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One survey found nearly 30% of Washington state young people who were in foster care had a child by age 21. (yufan sun-EyeEm/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Housing, Other Challenges Face WA Youth After Foster Care

SEATTLE - The holidays can be a tough time for young people who have aged out of the foster-care system. For young Washingtonians, housing is an …

Salmon need unobstructed culverts so they can swim upstream to the places where they spawn. (George Cole/Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill Includes Investments for NW Salmon Passage

SEATTLE -- The infrastructure bill recently passed by Congress is a boon not just for people. It also could help wildlife such as endangered salmon …

Education Support Professionals, such as bus drivers, have been celebrated during American Education Week since 1987. (nadorozhna.uliana/Adobe Stock)

Support Staff Celebrated During American Education Week

SEATTLE -- This is American Education Week, and the celebration Wednesday focuses on education support professionals (ESPs). The work of ESPs in …

A program that would incentivize utilities to transition to clean energy was stripped out of the Build Back Better Act. (richard theis-EyeEm/Adobe Stock)

Front-Line Communities on Climate Action: First Step is "Stop the Harm"

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Communities dealing with the impacts of climate change in Washington state are watching legislation in Washington, D.C. closely…

Unlike last year, a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available this holiday season. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

As Pandemic Lingers, Tips for Safe Holiday Travel

SEATTLE -- As vaccination rates go up, people are more likely to be traveling this holiday season than they did last year, and a physician in Seattle …

None of Washington state's 55 crisis-pregnancy centers provide contraception, according to a new report. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Crisis-Pregnancy Centers Giving Off "False Impression"

SEATTLE -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities have …

A recent survey found about one in six Americans lost money to a scam in the past year. (Rokas/Adobe Stock)

Report: Life Stress Can Lead to Fraud Susceptibility

SEATTLE - Scammers have upped their game during the pandemic. New research looks into who is most susceptible to falling victim to fraud. AARP …

Some have referred to October as "Striketober" because of the number who went on strike for better treatment in the workplace. (pradeep/Adobe Stock)

Reconciliation Bill Includes Union-Friendly PRO Act Provisions

SEATTLE - Unions could get a boost under provisions currently included in the budget reconciliation package. The Biden administration has released …

Under the latest Build Back Better framework, investments in resiliency include money to create a Civilian Climate Corps. (Philip/Adobe Stock)

White House Unveils Latest Climate Spending Proposal

SEATTLE -- President Joe Biden has released his latest proposal for the Build Back Better plan, which includes $555 billion in investments to address …

An early proposal for the budget reconciliation package included a citizenship pathway for DACA recipients and others. (md3d/Adobe Stock)

Biden Budget Includes Immigration Reform, But No Citizenship Pathway

SEATTLE -- The Biden administration has released a slimmed-down spending proposal that includes $100 billion for immigration reform. The latest …

The Columbia Generating Station, a commercial nuclear facility, operates at Energy Northwest's campus, which is surrounded by the Hanford site. (Tobin/Flickr)

Tribes Protest N-Reactor Project on Hanford Site

RICHLAND, Wash. -- An advanced nuclear reactor proposal at the Hanford site is spurring opposition from local tribes. The Confederated Tribes of the …

Turnover is high in supportive living services, because pay often hovers around the state's minimum wage. (Evrymmnt/Adobe Stock)

Measure in Congress Would Increase Home, Community Care Funding

SEATTLE -- Care providers for people in home and community settings are watching Congress closely as members consider part of the budget reconciliatio…

In June, Vancouver, Wash., reached a record temperature of 115 degrees F, breaking the previous record of 108 degrees F. (RG/Adobe Stock)

Gas Industry Turns Up Heat on Climate Action Plans

VANCOUVER, Wash. - As cities work toward decreasing their climate impact, they're running up against some opponents in the gas industry. In …

Ensuring that stormwater is recycled quickly is key to preventing polluted water from reaching salmon. (PNPImages/Adobe Stock)

"Salmon in the City" Explores Urban-Design Approaches to Clean Water

SEATTLE -- How water flows in cities affects salmon swimming far away. An event this week is exploring how urban centers can better treat their water …

Health professionals compare bike-helmet laws to laws requiring people to wear seat belts. (Maridav/Adobe Stock)

Health Profs Object to Repealing King County Bike Helmet Law

SEATTLE - A proposal to repeal King County's law requiring helmets while riding bicycles has health professionals concerned. The King County Board …

Half of the college graduating class of 2019 in Washington state had student debt. (William W. Potter/Adobe Stock)

Free College Plan Out in Congress, But WA Students Still Have Options

SEATTLE - Congress has abandoned plans for two free years of community college in its expansive spending bill. But low and middle income families in …

Although people spent less time on average on Facebook than some other social media sites, the vast majority said they'd had arguments there. (jpgon/Adobe Stock)

How Social Media Design Fuels Online Fights

SEATTLE - Constructive conversations online can seem few and far between. Research from the University of Washington explores how the design of …

More than 60% of Washingtonians are members of a credit union. ( www.doglikehorse.com/Adobe Stock)

WA Credit Unions Celebrate Community Impact

SPOKANE, Wash. - Millions of members around the world, including some Washingtonians, are observing International Credit Union Day today. This year …

Forty-five percent of Washingtonians surveyed said they are "not very" or "not at all" confident they could pay for long-term care services if needed. (asnidamarwani/Adobe Stock)

WA Cares Survey: The More They Learn, the More They Like

SEATTLE - A new survey finds support for the first-of-its-kind long-term care program set up by Washington state. Under the WA Cares Fund, …

"Christopher the Ogre Cologre, It's Over" is a children's book that reimagines Columbus as an ogre who ravages the Americas. (Dr. Siu)

Indigenous Peoples Day: Children's Book Challenges Tales of Columbus

By Sonali Kolhatkar for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

A 2010 district map may have diluted the political clout of Latino and Native American voters in Yakima, Wash. (Andrew Black/Adobe Stock)

WA Redistricting: Communities of Color Push for Fair Representation

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- As the Washington State Redistricting Commission considers drawing new lines for voting districts, a coalition of groups is urging …

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson was among 22 AGs to call for changes in September to the public-service loan program. (darren415/Adobe Stock)

Changes Coming to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

SEATTLE -- An overhaul of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could bring relief to more than 550,000 student-loan borrowers nationwid…

Flu shots are being rolled out as the colder months approach. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Another Flu Season Approaches as COVID-19 Pandemic Rages On

TACOMA, Wash. -- Flu season is around the corner, which means many people can protect themselves with a flu shot. Health professionals are advising …

Two Washington state school districts removed police officers from campuses last year. (Chalabala/Adobe Stock)

Report: Use COVID Relief Funds to Stop School-to-Prison Pipeline

SEATTLE - Billions of federal stimulus dollars are heading to schools across the country. A report says states should use some of these funds to …

Advocates in Washington state are pushing to replace heat pumps and other appliances that run on fossil fuels. (Aleksey Sergeychik/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Boost Building Electrification

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Proposals in Congress's Build Back Better plan could speed up and lower the cost of electrifying people's homes. The budget-…

Under a proposal from U.S. House Democrats, utilities would be incentivized to increase clean electricity by 4% each year. Detractors say that's moving too quickly. (ozerkina/Adobe Stock)

Deadline Approaches as Democrats in DC Push for Climate Action

SEATTLE - Democrats in Congress are aiming to have legislation passed by the end of September that could have big implications for the climate…

Employers decide their own open-enrollment windows for health insurance plans, typically starting in September. (Andrey/Adobe Stock)

What to Keep in Mind as Enrollment for 2022 Health Coverage Opens

SEATTLE - Washingtonians soon will have a chance to change their health coverage, and a few tips can help folks pick the best plan for themselves or …

"Tulip Harvest" by Jesus Guillen was among the work displayed in a retrospective of the artist's life and work. (Kris Ekstrand)

Work of WA Artist Who Depicted Farmworkers' Lives Recognized

LA CONNER, Wash. - The exhibit of an artist who depicted the lives of farmworkers in northwest Washington has been recognized for its quality…

Puget Sound Agrarian Commons' property on Whidbey Island is about an hour north of Seattle. (Northwest Meadowscapes)

WA Project Aims to Reshape Access to Farmland

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. - A farming project on a Puget Sound island is looking to reshape agriculture and access to land. The nonprofit Agrarian …

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has proposed $1 billion in culvert removal and restoration for salmon in the budget-reconciliation bill. (Bill Perry/Adobe Stock)

Outfitters, Guides Close Doors as Salmon, Steelhead Numbers Drop

SEATTLE -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. Steelhead …

The Washington Federation of State Employees began bargaining with the state on the terms of the vaccine mandate on Aug. 16. (Damir Khabirov/Adobe Stock)

WA's Largest Public Union Reaches Pact on Vaccine Mandate

SEATTLE - Washington state's largest union of public workers has reached an agreement with the state on Gov. Jay Inslee's vaccine mandate. The deal …

In order to receive meals from the Feeding Our Communities program, about 120 cars line up every Thursday. (United Way of King County)

Breaking Cultural Barriers to Feed Communities

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - An organization in one Washington state city is bringing together diverse communities and breaking down barriers to food…

Congress is providing more than $400 million to current and former foster youths through a pandemic aid program. (elizabeth lara/EyeEm/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Aid Available for Former Foster Youth in WA

SEATTLE - Foster care alumni in Washington state have one month left to apply for pandemic aid. As part of a large relief package in Congress last …

Nearly three-quarters of Washingtonians say they're at least somewhat concerned about a surprise medical bill. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Washingtonians Seek Quality Health Care at Affordable Price

SEATTLE - The COVID-19 pandemic has put into sharp focus the quality of health care for Washingtonians. According to a new poll, more than three …

Nearly 60% of Washingtonians have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

As Vaccine Misinformation Persists, Site Helps WA Union Members

SEATTLE -- Accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be elusive, prompting the Washington State Labor Council to set up a website to answer …

About 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need long-term services in their lifetime. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Private Long-Term Insurance Costly Alternative to WA Cares Fund

SEATTLE - Washington state has established a long-term care fund for working people, but advocates of the program are concerned about predatory …

Gas stoves increase the risk of respiratory disease for children, research shows. (dglimages/Adobe Stock)

As Fires Rage Outside, Indoor Air Risks Could Also Be Lurking

SEATTLE -- Wildfire smoke is a hazard to many Washingtonians right now, but health experts say some might not get the relief they need inside their …

There are more than 2,000 people incarcerated in the Monroe Correctional Complex, located in a small southeast Washington town. (SounderBruce/Wikimedia Commons)

As Redistricting Begins, New WA Law Ends 'Prison Gerrymandering'

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The recent release of detailed Census data means states can begin drawing up new voting maps. In Washington state, a new law will …

About 13 million children may experience food insecurity in 2021, according to Feeding America. (Renee Jansoa/Adobe Stock)

Helping Communities Take Lead to Feed WA Children

SEATTLE - A growing number of Washington state kids are hungry because of the pandemic. Local programs are aiming to reverse this troubling trend…

More than a quarter of high school students reported worsening emotional and cognitive health since March 2020, according to Kaiser Family Foundation research. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Supporting Kids' Well-Being as School Year Approaches

SEATTLE -- Students are set to return to the classroom in Washington, fueling a mix of emotions. Health and education professionals have some tips …

SEIU Healthcare 1199NW represents more than 30,000 health-care workers across Washington state, including at Harborview Medical Center. (SoundersBruce/Flickr)

WA Workers Feel Disrespected After Challenging Year

SEATTLE -- Washington state workers who showed up throughout the pandemic are feeling disrespected by their employers as the state opens up. About 1,…

Western State Hospital opened a special ward to treat about ten of its most violent patients.(Washington Federation of State Employees)

WA Psychiatric Hospital Workers Call for Greater Protections

LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- Western State Hospital workers are continuing to call for changes to protect their safety. Assaults on staff are a major concern …

Washington state farmworker Honesto Silva Ibarra died in hot conditions in 2017. (Edgar Franks)

In Olympia, Calls for Greater Safeguards Against Heat for Farmworkers

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Farmworkers are in Olympia today, calling for stronger protections from extreme heat. The farmworkers union Familias Unidas por la …

Struggling salmon also are bad news for the orcas of the Northwest that rely on them. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

NW Heat Boils Salmon, Drives Rallies Across Region

SEATTLE -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

Nearly 70% of eligible Washingtonians have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Speaking to People Hesitant About COVID-19 Vaccine

SEATTLE - Speaking to folks who are hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine has gained a new sense of urgency as the Delta variant pushes cases up…

Electrifying heat pumps are key to lowering the carbon cost of buildings. (SkyLine/Adobe Stock)

NW Heat Wave Exposes Inequities, Need to Prioritize Low-Income Communities

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Last month's deadly heat wave in the Northwest underscored the need to reduce carbon emissions, but advocates want to ensure low-…

Pacific County is among the smallest in Washington. (Chetsford/Wikimedia Commons)

WA County an 'Innovator' in Criminal-Justice Reform

PACIFIC COUNTY, Wash. -- As parts of the country rethink criminal justice, a small county in Washington state is providing a model on how to better …

Experts expect another active wildfire season this year in the West. (Alex/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Staying Safe in WA's Hot, Smoky Summer

SEATTLE -- An unprecedented heat wave in Washington state has underscored the importance of staying safe when it's hot. Places such as Seattle …

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