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Washington hospitals grappling with financial crisis

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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.

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“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.

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Heather Bosch is an award-winning journalist for KIRO Newsradio



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Former Washington Huskies defensive lineman Voi Tunuufi dies at age 23

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Former Washington Huskies defensive lineman Voi Tunuufi dies at age 23


SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 21: Voi Tunuufi #52 of the Washington Huskies gestures during the third quarter of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Husky Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Wild (Alika Jenner / Getty Images)

Former University of Washington defensive lineman Voi Tunuufi has died at the age of 23, the school announced on Monday night.

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“Our hearts are with the Tunuufi family, his loved ones, and every brother who wore the W beside him. Forever in The Pack,” the school posted in an announcement on Twitter.

According to Andy Yamashita of The Seattle Times, Tunuufi’s sister, Sanita, said that he died in a car accident.

Tunuufi appeared in 52 games for the Huskies over four seasons from 2021-24, which included Washington’s run to the National Championship against Michigan in 2023. Tunuufi had 86 total tackles with 12.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two passes defended during his career.

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The Source: Information in this story came from the University of Washington and The Seattle Times.

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YOU’RE INVITED! Exclusive Sneak Peek of the New Burn Building at the Washington County Public Safety Training – Washington County

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YOU’RE INVITED! Exclusive Sneak Peek of the New Burn Building at the Washington County Public Safety Training – Washington County


WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD (May 4, 2026) – The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) invites you to an exclusive sneak peek of the new burn building at the Washington County Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) on May 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Come take a look at the newly constructed burn building and hear about future plans for the PSTC.

Join us for a first look at this state-of-the-art training facility, designed to enhance firefighter and first responder preparedness through realistic, hands-on, live-fire training scenarios. This new addition will be placed in service by the end of June; and, it represents a major step forward in strengthening emergency response capabilities across Washington County and the region.

Training programs offered at the PSTC continue to emphasize the importance of joint training among fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), law enforcement, and emergency management partners. Facilities like the burn building allow multiple agencies to train together in realistic environments, improving coordination, communication, and overall response during critical incidents.

This event will also highlight the future vision of the training center, including plans for construction of a tactical village. The proposed tactical village will further expand multi-agency training opportunities and provide realistic environments for real-life, public safety scenario-based exercises.Guests will be treated to a sneak peek demonstration. The demonstration will showcase the capabilities and training value of the new burn building, as well provide a glimpse into future plans for the PSTC.

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We hope you’ll join us as we showcase this exciting milestone. Come help us celebrate the continued growth of public safety training in Washington County.

Address: 18350 Public Safety Pl, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Date: May 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.



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East Potomac Golf Course could close as Trump admin seeks to make renovations

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East Potomac Golf Course could close as Trump admin seeks to make renovations


The East Potomac Golf Course could, starting Monday, undergo extensive renovations under the Trump administration’s guidance, and for some the fight to try to stop that from happening continues.

Renderings of East Potomac “reimagined” as a championship golf course and a formal memorial space were included in a document obtained by the Washington Post allegedly seeking donations that will support President Donald Trump’s plans to remake parts of D.C.’s waterfront, including East Potomac Golf Course.

The renderings depict new water features and a redesigned clubhouse. They also show the golf course occupying most of the space, with much of the park’s existing bike paths and open recreational space gone.

Mike McCartin, National Link Trust Co-Founder, says these spaces are part of why the course is so special.

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“It’s a great symbiotic relationship, and it goes back to the history of why this place was made in the first place to provide active recreation not just golf but a bunch of different ways of recreational activities to the residents of D.C.,” he said.

The image also appears to include fewer than 18 holes compared to the current 36 total holes.
The news organization NOTUS reported Friday that deferred maintenance work at the course would begin Monday.

Not knowing specifics of the project, like in which capacity this space will be available for D.C. residents after the upcoming renovations, makes some regulars feel uneasy.

“Golf is a game that is played by people who have a lot of resources and access to private courses, and this was the place where anybody could play and see these incredible views and come and just really be part of D.C., so I think it’s a huge loss,” said Caroline Holt, who played at the course for over 15 years.

Features that are part of the current site, including the mini golf course and the nearby East Potomac Tennis Center, also are not visible in the image.

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As part of an ongoing lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior, the D.C. Preservation League filed for an emergency pause Sunday to prevent the golf course from closing. The document asks a federal judge in D.C. to set an emergency status conference and to prevent the administration from undertaking any steps towards the closure.

News4 reached out to the White House for comment about the specifics of the golf course project, when the park will reopen and comment on the petition for an emergency pause. We were deferred to the Department of the Interior and are still waiting on an answer from them.

Now, who will manage the course possibly starting tomorrow or once the administration officially takes over the project? Those are questions that as of now remain unanswered. The National Link Trust Team says for now, they will be there Monday with its usual opening time of 7 a.m.



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