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Wednesday, November 23

Student loan-payment freeze extended as courts weigh debt relief
The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it will again extend a pandemic-era pause on payments for federal student loans as courts weigh the fate of its debt forgiveness program. Officials had hoped to have forgiven some debt by then so borrowers’ balances would be lower, or in some cases wiped altogether, before payments resumed. But Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the department will extend the pause again until the courts reinstate Biden’s debt relief program or resolve ongoing lawsuits. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Michael Cadenhead)

Common chemical in tires caused mass Coho salmon deaths in Puget Sound, scientists say
Since the early 1990s, scientists up and down the West coast have known about a mysterious killer lurking in the waters of urban creeks wiping out populations of Coho salmon. What they discovered was a toxin called 6PPD-quinone produced when the common tire preservative 6PPD mixes with oxygen. As tires age, the rubber starts to peel off leaving bits and pieces in their path. When it rains anything that doesn’t soak into soil becomes stormwater pollution, eventually ending up in local waterways where every fall Coho salmon return to spawn. Continue reading at KING 5. (KING 5)

Some medications in short supply at local pharmacies as demand outstrips production
Prescription drug shortages are becoming a growing concern as pharmaceuticals ranging from Adderall for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to amoxicillin for infections run into short supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that the Adderall shortage could be an issue until the new year, affecting both adult and child prescriptions, while the amoxicillin shortage could extend well into next year. States such as Oregon have reported amoxicillin shortages, while UW Medicine on Monday warned about the Adderall shortage. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

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Associated Press
Court: Long sentence for Black man who killed at 17 stands
Fish-farming net pens banned, citing salmon threat
Walmart manager opens fire in break room, killing 6
Pierce County sheriff’s trial delayed, lawyers say he has flu
Explainer: Why a rail strike is looming, and the wide impact it’d have on the economy
Public safety accounts urge caution on Twitter after changes
Judge orders Amazon to stop retaliations against organizers

Aberdeen Daily World
Increased prices don’t just affect consumers
Dungeness crab season delayed until at least mid-December

Auburn Reporter
Giving thanks while on stolen land in the Seattle area

Bellingham Herald
Some medications in short supply at local pharmacies as demand outstrips production
Whatcom children hospitalized at rate four times higher than in the last five years
Three Whatcom, Skagit high schools receive false calls of an active campus shooter

Capital Press
Questions to ask before entering the carbon credit market
Researchers to study climate change impact on Dungeness crab

The Daily News
County commissioners split on considering agreement to pay for HOPE Village

Everett Herald
Providence responds to critical letter from Everett, county councils
State won’t keep federal money from Lake Stevens for ADA issues

News Tribune
Tents at new Tacoma homeless site leaked during Tuesday’s rain. City says it’s been fixed

Olympian
Modular building on west Capitol Campus almost ready for Newhouse staff

Puget Sound Business Journal
Starbucks to shutter a 4th unionized Seattle store, citing safety
Opinion: Editor’s notebook: Cost of living is shared burden

Seattle Medium
Food Insecurity Is Still A Major Concern For Many Families
Different Dispositions on Local Crime Data
City Council Committee Approves $4 Million In Mental Health Resources For Students In Seattle
Activist: Addressing Violence In Schools Requires A Comprehensive Approach

Seattle Times
Thousands of U.S. schools, including in WA, fail to count homeless students

Spokesman Review
Kuney to head Washington State Association of Counties
LaCrosse residents unite to revitalize downtown and preserve tiny southeast Whitman County community
Spokane County sheriff’s use of helicopters, infrared imaging to survey Camp Hope at center of latest legal dispute

Tri-City Herald
ACLU says Richmond School Board proposal could lead to free speech ‘abuse’ and ‘censorship’

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla City Council narrows focus in city manager search to one candidate

Washington Post
Gunman who killed 6 at Virginia Walmart was store employee, police say
Supreme Court clears way for Trump tax returns to go to Congress
Fauci urges updated coronavirus shots in ‘final message’ from White House
Student loan-payment freeze extended as courts weigh debt relief

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
False reports of school shootings across western Washington caused ‘tremendous’ amount of stress
Common chemical in tires caused mass Coho salmon deaths in Puget Sound, scientists say
‘Once-in-a-lifetime project’ will connect Puyallup to Port of Tacoma
‘Love your children; love them for who they are’: Family remembers trans advocate a year after murder

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
RSV surge, hospital overcapacity issues persist ahead of Thanksgiving

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Parents raise concerns after threats closed Meridian Elementary School for four days
Outreach workers say resource event could draw in new homeless clients

Q13 TV (FOX)
Biden’s student loan forgiveness: A timeline of legal challenges facing the plan

Web

Crosscut
The Asian Hall of Fame honors its first Indigenous inductee

MyNorthwest
Adderall shortage causes some to look to alternate treatments
Flu season wreaking havoc on kids in Washington state
Seattle City Council’s proposed budget includes $500M for affordable housing; vote next week
Study: Renters need to work longer hours to afford rent

The Stranger
Council Rejects Progressive Tax Increase to Fill $140 Million Budget Hole

West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: Another near-record year for salmon spawners in Fauntleroy Creek – with other records set

Tuesday, November 22

Creating a Washington economy that works for all by helping small businesses
The Washington State Department of Commerce recently published a report examining the current landscape of small business support, referred to as technical assistance. Technical assistance programs provide training and guidance to help small businesses succeed, as well as share resources and education to help entrepreneurs tap into government and philanthropic aid programs. Surveying technical assistance providers from across the state, the report is the first ever exploration of how such providers responded to the pandemic, the gaps that exist in support, and how we can prioritize state and philanthropic resources to fill those gaps, especially for businesses furthest from opportunity. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Donna Grethen)

Rep. Jayapal: Kroger merger will ‘hurt consumers, workers’
U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is calling for a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into Kroger’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons. It would combine the country’s two largest grocery store chains under one name. Kroger currently owns Fred Meyer and QFC, while Albertsons operates Safeway and Haggen. Representative Jayapal says the merger wouldn’t be good for the average American. “The acquisition would threaten competition and hurt consumers, workers, and small businesses. It presents several anti-competitive concerns, including fewer product choices and higher costs,” Jayapal said in a statement. The merger creates a company encompassing nearly 5,000 stores, reaching approximately 85 million households across the U.S. Kroger would own a share of the U.S. grocery market second to only Walmart. Continue reading at My Northwest. (Tom Williams)

Judge orders Amazon to stop retaliations against organizers
A federal judge has ordered Amazon to stop retaliating against employees engaged in workplace activism, issuing a mixed ruling that also hands a loss to the federal labor agency that sued the company earlier this year. The ruling came in a court case brought by the National Labor Relations Board, which sued Amazon in March seeking the reinstatement of a fired employee who was involved in organizing a company warehouse on Staten Island, New York. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Diane Gujarati ruled there was “reasonable cause” to believe the e-commerce giant committed an unfair labor practice by firing Bryson. She issued a cease-and-desist order directing the Seattle-based company to not retaliate against employees involved in workplace activism. Continue reading at Associated Press. (Craig Ruttle)

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Associated Press
Judge orders Amazon to stop retaliations against organizers

Auburn Reporter
TDOR honors victims of anti-transgender violence

Bellingham Herald
Life of Idaho stabbing victim remembered at Mount Vernon memorial
Emails at WWU encouraged violence against Black students
Whatcom will see weather Tuesday that might seem unusual

Capital Press
Black Sea grain initiative extension stabilizes wheat prices

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: With elections, if you don’t play you can’t win

Everett Herald
Air quality burn ban issued for Snohomish County
Comment: U.S. adoption policy has harmed families, children
Editorial: Reduce cannabis business as target for crime

International Examiner
An expanded Filipinx American History and ethnic studies curriculum launches in Seattle Public Schools

Kent Reporter
Kent City Council approves status quo biennial budget for 2023-2024

Kitsap Sun
State’s budget forecast grows despite recession worries

News Tribune
Western State employees who got $2M for patient attacks sue again for records violations

Olympian
The Evergreen State is losing its trees. Here’s how Washington DNR aims to change that
CenturyLink must pay $226,000 penalty for failing to disclose rate changes, state says

Puget Sound Business Journal
As inflation soars, here’s how Seattle ranks for affordability
Providence posts operating loss of $1.1B so far this year
Despite mass layoffs, startups are still competing for tech recruits

Seattle Medium
UW Center Launches Community Conversations On Black Capitalism

Seattle Times
Seattle LGBTQ+ community on edge after Colorado nightclub shooting
Washington’s special education age limit is illegal, lawsuit claims
After record-breaking Seattle dry spell, here comes the rain
Opinion: Creating a Washington economy that works for all by helping small businesses

South Seattle Emerald
Indigenous Resources to Decolonize Thanksgiving; COVID-19 Services for the Holiday Season

Spokesman Review
Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and NASA astronaut Anne McClain discuss women in leadership at Northwest Passages event

Tri-City Herald
Weather Alert | Freezing rain, maybe snow, forecast for Eastern WA and Tri-Cities
Surge of respiratory infections in Tri-Cities expected. ER capacity a concern
Tri-Cities pizza restaurant to pay $11,000 for refusing service to disabled customer

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla City Council narrows focus in city manager search to one candidate

Washington Post
LGBTQ club shooting suspect’s troubled past was obscured by a name change, records show
Army veteran recounts subduing gunman at Colorado LGBTQ club

Yakima Herald-Republic
Groundbreaking on new Prosser hospital set for Nov. 29
Audit shows improper payments to Toppenish Superintendent John M. Cerna and his son

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
‘A broken system’: Dozens in Washington could get thousands of dollars waiting in jail for treatment

Web

Crosscut
This year’s Thanksgiving turkey will cost you more. Here’s why

MyNorthwest
Inflation, supply issues limit donations to Seattle food banks
Jury selection begins for Pierce County Sheriff trial
Rep. Jayapal: Kroger merger will ‘hurt consumers, workers’

The Stranger
The Meaningless Fight about Where to House Seattle’s Parking Cops Is Over … for Now

West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: Stormwater facility by 1st Avenue South Bridge ready to run
GROCERY MERGER: Rep. Jayapal announces in West Seattle that she’s seeking federal investigation
DEVELOPMENT: 31-townhouse project for north Junction site

Monday, November 21

Gay club shooting suspect evaded Colorado’s red flag gun law
A year and a half before he was arrested in the Colorado Springs gay nightclub shooting that left five people dead, Anderson Lee Aldrich allegedly threatened his mother with a homemade bomb. Yet despite that scare, there’s no record prosecutors ever moved forward with felony kidnapping and menacing charges against Aldrich, or that police or relatives tried to trigger Colorado’s “red flag” law that would have allowed authorities to seize the weapons and ammo the man’s mother says he had with him. Gun control advocates say Aldrich’s June 2021 threat is an example of a red flag law ignored, with potentially deadly consequences. El Paso County appears especially hostile to the law, joining nearly 2,000 counties nationwide in declaring themselves “Second Amendment Sanctuaries”. Continue reading at Associated Press. (Parker Seibold)

Getting There: A year later, bipartisan infrastructure law has sent $3.7 billion to Washington, $1.1 billion to Idaho
A year after Congress passed landmark bipartisan legislation to revamp the nation’s ailing infrastructure, the bill has delivered $3.7 billion in Washington state – including $51.5 million in Spokane County – according to figures from the White House. President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law Nov. 15, 2021, marking the culmination of years of bipartisan efforts to address one of the rare priorities on which Republicans and Democrats largely agreed. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and authored parts of the bill, celebrated the anniversary in a statement Tuesday. “This is a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.” Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Kathy Plonka)

Republicans hit blue wall in WA: Meet your new state Legislature
Republicans hit a blue wall in the Washington state Legislature election this month, repulsed by Democrats who continue to build power in Olympia. While Marie Gluesenkamp Perez made noise nationally with a U.S. House upset and Patty Murray silenced her doubters with her sixth straight U.S. Senate victory, Democrats lower down on the Nov. 8 ballot quietly bolstered their control over the Washington state Legislature, setting the stage for an action-packed lawmaking session that opens less than two months from now. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

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Associated Press
US supply chain under threat as unions, railroads, clash
Oregon, California and Washington oppose natural gas pipeline expansion in Pacific Northwest
Gay club shooting suspect evaded Colorado’s red flag gun law

Bellingham Herald
As Bellingham expands EV charging stations, this is what drivers will pay.
Rising number of kids missing school as respiratory illnesses continue to spread.
Whatcom County could see major impacts amid potential grocery merger.

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: Be cautious amid viruses this Thanksgiving
Editorial: In Our View: Support for light rail depends on transparency

The Daily News
Longview’s Lower Columbia College — like community colleges nationwide — sees enrollment drops
Comment: Election shows most parents content with child’s public school

Everett Herald
State’s Native American crisis hotline is first in the nation
Edmonds eyes speed cameras near three schools
Breaking it down: How consumers can cash in on federal climate bill
For beavers, tall dams don’t always make good neighbors
You’re in! With 3.0 GPA, many students can now punch ticket to college
Comment: Native American children again under threat
Editorial: Friction provides no warmth to homeless in county

News Tribune
Western State employees who got $2M for patient attacks sue again for records violations

Olympian
Rising numbers of kids missing school as respiratory illnesses continue to spread
At a pizza party for mental health, WA farmers find community amid stress
Friday’s I-5 carjacking suspect was fatally shot at the scene, Thurston Coroner says
Dry November, out of season fires in Western WA, and a burn ban. Rain coming, but not much
Dude, where’s my catalytic converter? Probably back in the supply chain

Puget Sound Business Journal
Why businesses should pay attention to the growing Latino market
Four-day workweeks becoming serious consideration

Seattle Medium
Facebook, Amazon Letting Seattle Workers Go

Seattle Times
Republicans hit blue wall in WA: Meet your new state Legislature (Lovick, Wilson, Randall, Shewmake, Rule, Lekanoff, Billig, Jinkins)
How a Kitsap County hospital illustrates WA’s emergency care crisis
Jury selection begins in trial of Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer

Spokesman Review
Getting There: A year later, bipartisan infrastructure law has sent $3.7 billion to Washington, $1.1 billion to Idaho
Spokane County commits $500,000 for Trent Avenue homeless shelter
Spokane City Council to consider a cap on what food delivery services can charge restaurants
Washington wildlife commission strikes down recreational spring bear hunt

Tri-City Herald
Monday morning commute may be icy. Tri-Cities under air stagnation advisory.
WA pediatrician shares tips to battle child respiratory infection and stay out of ER.
Dude, where’s my catalytic converter? Probably back in the supply chain.

Washington Post
Officials probe whether Colorado Springs shooting was a hate crime

Yakima Herald-Republic
It Happened Here: WSDOT to rename I-90 rest areas near Cle Elum

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Meridian Elementary reopens with added safety measures following lockdown
November wildfires putting strain on state resources

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
4 dead after plane crashes, catches fire in field near Snohomish during test flight
Snohomish County PUD releases stats showing severity of early November storm

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
9-year-old shot in road-rage incident welcomed home; WSP says suspect vehicle was stolen
Enrollment stabilizing at community colleges after pandemic drop, reports show

Web

MyNorthwest
Ferry staff could have stopped deaths from DUI crash, lawsuit alleges
State commissioner of public lands Franz announces end to net pen aquaculture
Seattle-based tech companies continue layoffs, ‘adjustments will be made’

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Suspected local case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and what you need to know about it
MONDAY: One more chance to speak out about city spending plan

Friday, November 18

Canceled crab harvests for Alaska and WA to cost fisheries $287 million, say US senators
Four U.S. senators, including Washington state’s Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, are calling for the declaration of a federal disaster after the cancellation of the 2022-2023 harvest season for two crab species. The 2022-2023 crabbing season for Bering Sea snow crab and Bristol Bay red king crab were both canceled in October by Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game. It’s the first time that the U.S. snow crab season has been canceled. Bristol Bay red king crab also saw its 2021-2022 season canceled. Snow crabs have been moving to colder waters in recent years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries division. Washington state is home to about a dozen crabbing regions. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Klas Stolpe)

Inslee joins ‘Beyond Oil and Gas’ group
Washington has joined an international group that advocates leaving oil and natural gas reserves underground, Gov. Jay Inslee said in a tweet Wednesday from the United Nations climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance was formed at last year’s UN climate meeting. The alliance warns that investing in oil and natural gas production will lock in dangerous global warming. “I’m proud our state has joined (the alliance) as we urge leaders to speed efforts to keep oil and gas in the ground,” Inslee tweeted. Washington is one of 15 states with no oil reserves and one of 14 states with no natural gas reserves, according to the Energy Information Administration. Continue reading at Capital Press. (United Nations Conference of Parties)

Yakamas request more consultation with Native American tribes on green energy projects
The Yakama Nation wants better collaboration between Native American tribes and state and local agencies when permitting green energy projects to protect culturally sensitive areas. Yakama Nation Tribal Council Chairman Gerald Lewis explained the tribe’s concerns in a Nov. 14 letter to Gov. Jay Inslee. The letter comes a month after the Yakamas had a government to government meeting with Inslee and delegates from other tribes at Legends Casino west of Toppenish on the Yakama Reservation. The gathering was held to discuss the impacts of climate change and concerns of green energy projects sited in culturally sensitive areas. Continue reading at The Yakima Herald.

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Aberdeen Daily World
Crews will work to stabilize the hillside above SR 109 west of Hoquiam
Take a class on Grays Harbor College’s dime

Bellingham Herald
This is why Bellingham missed its community climate reduction target

Capital Press
Inslee joins ‘Beyond Oil and Gas’ group

Columbian
Vancouver Public Schools votes to run levy in Feb. 14 election

The Daily News
Kelso budget takes shape as council approves property tax levy, ARPA funding

Everett Herald
Madison Street project in Everett will include bike lanes

Kitsap Sun
State commission wants feedback on potential ferry fuel surcharge

News Tribune
Pierce deputy, Bonney Lake man he shot identified. Charges say suspect pointed gun at cop
Canceled crab harvests for Alaska and WA to cost fisheries $287 million, say US senators

Olympian
Citizen group opposing possible Thurston County airport draws large crowd
Five Lewis County officers, deputies placed on paid leave after Nov. 14 fatal shooting

Peninsula Daily News
Neah Bay wildfires prompt evacuations, school closures
Clallam County sheriff staffing levels up

Port Townsend Leader
Public comment sought on ferry fuel surcharge

Puget Sound Business Journal
Metro ridership is up, yet downtown Seattle worker foot traffic falls
Lacey hotel to become shelter for people living along state roadways

Seattle Medium
City Budget Focus As Recovery Expected Soon
Alleged Price-Fixing: Seattle Renters Sue Leasing Companies

Seattle Times
After budget mistake, homelessness agency seeks help from Seattle
Seattle’s new ferry terminal at Colman Dock opens with upgrades
WA tribes wary as Native child welfare law challenged in Supreme Court

Skagit Valley Herald
Sedro-Woolley lowers license fee for food trucks

Spokesman Review
Public Disclosure Commissions fines Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich for electioneering, lobbying; sheriff vows appeal
Washington added 5,400 jobs in October

Tri-City Herald
Old Welch juice plant to serve as intake for future Behavioral Health and Recovery Center

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Body cameras for Walla Walla Police Department on city budget

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakamas request more consultation with Native American tribes on green energy projects
Editorial: ERs brace for the next wave: RSV

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington, Alaska senators ask for federal fishery disaster declaration
Amended ordinance in Federal Way outlaws pushing shopping carts on sidewalks

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
State agencies preparing for potential shutdown of Twitter
New push to potentially bring school resource officers back to Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell appoints panel on sexual assault, system reform

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Deadly school shooting in Seattle prompts discussion on new safety measures

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane County invests $500k to bring in new resources to Trent Shelter

Web

MyNorthwest
Thousands lose power as 49-mph winds strike Puget Sound
Property owners accused of ‘price-fixing’ rent in Seattle

The Stranger
Seattle’s Unhoused Feel Unheard in the City’s Budget Process

West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting

Thursday, November 17

Patty Murray likely to be first female Senate president pro tem, 3rd in line for presidency
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray will likely be the first woman to serve as Senate president pro tempore, a position that would place her third in line for the presidency. Murray will also likely chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, controlling the federal purse strings and directing billions of dollars of spending. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Jacquelyn Martin)

Native representation to increase in Washington Legislature
Washington state is home to 29 federally recognized Native American Tribes, but only one Native person currently serves in the state Legislature. That will change next year. Democrat Debra Lekanoff, a member of a Tlingit tribe of southeast Alaska, currently represents the 40th Legislative District (Position 1), which includes the San Juan Islands. Lekanoff emphasizes the importance of having Native lawmakers in office. “More voices with more perspectives that reflect the diversity of the Native community are also needed,” Lekanoff said in an interview with KUOW. Continue reading at KUOW. (Chris Stearns)

Starbucks workers plan strikes at more than 100 US stores
Starbucks workers at more than 100 U.S. stores say they’re going on strike Thursday in what would be the largest labor action since a campaign to unionize the company’s stores began late last year. Workers say they’re seeking better pay, more consistent schedules and higher staffing levels in busy stores. Starbucks opposes the unionization effort, saying the company functions best when it works directly with employees. The Seattle coffee giant has more than 9,000 company-owned stores in the U.S. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Seth Wenig)