Drought declaration covers much of Western Washington — but not Gig Harbor
Jun 12, 2025The state declared a drought emergency for much of Western Washington, but not for Gig Harbor or the Kitsap Peninsula. Here’s why.
Legislature cut key public health fund by $24 million over next two years
Jun 11, 2025Washington public health departments will see a slight reduction in state funding for basic services over the next two years, but the severity and local impacts of that loss on the Kitsap Peninsula remains unclear. State legislators reduced spending on Foundational Public Health Services by $24 million over the 2025-2027 budget. Those funds sustain essential
Legislation makes opening a child care a little easier
Jun 10, 2025As Kimberly Shaw recalls her arduous four-year journey to open the first licensed child-care center on the Key Peninsula, she holds an infant boy in her lap. Getting a permit for a child-care center has been more difficult than Shaw, director of the nonprofit Key Peninsula Cooperative Preschool, initially envisioned. The process has been filled
Rep. Randall settling in to her new role in a very unsettled Washington, D.C.
Jun 05, 2025Emily Randall, the Bremerton Democrat elected last fall to represent the Sixth Congressional District, says she’s “trying to learn this new job while I navigate all this chaos.”
Federal cuts could hamper wildfire efforts, health district warns
May 27, 2025An EPA grant to the Pierce County health district was eliminated, while the federal Forest Service endured thousands of layoffs.
State health care leaders criticize Republicans’ Medicaid plan
May 16, 2025Medicaid, the state-federal insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities, is a critical revenue source for all hospitals.
Hospitals’ financial outlook improves, but local health care industry still operating in the red
May 14, 2025Reimbursement rates are down, Medicaid funding is in question and recent state budget changes could hurt hospitals’ bottom lines.
St. Anthony owner expands partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital
May 12, 2025The expanded partnership will reduce the amount of travel for patients and eliminate barriers to quality care, the company said.
Joel’s Law advocates seek expansion of law governing involuntary mental health treatment
May 07, 2025The parents of the man for whom Joel’s Law is named want it to allow friends to ask a judge to require involuntary treatment.
State’s solution to its budget deficit could cost hospitals millions of dollars
Apr 22, 2025Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, which owns both hospitals on the Kitsap Peninsula, is bracing for the fallout from Washington’s multi-billion dollar budget deficit and the impacts it could have across its network of Puget Sound hospitals. State hospitals have lost millions of dollars and struggled to regain profitability since the pandemic. Now, they estimate they