Air travel, SNAP benefits, back pay at issue as federal government slowly reopens
The record 43-day government shutdown that ended Wednesday night scrambled air travel, interrupted food assistance and forced federal workers to go without a paycheck for weeks. It also cost the U.S. economy about $15 billion per week, White House Council of Economic Advisers Director Kevin Hassett told reporters Thursday. As the government began to reopen Thursday, officials were working to untangle those issues and others. But in some areas, the processes for getting things back to normal after such a lengthy shutdown will also take time. Continue reading at WSS. (Spencer Platt)
Family files lawsuit against telehealth company they say contributed to WSU student’s suicide
The family of a Washington State University freshman who died by suicide nearly three years ago has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a telehealth company he used to receive a prescription for the anti-depressants they say contributed to his death. The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court on Wednesday, alleges that 19-year-old Luke Tyler received a prescription for an anti-depressant medication from a provider on the platform Him and Hers without proper consultation and despite Luke’s disclosed history of undiagnosed depression. The lawsuit alleges the company’s “dangerous, profit-driven scheme resulted in Luke’s death” and alleges the company, and its providers, acted negligently. Continue reading at Spokesman-Review. (Spokesman)
Seattle Starbucks Workers on the Picket Kick Off Nationwide Strike
At 9 a.m. Thursday morning, at what’s usually a busy time of day for a coffee shop, the U-District Starbucks was locked up. Lights out, chairs on tables, and empty inside. Outside, about 25 union baristas and their supporters lined the sidewalk. The same scene was playing out in Queen Anne (1144 Elliott Ave W), Portland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York City, and others. Thousands of employees at 40 stores nationwide are on strike after Starbucks went six months without offering new bargaining proposals, and more than 18 months after national contract bargaining began. Continue reading at The Stranger. (Micah Yip)
Aberdeen Daily World
Taholah School District to break ground on earthquake-safe K–12 school
Grays Harbor County resident tests preliminarily positive for avian influenza
Capital Press
Washington forest board takes 200,000 acres out of production
Orchardist seeks at least $1 million for alleged pesticide substitution
Farmers welcome reopening of federal government, urge work on new farm bill
Everett Herald
Everett law adds additional consequences for domestic violence
Opinion: A state income tax is fair and can fund our needs
Kitsap Sun
Bainbridge Island city manager announces retirement
News Tribune
This Tacoma-area trail is getting a $1M facelift. Take a look
Shooter in Pierce County murder case wins resentencing. Here’s what we know
New York Times
Katie Wilson, a Political Newcomer, Is Elected Mayor in Seattle
Puget Sound Business Journal
Lumen Field embarks on branding makeover ahead of 2026 World Cup
SBA loan backlog awaits as shutdown ends. Here’s what businesses need to know.
Companies are requiring more time in the office. Here’s how it’s affecting Seattle commutes.
Seattle Times
Editorial: Philanthropy done right for the benefit of WA kids
Opinion: Future of clean energy and salmon depends on collaboration, not courts
Spokesman Review
Family files lawsuit against telehealth company they say contributed to WSU student’s suicide
Opinion: Cutting programs like SNAP risks our kids’ stability – potentially well after the shutdown
Washington Post
Raising kids is too expensive, most Americans say in new survey
Trump faces heat from MAGA base on ‘America first’ agenda, Epstein
WA State Standard
With progressive council wins, Spokane swings left
4-ton Marcus Whitman statue at WA Capitol still in need of new home
Air travel, SNAP benefits, back pay at issue as federal government slowly reopens
2021 heat dome left Rhode Island-sized damage in Oregon and Washington forests
As health costs spike, a sour and divided Congress escapes one shutdown to face another
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Rural food bank struggles to meet surging demand
When will SNAP benefits return now that the shutdown is over?
Tacoma police will not be implementing ‘ShotSpotter’ technology
Emergency repairs to damaged I-90 overpass near Cle Elum set to begin this month
Starbucks workers picket on Red Cup Day as nationwide strike disrupts Seattle locations
Mayor-elect Katie Wilson vows to rebuild trust in City Hall in first major post-election speech
KXLY (ABC)
Moses Lake Education Association authorizes strike in lack of agreement with school district
Web
Cascadia Daily News
State narrowly approves new stream buffer rule for logging
Is an old law helping PeaceHealth maintain its local monopoly?
Open letter to WWU administration criticizes layoffs in student affairs
The Stranger
Seattle Starbucks Workers on the Picket Kick Off Nationwide Strike
Op-Ed: Are We Watching the Death of Centrism in American Politics?
The Urbanist
Harrell Concedes to Wilson, Ushering in a New Era in Seattle
West Seattle Blog
VIDEO: Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson promises ‘to be a mayor for everyone’
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Friday notes, including Delridge onramp flooding and other trouble