Downbeat outlook persists in WA’s final budget forecast of the year
Washington state budget writers got a mild dose of good news on Tuesday, but are still looking at a strained balance sheet. Revenue projections show collections up $105 million for the current two-year state budget compared to the last forecast in September. That amounts to a 0.1% increase, a change from previous reports showing precipitous drops. House Democrats’ chief budget writer, Timm Ormsby, called the forecast a “little welcome relief.” Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Bill Lucia)
The job market is heating up — for jobs that people usually don’t want
Job seekers can’t be choosy in today’s stalling U.S. labor market. Even when the job is flagging traffic for 12 hours in the Atlanta sun. Two years ago, the CEO of AQC Traffic Control fielded around 10 applications a week for long shifts directing motorists to stop or slow down near construction sites, braving both the summer heat and the winter cold. Today, Marcus Rush is seeing up to 80. “When my office phone rings, my ears perk up because I wonder if it’s a new customer,” Rush said. “Now, every time I hear a phone ring, it’s someone calling in to check on a job application. That never used to happen.” Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Megan Varner)
Amtrak ridership grows as faster trains head to Seattle
More people are riding Amtrak than ever, and the Pacific Northwest is part of the boom. Why it matters: Seattle is a key hub in Amtrak’s plan to modernize passenger rail, improve reliability and expand fast train service, signaling a long-term bet on train travel in the region. By the numbers: Amtrak carried a record 34.5 million passengers in fiscal year 2025, up 5% from last year. Operating revenue rose 9% and ticket sales hit $2.7 billion — a 10% jump. The company remains on track to reach profitability by 2028. Continue reading at Axios. (Amtrak)
Aberdeen Daily World
No rate increase in 2026 PUD budget
Avian influenza continues to be detected across the state
2021 heat dome left Rhode Island-sized damage in PNW
Axios
Amtrak ridership grows as faster trains head to Seattle
Seattle walking tour revives legacy of “Green Book” sites
Bellingham Herald
BP pipeline leak spills undetermined amount of fuel near Everett
Bellingham Allegiant pilots picket for higher wages as part of nationwide action
Capital Press
Yakima basin reservoirs still low, but rising
Trump narrows WOTUS definition, stirring Clean Water Act controversy
Nearly 2.1 million U.S. turkeys have been killed due to bird flu since late August
The Daily News
Ag giant eyes long-abandoned Longview port Berth 4
$29B company aims to export potash from Longview. So what is it?
Vet industry aims to grow 10% within decade. Here’s how Kelso aims to fill jobs.
Everett Herald
Snohomish County Council seeks to appoint District Court judge
Marysville School District close to naming permanent superintendent
DNR appeals ruling that it must account for climate change in individual timber sales
Opinion: Can we focus on solutions, not ‘isms’?
Comment: What states are doing to save their property taxes
Comment: Canada lost its measles-free status; U.S. likely next
Kitsap Sun
Opinion: Where’s the courage to stand up to Trump’s unauthorized military strikes?
Olympian
WA just released the latest revenue forecast. Here’s what the numbers mean
What will repairs cost after WA Capitol break-in? Damages are ‘pretty sobering’
WA residents paying nearly $1,000 more due to Trump economic policies, DNC says
Port Townsend Leader
Big Quilcene River rebuild targets persistent flooding, habitat decline
County wrestles with deficit; sheriff’s office asked to cut budget by $1M
Seattle Medium
King County Invests $25 Million In Nonprofit Workers Amid Rising Costs And Burnout
Seattle Voters Approve $1.3 Billion FEPP Levy To Expand Childcare, School Health And Free College
Seattle Times
Washington faces $66 million revenue hit in latest state forecast
Seattle Center arts groups will get $7M from Paul Allen foundation
Sara Nelson wants to restrict political consultants at Seattle City Hall
The job market is heating up — for jobs that people usually don’t want
Tri-City Herald
ICE looks to WA tribes to house detained immigrants
Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Lawmakers urge islanders to support tax reform (Alvarado, Fitzgibbon, Thomas)
Washington Post
DeSantis’s makeover of ‘left-wing’ Florida college has been costly
These are the deadliest roads in America. See if you live near one.
One of America’s most dangerous volcanoes will soon power homes
Despite congressional action, quick release of Epstein files is in doubt
WA State Standard
FDA’s abortion-pill safety review under growing scrutiny
Downbeat outlook persists in WA’s final budget forecast of the year (Ormsby, Robinson)
After fierce fight, WA lawmaker secures US House rebuke of fellow Democrat
Trump administration unveils plan to try to dismantle Department of Education
State election officials in letter ask if they were ‘misled’ by Trump administration
Members of Democratic caucus press ICE for answers on detainment of pregnant women
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Providence Swedish to cut 296 positions, citing financial challenges
King County approves $20B budget as state revenue forecasts tighten
Tacoma considers long-term safety plan, including ‘alternatives’ to police response
King County Council votes to temporarily fund the county’s only film production studio
Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Portland and Chicago are being sent home
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Who’s really paying for the cleanup of last year’s bomb cyclone?
What lessons did utility companies learn from the bomb cyclone?
Swedish to eliminate nearly 300 positions across Puget Sound area
Bipartisan bill aims to pay air traffic controllers during future shutdowns
Court settlement calls for NPR to get $36M in government funds to operate US public radio system
KUOW Public Radio
What’s next with investing WA’s long-term care fund in stocks
WA’s new ban on medical debt in credit reports at risk of federal override
NW Public Radio
Bateman Island causeway demolition set to start in December
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Port commissioners approve 2026 budget, cruise feasibility study
Compass 2 Campus proves college can be a reality for underrepresented students
Positions cut in Bellingham budget include climate policy manager, emergency planner
InvestigateWest
Native American kids less likely than others in WA to be offered second chance in juvenile court, data shows
MyNorthwest
Washington revenue forecast dips by $66 million
Providence Swedish to cut nearly 300 positions, citing ‘economic pressures’
Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Portland and Chicago are being sent home
The Urbanist
Book Review: How a Highway Map Wrecked Baltimore
Washington Observer
Washington v Washington (Riccelli)
Washington juices the EV market
A new juvenile institution on the way? (Robinson, Wilson)
West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
Early reminder: State increasing plastic-bag fee by 50 percent next year