Daily E-Clips

Monday, October 5

Judge permanently blocks WA sheriff standards law
The decision from Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller permanently blocks the most controversial pieces of the Democrat-sponsored policy, pending an appeal by the state. A formal court order outlining the ruling is expected later this month. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Jake Goldstein-Street)

WA pays record sums to pricey private lawyers amid lawsuit explosion
Over the past fiscal year, the state spent $43.6 million for outside legal help. The tab for such contracts has quintupled since 2023, when it totaled $8.7 million. In 2020, the state paid just $283,000, public records show. Those private lawyers bill at rates that in some cases exceed $300 an hour, making them far more costly than the assistant attorneys general employed directly by the state, who do essentially the same work. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Washington nonprofit that runs ICE reporting hotline lays off more than half its staff
The staff and funding cuts come at a time when immigration arrests across Washington and the country are facing new highs, with more calls coming into the hotline. Former employees report receiving a thousand calls a week. Continue reading at KUOW. (Jenny Kane)

Friday, October 2

As immigrant Medicaid cuts take effect, some in WA can keep their coverage
Roughly 3,000 other lawfully present immigrants would have lost their coverage if not for efforts by state officials who updated their immigration information to enable them to keep their Apple Health, the state’s low-income insurance program. Initial projections showed 14,000 noncitizens losing coverage. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Thomas Barkwick)

Amazon pledges $1B to data center communities, warns that local opposition threatens U.S. AI lead
Amazon says it will spend more than $1 billion over five years in the U.S. communities where it builds and operates data centers, responding to a growing backlash across the country against the tech industry’s massive AI infrastructure buildout. Continue reading at GeekWire. (Noah Berger)

More than half of Washington homeowners dropped by insurers in five years; Spokane County hit hard
Hundreds of Spokane-area homeowners have lost their insurance coverage in recent years, and the threat of more cancellations looms as wildfire seasons intensify across the region. Continue reading at KXLY. (KXLY)

Print

Capital Press
WDFW kills second wolf in Couse pack in southeast Washington
WA Supreme Court presses Ecology to defend fine against farmer

The Daily News
Media outlets battle Longview district over release of Cloninger records

Everett Herald
State audit finds SnoCo financial reporting vulnerabilities
Boeing union accepts latest contract offers and avoids strike
Esperance residents discuss potential annexation into Edmonds

Kitsap Sun
Washington’s burn ban ends this week. Here’s what to know
Bainbridge Island unveils its longest cross-island hiking route
Research station will explore how Bloedel’s nature affects our health
Plans for a Stephenson Canyon dog park moving ahead in Bremerton
Tennessee botched the execution of Christa Pike. Where does Washington stand on the death penalty?

News Tribune
Trump fired Tacoma’s top federal prosecutor. Why a judge reinstated him

New York Times
The Rich People Democrats Aren’t Talking About
U.S. and Allies Agree to Release Diesel Reserves as Prices Soar
Live Updates: Job Growth Cools and Unemployment Ticks Higher
The Powerful Yet Fragile Force Propping Up Stocks and the Economy
China Resumes Curbs on Fuel Exports, Tightening Global Energy Markets
America Wants to Make More Generic Drugs. India Shows Why That’s Hard.

Northwest Asian Weekly
Seattle police surveillance program under the microscope

Puget Sound Business Journal
UW endowment easily tops all other WA universities
Defense tech company picks Des Moines for AI fighter jet plant
$229 million mixed-use development nears opening in Stanwood
Higher education institutions faced dire warnings in 2025. Today, they remain in limbo.

Seattle Medium
I Wanted to Save Black Students. Then I Became a Teacher

Seattle Times
Opinion: What the ‘Medicaid cliff’ meant in WA
G7 nations will release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel fuel after prices soar
Most American children are being auto-enrolled in Trump accounts. What to know
Amazon to invest $1B into data center communities amid backlash against data center rollouts

Spokesman Review
Spokane council defers permit fees for rebuilding homes lost in August fires

Tri-City Herald
Economic prosperity is tied to housing affordability, WA Lt. Gov. says
Radioactive waste tank being emptied at Hanford. It will be the last for years

WA State Standard
WA’s nation-high minimum wage rising to nearly $18 an hour in 2027
Feds provide guidance on new federal K-12 scholarship tax credit program
As immigrant Medicaid cuts take effect, some in WA can keep their coverage
Korean officials confirm no deal exists to invest in Alaska natural gas pipeline

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Thousands in Washington to lose Medicaid coverage as federal cuts take effect
Texts show US representative question mayor’s handling of Bite of Seattle shooting
‘I never thought I would have to’: Burien gas station adds bulletproof glass after 3 robberies

KNKX Public Radio
Amid trade dispute, Canada continues business relationship with Washington state

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle lost 18,000 jobs last year as labor force in Tacoma, Bellevue grew
Federal judge in Seattle reinstates fired U.S. attorney in rebuke to Trump administration
How free is speech at the University of Washington?

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane trades companies tackle workforce shortage with hands-on event
Changes starting in October regarding SNAP eligibility and work requirements
More than half of Washington homeowners dropped by insurers in five years; Spokane County hit hard

Web

Cascadia Daily News
More early learning seats in Whatcom, Skagit, thanks to philanthropy

Geekwire
Amazon pledges $1B to data center communities, warns that local opposition threatens U.S. AI lead
Seattle software engineer turned general contractor built an AI guide to the patchwork of permit rules

MyNorthwest
11,000+ Washington residents lose healthcare, food benefits
Amazon to invest $1B into data center communities amid backlash against data center rollouts

Thursday, October 1

Thousands in WA lose Apple Health coverage as Trump’s changes take effect
The result, local providers and health leaders say, will likely be sicker patients, higher out-of-pocket costs and an enormous weight on an already overburdened healthcare system. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (David Goldman)

Changes to SNAP benefits begin Oct. 1 for millions of Americans
Critics say the new requirements will reduce the number of people each state can provide SNAP benefits to, adding to food insecurity among the most vulnerable. Continue reading at KING 5. (KING 5)

Seattle police have more surveillance cameras than previously reported
The 1,320 cameras registered with or integrated into the Real Time Crime Center represent a far higher number than ever reported by the city or police officials. … The number of cameras installed by Seattle police is also five times higher than the 62 previously reported. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
City officials provide updates at GGHI luncheon
Grays Harbor to hear from experts on Cosmo Specialty Fibers cleanup

Axios
Trump, Big AI go all-in together
Vinod Khosla talks Seahawks, AI and agents
Trump and CEOs try to shed AI’s toxic branding
Washington ranks third in U.S. for library checkouts

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham City Council finalizes ban on all kratom products within city limits

Capital Press
Sawtooth National Forest plans prescribed fires

Everett Herald
Everett proposes major changes to B&O tax code

News Tribune
How are high fuel costs hitting Tacoma? It’s not just gas prices going up
WA state announces winter crabbing season reopening, but there’s a ‘catch’
WA wastes a million tons of food yearly. How to keep food longer, use it better

New York Times
Bill Gates’s Blunt Warning on A.I.
Legal Immigrants Lose Medicaid Coverage Under Trump’s Bill
Federal Judge Orders Bureau of Prisons to Restore Union Protections
States That Ban Abortion Challenge Shield Laws for Providers Who Mail Pills
Renee Good’s Family Sues ICE Agent and Top Officials Over Minnesota Killing
Justice Dept. Unlawfully Withheld Grants to Combat Domestic Violence, Judge Rules
Taking On Trump Immigration Agenda, Justices Will Review Migrant Detention Policy

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle job losses mount, forcing leaders to address policies
Pierce County property acquired by San Diego investor for $108 million

Seattle Medium
Opinion: Gun Violence And Youth: The Unseen Dangers That Can Shape Their Futures

Seattle Times
WA’s minimum wage to rise to $17.73 an hour in 2027
Kelvin wave may bring sustained high sea levels on WA coast
AI safety measures widely backed by most Americans, poll finds
Seattle police have more surveillance cameras than previously reported
Editorial: Mega dry dock project secures Navy presence in Puget Sound
Thousands in WA lose Apple Health coverage as Trump’s changes take effect

South Seattle Emerald
PSE New Rate Hike Proposal Draws Ire at Public Hearing

Spokesman Review
Amazon, GoodRx target U.S. prescription subscribers as health insurance coverage slips

WA State Standard
Legislative staff in WA state Senate reject new contract
PSE new rate hike proposal draws ire at public hearing
WA company has to pay $410K for withheld hospital charity care
US Senate leaves nation’s capital in advance of midterms with much still undone
Oregon Republicans revisit cap-and-invest proposal 7 years after they walked out over it
Wolves in SE Washington pack to be killed ‘incrementally’ by state officials after livestock attacks

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Changes to SNAP benefits begin Oct. 1 for millions of Americans
14 sickened in parasite outbreak tied to McMenamins pool in Bothell
ICE arrests near Kent elementary school, daycare put parents on edge

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
New report finds Seattle police camera network larger than previously reported
Over 11K Washington residents are losing access to federal health and food benefits
Attorney General ends Puget Sound Physicians investigation, $410,000 settlement reached
Widow of man killed by SPD files $30 million claim, attorney says ‘non-lethal’ force used too late

KUOW Public Radio
14,000 WA residents expected to lose Medicaid Oct. 1
WA immigrants continue traditional Barbacoa, despite looming threats of deportation

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane crime down, but police raise concerns about young offenders

NW Public Radio
Health officials discuss potential for future exposures following rabid bat found near school
Republican students at Whitman College decline to seek student government affiliation, allege political bias against them last semester

Web

Geekwire
Report: Downtown Seattle lost 13,000 jobs in a year, while Bellevue’s tech hub boomed

MyNorthwest
Downtown Seattle accounts for roughly 70% of city’s job losses

West Seattle Blog
ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: New-month Thursday notes
SDOT’s recommendation is in: Paid street parking for the West Seattle Junction

Wednesday, September 30

Ferguson launches council to boost WA’s commercial space industry
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson hopes the state’s space entrepreneurs can pilot their industry to infinity and beyond. To that end, Ferguson signed an executive order Monday night launching the 23-person Washington Space Council. Its mission is to come up with bold ideas to propel Washington’s commercial space industry to new heights — and possibly development of a launch facility somewhere in the state. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Getty)

Puget Sound Energy customers pack hearing to voice concerns over proposed rate hikes
A public hearing ran long Tuesday night as more than 100 PSE customers spoke out against steep energy rate hikes proposed to take effect next year. Continue reading at KING 5. (KING 5)

Protesters call for end to shackling on ICE flights out of King County
A group tried to deliver a petition with nearly 1,000 signatures to the FAA, citing safety concerns and federal regulations. Continue reading at KING 5. (KING 5)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Opinion: Why Medicare for All is now possible
Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force hosts tour of completed projects

Axios
Americans have never trusted the Supreme Court less
Trump and top AI leaders agree to voluntary AI standards
Supreme Court green-lights Trump’s third-country deportations

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham mayor to address ICE actions, arrests during upcoming public forum

Capital Press
WDFW to try to kill second wolf in Couse pack
Corteva to pay $35 million to settle suit over rebates to pesticide distributors

Everett Herald
Lynnwood adds penalties for exposing children to drugs
Community Transit offers one week of fare-free rides to mark anniversary

Kent Reporter
Renton City Council looking to ban ICE activity on city property

Kitsap Sun
Black bears reported on Bainbridge, which state has attempted to trap

News Tribune
Did you feel it? 4.2 magnitude earthquake shakes South Sound
More tenants are unionizing in Tacoma. What does it mean for the city?
These are top 10 school districts in Washington state. Did yours make the list?
Where are the Flock cameras in Pierce County? Which cities stopped using them?

New York Times
The Coal Industry Asked for a Rescue. Trump Obliged.
Trump Sharply Scales Back Fuel Economy Rules for New Cars
How Meta Uses A.I. Data Centers to Avoid Billions in Federal Taxes
Trump Launches Government Chatbot That Contradicts Some of His Claims

Port Townsend Leader
State hits paper mill with $734,000 pollution fine
City carries costly growth plan fight into $2.5M budget hole
County schools among awardees to help meet Clean Buildings Performance Standard

Puget Sound Business Journal
Lime CEO on Seattle dominance: ‘When Lime does well, the city does well’
Woodland Park Zoo edges Seattle Aquarium for top spot in annual ranking
JPMorgan Chase expands Seattle tech center as bank targets AI and cloud talent

Seattle Times
Pinehurst light rail station opens in North Seattle
Audit scrutinizes SPD’s use of traffic cameras for surveillance
WA’s statewide burn ban lifted; Seattle, King County bans still in place
Opinion: How the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit would help WA students
As larch season draws big crowds, what can WA learn from B.C. on trail traffic?
AI is ‘better informed’ than doctors, Kennedy tells industry-backed MAHA summit
Editorial: After debacle that followed Bite of Seattle mass shooting, city must set a new course

Spokesman Review
Low risk of mudslides in Old Trails fire burn area, geologists find
Spokane nonprofits turn to faith groups as refugees face Medicaid cuts
Comments on Spokane’s plans for next 20 years of development due by Friday

WA State Standard
Ferguson launches council to boost WA’s commercial space industry
PacifiCorp’s sale of Washington assets may not be in Utah’s public interest, experts say
Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M
Some Idaho officials say proposed nuclear waste shipments could threaten Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Protesters call for end to shackling on ICE flights out of King County
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake strikes on Kitsap Peninsula, USGS reports
New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks
Boeing whistleblower alleges retaliation after reporting aircraft safety concerns
Puget Sound Energy customers pack hearing to voice concerns over proposed rate hikes

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Amtrak’s new Airo trains begin service on Cascades route
Pinehurst Station opens 5 years early, adding new Link light rail stop in North Seattle
Seattle firefighters union says Mayor’s budget proposal will make response times longer

KNKX Public Radio
Yakima River Basin offers a model of resilience in an unprecedented drought

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle Police leadership promises ‘proactive’ efforts on gun violence
Could an old anti-parasite drug be repurposed for treating endometriosis? Study finds early evidence

KXLY (ABC)
State fire assistance mobilized for Hatch Grade Fire near Touchet

NW Public Radio
In Tacoma, a state-funded inpatient treatment center for children is set to close

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Columbia, Carl Cozier elementaries will close, pending school board vote
Court rules against Bellingham’s short-term rental ban on detached units

Geekwire
Fresh figures suggest Washington’s space industry has doubled its economic impact … again

InvestigateWest
The Trump Administration’s Critical Minerals Agenda Comes for America’s ‘Forgotten Wildlife Corridor’
An Oregon Christian ranch promises refuge to people in crisis. Former residents say they were harmed instead

The Urbanist
Seattle as the Fourth Best Global City? Oxford Economics Says So

Washington Observer
Big Hospitals v. nurses redux
A TV salvo from the tax repeal campaign
New polling on the income tax repeal – the impact statement matters

Tuesday, September 29

What does Washington get for its education spending?
As spending increased, test scores in reading and math — the most visible measure of student performance — inched up then largely flatlined, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which tests students nationwide. Washington’s latest numbers from 2025 state assessments show 32% of the state’s fourth graders were not consistently reading at or above grade level. Nearly 30% of 8th graders weren’t hitting that benchmark either. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson)

WA wildfire home damage totals at least $188M, Ferguson says
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday asked President Donald Trump for tens of millions of dollars in federal aid to help communities recover from devastating wildfires this summer. Across the state, 649 primary residences were destroyed, mostly in Spokane County, according to the governor’s office. More than 2,500 more were damaged to some extent. The financial toll of this damage exceeds $188 million, Ferguson said. In all, the total damage is estimated to be hundreds of millions dollars more. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Courtesy of Spokane Valley Fire Department)

With copper theft surging, King County prosecutor wants lawmakers to make selling it harder
The high price of copper has made it more lucrative to steal, so public officials want to make stolen copper harder to sell. … But under the Prosecutor’s Office’s proposal, recyclers would have to take a photo of sellers, their copper, and their IDs. Continue reading at KUOW. (KUOW)