STATE

Putting iconic bear on specialty plate will require public and lawmaker support
BY JERRY CORNFIELD, WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD | November 23, 2023 at 5:05 a.m.

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ENVIRONMENT

Petitions filed for initiative to erase Washington’s ambitious climate law

Backers say they turned in nearly 420K signatures

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ELECTIONS

Social worker seeks third term in state House

Rule announces campaign after run for county executive

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ENVIRONMENT

Support is split on plan to repopulate grizzly bears in North Cascades

Public commentary period ends Monday, Nov. 13

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ENVIRONMENT

Whatcom County expects boost from $1B hydrogen investment

Project could include redevelopment of the old aluminum smelter near Cherry Point

GOVERNMENT

Washington minimum wage to top $16 an hour next year

The current hourly rate of $15.74 is the highest of any state in the nation

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BUSINESS

Target to close 9 stores, including 2 in Seattle, citing safety concerns

Closings will be effective Oct. 21

STATE

As paid family leave claims rise in Washington, the wait for benefits gets longer

The time to process an application could reach four months unless dozens more workers are hired, program administrators say

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LAW & JUSTICE

Outrage boils in Seattle over death of a student and an officer's callous remarks

Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of 2 police officers

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HOUSING

Officials break ground on center for unhoused people

The Way Station to open next year in Bellingham

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ENVIRONMENT

DNR leadership preps for worsening wildfires in Washington

Hilary Franz talks environmental challenges in visit to Whatcom, Skagit counties

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EDUCATION

Federal affirmative action ruling has 'little impact' at WWU

Western struggles to diversity student population

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LAW & JUSTICE

2 dead, 3 hurt in shooting near The Gorge Amphitheatre

Incident took place in campgrounds during music festival

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GOVERNMENT

Whatcom County lawmakers to host town hall

Shewmake, Timmons to appear at WCC

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TRANSPORTATION

511 information line deactivated

WSDOT cites decline in calls, uptick in use of online alternatives