Washington
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Washington’s mental health facilities for children are strained
At a moment when more children than ever are in need, Washington’s pediatric inpatient psychiatric facilities are reeling from chronic underfunding, a patchwork of laws that make expansion difficult, and a mental health workforce crisis that’s translated to high employee turnover and serious understaffing.
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Pick to lead new Washington office investigating police deadly force is Microsoft lawyer, former judge
Starting in June, attorney Roger Rogoff will lead the Office of Independent Investigations in Washington. The office is tasked with reviewing deadly police encounters throughout Washington state.

Trump-backed candidate, Loren Culp, appears to stall in U.S. House race against Rep. Dan Newhouse
There are signs the insurgent candidate backed by former President Donald Trump appears to be faltering in a crowded field of Republicans challenging the GOP incumbent for a U.S. House seat in conservative central Washington state.

Case of missing Washington 5-year-old highlights secrecy around CPS cases
There are more questions than answers in the case of a missing former foster child from Grays Harbor County. Five-year-old Oakley Carlson has been unaccounted for since February of last year. Police say her parents aren’t cooperating with the investigation. Oakley’s former foster mom questions why Oakley was sent back to live with her parents after more than two years in foster care. The governor's office and the Department of Children Youth and Families won't answer questions about the case citing privacy laws and the ongoing law enforcement investigation.

Environmental group, timber firm Weyerhaeuser to settle over pollution claims at Longview timber mill
The Longview mill has been hit multiple times with allegations of pollution in recent years.

Volcano lodge and developed campground OK’d in Mount St. Helens National Monument
The U.S. Forest Service has OK'd a plan to develop what would be the first overnight tourist facilities within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, including camping, cabins and a lodge.

Washington governor promises to defend abortion rights
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee decried a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would throw out the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling and said the state would provide sanctuary for women outside the state seeking abortions.

Washington reaches $518M settlement with opioid distributors
Months into a complex trial over their role in flooding Washington with highly addictive painkillers, the nation’s three largest opioid distributors have agreed to pay the state $518 million.

Salmon Summit teaches kids about conservation, science
A recent salmon field trip has helped students become more curious about salmon.

Washington justices unanimously reject Inslee recall effort
The Washington Supreme Court has unanimously rejected an effort to recall Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.