Interest rates have dropped, but homeowners are not moving
The housing economy is in trouble, and a major reason has been soaring interest rates, which hit a high-water mark of 7.79 percent last fall. Since then, the 30-year mortgage rate has dipped into the low 7s, then the high 6s and as of last week, it fell to 6.35 percent. The drop — coupled with a “likely” rate cut by the Federal Reserve at their upcoming meeting in September — should spell good news for the housing economy, but a major structural problem remains. Close to 60 percent of homeowners have outstanding mortgages that are locked in at rates below 4 percent, according to recently released data from Redfin. Continue reading at The New York Times. (Jackie Molloy)
Washington teacher pay near national high
According to an NEA report released in April 2024, Washington state starting teacher salaries ranked third highest in the nation, with the average state teacher’s starting salary at $55,631 — or $11,101 more than the national average of $44,530. Nationally, the average teacher salary, according to the NEA, came in at $69,544, while Washington’s teachers earned an average of $86,804. That makes Washington state teachers the fourth highest paid, on average, in the nation. Continue reading at The Port Townsend Leader. (OSPI)
Did you use Rainier’s new reservation system this year? The park wants to hear from you.
Reservations are no longer required to enter Mount Rainier National Park. Now, after the park’s first summer testing a timed reservation system, it wants to hear from visitors about how it went. Those who used the reservation system can submit public comments on the experience before Sept. 15. The public comments and reservation data will be evaluated by park officials to determine if the reservation system should continue in the future, park planner Teri Tucker said. An update to the park management plan is expected later this year. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Laurel Demkovich)
Aberdeen Daily World
New health clinic opens in Westport
Axios
Heat wave intensifies from Phoenix to LA, north to Seattle
Capital Press
EFSEC reschedules vote on Horse Heaven wind and solar project
Columbian
Williams Mine Fire continues to burn in fire scars in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Tacoma has spent $160K on boulders to deter homeless camping. Advocates are displeased
Kroger’s CEO says shoppers would see lower prices after the chain’s merger with Albertsons
Clark County Public Health campaign focuses on proper disposal of e-cigarettes, vaping devices
Everett Herald
Arlington, Mount Vernon doctors file to unionize
5 things to know as Snohomish County exec proposes 2-year, $3B budget
In Marysville development, community and sustainability ‘go hand in hand’
Comment: As strike looms, Biden administration monitors Boeing labor talks
High Country News
What tribal leaders think about Interior’s dams report
The Inlander
Community leaders share their priorities for Kevin Hall, Spokane’s new police chief
Spokane wants to finish joining the regional 911 center, but finance and governance questions remain
News Tribune
Heatwave expected to sweep through Washington, raising the risk of heat-related illness
‘Mismanagement’? Pierce exec forced to declare emergency to save homelessness response
Tacoma has spent $160K on boulders to deter homeless camping. Advocates are displeased
This tiny WA town was the top Airbnb destination worldwide for summer 2024. Here’s why
New York Times
Teenage E-Cigarette Use Drops to a 10-Year Low
Interest Rates Have Dropped, but Homeowners Are Not Moving
The Hot Labor Market Has Melted Away. Just Ask New College Grads.
Port Townsend Leader
Washington teacher pay near national high
Electrification money for ports to help cut emissions
Ban on harvest of all Port Townsend Bay shellfish but crab and shrimp remains in force
Puget Sound Business Journal
Bellevue Arts Museum abruptly closes
Microsoft selling off property to multifamily developer
Settlement may loosen NAR’s ‘stranglehold’ on real estate industry
Seattle Times
The best time to get a flu shot
Brush fire closes Blewett Pass near Wenatchee and Leavenworth
Nearly 200 people sue WA, alleging sex abuse in juvenile detention
Opinion: Seattle seems to be accepting a new normal of higher gun violence
Opinion: Make middle housing in WA easier to build
Spokesman Review
State Sen. Mark Schoesler arrested on suspicion of DUI
Spokane mayor announces cost saving measures, less grim budget outlook
MultiCare expands SANE training for nurses who treat victims of sexual assault
Spokane Valley Councilman Al Merkel found “likely in violation” of Public Records Act
Washington Post
Tribal health officials ‘blinded’ by lack of data
FDA gives an early nod to psychedelic research
WA State Standard
Did you use Rainier’s new reservation system this year? The park wants to hear from you.
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Redmond pot shop targeted in crash-and-grab burglary for fifth time in last year
Suspect in I-5 shooting spree told police he fired at vehicles because he feared for his life
Seattle family loses thousands of dollars to apartment scam when looking for home for disabled son
Portions of roads in downtown Auburn will close for 2 years for Sound Transit parking garage construction
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle Center Monorail fare to increase
As many as 9 burglars ram Redmond pot shop, flee with goods
Seattle students return to heightened security at start of new school year
Back-to-School: Nine cities in 3 counties have school zone speed cameras
Pierce County’s Crisis Recovery Center closed in March. When will it reopen?
KNKX Public Radio
As school starts, questions about finances and safety linger
KUOW Public Radio
Utility rates slated to steadily rise in Seattle, starting in 2025
KXLY (ABC)
New cafe provides free meals and fellowship for Medical Lake seniors
Sacred Heart workers to rally Thursday over planned child inpatient psychiatric unit closure
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announces more voluntary retirement options to combat budget deficit
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom Water Week turns focus on conservation and education
MyNorthwest
Security highly visible as students return to Seattle’s Garfield High School
The Urbanist
Jerusalem Demsas on How Housing Became a Crisis
Spot Fixes to Improve Safety on Lake Washington Boulevard Move Forward