Washington

Washington hospitals grappling with financial crisis

Published

11 months ago

March 28, 2025

Washington hospitals grappling with financial crisis

Hospitals across Washington state are grappling with a financial crisis that is already leading to job losses.

The federal government, which typically increases Medicaid reimbursements annually, did not approve an increase for 2025. Cassie Sauer, CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association, said Medicaid payments are now lower than they were in 2024, leaving hospitals unable to cover operating expenses.

“If they don’t have the cash flow to cover their operating expenses, they are going to have to make cuts and layoffs,” Sauer said.

Valley Medical Center in Renton has already confirmed to The Renton Reporter layoffs of more than 100 workers. Sauer expressed concern that the Biden administration did not pass the increase and fears the Trump administration may lack the political will to approve it.

“This is a program that is in jeopardy,” Sauer said, citing discussions about Medicaid cuts and reductions in the Medicaid budget.

Sauer noted that current reimbursement rates are so low that hospitals are paid only half of what it costs to care for Medicaid patients. She warned that hospitals across the state could lose a total of $1 billion, putting essential services at risk.

“What the hospital will do will be to close a whole service—like they’ll close labor and delivery, or they’ll close the mental health units, they’ll close their physical therapy department. That service is then gone for the entire community, not just for people on Medicaid,” Sauer said.

The financial strain is compounded by rising costs for staff, supplies, energy, and pharmaceuticals, while payments to hospitals remain stagnant. Sauer also criticized the Washington state legislature for proposing cuts to hospitals and new taxes on them, adding to the pressure on healthcare providers.

The crisis, Sauer emphasized, will affect all residents of Washington, not just those on Medicaid.

Heather Bosch is an award-winning journalist for KIRO Newsradio

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Washington

Tulip Day Washington draws buzz as sign-up site goes down

Published

3 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON – Coming up this month, spring’s most colorful new event: Tulip Day Washington.

What we know:

On March 15, 2026, Tulip Day Washington will transform DC’s National Mall into a vibrant tulip-picking garden beautiful views of U.S. Capitol

This one-day event will take place from 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, offering a floral showcase of approximately 150,000 tulips; visitors are invited to pick their choice of 10 tulips for free upon arrival.

Dig deeper:

The registration site for Tulip Day is currently down, showing users “This site is currently unavailable. If you’re the owner of this website, please contact your hosting provider to get this resolved.”

Users on social media say the event may be sold out.

Check tulipday.eu for updates.

The backstory:

The event is organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and Royal Anthos, a Dutch trade association, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The display of tulips will be in the shape of the number 250.

The bulbs come from the Netherlands, but are being grown in Virginia and New Jersey.

These won’t be the first tulips on the National Mall, however. The Floral Library, also known as the Tulip Library, features 93 beds of flowers near the Tidal Basin. The Floral Library was established in 1969, and is maintained by the National Park Services. These flowers, though, are to be enjoyed only – not to be picked.

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Washington

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

Published

16 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball

The562’s coverage of Dirtbags Baseball for the 2026 season is sponsored by P2S, Inc. Visit p2sinc.com to learn more.

Long Beach State dropped a 9-7 decision against Washington State on Sunday afternoon, closing out a busy weekend on Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.

The visiting Cougars took the lead for good in the eighth inning when Long Beach Poly grad Ryan Skjonsby delivered a game-winning two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded. Skjonsby was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and three RBIs for Washington State in their road victory.

For the Dirtbags, catcher Damon Valdez scored twice and had a key two-run single in the sixth to help lead a Long Beach comeback. Trevor Goldenetz had a pair of hits at the top of the order, including an RBI triple. Camden Gasser walked twice and singled, improving his on-base percentage to .574 on the season.

Long Beach State (4-7) will be back in action at home on Tuesday with an exhibition match against Waseda University from Japan. The Dirtbags will then visit San Diego State on Wednesday and open Big West play at UC Santa Barbara this weekend.

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Washington

Week Ahead in Washington: March 1

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Operation “Epic Fury” — the weekend military operations carried out by the U.S. and Israel against targets in Iran — tops the agenda for Congress as lawmakers return to Washington.

Sunday, President Donald Trump said the new leadership in Iran wants to talk to the Trump Administration.

Democrats in both chambers called for Congress to return as soon as possible for classified briefings on Iran, followed by a move to vote on the War Powers Act. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war on another country.

Congress’ return to Washington was originally delayed due to the start of the 2026 midterm elections cycle.

Tuesday, voters in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas head to the polls for primary elections.

North Carolina and Texas are drawing significant attention, as both states are facing congressional redistricting and competitive primary races for Senate seats.

In Texas, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) is facing primary challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing state Rep. James Talarico.

In North Carolina, candidates are vying to replacing retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R) . They include former Governor Roy Cooper (D) and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley.

Also this week, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest. He will be honored Wednesday in Washington before a final memorial service Saturday. Jackson died Feb. 17.

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