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Friday, October 20

Feds OK Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion in Pacific Northwest Over Environmentalist Protests
Federal regulators have approved the expansion of a natural gas pipeline running from the Canadian border through a corner of Idaho and into Washington state and Oregon, connecting with a pipeline going into California. Officials from Washington state this project will undermine efforts to reduce emissions to combat the effects of climate change. The attorneys general of three states said it would result in more than 3.47 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year for at least the next three decades. Continue reading at The Skanner. (Jeff McIntosh)

Sockeye salmon return to the Cedar River
Dozens of stoplight-red sockeye are making a mad dash up the Cedar River in the last leg of their journey. The Cedar River’s storied natural sockeye run may have been as large as 600,000 historically. Today, fewer than 10,000 of the fish make it back into the river, but Muckleshoot’s program offers hope for getting the run back to sustainable levels. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

Proposal for new jail oversight agency headed to WA lawmakers
Washington should establish an independent agency to craft and enforce standards for the operation of local jails under a proposal a statewide task force is sending to lawmakers. This new entity would set minimum staffing levels and maximum capacity for each city, county and regional jail, and write guidelines for intake, visitation, discipline, and medical care services. And its staff could conduct unannounced inspections and seek the closure of facilities where conditions jeopardize the safety of workers or incarcerated individuals. The Joint Legislative Task Force on Jail Standards approved the idea for the agency and other recommendations on Wednesday. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Bill Lucia)

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Axios
Seattle-area commutes have gotten shorter

Capital Press
Horse Heaven wind and solar project seen as threat to tribal properties
NOAA outlook favors warmer-than-normal winter for Pacific Northwest

Columbian
Battle Ground police chief stepping down
Clark Asks: ‘Do homeless people actually want to get off the streets?’

Everett Herald
In Osprey Park, salmon embrace Sultan River’s newly restored channel
Despite a growing need, county doesn’t provide ballots in Spanish

News Tribune
Photos taken night of Manuel Ellis’ death show minor injuries on officers who subdued him
Is Tacoma’s second psychiatric hospital in trouble? Work stalled amid legal disputes

Northwest Asian Weekly
Will tourism promotion law help the CID?

Puget Sound Business Journal
Downtown Seattle crime is down as drug use law goes into effect
Port seeks an end to fight over Sea-Tac arrivals facility
IRS offers way out for some businesses worried about ERC audits
Developer, King County launch rare sewer heat-recovery project

Seattle Medium
$400M for Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport’s C Concourse Expansion

Seattle Times
Seattle among least ‘cost-burdened’ big cities, data shows. How is that possible?
Good and not-so-good news for Seattle’s economy so far in 2023
Sockeye salmon return to the Cedar River — after running gauntlet of barriers
Seattle-area independent pharmacies struggle to remain open. Here’s why
Prosecutors hire firm to review SPD investigation of Kandula’s death

The Skanner
Feds OK Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion in Pacific Northwest Over Environmentalist Protests

South Seattle Emerald
Indigenous Boarding Schools: Unveiling a Painful History and Resilient Spirit

Spokesman Review
Natural gas pipeline through Washington approved to expand capacity
Washington’s minimum wage to increase to $16.28 next year. Is it enough to offset a statewide cost of living crisis?
WSU professor fills historical gap with new course on American Indian Wars: ‘We have an obligation to Native people’

Washington Post
Lawmakers demand answers from Bezos about election misinformation on Alexa

WA State Standard
Proposal for new jail oversight agency headed to WA lawmakers (Saldaña)
Federal regulators approve natural gas pipeline expansion through Washington, Oregon

Yakima Herald-Republic
Editorial: Yakima City Council has no easy options on budget

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New recovery resource center opening in Poulsbo
Monroe’s new program helps people struggling with drug addiction
Auburn officer set to go to trial nearly 5 years after Jesse Sarey’s death
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office hires firm to review case involving Jaahnavi Kandula

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle law criminalizing public drug use takes effect Friday
Washington drivers’ guide to safe holiday travel: WSDOT shares tips ahead of winter weather
Want to buy a ‘typical’ Seattle home? Here’s how much you need to make

KNKX Public Radio
Pacific Northwest gas pipeline expansion approved by federal regulators

KUOW Public Radio
Amazon unveils plan for ultra-fast prescription drug delivery in Seattle, other U.S. cities
Audit alleges nepotism, other ethical problems at Seattle’s building department

KXLY (ABC)
An inside look at the new Spokane County Sheriff’s Office training facility

NW Public Radio
New flood management plan considers more flooding types

Q13 TV (FOX)
FAA warns Sen. Patty Murray of potentially deadly space debris falling back to earth
Social Security benefits to receive 3.2% pay bump next year: See how much money you could receive

Web

MyNorthwest
97% of Providence Everett nurses vote to approve strike
Rite Aid to close 11 Wash. stores, including 5 Bartell Drugs locations

The Stranger
Seattle Reboots Its Drug War with No Plan and No Money to Scale Up Diversion

Thursday, October 19

A historic housing construction boom may finally moderate rent hikes
An unprecedented surge in the nationwide construction of new housing — mostly apartments — may finally be making a dent in fast-rising rents that have been making life harder for tenants. More than 1.65 million housing units were under construction last year, the highest annual number since federal record-keeping started in 1969. This year, the number was even higher — almost 1.7 million in September. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Marta Lavandier)

WSDOT issues grim warning for Washington roads on ‘glide path to failure’
The Washington State Department of Transportation says it’s only getting half the funding it needs to preserve and fix our roads. According to WSDOT, it’s facing an estimated $11 billion budget shortfall over the next decade. Their warning for drivers: This is likely to only get worse if nothing is done. Continue reading at KIRO 7 TV. (WSDOT)

WA recovers $2 million from ‘predatory’ student loan debt adjusters
With the recovery of $139,600 in restitution this week, Washington state’s yearslong campaign to prosecute student loan adjusters has now recouped more than $2 million for residents who were charged illegal fees. The Attorney General’s Office found several illegal practices, including false marketing about loan forgiveness and charging above the legal limit in fees. Some adjusters even claimed to be affiliated with the federal government. Continue reading at Seattle Times.

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Associated Press
Farm workers to speak out against new WA farming overtime law in Quincy
Thrift store chain case was no bargain for Washington attorney general; legal fees top $4.2 million

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham affordable housing tenants speak out about conditions, safety concerns at complex
Bellingham tenant advocates unveil ‘Horrible Properties Map’ detailing renters’ complaints

Capital Press
Western Innovator: Entomologist aids cranberry, shellfish growers

Columbian
With state’s tolls in limbo, Oregon lawmaker pushes feds to block tolling proposal

Courier-Herald
Mount Rainier National Park wants public input disability accessibility

Everett Herald
Stillaguamish Tribe to ‘repair, restore’ river with salmon funding

Mercer Island Reporter
City council approves proclamation to condemn the attacks against the State of Israel

News Tribune
Litter-sucking trucks, road work, graffiti priorities in Pierce public works budget
Witness to Manuel Ellis’ fatal interaction with police cross-examined by defense lawyers
Opinion: Critics say Pierce County’s homeless village would hurt the environment. That’s false

Olympian
Owner of Lacey Mexican restaurants apologizes for $100k in overtime and labor violations

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon to expand Prime Air drone delivery to new test markets
Businesses are staring down an insurance problem. It could be costly.
Some young homebuyers use family money to buy a house

Seattle Times
Shake it out for earthquake preparedness, Seattle
Earthquake early warning test buzzes some WA phones seven hours too early
UnitedHealthcare failed to meet mental health requirements, WA says
WA’s legal fees top $4.2M in failed lawsuit against Value Village
WA recovers $2 million from ‘predatory’ student loan debt adjusters
How do Seattle’s evolving neighborhoods include older residents?
Opinion: Despite new drug law, Seattle is no closer to solving fentanyl crisis

Skagit Valley Herald
Public comment period open for Fidalgo Landing project
Timber harvest lawsuit involving Concrete School District dropped

Spokesman Review
‘So many opportunities’: Kids learn about a life after high school that doesn’t include college at Ferris High School trades night
Comment: In Kirkland and across U.S., working people are living out of their cars

Tri-City Herald
New Tri-Cities housing partnership to help homeless, seniors, veterans and families

Washington Post
A tale of two sisters, two countries and their health systems

WA State Standard
A historic housing construction boom may finally moderate rent hikes
WA hospitals sue state Department of Health over expanded charity care requirements

Wenatchee World
$4.56 million project diverts water over Tumwater Dam, maintains fish migration

Yakima Herald-Republic
Farmworker housing to be added near I-82 in Yakima
Shigella outbreak continues in Yakima County, health district says

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WSDOT issues grim warning for Washington roads on ‘glide path to failure’

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
71 cars a day reported stolen in King, Pierce counties last month
The Great Washington ShakeOut is Thursday. Are you earthquake ready?

KNKX Public Radio
No, it’s not weird that so many people are running for WA lands commissioner

KUOW Public Radio
Congressmember Jayapal joins call for ceasefire in Israel and Gaza
Seattle homicides set record, but King County has big plans and lots of funding to prevent gun violence

NW Public Radio
Kaiser Permanente of WA removes First Fill, other benefit changes for public and school employees

Q13 TV (FOX)
Great Washington ShakeOut: What to know about the earthquake drill happening Thursday

Web

The Stranger
Planning to Fail – Unearthing the Original Sin of Urban Planning in Seattle

Wednesday, October 18

Indigenous people in WA incarcerated at higher rates than any other group, data show
Washington in recent years imprisoned Indigenous people at more than six times the rate of white people. That’s according to U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics data that the Prison Policy Initiative assembled and released last month. The disparity between Indigenous and white incarceration in Washington has roughly doubled over the past decade, based on statistics for 2010 that the Prison Policy Initiative released. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Brian Lyman)

WA spent $500M to help small, minority businesses. Did it work?
Since 2020, the state Department of Commerce has funneled close to a half-billion dollars in federal aid directly to more than 25,000 businesses across Washington. State lawmakers and finance officials positioned the Working Washington stimulus program as plugging a gap for small businesses passed over by federal relief efforts and still struggling amid COVID-19 restrictions, some of which continued into 2021. In addition to capping the size of businesses eligible to apply, officials also directed the Department of Commerce to prioritize “historically disadvantaged” businesses as well as those owned by Black and Indigenous people and people of color. Whether the program succeeded in targeting small or disadvantaged businesses remains unclear, in part due to inconsistent tracking of recipient data by Commerce. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jason Redmond)

Cities in Washington can no longer make vague promises to build enough ‘affordable housing’
Cities in Washington can no longer make vague promises to build enough affordable housing for the people moving into this region. That’s the aim of a new state law, HB 1220, giving cities specific goals around how many homes they’ll accommodate, and who should be able to afford them. Washington cities are currently in the process of updating their comprehensive plans, which will guide how they grow over the next 20-plus years. The new housing goals for each city will become part of those plans, which are due in December 2024. Continue reading at KUOW. (Joshua McNichols)

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Associated Press
Tokitae the orca died from old age and multiple chronic illnesses, necropsy finds

Capital Press
Washington crushes record for farm production

Columbian
Clark County grape harvest strong despite delay
Downtown Safe Stay underway; 415 West to include 20 pallet shelters, community center
1,300 PeaceHealth workers voted to strike, company says they would lose insurance benefits

Everett Herald
Snohomish County gets ‘D+’ in overall health surveys
‘People just want to be heard’: Everett crisis line meets growing demand
Comment: Telehealth has been a boon to teens’ mental health

News Tribune
Number of times Manuel Ellis told Tacoma police he couldn’t breathe becomes trial issue

Olympian
WA Attorney General’s Office must pay $4.2M in Value Village lawsuit

Port Townsend Leader
The hidden factors of affordable housing

Puget Sound Business Journal
No CRE sector ‘will be spared’ as banks pull back on lending
These are the top concerns for small businesses as 2024 approaches

Seattle Times
King County to start Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Express-lane tolls on two WA highways could soon rise to $12 or $15
How a century-old rail agreement slowed a Seattle bike lane project
Opinion: Bulletproof glass at the day care can’t be Seattle’s new normal, right?

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County residents to prepare for earthquake

Snoqualmie Valley Record
WSDOT opposes taking over Snoqualmie Parkway, has concerns with road’s design

Spokesman Review
‘Unusually large’ toxic algal bloom covers 30-mile stretch of the Lower Snake River
‘Baseball transcends politics’: How local and state governments came together to renovate Avista Stadium with private help

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla residents can ask questions, give input at community land trust forum

Washington Post
One potential step toward climate goals? Banning new gas lines.
EPA finds small planes’ lead pollution threatens human health

WA State Standard
Long-snubbed by Washington lawmakers, sunshine panel not ready to surrender
Indigenous people in WA incarcerated at higher rates than any other group, data show

Wenatchee World
Students in Wenatchee receive virtual therapy with new district partnership

Yakima Herald-Republic
Editorial: Patients paying the price for hospital financial troubles

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Amazon will start testing drones that will drop prescriptions on your doorstep, literally
Snoqualmie woman shares warning after dog ingested meth while on a walk
King County launches office dedicated to preventing gun violence
King County hosting second Gift Cards for Guns event this weekend

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Toll increases to I-405, SR 167 for western Washington drivers could be coming soon
King County deputy charged with assault for alleged excessive force on handcuffed suspect
Long-awaited trial set for Auburn officer charged in shooting death of man at convenience store
Seattle parents demand answers from district over recent classroom shuffling, size miscalculations

KNKX Public Radio
Cowlitz social programs, drug court in limbo as officials eye tax cuts
Washington State Ferries canceled 1,145 sailings this summer, with outsized impact on the San Juans

KUOW Public Radio
Another flower saved in the Northwest
Judge approves protections for trans people in WA prisons
How WA cities define ‘affordable housing’ just got a lot more particular
Climate Pledge becomes first sports arena to earn zero carbon certification
Conservative groups push SCOTUS to tackle Washington state’s capital gains tax

KXLY (ABC)
Elk community members converting large containers into tiny homes for wildfire victims

Q13 TV (FOX)
‘This is a preventable disaster’; King County launches gun violence office

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Almost 2 years after historic event, county projects reduce community flood risk (Shewmake)

Crosscut
WA spent $500M to help small, minority businesses. Did it work?

MyNorthwest
WA to participate in IRS free tax filing pilot program
AG Ferguson announces over $2M in recoveries for student borrowers
King County Executive Constantine creates new group to combat gun violence

West Seattle Blog
BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Here’s the ‘initial’ list of stores Rite Aid plans to close or sell

Tuesday, October 17

‘Fight is what killed him’: Medical expert testifies Tacoma police killed Manuel Ellis
An expert in forensic pathology testified Monday that Manuel Ellis likely would have lived if not for the actions of Tacoma police officers, three of whom are on trial in Pierce County Superior Court for Ellis’s death. Dr. Roger Mitchell, former chief medical examiner for Washington, D.C., affirmed ex-Pierce County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Clark’s ruling that Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died by homicide from oxygen deprivation caused by physical restraint, during questioning by special prosecutor Patty Eakes last week. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Brian Hayes/News Tribune)

Hospitals sue state to prevent new rules requiring charity care coverage for out-of-state residents
The Washington State Hospital Association filed suit Monday against the state Department of Health over a proposed rule allowing out-of-state patients to receive charity care, claiming such a policy would make medical care harder to access and more expensive for Washington residents. “It requires hospitals to provide free or discounted care to anyone from anywhere. The new approach would make Washington State a medical tourism destination,” Taya Briley, the association’s lawyer, said in a statement. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (pixabay)

FDA may soon ban some chemical hair-straightening products over cancer risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering a ban on hair-straightening products that contain or release formaldehyde – a known human carcinogen, according to documents published online. Chemical hair straighteners or “relaxers” are treatments applied to hair to make it less frizzy or straighter, breaking the protein bonds in hair. Continue reading at Fox 13. (Ben Hasty/Getty Images)

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Bellingham Herald
Pacific Northwest to receive $1 billion in federal funding for new Hydrogen Hub

Capital Press
Lawmakers urge more federal grants for organic farmers

Pacific NW chosen for $1B ‘Clean Hydrogen Hub’
Weyerhaeuser mill accused of Clean Water Act violations

Columbian
Collecting data on Clark County deaths complicated; housing status, reliability an issue in overdoses
Neighbors say Chelatchie project has damaged streams; Clark County, state, federal officials see for themselves
Clark County and Washington saw violent crime increase in ‘22

Everett Herald
Orca Fest connects students to ‘water world’ at Hazelwood Elementary
Edmonds could buy acre to expand park, build Interurban trailhead
Comment: Inflation adds to reasons to adopt climate solutions

News Tribune
These 10 commercial areas in Tacoma have the most reported crimes since 2018
Car-theft suspect was paralyzed by Pierce deputy’s gunfire. Was it excessive force?
County to spend millions more on homelessness projects, programs for seniors in ’24-25
Op-Ed: Many stillborn deaths are preventable. We can make sure they don’t ‘just happen’

Northwest Asian Weekly
Community coalition formed over public safety in Chinatown — Aimed to engage the city and mayor for solutions

Puget Sound Business Journal
Climate Pledge Arena earns rare distinction
Watchdog says SBA should consider selling delinquent Covid EIDL loans
Experts dish on the current state of venture in Seattle

Seattle Times
Rite Aid bankruptcy may mean more Bartell closures or even another sale
Opinion: Get on board with Rapid Ride bus line coming to Eastlake
‘Fight is what killed him’: Medical expert testifies Tacoma police killed Manuel Ellis

Sequim Gazette
Legislative listening session for young voters set for Oct. 21 (Chapman, Tharinger, Van De Wege)

Spokesman Review
Hospitals sue state to prevent new rules requiring charity care coverage for out-of-state residents
Spokane City Council moves to make it easier for non-English speakers to interact with city government
Getting there: Maple Street Bridge construction is on schedule
‘A win for safety’: Spokane County building new bike route south of Whitworth University
Spokane City Council condemns hate crimes after string of anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Public meetings roundup: Columbia County commissioners begin 2024 budget review

Washington Post
How Lunchables ended up on school lunch trays
Think you need another car? Consider an e-bike instead.
U.S. to appeal sentences of five Proud Boys in Jan. 6 Capitol riot case
The next front in the climate fight: U.S. exports of natural gas

WA State Standard
Plans take shape for eastern Washington tribute on state Capitol grounds

Yakima Herald-Republic
Tuesday I-90 closure scheduled near Snoqualmie Pass

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New Seattle minimum wage among highest in US
Washington State Transportation Commission to consider $15, $18 tolls on I-405 Tuesday
Medical expert testifies restraint actions of Tacoma police killed Manuel Ellis
‘It’s a daily misery’: Neighbors demand end to notorious Bellingham homeless camp

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
‘This is something we practice’: Central District daycare hit by gunfire amid shooting
WA AG Ferguson announces recovery of more than $2 million for student-borrowers

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle celebrates record-setting cruise season with 1.7 million projected passengers, millions in revenue
Federal dollars back larger budget proposal to combat Pierce County homelessness crisis
Children crawl to safety as gunfire erupts near day care in Seattle’s Central District
Redmond couple challenges $15K tax bill at Supreme Court, sparking constitutional debate
Medical expert testifies restraint actions of Tacoma police killed Manny Ellis

KNKX Public Radio
What’s happened so far in the trial of three Tacoma police officers

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle wants the legal right to sweep
Energy Northwest fined over incident that exposed workers
Have thoughts on potentially bringing grizzly bears to the North Cascades? Speak your mind at public meeting
Seattle’s Green Lake closed due to toxic algae

KXLY (ABC)
Crosswalk Youth Center breaks ground on new and improved facility
Spokane City Councilmembers stepping in following continued anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism

NW Public Radio
Energy Northwest faces consequences over incident that exposed workers

Q13 TV (FOX)
FDA may soon ban some chemical hair-straightening products over cancer risk

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Ferndale, Bellingham plot safe parking lot programs
These safe parking programs have been successful for more than 10 years
PeaceHealth surgery center to open by end of month

Crosscut
Tacoma shelters face $10M shortfall after pandemic funds end

MyNorthwest
Both sides clash on charity care law in Wash. hospitals
Minimum wage in Seattle to go up more than 6%
Child poverty in Wash. triples in the past two years

The Stranger
Planning to Fail: Unearthing the Original Sin of Urban Planning in Seattle

West Seattle Blog
Seen the signs? Here’s who’s proposing a ‘Highland Park Public Transformation Plan’ and why

Monday, October 16

Pacific Northwest to receive $1 billion in federal funding for new Hydrogen Hub
The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association has been chosen to receive $1 billion in federal funding to become one of seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs across the United States. The association, which describes itself as “a collective of representatives from the private sector, government, academic, research and philanthropic communities,” was selected Friday by the Department of Energy. Continue reading at The Olympian. (CA Department of Transportation)

Washington faces steep path closing mental health bed gap for jailed defendants
Defendants with psychiatric conditions often sit in Washington’s jails for weeks and sometimes months, waiting for mental health services before they can stand trial. That’s despite a 2015 federal court order, stemming from a lawsuit known as the Trueblood case, that found the state’s wait times unconstitutional. Washington’s been in contempt of the court order ever since. In July, Judge Marsha J. Pechman fined the state $100 million for violating the court order — the third time the state’s been found in contempt. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)

Kaiser health care workers in Washington state vote to strike
Thousands of Kaiser Permanente health care workers in Washington will go on strike next month if a new contract is not reached by the end of October. Contract negotiations between the health care giant and workers in the state have been ongoing since the spring. Roughly 3,000 workers across 36 sites in Washington voted overwhelmingly this week to authorize a strike, which would run from Nov. 1 until Nov. 8. Continue reading at KUOW. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)