Washington News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Thursday, May 19, 2022

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)

Thursday, May 19, 2022

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)

Monday, May 16, 2022

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 …

Visitors to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April might also notice workers with picket signs, protesting working conditions in the tulip fields. (Community to Community Development)

Tulips Aren't Blooming for Farmworkers in WA's Skagit Valley

The tulips in Skagit Valley may be blooming, but the farmworkers tending to them say there are serious issues with working conditions. About 70 …

The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is on a supplemental priority list for the Land and Water Conservation Fund this year. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Far-Reaching Conservation Program Receives Full Funding from Congress

An important conservation program has received its full funding in Congress' latest budget. The Land and Water Conservation Fund will be able to …

Washington state has followed California in limiting nondisclosure agreements, where lawmakers passed a law in 2021. (rboerdijk/Adobe Stock)

WA Law Means Workers Are 'Silenced No More'

A new law in Washington state bans employers from silencing employees about illegal acts in the workplace. The Silenced No More Act - which passed …

Kelp abundance has dropped by 80% from its peak in Puget Sound. (Gina Lusardi/Adobe Stock)

WA Kelp Decline Bad News Culturally, Environmentally for Northwest

Kelp forests in Puget Sound play an integral role environmentally and culturally, but they're in steep decline. There are more than 20 species of …

Seventy percent of Americans say the country is too polarized to solve major issues. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Bill in Congress Seeks to Mend Social Fabric of U.S.

A measure in Congress aims to help heal the divides in the United States' civil society. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., of Gig Harbor, has introduced …

Washington state lawmakers passed a budget of about $64 billion over the next two years. (Arpad/Adobe Stock)

Looking Back at What WA Lawmakers Accomplished in 2022 Session

Lawmakers have wrapped up their short session in Olympia - another virtual affair due to the pandemic. The majority Democrats moved quickly to pass …

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has partnered with Naselle Youth Camp on assistance during wildfire season. (dcyf.wa.gov)

Workers Urge Gov To Strike Closure of WA Youth Facility

Workers at a medium-security facility for youths in Washington state are calling on the governor to keep their doors open after their facility was def…

The pay gap for women has narrowed in recent years but still remains persistently high, especially for women of color. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Equal Pay Day: Gap Continues to Hold Up on Women's Wages

Today is Equal Pay Day, representing how far into 2022 women would have to work to make what men did in 2021, on average. In 2021, full-time wages …

The Washington State Redistricting Commission voted against intervening in a federal challenge to the state's maps. (iQoncept/Adobe Stock)

Challenges Remain for WA's New Voting Maps

Concerns are lingering over the final voting maps approved in Washington state. While the districts are set for the 2022 election, legislative …

Only a handful of counties in Washington state are considered high-transmission counties by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Maridav/Adobe Stock)

Dealing with Health Anxiety as Mask Requirements End in WA

Mask requirements are coming to an end in Washington state on Saturday, more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. But the transition could be …

The City of College Place, Wash., has struggled with unreliable internet because of its rural location. (City of College Place)

Small Grants Help WA Communities with Big Ideas

Grant winners from last year are encouraging organizations and communities this year to apply for AARP's Community Challenge grant. Applications …

A recent study found as many as three-quarters of trans youths are depressed, but gender-affirming care has been proven to reduce that number. (pikselstock/Adobe Stock)

Study: Gender-Affirming Care Decreases Depression for Trans Youth

Depression and thoughts of suicide are higher among transgender youth. But studies show that gender-affirming care improves their mental health…

The state of Washington aims for its electricity supply to be 100% carbon free by 2045. (digidreamgrafix/Adobe Stock)

WA Could Be First State to Require New Building Electrification

Washington state could head to the front of the pack when it comes to electrifying new buildings. Proposals before the State Building Code Council …

The annual cost for child care of a four-year-old is $4,000 higher than the annual cost of college. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

WA Child-Care Providers Call for More Help to Support Families, Workers

Washington state lawmakers passed a measure last year that made historic investments in child care. This year, providers want their representatives …

Radio Tierra has been on the air in the Columbia River Gorge since 2004. (yooranpark/Adobe Stock)

Bilingual Station Keeps Columbia Gorge Farmworkers Up to Date

A unique radio station in the Columbia River Gorge provides information in English and Spanish, on topics ranging from the environment to immigration…

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a dozen police reform bills into law last year, and new research indicates they're working to reduce police-related deaths. (Reuben/Adobe Stock)

Progress on WA Police Accountability, with Refinements on Tap

A year after their passage, police accountability bills in Washington state are showing signs of success. An ACLU Washington analysis found a 62% …

Puget Sound Agrarian Commons started in 2020 after a gift of land from Caroline Gardener on Whidbey Island. (Northwest Meadowscapes)

Land Trust Agreement Provides Step Toward Food Justice in WA

CORRECTION: A description of this land has been changed to "land trust agreement," rather than "leased farmland." (1:19 p.m. PST, Feb 22, 2022) A 99-…

The Washington state Legislature adopted its final legislative district map on Feb. 8. (Washington State Redistricting Commission)

WA Bill Changes Approval for Redistricting, Other Election Adjustments

As Washington state continues to grapple with new voting maps, a measure in the Legislature would ensure future maps comply with the Washington …

Only about one-third of dentists accept health insurance from public programs such as Medicaid. (karelnoppe/Adobe Stock) Only about one-third of dentists accept health insurance from public programs like Medicaid. (karelnoppe/Adobe Stock)

Many Ways to Improve Kids' Teeth During Children's Dental Health Month

It's Children's Dental Health Month, a time when the importance of oral health is in the spotlight. Health professionals say children can improve …

The Biden administration's overhaul of a loan-forgiveness program opens the door to as many as 500,000 Americans for student debt erasure. (Tierney/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Would Help Public Workers Navigate Loan-Forgiveness Program

Workers in public service have a federal program at their disposal which could help wipe away student debt, but many struggle to apply. A bill in the …

The Washington state legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on March 10. (Rachel Samanyi/Flickr)

At-Home Caregivers Say It's 'Time for $20' in WA

At-home caregivers in Washington state have experienced a boost in wages to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, and a new campaign is urging lawmakers to …

Cedar River Clinics does well-person gynecology, trans care and abortions up to 26 weeks. (Ms. magazine)

WA Provider: Telemedicine Abortions Support Patient Autonomy, Control

By Carrie Baker for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Washington News Service reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

Workers compensation doesn't fully cover repetitive-motion injuries, according to supporters of a bill in the Washington Legislature to protect workers through training. (settapong/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Aims to Protect Against Workplace Injuries

Performing the same motion over and over on the job can increase workers' risk of getting hurt, and now a bill in Olympia aims to protect them with …

The expanded death with dignity bill made its way to the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care at the beginning of the session. (Rex Wholster/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Opens Up Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying Law

Washington state's Death with Dignity Act has been on the books for more than a decade. Proponents says it's time to update the law so that more …

United Way of King County had more than 300 volunteers helping prepare 2021 income-tax returns online in 2022. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Free Tax Prep Has Proved Valuable for Washingtonians

It's the season of potentially confusing income-tax forms and line items, but free tax help is available for many Washingtonians who need it…

Advocates for immigrant rights hold a "dignity vigil" every week outside of a facility in Ferndale, WA they believe is a ICE holding station. (Brenda Bentley)

Facility Suspected of Holding Immigrants En Route to WA Detention Center

Protesters are staging weekly vigils around a facility in a northwest Washington town that they say is a short-term holding facility for immigration l…

Companies are testing autonomous vehicles across 36 states, including Washington. (Lev Karavanov/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Would Add Guardrails to Driverless Vehicle Testing

As more self-driving cars come online, some lawmakers in Olympia want to make sure they follow the rules of the road. House Bill 1731 would …

Members of Washington's health-care unions filed a record 8,649 workplace safety complaints in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

WA Bills Address Need for Safe Staffing Ratios in Hospitals

A majority of Washington health care workers report feeling burned out in the pandemic, according to the latest survey. Now, legislation aims to …

Older Washingtonians take more prescription drugs on average and so are disproportionately affected by rising drug costs. (kmiragaya/Adobe Stock)

WA Prescription Affordability Board Would Limit Drug-Cost Increases

Washington state lawmakers are considering a measure to limit the growing cost of prescription drugs. Senate Bill 5532 would establish a …

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