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Wednesday, December 4

Auburn is finalizing ‘asks’ for state lawmakers
For months, Auburn city leaders have been trying to determine what the city’s wants and wishes will be for the upcoming legislative session in Olympia, which begins Jan. 3 and is expected to end by April 27. Among Auburn’s priorities are a number of carryovers city leaders have sought for years. Generally, they fit into six major classes: public safety; regulatory and land use; public works, transportation and infrastructure; parks and open spaces; and social services budget and finance. Continue reading at The Kent Reporter. (Kent Reporter)

Costs remain high for WA affordable housing projects
Many affordable housing projects in Washington are funded in part by the state’s Housing Trust Fund. A new report from the Department of Commerce looked at the cost of building more than 1,200 new affordable units with money from the fund last year. It shows project costs dipped but remained up overall statewide. According to the data, the Housing Trust Fund helped build 21 multifamily projects across the state in 2023. That’s a drop from 32 the year before and way down from 2019 when there were 51. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Dan Reynolds)

Adult entertainers to see safety and wage improvement starting in 2025
Starting on Jan. 2, 2025, those who work in the adult entertainment industry will see an increase in safety measures and wage improvements. On Tuesday, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced that adult entertainers will be able to keep more of their wages and be safer. The rules were approved and signed into law in March 2024. “Like any other worker in the state, adult entertainers deserve job-site safety and protection from unfair labor practices,” said Celeste Monahan, L&I assistant director for Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards. “These new rules make sure safety and a level playing field are the standard.” Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

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Associated Press
Deportation fights to continue at Seattle airport after federal court ruling

Axios
Office to investigate cops is a work in progress in Washington (Entenman)

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham Old Town development proposes 84-unit housing project on site of former landfill

Capital Press
Yakama Nation sues Inslee over Horse Heaven wind and solar project

Everett Herald
‘I feel safe here’: Marysville shelter saves lives as temperatures drop
Comment: What will mass deportation look like in our hometowns?

Kent Reporter
Auburn is finalizing ‘asks’ for state lawmakers

News Tribune
Gov.-elect Ferguson names Tim Lang new secretary of the WA Department of Corrections

Olympian
Gov.-elect Ferguson names Tim Lang new secretary of the WA Department of Corrections
State secures $1M grant to increase flood resilience of Deschutes Estuary restoration project
WA Gov. Inslee freezes nonessential hiring, spending amid projected $10B-$12B budget gap

Puget Sound Business Journal
Here’s what to expect in the 2025 housing market
Bezos gifts millions in Amazon stock to his climate fund

Seattle Times
Advocates devise a plan to pay child care providers a living wage
Majority of Supreme Court seems reluctant to block state bans on medical treatments for minors

South Whidbey Record
Whidbey environmentalists push for state agency to codify fish net-pen ban

Spokesman Review
Pro-Israel sign vandalized for second time at Plymouth Congregational Church
Nez Perce Tribe receives $1.9 million grant to restore creek near abandoned mine

WA State Standard
Costs remain high for WA affordable housing projects
WA Gov. Inslee orders hiring and travel freeze for state agencies

Wenatchee World
Chelan County clarifies homeless camp removal policy

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
State health department suspends the license of Rainier Recovery centers
Off-duty police officer arrested in Lynnwood after allegedly flashing gun at driver
King County urging people to report damages caused by November’s bomb cyclone
‘We’re stealing from the taxpayers’: Whistleblower alleges timecard fraud scheme at Hanford
Republican senator plans push to end state sanctuary law, faces opposition from immigrant advocates (Pedersen)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Tammy Morales to resign from Seattle City Council
King County estimates over $11 million in November storm damage
Lynnwood City Council voted 4-3 to increase property taxes by 52%
Adult entertainers to see safety and wage improvement starting in 2025
US can continue using Seattle airport for deportation flights, appeals court says
DC lawsuit says Amazon secretly stopped fast deliveries to 2 predominantly Black zip codes
Off-duty Edmonds police officer allegedly points gun at driver during road rage incident in Lynnwood

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
US can continue using Seattle airport for deportation flights, appeals court says
Inslee’s hiring and spending freeze ignites tax hike fears amid looming budget deficit
King County’s $160M battery averts power failure, protects Puget Sound during bomb cyclone

KNKX Public Radio
Lummi Nation brothers win $100K environmental prize
Newest Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck takes oath

KUOW Public Radio
Sleeping in a stairwell when Seattle shelters are full
Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales steps down, citing harmful work environment

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council considers $90,000 grant to crack down on retail theft
Downtown Spokane data shows few individuals responsible for majority of crimes

Web

Crosscut
Newest Seattle councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck takes oath

MyNorthwest
Lynnwood city property taxes to go up by a whopping 52%

West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: Alexis Mercedes Rinck now officially in office as citywide Seattle Councilmember

Tuesday, December 3

More logging is proposed to help curb wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest
U.S. officials would allow increased logging on federal lands across the Pacific Northwest in the name of fighting wildfires and boosting rural economies under proposed changes to a sweeping forest management plan that’s been in place for three decades. The U.S. Forest Service proposal, released Nov. 15, would overhaul the Northwest Forest Plan that governs about 38,000 square miles in Oregon, Washington and California. Continue reading at Indian Country Today. (Rick Bowmer)

Gov. Inslee imposes WA spending freeze amid budget shortfall
Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a spending freeze for Washington state government agencies in response to “a significant operating deficit.” The freeze affects nonessential hiring, service contracts, purchasing of goods and equipment and travel. Spending on critical services, as well as hiring to fill vacancies in critical areas, is exempt from the freeze. Inslee urged other state officials to impose similar restrictions within their agencies and jurisdictions. The Monday directive will remain in place indefinitely. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

First bills drop ahead of WA’s 2025 legislative session
Washington lawmakers have begun teeing up legislation ahead of the 2025 session. Monday marked the first day they could pre-file bills. Legislators will have 105 days to push their ideas through the process after the session kicks off on Jan. 13. There’s no guarantee a pre-filed bill will receive a hearing, the first step on the journey to getting signed into law. Committee chairs make those critical decisions about which bills get an airing and which do not. By pre-filing, lawmakers hope to get their ideas on the radar of those setting agendas for committee meetings. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Jerry Cornfield)

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Axios
Seattle plans to double school zone speed cameras next year

Bellingham Herald
State audit finds low-income tenant homeownership program ‘ineffective’ in Whatcom County
Gov.-elect Ferguson creates subcommittee to combat new administration’s Project 2025: ‘It is dark’

Capital Press
Oregon winter range for wild horses debated before 9th Circuit

Everett Herald
Editorial: What do you want and what are you willing to pay?

Indian Country Today
More logging is proposed to help curb wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest

Olympian
Ferguson names Casey Sixkiller new director of the WA Department of Ecology
WA Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson reveals his selections to lead these 3 state departments
State coalition defends police pursuit restrictions after Sheriff Sanders calls them out

Peninsula Daily News
Cities, counties approve tax hikes
Clallam County commissioners discuss legislative priorities

Puget Sound Business Journal
Small businesses to receive billions in federal funds in 2025

Seattle Times
Fees that pay for WA homelessness programs running short
ICE can use Boeing Field for deportations, appeals court rules
Gov. Inslee imposes WA spending freeze amid budget shortfall
WA lawmakers to make another run at ending daylight saving time
Native American students miss school at higher rates. It got worse during the pandemic

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County holds public hearing on preliminary 2025 budget

Spokesman Review
Washington judges uphold $35M judgment against Facebook
Spokane’s building fees jump again next year as city tries to afford growth
Spokane City Council asks for delay to transfer of Thorpe Road property to developer
Getting There: Disagreements flare again over how to pay for promised Spokane traffic unit that still hasn’t ramped up
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office unveils new high tech center intended to help solve crimes more efficiently and effectively

Tri-City Herald
Ferguson names Casey Sixkiller new director of the WA Department of Ecology
Chemicals at $75M Superfund cleanup site leak into Tri-Cities area groundwater
3 lawsuits claim Inslee, regulators sidestepped state law to approve Eastern WA wind farm

Washington Post
Biden moves to end subminimum wages for people with disabilities
Supreme Court to weigh bans on puberty blockers, hormones for trans teens
No more daylight saving time? Musk, Ramaswamy muse on ending clock changes.

WA State Standard
First bills drop ahead of WA’s 2025 legislative session (Dhingra, Saldaña)

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Tacoma Firefighters Union continues to push for more funding in proposed city budget
18-year-old narrowly escapes gunfire in confrontation with driver of stolen car in Ballard
‘These are preventable’: Arrests made in multiple crashes involving impaired drivers Sunday
How a group of Redmond businesses is coming together to raise thousands to fight food insecurity

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
King County is using AI cameras to catch bus lane violators
UW-led research links wildfire smoke with increased dementia risk
Washington State Patrol investigates three suspected DUI crashes in one night
FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop
City of Tacoma considers cutting firefighting program to help with budget deficit; firefighter union

KNKX Public Radio
Bellingham mulls ending parking-space mandates to boost housing

KUOW Public Radio
Judge throws out attempted recall of Seattle School Board president
The U.S. is facing a youth mental health crisis. These skaters want to help
Teens can’t get off their phones. Here’s what some schools are doing about it
Salmonella-linked cucumbers sicken 5 Washingtonians amid string of national foodborne illness outbreaks

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council votes to delay sale of 200 acres in Latah Valley
New Real Time Crime Center aims to enhance safety in Spokane County
Spokane C.O.P.S. director says the program has some money to continue operations

Web

Crosscut
Nooksack Tribe serves eviction notices to disenrolled households

Washington Observer
Re-Wire is almost here (Berg)

Monday, December 2

Enrollment drops, but demand for workforce development grows at community colleges
Washington employers are turning to community colleges to meet their workforce needs amid a worker shortage. But the pipeline for skilled workers is running dry. Enrollment declines at community and technical colleges hit many institutions hard during the pandemic, and a full return to pre-pandemic levels remains elusive. Community and technical colleges have long been regarded as premier providers of mid-skilled workers, like electricians, carpenters, dental assistants and construction managers, among others. Demand for such jobs is expected to increase in the coming years as more potential workers shy away from the prospect. Continue reading at PSBJ. (Anthony Bolante)

Fees that pay for WA homelessness programs running short
State funds that pay for homelessness services in Washington are running low, and the Legislature may need to find extra money to avoid program cuts. The Department of Commerce anticipates a nearly $403 million shortfall in fee revenue that goes toward programs like emergency shelter grants, temporary rent assistance and support for homeless youth. The department is asking the Legislature to set aside general funds to maintain current levels of service, to address inflation and to help local governments who have seen declines in their own homelessness funding.
Continue reading at the Washington State Standard. (Laurel Demkovich)

Could Trump withhold federal funding to Washington state? Treasurer prepares for worst
As Washington state officials prep for a second Trump presidency, perhaps no state official has been more explicit than Pellicciotti about preparing for what he sees as the worst possible outcome: Donald Trump and his administration cutting federal funding to liberal states. In the last fiscal year, the federal government provided Washington state more than $27 billion: health care, law enforcement, education funding. Pellicciotti has also been speaking to other Democratic treasurers or comptrollers around the country trying to get ready for similar things. Continue reading at KUOW. (Scott Greenstone)

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Auburn Reporter
Auburn is finalizing ‘asks’ for state lawmakers

Axios
Washington state faces budget deficit of $10B-$12B

Capital Press
Washington counties zero in on tax shift legislation
The cost of money: Lower interest rates give farmers some relief
Comment: Bah humbug to excessive federal land management

Courier-Herald
Washington’s new leaders must support press and transparency

Everett Herald
Edmonds council to review South County Fire annexation plan
Everett water pollution facility’s new permit aims to protect salmon
Editorial: What saved climate act? Good sense and a Science Guy
Comment: Insisting on 5-day return to office a bad policy

The Inlander
NEWS BRIEFS: Marcus Riccelli voted Senate majority floor leader
The Washington Supreme Court could decide whether public defender caseloads need a dramatic change
EWU rebrands as “the region’s polytechnic” amid its multiyear effort to cut or modify academic programs and university services

News Tribune
What a $8.6B clean energy park boom means for this tiny Eastern WA school district?
$50K motor failure is to blame for Tacoma bridge closure. Repair timeline is uncertain
Will pursuits change under Pierce County Sheriff-elect Keith Swank? Here’s what he says
Rules of the Road: Advice on what to do when there’s a power outage and the lights go out
Gov.-elect Ferguson creates subcommittee to combat new administration’s Project 2025: ‘It is dark’

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft faces FTC antitrust investigation, reports say
Why small-business lending may see better days in 2025
Amid worker shortages, employers look to community colleges
Earn-and-learn program counters mental health staffing shortage
Community colleges churn out tech workers to fill cybersecurity jobs
New program boosts commercial property ownership in Washington
Public-private effort aims to reverse shortage of credentialed workers

Seattle Times
AI cameras on King County Metro buses record red lane violators
Seattle’s glass recycling network shatters as wine bottle maker closes
Clark County courts use 100+ interpreters to make hearings accessible
What medical care for transgender minors is at stake in Supreme Court case

Spokesman Review
Seattle Art Museum security staff goes on strike
Experts: Tariff threat from Trump would increase costs of Spokane homes

Washington Post
Divided over whether to stop making plastic, U.N. treaty talks collapse
From beer to barley: How Trump’s tariff threat could affect your wallet
Tsunami researchers hunt for clues about the next big Pacific Northwest quake
Potential conflicts of interest may haunt Dr. Oz’s confirmation to run Medicare, Medicaid

WA State Standard
The next census will gather more racial, ethnic information
Fees that pay for WA homelessness programs running short (Macri)
Washington’s Dan Newhouse looks ahead to a new Trump era
Ferguson asks 3 agency leaders from Inslee administration to stay on
Yakima County has second lowest voter turnout in state as election results certified

Wenatchee World
‘A reallocation of taxes’: Port of Douglas County OKs collecting $3.8M annually from TIF district, sparking concerns from county officials

Yakima Herald-Republic
State panel recommends governor approve Wautoma solar project
How immigrants and agriculture in WA might be affected by changes in D.C. and Olympia

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
North Beach Elementary families relieved school will not be closed
Bellevue family continues cleaning up after bomb cyclone damages property
‘We feel the loss every day’: Family creates nonprofit to honor woman killed in Seattle shooting

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Everett neighborhood divided over city’s plan to replace historic gazebo with dog park

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle community urged to support small businesses in wake of storm-induced setbacks

KNKX Public Radio
Firefighters voice frustrations over struggling Tacoma city budget

KUOW Public Radio
How to be not lonely? ‘Cohousing’ is an answer for some people
Could Trump withhold federal funding to Washington state? Treasurer prepares for worst

KXLY (ABC)
Double decker buses will soon hit the streets of Cheney
Church vandalized on Spokane’s South Hill over Thanksgiving
Spokane City Council to vote on cryptocurrency scam resolution
Childcare employee in Whitman County diagnosed with whooping cough
Spokane City Council to vote on pausing sale of 200-acres in Latah Valley
City of Spokane to conduct study on Latah Valley growth and infrastructure
FEMA providing assistance to repair and replace wildfire-damaged facilities for Colville Tribes

Web

Cascadia Daily News
What to know about water rights as a residential well owner
New Blaine nonprofit forms to support school district’s drop in funding
Dire condition of Alaska’s seafood industry has no easy fixes, experts say

Crosscut
What’s next after Washington passes pro-natural gas measure? (Ramel)
Report: Washington data breach notices hit record high of 11.6M

MyNorthwest
Seattle sees first net increase in police officers in four years
Amazon workers continue global strike through Cyber Monday
UW-led research links wildfire smoke with increased dementia risk

The Urbanist
Sound Transit Boardmembers Push for More Ambitious Rainier Valley Safety Plan

Wednesday, November 27

In WA state Legislature, Democrats and Republicans are sticking with their leaders
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary will lead their respective caucuses in the Washington state House of Representatives in the 2025 legislative session. Democrats reelected Jinkins, a Tacoma representative, who will mark her sixth session as speaker once she is formally confirmed by the House on Jan. 13. She’ll lead a caucus that gained a member in the November election, giving it a 59-seat majority in the 98-person House. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (LSS)

Gov. Inslee addresses efforts to assess damage after devastating ‘bomb cyclone’
One week after Tuesday’s ‘Bomb Cyclone’ exploded across the region, knocking out power and bringing down massive trees, damaging homes and businesses, hundreds if not thousands are still assessing the damages. On Tuesday, the Governor’s office said in a statement that Washington officials will be working with local governments to assess damages and determine whether the damage to public or private property meets the thresholds for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Continue reading at KOMO. (PSE)

Class of 2025: Meet Washington state’s newest lawmakers
The new year is coming, and with it a new cohort of Washington state lawmakers preparing for their first legislative session, which begins Jan. 13. This year’s freshman class includes more than a dozen legislators joining state government in what has been predicted by some to be a “tough” session as the state braces for a $10 billion to $12 billion shortfall over the next four years. They will also be tackling numerous other issues Washingtonians are facing, like housing affordability, increased child care costs, floundering K-12 budgets, public safety and an increase in the general cost of living. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Amanda Snyder)

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Axios
Washington state had the smallest rightward shift in 2024
Washington’s outdoor recreation industry is worth $22.5 billion

Capital Press
Trump’s plan to hit Mexico, Canada with tariffs draws concern

Everett Herald
Mukilteo council passes budget with deficit, hopes for new revenue
Snohomish County exec issues disaster proclamation for bomb cyclone
Comment (WaPo): Has Nancy Mace ever been in a women’s restroom

News Tribune
Opioid addiction remains high in Pierce County. Will a new $1.6M mobile program help?
Opinion: Trump’s agenda for higher education: Axing loan forgiveness, tax cuts and more

New York Times
As Congress Feuds Over Farm Bill, Growers Are ‘Stuck in Limbo’
Inside the Plastic Industry’s Battle to Win Over Hearts and Minds

Port Townsend Leader
Growth plan up for debate

Puget Sound Business Journal
What record holiday spending could mean for retail real estate
School construction bond measures lose support across Washington

Seattle Times
WA public employee union sues state after contract vote fails
Laid-off Boeing workers worry for themselves, and the company that cut them

Skagit Valley Herald
Results from Nov. 5 election certified

Spokesman Review
WA public employee union sues state following failed contract vote
Spokane seeks study on infrastructure needs for anticipated growth in Latah Valley – and how to pay for it
‘Community organizing means showing up’: Lawyer who fought for DACA in the Supreme Court urges undocumented immigrants to prepare for a future without it

Washington Post
Musk admits X throttles links as ‘news influencers’ take over
Americans are not getting seasonal vaccines ahead of the holidays
Trump fills Cabinet with loyalists, competing ideologies and government skeptics
Some call it gambling. They call it social gaming. Either way, some players are losing big money.

WA State Standard
A WA state Senate race heads to recount as counties certify results
In WA state Legislature, Democrats and Republicans are sticking with their leaders (Jinkins, Fitzgibbon, Ortiz-Self, Stonier, Stearns, Orwall)
Trump vow to impose stiff tariffs at odds with anti-inflation campaign message, Dems say

Wenatchee World
‘Definitely a concern’: How will Amazon impact local businesses?
How a small Washington town became a hub for Palestinian solidarity

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle schools superintendent withdrawing school closure recommendation
Power restoration efforts continue one week after bomb cyclone hits western Washington
Data breaches surge to record levels in Washington state, attorney general calls for policy changes
Redmond police celebrating ‘monumental’ decision by FAA that approves drone use on more 911 calls

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Move Over: 6 WSP vehicles hit in 5 days
Data breaches reach all-time high in Washington
Redmond police can now pilot drones without visual observer
Seattle Public Schools determines future after scrapping school closures plan
Black-colored plastic products may contain toxic chemicals, harm your health
Budget cuts eminent: Seattle Public Schools looks to renew levies, get more money from the state

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Gov. Inslee addresses efforts to assess damage after devastating ‘bomb cyclone’
Snohomish City Council approves 4% property tax hike despite public opposition
Seattle budget includes historic investment in affordable housing and public safety
King County Metro testing cameras on buses to monitor lane violations on busy routes
Capitol Hill business owners hopeful for new public safety investments in Seattle budget

KUOW Public Radio
To address overcrowding, WA plans new juvenile corrections facility at a state prison
Western Washington windstorm victims may qualify for disaster and tax relief. Here’s what to know
‘Sometimes you only get one shot.’ Restoring salmon habitat and rejuvenating a South Seattle beach

KXLY (ABC)
Statewide budget cuts threaten WA’s early childhood education programs
Neighborhood residents express concerns over potential changes to zoning regulations

Web

Crosscut
Washington House selects leadership for 2025 session (Jinkins, Fitzgibbon, Stearns, Ortiz-Self, Stonier, Ramel)
Class of 2025: Meet Washington state’s newest lawmakers
Beyond turkey: How people of color in WA make Thanksgiving their own

The Urbanist
Four successful Urbanist-backed candidates pledge housing, transit, and climate action (Bateman)
Opinion: Cities must embrace housing abundance to resist rise of authoritarianism

West Seattle Blog
Surprise second wave of salmon spawners breaks Fauntleroy Creek record

Tuesday, November 26

Gov. Inslee unveils plan to add a juvenile facility amid ‘avalanche’ of new offenders
Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday announced plans to open another juvenile rehabilitation facility in Washington — a proposal that he cast as necessary amid an “avalanche” of new offenders. Inslee shared the proposal during a news conference at the Green Hill School in Chehalis. Since last year, Green Hill has experienced a 60% spike in its youth population. The outgoing governor joined leaders from the Department of Children, Youth and Families in discussing the proposal that they’ll send to lawmakers early next year. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Steve Bloom)

Cities cut red tape to turn unused office buildings into housing
Nearly a fifth of office space across the country sits empty, a record high vacancy rate that’s expected to keep growing. Seeking both to boost their economies and ease their housing shortages, cities are taking steps to encourage the conversion of unused office space into much-needed housing. They include reductions in approval times, exemptions from affordable housing rules and changes in building code requirements. Some cities and states also are providing tax incentives or subsidies to developers. Regulatory hurdles — such as outdated building codes, minimum unit sizes and natural light requirements — push up costs. Cities are trying a variety of ways to overcome these obstacles. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Justin Sullivan)

The Washington state Legislature is more diverse than ever
Washington’s Legislature, like that of other states, has been growing more diverse in terms of age, gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. In 2020, the state for the first time had five Black women serving in the House simultaneously. Washington’s Democratic legislators have caucuses for members of color, LGBTQ+, and Black and Latino lawmakers. The Members of Color Caucus has grown over the years, with 26 members for the 2023-24 year. In the Senate, there were 10 people in the Members of Color Caucus for the same year. Republicans do not have similar groups for their members, though there are several Republican legislators of color, including Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, and state Reps. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, and the newly elected Gloria Mendoza of Grandview. Continue reading at Crosscut. (M. Scott Brauer)