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Friday, October 31

Which states are declaring emergencies over SNAP funding
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) declared a state of emergency on Thursday as 2.9 million New Yorkers are set to lose crucial SNAP benefits this week because of the government shutdown. The big picture: Some 42 million people across the U.S. will lose safety net nutrition assistance if lawmakers in Washington don’t strike a deal to end the shutdown or find a stopgap measure to extend the benefits. New York, Delaware, Rhode Island, Virginia and Maryland have declared the impending crisis a state of emergency. Continue reading at Axios. (Axios)

‘There is no other option’ as medical costs in Kitsap and Washington jails soar
Penny Sapp gets through few meetings these days without someone bringing up the cost of medical care at the Kitsap County Jail. Prices have more tripled in the less than a decade and become a major contributor to the county’s multi-million budget deficit next year. Sapp, the county’s chief of corrections, says the escalation “feels almost personal” but knows there is almost nothing she can do. Continue reading at Kitsap Sun. (Meegan M. Reid)

WA Head Start closures leave thousands of families without childcare
Two Head Start programs that help a combined 275 children in Washington are planning to close on Nov. 1. And if the Federal Government remains closed, thousands more children are at risk of their programs closing. Around 15,000 families in Washington have children enrolled in Head Start. Continue reading at Kiro. (Kiro)

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Axios
Which states are declaring emergencies over SNAP funding
Trump sets lowest-ever refugee cap. See how other presidents compare.

Capital Press
WSU’s new president, ag dean talk budget, research, the future
Washington Farm Service Agency director Wyss fired, reason unclear

Everett Herald
A path to the future
County sheriff working to fix $15M in overspending

Kitsap Sun
‘There is no other option’ as medical costs in Kitsap and Washington jails soar
State to backfill at food banks for expected loss of SNAP for 41,000 in West Sound

News Tribune
Update: Pardoned Tri-Cities Jan. 6 rioter sentenced for threats to Obama
National nonprofit sues to protect Olympic marmots in WA state. Here’s why
Pierce County housing agencies pay rent for folks as far away as Boston. Why?
Trooper has message for driver with ‘scary’ passenger in Washington carpool lane

New York Times
The Debate Dividing the Supreme Court’s Liberal Justices

Olympian
National nonprofit sues to protect Olympic marmots in WA state. Here’s why

Puget Sound Business Journal
Forest for the trees
Seattle Sounders make public call for new investors

Seattle Times
As SNAP cutoff nears, WA families, food banks brace for benefits halt
$185M verdict for toxic lights in WA school upheld by state’s high court
Judges could rule on the fate of SNAP food aid as deadline nears for shutdown to end payments
Opinion: Furloughed federal workers in WA need our help

Spokesman Review
State Supreme Court to decide whether WSU can be held liable for hazing death
‘A mistake and a disservice to farmers’: Top USDA official in WA fired with no explanation
Government shutdown reaches 30-day mark with no end in sight, as NW Republicans and Democrats trade blame

Washington Post
Two of the shutdown’s most dramatic effects are about to hit
One force is propping up the economy. Now it’s getting stronger.
A retired policeman posted a Charlie Kirk meme. He spent a month in jail.
Judge says she’ll likely order Trump administration to send SNAP funds to states
Americans blame Trump and GOP more than Democrats for shutdown, poll finds

WA State Standard
WA Gov. Ferguson ‘skeptical’ of tax increases in 2026
Mothers demand TSA follow its own breast milk and formula rules
Man faces felony charges for threats against Washington governor
Washington state Democrats look at imposing income tax on higher earners

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
WSDOT plans major I-405, I-5 lane closures this weekend
Seattle police shoot, kill person reportedly armed with an ax
State officials warn new USPS policies may lead to uncounted ballots
Federal Way businesses excited for Link light rail’s December opening
Communities rally as Washington residents face loss of SNAP benefits
‘Atrociously unsafe’: ICE contractor leaves gun unattended in Tacoma hospital bathroom
Hundreds of thousands of Washington state’s trees are dead or dying – what’s killing them?
Thousands of Washington children could lose Head Start programs if federal shutdown continues
You may be getting a notice that your personal info was leaked in a Conduent data breach. Here’s why

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
WA Head Start closures leave thousands of families without childcare
Amazon’s Q3 earnings report shows revenue increase after massive layoffs
Lakewood man faces felony charges for death threats against Gov. Ferguson
Government shutdown offers schools a glimpse of life without an Education Department
Poulsbo chef goes viral for offering free meals to federal workers during government shutdown

KNKX Public Radio
University of Washington funds paused as the shutdown drags on
Federal appeals court will rehear case over National Guard deployment to Portland

KUOW Public Radio
Federal protection sought for Olympic Peninsula marmots

Web

Cascadia Daily News
With SNAP benefits set to expire, these Bellingham businesses are offering help
Opinion: Bellingham’s poop plan should include hauling, but only as stopgap

MyNorthwest
Tacoma food bank overwhelmed as need surges during government shutdown

The Urbanist
King County Looks to Replace Program Diverting Youth from Jail

Thursday, October 30

The ACA premium surge hits home
The anticipated spike in Affordable Care Act premiums came into focus this week as previews of 2026 coverage options showed how customers could be on the hook for thousands more dollars in costs. Insurers are raising the monthly premiums they charge for marketplace coverage by an average of 26% across the country, according to an analysis from KFF. Higher medical costs and rising prescription drug prices are driving up premiums, insurer trade group AHIP says. Continue reading at Axios. (Sarah Grillo)

Washington State Treasurer’s Office renews push to require financial literacy class for high school graduation
Each year, Washington joins a shrinking list of states that don’t require students to take a course in financial literacy before graduating from high school. That’s a concerning statistic for the state’s top financial officer, Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. Not to be confused with economics, the study of systems of money — the type of course the treasurer is advocating for — includes information on borrowing and lending, interest rates, and how to balance a personal budget. Continue reading at The Inlander. (Colton Rasanen)

When we support military families, we strengthen Washington
This month is National Veterans Military Families Appreciation Month. In the legislature, we have passed several policies or made efforts in past sessions to honor those who serve and their families. I want to highlight two upcoming efforts that turn gratitude into action — practical, bipartisan policies that would make a real difference for those who serve. I also encourage folks to take this opportunity to show appreciation to our neighbors. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (LSS)

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Axios
The ACA premium surge hits home
Family sues after teen’s deadly fall at Gas Works Park
How Bill Gates is reframing the climate change debate

Bainbridge Island Review
Governor directs $2.2 million per week to state food banks

Bellingham Herald
Rush to Whatcom County food banks begins as suspension of SNAP benefits looms
Layoffs hit Bellingham caregivers as PeaceHealth announces 2.5% workforce reduction

Capital Press
Ranchers say Wash. Fish and Wildlife goes AWOL on wolves

Everett Herald
Agriculturists can provide comment on Dept. of Ecology’s latest guidance chapters
Comment: Both parties need to work together to end shutdown
Comment: Until robots take over our jobs, who’s going to work?
Comment: Brace for higher health care costs during open enrollment

The Inlander
Washington State Treasurer’s Office renews push to require financial literacy class for high school graduation (Riccelli)

Islands’ Weekly
WSF ferry terminals to close for 48 hours in spring of 2027: What timing is best for you?

Kitsap Sun
Walmart closure rumors swirl as Washington state fights SNAP cuts
Potential Kitsap sheriff’s office cuts follow mandated increases, growth in pay

News Tribune
Pierce County executive, sheriff, others to get another pay raise next year
WA must act to ensure Cascadia’s dominance in AI, business leaders warn
Lakewood man arrested for ‘veiled’ threats made against Gov. Bob Ferguson
SNAP is set to expire. Here’s list of food banks in Tacoma area if you need help
Will there be enough food? Local food banks brace for worst as shutdown drags on
Need help feeding your baby during shutdown? You can turn here in Pierce County
Rep. Mari Leavitt: When we support military families, we strengthen Washington

New York Times
How States Are Preparing for a Freeze in Federal Food Assistance
Trump Administration Tells Court It Has Money It Can’t Spend to Prevent Food Stamp Cuts

Port Townsend Leader
City streamlines permit process after heated meeting
Funding cuts ripple through local marine organizations

Puget Sound Business Journal
How immigration changes are impacting employment

Seattle Times
National Guard was at Portland ICE building despite court ban, feds admit
Judge to consider demand to force the government to keep funding SNAP food aid despite the shutdown
Editorial: Congress, negotiate health care subsidies and extend funding. now

Snoqualmie Valley Record
When the fridge goes empty: Impact of losing SNAP benefits

Spokesman Review
Spokane County sees first flu death of the season
Need food during the federal shutdown? Here’s where you can go
Feds charge former Spokane County Sheriff’s sergeant who beat man sitting in car in city park
Spokane mayor declares emergency following federal shutdown, increased need for homeless resources from new ordinance

Washington Post
Trump administration makes misleading case in high-stakes asylum hearing
Most Americans oppose East Wing demolition for Trump ballroom, poll finds
Pentagon readying thousands of Guard ‘reaction forces’ as U.S. mission widens
U.S. agencies back banning popular home WiFi device, citing national security risk

WA State Standard
Family caregivers feeling squeezed in Washington, report finds
Plan for $1.5B fertilizer plant in central WA still alive despite loss of federal funds
Comment: Washington’s employers are carrying too much of the load

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Issaquah lawmakers react to ICE arrests
Some Washington cattle ranchers have a beef with President Trump
Washington senators weigh in as Congress battles over SNAP, WIC funding
Seattle property owner sues city for $30 million over Little Saigon safety issues
Seattle café launches free breakfast campaign to help families losing SNAP benefits

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
‘Stupid Motorist Law’ proposed by King County Councilmember
Bill Gates says climate change won’t end humanity, but poverty still will
Seattle mayor proposes to ban face coverings for law enforcement officers
Hundreds in Tacoma line up for food boxes as government shutdown continues
Driverless car app Waymo moves forward in Seattle as ride-share drivers protest
Election officials urge ballot boxes over USPS as new policies could delay deliveries

KUOW Public Radio
As SNAP benefit cutoff looms, WA food banks brace for impact
Amazon cuts over 2,300 jobs in Washington as employees warn of AI risks
Bridge over troubled Washington: Billions needed for infrastructure repair
National Guard troops briefly deployed to Portland despite judge’s order, federal trial reveals

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Public can weigh in on Bellingham’s 20-year growth plan
Washington, B.C., Oregon recommit to strengthening cross-border partnerships
Pending approval, Whatcom Sheriff’s Office will move to former council member’s property

MyNorthwest
Election officials urge ballot boxes over mail-in voting
Mayor Harrell proposes mask ban for Seattle police officers

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Thursday updates

Wednesday, October 29

Washington police data gaps let the feds in, report finds
Federal authorities have been able to access police surveillance data in Washington state — sometimes without permission, a recent report shows. Why it matters: Washington calls itself a sanctuary for immigrants, abortion seekers and people pursuing gender-affirming care, but the study by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights suggests that gaps in local data-sharing rules are giving federal agencies access to information the state says it’s protecting. State of play: Public record requests by researchers showed that eight Washington state law enforcement agencies using Flock Safety — a brand of automated license plate readers (ALPR) — enabled direct one-to-one sharing of their networks with the U.S. Border Patrol at some point during 2025, per the report. Continue reading at Axios. (Annelise Capossela)

WA directs state dollars to food banks as SNAP funding cliff nears
Washington state will give food banks $2.2 million per week as they deal with the potential end of food stamp benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Trump administration says it can’t fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, starting Saturday, despite billions of dollars in reserves. This is expected to send Washington’s SNAP recipients to local food banks and pantries to feed their families. In May, the most recent month for which federal data is available, over 905,000 Washingtonians received a total of $167 million in SNAP benefits. Continue reading at WSS. (Joe Raedle)

In Washington, cleaning up mold in rental housing is complicated
It’s cozy season — a time when people keep out the chill by shutting windows, curling up on the couch with a steaming mug of tea and switching on a space heater. But that can invite an unwanted house guest — mold. Mold is a common problem in Washington, where rainy weather creates the ideal conditions for spores to grow and thrive. If it appears in your home, it needs to be cleaned up quickly before it gets out of control. But in rental housing, whose responsibility is it to clean it up — landlords or renters? In Washington, it’s complicated. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Amanda Wisner)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Exclusive QA with U.S. Rep. Emily Randall
Chehalis Basin Strategy online open house to end Oct. 31
Summit Pacific celebrates completion of Phase 1 Expansion

Axios
Washington police data gaps let the feds in, report finds

Bellingham Herald
WA ongoing unemployment claims up by 20% as state grapples with backlog
Task force recommends behavioral care center include out-of-custody treatment

Capital Press
Washington farm groups nervously eye forest buffers
Bird flu continues to spread, hits Idaho farm with 11,600 birds
Online meat retailer shuts down, allegedly leaving beef supplier unpaid

Everett Herald
County Sheriff working to fix $15M in overspending
Climate dollars eyed to backfill WA wildfire funding
Bloomberg Opinion: Can America afford to reopen the government?

News Tribune
7 development updates shaping the Tacoma area and Pierce County
7 articles about the challenges facing mobile home parks in Pierce County
First wave of Amazon layoffs detailed as South Sound delivery service shutters
Families in WA could lose SNAP benefits amid shutdown. Here’s how to get help
Tacoma mobile-home park residents saved 59 sequoias. Now they hope to buy park
How will Tacoma’s encampment-ban expansion impact plans to address homelessness?
Washington company ranks as No. 1 best employer in world, Forbes says. Which one?
Opinion: Rumbaugh’s plan to gut Tacoma’s Tenant Bill of Rights is a betrayal

New York Times
12 Hours in the Smoke
Obamacare Prices Become Public, Highlighting Big Increases

Northwest Asian Weekly
Little Saigon property owner blames city of Seattle for losses

Olympian
WA ongoing unemployment claims up by 20% as state grapples with backlog
Gov. Bob Ferguson directs $2.2M to help WA food banks amid SNAP suspension

Peninsula Daily News
Recompete program could be frozen if shutdown continues

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon to lay off 14,000 corporate workers
Seattle cybersecurity firm F5 names CEO as its next board chair
Amazon to cut over 2,300 jobs in Washington as part of companywide layoffs
Bill Gates challenges climate change ‘doomsday’ views, advocates for new priorities

Seattle Times
Sound Transit’s light rail initiative doesn’t make the grade
In Washington, cleaning up mold in rental housing is complicated
As Amazon lays off 14,000, some employees worry more cuts loom
Seattle council members propose $85M worth of projects for budget
WA to direct $2.2 million a week to food banks as SNAP cutoff nears
Sen. Patty Murray vows to fight taxpayer dollars funding Trump’s East Wing project

Skagit Valley Herald
Burlington-Edison School District to put replacement levies on February ballot

Spokesman Review
States challenge SNAP funding freeze as governor pledges additional funds for food banks
The Spokane region quietly reached an air quality milestone this summer decades in the making
Meta challenges $35 million fine for campaign finance violations in Washington Supreme Court
Ballots could now be tossed if voters submit them via U.S. Postal Service due to postmarking delays
Health secretary Dennis Worsham warns of impending termination of WIC benefits amid shutdown
Business owners express relief for stricter enforcement while some homeless people question where to go
‘Trust is being eroded’: Spokane physician shut out from federal RSV vaccine committee after CDC shakeup
‘A sad reality’: Food banks, grocery stores, residents expect to feel the strain from impending SNAP benefit expirations
Opinion: Growing accountability in government and healing partisan divide begins with Spokane

Washington Post
Democrats ramp up probes into $300 million ballroom
This doctor broke her ankle in a car accident. The bill was $64,000.
We checked DHS’s videos of chaos and protests. Here’s what they leave out.
White House fires arts commissioners expected to review construction projects

WA State Standard
WA directs state dollars to food banks as SNAP funding cliff nears
Policymakers plan for ‘energy superabundance’ at Western governors conference
Democratic AGs, governors sue Trump over SNAP benefits as shutdown hits day 28

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley Libraries officials offer new proposal for three Yakima County rural communities

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Amazon ties massive job cuts to rise of artificial intelligence
Losing your SNAP benefits Nov. 1? Here are some local resources to help
9th Circuit grants request to re-hear appeal of order blocking National Guard from Portland
WA governor to move $2.2M per week for food bank support amid SNAP funding expiration
‘Very inhumane’: Woman details hours-long ICE detainment after taking photos of agents’ license plates

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Amazon layoffs impacting Bellevue businesses
Air traffic controllers at SEA are now working without pay
Amazon workers impacted by layoffs are wondering what’s next
Local food banks hold statewide emergency food drive as SNAP benefits run out

KNKX Public Radio
University of Washington funds paused as the shutdown drags on
Amazon lays off thousands of corporate workers as it spends big on AI
Oregon, Washington sue Trump administration to fund SNAP during shutdown

KUOW Public Radio
Climate dollars eyed to backfill WA wildfire funding (Springer)
Amazon lays off 14,000 corporate workers, including some in Seattle
Washington, Oregon sue Trump administration to fund SNAP during shutdown
Is that really Washington? Why more movies could be made in the Evergreen State

KXLY (ABC)
WA Department of Fish and Wildlife plan prescribed burns for Okanogan County
Spokane Regional Health Department WIC offices to close indefinitely due to government shutdown
‘A quiet hurricane’; Spokane mayor declares emergency in response to federal shutdown, homeless ordinance

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Blaine interim superintendent could stay in role until 2028
WWU students can register, get ballots on campus this Election Day
PeaceHealth cutting 2.5% of workforce amid ‘unpredictable healthcare landscape’
‘Tough choices:’ Bellingham pivots to small World Cup Fan Zone watch parties in lean budget year

MyNorthwest
WA, 25 other states sue Trump Administration over SNAP suspension
ICE shakeup expected to reach Seattle and Portland amid push for more deportations
‘How am I going to pay my bills?’: Air traffic controllers object to working without pay
Wildfires are big polluters. Should the state use Climate Commitment Act money to fight them? (Springer)
Bill Gates calls for climate fight to shift focus from curbing emissions to reducing human suffering

The Stranger
An Idiot-Proof Guide to Mailing in Your Ballot, Registering to Vote, and Changing Your Address

The Urbanist
Sound Transit CEO Lays Out Approach to Second Seattle Rail Tunnel

Washington Observer
Nurses prevail against big hospital chain

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
What will West Seattle get in next year’s city budget? Here are more proposed budget amendments, for Wednesday briefings

Tuesday, October 28

$1.3M to remove toxic fluorescent lights in WA schools left on the table
They’ve called schools, sent letters, pushed surveys, presented at conferences and promoted educational videos. For six years, state Department of Ecology officials have offered money to any Washington schools looking to remove and replace lights containing PCBs, banned chemicals that have the potential to seep into classrooms. Just one school district has taken advantage of the funding. Only two other districts have tapped into a similar pool of money allocated by state education officials. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

The national redistricting wars enter a new phase
The national fight over redistricting is ramping up this week, with several states taking new steps to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections. Why it matters: These changes could have reverberations for years as Democrats and Republicans scramble to nullify each other’s gains. Some states, for instance, are taking steps to bypass their independent redistricting commissions in order to embark on mid-decade redistricting. Continue reading at Axios. (Erin Davis)

Thousands of preschoolers could lose access to Head Start due to shutdown
Funding for scores of Head Start programs hung in the balance as the government shutdown continued Monday without an end in sight. Unless a deal is reached to end the ongoing funding lapse that began Oct. 1, more than 65,000 children in 140 local Head Start programs across 41 states and Puerto Rico will not get their federal grant funding come Nov. 1, according to the National Head Start Association. The federal government spent about $12.3 billion on the program in fiscal 2025. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Forest rule change threatens steep tax losses
U.S. Rep. Randall tours Aberdeen Fire Station
6th District Rep. Emily Randall makes ‘after hours’ visit

Axios
The national redistricting wars enter a new phase
Washington state food aid to end Nov. 1 if shutdown continues
Amazon will cut 14,000 corporate roles, nods to AI-driven changes

Capital Press
Implications of Oregon ‘climate resilience’ order raise concerns
Trump makes trade deals in Southeast Asia

Everett Herald
Community Transit proposes $560M biennial budget
After engagement, surveys show proposed Gold Line is popular
Everett playground erupts in flames Monday morning, fire under investigation
Comment: Workforce training is building futures, saving money (Peterson)

Kitsap Sun
USS Nimitz loses a helicopter, a Super Hornet within 30 minutes in South China Sea
Opinion: No matter your politics, the shutdown is harming our community in Kitsap
Opinion: Why Americans must reclaim the values from our founding

New York Times
Bill Gates Says Climate Change ‘Will Not Lead to Humanity’s Demise’
Hunger and Cold Loom as Shutdown Imperils Funding for Antipoverty Programs
Trump Says He Is Prepared to Send ‘More Than the National Guard’ into U.S. Cities

Olympian
Families in WA could lose SNAP benefits amid shutdown. Here’s how many impacted
Some 40% of state’s wildfires this season were in Western WA, with 90% human-caused (Springer)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon to lay off 14,000 corporate workers
Meta lays off over 100 employees in Washington
Wellness is now a performance metric. Here’s what that means for hiring managers.
Opinion: Breast cancer treatment needs to include supportive care

Seattle Times
WA climate money eyed to backfill wildfire funding
$1.3M to remove toxic fluorescent lights in WA schools left on the table (Pollet)
Opinion: A pause in SNAP benefits is a public health emergency; state must act now

Washington Post
Texas files Tylenol lawsuit, taking cues from Trump and RFK Jr.
What Amazon’s 14,000 job cuts say about a new era of corporate downsizing
Citing autopen use, GOP-led House oversight panel finds Biden actions ‘illegitimate’

WA State Standard
Climate dollars eyed to backfill WA wildfire funding
Upcoming federal food assistance pause intensifies shutdown fight
Thousands of preschoolers could lose access to Head Start due to shutdown
Many WA counties aren’t verifying if accused domestic abusers are turning over their guns

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Amazon announces new round of layoffs
Meta to lay off 101 employees from Seattle-area offices
Washington lands commissioner wants state to reverse budget cuts
A predicament over public vs. private property hits the shores of Mukilteo
Food banks brace as Washington residents face loss of SNAP benefits by Nov. 1
Seattle immigration judge fired amid nationwide layoffs by the Trump administration

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
SPD soars toward hiring goals as recruitment surges
Bellevue eyes 37 possible locations for new speed safety cameras
Trump administration must restore grants for school counselors, judge rules
Little Saigon property owner sues Seattle for $30M over homelessness policies
UW professor: Health data collection needs improvement before next pandemic
SNAP benefits may run out Nov. 1. Here’s how you could still get food assistance
‘Staying nimble’: Amazon announces it will slash 14,000 jobs, more may be coming
Border Patrol official Bovino due in court to answer questions about Chicago immigration crackdown
Food banks are preparing for a surge as federal food aid could be paused in the government shutdown

KNKX Public Radio
Waymo takes autonomous cars for a spin in Seattle and Bellevue
In a split vote, Tacoma council decides fate of homeless camping-ban expansion
‘This is Native Land’ explores Washington state history through contemporary art

KUOW Public Radio
Conservative group sues to overturn rewrite of WA parental rights law
WA voters might say yes to amending the state constitution this fall. Here’s why
Amazon cuts 14,000 corporate jobs as spending on artificial intelligence accelerates

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Environmental group asks Bellingham to landfill, not burn, sludge from Post Point

MyNorthwest
SPD recruitment surges towards 150th officer by 2025
Amazon layoffs: Impact on Seattle’s economy explored
Rising jobless claims leads to fewer hours at ESD call center
Redmond Police implement AI technology to improve case-solving speed

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

Monday, October 27

A new car vs. health insurance? Average family job-based coverage hits $27K
With the federal shutdown entering its fourth week, spurred by a stalemate over the cost of health insurance for 22 million Americans on Affordable Care Act plans, a new report shows that over 154 million people with coverage through an employer also face steep price hikes — and that the situation is likely to get worse. Premiums for job-based health insurance rose 6% in 2025 to an average of $26,993 a year for family coverage, according to an annual survey of employers released Oct. 22 by KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Continue reading at WSS. (Jacob Wackerhausen)

Trump administration announces requirements to pass US citizenship test have increased
Part of the test to become a naturalized United States citizen is now more difficult after President Donald Trump’s administration announced changes Monday. The oral test, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, is now double its previous versions. The Naturalization Civics Test previously had 10 questions with a requirement of getting six correct answers. Continue reading at K5. (Susan Walsh)

Many Washington counties aren’t verifying if accused domestic abusers are turning over their guns
In July 2024, Joseph Leitz walked into a red brick sheriff’s office building in the small Western Washington city of Shelton and turned in two handguns. A court commissioner had ordered Leitz to do so after his then wife, Lauryn Berg, secured a domestic violence protection order, alleging he had beaten and raped her, threatened to take their kids, and held an unloaded gun to his head, pulling the trigger three times. Leitz denies the allegations. Continue reading at InvestigateWest. (Mike Kane)