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Friday, October 24

WA governor moves to improve state consultation with tribes
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order Wednesday to strengthen how the state consults and works with Native American tribes in Washington. It calls for drafting new policies for tribal consultation and requires expanded training for state workers on sovereignty and other issues related to understanding the unique nature of the ties between the state and tribal governments. Tribal leaders applauded the move, but also flagged ongoing tensions in the relationship. Continue reading at Spokesman-Review. (Washington Office of the Governor)

Judge blocks Trump cuts to WA climate resilience money
A federal judge in Seattle this week blocked the Trump administration’s termination of more than $9 million for work in Washington state intended to help adapt to climate change. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Tribal Steward Program received about $9.3 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to train more than 2,000 college students in fields on the front lines of climate change such as environmental science and natural resources. The state aimed to also grow the representation of tribal members working in natural resource roles across the state. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Larry Workman)

WA’s food aid program for infants and mothers now funded through most of November
Federal food benefits for Washington mothers and their babies at risk due to the federal government shutdown will continue into mid-to-late November, the state announced Thursday. Funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow the state to keep up food benefits under the Women, Infants and Children program, known as WIC, and support the 11 workers still administering it in Washington. “It’s definitely a relief,” said Nicole Flateboe, executive director of Nutrition First, the state’s WIC association. “It’s food benefits through Thanksgiving, hopefully.” Continue reading at WSS. (Scott Olson)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Elma Municipal Court receives over $35,000 in grant funding

Axios
Cracks emerge in Democrats’ unity on government shutdown
Trump terminates trade talks with Canada over tariffs ad featuring Reagan

Capital Press
WSU, state studying large animal vet shortage
Trump takes credit for high cattle prices; cattlemen disagree
Animal advocates claim BLM’s new wild horse corral is ‘inhumane’

Everett Herald
Everett adds ‘Stay Out of Drug Area’ along Colby Avenue
Bloomberg Comment: Hegseth’s fear of the press won’t stop its work

High Country News
Want fluoride in the water? Too bad.

Kitsap Sun
Free bus, ferry for federal workers in Kitsap, Mason during government shutdown

News Tribune
Will WA get a snowy, cold winter? Here’s what the NOAA forecast says
Cameras should have been on at crash scene with Pierce County major, Swank says
With expiring health-tax credits, here’s how much premiums may rise in WA counties (Bateman)

New York Times
Can ICE Stop People Solely Based on Their Race?
The Peril of a White House That Flaunts Its Indifference to the Law
Social Security Announces a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Increase for Beneficiaries

Olympian
WA leaders cast blame over federal government shutdown: ‘Stop playing games’

Puget Sound Business Journal
FAA nears key approval as Alaska Air, Hawaiian look to combine operations

Seattle Times
Judge blocks Trump cuts to WA climate resilience money
WA SNAP benefits to run out Nov. 1 if government shutdown persists
Trump’s new $100K visa fee could worsen state doctor shortages, experts say
As heat gets more extreme, pregnant WA farmworkers are increasingly at risk

Spokesman Review
Alaska Airlines grounds flights amid IT outage
Judge blocks Trump cuts to WA climate resilience money
WA governor moves to improve state consultation with tribes
State Supreme Court to decide whether WSU can be held liable for hazing death
Health District cuts health equity position amid budget shortfall, federal DEI crackdown

Washington Post
Consumer prices in September rise to a pace not seen since January
Trump targets enemies using mortgage records, a threat to D.C. elite
Secret church trial: Bishop accused of allowing offenders into diocese
Republicans who once opposed Trump’s military impulses now lower their guard

WA State Standard
Unemployment claims roll in from laid-off feds in Washington state
California’s ‘last resort’ property insurer seeks rate hike, ringing national alarm bells
WA’s food aid program for infants and mothers now funded through most of November
US Senate fails to move ahead on bills extending pay to federal workers during shutdown
Comment: From bell to bell, there is no cell! Teachers see benefits from classroom phone bans

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Here’s how much Washingtonians’ healthcare costs could increase without ACA tax credits
Alaska Airlines canceled 360 flights due to data center outage; delays continue Friday morning
Sound Transit board approves 2026 property tax increase; CEO updates on key light rail projects
King County councilmember urges ‘Stupid Motorist Law’ to hold semi-truck drivers responsible for bridge strikes

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Ground stop canceled for Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air flights due to ‘IT issue’
Pierce Co. sheriff breaks silence on investigation of sergeant charged with DUI
Morton city clerk who admitted to embezzling nearly $1M will not go to prison
States worry about how to fill the gap in food aid ahead of a federal benefits halt
Microsoft CEO’s 2025 compensation hits personal record of $96.5M amid stock rally
Trump administration finalizes plan to open pristine Alaska wildlife refuge to oil and gas drilling
As federal agents ramp up Chicago immigration crackdown, more elected officials caught in crosshairs

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Trump says he’s ending trade talks with Canada over TV ads
Bellingham library branches likely to close Sundays starting in January

MyNorthwest
‘Stupid Motorist Law’: Tackling Washington bridge strikes
Lawsuit challenges Washington bill that modified Parents’ Bill of Rights

The Urbanist
Beleaguered Bainbridge Island Affordable Housing Project Hits Another Snag

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Friday + weekend info

Thursday, October 23

WA homebuyers in flood-prone areas are stranded amid government shutdown
It’s October. Halloween decorations are up. Leaves are changing colors. Pumpkin spice lattes are back. And it is time to think about floods. The state has nailed the timing for its flood awareness month, with a level 1 flash flood threat for parts of southern coastal Washington starting Friday. Unfortunately, this year, October brought a government shutdown that has tied the hands of many seeking flood insurance — making the month a whole lot scarier for those living near the water. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

You should have your ballot and local voters’ pamphlet
“Voters should contact us if they did not receive a local voters’ pamphlet in their mailbox so we can investigate,” Henthorn said, noting that it was too late to do so by the time Morales reached out. As part of the investigation, the auditor would reach out to their USPS representative and ask them if there was a systemic delivery issue. However, concerns need to be raised immediately, Henthorn said. Continue reading at Cascadia Daily News. (Rhonda Prast)

WA families face tough choices as healthcare premiums rise by the thousands
Healthcare out-of-pocket premiums in the United States are set to rise in 2025, forcing families to make difficult decisions about their healthcare coverage and other expenses. The average cost for family coverage is set to reach tens of thousands of dollars. In some cases, the increases are comparable in price to a brand-new car, according to recent reports. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

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Bellingham Herald
Why health insurance premiums will rise 66% for 9,900 Whatcom County residents
Lummi Nation files petition in B.C. Supreme Court over environmental assessments

Capital Press
USDA to reopen Farm Service Agency offices
Administration announces plan to boost beef producers, supply
Judge dismisses “forever chemicals” lawsuit but offers farmers alternative

Columbian
Ridgefield City Council approves sales tax increase to fund police; Battle Ground may follow suit
WSU study finds spike in gun-related deaths among teens; Clark County school districts practice lockdown drills to prepare for emergencies

Everett Herald
Lake Stevens celebrates official transfer of Cavalero Hill Park
South County Fire’s proposed budget adds 30 firefighters, six administrative staff.

The Inlander
Washington won’t mandate priests report abuse admitted in confession (Frame)
KWSU is going dark and KSPS lays off some staff after Trump and Congress cut public TV budget

Kitsap Sun
Tacoma-based MultiCare announces affiliation with Oregon nonprofit

News Tribune
Drug used by nearly half of seniors under massive recall
Border Patrol searched Lakewood license-plate camera data, UW report says
WAGOP accuses Gov. Bob Ferguson of committing ethics violations. Did he?
‘Gambling with our safety.’ Neighbors want safety fixes on busy Tacoma roadway (Fey)

New York Times
Higher Obamacare Prices Become Public in a Dozen States
Drug With a 30-Year Monopoly Is Target of State-Level Push to Curb Prices
U.S. Health Workers Recalled From Shutdown Furlough for Medicare, A.C.A. Enrollments

Puget Sound Business Journal
New SPD contract a ‘paradigm shift’ in public safety, Harrell says
Small-business growth opportunities could be on the horizon for 2026

Seattle Times
New map tracks measles exposures across WA
Moderates eye coalition to shift debates, votes in WA Statehouse
Congress is running out of time to meet a crucial health care deadline
WA homebuyers in flood-prone areas are stranded amid government shutdown
Opinion: Privatizing electronic home monitoring would be disastrous for Renton

Spokesman Review
New map tracks measles exposures across Washington
Arraignment delayed for man accused of breaking into Washington Capitol
WA homebuyers in flood-prone areas are stranded amid government shutdown

Washington Post
Can you pass the new U.S. citizenship test?
Republicans struggle to explain shutdown of the House
U.S. Anglican Church archbishop accused of sexual misconduct, abuse of power

WA State Standard
New map tracks measles exposures across Washington
WA governor moves to improve state consultation with tribes
Trump’s National Guard deployments raise worries about state sovereignty
Shutdown on day 22 sets record as second-longest in US history, with no sign of a deal

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New drought maps show major shifts in conditions across the US
Dangerously large waves on the Washington coast begin Thursday
Union says Pierce County sheriff’s deputies are leaving for higher pay
Inside the ICE facility that’s become the flashpoint of Portland protests

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WSP steps up protection for lawmakers amid increasing threats
Seattle settles for $2.5M years after Pier 58 collapse injured workers
WA families face tough choices as healthcare premiums rise by the thousands
Legal concerns raised as WA license plate data is shared with federal agencies
Over 930k people could lose SNAP benefits on Oct. 31 if government shutdown persists

KUOW Public Radio
Sticker shock: WA health insurance buyers confront steep price hikes
Proposal for 1,300-acre solar farm goes again to Washington governor for approval
Immigration agencies accessed WA law enforcement license plate data, report finds
Bremerton food bank launches extra hours for federal employees working without pay
New Seattle Police contract includes pay boost, increased use of unarmed crisis responders

Web

Cascadia Daily News
You should have your ballot and local voters’ pamphlet

InvestigateWest
‘I want people to know he’s done this’: Student alleges sexual misconduct by another Mercer Island teacher

MyNorthwest
King County approves ambitious climate action plan
Federal immigration agencies access WA license plate data
City reaches new agreement with Seattle Police Officers Guild
Tacoma expands camping ban to parks, playgrounds, libraries
WSP steps up protection for lawmakers amid increasing threats

The Urbanist
SDOT Plans ‘Tactical Urbanism’ on Occidental Avenue Ahead of World Cup

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday notes

Wednesday, October 22

Feds searched security systems at 18 WA police agencies, report finds
At least three Seattle-area police departments changed their surveillance programs this week after learning U.S. Border Patrol had searched their Flock Safety databases this year, a practice civil rights researchers and advocates said might violate state law, if done for immigration enforcement purposes. Police officials in Renton, Auburn and Lakewood said they weren’t aware the federal agency had accessed their departments’ databases until they were notified last week by researchers at the University of Washington Center for Human Rights. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Everett man in ‘indefinite’ ICE custody
An Everett woman is fighting to get her husband released from ICE custody. Will Castillo Rivas, originally from Venezuela, has been at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma for the past seven months. Like many detainees’ stories, Will’s started similarly. “We were going to go to Denver so he can meet my family,” Will’s wife Karri Castillo said. “He was going to provide [ICE] with our travel documents and that day he called me at noon and he was in a panic. I was at work, he said, ‘I just got arrested I don’t know what’s going on.'” Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Errol the courthouse dog retires after a decade of service
After 10 years spent giving gentle nuzzles and comforting cuddles, Errol the courthouse dog is retiring — and the King County Council is making sure he goes out with the honor he deserves. Why it matters: Dogs in court have proven to be a comfort for victims and witnesses, especially children and older adults, in a justice system that can feel antiseptic and intimidating. Courthouse dogs like Errol bring warmth and calm — sitting quietly beside people as they testify, offering a paw, a head on a lap or just steady companionship when it’s hardest to speak. Continue reading at Axios. (Christine Clarridge)

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Axios
Time crunch poses obstacle to ACA talks
Errol the courthouse dog retires after a decade of service
Most Americans say U.S. on wrong track on economy, immigration and more: poll

Capital Press
Corn sets record sales pace, but loses 91 cents a bushel
Potential BLM lay-offs raise possibility of grazing impacts
Solar project opposed by Yakama Nation headed to Ferguson for approval

Everett Herald
On Friday, the County Superior Court will decide if the Snohomish River has rights
Comment: N.C.’s gerrymandered redistricting resurrects Jim Crow

Kitsap Sun
Food bank opens special hours for federal workers, military amid government shutdown

News Tribune
Mail your ballot early if you want it to count, Pierce County officials warn
Derelict barge sat in Tacoma waterway for 2+ years. Cost to remove it: $463K
Editorial: The danger of not deporting criminal illegal aliens
Editorial: Turn on the cameras, ICE. What’s taking you so long?
Bloomberg Opinion: Food prices could go even higher after these ICE raids

New York Times
Workers and Employers Face Higher Health Insurance Costs
‘Medicaid Cut Me Off’: A Rural Health Center Faces New Pressures
Trump Empowers Election Deniers, Still Fixated on 2020 Grievances
In First Six Months, Cost of Weather Catastrophes Escalated at a Record Pace

Port Townsend Leader
Crowds turn out to declare ‘No Kings’ in Jefferson County
PT staff take ‘cautious, conservative’ approach to 2026 budget

Puget Sound Business Journal
A new factor is heavily shaping the salary picture
‘Calm before the storm’: Consumer expectations decline in Seattle

Seattle Times
WA residents shopping for health insurance hit with sticker shock
Feds searched security systems at 18 WA police agencies, report finds
PNW could face energy shortage during extreme conditions, report says
Millions may lose food stamp benefits if shutdown continues, states warn
Editorial: Gargantuan lawsuit budget shows what’s needed: more transparency

Spokesman Review
‘South Hill rapist’ Kevin Coe kicked off Muckleshoot tribal land
Dispose of unwanted prescription drugs at these locations around Spokane on Saturday

Tri-City Herald
Health insurance could double for thousands in Tri-Cities and Eastern WA
‘Agricultural core values’ would be the heart of Tri-Cities’ 1st proposed K-8 school

Washington Post
Trump opts to pay federal workers he cares about, leaving others out
We uploaded a fake video to 8 social apps. Only one told users it wasn’t real.
Health insurance sticker shock begins as shutdown battle over subsidies rages

WA State Standard
Water tensions rise on both sides of the Cascades
Sticker shock: WA health insurance buyers confront steep price hikes
Trump’s IVF announcement disappoints patients, raises concerns for doctor
Proposal for 1,300-acre solar farm goes again to Washington governor for approval
ICE arrests 105 people in southwest Idaho raid, US Department of Homeland Security says

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Everett man in ‘indefinite’ ICE custody
Washington health care leaders warn Trump’s foreign worker fee could impact patient care

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
City of Tacoma votes to expand its camping ban
Harrell orders city to tackle ‘food deserts’ after Lake City Fred Meyer closure

KUOW Public Radio
State halts rebates to farmers hit with fuel fees under WA climate law
ICE arrests 105 people in southwest Idaho raid, U.S. Department of Homeland Security says

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Western extends President Sabah Randhawa’s contract two years

MyNorthwest
WSP chief calls for lower BAC limit in Washington
Washington gas prices exceed national average by 45%
Robots could replace over half a million jobs at Amazon
Some federal workers can apply for unemployment. Some can’t.
Washington health department launches measles exposure map
Mayor Harrell issues executive order to combat Seattle food deserts

The Stranger
PHOTOS: 90,000 Seattleites Hit the Streets at the No Kings March
Slog AM: Mariners Blow It, Trump Demolishes Part of White House, Immigration Agents Access WA License Plate Data

Washington Observer
Cutting the costs of youth prisons
Recommended Viewing: Bad omens on the capitol campus

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday info

Tuesday, October 21

ICE windfall from Trump megabill fuels surveillance juggernaut
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is on a surveillance spending spree: The agency is using much of its windfall from this summer’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act to fund a major expansion of biometric identification, cellphone tracking and other electronic capabilities. Why it matters: The megabill’s $75 billion cash infusion for ICE was sold by Congress as a way to speed up hiring new agents and adding detention space. But ICE is also going big on surveillance. Continue reading at Axios. (Getty Images)

WA cities face unprecedented water cuts amid drought
In a severe drought year, like this one, some farmers and ranchers in the Yakima River Basin come to expect a letter from the state cutting off one of their main water sources, and they plan accordingly. But this year’s drought was so bad, the state had to cut deeper than ever before. With only a single exception, every person, farm, ranch, irrigation ditch and company drawing water from rivers, streams and reservoirs within the basin had to stop. Entire cities couldn’t be spared. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Were school Covid closures worth it? Not really, UW study finds
Covid-era school closures caused the U.S. significant economic and educational loss while being less effective than other transmission interventions, according to new research. The University of Washington and Oxford University study found that closing schools created $2 trillion in future economic losses — a conservative estimate — while reducing Covid spread by just 8%. Mask mandates, on the other hand, lessened transmission by nearly 20% and cost relatively little, researchers concluded. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Return of the salmon discussion comes to Schafer State Park

Axios
ICE windfall from Trump megabill fuels surveillance juggernaut

Bellingham Herald
‘Biggest achievement’: Whatcom County celebrates 10 years of Mental Health Court

Capital Press
Washington water year cut into irrigation allotments

Columbian
More affordable housing planned for Heights District
Legacy Health to close Clark County clinics due to increased costs, reduced revenue

Everett Herald
Kids at play: Lake Stevens middle-schoolers craft electric guitars
Comment: Supreme Court’s ‘colorblindness’ would gut Voting Rights Act

Kitsap Sun
Olympic College wraps remodel at Poulsbo Campus, debuting 3 new programs this fall

News Tribune
Gig Harbor City Council discusses growth, city zoning map
Expect traffic changes at busy Puyallup interchange this week
Is a roundabout planned for this busy Pierce County road? Here’s what WSDOT said
Opinion: Lies are being used to attack Tacoma’s Landlord Fairness Code
Commentary: The difference between fact and truth in Trump’s America

New York Times
Do Heat Pumps Work When It Gets Really Cold?
Shutdown With No Clear End Poses New Economic Threat
From Industry to E.P.A.: Lobbyist Now Oversees Pesticide Rules
No Education Department? No Problem, Trump’s Education Secretary Says.
North Carolina State Senate Approves New Congressional Map in Effort to Add a Seat

Puget Sound Business Journal
A booming industry has a big staffing challenge
Massive AWS outage traced to Virginia data center hub
There’s a growing disconnect on vacation — and the stakes are high

Seattle Times
WA cities face unprecedented water cuts amid drought
Mariners ALCS loss: How to cope with movies, events and performances

Spokesman Review
FAFSA applications lag in WA, and it worries the governor
Nuclear weapons safety oversight in decline with Trump, Biden inaction
WA lawmakers confront reality of cuts coming from One Big Beautiful Bill
Spokane council approves reforms to affordable housing fund, deferred permit fees
Spokane police officers at the ‘No Kings’ protest were different. Here’s why their strategy may be working
Chewelah gets grant to build an ‘adventure park,’ hoping to provide recreation opportunities for the rural town’s youth

Tri-City Herald
ICE is jailing, deporting victims of human trafficking, domestic abuse, suit says

Washington Post
CNN’s future at stake as owner Warner Bros. Discovery seeks sale
Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter arrested over threat to kill Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
Eating meat is worse for the planet in some cities than in others. Look up yours.
Part of White House demolished for ballroom, contradicting Trump’s past statements

WA State Standard
State halts rebates to farmers hit with fuel fees under WA climate law
Shutdown leaves gaps in states’ health data, possibly endangering lives
WA state patrol chief says agency will up protection efforts for lawmakers
WA’s Baumgartner raises ‘process’ concerns with US strikes on suspected drug boats
Divided appeals court allows Trump to deploy Guard to Portland, state seeks immediate review

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Residents at odds with Skagit County over pothole-filled road
Legal expert lays out what 9th Circuit ruling means for National Guard in Portland
Federal immigration authorities accessed Washington state license plate readers, KING 5 finds

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WA congressman demands review of deadly boat strikes
Seattle’s ‘No Kings’ rally stays peaceful with zero property damage reported
Trump admin. fires Seattle immigration judge Susana Reyes amid large caseload
What Americans think about rising health care costs, according to a new AP-NORC poll
City of Auburn condemns U.S. Border Patrol’s unauthorized use of Flock camera system

KUOW Public Radio
9th Circuit rules that National Guard can deploy to Portland
Were school Covid closures worth it? Not really, UW study finds

Web

Cascadia Daily News
How are K-12 schools funded? A guide to levies and bonds
Federal funding eliminated for WWU Center for Canadian-American Studies
Lake Whatcom partners craft emergency plan in case of invasive mussel detection

MyNorthwest
COVID-19 school closures will cost U.S. economy $2 trillion, study finds
Trump admin. fires Seattle immigration judge Susana Reyes amid large caseload
9th Circuit rules Trump admin. can send National Guard to Portland, reversing block
City of Auburn condemns U.S. Border Patrol’s unauthorized use of Flock camera system

The Stranger
This Is Why the Mariners Keep Losing in the Playoffs

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Tuesday info
FOLLOWUP: Here’s how many speed bumps SDOT is about to add to Alki cross-streets

Monday, October 20

SNAP benefits on pace to run out in two weeks if shutdown persists
As the federal government shutdown extends to day 17, and with congressional leaders nowhere near negotiating, state officials are beginning to raise concerns of potential cuts to nutrition assistance benefits that feed millions if the government isn’t reopened. Minnesota has already halted new enrollments in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. And officials in Kansas, New Hampshire and New Mexico have warned their residents could miss their food assistance payments for November. Continue reading at WSS. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Nearly 90,000 join Seattle’s ‘No Kings’ march
The Seattle Police Department estimated the No Kings march stretched more than a mile long Saturday. Organizers with Seattle Indivisible reported preliminary counts of nearly 90,000 people taking part. The demonstration began beneath the Space Needle and poured into downtown streets, part of what organizers call the largest coordinated protest in U.S. history. The “No Kings” movement has grown from a few thousand participants just months ago to millions nationwide — unified in opposition to what demonstrators describe as President Trump’s slide toward authoritarianism. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)

Washington’s economy stalls as hiring slows
Washington’s economy is joining other states in a slide toward recession, at least one expert says. Why it matters: Tariffs, slowing immigration and federal job cuts are driving slowdowns nationwide, according to Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi. Driving the news: Washington is among 22 states that are either in or near recession, per Zandi. The states make up about one-third of U.S. GDP. Continue reading at Axios. (Jacque Schrag)