Thursday, March 23, 2023

Play

A proposed flavored tobacco ban is back on the table in Minnesota, Trump attorney Evan Corcoran must testify in the documents probe, and a "clean slate" bill in Missouri would make "expungement" automatic.

Play

The Fed raises interest rates and reassures the banking system is sound, Norfolk Southern reaffirms a commitment to the people of East Palestine, and TikTok creators gather at the Capitol to support free expression.

Play

Finding childcare is a struggle everywhere, prompting North Carolina's Transylvania County to try a new approach. Maine is slowly building-out broadband access, but disagreements remain over whether local versus national companies should get the contracts, and specialty apps like "Farmers Dating" help those in small communities connect online.

Washington

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)

Monday, March 20, 2023

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 …


 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021