WA lands chief: State just had one of its ‘most challenging’ fire seasons ever
Lands commissioner Hilary Franz says while responders kept most fires contained, the overall number of blazes was at a historic high, and more burned in western Washington. Franz attributed the department’s success to spending lawmakers approved in recent years. Legislation passed in 2021 set aside $125 million every two years for wildfire response, forest restoration and community resilience – the most significant investment into the state’s wildfire programs in recent years. Continue reading at WA State Standard (Laurel Demkovich)
WA lawmaker moves to fix system for child sex trafficking victims
The lead legislator of Washington’s “Safe Harbor” law aimed at aiding child sex trafficking victims plans to introduce a bill addressing the law’s shortcomings. Stakeholders say a new bill with more funding is needed following an InvestigateWest report that uncovered the state’s failure to provide treatment options for trafficked youth. The purpose of the Safe Harbor law was to ensure that trafficked kids are treated as victims, not criminalized and detained. But with very few treatment options available, stakeholders think repurposing vacant juvenile detention buildings could provide a solution. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Kelsey Turner)
Creating an ecosystem for Black homeownership in WA
For many of us, the biggest asset we will ever own is our home. It’s more than just a place to live. For Black families, however, the dream of homeownership has been a much greater challenge. Today, only 35% of Black households in Washington state own their own homes compared with 68% of white households. Forty-two percent of Black households have zero net worth. A study released earlier this year estimates that racist housing policies have cost Black families in King County between $12 and $34 billion. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Getty)
Associated Press
An increase in harassment against Jewish and Muslim Americans has been reported since Hamas attacks
Bainbridge Island Review
Longtime state 23rd District Rep. Sherry Appleton dies
Bellingham Herald
Will metal shredder proposal move forward? Here’s what Whatcom decided on possible ban
Columbian
Washington blood banks face low supply
Southwest Washington viticulture area clears hurdle
Nam’u qas apartments for people exiting foster care opens in Hazel Dell
Battle Ground schools win grant for mental health work
Editorial: Washington, other states wise to scrutinize Meta
Everett Herald
After marathon meeting, Edmonds council raises property taxes 1%
Ban on cash-free businesses passes in unincorporated Snohomish County
Comment: Adults are parenting more but kids are learning less
The Inlander
Cannabis users fared better against COVID, arrests went up
Spokane City Council moves $6 million in pandemic funds toward Trent shelter
A strike force led by local U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref is working to uncover millions of dollars in pandemic relief
News Tribune
Cardiologist testifies police restraint of Manuel Ellis led to his death in their custody
Op-Ed: The carbon tax on gas is burdening WA families. How we can lighten the load (Mullet)
Olympian
Forecast says El Niño will be strong this winter. Here’s what it means for WA weather
Another earthquake rattled NW Washington on Sunday. What’s causing quakes in Puget Sound?
Peninsula Daily News
Sequim looks for ways to encourage housing
Port Townsend Leader
Endangered Southern Resident orcas make return
Puget Sound Business Journal
These are Washington’s most expensive colleges
Why Washington, 32 other states are suing Facebook, Instagram parent
Child-care costs are on the rise — and women are leaving the workforce
Seattle Medium
Schools Aren’t Prepared To Handle Racist Bullying
Gun Violence Is Shaking The Foundation Of Seattle’s Neighborhoods
Seattle Times
WA 2023 fire season a ‘wake-up call,’ DNR chief says
Emergency blood supply dangerously low in WA
Seattle launches pilot program to tackle mental health calls
Snohomish County joins King in mandating stores to accept cash
Seattle students robbed in 14 incidents since September, police say
Opinion: Creating an ecosystem for Black homeownership in WA
Skagit Valley Herald
Inslee checks in on Skagit County’s electric ferry project
Spokesman Review
This year was one of Washington’s ‘most challenging’ fire seasons yet, according to lands chief
Sheriff tells Spokane Valley City Council policy change is underway after beating of man in park, saying his office ‘has to uphold public trust’
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Ferry service eyes Spring 2024 return to three-boat service on Vashon’s north end
Walla Walla Union Bulletin
‘A big change:’ Homeless alliance shows new transitional shelter
Washington Post
UAW and Ford reach tentative deal to end strike
U.S. economy grows at blockbuster pace in third quarter
As child-care crisis looms, Biden asks Congress for urgent help
WA State Standard
WA lands chief: State just had one of its ‘most challenging’ fire seasons ever
Washington fine-tunes its options for boosting electric vehicle sales
Washington lawmaker vows to fix law that’s failing to help victims of child sex trafficking (Orwall)
Wenatchee World
Wenatchee-based Stemilt Growers partners with Atlas Agro in green fertilizer, hydrogen plant
Yakima Herald-Republic
Boil water notice issued in Zillah after E.coli found in the water system
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
5 Shoreline elementary schools to lose district-run childcare next school year
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle outreach program offers a lifeline: Turning dilapidated RVs into permanent homes
Seattle launches crisis responder team to handle 911 calls alongside police and firefighters
Are 4-day school weeks better or worse for students? Here’s what the research says
KNKX Public Radio
Behind the effort to save Pierce County’s historic Parkland School
KUOW Public Radio
Protesters sought new 911 response in Seattle. Here it is
KXLY (ABC)
Local firefighter with cancer doesn’t qualify for worker’s compensation
NAACP criticizes county commissioners over appointment of Racial Equity Subcommittee chair
Q13 TV (FOX)
Pierce County considers new grant program to help small businesses upgrade security
Food Safety Lawyer: Check Halloween candy labels for Red No. 3, recently banned in California
UAW reaches tentative deal with Ford on new contract amind historic strike with Detroit automakers
Web
Cascadia Daily News
City, county fund winter and severe weather shelters
Crosscut
New study brings home the danger of fentanyl for WA residents
WA lawmaker moves to fix system for child sex trafficking victims (Orwall)
MyNorthwest
Seattle approves changes that allow them to pave Burke-Gilman’s ‘missing link’
Parents voice frustrations as Lake Stevens schools see 49 bus cancellations in less than 2 months
Providence nurses fight for better rights after more than 600 quit in last 18 months