You heard it on KUOW | Thursday, Feb. 7

February 07, 2019 / 8:42 am

caption: Ranger Kidwell-Ross holds up a toy camera in the driver seat of his 'Toynota' on Saturday, February 2, 2019, during the Hello Goodbye Viaduct Arts Festival on the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle.

A roundup of news from our KUOW reporters.

Wages may be up, but so is the cost of child care

If you've noticed an increase in your childcare bill, Seattle's minimum wage might be to blame. A new study by the University of Washington found more than half of the city's child care businesses have been affected by the 2014 law.

As a result researchers say many providers have raised their prices and/or reduced their staff hours.

Lab animals up for adoption

There's new hope for dogs and cats used as lab animals at public universities and research facilities.

A measure being considered in Olympia would require they be put up for adoption before being euthanized.

According to the Spokesman-Review, UW and WSU support the bill.

Human composting on the way to legalization

The so-called Human Compost Bill is one step closer to becoming law. The state Senate passed the measure yesterday and now it's off to the House.

If it passes Washington will become the first state in the country to allow people to compost the remains of their loved ones.

We're giving our crews a bit of a break for gearing up for the next storm. They've been working 10 hour shifts today. When the next storm hits they'll be working 12 hour shifts again and will be working 24-7 when the next storm hits. Thomas Charlson, WSDOT spokesperson

KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

Frosty forecast

National Weather forecaster Jay Albrecht is predicting 5-8 inches of snow in the Seattle area Friday night into Saturday morning. Worst case scenario is for 14 inches. On top of the snow strong winds could knock out power and knock down trees.

If you can't get salt or de-icer, Maxmilian Dixon with Washington state's Emergency Management Division said you can try using dark, loose soil.

Measles update

Three more cases have turned up in the Portland area, bringing the regional total to 55.

Meanwhile demand for the measles vaccine is surging in Clark County.

Tracking sexual harassment

A new bill that would require all three branches of state government to track and submit data surrounding sexual harassment claims is gaining support in Olympia.

The bi-partisan measure calls for the annual reports to be made public. They would also include information about the number of complaints, how they were investigated and how many claims resulted in settlements.

Give your children information. Answer their questions. But don't over share. We want to be a good role model. And ideally, we want to model non-use for children. On the other hand, it's understandable that parents want be honest and credible. Researcher Nicole Eisenberg, on talking to kids about pot use

KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

Snow joke, get out and vote

Elections officials in King County are urging people to turn in their ballots early because of the snowy winter weather.

The special election ballots are due, at the latest, by next Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Northwest artists up for Grammys

The Seattle Symphony is in the running for three Grammy Awards including best orchestral performance, best classical instrumental solo and best contemporary classical composition.

Hometown icon Brandi Carlile is up for six awards.

The Grammys will be handed out this Sunday, Feb. 10.

Produced for the web by Kara McDermott.

Why you can trust KUOW