In The News
These little fish play a big role in Puget Sound’s health — and Washington’s economy
by Andy Hobbs
Congressman Denny Heck, D-Olympia, donned waders and rubber boots Tuesday afternoon to get a closer look at a statewide project that will help protect the health of Puget Sound. Launched in 2014 by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the project targets the spawning habits of species called forage fish. These species, which include the Pacific sand lance and surf smelt, serve as food for larger organisms such as seabirds and salmon. Forage fish play a critical role in the food chain. Their he… Continue Reading
08.28.16
Overdose Awareness rally set Tuesday in Port Angeles
by Leah Leach
PORT ANGELES - Fatal drug overdose is an issue that affects mainstream society, said Ann Miller, a social worker who is among the organizers of the second annual Overdose Awareness Day rally, planned in Port Angeles on Tuesday. The rally will offer all who have been affected by overdose in Clallam County a chance to publicly mourn and help the community understand that it isn't a fringe issue, according to Miller. "No one is immune," she said. "With the number of overdose fatalities growing, … Continue Reading
08.27.16
Funding issues voiced in tribal listening session
TAHOLAH - A special "listening session" took place last Friday in this oceanside village, home of 1,500 members of the Quinault Indian Nation. It's a far stretch from here to Congress and there are hundreds of tribes in between. The listening session could potentially impact every one of them. The listeners were Martin Castro, Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Karen Narasaki, Civil Rights Commissioner, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA). The speakers included Fawn Sharp, President of … Continue Reading
08.27.16
Tribes to U.S. Commission on Civil Rights: It’s Time to Speak Up
by Native News Online Staff
TAHOLAH, WASHINGTON - A special "listening session" took place today in this oceanside village, home of 1500 members of the Quinault Indian Nation. It's a far stretch from here to Congress and there are hundreds of tribes in between. The listening session could potentially impact every one of them. The listeners were Martin Castro, Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Karen Narasaki, Civil Rights Commissioner, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA). The speakers included Fawn Sharp… Continue Reading
08.26.16
Tribes to tell of gaps in health, education and justice on reservations
TAHOLAH - The chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hear from tribal representatives throughout the state during a listening session today. Martin R. Castro, chairman of the commission, will be in Taholah for the panel discussion and listening session, said Jason Phelps, communications director for U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer. The panel discussion will provide input for an updated report on federal investments in the Native American tribes. The report, "Quiet Crisis," found when it … Continue Reading
08.26.16
Community welcomes exchange student from Japan with open arms
by Hugh McMillan
Under the Lions International Youth Exchange Program, the Key Peninsula Lions Club has hosted Yuki Nakata from Fukuoka, Japan since Aug. 3. On day one, not yet suffering jet lag, she enjoyed the Two Waters Arts Alliance Art Walk, met many people, and was feted at the KP Lions Club meeting. Day two, she visited Communities In Schools of Peninsula, enjoyed kids at the next door Red Barn Youth Center, toured a fire station with Chief Guy Allen and Assistant Chief Hal Wolverton (president of the K… Continue Reading
08.26.16
Fast Track' Dems mostly undecided on TPP
by Doug Palmer
More than 10 months after the conclusion of talks on the TPP, most of the 28 Democrats in House and the 13 in the Senate who voted in favor of trade promotion authority still have not taken a public position on the landmark 12-nation agreement - but they say they're working on it. The good news for the administration is that only one of those 41 lawmakers is publicly opposed to the agreement. That's Sen. Tim Kaine, who announced his opposition upon being selected by Hillary Clinton to be her ru… Continue Reading
08.23.16
U.S. Rep. Larsen leads 2nd District; not all incumbents safe
by Evan Smith
Incumbent Democratic 2nd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen looks safe for the Nov. 8 general election after winning a majority in the Aug. 8 primary, but three other incumbent Washington state U.S. representatives go into November without getting majorities in the primary. The only race without an incumbent is the 7th Congressional District contest to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, a contest that will match Democrats State Rep. Brady Pinero Walkinshaw and State … Continue Reading
08.23.16
Congressional Democrats Wade into South Florida Primary
Leading congressional Democrats aren't on the ballot in next week's primary but they have skin in the game as South Florida voters hit the polls. As early as last summer, Nancy Pelosi was backing Annette Taddeo's bid to topple freshman Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo. Praising Taddeo as a "voice for hard-working South Florida families," Pelosi went to bat for her in emails sent out last June. Pelosi isn't the only high profile Democrat behind Taddeo as New Mexico Congressman Ben Ray L… Continue Reading
08.19.16
Solutions sought for fish-blocking Hood Canal bridge
by Tristan Baurick
A cloud of little fish loiters alongside the Hood Canal bridge's floating lower deck. They don't go around and they don't go under. Instead they seem to aimlessly swirl about. Lurking nearby is a plump seal, apparently well-fed on the logjam of fish. There's mounting evidence that the bridge is a major fish barrier, blocking a third of migrating steelhead trout from reaching the ocean. The bridge also might hamper water circulation, lowering dissolved oxygen levels and altering the canal's temp… Continue Reading
08.18.16
Grays Harbor Primary Election Certified, Two Levies Fail and Recount Expected in 19th Legislative District
Grays Harbor County voter turnout came in at 35.47% for the August Primary Election. The Grays Harbor County Auditor's Office certified the county results last night, statewide results will be certified next week. The results from the Washington State Auditor's Office are available at vote.wa.gov A proposed 3-tenths of 1-percent sales tax increase (to help the county fund public safety, criminal justice, fire protection and public services) passed with 53.83% support. Incumbents defend their s… Continue Reading
08.18.16
Is the Hood Canal bridge killing fish?
by Kevin McCarty
A recent study of juvenile steelhead by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found an unusually high mortality on the south side of the 55-year-old bridge, but a lower death rate on the north side. There are several theories about the bridge and its impact on juvenile fish. The conservation group Long Live the Kings is hoping a new study will end the mystery. "In addition to the effects on steelhead and perhaps on juvenile salmon, there's also some concerns that the bridge might… Continue Reading
08.15.16
LETTERS: Our delegation shows Congress can work
by Judy Arbogast, Olalla
Our delegation shows Congress can work Regarding the recent column by Ann McFeatters, "Government, if allowed, can do great good" (Aug. 12): We have an incredible example of government doing good work in our own representative to the 6th Congressional District, Derek Kilmer. Early this summer he worked with RESULTS staff and volunteers to write a letter to President Obama on extending the U.S.'s contribution to the Global Fund for aids, malaria, and TB. He then was able to gather signatures f… Continue Reading
08.11.16
Way Out West
by David Wilmot, Ph.D.
Dear Friend, Today, I am pleased to announce Ocean Champions' endorsements of candidates in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. Whoa! Don't worry, we didn't skip California due to sea level rise and assume Arizona is now a coastal state. To see whom we've endorsed in California to date, check out our earlier announcement. Ocean Champions is proud to support Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-3). Cong. Grijalva is the leading Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. Not only is it im… Continue Reading
08.10.16
Derek Kilmer: Cantwell and Kilmer Tout Bill to Support Innovation in Wood Building Construction, Tour Site of Future SPI Timber Mill
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) held a roundtable in Shelton, WA to discuss innovative wood products and their bipartisan bill that could create jobs and opportunities for rural communities. The Timber Innovation Act would advance innovative wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT). CLT has received attention for being a less expensive and less carbon-intensive than alternative building products. The members were joined at the site by… Continue Reading
08.10.16
Community news in brief
Kilmer at meet/greet Rep. Derek Kilmer will tour Park View Villas, 1430 Park View Lane, Port Angeles, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. While visiting, Kilmer will tour the Park View Villas and speak with residents about his work in Washington, D.C., including important issues near and dear to seniors' hearts. His passions in policy lie in military and veterans affairs while serving as a strong proponent for seniors through Medicare and Social Security preservation. DEAFOP gathers for fe… Continue Reading
08.10.16
Next Generation: Star Trek and Science Standards
by Jesse Gilliam
West Sound STEM Network Director Dr. Kareen Borders may be the only person (on this planet, anyway) who can get me excited about working late. That's because Kareen called me with news that she had the fortune of working with Kim Mays (General Manager, Galaxy Theatres Uptown Gig Harbor) who worked with Paramount Pictures to secure a pre-release screening of Star Trek Beyond for a group of hard working West Sound STEM education professionals. Galaxy Theatres is well known for their innovative use… Continue Reading
08.04.16
Plot twists and spoilers in Washington Primary
by The Editorial Board
These are foolish times when elections seem to have more to do with entertaining the masses than engaging their sense of civic duty. And judging by the cold reception given to this week's Washington primary - 28 percent turnout so far statewide, 29 percent in Pierce County - voters had little interest in the warm-up act. They're impatient for the main event, with divas named Trump and Clinton at the top of the playbill. Before the spotlight shifts to November, here are a few review notes from … Continue Reading
08.03.16
Could a conservative talk-show host really be Washington’s next lieutenant governor?
by Joseph O’Sullivan
OLYMPIA - Republicans running statewide in Washington often tout their moderate leanings. But as the state's primary votes continued to be counted Wednesday, it appeared an unabashed conservative would be advancing to the general election in the lieutenant governor's race. Introducing Marty McClendon: pastor, real estate agent, conservative radio host, husband and father of three, supporter of Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. As of Wednesday evening, McClendon found himself tied with state Sen. Cyr… Continue Reading
08.02.16
Q&A with Congressman Jared Polis '96
by Ruby Shao
U.S. Congressional Representative Jared Polis '96 is the first openly gay man elected to Congress as well as one of its wealthiest members. He created successful businesses, founded charter schools and chaired the Colorado Board of Education. Polis talked with the 'Prince' during the Democratic National Convention about the University's influence on his career, Bernie Sanders supporters and Hillary Clinton's presidential bid. The Daily Princetonian: How did your time at Prince… Continue Reading