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The rate of Washington state kids with health insurance has increased over the past decade to one of the highest rates in the nation. (Iriana Shiyan/Adobe Stock)

Monday, August 15, 2022

Report: Many WA Kids Suffering from Anxiety, Depression

The mental health of Washington state children is a major area of concern, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual Kids …

People can wait up to three years to get into affordable housing in Spokane, Wash. (Zach/Adobe Stock)

Innovative 'Land Bank' Could Bring More Affordable Housing to WA

Washingtonians are feeling the squeeze from high housing prices, but a novel concept launching in Spokane could speed up the creation of affordable …

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, people enrolled in Medicare would pay a maximum of $2,000 a year on prescription drugs. (Stock Footage, Inc./Adobe Stock)

Senate Passage Brings Hope Bill Could Rein In Prescription Costs

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill which could dramatically reduce prescription drug prices for older Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act includes …

Residents of Bellingham, Wash., studied other cities' immigrant resource centers and have proposed one for Whatcom County. (CascadeCreatives/Adobe Stock)

Call for Immigrant Resource Center on Anniversary of WA Farmworker Death

People in northwest Washington are holding a vigil at Bellingham City Hall for an immigrant farmworker who died five years ago, and calling for a …

A version of last year's Build Back Better proposal included $400 billion for child care and preschool. (oksix/Adobe Stock)

So Far, Child-Care Industry Left Out of Senate Reconciliation Package

Child care advocates say there is a big hole in the reconciliation package being considered by the U.S. Senate. Support for the child care industry …

In the fall of 2020, about three in five faculty members at universities in Washington state were contingency staff. (as-artmedia/Adobe Stock)

Report: University Faculty See Biggest Pay Decrease in 50 Years

College faculty across the country saw the biggest decrease in their wages in nearly a half century, according to an annual report. The American …

Washington state is the country's leading producer of apples. (Bernt Rostad/Flickr)

Groups Fill Food-Access Gaps in WA School District

When school districts are not able to provide summer-school classes, it can have a big effect on how children get meals. Case in point: the Mount …

Since 2010, SEIU 775 Benefits Group has provided more than 7.5 million hours of home-care training. (Kate Baldwin Photography)

Training Provides Crucial Role for Thousands of WA Caregivers

Caregivers provide critical support to people across Washington state. They also get support of their own. SEIU 775 Benefits Group has provided …

FIT tests to screen for colorectal cancers typically are received and sent through the mail. (Paul Maguire/Adobe Stock)

With Pandemic Numbers Decreasing, Docs Urge Colon Cancer Screening

Cancer screenings are important tools for health professionals, but some worry the pandemic could dampen numbers. In particular, screenings for …

Revenue from timber sales and leasing on about 1.8 million acres of public land goes to Washington state's K-12 Common School Trust. (dnr.wa.gov)

Unions Warn of Potential Effect on Jobs from WA Timber, Schools Proposal

Washington state's top education official is proposing a change to how timber revenue is used for schools. Unions are urging caution so the policy …

The Washington State Redistricting Commission approved a new legislative map in 2021. (redistricting.wa.gov)

WA Voting Map Lawsuit in Yakima Valley Won't Affect 2022 Elections

A lawsuit challenging Washington state's new legislative map is underway, but it will not affect this year's primary or midterm elections. The suit …

The dam holding toxic mine waste at the Mount Polley mine in British Columbia experienced a breach nearly eight years ago. (Visible Earth, NASA/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Toxic Waste from BC Mines Presents Urgent Threat to NW

A new report released today details the potentially disastrous threats mines in British Columbia pose to Washington and other states in the Northwest…

Nearly 57% of Washingtonians who attended college but have no degree or certificate are age 35 or older. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Report: 1 Million-Plus in WA Have Some College, No Credential

The number of people with some higher education but no degree or other credential to show for it has increased in recent years, according to a new …

The share of arrests of young people has decreased in every major crime category over the past two decades. (sakhorn38/Adobe Stock)

Research Undermines Narrative of Youth-Led Crime Wave

Crime rates among young people have dropped dramatically in recent decades - despite media coverage that points to a supposed "crime wave" led by yout…

The Sams River on the Olympic Peninsula is among the rivers that would be protected by legislation in Congress. (Javin Elliff)

Rivers Month: Calls to Protect Olympic Peninsula's Unique Waterways

June is National Rivers Month, and supporters are calling for greater protections of the Olympic Peninsula's rivers and landscapes. The Wild …

A new report includes an assessment of urban trees in nearly 80 cities in the Puget Sound area. (adonis_abril/Adobe Stock)

New Tree Canopy Assessment Has Puget Sound Covered

Trees in urban areas provide a number of benefits, from shade to cleaner air. Authors of a new assessment hope Puget Sound cities and towns will keep …

Websites such as Facebook have become a vehicle for misinformation around elections. (wachiwit/Adobe Stock)

Election Experts Urge Vigilance Against Misinformation Ahead of WA Primary

Washington state's primary election is coming up, and election officials are calling on voters to be vigilant about misinformation. Washington …

Ivermectin got attention online as a potential COVID-19 treatment, but never received authorization from the federal government. (Alexey Novikov/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Major Factor in Legal Cases of Medical Carelessness

Medical negligence cases in Washington and elsewhere have taken on a new shape during the pandemic, as hospital resources have been strained and the …

Salmon on the Snake River continue to struggle, despite actions like spilling more water at the river's dams. (davidrh/Adobe Stock)

WA Leaders Ask for Comment on Dam Removal Proposal

A report from leaders in Washington state lays out how the services of four dams on the lower Snake River could be replaced in order to save ailing sa…

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on a major abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, this month. (Philip/Adobe Stock)

How a Death-Anxiety Theory Fires Up Abortion Debate

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on a case, which could upend abortion access across the country. The topic is a source of …

Accessible housing is necessary for older people, and can limit the feasible number of houses available to them. (denboma/Adobe Stock)

Report: High Health Ranking for Older Washingtonians, But Barriers Remain

Although the state's residents fare well in a new report, older Washingtonians still face challenges to their overall health. UnitedHealthcare …

Washington state ranks 22nd in average student debt. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

WA Low-Interest Loans Would Cut Student Debt

The cost of higher education is a major headache for people, even years after they've graduated. A program in Washington state aims to make borrowing …

The Washington state Legislature set aside $144 million for nursing homes this fiscal year. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)

WA Nursing Home Workers Demand Raises Promised by Legislature

Nursing home workers at a Washington state facility are calling on their employer to raise their wages with money set aside in the Legislature's budge…

Congress created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program in 2007. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Forgiveness Makes Student Debt Disappear for Public Workers

After changes to streamline the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, more workers are getting their student debt erased. The U.S. Education …

Southern Resident orca, which live along the West Coast, have been listed as endangered since 2005. (Valmedia/Adobe Stock)

Young People Gather to Save NW Salmon, Call for Dam Removal

Young people are leading the charge this weekend in the call to remove four dams conservation groups believe will aid the survival of salmon in the No…

Willow Grove Park is home to a popular beach near Longview, Wash. (Columbia Riverkeeper)

Swim Guide Offers Clean-Water Map for Columbia River Fun

Ready to make a splash this summer? An app is helping direct Northwesterners to spots along the Columbia River where it is safe to play. "Swim …

Recognizing a stroke early can save a person's life and prevent disabilities. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

For Stroke Awareness Month, Doc Advises People 'BE FAST'

May is stroke awareness month. People need to act quickly to avoid lasting damage when they happen - and remember the acronym "BE FAST." 'B' stands …

More than 1,100 species of plants live in Olympic National Park. (paulacobleigh/Adobe Stock)

With Nature in Crisis, State Lawmakers Call for National Biodiversity Plan

State lawmakers from around the country are calling on the Biden administration to develop a plan to protect the country's dwindling diversity of anim…

The totem pole made about a dozen stops in Idaho, Oregon and Washington over the past three weeks. (House of Tears Carvers)

Totem Pole Takes Journey for Salmon, Struggling Puget Sound Orca

A totem pole from Washington state promoting a free-flowing Snake River has nearly completed its 2,500-mile journey around the Northwest. The Spirit …

Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. (Volodymyr/Adobe Stock)

Death Anxiety Could Play Role in Putin's Ukraine Invasion

What is the link between anxiety about death and Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine? A Seattle-based organization is hostin…

Gwen Goodfellow is an at-home caregiver in Washington state who used hazard pay to do safer shopping for the people she cares for. (Gwen Goodfellow)

Inflation Eroding WA Caregivers' Gains in Pandemic Hazard Pay

At the start of the pandemic, at-home caregivers in Washington state saw their wages go up with a boost from hazard pay. Two years later, inflation …

It's estimated about 0.2% of Washingtonians would be subject to the recently passed capital-gains tax. (Dilok/Adobe Stock)

Initiative to Repeal WA Capital-Gains Tax Failing to Gain Support

An initiative that would repeal Washington's capital-gains tax on the state's richest residents is struggling to gain traction. Initiative No…

Doug Baldwin won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. (Jeff/Flickr)

WA BBQ Brings Together Community Kept Apart by COVID-19

The pandemic has kept Washingtonians apart for the past two years. With COVID-19 numbers down, an event in Renton is aiming to bring people together …

There are about 60,000 fewer students enrolled across higher education in Washington state because of the pandemic. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Community, Technical College Enrollment in WA Plummets During Pandemic

Enrollment at Washington state's community and technical colleges has dropped sharply over the pandemic, and the state hopes it can entice students …

Save the Children's elementary school-age literacy programs reached more than 12,500 children across rural America, including in Washington state. (Save the Children)

Ed Program Helps WA Kids Falling Behind from School Disruptions

School disruptions from the pandemic have threatened to leave Washington students behind, but there are efforts to ensure they stay on track…

Working from household furniture that's not ergonomically designed can contribute to back pain. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

Wrong Setup Can Make Working from Home a Pain

The pandemic has changed work forever for many people, with a larger share of the workforce staying at home. But there are perils, especially for …

By the end of the decade, Washington state needs to add more than 70,000 caregivers. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

WA Caregivers in Focus for Mental Health Awareness Month

May is mental health awareness month and many people across the country are dealing with extra strain from COVID-19 over the past two years. …

Shareholders at 22 companies made a total of $1.5 trillion from January 2020 to October 2021. (Andrii Yalanskyi/Adobe Stock)

WA Could 'Lead Nation' on Tax System That Tackles Inequality

While the pandemic has fueled soaring profits for the country's richest, it has also exposed growing income and wealth inequality in the United …

More than 4,700 people died on the job in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (bulgn/Adobe Stock)

Washingtonians Recognize Workers Who Died on Job

Today is Workers Memorial Day, honoring people who died while on the job, and events are planned across Washington state to mark the day. Tina …

The number of Ukrainians arriving in Washington state has increased since conflict in the eastern part of the country began in 2014. (aviavlad/Adobe Stock)

Ukrainians New to WA Face Barriers to Work

The number of Ukrainians arriving in Washington state has increased since the Russian invasion in February. Already, the Evergreen State is home to …

The death rate from Alzheimer's Disease more than 42 per 100,000 in Washington state. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

Rise in Dementia Underscores Need for Planning Care in Advance

This Saturday is National Health Care Decisions Day, focusing on the importance of planning your care decisions in advance. Kim Callinan, president …

This is the fifth year organizations have marked Black Maternal Health Week. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

During Black Maternal Health Week, WA Doc Says 'Racism Manifests in Body'

This week is Black Maternal Health Week, highlighting the disparities in health outcomes for pregnant people. Black mothers are two to three times …

The are economic benefits for rural communities that host fishing include tourists buying bait, fuel, meals and lodging on their excursions. (Denise Walker/Adobe Stock)

Fishing Guide: WA Dams Contribute to Salmon Season Shutdown

The salmon-fishing season on the lower section of the Columbia River was shut down a week ago, prompting folks to call for more action to save the …

Olympia has been adapting to climate change by reducing flooding and restoring estuaries near its downtown. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

Cities' Efforts Underscored in Latest International Climate Report

Cities' efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to the changing climate are highlighted in the latest United Nations report on climate chan…

The pandemic led more people to be isolated from friends and family, increasing the risk that they started coping by drinking too much. (daniilvolkov/Adobe Stock)

Alcohol Awareness Month: Pandemic Worsens Dangerous Drinking

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, highlighting serious consequences of drinking too much. Excessive alcohol use contributes to more than 95,000 …

In Washington state, a 2021 survey found one-third of households with children were food insecure. (Eugenio Marongiu/Adobe Stock)

Creative Solutions Address Rural Hunger for Kids, Where Need is High

The highest rates of food insecurity for children are in rural areas, which has prompted innovative ways to solve the issue. According to Feeding …

Many Americans have rallied behind Ukrainians in the aftermath of Russia's invasion. (Anton/Adobe Stock)

Fraud Concerns Raised for Some Ukraine Charity Efforts

Many people are looking for ways to help Ukrainians affected by war. However, they should be on the lookout for scams. Lynn Heider - vice president …

Pioneer Square is a neighborhood in downtown Seattle. (Toohool/Adobe Stock)

WA Program Model for Support in Homelessness Crisis

Washington state lawmakers made a historic investment of $850 million in housing this session. An effort in Seattle to get people housed could …

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