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Sunday, February 16, 2025

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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Washington

As of last October, 775,000 Washington state students have access to school meals. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Free school meals for all WA students on table this session

Legislation in Olympia would make school meals free for every student. Senate Bill 5352 would ensure every student has access to free breakfast and …

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Seniors on fixed incomes are more at risk of homelessness compared to other age groups. (and.one/Adobe Stock)
WA rent stabalization bills have huge public support

New legislation in Olympia aims to ease the burden of skyrocketing rental rates by limiting yearly rent increases to 7%. Chris Walker lives in a …

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A University of Washington study found knowledge of treatment options for menopause was lower in rural areas. (loran4a/Adobe Stock)
UW study: Rural women have it harder with menopause

Women in rural areas struggle more with menopause than their urban counterparts, according to a study from the University of Washington. Rural women …

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The average cost of caring for a toddler at a Washington child-care center has increased 83% in the past decade. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)
Bill would refund WA businesses for covering child care costs

New legislation in Olympia aims to ease the burden of child-care costs for Washington families by allowing businesses to help their employees pay for …

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Washington state currently ranks among the lowest in the nation in serving people with mental health challenges. (Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com)
Regulating insurance companies may help WA mental health care ‘crisis’

Washington state mental health care providers are rallying behind a new bill, aimed at addressing what they are calling the mental health care crisis…

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Advocates in Washington state are pushing to further streamline the voter registration process. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)
WA bill would expand automatic voter registration

A bill in Olympia would further expand Washington state's automatic voter registration process. Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, introduced Senate …

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A study found water loss from evaporation at four eastern Washington dam reservoirs will grow by 3.4% over the next three decades. (davidrh/Adobe Stock)
Study finds 'hidden cost' of WA lower Snake River dams

Dams on the lower Snake River in Washington state are losing water to evaporation at a rapid rate, according to a new study. The reservoirs created …

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A 2022 report found Washington state had one school counselor for every 465 students, far higher than the recommendation of one for every 250 students. (Synthex/Adobe Stock)
WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

As young people struggle with mental health issues, schools often provide the best avenue for getting them help. However, Washington state has fallen …

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Some Washington state lawmakers want to act as a bulwark against the incoming Trump administration's threats to undocumented immigrants. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)
As deportation threat looms, WA groups underscore importance of immigrants

As threats of deportation of illegal immigrants increase with the incoming Trump administration, groups in Washington say immigrants are an integral …

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Some medical records can cost four figures to obtain. (terovesalainen/Adobe Stock)
WA lawmakers urged to lower cost to obtain medical records

Obtaining medical records can be a costly endeavor but there is hope Washington state lawmakers could find a fix this session. Medical providers …

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A new report found companies owed workers $128 million in wage theft violations between 2021 and 2024. (syhin_stas/Adobe Stock)
WA companies among worst violators for withholding wages from workers

A new report found Washington state is in the top 10 for wage theft, where employers withheld the most wages from workers. Washington ranks ninth in …

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There are nearly 50,000 cryptocurrency kiosks across the country, up from just over 1,000 eight years ago. (Maksym/Adobe Stock)
Push to protect WA from crypto ATM scams

They may offer people a legitimate way to convert cash into cryptocurrency but crypto ATMs are also popular with scammers. Washington had the …

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