Austin Jenkins, Author at Northwest Public Broadcasting

Victims Will Have New Place To Report Harassment, Misconduct In Washington State Senate

By Austin Jenkins July 16, 2018

Washington State Capitol CREDIT: BRIANHE / WIKIMEDIA

In response to the #MeToo movement, the Washington state Senate will create a new human resources officer position to investigate complaints of harassment and other workplace misconduct, replacing a previous system of “facilitators” who served as a go-to resource for victims. Read More

Washington Lawmaker Pays $35K For Child Care, Vows Help For Other Parents

By Austin Jenkins July 11, 2018

File photo. A task force created by the Washington Legislature is set to tackle the issue of affordable childcare. CREDIT: KIDSWORKCHICAGO.COM / TINYURL.COM/YCUAZQF4

It’s the agony of modern day parents: how to find and afford decent child care. This has become such a problem, the Washington Legislature has created a task force to tackle the issue. Continue Reading Washington Lawmaker Pays $35K For Read More

Backers Of Washington Gun Control Measure Submit Petitions For Ballot Initiative

By Austin Jenkins July 6, 2018

Washington legislature Gun Legislation Hearing - 011518

Backers of a proposed gun-control initiative in Washington plan to deliver their final batch of petitions July 6th to the Secretary of State. Continue Reading Backers Of Washington Gun Control Measure Submit Petitions For Read More

Why A Tacoma Lawmaker — And His Accuser — Are Calling For A Better Way To Investigate Misconduct At The Legislature

By Austin Jenkins July 6, 2018

Washington state Rep. David Sawyer CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

In the aftermath of a recent workplace conduct investigation at the state Capitol, the Democratic lawmaker at the heart of the inquiry and one of his accusers say the process has revealed flaws in how the Legislature handles complaints made against elected officials. Read More

Washington Universal Healthcare Ballot Measure Falls Short In Signature Drive

By Austin Jenkins July 5, 2018

The Legislative Building and the sundial is shown on a foggy morning, Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. The last day of the regular legislative session is Thursday, March 8, 2018. CREDIT: AP PHOTO/ TED S. WARREN

A grassroots campaign to put universal healthcare on the Washington ballot in 2018 has fallen short. Campaign organizers announced they are ending the petition drive for Initiative 1600. Continue Reading Washington Universal Read More

Former State Auditor Sentenced To One Year And One Day In Prison

By Austin Jenkins June 29, 2018

Former Wasington State Auditor Troy Kelley will be sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

Former Washington state Auditor Troy Kelley was sentenced Friday to one year and one day in prison and one year of supervised release. Continue Reading Former State Auditor Sentenced To One Year And One Day In PrisonRead More

Prosecutors Seek Prison, Defense Wants Probation For Former Washington Auditor

By Austin Jenkins June 26, 2018

Calling former Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley "as unrepentant as any defendant in memory," federal prosecutors are asking that a judge sentence him to more than seven years in federal prison when he is sentenced June 29 in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. Read More

Western State, Washington’s Largest Psychiatric Hospital, To Lose Certification And Federal Funds

By Austin Jenkins June 25, 2018

Western State Hospital is Washington state's largest psychiatric facility. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS / NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK

Despite a two year turnaround effort, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Monday that it will strip Washington’s Western State Hospital of federal certification for failing to comply with standards. Read More

‘I Fired To Stop The Shooter.’ Pastor Recounts Shooting Tumwater Walmart Gunman

By Austin Jenkins June 20, 2018

Pastor David George, flanked by his wife and the Oakville, Washington, fire chief, describes pulling his pistol and fatally shooting a gunman at the Tumwater Walmart on Father's Day. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS/N3

The pastor of the Oakville, Washington Assembly of God church said he was trying to protect his family and the public when he drew his concealed pistol and shot a gunman on Father’s Day. David George cried at times as he spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since the shooting. Read More

Ex-Wife Of Tumwater Walmart Shooter Says He Was Prone To Drug Use, Paranoia

By Austin Jenkins June 19, 2018

Marcy Daarud's former husband was shot and killed by an armed citizen after a Father's Day carjacking and shooting spree.

What caused 44-year-old Tim Day to go on a carjacking and shooting spree on Father’s Day that left one man critically wounded? His former wife of 13 years said Day had a history of mental illness and was prone to bouts of paranoia—often fueled by using meth. Read More

Shooting Spree Near Olympia Ends With Armed Civilian Killing Gunman In Walmart Parking Lot

By Austin Jenkins June 17, 2018

Police block the scene outside a Walmart in Tumwater, Wash.,, where a gunman shot a driver, then was himself shot to death June 17, 2018. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS/N3

A shooting spree in Tumwater, Wash., near Olympia, ended in a Walmart parking lot when a civilian shot and killed the suspected gunman, police said Sunday evening. At least two people were wounded: a teen-age girl with a minor injuries and a man who was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Read More

After Funding Fight, Washington Superintendent Sees Opportunity To Transform Schools

By Austin Jenkins June 15, 2018

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal says it’s time to “remodel the 130-year-old education house” now that the McCleary school funding case has resolved. CREDIT: TVW

What should a 21st century public school system look like? Washington’s superintendent of public instruction says it’s time to have that conversation now that the state’s decade-long school funding legal fight is over. Continue Read More

Investigation Finds Washington Lawmaker Violated Harassment Policy

By Austin Jenkins June 11, 2018

Washington House leaders are recommending that state Rep. David Sawyer, D-Tacoma, lose his chairmanship, not be assigned a legislative assistant and continue to have his access to staff restricted as the result of the findings of an investigation into his conduct that could also result in an ethics probe. Read More

Washington Supreme Court Ends Decade-Long School Funding Case

By Austin Jenkins June 7, 2018

In this 2016 file photo, Stephanie McCleary and her son, Carter, leave the Washington Supreme Court following a hearing in the nearly decade-old school funding lawsuit that bears their name. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

The Washington Supreme Court has ended the decade-old school funding case known as McCleary. The high court issued an order Thursday that said the state has complied with the mandate to fully fund its new system of basic education by September of this year. Read More

Washington AG Bob Ferguson Files Campaign Finance Lawsuits Against Facebook And Google

By Austin Jenkins June 5, 2018

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Courtesy of The Washington State Attorney General's Office

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is suing Facebook and Google for campaign finance violations. The lawsuits filed Monday allege the companies failed to keep records about who purchased political advertising from them.  Continue Read More

Feds Accept Plan To Mitigate Suicide Risk At Western State Hospital

By Austin Jenkins May 29, 2018

Last week, federal inspectors found serious safety violations at Western State Hospital that could put patients at risk of suicide. They spent several days at Western State looking for full compliance with federal standards. Now the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has accepted the hospital’s immediate plan to address the suicide risk issues. Read More

Suicide Risk Prompts Emergency Measures At Western State Hospital

By Austin Jenkins May 25, 2018

Federal inspectors have found serious safety violations at Western State Hospital that could increase the chances of patient suicides. The finding this week has the potential to further imperil $65 million in annual federal funding the state receives to operate the 857-bed psychiatric hospital near Tacoma. Read More

Convicted Former Washington State Auditor Rejected Plea Deals Before Second Trial

By Austin Jenkins May 22, 2018

File photo. Former Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley rejected plea deals that would have allowed him to avoid a second trial -- and conviction on multiple felony counts. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

Former Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley rejected a pair of plea offers from federal prosecutors that would have allowed him to avoid a second trial and his ultimate conviction on multiple felony counts related to his past business practices. Read More

Jay Inslee Mum On 2020 Run. But He Is In Iowa

By Austin Jenkins May 21, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS / NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK FILES

Washington Governor Jay Inslee is headed to Iowa--a frequent first stop for presidential hopefuls. He will headline the Iowa Democratic Party’s Hall of Fame Celebration next month. The trip is sure to fuel more speculation Inslee is eyeing a run for president. Continue Read More

At Western State Hospital, A Waitlist To Get In And A Waitlist To Get Out

By Austin Jenkins May 17, 2018

Brian (who asked us not to use his last name) holds a piece of artwork that his daughter made. He says she's struggled with mental illness since college and needs a safe, stable placement in the community. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

On any given day, nearly half the civil, or non-criminal, patients at Western State are ready to be discharged, but there's nowhere to send them. That means they take up beds that patients in crisis, like Brian's daughter, may desperately need. In other words, there's a waitlist to get into Western State because there's a waitlist to get out. Read More

Despite Ongoing Investigations, Two Washington Lawmakers File To Run Again

By Austin Jenkins May 15, 2018

Despite ongoing investigations into their conduct, Republican Matt Manweller of Ellensburg, left, and Democrat David Sawyer of Tacoma have filed to run for re-election to the Washington House. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

Two embattled Washington state representatives have filed to run for re-election—despite ongoing investigations into their conduct. Continue Reading Despite Ongoing Investigations, Two Washington Lawmakers File To Run AgainRead More

Top Washington Prosecutors Call For New Strategy To Address Drug Addiction

By Austin Jenkins May 10, 2018

Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe, left, and King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg say Washington state is failing to adequately address an epidemic of drug addiction. CREDIT: TVW

Two of Washington top elected prosecutors say the state is failing to adequately address an epidemic of drug addiction. They say it’s a major contributor to crime, but also to homelessness. Continue Reading Top Washington Prosecutors Call For Read More

Washington Lawmaker Suspended As Committee Chair, Accused Of Creating Hostile Work Environment

By Austin Jenkins May 9, 2018

Washington House Democrats voted Wednesday to suspend state Rep. David Sawyer as chair of the Commerce & Gaming Committee. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

Washington House Democrats voted Wednesday to suspend state Rep. David Sawyer as chair of the Commerce and Gaming Committee pending the outcome of an investigation into workplace conduct. Continue Reading Washington Lawmaker Read More

Washington State Trooper Alleges Misconduct In Unit That Flies Governor

By Austin Jenkins May 3, 2018

File photo of a Beechcraft King Air B200 turboprop aircraft at the Washington State Patrol aviation facility at the Olympia Airport. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

A Washington state trooper has accused a leader in the State Patrol’s aviation unit of ordering staff to illegally delete public records and lying to the Governor’s Office about the availability of planes. Continue Reading Washington Read More

Washington Shuts Down Care Provider For Disabled Adults; Now Families Face Tough Decisions

By Austin Jenkins April 29, 2018

Deborah Davis, Christopher's sister, took this photo in July 2016. “When Chris is at our mom's house, he likes to lay on the floor surrounded by his favorite things: basketballs, footballs, and old 80's thermos bottles." Courtesy of the Davis Family

In an unprecedented move, the state of Washington is shutting down a major provider of in-home care for developmentally disabled adults in King, Spokane and Yakima counties because of repeated serious violations of care standards. Read More

In Unusual Move, Washington Attorney General Endorses Gun-Related Ballot Measure

By Austin Jenkins April 23, 2018

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is breaking with tradition and will endorse a ballot measure dealing with guns. Continue Reading In Unusual Move, Washington Attorney General Endorses Gun-Related Ballot MeasureRead More

Jay Inslee Jokes About Quality Of Washington Weed On Bill Maher’s ‘Real Time’ HBO Show

By Austin Jenkins April 23, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, third from left, appeared on "Real Time with Bill Maher" Friday, April 20, where he discussed marijuana policy.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee is making headlines for a quip he made about marijuana to HBO host Bill Maher. Continue Reading Jay Inslee Jokes About Quality Of Washington Weed On Bill Maher’s ‘Real Time’ HBO ShowRead More

Disability Rights Group Sues Over Walla Walla Penitentiary Treatment Of Inmates With Mental Illness

By Austin Jenkins April 23, 2018

At the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, inmates with mental illness are locked down in their cells for up to 16 hours a day, even if they pose little risk. That’s one of the allegations in a lawsuit Disability Rights Washington plans to file in federal court in Spokane on Monday. Read More

Jay Inslee Talks Gun Violence On Campaign Swing In Nevada

By Austin Jenkins April 19, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks at a news conference on gun violence at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. @JAYINSLEE/TINYURL.COM/YD6ESHE7

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is stepping up his role as chair of the Democratic Governors Association. Inslee was in Las Vegas April 19 as part of his first major campaign swing. Continue Reading Jay Inslee Talks Gun Violence On Campaign Swing In Read More

Walla Walla Penitentiary Hunger Strike Highlights Long-Simmering Fight Over Prison Food

By Austin Jenkins April 17, 2018

File photo of Washington State Penitentiary. CREDIT: WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Earlier this month, nearly half the inmates at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla staged a hunger strike. It ended after five days. The inmates were protesting the quality of prison food. It’s an issue that has been simmering in Washington prisons for years. Read More

The Sea Cucumber Scandal: Pierce County Seafood Processor Pleads Guilty

By Austin Jenkins April 16, 2018

A Washington-based seafood processor pleaded guilty to illegally over-harvesting sea cucumbers, a delicacy protected by federal law. CREDIT: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

The owner of a seafood processing company in Pierce County, Wash., has pleaded guilty in a case involving the illegal sale of sea cucumbers, leathery creatures that are considered a delicacy to eat in some cultures. Continue Reading The Sea Read More

Welcome To ‘Lobbyhood’: Many Neighbors Of Washington Capitol Are Lobbyists Paid To Influence Laws

By Austin Jenkins April 15, 2018

This home is one of 18 owned or used by lobbyists in Olympia's South Capitol neighborhood, across the street from the state Capitol campus. CREDIT: STEVE RINGMAN/THE SEATTLE TIMES

Just south of Washington state Capitol building you’ll find a neighborhood dotted with quaint, historic houses. But you won’t find families with children in many of them. Nearly one-third of the 62 homes found immediately south of the Capitol are owned or used by lobbyists, corporations or unions, according to a review of public records. Read More

Washington Supreme Court Could Decide Constitutionality Of Death Penalty

By Austin Jenkins April 9, 2018

File photo of the lethal injection room at California's San Quentin State Prison.

Washington lawmakers tried, but failed this year to repeal the death penalty. Now, the Washington Supreme Court could decide whether it’s constitutional. Continue Reading Washington Supreme Court Could Decide Constitutionality Of Death Read More

Frustrated And Broke, Washington Counties Consider Suing State

By Austin Jenkins April 5, 2018

Lincoln County Commissioner Scott Hutsell says he would likely support a lawsuit against the State of Washington over unfunded mandates to counties. He spoke on TVW's ''Inside Olympia'' program. TVW

After years of pleading with the state Legislature for more state funding, Washington's 39 counties could decide this year whether to file a lawsuit against the state over unfunded mandates. Continue Reading Frustrated And Broke, Washington Read More

Concerned About Voting Security? Northwest Election Chiefs Say They Have Confidence

By Austin Jenkins March 29, 2018

Gus Clark deposits his vote-by-mail ballot in a collection box in Seattle in the 2016 election. CREDIT: TED S. WARREN/AP

Amid warnings that Russian hackers may try to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections, top election officials in the Northwest say they are taking additional steps to protect voting systems from attack. Continue Reading Concerned Read More

Jay Inslee Signs Controversial Homecare Provider Bill Despite Calls For Veto

By Austin Jenkins March 27, 2018

Despite numerous requests for a veto, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a controversial bill to privatize the state’s homecare provider system. The Democrat’s signing of the measure followed a contentious fight in the Legislature and accusations that it amounted to a power grab by the Service Employees International Union. Read More

Washington, Oregon Attorneys General Demand Answers From Facebook

By Austin Jenkins March 26, 2018

The National Association of Attorneys General sent a letter today to Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg asking him to answer a series of questions about Facebook's user privacy policies and practices. CREDIT: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE ATTORNEYS GENERAL

The Democratic attorneys general of Washington and Oregon joined 35 of their colleagues Monday in sending a letter to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The letter demands answers to several questions about Facebook’s privacy policies. Continue Read More

New Washington Law Grants Visitation Rights To Grandparents Through Court Petition

By Austin Jenkins March 22, 2018

Betsy Deane and her granddaughter, Toria Staudinger, traveled to Olympia to witness Gov. Jay Inslee sign a grandparent visitation bill into law. Deane hopes to use the new law to win visitation rights to see her nine-year-old granddaughter. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS / NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK

Three years ago, Betsy Deane's son was killed in an automobile accident. Now, the Pasco, Wash., grandmother hopes a new state law will allow her to reunite with the granddaughter she hasn’t been able to see since. Continue Read More

New Washington Laws Aim To Address Workplace Sexual Harassment And Gender Pay Gap

By Austin Jenkins March 21, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee poses with state Sen. Karen Keiser at a bill signing ceremony on Wednesday.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed several measures into law aimed at tackling sexual harassment in the workplace and an update to the Equal Pay Act to help address gender pay gap in the state. Continue Reading New Read More

Big Changes Coming To Voting Rights And Access In Washington

By Austin Jenkins March 16, 2018

washnigton state capitol CREDIT: BRIANHE / WIKIMEDIA - TINYURL.COM/ZMPZ86K

Youth age 16 and 17 will soon be able to pre-register to vote in Washington. That’s just one of several voting-related bills the governor is scheduled to sign into law soon. Continue Reading Big Changes Coming To Voting Rights And Access In Read More

‘It Was A Sad Year.’ Washington Lawmakers See Missed Chances To Protect Sexual Assault Survivors

By Austin Jenkins March 12, 2018

The Washington Legislature has sent a ban on bump stocks to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. A bump stock is a trigger modification device that make a semi-automatic rifle function more like an automatic weapon. CREDIT: JON CONNELL

Several efforts to protect sexual assault victims failed to pass in Washington’s 60-day legislative session which adjourned last Thursday. Now lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are expressing frustration. Continue Read More

What Bills Passed And What Didn’t In Washington’s 2018 Legislative Session

By Austin Jenkins March 8, 2018

Washington State Capitol Building. CREDIT: WSDOT / FLICKR

Washington lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn Thursday after a short, 60-day election-year session during which Democrats flexed their new one-party control to pass a slew of legislation. Here’s a look at some of the bills that passed and some that didn’t. Read More

Washington Homeowners Will Likely Get Some Property Tax Relief Next Year

By Austin Jenkins March 8, 2018

Washington homeowners would get some property tax relief in 2019 under a bill that passed the Democratically-controlled state Senate Wednesday night over Republican objections. The bill is part of a final budget deal reached with the House as the Legislature heads toward a scheduled adjournment on Thursday, March 8.   Read More

Washington Lawmakers Rush To Pass Compromise Police Accountability Bill

By Austin Jenkins March 6, 2018

File photo. Washington state lawmakers are rushing to pass a compromise bill on police use of deadly force. CREDIT: PIXABAY

An initiative backed by families of people who’ve been shot by police may not appear on Washington’s November ballot after all. That’s because sponsors of Initiative 940 and police groups have agreed on a new good faith standard for the use of deadly force. Read More

It’s A Crime To Lie And Try To Buy A Gun, Now People In Washington Are Being Prosecuted

By Austin Jenkins March 2, 2018

Daniel Legeer of Lacey, Washington, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm under a new law that requires gun dealers to report failed background checks. He believes he is an unintended target of the new law. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

A new Washington state law designed to crack down on felons, domestic abusers and others who lie and try to buy a gun is already resulting in prosecutions. Continue Reading It’s A Crime To Lie And Try To Buy A Gun, Now People In Washington Are Read More

Governor Vetoes Public Records Bill As Washington Lawmakers Acknowledge ‘We Made A Mistake’

By Austin Jenkins March 1, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed a bill Thursday, March 1, 2018 that would have exempted the Legislature from the state's voter-approved Public Disclosure Act.

In the face of intense pressure from the public and media, and following hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee vetoed a bill Thursday night that exempts the Legislature from the state’s voter-approved Public Disclosure Act. Read More

Jay Inslee Faces Immense Pressure To Veto Public Records Bill

By Austin Jenkins February 28, 2018

Front desk staff at Gov. Jay Inslee's office in Olympia tally calls urging the governor to veto SB 6617 exempting the Washington Legislature from the state's voter-approved Public Records Act. CREDIT: AUSTIN JENKINS

Will he or won’t he? That’s the question as Washington Gov. Jay Inslee faces immense pressure to veto a bill that exempts the Legislature from the state’s Public Records Act. Inslee has until midnight Thursday to decide. Continue Reading Jay Inslee Read More

Washington Legislature Passes Ban On Bump Stocks

By Austin Jenkins February 27, 2018

The Washington Legislature has sent a ban on bump stocks to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. A bump stock is a trigger modification device that make a semi-automatic rifle function more like an automatic weapon. Continue Reading Washington Legislature Passes Read More

Multiple Women Accuse Tacoma Lawmaker Of Unprofessional, Inappropriate Behavior

By Austin Jenkins February 23, 2018

Multiple women have accused Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of unprofessional and inappropriate behavior. CREDIT: WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE

In recent weeks, eight women interviewed by Northwest News Network, The News Tribune and The Olympian have said Washington state Rep. David Sawyer of Tacoma has crossed personal and professional boundaries, sometimes repeatedly, and accused him of engaging in behavior before and after he joined the Legislature that ranged from inappropriate to harassing. Read More

Washington Lawmakers Exempt Themselves From Public Records Act

By Austin Jenkins February 23, 2018

In the space of 20 minutes Friday, Feb. 23, Washington lawmakers voted to exempt themselves from the state’s voter-approved Public Records Act. The Senate first passed the bill and then sent it to the House where it was immediately taken up. Continue Reading Read More

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