Daily E-Clips

Friday, October 16

Washington energy debate centers on clean energy deadlines, rising utility costs
Both advocated greater efficiency and consumer engagement to reduce peak demand. Carlyle emphasized grid modernization and distributed battery storage; Myers favored time-of-use pricing and financial incentives. Their competing prescriptions leave lawmakers and utility regulators confronting the same challenge: maintaining affordable, reliable electricity while determining how much flexibility Washington’s clean energy transition requires. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Courtesy of TVW)

WA foster parents no longer have to support LGBTQ+ kids in their care
Washington state can no longer require foster parents to provide an affirming and supportive home for LGBTQ+ children and youth, according to a settlement the state reached with a religious couple. Continue reading at KUOW. (Courtesy of the Alliance Defending Freedom)

Seattle inflation outpaces most West Coast peers, national average. What’s driving it?
Rising energy prices were the primary driver of Seattle’s higher rate, but James McCafferty, Director of Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research, said there are more subtle factors at play too. Continue reading at KUOW. (Monica Nickelsburg)

Thursday, October 15

WA leaders weigh state AI guardrails as Congress remains stuck
Early discussions are underway about bills for next year’s legislative session to set new guardrails around safety, privacy and liability for AI. But the lead lawmaker in the state Senate said there’s no consensus yet about what to prioritize. He also cautioned that related legislation to regulate data centers is expected to take up significant time in the session, which begins in January. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Andrew Burke-Stevenson)

ICE arrests man near Seattle elementary school during morning drop-off
Agents eventually smashed the driver-side window, unlocked the door and forcefully removed the man from his car, Norris said. They handcuffed the man against his car and then drove him away in an unmarked vehicle. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Courtesy of Lisa Norris)

How Murray and WA experts plan to ‘politics-proof’ public health
But a key focus will be on restoring trust in medical providers, public health systems and scientific experts, the Washington Democrat said. That overall confidence has suffered, Murray said, as Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have fired hundreds of CDC workers, slashed scientific grants, restructured a key vaccine advisory panel and continued to repeat disproved claims about childhood vaccinations. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Aging & Adult Services of Coastal Washington receives $1.96M in Rural Health Transformation Funding

Axios
Seattle’s job market loses its edge
Your holiday packages just got more expensive to ship
DOJ gives California 48 hours to check voters or face lawsuit
ICE balks at automatic body-cams amid accountability concerns

Bainbridge Island Review
New state law aims to curb e-bike incidents

Capital Press
Emerald ash borer now on both sides of Washington

Everett Herald
SnoCo Council passes ordinance to make lot-splitting easier
Edmonds school board discusses proposed boundary changes
Sound Transit shares info on Everett Link light rail at open house
Everett Public Schools settles with LifeWise Academy, ending lawsuit

International Examiner
Deportations to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia surge nearly nine-fold, targeting elders and decades-old removal orders

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Gov. Ferguson commits to addressing WSF engine room crew workforce crisis

Kitsap Sun
How much will Social Security payments increase in 2027?
New 170-unit senior living complex proposed along Fairgrounds Road
Western Washington University requests funding for Poulsbo building

News Tribune
Election Day is approaching in WA. Know these key dates and deadlines
Start date for major Tacoma Narrows Bridge repairs, hour-long delays announced

New York Times
Mortgage Rates Hover at 7.4%, Highest Since 2023
Migrant Children Without Lawyers Face Fast-Tracked Deportations Alone
For Texas Schoolchildren, Minor Misbehavior Can Mean Criminal Charges

Puget Sound Business Journal
UW’s engineering college lands $12M gift from chipmaker
How employers can help workers experiencing menopause
Tacoma utility underway on new $37M operations building
Microsoft CEO pushes for AI guardrails after models go rogue

Seattle Times
WA leaders weigh state AI guardrails as Congress remains stuck (Pedersen, Shavers, Callan)
How Murray and WA experts plan to ‘politics-proof’ public health
Invasive emerald ash borers devastating trees spread to Eastern WA
ICE arrests man near Seattle elementary school during morning drop-off

Spokesman Review
Health leaders ponder ways to boost confidence in science-backed public health
Spokane County Auditor’s office begins sending out ballots ahead of general election
Spokane Council approves 0.1% sales tax increase for public safety building, other investments
USDA and WSU unveil new 100,000-square-foot Plant Bioscience Research Building on Pullman’s campus
‘No one is coming to save us’: Pulitzer winner urges empathetic fight for American democracy in Whitworth forum keynote

Washington Post
In this deep-red city, rising costs test Trump’s affordability message
An FBI arrest revives fears that U.S. tech companies are hiring spies
Secret documents reveal donors behind $330M for Trump’s ballroom
Accused Cornell student’s transfer raises concerns about disciplinary files

WA State Standard
Social Security benefits increase will hit 3.6% in 2027
Oregon governor orders pause on environmental permits to build or expand data centers
Nonpartisan government watchdog recommends automated activation of ICE body cameras
Washington AG will not pursue youth online protection legislation in wake of Meta settlement

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Advocates warn proposed disability cuts could push some toward homelessness

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Hear an emergency alert today? It’s the Great ShakeOut drill
Counterfeit herbal supplement linked to overdoses and deaths; including 1 in WA
Community members invited to share feedback on potential school consolidations
Seattle mayor hosts media roundtable to address several city issues, public safety concerns
Authorities investigate letters with ‘suspicious substances’ sent to congressional, election offices

KNKX Public Radio
U.S. Rep. Randall details concerns about Tacoma ICE detention center

KUOW Public Radio
WA schools chief urges Gov. Ferguson to reject federal tax credit
Despite efforts, Northwest cruise ships collide with whales, climate
In an age of news deserts and ghost papers, what’s next for McClatchy?
Seattle Mayor Wilson says she’s working ‘as fast as possible’ to implement gun violence plan

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lynden teachers authorize strike for first time in nearly 50 years

West Seattle Blog
TRANSIT, WEATHER, TRAFFIC: Thursday info

Wednesday, October 14

Immigration arrests linked to WA driver data ‘off the charts’
Immigration arrests linked to a search of Washington driver information have jumped at least fivefold since July, according to new data from the University of Washington’s Center for Human Rights … These numbers are “off the charts” and projected to increase, despite state policies to block federal agents from tapping private driver data, said Angelina Godoy, the center’s executive director. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Reykdal opposes federal tax credit program, urges gov to reject
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal views the tax credit as a way to expand school choice options without closing funding gaps for public schools. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Aspen Ford)

Researchers point to community violence programs, pandemic recovery in historic homicide decline
The findings come amid a historic national decline in homicide. In 2025, the estimated U.S. murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate fell 18.1% compared with 2024, which equates to about 4 killings per 100,000 people. It tied the lowest rate recorded since national estimates began. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Scott Olson)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
The Great ShakeOut warning test is Thursday

Axios
Inflation heats up as gas prices surge
Judge orders White House to reinstate press access
Punitive damages in door plug blowout possible for Boeing
Democrats fear “more October surprises” after Ilhan Omar raid

Capital Press
Court hears two wolf cases on expanding, rolling back federal protection

Everett Herald
Lynnwood mayor proposes 2027-28 budget, announces 14 layoffs
Lynnwood to allow commercial paid parking for another 6 months

Journal of the San Juan Islands
How recent ferry disruptions affected islanders

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap County sales tax hike approved to prevent public safety cuts

News Tribune
Do homebuyers have a right to know if a house is haunted? What WA law says

New York Times
Why Is It So Hard to Tax the Ultrarich?
Social Security Says Retirees Will Get a 3.6% Raise for 2027
California May Tax Its Billionaires. The Billionaires Are Fighting Back.
Trump’s Latest Effort to Fire a Fed Official Underscores Political Motives
Supreme Court Weighs Privacy Law From the Videotape Era of ‘Be Kind, Rewind’

Seattle Times
University of Washington rape lawsuit alleges negligence
Immigration arrests linked to WA driver data ‘off the charts’
Opinion: WA must return to its paramount duty: K-12 education
Social Security checks will go up by about $75 a month to offset inflation
Is ICE buying Tacoma detention center? WA Congress members want to know
CVS agrees to pay $315 million to settle Justice Department case over opioid prescriptions
US hits Bank of America with $1.2 billion fine, saying it violated money laundering, sanctions laws

Spokesman Review
Spokane Transit, truckers look to account for increased diesel costs
Aiming at a chronic women’s disease, WSU team develops a potential treatment for endometriosis
Baumgartner, Conroy both skeptical of Trump’s deal to buy Russian diesel as bipartisan opposition mounts
Two families from the Spokane area were profoundly changed by the Fort Hood mass shooting. Here’s what they say about the shooter’s execution

Washington Post
Democrats hold big edge on economy in key poll for first time since 2012
Treasury Department imposes $1.2 billion penalty against Bank of America
Does a video store privacy law apply online? The Supreme Court will decide.
Prices increased faster in September in last inflation report ahead of Election Day

WA State Standard
Reykdal opposes federal tax credit program, urges gov to reject
Researchers point to community violence programs, pandemic recovery in historic homicide decline

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
$49M settlement reached in starvation death of Vancouver teen
IRS to roll out program matching retirement plan contributions up to 50%
Washington Poison Center warns of opioid risks in counterfeit cat’s claw supplements
Daily Dose: Medicare-for-All support hits record high, weight-loss drugs show signs of slowing aging and dogs offer new clues to Alzheimer’s

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
65% say Seattle is losing World Cup public safety momentum
Edmonds Police Department warns of rise in sophisticated impersonation scams
Kroger to lay off 3,000 corporate employees over 3 years as it leans into artificial intelligence

KUOW Public Radio
Two million invasive green crabs captured along Washington state shorelines

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Public hearings set for Bellingham elementary school closures
Downtown shelter will be open nightly in Bellingham this winter

Geekwire
Microsoft’s wild ride: Stock hits new record after a year of ups and downs
Seattle voters view economy as weakening in survey that reveals short-lived World Cup euphoria

MyNorthwest
‘No sustained honeymoon’: 65% say Seattle is losing World Cup public safety momentum

The Urbanist
‘The Ave for All’ Transforms U District’s Main Thoroughfare

Washington Observer
More on the ferry labor/budget issues

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday info

Tuesday, October 13

After a sickout and cancellations, what’s next for WA State Ferries?
Washington state’s struggle to operate aging boats is well known to the public, but the nation’s largest ferry fleet, serving 20 million people a year, is also vulnerable if more than a few people cancel their shifts. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

These are the cities most vulnerable to AI automation
Topping the list is San Jose, California, with nearly 29% of its total workforce most vulnerable to AI automation. That metro area is followed by Washington, D.C., at 27.7%; Durham, North Carolina, at 26.7%; Seattle at 26.6%; and Austin at 25.4% to round out the top five. The cities that boast high concentrations of professional services and tech jobs are generally also the most vulnerable to AI automation, whereas the cities that cater more toward service or hospitality jobs are among the least vulnerable. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal. (Malte Mueller)

Seattle ranks third among U.S. metros for young professionals, new study finds
The study looked at how much money entry-level workers have left after paying rent. According to JobLeads, Seattle’s median entry-level wage is about $49,000 a year, with nearly $28,000 remaining after rent. Seattle ranked behind Portland and San Jose. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Courtesy of ESBProfessional)

Print

Axios
Bremerton’s Navy shipyard is getting a $15B makeover

Capital Press
Attention horse owners: Pigeon fever on the rise in Oregon
Trial postponed for pair charged with threatening farmworkers

The Daily News
Opinion: Raising kids is getting more expensive, and Americans want help | Steven Kull

Everett Herald
Arlington approves new regulations for e-bikes
Stillaguamish River closes to fishing until Nov. 2
Local food providers talk increased demand from SNAP cuts
County reports first flu death of the fall, early start to flu season
Trade Up lets students experience a day in different careers in Edmonds

Kitsap Sun
PSE awarded $40.2M federal grant to launch grid upgrades
Bainbridge memorial adds center to preserve WWII survivors’ stories

News Tribune
Plan for highway delays near Tacoma this week as new SR 167 signs go in
Hour-long traffic delays expected during upcoming Tacoma Narrows Bridge repairs

New York Times
Opinion: How Is Child Marriage Still Legal in the U.S.?
How Climate Change Is Causing ‘the Gentrification of Seafood’
Editorial: A.I. Companies Say They Aren’t Responsible for Their Unpredictable Products. Don’t Believe Them.

Puget Sound Business Journal
These are the cities most vulnerable to AI automation
AI tool takes aim at career growth, workforce pipelines
Higher mortgage rates are messing with the housing market
Opinion: More pharmacists should be part of outpatient care teams

Seattle Times
Ferguson expands on proposed cellphone ban in K-12 schools
In pursuit of longevity? The WA outdoors could help with that
WA agency apologizes after racist interruption at virtual meeting
After a sickout and cancellations, what’s next for WA State Ferries?
Editorial: Homelessness agency must operate within public-records law
Number of homeless Native people in King County higher than reported

Spokesman Review
NTSB investigating after wreckage of small plane recovered near Tonasket
State schools chief opposes federal program Gov. Ferguson has yet to weigh in on
Spokane Tribe member’s new app turns running into a lesson on Indigenous lands
‘We are still here’: Indigenous Peoples Day event in Riverfront Park celebrates history and identity
Gonzaga University hopes to aid in national nursing shortage by pumping out graduates more regularly

Washington Post
Some who have taken hyped, unregulated peptides have regrets
Trump faces stiff bipartisan pushback to Russian diesel import deal
Ex-DOGE staffers are now profiting from knowledge of government
Rep. Omar calls search at D.C. home part of a Trump intimidation campaign

WA State Standard
Gov. Ferguson calls for salary survey after WA ferry sickout
Oregon retreats from enforcing landmark trans health care coverage mandate
US senators from both parties blast Trump order to import Russian diesel as illegal

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Metro bus machete attack suspect escapes home detention
Pierce County weighs crackdown on unpermitted food vendors, including jail time
Father sues MultiCare, alleging excessive force while trying to reach critically ill son
After ferry sick-out, questions remain about Washington State Ferries’ staffing pipeline

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Arlington approves new regulations for electric scooters and e-bikes
Pacific residents wait in fear without permanent fix to failed flood barrier
Amazon reportedly weighs $7B startup acquisition as AI spending accelerates
Nippon Dynawave employees return to work months after deadly paper mill implosion
Burien City Council unanimously approves resolution strengthening immigrant protections

KUOW Public Radio
7 Washingtonians share their views on Trump’s immigration policy
Seattle considers new RV Parking rules. Critics say it won’t help the people living in them

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Youths answer call of ancestors at Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Lummi Nation
Resigned to school closures, Carl Cozier parents focus anger on new attendance boundaries

MyNorthwest
Columbia Bank moving top executives to Arizona, citing Washington taxes
Seattle ranks third among U.S. metros for young professionals, new study finds

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday info
It’s Great Shakeout week! Here’s what to know about tsunami readiness too

Monday, October 12

Elwha River dam removal project nears capstone with land transfer to tribe
Twelve years ago, the last piece of two Elwha dams came down, in what was at the time the world’s largest dam removal project. It was hard-won by the tribe after generations of declining salmon runs and community health. Now, the so-called project lands, where the dams were blasted and a river freed, are slated to return to the tribe, marking the capstone of the federal project. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Columbia City Will Be Home to Nation’s First Native-Owned Birth Center
In Washington State, Indigenous maternal mortality rates are more than seven times higher than rates for white mothers. The majority of these cases are preventable through better access to culturally responsive medical care and support services. Hummingbird offers culturally congruent support and care for Indigenous moms. Continue reading at South Seattle Emerald. (Courtesy Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services)

Election betting is booming as the midterms near. Do states have the power to curb it?
Prediction markets have emerged as a flashpoint in state and federal relations, as a host of states struggle with the Trump administration over who has authority to regulate the platforms and whether state laws restricting gambling apply to them. While much of the fight centers on the future of sports betting, a growing number of state officials fear the sites are opening the door to a new era of gambling on elections — a practice many states have long prohibited. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Katie Adkins)