Daily E-Clips

Tuesday, November 3

USPS delays could cause 20K more Washington ballot rejections
Changes to how the U.S. Postal Service processes mail could lead to an additional 20,000 Washington ballots being rejected for late postmarks this year, according to University of Washington researchers. Continue reading at Axios. (Jason Redmond)

Amazon will build up to 21 data centers on West Richland land it paid $264M for
Trammell Crow Co., a Dallas, Texas real estate firm with a data center development business, purchased nearly 1,000 acres from the estate of the late agriculture icon Frank Tiegs in July. Monday, AWS confirmed it is the actual buyer behind the $264 million deal in a phone call. It said that such arrangements are standard. Continue reading at Tri-City Herald. (Bob Brawdy)

More real estate listings tout data centers even as project opposition increases
The data reveals the bifurcated view of data centers. For example, one Compass listing showcases a 148-acre property in Taylor, Texas, that boasts of the presence of a transmission tower that makes the spot perfect for a data center. Another listing for property in nearby Burnet, Texas, meanwhile, has the seller of a ranch describing the beauty of the property with dark night skies, no windmills and no data centers nearby, according to Compass. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal. (Yuichiro Chino)

Monday, November 2

‘Enraging’: WA residents despair as insurance premiums climb again
For years, many of these individual buyers could rely on enhanced tax credits, introduced during the pandemic to help middle-class households afford premiums. Those tax credits expired last year despite a bruising government shutdown over preserving them. Since then, thousands in Washington have had to pay the full cost of premiums on their own for the first time in years, at a moment when the cost of insurance is rising rapidly. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)

Clash with feds hangs over WA as votes roll in before Election Day
At the same time, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson recently wrote to all 39 counties, offering the Washington National Guard to serve as an “Election Neighborhood Watch” during voting. … Seven counties have accepted Ferguson’s offer of the National Guard, his office said: King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Clark, Lewis and Island. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)

As WA open enrollment begins, far fewer than expected have lost coverage
State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer attributed the better-than-expected news to an emergency rule out of her office to maximize other premium tax credits. Washington was one of the few states to take this step, she said. The state’s own premium assistance, known as Cascade Care Savings, also helped avert some of the more dire fears of the drops in coverage. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Jake Goldstein-Street)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Opinion: “When they came for me, there was no one left to protest”

Axios
Seattle Public Schools considers merging up to 21 schools

Bellingham Herald
Report: Half of Southwest Washington residents lack resources to cover basic necessities
Millions poured into fundraisers for wildfire relief in August. Why groups are slow to spend it

Capital Press
Bird flu spreads rapidly through Central Washington dairies
Blue-state suit could push Corporate Transparency Act to Supreme Court

The Daily News
Amazon opens million square foot Kelso distribution center
Longview residents win open government awards after City Council lawsuit

Everett Herald
National Guard keeping extra eye on ballot boxes in Snohomish County

Kitsap Sun
Navy pushes USS Connecticut maintenance completion into 2027

News Tribune
Forested trails open to public at new Pierce County park after $1.2 million deal

Puget Sound Business Journal
Former UW laundry site to get 400 apartments, early learning campus

Seattle Medium
Africatown Youth Pop-Up Invites Residents To Help Shape Central District’s Future
Strickland, Local Food Bank Leaders Warn of Growing Hunger Amid Federal SNAP Cuts

Seattle Times
Clash with feds hangs over WA as votes roll in before Election Day
After fires burn WA churches, what’s next for this Indigenous faith?
‘Enraging’: WA residents despair as insurance premiums climb again

Spokesman Review
Public comments on proposed Amazon data center in Walla Walla County ask for oversight

Washington Post
Why mandating AI use in the workplace can backfire
Inside Musk’s plan to upend the wireless phone industry
Judge tosses Trump’s lawsuit over Wall Street Journal’s Epstein article
Open enrollment just started. Here’s what to know about your premiums.
The tech industry is investing in mega gas plants to power their data centers
‘Anyone can be a super-hacker now’: The world faces a cybersecurity reckoning
New hacking threat has election officials scrambling weeks before the midterms

WA State Standard
WA mobilizes National Guard for added security for ballot drop boxes
As WA open enrollment begins, far fewer than expected have lost coverage
Time for change? Permanent daylight saving time bill awaiting US Senate action
‘Medically frail’ Medicaid enrollees won’t have to prove their inability to work to keep coverage

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Yakima County resident dies after contracting bird flu at dairy
Ocean Shores candidate who lost by 1 vote sues over ballot order
Record $5.3 million flows into historic Washington Supreme Court election
ACA open enrollment underway: See WA’s approved 2027 insurance rate increases
Washington groups sue Trump administration over demand to set aside 405 ballots

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Alaska Air Group to cut 125 jobs in Washington
Another State Patrol Car Hit on I-5, Renewing Calls to ‘Move Over’
Spokane County’s wildfire heroes recognized on national stage in New York City
High school hit by Spokane Complex Fires could win $1 million football field makeover
WA midterm election 2026: King County Elections director discusses ballot box security

KNKX Public Radio
Seattle author champions civic engagement year-round

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Opinion: Navy veterans owed screening, care for exposure to asbestos
Blaine, Mount Vernon awarded federal funding to upgrade railroad crossings

Cascade PBS
Procrastinators, there’s still time to register and vote in WA

Geekwire
Washington governor rips Microsoft over TV ad in leaked audio

InvestigateWest
An Idaho law targeted fentanyl dealers. Prosecutors are using it to charge users, too

MyNorthwest
Longview paper mill fined $77,800 after worker nearly engulfed in hot pulp
Washington groups sue Trump administration over demand to set aside 405 ballots
Ahead of midterm election King County stands ready to battle federal government in court

The Urbanist
In Battle with Fire Department, Queen Anne Residents Win Parking Victory

Washington Observer
Irked by TV spot, Ferguson tees off on Microsoft

West Seattle Blog
WEATHER, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Monday info

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)

Print

Axios
Seattle weighs plan to wipe out $5M in medical debt

The Daily News
TIMELINE: Longview Nippon spill, investigation
Longview School Board weighs new hazing rules following Mark Morris allegations

Everett Herald
Everett police identify 44 suspected illicit massage parlors
Everett district planning for likely IB program launch in 2027
Boeing commercial airplane profits dip despite revenue increase

Kitsap Sun
Navy investigating second diesel exhaust incident at Bangor since June
Opinion: Love paid parking or hate it, Poulsbo needed to do something

News Tribune
Landlord group faces scrutiny from WA regulators over 62,000 text messages
Comcast is cutting jobs in Olympia, Puyallup and elsewhere in WA, notice says

New York Times
Tech Stocks Tumble, but Broader Market Is Holding On
Big Tech’s Data Center Blitz Is Burning Through Cash and Scaring Wall St.
Unions Sue Justice Department Over Attempt to Intervene in California’s Vote

Puget Sound Business Journal
Comcast cuts 159 WA jobs amid restructuring effort

Seattle Times
Opinion: Changes to Endangered Species Act will harm salmon, tribes
Permanent daylight saving could nearly triple dark school commutes in WA
Editorial: WA Secretary of State upholds democracy by rejecting DOJ request

Washington Post
Oil giants report windfall profits as high gas prices loom over the election
Massive crypto hack probably the largest theft of digital currencies in history
A new test could make it easier to detect one of the most common cancers in women

WA State Standard
Idled WA coal power plant generates a natural gas fight
Two Dans, three Bobs: Alaska Senate controversy mirrors 2024 Washington fiasco

Yakima Herald-Republic
More than a third of West’s glacial cover has been lost since 1950s
Heritage University awarded $2.5 million to educate more rural nurses

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Maritime High School could close in June, leaving families questioning what comes next
ACLU calls for investigation after ICE agent allegedly slashed tire of Hillsboro couple who recorded agents

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington falls back Sunday as debate over clock changes continues
WA attorney says non-citizens unknowingly register to vote while getting license
Seattle University faces federal investigation over scholarship for underrepresented students
Bears killed in Index following weekend attack, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says
Auburn police officer placed on leave after video appears to show him repeatedly punching suspect

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Opinion: Summoned to serve on a jury? Don’t look for a way out
Tired of waiting, B.C. will keep its clocks the same while WA falls back
‘Fish and farm’ support each other in Whatcom County conservation efforts
Half of Whatcom Community College’s fall applicants were likely fraudsters

MyNorthwest
Washington falls back Sunday as debate over clock changes continues
Sound Transit launches pilot program allowing pets on light rail and buses
Comcast to lay off 159 workers in Washington as part of nationwide restructuring
Auburn police officer on leave after video appears to show repeated punches to suspect
General Motors to pay $220 million over claims it sold drivers’ data for insurance use; WA to get $12.3 million

The Urbanist
Bellevue’s Transportation Funding Debate Pivots Around Safety

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)

Print

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)