Concealed carry licenses in Washington jump after approval of gun permit law
The number of Washingtonians licensed to carry concealed pistols is climbing rapidly in the face of a new state law that will require prospective gun owners to secure a state permit before purchasing a firearm. In all of 2024, the total number of Washingtonians with concealed carry licenses increased by fewer than 6,000, compared to about 14,000 already this year, state data show. By the end of July, Washington had 713,195 active concealed pistol licenses, known as CPLs, according to the state Department of Licensing. That’s up from 699,000 licenses to start the year and equivalent to about one license for every 11 residents. Continue reading at KUOW. (Timothy Dykes)
Washington ferries are going hybrid-electric, but disposal of old ones poses environmental, legal risks
An abandoned former Washington state ferry, the Olympic, rests slanted on a shoreline off Ketron Island, in southern Puget Sound. Aboard, flakes of corroded steel and other debris scatter across the floors, graffiti lines the walls, and at high tide, water pours over the deck. Rust has crept over its forest green paint, the signature color of Washington State Ferries. Some 25 years ago, the Olympic sold for $71,000 at a state surplus auction. Years later, it sold again. This time, allegedly, on eBay. Continue reading at InvestigateWest. (Aspen Ford)
WA unemployment holds steady at 4.5%, job growth shows signs of slowing
Washington’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.5% in July, the Employment Security Department confirmed. The state added 10,800 jobs, showing signs of continued, but slowing growth, according to the department. “After a slow start to 2025, job growth in June and July brought the Washington employment landscape back to the overall story of continuing — but slowing – growth,” Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department, said in a prepared statement. “Washington businesses added 10,800 jobs in July and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.5%.” Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (KIRO 7)
Capital Press
‘Highly competitive’ Colombia purchases U.S. wheat
U.S. sets record for exporting energy, mostly fossil fuels
Three competitors dragged into antitrust lawsuit against John Deere
Everett Herald
Restoring the natural order
Sound Transit breaks ground on massive Bothell bus facility
Snohomish County Council grapples with worse-than-expected budget woes
The Inlander
Spokane City Council could require contractors on major public works projects to sign union agreements and hire economically disadvantaged workers
Oped: Spokane Transit Authority should take advantage of new state law allowing transit users onto transit boards
Kitsap Sun
Sedgwick ramp closing for another weekend, as road project nears completion
News Tribune
Hazy skies forecast for Pierce County as fire in Olympics continues to burn
Report: Lots of apartments planned in Tacoma, but many remain on pause
Mount Rainier butterfly researchers track climate change. What have they found?
New York Times
Big Tech’s A.I. Data Centers Are Driving Up Electricity Bills for Everyone
Puget Sound Business Journal
Providence signals more layoffs in WA
How rental rules may shift for World Cup
How tariff turmoil is affecting the appeal of “Made in USA”
Two generations are making a risky bet on housing. It may not pay off.
Seattle Times
WA launches online Narcan finder
Estonian nationals sentenced in WA for $577M Ponzi scheme
Lawsuit claims abuse report led to retaliation by Hilary Franz
Judge blocks use of WA Medicaid data for immigration enforcement
Groups sue to try to get Tacoma $20 minimum wage initiative on ballot
Spokesman Review
Inland Northwest fires ignite under red flag warning
Wildfire from Olympic National Park casts thin veil of smoke over Spokane
Labor strike causes construction delay on North Spokane Corridor, asphalt supply concerns
Tri-City Herald
Will Chiawana still be WA’s largest high school after Sageview opens?
Richland halts all school employee hiring 2 weeks before classes begin
Strike idles Eastern WA, Tri-Cities construction sites as workers seek ‘fair wages’
Comment: Women, volunteers left behind in Washington firefighter protections
WA State Standard
Venezuelan man sues Montana authorities after arrest, detention in Tacoma ICE facility
Tacoma detention center must pay for violating minimum wage law, appeals court affirms
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
ICE arrests dip in July but remain high in Washington
Funding delay forces thousands of low-income seniors out of jobs
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
I-5 closure ends this weekend, with years of work still coming
Wildfire smoke could create ‘hazardous’ air quality in Mason County
WA unemployment holds steady at 4.5%, job growth shows signs of slowing
KUOW Public Radio
Seattle considers measure to protect homeowners from predatory offers
Concealed carry licenses in Washington jump after approval of gun permit law
KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Falls Community College receives over $100,000 for its AI training program
New partnership provides Douglas County deputies with more resources for crisis calls
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office warning of scammers calling and posing as law enforcement to get people to evacuate their homes
Web
InvestigateWest
Washington ferries are going hybrid-electric, but disposal of old ones poses environmental, legal risks
MyNorthwest
WA unemployment holds steady at 4.5%, job growth shows signs of slowing
The Urbanist
Op-Ed: Tech Workers Must Challenge the Political Power of Their Bosses
West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday info
ROAD-WORK ALERT: Highway 99 tunnel closures ahead for traction improvement