Daily E-Clips

Friday, October 30

Permanent daylight saving could nearly triple dark school commutes in WA
Right now, the state’s public school students have to leave home before sunrise about 19 times annually, on average, assuming they head out 20 minutes before the bell. With permanent daylight saving, they could be forced to brave the dark about 53 mornings each winter, according to the UW study. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Jennifer Buchanan)

Seattle weighs plan to wipe out $5M in medical debt
Residents would qualify if their income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or their medical debt exceeds 5% of their income. Eligible residents wouldn’t need to apply for relief or pay taxes on the canceled debt, according to the proposal. Continue reading at Axios. (Sarah Grillo)

Sound Transit launches pilot program allowing pets on light rail and buses
Under the updated rules, dogs may travel either in a carrier or on a short leash, while cats and other small pets must be transported in secure carriers. Riders are required to maintain control of their pets, clean up any messes, and ensure animals do not occupy seats or block aisles and doorways. Aggressive animals are prohibited at all times. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Courtesy of KIRO 7)

Thursday, October 29

American citizens among 405 voters flagged by Feds, Secretary of State says, as DOJ considers ‘next steps’
In a letter to acting U.S. Attorney for Western Washington Neil Floyd and First Assistant United States Attorney for Eastern Washington Pete Serrano, Hobbs said it would “likely be unlawful” for the state to not count ballots from the identified voters during the upcoming midterm elections. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Jesse Tinsley)

ICE awards new 10-year WA detention center contract to GEO Group
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement awarded a new 10-year contract to the GEO Group for the immigrant detention center in Tacoma, one of the nation’s biggest. The huge Florida-based prison and detention company will receive $1.5 billion for the length of the contract. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)

WA is a top state for jobs, but its workers are highly stressed, study says
In June, WalletHub ranked Washington as having the second-best economy in the nation; Massachusetts placed first. In another WalletHub report published in January, Seattle was ranked as the 22nd best city for jobs. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Raimund Koch)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Westport Marina awarded $6.3M PIDP Grant for Float 15 Replacement Project

Auburn Reporter
WA advocates renew calls for state to limit feds’ access to license data

Axios
Dolores Huerta, pioneering labor activist, dies at 96
Seattle’s I-5 lane closures are ending early — for now

Bellingham Herald
WA is a top state for jobs, but its workers are highly stressed, study says
What are Washington state’s fastest growing companies? See the list for 2026
Daylight saving time ends soon in WA. Is this the last year we’ll change clocks?

Capital Press
Blue states sue to get access to small farm, business data for tax collection purposes

The Daily News
One reader’s view | Braun is to blame for Cowlitz County schools losing millions
Longview port commissioner, WA House candidate faces court dispute with neighbor
Opinion: Most school shootings start with a gun brought into the home by an adult | Nina Vinik

Everett Herald
Lynnwood, Edmonds pass resolutions opposing state initiatives
Boeing commercial airplane profits dip despite revenue increase
Edmonds school board approves fall 2028 boundary adjustments

The Inlander
U.S. Justice Department questions WA voter registrations a week before the election

Kitsap Sun
New hazardous waste collection facility to open in North Kitsap
Ted Bundy linked to another murder, but not in his home state of WA
Clocks fall back on Nov. 1… but not for Washington’s Canadian neighbor
Seahawks owner Vinod Khosla is one of few NFL owners donating to Democrats

News Tribune
Daylight saving time ends soon in WA. Is this the last year we’ll change clocks?

New York Times
Inflation Accelerated in September, Fed’s Preferred Measure Shows

Northwest Asian Weekly
DOJ requests information about individuals on WA voter rolls
As global temperatures rise, the CID faces disproportionate climate risks

Puget Sound Business Journal
‘Ghost jobs’ are not going away. Here’s how to spot them.
2027 salaries: Base pay increases may no longer be enough
Harborview expansion costs swell to $3 billion, up 70% from 2020
Report finds major ‘pain points’ in King County permitting process
America’s immobile generation: Fewer prime working-age adults are moving, and here’s why

Seattle Times
21 Seattle schools under review for closure, merger plan
Opinion: WA is losing more from Canada than shoppers
WA fires back at DOJ demands, calls voter list ‘deeply flawed’
First-ever census EV count puts WA and King County near the top
WA court decision revives landlord’s challenge to Seattle rental laws
ICE awards new 10-year WA detention center contract to GEO Group
Attorney general’s office: Childcare centers illegally barred staff from taking second jobs

South Seattle Emerald
Advocates Urge Washington to Block Immigration Authorities’ Access to Driver Data

Spokesman Review
American citizens among 405 voters flagged by Feds, Secretary of State says, as DOJ considers ‘next steps’
‘Model public servant’: Longtime Whitman County sheriff Brett Myers dies days after resigning over ‘aggressive’ disease
Washington State University officials announce end of fall Greek life rush as part of first year student initiative

Washington Post
Why Americans can’t buy these world-class EVs
Why El Niño could threaten your favorite seafood for years to come
Hackers identify thousands of DHS employees in massive data breach
U.S. economy grew at fast clip this summer, thanks to business spending
Nearly 1 in 5 federal workers have left under Trump. Black workers took the biggest hit.
Everything feels more expensive. Take our quiz and see what actually got pricier this year.

WA State Standard
Bird flu spreads to Washington dairy farms

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle sees room to expand civilian crisis response
State leaders still pushing for federal help after eastern Washington fires
Washington Secretary of State rejects DOJ voter list, calls it ‘irresponsible and illegal’

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Governor Bob Ferguson creates Washington’s first chief fraud prevention officer
Seattle councilmember proposes restoring $7 million for fire department overtime
Auburn police officer on leave after video appears to show repeated punches to suspect
KIRO 7 Investigates: Seattle bans surveillance pricing, but will shoppers lose discounts?
Seattle Social Housing Developer to buy West Seattle apartment building for $68 million
Seattle woman’s family sues OpenAI, claims ChatGPT coached her off medication before death

KUOW Public Radio
WA immigrant families urge lawmakers to push back against mass ICE deportations
More than a third of western states’ glacial cover has been lost since 1950s as planet warms

KXLY (ABC)
Lakeside High School wins $250k weight room renovation, advances to final round in nationwide contest

NW Public Radio
Hay there: There could be a shortage of Northwest hay this winter and next spring

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Mount Vernon bridge will close for 2 weeks starting Sunday

InvestigateWest
A longtime Portland drug treatment center is shuttering as similar programs for moms face trouble

The Urbanist
New Harborview Garage Advances In Face of Soaring Hospital Expansion Costs

Wednesday, October 28

WA advocates renew calls for state to limit feds’ access to license data
Washington is one of 19 states that offer driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. Others require warrants or court orders for federal agencies to access state-held license and vehicle data for immigration purposes, according to the UW researchers. Washington does not. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Nicole Neri)

Jury awards $52M to people who got tuberculosis in WA prisons
The outbreak caused “catastrophic damage” in 2021, when 244 people contracted latent tuberculosis and 27 people contracted active tuberculosis in the Clallam Bay and Stafford Creek corrections centers. It was the largest tuberculosis outbreak in the state in 20 years. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Dolores Huerta, influential labor leader, feminist and civil rights icon, dies at 96
Huerta’s resolve cemented her place in history as one of the nation’s most influential labor leaders, civil rights icons and feminist activists. Her three-word Spanish-language slogan — which translates to “Yes, it can be done” — was grounded in the belief that people who take action can affect change. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Rachel La Corte)

Print

Axios
Winter arrives in Washington’s mountains

Capital Press
On-highway diesel prices remain elevated, West Coast sees slight drop

The Daily News
Longview mayor challenges shelter operator’s past as council approves new deal

Everett Herald
Northshore weighs school closures amid declining enrollment
Even with El Niño, Snohomish County officials urge flood preparation

Kitsap Sun
Poulsbo transit expansion will include new buses for Bainbridge runs

News Tribune
These are the best college towns in the nation. Which WA cities made the list?

New York Times
Trump Administration Backs Down on an Opioid Ban After Kratom Industry Lobbying
Kennedy to Allow Broad Use of Unapproved Peptide Injections

Port Townsend Leader
PUD chief out after closed meetings
Millions at risk as city fights growth ruling
$2.5M shortfall puts spending on chopping block

Puget Sound Business Journal
Most SBA loans are made by a handful of lenders. Here’s the downside.

Seattle Times
Health damages from climate change are increasing faster
Jury awards $52M to people who got tuberculosis in WA prisons
Seattle, WA state will ‘fall back’ in time as daylight saving time ends
Proposals seek to wipe out Seattle city attorney’s 5,000-case backlog
ICE surge is here, say WA immigrant advocates sharing stories of arrests
Opinion: Keep these programs that are proven to help WA students succeed
Dolores Huerta, influential labor leader, feminist and civil rights icon, dies at 96

Spokesman Review
U.S. military cost of Iran war tops $47B, Pentagon tells Congress
More than 1.2 million Washington ballots returned a week before midterms
Spokane County bans ‘crypto kiosks’ often used in scams targeting the elderly
‘Fentanyl endangerment’ is new misdemeanor in Spokane County when a child ingests the drug

Washington Post
Why headlights seem more blinding than ever
Your phone knows you’re at the doctor. Data brokers are profiting from it.
Democrats demand reform after judge says DOJ ordered her to reverse rulings
Health insurance rules are changing. Here’s how to avoid an unanticipated bill.
Trump officials charged 180 noncitizens with voter fraud. We looked at each case.

WA State Standard
WA advocates renew calls for state to limit feds’ access to license data
More than a third of western states’ glacial cover has been lost since 1950s as planet warms

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Which Seattle schools could merge? See the full proposed list
Washington voters urged to use drop boxes as mail postmark window narrows
Seattle Social Housing Developer expands to West Seattle with second acquisition
Gov. Ferguson calls federal request to set aside ballots over citizenship concerns ‘disappointing’
Family sues over Leon Davis’ death, alleges excessive force by Federal Way police, hospital staff

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
DOJ says more than 400 WA voters may be illegally registered, asks state to set ballots aside
Wrongful death suit filed by family of man held down for 25 minutes at Federal Way hospital
Jobs, services potentially on the chopping block to make up for Tacoma’s $40M budget deficit
Survey shows high percentage of Seattle businesses have considered moving out of Emerald City

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Blaine temporarily bans data centers, battery farms
Environmental groups take Whatcom County to court over comp plan
Opinion: If you’ve waited until now to vote, better use a county drop box

Cascade PBS
WA state officials say to use drop boxes to vote

InvestigateWest
Oregon needs more youth ‘respite’ homes, but funding problems stand in the way

MyNorthwest
Governor Bob Ferguson creates Washington’s first chief fraud prevention officer
Housing Hope breaks ground on its first affordable housing for older adults in Everett

The Urbanist
Opinion: The Case for Public Access at University Swimming Pools
Fight Over Traffic Safety in Seattle’s Historic Districts Keeps Simmering

Washington Observer
Using Gregoire against the income tax

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday begins

Tuesday, October 27

Washington 9th graders perform better with new program, but funding isn’t guaranteed
In the Ninth Grade Success initiative, teachers and other school support staff pair up with students dealing with low grades, truancy, poor behavior and more. A recent state evaluation shows it’s working: More students pass their classes and stay on track to graduate, a report for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction shows. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Nuria Martinez-Keel)

WA costs more, but residents are less likely to be in debt
Washington is an expensive place to live. That’s not news to anyone who has bought groceries, filled a tank or paid a daycare bill here lately. What may surprise you: Washingtonians are less likely than Americans overall to fall behind on their debts. In Seattle, they’re even less likely. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Feds allege 400 illegal WA state voters. Timing suspect, says WA voting official
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said late Friday afternoon that his office had received a letter from the Department of Justice requesting information about individuals on the state’s voter rolls. It will not release information that is protected under state and federal law, Hobbs said. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Dean Rutz)

Print

Associated Press
Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to more than 25% of its workforce

Aberdeen Daily World
Witnessing the return of salmon at Schafer State Park
Grays Harbor, Pacific county unemployment rates fall
FEMA launches option to buy flood insurance policy online

Axios
Microsoft offers buyouts to roughly a quarter of its workforce

Bellingham Herald
High inflation to persist globally into next year, Reuters poll shows
FTC, 20 states sue Dollar General for allegedly overcharging shoppers
‘Sharp glass fragments’ found in grocery staple sold in WA, prompting big recall
Dollar firms ahead of central bank meetings, steadier stocks stall safe haven play

Capital Press
El Niño warms into strongest-ever territory
Bird flu in dairy cattle spreads to second Washington county
New WSU small grains economist helps wheat farmers navigate ‘squeeze’
Pro-dam advocate: WSDOT draft study shows removing dams ‘bad for ag, taxpayers, climate’

The Daily News
Kelso weighs property tax increase amid projected $900K deficit

Everett Herald
Mill Creek bridge to receive emergency repairs
Everett unveils AI program to speed up ADU permits
UnitedHealthcare directory inaccurate amid open enrollment

Kitsap Sun
Apartments complete in Silverdale, with other business coming along

News Tribune
Pierce Co. island ‘in the dark’ after ferry outage enters third day, locals say
Feds allege 400 illegal WA state voters. Timing suspect, says WA voting official
Email signed ‘Love, Mom’ cited in fraud case against federal worker hired at Washington nuclear site

New York Times
U.S. Pensions Are Riding the A.I. Wave. For Better or Worse.
How Health Experts Are Working to Keep Older Gun Owners Safe
The New Worst-Case Scenario for Election Officials: Federal Interference
A Damning Account Alleges Jared Kushner Conducted Diplomacy for Profit

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 employees

Seattle Times
WA costs more, but residents are less likely to be in debt
Seattle Public Schools considers closing, merging schools
Drinking water may have much more ‘forever chemicals’ than EPA reports
Trump’s DOJ demands WA set aside ballots of 400-plus alleged noncitizens
Opinion: Ferguson’s stance against early release from prison is confounding

South Seattle Emerald
King County Council Committee Reviews Plan to Replace Route 7 With RapidRide

Spokesman Review
Getting There: Spokane moves forward with connecting 27 miles of cycling routes by 2027
Feds probe 30 years of Washington elections as state officials say allegation casts ‘unfounded suspicion’

Washington Post
CDC’s deputy director to leave after six months
The FDA rarely inspects much of the produce Americans eat
There’s not enough money in the world to pay for the AI boom
Trump administration asks Washington state to hold more than 400 people’s ballots

WA State Standard
The percentage of people without health insurance is growing
Rising prices squeeze more Americans ahead of pivotal midterm elections
Washington 9th graders perform better with new program, but funding isn’t guaranteed

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Northshore families fight to keep elementary schools open as district weighs closures
Top election officials address public concerns about ballot security and election integrity
Acting U.S. Attorney claims 405 noncitizens voted in Washington, but offers no charges or records
ICE officer seen carrying rifle during South Seattle arrest; observer says another officer pointed handgun at him the next day

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
KIRO 7 Investigates: Who is profiting off your power bill?
Seattle Public Schools considers mergers as enrollment declines
Snohomish County urges residents to prepare for winter flooding
Kratom-related calls surge in Washington amid push for regulations (Reeves)
Weather Advisory Issued: Winter travel arrives in the mountain passes tonight
King County launches online portal to give crime victims easier access to case updates
Index resident attacked by mother bear and cub, locals react to ongoing wildlife issues
DOJ says more than 400 WA voters may be illegally registered, asks state to set ballots aside
Voicemail shows Seattle mayor’s aide asked police to delay Bite of Seattle shooting briefing
Families sue Longview paper mill, claiming company ignored warning signs before tank implosion

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle Public Schools weighs mergers for at least 6 schools
ICE arrests surge at Seattle-area Home Depot parking lots. Neighbors are on the lookout

KXLY (ABC)
Non-emergency calls transition from Crime Check to 311 in Spokane
Hundreds of non-citizens registered to vote in Washington, DOJ says

NW Public Radio
How an internship program is connecting disconnected young people in Pierce County to jobs

Web

Cascade PBS
El Centro Skate Rink rolls out drive for young voters

Geekwire
AI optimism meets data center backlash as protesters disrupt Seattle AI Week kickoff

MyNorthwest
Seattle budget: Rob Saka proposes $14 million for traffic safety, restores pothole funding
Families sue Longview paper mill, alleging company ignored warning signs tank could fail

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday info
UPDATE: Hazardous materials response along West Marginal Way SW

Monday, October 26

Most Puget Sound Cities Aren’t Keeping Up With Housing Growth Targets
Of the 40 cities across King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties that are expected to accommodate the largest share of regional housing growth through 2044, just 14 are on track and many are significantly behind. Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Courtesy of City of Edmonds)

DOJ sending election monitors to WA’s King County
It’s unclear what role federal election monitors will play or how many there will be in King County on Election Day. Continue reading at KUOW. (Ted S. Warren)

Microsoft makes new ‘voluntary exit’ offer to about a quarter of its workforce, including some execs
Microsoft cut 4,800 jobs in July, about 2% of its global workforce, including about 600 in Washington state, followed by hundreds more across the company in September. The company cut more than 15,000 jobs in 2025. The company said the new offer is not a replacement for layoffs, which will remain part of the company’s approach depending on business conditions. Continue reading at Geekwire. (Dasharath Sunar)