Daily E-Clips

Thursday, November 12

Quincy data center growth faces power limits, eminent domain fight over new transmission line
In the national debate over the rapid expansion of data centers, Microsoft has pointed to Quincy, Washington, as an example of how the industry can benefit a community. However, the utility serving the city has restricted more development until more electricity can be brought to the community. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

Upthegrove, local officials implore Legislature for wildfire funding on heels of historic wildfire season
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove told reporters Tuesday at a 2026 state wildfire recap news conference that more than 1,500 fires burned nearly 1 million acres across the state this year. Cindy Marchand, chairwoman of the Colville Confederated Tribes, said almost 200,000 acres burned this year on her reservation, highlighted by the Modrite and Kaiser Canyon fires. About 1 million acres have burned on the 1.4-million-acre reservation since 2014. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (August Frank)

Will Cascadia High-Speed Rail stop in Olympia, Tacoma and Bellingham?
A Washington high-speed rail system could transport between 1.7 million and 3.1 million riders per year and generate between $160 million and $250 million in annual revenue after opening, according to WSDOT…WSDOT’s website also cites 2017 estimates that up-front construction costs could range between $24 billion and $42 billion. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Courtesy WSDOT)

Washington Observer
An early challenger for Ferguson? (Santos, Stonier)

Tuesday, November 10

WA sued over Initiative 638 ban on trans girls in girls school sports
The lawsuit says school sports are an essential part of public education in Washington, including for transgender students. It argues that I-638 discriminates against all girls and infringes on their privacy by requiring them to verify their sex before they can play school sports. It also argues that the initiative discriminates against transgender girls by excluding them from girls sports. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson)

Data center developers brace for new reality as election backlash sinks in
A renewed effort to regulate data centers is expected in January in Washington state — home to the headquarters of Sabey, Microsoft and Amazon. Continue reading at Geekwire. (Lisa Stiffler)

How far does the minimum wage stretch in Washington state? See new ranking
At No. 4, Washington state had a minimum wage sufficiency of 64%, with a minimum wage salary of $35,630 and a living wage of $55,307. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Anton Smirnov)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
2026 General Election results inching closer to certification
Opinion: Fellow Republicans, Trump’s era is over. We need a new direction

Axios
Seattle’s forest restoration work earns UN honor
Washington Democrats eye largest state House share since 1939
Washington children’s health care accounting errors could cost $654M (Robinson)

Bellingham Herald
How far does the minimum wage stretch in Washington state? See new ranking
Washington county weighs parking ban near trails used by over 40,000 people a year
Democratic lawmakers in Washington state say healthcare funding should be priority for Congress (Riccelli)

Capital Press
State ag directors press USDA for bird flu vaccine for cattle
Upper Snake reservoir system Oct. 31 volume avoids ’03 low

The Daily News
$30M flood protection project enters final phase in Lexington
Longview auctions 50 tiny homes from former HOPE Village site

Everett Herald
Mountlake Terrace continues 2027-28 budget process
WSDOT unveils preferred design for US 2 trestle replacement
Monroe bird flu: Two fish and wildlife workers exposed to infected birds
Comment: Governor must put politics aside and let Washington’s kids benefit from federal education tax credit program

Kitsap Sun
More apartments planned for Port Orchard’s Bethel Road corridor

News Tribune
State regulators receive complaints about deadly Puyallup rail crossing
Olympia childcare workers unionize at center downtown. ‘We’re losing teachers.’

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing to cut commercial airplane workforce by 5%
Everett to tap transit merger windfall for stadium project
Thousands of SBA borrowers will feel the squeeze of rising rates
Opinion: How labor peace helped put Seattle on the global stage

Seattle Medium
Seattle School Board Authorizes Potential Legal Action Over Girls’ Sports Initiative

Seattle Times
WA sued over Initiative 683 ban on trans girls in girls school sports
Seattle School Board approves legal fight against ban on trans athletes

South Seattle Emerald
Community Leaders Seek Black Cultural Corridor to Sustain Yesler Way Legacy

Spokesman Review
Longview mill shuttered after deadly spill plans December restart
State school superintendent will not seek re-election, considering bid for state or federal office

WA State Standard
WA state schools chief won’t seek re-election in 2028
Is the honeymoon over for data centers in Washington?
Parents, groups sue over transgender student athletes initiative
Trump’s DOJ ends California suit over suspected noncitizen voters after midterm losses

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Why 3 cities want to hit pause on SEA Airport expansion
3 Seattle hotel employers to pay $133K in worker settlement
What a supermajority means for House Democrats in Olympia (Doglio)
Audit finds ‘shortcomings’ in Seattle’s crime surveillance program
Boeing slows production plans, announces 5% reduction in workforce
Seattle Public Schools authorizes legal action against I-638, banning trans girls in sports
Large vehicles restricted at Orcas Island ferry terminal after cracks discovered in support beams
Former inmate who says transgender cellmate assaulted her wins federal case against WA prisons

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
3 WA school districts prepare to sue state over funding
Audit identifies gaps in safeguards for Seattle’s Real-Time Crime Center
Washington state selects Jimi Hendrix for 2029 U.S. Mint coin program
Boeing to cut 5% of commercial airplane workforce as production ramp slows
‘Needs to be improved’: Report targets gaps in WA’s involuntary treatment system
Chris Reykdal won’t seek reelection as state superintendent, weighs run for another office
Seattle School Board authorizes potential legal action over I-638 regarding sex-based sports
King County mental health crisis center renovation estimate more than doubles to $35 million

KNKX Public Radio
Washington Democrats nab supermajority in state House

KUOW Public Radio
Boeing to lay off 5% of commercial airplane workforce
Seattle schools poised to sue over trans sports ban initiative
Boeing announces pending layoffs. Why now and what’s next?
‘It’s a really tough market.’ 11 Washingtonians weigh in on the jobs outlook
The Democratic Party gained power across the country in the midterms. Now what?
Surveillance audit ordered by Seattle mayor calls for more ‘guardrails’ for technology
Hoping to get a green card for a family member in the Seattle area? It could take years
Faced with influx, prosecutor in Washington says he lacks resources to defend immigration cases

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Parks brings back Longevity Fit for adults 55 and older
Reykdal won’t seek a fourth term as state superintendent in 2028
School districts consider energy drink bans due to teen health risks

Web

Cascade PBS
WATCH: How medicaid cuts will affect Washington’s apple health

Geekwire
Data center developers brace for new reality as election backlash sinks in (Doglio)
Microsoft awards $20K grants to 25 Seattle-area nonprofits amid state budget crunch and tax debate

InvestigateWest
Audit finds Washington agency failed to respond in time to vulnerable adult safety concerns (Rule)
Idaho judge orders release of police employment records to InvestigateWest, Invisible Institute

The Stranger
Black Women Saved Our Empire
Slog AM: Washington Latinos Flip Legislative Seats for the Dems…

The Urbanist
WSDOT Seeks Feedback in I-5 High Speed Rail Survey

West Seattle Blog
ELECTION 2026: Seattle Public Schools might sue over I-638

Monday, November 9

After 30 years, Democrats just cracked WA’s ‘Cascade curtain’
Outside of one district centered on Spokane, there have been zero other state or federal-level Democrats in the entire ruby-red expanse east of the Cascade Mountains since 2010. There hasn’t been a Democrat in the Yakima area since the last ones were washed out in the Republican “revolution” of 1994. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Evan Abell)

Feds ask for proposals for industrial use of Hanford land. Data centers possible
The Department of Energy issued a request for industry proposals Friday to use up to 3,700 acres of unneeded Hanford nuclear site land in Eastern Washington for industrial projects. The uses to be considered could include data centers or other computing capabilities, new energy generation, advanced manufacturing or development of critical materials. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Bob Brawdy)

Washington schools prepare to sue the state for failing to fund public education
School boards for the Lake Washington, Tacoma and Yakima districts contend the state’s failure to meet its constitutional obligations is forcing them to rely on local levy dollars to pay day-to-day expenses, echoing an argument made in the landmark McCleary ruling that forced the state to pump billions of additional dollars into education. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Dana DiFilippo)

Print

Axios
Seattle schools dial back tech
Seattle’s high-speed rail dream needs your input

Capital Press
Oregon declares end to record-breaking fire season
Chatbots gain influence over farm policy, expert says
Bird flu hits 47,000 chickens in Western Washington
Number of farmers, ranchers in Congress drops from 33 to at least 23

The Daily News
Nippon president retires as Longview mill works toward restart
Opinion: Can we please end these gerrymandering wars now?

Everett Herald
Boeing’s 737 backlog grows after record order
SnoCo first responders practice water rescues ahead of flood season
Everett plans to use $33M of transit merger funds for stadium project

Kitsap Sun
‘Second chances’ program at Kitsap County hits milestone
What should Washington’s new ferries look like? You can help choose
Opinion: In Kitsap Homes of Compassion’s wake, here’s an idea to help
Kitsap Veterans Day events include parade, ceremonies and free breakfast

News Tribune
Major Puyallup intersection is closing for up to six weeks for construction
Changes to Tacoma Liquefied Natural Gas facility permit proposed by PSE
How do you get ‘tire buster’ potholes fixed in Tacoma? Repair crews have a list

New York Times
Mysterious Request Scrambles Major Supreme Court Gun Case
Senator Tells Google to Let Schools Disable A.I. Features in Search
Congress Returns to a Reordered Washington With a Hazy Agenda
Why Colorado Is at the Epicenter of So Many Supreme Court Clashes
Bipartisan Support for Israel Erodes as Both Sides Push for New Limits
Trump Administration Steps Into Planned Parenthood Lawsuit in Texas
In Elevating Stephen Miller, Trump Doubles Down on Hard-Line Agenda
Immigrants Are Being Systematically Returned Home Despite Court Orders
With Hopes Low and Temperatures High, Climate Summit Opens in Turkey
U.S. Global Health Strategy Jeopardizes Prevention of Pandemics, Experts Warn
Unfazed by Midterm Rebuke, Miller Is Poised to Push the Limits of Trump’s Power

Northwest Asian Weekly
Racist signs disrupt Seattle Center Diwali celebration
AAPIs played substantial role in 2026 midterms — and will continue to do so in future elections

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon eyes more data centers in WA
WA governor meets with NBA commissioner as league weighs Seattle expansion

Seattle Times
Why blue WA voted to ban trans athletes from girls sports
After 30 years, Democrats just cracked WA’s ‘Cascade curtain’
Stephen Miller’s promotion angers industries reeling from immigration enforcement
States are forcing hospitals to offer more people financial aid. In Oregon, it’s working

Spokesman Review
Feds ask for proposals for industrial use of Hanford land. Data centers possible
Democratic lawmakers in Washington state say healthcare funding should be priority for Congress (Riccelli)
Inland Northwest universities feel the pinch of competition as enrollment trends downward nationwide

WA State Standard
In WA, voters keep a controversial county sheriff in the saddle
Feds can’t force WA to set aside alleged noncitizen ballots, judge rules
Air taxi to Legislature: Spokane-Olympia direct flights to launch in 2027
Oregon, three other state AGs sue over Trump’s Medicaid work requirements
Washington schools prepare to sue the state for failing to fund public education
Democrats romped in state elections. What will they do with their newfound power?

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Defense company agrees to buy Kirkland startup in deal valued at $5.3B
Seattle schools want Google AI gone; company says Search could go with it
Proposal to build apartments on site of Ballard Goodwill moves forward, neighbors push back

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Diwali celebrations continue despite disruption at Seattle Center (Dhingra)
Mayor Wilson expects to select Seattle’s next police chief in coming months
Seattle Public Schools expands screen-time limits, blocks YouTube for elementary students

KXLY (ABC)
Northbound lane closures on Highway 395 in north Spokane beginning Monday

Web

Cascade PBS
What Medicaid and ACA cuts mean for Washington
WATCH: How federal changes impact Washington health coverage

Geekwire
New tax incentives give Washington’s sustainable aviation fuel industry a boost

MyNorthwest
Spokane–Olympia flights to begin in January as scheduled service returns after two decades – MyNorthwest.com

The Urbanist
‘The Forge District’: Kirkland Gives NE 85th Station Area a Rebrand

Washington Observer
Winners and losers in Washington’s 2026 election (Pedersen, Santos)

West Seattle Blog
TRANSIT, WEATHER, TRAFFIC: Monday info

Friday, November 6

Advocates rally after WA voters pass ban on trans girls in girls school sports
Washington’s reputation as a stronghold for LGBTQ+ rights dimmed Thursday, advocates said, as a ballot initiative aimed at barring transgender girls from competing in girls K-12 school sports secured enough “yes” votes to pass. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson)

As Washington state faces more lawsuits, legislators look to tackle payouts
When lawmakers return to Olympia, they’ll face a thorny question that’s threatening to swamp state and local budgets: what to do about ballooning lawsuit payouts…It’s an issue that goes way beyond dollars on a spreadsheet and gets to the heart of who should be held responsible when the public suffers harm? And how far should that responsibility go? Continue reading at KUOW. (NW News Network)

Washington state to regain $7.5 million in federal law enforcement funding
Washington state will regain access to $7.5 million in federal law enforcement grants after a judge ruled Wednesday that the federal government cannot withhold the money over immigration enforcement policies. Continue reading at KING 5. (KING 5)

Print

Axios
Seattle’s Jaelynn Scott set to become state’s 1st trans lawmaker

Bellingham Herald
Local airline will fly to Olympia airport for the first time in 22 year

Capital Press
USDA: Idaho cattle likely brought bird flu to Washington dairy herds

The Daily News
Twichell leads race to become Rainier’s first new mayor in 24 years
Cowlitz PUD gives 100 students a hands-on look at careers in the trades
Toutle Lake security guard accused of supplying vapes, intimidating students

Everett Herald
Edmonds City Council advances utility rate increases
Community Transit finalizes merger with Everett Transit

Kitsap Sun
KRL director resigns for position leading St. Louis Public Library
I-638 limits transgendered girls in sports, but legal challenges await
No-contact warning issued for Silverdale shoreline due to sewage spill

News Tribune
‘This is a problem.’ Ferry service cuts prompt outcry on Pierce County island
Major refugee aid group in Tacoma and Spokane is ending amid financial hits
Toxic algae threatens a PNW tradition. How WA razor clam season is shaping up

New York Times
U.S. Hiring Picks Up and Unemployment Falls
Not Even Tech’s Safest Jobs Look So Safe Anymore
Bird Flu Death in Washington State Renews Concern Over the Virus
U.S. Global Health Strategy Jeopardizes Prevention of Pandemics, Experts Warn

Puget Sound Business Journal
Ballard light rail receives long-delayed federal approval
‘Millionaires tax’ repeal rejected by WA voters, but legal battles loom

Seattle Times
WA ‘millionaires tax’ is upheld as Initiative 645 fails
Voters reject measure that would have ousted Pierce County sheriff
Opponents concede loss in WA ban on trans girls in girls school sports
Advocates rally after WA voters pass ban on trans girls in girls school sports
Editorial: In future elections, avoid October surprise with campaign finance rules
AI data centers took a beating in the midterm elections. A reckoning may be ahead for tech giants

Spokesman Review
Michael Baumgartner’s position strengthens after Thursday ballot drop
Opinion: The future of Washington agriculture depends on workforce reform
Nonprofit holds ceremony in Airway Heights to celebrate new round of affordable housing
Campaigns acknowledge passage of trans athlete initiative, defeats of ‘millionaire’s tax’ repeal and parental rights initiative

Tri-City Herald
New Kennewick VA clinic to expand Tri-Cities services
Election results: Dems flip Yakima Valley statehouse seats that cover part of Tri-Cities

Washington Post
For GOP, moving on from Trump is easier said than done
Open AI makes pledges on data center operation after midterm backlash
U.S. economy added 165,000 jobs in October, showing surprising strength
Two more DOJ officials resign, including head of national security division
Corporate America courted Trump. Now a blitz of investigations is coming.
Stocks tumble, erasing post-midterm gains as markets weigh future of AI build-out

WA State Standard
Trans sports bans get voter approval in 4 states
Blue wave carries Democrats to supermajority in WA House
The Nature Conservancy opens new community forest in Cle Elum
Albertsons must pay $900M for role in WA opioid crisis, judge rules
WA governor meets with NBA commissioner amid expansion doubts
Feds can’t force WA to set aside alleged noncitizen ballots, judge rules

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Bird flu detected at Pierce County commercial poultry farm
Man critically injured in early morning Lakewood shooting
What could the midterm election results mean for the war in Iran?
Washington state to regain $7.5 million in federal law enforcement funding
Washington judge orders Albertsons to pay $900 million in opioid crisis case
Spokane-area man accused of sexually exploiting 15-year-old girl in King County
Defense seeks release for man convicted in 2006 Tacoma shooting when he was 17
California Gov. Newsom says he will commute all death sentences in state to life without parole
Transgender rights supporters rally in Seattle after passage of I-638 banning trans girls from girls’ sports

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Tumwater to launch four-day work week in 2027
Bird flu detected at commercial poultry facility in Pierce County
Everett Transit merger with Community Transit receives official approval
Albertsons faces $900 million penalty for failing to stop opioid misuse in WA
AP: WA voters approve verification of biological sex to play girls’ school sports
Atmospheric rivers line up as Western Washington enters an active weather pattern
Renton firefighter shot responding to call at Albertsons; police shoot and kill suspect
Seattle schools take steps to protect football athletes as studies show greater CTE risk
Gov. Bob Ferguson talks with NBA commissioner as expansion decision looms for Seattle
Charges dropped against man who was repeatedly punched on video by an Auburn PD officer

KNKX Public Radio
Lawsuits likely over Washington’s ban on trans girls in sports
Push to make sheriff appointed, create ombuds office failing in Pierce County
Gluesenkamp Perez reaffirms moderate, working class message with most decisive win yet

KUOW Public Radio
Effort to rename Hood Canal hits a fjordblock amid tribal opposition
WA millionaires tax supporters claim victory as repeal effort concedes
How the blue wave affects Microsoft and Amazon’s data center ambitions

As Washington state faces more lawsuits, legislators look to tackle payouts
Weekly papers in south King County are consolidating. History shows layoff may come next

KXLY (ABC)
WSP releases more details on Spokane County deputy shooting

Web

Cascadia Daily News
School district criticized for high admin pay. It’s also boosted teachers
New overpass at Bell Road’s railroad crossing will ease traffic jams, delays
Analysis: Swing district picks a side and sticks with it; other races follow suit (Shewmake)
Tribal members feel ‘in the dark’ after reporting missing, murdered loved ones
Did voters OK spending $43M on ‘Taj Mahal’ district office? Yes, but it’s complicated

Cascade PBS
How to track your ballot status in WA post-election

MyNorthwest
WA Democrats: Fight over transgender girls’ sports ban ‘just beginning’
Spokane County sheriff’s Facebook comments were turned off in 2024, not after deputy shooting

Thursday, November 5

4 takeaways from Washington’s election tsunami
Tuesday’s blue wave could remake the political landscape of Washington state…Over 2 million ballots have been counted. Hundreds of thousands remain to be tallied in the coming days. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero)

WA relaxes energy requirements for homeowners rebuilding after fires
Council members initially pushed back. Stricter energy efficiency rules — thicker insulation, additional window panes and pushing gas heating systems to electric heat pumps — can reduce carbon emissions, and remain a core part of Washington’s climate goals. But Spokane tipped the balance between housing and climate. With entire neighborhoods leveled and some homeowners underinsured by hundreds of thousands of dollars, lowering housing construction costs took priority. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)