The Skagit County Commissioners this week approved an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Health to help cover tuberculosis (TB) medications for eligible patients in Skagit County. Under the agreement, the state will provide funding for medications used to treat active TB disease for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or lack prescription coverage and are not eligible for Medicaid or Apple Health. The contract is retroactive to Jan. 1 and will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2029.
The commissioners approved a $250,000 interlocal cooperative agreement with the Northwest Regional Council to help prevent interruptions to senior nutrition services, including Meals on Wheels, after the program lost funding. The one-time county funding is intended to support the operation and stabilization of senior meal programs serving older adults throughout Skagit County. Under the agreement, compensation will not exceed $250,000, and the agreement will remain in effect through Dec. 31.
The commissioners approved a resolution authorizing Chair Ron Wesen to electronically sign and submit Amendment No. 1 to an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology related to the county’s Pollution Prevention Assistance Partnership program. The agreement supports Pollution Prevention Assistance Specialists who provide technical assistance and educational outreach to small businesses to help prevent pollution of state waters. Commissioners also approved Amendment No. 1 to the county’s interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for the Pollution Prevention Assistance Partnership program. The amendment reduces the required number of technical assistance visits to businesses and lowers total funding from $296,722.50 to an amount not to exceed $276,290.43. The agreement term remains unchanged.
Journalists at The Bellingham Herald joined reporters at four other McClatchy-owned newspapers in a one-day strike Tuesday, citing low wages and concerns over the company’s use of artificial intelligence. About 31 workers at newspapers in Bellingham, Tacoma, Olympia and Kennewick participated in the walkout, along with journalists at the Idaho Statesman, as contract negotiations with McClatchy Media continue after nearly 11 months. Union members say the company has proposed a minimum salary of $52,000 with 2% annual raises while also seeking increased production demands. Reporters have also raised concerns about McClatchy’s AI policies, including the potential use of AI-generated stories and digital replicas of journalists in podcasts and videos.
