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Thursday, November 7

Global temperatures likely to exceed key limit for first time
With October’s initial temperature data in, 2024 will rank as the first calendar year in modern record-keeping in which global average surface temperatures exceed the Paris Agreement’s aspirational 1.5°C guardrail. Holding long-term warming to the 1.5-degree target compared to the preindustrial era is crucial for lowering the risk of triggering climate change tipping points, beyond which potentially catastrophic impacts have a higher likelihood of occurring, studies show. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee reacts to Trump’s election, acknowledging national fear but calling for local optimism
Moments after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election to President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee gave a speech urging residents of the Evergreen State to remain hopeful about the future. The news conference was likely one of the last times the longtime governor will address the public as he prepares to step down from his post and pass the torch to the newly elected Bob Ferguson. Inslee, a Democrat, announced last year that he would not seek re-election once he closed out his third term as governor. Continue reading at the Spokesman Review. (Ellen Dennis)

Democrats on cusp of expanding majorities in WA Legislature
Democrats are on course to grow their majorities in the Washington Legislature but Republicans are positioned to sweep seats in one of the state’s most watched districts. Democrats outnumber Republicans by margins of 58-40 in the House and 29-20 in the Senate. Entering Tuesday, the majority party had designs on capturing Republican-held seats in districts where GOP incumbents retired. Continue reading at the WA State Standard. (LSS)

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Axios
Global temperatures likely to exceed key limit for first time
Democratic socialist Shaun Scott wins Seattle legislative race

Capital Press
Skagit tidegate controversy puts thousands of acres of farmland at risk
Editorial: Let them eat mud

Everett Herald
Margin narrows between Muzzall and St. Clair in WA Senate race
Voters approving Everett minimum wage, Snohomish River rights measures

News Tribune
Will Pierce County lose firefighters? Early results for contentious fire levy are in
This Pierce County city plans to raise utility rates, property taxes, budget next year

New York Times
Trump Will Return to Power With a More Expansive Agenda
An Emboldened G.O.P. Senate Majority Is Ready to Empower Trump

Puget Sound Business Journal
How Trump’s victory could reshape Fed rate cuts
Seattle tech unicorn Outreach lays off 9% of staff in latest cuts
Challenger leads business-backed incumbent in Seattle council race
Amazon’s headcount in Bellevue will make another jump by year’s end
From taxes to tariffs, here’s how Trump’s victory could affect businesses

Seattle Times
WA bucks national trend and swings further to the left
Initiative 2109: Voters keep WA capital gains tax on state’s richest
Trump’s return could be bad for WA trade and workers, good for tech
Vote totals on WA’s natural gas measure, Initiative 2066, remain tight
WA congressional race too close to call with House majority still in play

Spokesman Review
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announces revival of city arts department
Spokane economy next year likely to grow at slower pace, but these are still ‘uncertain times’
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee reacts to Trump’s election, acknowledging national fear but calling for local optimism

Tri-City Herald
1,100 ratify contract with Tri-Cities hospital after strike. Some were the lowest paid

Washington Post
Trump poised to push tax plan with hefty price tag
The Fed preps another rate cut, amid cloudy post-election outlook
What Trump’s victory could mean for oil companies and climate change policy
Oil and Elon Musk may benefit from Trump’s win. Retail and unions, not so much.

WA State Standard
Natural gas measure still on track to pass in Washington
Kuderer wins Washington insurance commissioner race (Kuderer)
Democrats on cusp of expanding majorities in WA Legislature
Democratic incumbents sweep Washington’s down ballot races
Newhouse maintains narrow lead against Trump-backed Sessler
How Washington’s Congressional candidates fared on Tuesday (Randall)
Gluesenkamp Perez keeps lead in key congressional race in Washington
Trump in second administration promises mass deportations, tariffs and spending cuts

Wenatchee World
Bell Canada spends $3.65 billion to acquire Ziply Fiber
East Wenatchee City Council passes homelessness code

Yakima Herald-Republic
Mabton School District to search for new superintendent
‘We’re flying blind:’ Court records outage expected to last through week
Republicans maintain leads in state House and Senate races in 14th and 15th
Newhouse maintains lead over Sessler after more results released Wednesday
Sunnyside school board approves new voting district map. All 5 up for election next year

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle study finds salmon is being mislabeled in restaurants
Results for each of 2024 Washington state ballot initiatives so far
Sound Transit plans on replacing elevators and escalators at downtown Seattle light rail stations
Man harasses victim at Seattle homeless encampment before fatally shooting him, court documents say

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Rally held in Seattle park following election
Thousands of Boeing machinists return to work
Loaded gun discovered near Lacey grade school
Some Boeing machinists back at work after new contract
King County Elections: ‘We still have 300,000 votes to count’
Snohomish County school funding measures appear poised for defeat
82-year-old Edmonds woman accused of hate crime, attack at Trump rally
Washington unemployment rates linked to employee pickiness in job search
Clallam County breaks 40-year streak of voting for winning presidential candidate
‘Confusing verbiage’ may have influenced WA voters on statewide initiatives, expert says

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Initiative 20-04 sees strong voter approval for significant wage increase in Everett
Washington state, Seattle leaders discuss potential response to Trump’s 2nd Term
Boeing machinists return to work, boosting local economies in Everett and Renton
Seattle small businesses see drop-off in customers as Amazon reassigns hundreds of workers

KNKX Public Radio
Emily Randall will represent WA’s 6th congressional district
WA Democrats celebrate Lands Commissioner lead, climate law
Amazon ordered to let workers vote on unionizing — for the 3rd time

KUOW Public Radio
Harris concedes the election but vows to not stop fighting for a better future

KXLY (ABC)
Three of four WA ballot initiatives set to fail despite massive spending
Spokane voters likely pass 0.1% sales tax for public safety improvements
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announces plan to form new Office of Arts and Culture

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Results narrowing on natural gas initiative
Trump’s White House return poised to tangle health care safety net
Trump in second administration promises mass deportations, tariffs and spending cuts

Crosscut
Low prices mean a lean year for WA’s commercial salmon fishers
Everett voters likely to boost minimum wage among highest in US

MyNorthwest
Successful construction season ends on I-90
Southwest Washington business owners poisoned air for profit
Big money headed toward Seattle’s transportation infrastructure
Economist: Boeing contract will have big impact on housing in Western Washington

West Seattle Blog
UPDATE: West Seattle’s info session about proposed rezoning
OPENING: With cold nights ahead, West Seattle’s only emergency shelter is about to open

Wednesday, November 6

Democrats notch major wins in Washington state
Democrats were winning up and down the ballot in Washington state in early results from Tuesday’s election, while three Republican-backed ballot measures failed. The initial returns reinforce Washington’s deep-blue reputation at the state level, even as the Associated Press reported that Republicans would retake the U.S. Senate and the White House. In the presidential race, Harris won the state, capturing 58.6% of the first ballot count, compared to 39.1% for Trump. Democrat Bob Ferguson won the governor’s race, per the Associated Press, continuing Democrats’ 40-year winning streak for that office. Continue reading at Axios. (Brendan Lynch)

Bellingham High transgender student suffers potential brain trauma during group assault
Bellingham Police are investigating an attack on a transgender high school student and are pursuing possible assault and hate crime charges against the juveniles involved in the beating, which the suspects recorded and shared on social media. The assault left the 16-year-old victim with facial cuts, swelling and bruises. The student now suffers frequent headaches and memory loss, his mother told The Herald in an interview Tuesday. Continue reading at the Bellingham Herald. (Robert Mittendorf)

Voters reject measure to repeal landmark Washington climate law
Washington voters on Tuesday preserved a controversial climate law that’s generated billions of dollars from polluters to fund the state’s fight against the harmful effects of climate change. The law sets annual emission limits for major emitters, such as oil refiners and utilities, and requires them to buy allowances at state auctions for each metric ton of their air pollution. Over time, the limits are lowered to compel polluters to curb their emissions. The program started on Jan. 1, 2023, and the first emissions allowance auction was held on Feb. 28, 2023. The cap-and-invest program has raised $2.3 billion for the state to date. Those dollars are getting spent on an array of undertakings in the state’s current operating, capital and transportation budgets. Continue reading at the WA State Standard. (David Ryder)

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Axios
Democrats notch major wins in Washington state
Measure to repeal Washington’s cap-and-trade system fails

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham High transgender student suffers potential brain trauma during group assault

Capital Press
Snake River steelhead returns highest in seven years
Yakama Nation seeks $40 million from energy developer

Everett Herald
Snohomish County sales tax for public safety trailing
DelBene, Larsen and Schrier on their way to re-election
WA voters strongly rejecting repeal of landmark climate law
Boeing Machinists prepare to go back to work after strike ends
School funding measures failing in Arlington, Lake Stevens and Sultan
‘Unauthorized activity’ knocks out WA, Snohomish County court systems
Voters approving Everett minimum wage, Snohomish River rights measures

Kitsap Sun
Washington state AG Bob Ferguson wins governor’s race

News Tribune
Couple poisoned air for profit by illegally modifying trucks in Washington, feds say
Pierce County election chief: ‘It’s disaster preparedness, which is crazy for an election’
It’s a close race for Pierce County Executive between Mello, Chambers. Here’s who’s ahead

Olympian
Couple poisoned air for profit by illegally modifying trucks in Washington, feds say
Gov. Inslee approves huge Horse Heaven wind farm stretching 24 miles south of Tri-Cities

Port Townsend Leader
Quilcene school board could pull two children’s books from library

Puget Sound Business Journal
Everett City Council considers proposals for new AquaSox stadium
The Playbook: Employers should be cautious with AI in hiring process

Seattle Times
Bob Ferguson beats Dave Reichert in WA governor race
New Seattle schools safety, security director eyes changes
Election 2024: 5 takeaways from Washington state results
Nick Brown wins race to be next Washington attorney general
Washington projects $250M funding shortfall for homeless services
Patty Kuderer defeats Phil Fortunato in insurance commissioner race
Washington state election 2024 results and Trump’s win: What to know
WA turns a deeper shade of blue as national results reveal Trump’s strength
Federal court allows religious homelessness nonprofit to hire based on sexuality
Donald Trump has sweeping plans for a second administration. Here’s what he’s proposed

Spokesman Review
Michael Baumgartner will be Eastern Washington’s next congressman
Measure to protect natural gas usage only statewide initiative to receive support, but still too close to call
Hill, Riccelli win seats to state House, Senate in 3rd District; Republicans sweep races in 4th, 6th, 7th and 9th districts (Riccelli)

Washington Post
House majority remains too close to call
Donald Trump wins presidential election, defeating Harris to retake White House

WA State Standard
Election 2024: Live updates
Republicans take majority control of U.S. Senate
Washington’s capital gains tax survives repeal effort
Upthegrove ahead in Washington lands commissioner race
Democrat Nick Brown wins Washington attorney general race
Voters reject measure to repeal landmark Washington climate law
Reykdal leading Olson in contest to oversee Washington’s public schools

Wenatchee World
Chelan County Veteran Services Office temporarily moving amidst renovations

Yakima Herald-Republic
Late surge in voting for Yakima County, auditor’s office says
Lower Yakima Valley hospital district passing, other local initiatives are not

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Voters rejecting I-2117 in Washington state
Voters rejecting I-2109 in Washington state
Cantwell projected to be reelected to US Senate
Clallam County voted for losing presidential candidate for first time in 40 years
Washington state election results map: County-by-county totals for top 2024 races

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Statewide outage impacts Washington courts
Tacoma sexual assault recovery center breaks ground on new healing center
Boeing’s machinists strike is over but the troubled aerospace giant still faces many challenges

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Initial elections results show voters rejecting WA Cares Initiative 2124
SeaTac Municipal Court limits services amid statewide systems outage
Washington voters reject I-2117, uphold landmark Climate Commitment Act
Challenges remain for Boeing as it aims to boost production amid end of strike
Early results show Washington voters rejecting I-2109, keeping capital gains tax intact
New era of labor activism: Boeing strike highlights tensions between workers and corporate

KNKX Public Radio
Republicans will control the U.S. Senate
Here’s what Trump 2.0 means for the economy, from tariffs to mass deportations.
Bomb threats disrupted what was otherwise relatively smooth voting on Election Day

KUOW Public Radio
The gender gap and abortion took center stage with voters
Democrat Bob Ferguson wins Washington state race for governor
Most states that considered abortion rights amendments approved them
Here’s how minimum wage and paid sick leave measures fared in the election
Donald Trump has won the presidential election and will return to the White House

KXLY (ABC)
Norris on path to reelection for Kootenai County Sheriff
Gloom, nervousness and joy: What Trump’s victory means for key world regions
Why Trump’s return could spark another bout of inflation and delay interest rate cuts

NW Public Radio
Democrats outraged by ‘horrific’ GOP text messages sent to central Washington Latino voters

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Preliminary results show incumbents sweeping state legislative races across region (Lovelett, Lekanoff, Ramel, Rule, Timmons)

Crosscut
Bob Ferguson will be Washington’s next governor
Kamala Harris takes Washington’s 12 electoral votes
WA voters want to keep carbon and capital gains taxes
Incumbent Chris Reykdal leads in Washington’s OSPI race
Incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez leads in WA’s 3rd District
Senate: Maria Cantwell takes lead against challenger Raul Garcia
Democrat Nick Brown leads in Washington attorney general race (Manka)
Shaun Scott wins WA’s 43rd Legislative District, Suarez concedes (Chopp)
Democrat Emily Randall leads in WA’s 6th Congressional District (Randall)
Dave Upthegrove leads in WA Commissioner of Public Lands race
Incumbent Dan Newhouse leads in WA’s 4th Congressional District

MyNorthwest
Nick Brown to become Washington’s next attorney general
Reykdal poised to serve third term of superintendent of public instruction
I-2117 goes down: Washington voters uphold landmark climate law against challenge

West Seattle Blog
ELECTION RESULTS: Ballot measures – Seattle Transportation Levy passing, 3 of 4 state initiatives failing

Tuesday, November 5

Washington public college tuition is declining. Here’s why
Public college education in Washington has been getting less costly, in line with a national trend spurred by higher funding, according to a recent report. Average in-state tuition at four-year colleges in Washington, after adjusting for inflation, is now 4.7% lower than it was in the 2019-20 academic year, according to the report published by College Board, a standardized testing organization. For two-year colleges, tuition fell by 7.1%. Continue reading at the Seattle Times. (Marcus Badgley)

Washington celebrates milestone with 5 million registered voters ahead of Election Day
The Office of the Secretary of State is celebrating a new milestone reached in voter registration. On Monday, the SOS announced that Washington has officially hit the 5 million registered voters mark and a new milestone for the state. The milestone was achieved due to a daily record of 10,059 voters registering on Oct. 28, the deadline for online and mail registration. According to the SOS, voters can still register or update registration information by visiting a voting center by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. Ballots must be returned to a county ballot drop box or voting center by 8 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 5 if sent by mail. Continue reading at King 5. (Eric Gay)

Gov. Inslee approves plans for WA’s largest wind turbine farm
Gov. Jay Inslee has approved a revised plan to populate the Horse Heaven Hills south of Kennewick with the largest wind turbine farm in Washington. His approval leaves intact more than three-quarters of the originally requested number of turbines. While Inslee gave his approval on Oct. 18, his office and the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council confirmed that approval to Cascade PBS on Friday. In September the Site Evaluation Council voted 4 to 3 to approve the recommendation. Opponents of the project have until Dec. 17 to appeal the decision to the state’s courts. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Genna Martin)

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Axios
Boeing union ends strike after contract vote

Capital Press
Half of states support Tacoma port’s petition to Supreme Court

Everett Herald
9K remain without power in Snohomish, Island counties
Boeing Machinists approve contract, ending 52-day strike
Lynnwood light rail is super popular — but there’s a problem
Letter: We must team up against the climate crisis

News Tribune
The conflict over a beloved Pierce County golf course is headed for eminent domain
Psychiatric patient had violent history. Does WA deserve blame for roommate’s killing?
Remains of Navy aviators killed after Growler crash near Mount Rainier to return home
TPD Chief Avery Moore racked up $1K+ bill on work phone during international vacation
Did Point Ruston developer conspire with son to elude creditors? Estate case turns messy
$3.5M to address youth homelessness headed to Pierce County, where shelter options few

New York Times
Boeing Union Approves New Contract, Ending Costly Strike

Puget Sound Business Journal
Strike over: Boeing workers approve new contract
SBA aims to boost federal small-business spending by billions with new rule

Seattle Times
Boeing Machinists approve new contract, ending strike
Washington public college tuition is declining. Here’s why
WA courts’ online systems down after ‘unauthorized activity’
Washington projects $250M funding shortfall for homeless services
Black Americans still suffer worse health. Here’s why there’s so little progress

Spokesman Review
Bird flu detected in Stevens, Okanogan counties
Longtime federal Judge Justin Quackenbush remembered as ‘true jurist’ with ‘a passion for the law’
Getting There: Spokane Transit Authority looks to improve services in eastern portions of the county

Washington Post
The Fed cut interest rates. But mortgages continue to rise.
These investors have a warning about real estate and climate change. Will anyone listen?

WA State Standard
Boeing machinists approve contract, strike ends
Washington voter turnout is lagging behind four years ago
It’s Election Day. Officials ask for patience in waiting on the results.

Wenatchee World
Colville Tribe receives nearly $112K for drinking water safety, supply
Residents near Wenatchee Planned Parenthood frustrated by daily protests
Chelan County expenses in 2025 budgeted to outpace revenue in preliminary budget

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima City Council to hear public input on next year’s budget

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Yes, voter intimidation is illegal
Boeing machinists approve new contract, ending strike
3 injured in shooting in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood
Remains of 2 aviators killed in Navy growler crash returning to Washington this week

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Chinook Pass, Cayuse Pass remain closed for the season
WSDA confirms the first case of avian flu in Stevens County flock
Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry canceled due to extreme weather
More than 9,000 customers without power around Western Washington
University of Washington makes major contribution to local economy, jobs
King County introduces newest rescue boat with high-tech package for enhanced safety
Washington celebrates milestone with 5 million registered voters ahead of Election Day

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
High winds lead to widespread outages in western Washington
59% of Boeing machinists vote to accept company’s latest contract offer, ending strike

KNKX Public Radio
Boeing machinists approve contract, bringing an end to a bruising seven-week strike

KUOW Public Radio
Washington voter turnout expected to surpass 80% in 2024 general election
Father of Garfield student killed at school begs witnesses to ‘do the right thing’

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane County Clerk’s Office services modified due to statewide system shutdown
WA National Guard on standby to assist local law enforcement ahead of Election Day

NW Public Radio
How Washington is preventing and detecting voter fraud
Getting out the vote, Northwest tribes say, is an ‘essential part of our civic duty’

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Statewide court system shutdown impacts county court operations
Confirmed whooping cough cases in Whatcom rose to 11 in October
Opinion: Election anxiety doesn’t need to win — here are 3 science-backed strategies from a clinical psychologist to rein in the stress

Crosscut
Gov. Inslee approves plans for WA’s largest wind turbine farm

Monday, November 4

WA’s asylum-seeker response arrives months overdue
Washington’s aid network for the thousands of asylum-seekers who have moved to the state in recent years launched Friday after a two-month delay. About $25 million from the state Legislature will be distributed among nonprofits, cities and other entities involved in providing housing, shelter and legal help for people seeking to stay in the U.S. — most of whom are fleeing Venezuela, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Continue reading at the Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

What happens to Washington ballots after they’re turned in?
So, you turned in your ballot for Tuesday’s election. Now what happens? Before it’s officially counted, a Washington ballot makes multiple stops on the road to acceptance. The state’s elections system is a large operation with thousands of workers and volunteers sorting mail, verifying signatures and counting ballots for weeks surrounding Election Day. As of Friday morning, 43.6% of ballots had been returned and were going through that process. That’s down from 61.4% at this time in the 2020 election, though election officials anticipate this year’s number to jump over the weekend and into early next week. Continue reading at the WA State Standard. (Laurel Demkovich)

Visually impaired Washingtonians face unique obstacles to voting
Of 1.4 million registered voters in Washington, about half wait until Election Day, or the days before, to cast their ballots in person, according to Julie Wise, King County Director of Elections. Those with disabilities, including those with seeing and hearing impairments, are often among this group, as accessible early voting can be difficult. King County Elections offers a couple accessible voting options. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Erin Hooley)

Print

Axios
Why ballot counting takes so long in Washington state

Capital Press
Washington fines farm labor contractor
Inslee OKs Horse Heaven; admonishes EFSEC
Cattlemen sue USDA over mandatory electronic ear tags
Barred owl removal strategy accused of interfering with ‘evolutionary paths’

Columbian
One person dead, two injured in shooting at Vancouver Mall food court

Everett Herald
Boeing: Strike vote will have no effect on planned layoffs
Darrington, Marysville tackle wood smoke to address poor air quality

News Tribune
Half of homeless people contacted by Tacoma outreach team refuse help. Why is that?
Rules of the Road: What are the laws regarding riding bikes in the dark? Are they enforced?

Puget Sound Business Journal
King County weighs 49% hike in development permit fees

Seattle Times
WA’s asylum-seeker response arrives months overdue
Washington public college tuition is declining. Here’s why
Influx of mobile methadone clinics bring treatment to the streets
WA, OR ballot drop box makers, officials explore changes after fires
176 more people allege sex abuse at WA youth detention centers in suit
Boeing Machinists head to the polls in decisive vote that could end strike

Skagit Valley Herald
Port of Anacortes receives electric conversion grant

Washington Post
Scientists may have solved the mystery of sky-high methane emissions
Medicare Advantage insurers fear losing millions over a few bad phone calls

WA State Standard
What happens to Washington ballots after they’re turned in?
Inslee activates Washington National Guard ahead of Election Day

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee schools emphasize biliteracy: ‘No child should lose a language to gain a language.”

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Yes, it’s normal for official results to come in after election night
Washington governor activates National Guard ahead of Election Day
Nail products, jewelry among priority products that contain chemicals Ecology may regulate

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing machinists to vote on new contract Monday
Why call? 911 calls in recent street takeover released
Gov. Inslee activates National Guard to prevent election-related unrest
Landslides in consecutive weekends continue to block Washington roads
Pierce County Human Services awarded $3.5M to end youth homelessness
Washington governor OKs massive new wind farm and urges swift turbine approvals
Tacoma man dead, three others injured in separate shootings tied to South Hill party

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Growth at JBLM spurs regional collaboration, enhancing community support
Boeing machinists are holding a contract vote that could end their 7-week strike

KNKX Public Radio
What to expect in Washington on Election Day – and how to tune in

KXLY (ABC)
How the Spokane County Elections Office handles multiple ballot submissions
Spokane County urges people to use service centers over elections office for help, questions
Mayor Brown proposes City of Spokane’s 2025-2026 budget, addresses public safety and ‘fiscal sustainability’

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Downstream impacts: Stakes are high in Skagit dam dispute
In-person visits to Whatcom County Jail to resume in December
Chuckanut Drive reopened near Larrabee State Park after rockslide

Crosscut
Visually impaired Washingtonians face unique obstacles to voting (Farivar)

MyNorthwest
Gov. Inslee approves huge wind turbine farm south of the Tri-Cities
Gov. Inslee activates National Guard to prevent election-related unrest

The Urbanist
Sleepy Bainbridge Island decides how to grow up
Sunday video: replacing I-5 Lanes with Cascadia high speed rail

Friday, November 1

More people with felony records can vote now in Washington
Election officials are trying to let people know that even if you have a felony conviction on your record, you’re eligible to vote in Washington state. Under a state law that took effect in 2022, even those on parole or probation can cast ballots in the Nov. 5 election. The law made it so a person’s voting rights are automatically restored as soon as they leave prison, though they still must re-register to vote. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios Visuals)

Washington lawmakers ask President Biden to make Major Disaster Declaration for Colville Reservation wildfire
Washington’s U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray along with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Dan Newhouse are asking President Biden to make a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation due to wildfire damages from earlier this year. The letter calls for help for the over 57,000 acres that burned July 17 through August 21 on the Colville Reservation. Continue reading at KXLY. (Confederated Tribes Of The Colville Reservation)

WA law restricts noncompete agreements. They keep popping up anyway
Once limited to high-level executives and specialized fields like engineering and medicine, noncompete clauses have proliferated widely across industries, becoming boilerplate contract language in fast-food and warehouse jobs. Washington state placed significant restrictions on the enforcement of noncompetes in 2019, passing a law that included a ban for workers making under $100,000 per year. Prior to Washington’s law change, noncompete agreements bound one in four Washington workers earning earn less than $100,000 per year, according to recent research from the University of Maryland Continue reading at Crosscut. (Enree Weaver)