Demand for homelessness services in Pierce County has surged so far this year, data shows
Pierce County Human Services recently reported that the county’s homelessness-response system has served nearly 17,500 people through the first three quarters of 2024. According to the data, the largest service used by more than 7,000 individuals has been the diversion program provided through Coordinated Entry. Diversion can often come in the form of cash assistance to prevent someone from becoming unhoused. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Tony Overman)
With $10B deficit looming, WA governor calls on state agencies to make cuts
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is warning of a budget deficit in excess of $10 billion and calling on state agencies to pare spending now to deal with it. A Nov. 8 memo from Inslee’s budget director cited rising costs, increasing demand for public services and lower-than-expected tax collections for a projected operating budget shortfall between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four years. Cuts are needed to balance the spending plan Inslee will release next month for the 2025-27 biennium. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Bill Lucia)
WA voter turnout dropped for all ages — especially young people
The 2024 election saw lower turnout across the nation, in every region and in many demographic groups. In Washington, the drop in participation was especially pronounced among young people. About 64% of registered voters 18 to 24 cast ballots this year — a decrease of about 8.5 percentage points from 2020. Younger folks almost always vote in lower numbers than older age groups, but this year’s turnout decline made that even more noticeable. Continue reading at KNKX. (Nate Sanford)
Axios
Seattle police step up patrols after 10 stabbings
Dan Newhouse, Republican who voted to impeach Trump, wins reelection
Bellingham Herald
Bellingham announces impending cleanup of one encampment, stricter enforcement at another
WSDOT announces Highway 20 will close for winter ahead of snowstorm forecast for the weekend
Capital Press
Odds still favor La Nina, but it’s looking more iffy
On UN stage, Inslee calls cap-and-trade critics back home ‘miscreants’
Commentary: Electronic ear tag mandates for cattle should be scrapped
Everett Herald
After a monthslong lane closure, Highway 529 bridge to reopen Monday
See where state money is funding environmental work in Snohomish County
Federal Way Mirror
FW’s legislative agenda focuses on cameras, transportation (C. Wilson, Taylor, Reeves)
Islands’ Weekly
Progress for reproductive rights will continue in Washington despite Trump’s election
News Tribune
‘It’s heartbreaking’: Tacoma charter school to close, leaving 1 left in Pierce County
Tacoma Public Schools under fire after Native student told to ditch regalia at graduation
Pierce County council member will be new Assessor-Treasurer. What happens to his seat?
Demand for homelessness services in Pierce County has surged so far this year, data shows
New York Times
Biden Cements TSMC Grant Before Trump Takes Over
Three-Quarters of U.S. Adults Are Now Overweight or Obese
Trump Immigration Targets: Ukrainians, Venezuelans, Haitians
Nuclear Power Was Once Shunned at Climate Talks. Now, It’s a Rising Star.
Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle council members voice concerns over capital gains tax proposal
Will Covid-era SBA loans be forgiven? Here’s how Trump’s win changes the dynamics
Seattle Times
Oregon whooping cough cases trend toward record as vaccinations dip
Boeing lays off 400-plus members of SPEEA, professional aerospace union
Spokesman Review
Abandoned RVs piling up after Washington’s program put on pause that reimbursed disposal
Colville City Council passes 6-month moratorium after rallies opposing behavioral health facilities
Spokane County Commission partially grants Mayor Brown’s conditions for joining regional 911 system Spokane Public Schools’ new board appointee to prioritize ‘protecting what we have’ as Trump promises education reform
Tri-City Herald
‘Road to the future.’ Deals top $8.6B for this remote Eastern WA clean energy park
Washington Post
‘This is a good fit’: Inside enrollment gains at historically Black colleges
Changes RFK Jr. could make as HHS secretary, from vaccines to raw milk
Checks and balances? Some GOP lawmakers say just do whatever Trump wants.
Drought in the U.S. is so severe, only significant rainfall will help break the trend
WA State Standard
WA agency failed to catch doubled-up benefit payments
With $10B deficit looming, WA governor calls on state agencies to make cuts (Robinson)
Wildfire survivors appeal to Congress to end federal income tax on settlements, lawyer fees
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘Crisis mode’ prompts Tacoma Humane to waive dog adoption fees
Gun rights advocates may sue Washington state over computer breach
Hundreds of SPEEA employees included in Boeing layoffs, union confirms
Police arrest suspect accused of vandalizing Bellevue Pride art installation
Power to the people: PSE upgrades electrical grid in vulnerable community
Man killed in Tumwater after being struck by driver fleeing traffic stop, deputies say
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Gun sales on hold with court system down
KIRO 7 investigates a gap in Seattle school safety plan
Bellevue officer severely hurt in fall off overpass suing state
Statewide cyberattack continues to cripple Washington courts
Bellevue police arrest man in connection to vandalization of City’s Pride art installation
Seattle man faces multiple assault charges after Chinatown-International District stabbing spree
KNKX Public Radio
WA voter turnout dropped for all ages — especially young people
As Trump’s GOP takes control, what’s next for Washington’s Democrat-led Legislature? (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon)
KUOW Public Radio
Gov. Inslee in Azerbaijan for global climate talks
Bob Ferguson, chess master and Washington’s next governor, preps for Trump rematch
KXLY (ABC)
Ephrata Schools closed Friday, events canceled due to online threats
WSDOT project aims to make Division Street safer for bikers and pedestrians
Spokane C.O.P.S. program preparing to shut down, will lose city funding December 31st
WA gun retailers frustrated with background check delays due to court system shutdown
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Lummi Nation, Port of Anacortes receive millions for pier, dock replacements
More than $279M in federal funds have paid for Whatcom, Skagit transportation projects
Crosscut
What Seattle residents want to see in the $8.3B city budget
MyNorthwest
New motorhomes in WA could be banned in a matter of weeks
‘Blood on your hands:’ UW president Cauce’s home, car vandalized
Leaked email: Unincorporated King County Sheriff’s Office nearly $2M over budget