FACT FOCUS: Democrats did not shut down the government to give health care to ‘illegal immigrants’
President Donald Trump and other high-ranking Republicans claim Democrats forced the government shutdown fight because they want to give free health care to immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Democrats are trying to extend tax credits that make health insurance premiums more affordable on marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, and reverse Medicaid cuts in Trump’s big bill passed this summer. But immigrants who entered the country illegally are not eligible for either program. Continue reading at King 5. (AP)
Government shutdown puts hospital funding in peril
Hospitals in rural and underserved areas could lose out on billions of dollars in federal funding if the government shutdown drags on. Why it matters: Many hospitals already run on tight margins and are bracing for fallout from Medicaid cuts and other changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The big picture: The immediate concern is health policies that expired when government funding lapsed at midnight Tuesday. Health providers and their lobbyists expect Congress will make providers whole in an eventual funding deal and reimburse claims made during the shutdown. Continue reading at Axios. (Brendan Lynch)
Trump admin looks at deep cuts to homeless housing program
The Trump administration is expected to dramatically cut funding for a permanent housing program — a move that could potentially reexpose tens of thousands of people to homelessness. More than half of the 2026 funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s homelessness program designated for permanent housing projects will be cut and moved to transitional housing assistance with some work or service requirements, according to three HUD employees and a person with inside knowledge of the Continuum of Care program as well as internal HUD documents obtained by POLITICO confirming the cuts. All the people were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Continue reading at Politico. (Mark Wilson)
Aberdeen Daily World
Debris piles to be burned within Olympic National Park
Axios
Southern resident orcas welcome new calf
Government shutdown puts hospital funding in peril
Kash Patel cuts FBI ties with Anti-Defamation League
How the federal shutdown is affecting Washington state
Trump admin uses government sites to blame Democrats for shutdown
Trump, Vought to decide which “Democrat Agencies” to cut during shutdown “opportunity”
Capital Press
Research shows fall cover crop grazing viable at higher altitudes
Courier-Herald
Buckley secures grant funds for Miller Park court construction
Everett Herald
Edmonds mayor presents mid-biennium budget proposal
Everett school bus drivers could strike amid contract fight
Western Washington University to guarantee admission to EvCC grads
Comment: Access to health care for millions hangs on shutdown
Comment: Those with autism need support, not blame, judgment
New York Times
New Tariffs Could Worsen America’s Housing Crisis
Here Are the Dueling Plans Behind the Shutdown Impasse
Trump Fired a U.S. Attorney Who Insisted on Following a Court Order
Trump Calls Shutdown an ‘Unprecedented Opportunity,’ and Eyes Deep Cuts
Government Shutdown Live Updates: Trump Promises Cuts to ‘Democrat Agencies’
Peninsula Daily News
Community Ridge forest is now open (Tharinger)
Shutdown may impact park, service members
Housing costs outpacing Clallam median incomes
Puget Sound Business Journal
AI’s rise sparks a new challenge for managers: Fighting ‘workslop’
What to expect at Sea-Tac Airport during the government shutdown
University endowments won’t be much help if research funding is cut
Seattle Times
WA’s active wildfires offer warning, state lands chief says
Shutdown could bring end of WA food program for mothers, babies
Tough Tacoma immigration judge named new U.S. attorney in Western WA
South Whidbey Record
Veterans share concerns with congressman
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Vashon health systems brace for federal cuts
Washington Post
Houses of worship tighten security amid rising number of attacks
U.S. used a transnational crime unit to secretly target campus protesters
Senior government officials privately warn against firings during shutdown
WA State Standard
Suicide claims more Gen Z lives than previous generation
Washington’s congressional lawmakers react to federal government shutdown
WA’s nutrition program for babies and mothers is at risk during federal shutdown
One eastern Oregon clinic is a health care ‘lifeline.’ Medicaid cuts threaten its existence
More money needed for fight against two invasive bugs, WA agriculture department says
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Ex-AG sees compromise possible amid federal worker concerns in WA
‘Mega’ property investors snap up Seattle homes, bucking national trend
Federal workers in Washington state brace for financial strain amid shutdown
‘It’s not a war zone’: Portlanders refute Trump claims as National Guard readies for deployment
FACT FOCUS: Democrats did not shut down the government to give health care to ‘illegal immigrants’
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
King County sees an increase in police chases this year
Bridge closure hurting business? Disaster funds are available
11 Pierce County deputies move to police department for better pay
$3.1 million awarded to combat youth homelessness in Pierce County
‘Not what the VA is for,’ Veterans frustrated by email blaming Democrats
King County prosecutor’s office expands efforts to prevent school violence
Lawsuit filed against immigration authorities after U.S. citizen’s arrests in raids
Five states file lawsuit against Zillow, Redfin, alleging they worked to eliminate competition
KXLY (ABC)
Spokane leaders form task force to tackle drugs, homelessness and crime
Federal shutdown threatens nutrition program for 212,000 Washington families
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Extending health care tax credits top Rep. Larsen’s government shutdown concerns
Opinion: How the First Amendment protects Americans’ speech — and how it does not
Politico
Trump admin looks at deep cuts to homeless housing program
The Urbanist
Op-Ed: Link Light Rail’s Success Depends on Second Downtown Seattle Tunnel
West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: SDOT’s Highland Park sidewalk/walkway plan
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday watch