said it cannot be held responsible for how customers use products. (michelangeloop/Adobe Stock)

Amazon responsible for selling chemical used for suicide, lawsuits allege

Lawsuits are seeking to hold Amazon accountable for selling a chemical used by people for suicide. The substance is known as sodium nitrite and is …

Staff - in addition to teachers - are needed to ensure schools run, but these workers are often paid low wages. (davit85/Adobe Stock)

WA workers who help schools run call for higher wages

Workers who help Washington state classrooms run are calling for higher wages. Known as classified staff, their jobs include administrative work…

One in five Americans is expected to be age 65 or older by 2030. (Melanie/Adobe Stock)

WA joins age, dementia-friendly networks

Washington has received designations highlighting the state's efforts to become more age and dementia-friendly. Washington is the 12th state to join …

Reading during the summer can help children combat learning loss. (Samuel B./Adobe Stock)

Combating summer learning loss in WA

School is out for the summer but a lack of learning opportunities can leave kids behind when they head back to school next year. The organization …

Last year, the Washington State Building Code Council approved codes to incentivize electric heat pumps. (V. J. Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Initiative to stop natural-gas phase out would 'turn back the clock' in WA

Signature gatherers in Washington state hope to get an initiative on the November ballot to roll back the state's attempt to phase out natural gas in …

Olympic National Park received nearly 3 million visitors in 2023. (Francisco/Adobe Stock)

Great Outdoors Month highlights recreation impact on WA

June is Great Outdoors Month, which also underscores the importance of outdoor recreation in Washington state. As temperatures warm up, people are …

Cobalt is essential for some of Washington's major sectors, including transportation and aerospace. (cornfield/Adobe Stock)

Mining conditions for minerals essential to clean energy tech under scrutiny

Critical minerals are crucial for the United States' clean energy future. But civil society and environmental groups are raising concerns about the …

Rates of children living in poverty have decreased in Washington and across the U.S. (Iriana Shiyan/Adobe Stock)

WA ranks 14th in child well-being, room to improve

Washington state ranks 14th in a new report on child well-being. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual Kids Count Data Book measures how well states …

The number of geriatric clinicians increased 4% nationwide, according to a new report from the United Health Foundation. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA ranks in top 10 for older Americans' well-being

A new report looks at the well-being of older Americans. The America's Health Ranking Senior Report shows a mixed bag for the living conditions of …

SEIU 775 workers at Aegis Living gathered for a rally at the company's new facility earlier this month. (SEIU 775)

Assisted living workers at WA facility call for higher wages

Workers for an assisted living facility are calling for higher wages in their union contract negotiations. Aegis Living is a Seattle-based company …

Seattle's ordinance requiring a minimum wage for app delivery drivers is one of the few in the country. (Daisy Daisy/Adobe Stock)

Seattle could reverse gains for app delivery drivers

The Seattle City Council could reduce wages and reverse other protections for app delivery drivers less than six months after an ordinance to provide …

Washington state is supporting 10 projects with $20 million to bring broadband to rural areas. (Christian/Adobe Stock)

WA invests $20 million in rural broadband infrastructure

Washington state is investing in bringing high-speed internet to more people in rural areas. The Washington State Public Works Board has approved $20…

About 1 in 25 construction workers has been diagnosed with diabetes, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. (Suriyo/Adobe Stock)

'Hard hats' learn importance of heart health

The message of the importance of heart health has arrived at construction sites. On Thursday, the American Heart Association is hosting its annual …

Gray wolf pack sizes range from two to 11 wolves. Most packs contain four to six individuals, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. (Adobe Stock)

WA considers reclassifying gray wolves as 'sensitive' species

The State of Washington is proposing to downgrade gray wolves from "endangered" to "sensitive" status as a species. At last count, there were 260 …

School Lunch Hero Day - promoted by the School Nutrition Association - is celebrated annually on the first Friday in May. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

School Lunch Heroes? Workers ask for respect via higher wages

School districts around Washington and elsewhere may have celebrated School Lunch Hero Day on Friday, a salute to cafeteria workers - but food …

Smoke from across the region can affect air quality in cities like Seattle. (Tabor Chichakly/Adobe Stock)

NW wildfire season highlights importance of Air Quality Awareness Week

Agencies are raising awareness about air quality across the country this week. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality …

Eating disorders can lead to fatigue and muscle breakdown, which ultimately affects a young person's athletic performance. (Peter Kim/Adobe Stock)

Pediatricians: Watch for rise of eating disorders in young athletes

Pediatricians are warning about a rise in eating disorders among young athletes. Common eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa are …

Electric school buses are in the minority, with about 95% of school buses nationwide running on diesel. (Thomas/Adobe Stock)

WA lawmakers move to electrify school bus fleet

School buses are getting cleaner in Washington state after this year's legislative session. Lawmakers in Olympia passed House Bill 1368, which will …

The National Labor Relations Board has been busy with the uptick in union organizing in recent years. (Timon/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS hears Starbucks case, implications for unions on the line

A case before the U.S. Supreme Court could have implications for the country's growing labor movement. Justices will hear oral arguments in Starbucks …

Firefighting foam is one recognized source of PFAS. (ChiccoDodiFC/Adobe Stock)

Spokane joins lawsuit as city deals with 'forever chemicals' contaminating water

Spokane has joined a lawsuit against the manufacturers of toxic chemicals known as PFAS after the discovery of the chemicals in parts of the city's dr…

The Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the second-largest national park in the United States. (Patrick/Adobe Stock)

Denial of mining road in Alaska has ripples across U.S. national parks

The Biden administration has blocked a mining road in Alaska, and public-lands proponents see the move as a win for national parks around the country…

Workers harvest a field before the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. (Jeff Huth/Adobe Stock)

Annual farmworkers march supports WA tulip harvesters

An annual march for farmworkers' rights is being held Sunday in northwest Washington. This year, marchers are focusing on the conditions for local …

A bill to prohibit attendance at captive audience meetings was several years in the making in Olympia. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

WA workers won't be punished for skipping 'captive audience' meetings

Washington joins a handful of states to do away with mandatory meetings for employees on political or religious matters. Sometimes known as captive …

During a pregnancy, speak to a health care provider if something doesn't feel right. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

As Black Maternal Health Week ends, health disparities persist

While Black Maternal Health Week is wrapping up, health disparities for pregnant Black women continues to be an issue. From April 11-17 this year…

Nationally, turnover in election officials reached 38.7% in 2022. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

The majority of people will need long-term care assistance at some point in their lives. (nelzajamal/Adobe Stock)

Ups, downs for WA's long-term care funding program

Access to Washington state's long-term care program will increase because of action during this year's legislative session. But the program also …

A new law in Washington state will look into why ballots are rejected during the voting process. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

WA's new ballot curing law ensures state 'counts every voter'

The process for correcting ballot errors is set to become easier this year thanks to a bill passed in Olympia this session. Lawmakers unanimously …

A free online tool from the IRS is expected to make it easier for many people to file their income taxes. (kjcimagery/Adobe Stock)

IRS's free tax filing tool can save Washingtonians time, money

Washingtonians have an option this year to file their taxes for free and a new report said it is saving people time and money. The Internal Revenue …

Washington state's program to combat climate change raised $2.2 billion in its first year. (jdoms/Adobe Stock)

WA carbon cap program faces initiative challenge on November ballot

By Kate Yoder for Grist.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration For…

Youth diverted from incarceration have shown a smaller likelihood of re-arrest. (Delphotostock/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA, other states expand diversion of youth from incarceration

A new report found states are making progress in diverting more youth from incarceration, including in Washington state. However, The Sentencing …

Congress gave final approval to the 2024 budget after a six-month delay. (doganmesut/Adobe Stock)

Missed opportunities in 2024 budget, peacekeeping groups say

Groups supporting peace around the globe say the budget approved by Congress is lacking crucial components. After a monthslong stalemate, Congress …

Methane emissions were measured from four dams on the Snake River in southeastern Washington. (davidrh/Adobe Stock)

Report: Lower Snake River dams source of methane emissions

A new report found four dams in the Columbia River Basin are big emitters of methane. Research from the organization Tell The Dam Truth showed the …

Washington state has greater protections against predatory loans than other states. (Serge Aubert/Adobe Stock)

WA lawmakers approve greater predatory loan protections

Lawmakers in Olympia this session moved to add more protections for consumers against predatory loans. Washington state lawmakers passed Senate Bill …

Colorectal cancer makes up one-tenth of all cancer cases worldwide. (Anatomy Insider/Adobe Stock)

Colorectal Cancer Month: Disease appearing in younger Americans

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the third most common form of cancer and the second most lethal form in the world…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - July 26, 2024

2024Talks - July 26, 2024

The Yonder Report - July 25, 2024

Washington