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Hey, good morning. It's Patricia Murphy. It's Wednesday. This is Seattle now. Are you lonely? Be honest now because it could be affecting your health. In a minute, we'll talk with a UW doc about why he's talking with patients about social isolation. But first, let's get you caught up.

Seattle City Council will take up a potential rate increase from Seattle Public Utilities this afternoon.

The latest plan proposes an average rate increase of 4.7% over the next six years for water,

sewage, drainage, and solid waste services.

In a memo to the Council, Seattle Public Utility says operational costs have risen, while

utility usage has returned to pre-pandemic levels. In January, Seattle

City Light increased its rates by 10%. Mayor Bruce Harrow will give a six-month update on the city's

mental health response pilot today. The CARES dual dispatch pilot allows dispatchers to send

behavioral health professionals, along along with police when appropriate.

The mayor's office says the next steps for the plan include expanding it beyond downtown

and some new partnerships to help with staffing.

That's it for now.

Make sure to come back tonight for evening headlines.

The next time you see your primary care doc, they're likely to ask you about your eating and exercise habits, maybe whether you smoke or not.

And now they might ask you about your social connections and whether you're lonely.

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