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Friday, October 27

Illegal child labor is surging in WA and across US. Sen. Murray wants to hold businesses accountable
A record 138 businesses in Washington were fined for violating child labor laws last year, the highest number in recent memory, according to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat. Murray introduced legislation Thursday to crack down on the growing problem. “Companies have gotten away with it,” Murray said in an interview with KUOW. “And the more they get away with it and the more they have cheap labor and nobody’s noticing you’re doing anything, they just keep doing it.” Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

Mobile home residents are seizing the opportunity to buy their parks
Mobile home parks are coming up for sale and there are signs that a new law giving residents a chance to buy them is working. Since mid-July, 11 properties have gone on the market in Washington and residents of seven are using tools from the three-month-old law to pursue ownership, the state House Housing Committee heard Thursday. Before Senate Bill 5198 became law, mobile home parks did not have to be sold on the open market. Now, owners must notify tenants and dozens of eligible community groups of the opportunity to make an offer. They also have to inform the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and the state Department of Commerce. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Mark Hatfield)

WA has cleared its backlog of sexual assault testing kits, AG says
The state has cleared a decades-old backlog of more than 10,000 forensic kits collected from sexual assault survivors, state officials said Thursday. In 2015, legislators passed a state law requiring police agencies to send kits for testing within 30 days and for the lab to test a kit within 45 days of getting it. In 2016, the state implemented a kit-tracking system, and the next year, the Attorney General’s Office received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to inventory and test kits. In 2019, lawmakers budgeted money to build a new lab in Vancouver, which is now operating. Continue reading at Seattle Times.

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Bellingham Herald
A wave of loss in opioid epidemic spurs WA tribal leaders, politicians toward a solution

Capital Press
Tech Hub aims to grow Northwest mass timber industry
Wildlife advocates petition for less hunting of cougars, bears in Washington

Everett Herald
Third inmate since September dies at Snohomish County Jail
Everett-based Housing Hope cuts positions amid financial troubles

News Tribune
New 60-unit tiny home village could fill vacant lot in Tacoma. Here’s what we know
Puyallup church ends lease of K-6 school that would play teams with transgender athletes
Jury hears recorded interview of one Tacoma officer accused of killing Manuel Ellis

Olympian
11 years after WA voters legalized marijuana, two Pasco stores will open within days
This Olympia cannabis testing lab just got its certification suspended. Here’s why

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle’s crane count drops but still tops this list

Seattle Times
WA has cleared its backlog of sexual assault testing kits, AG says (Orwall)
Former cadets sue WA police academy, trainer over sexual harassment allegations
WA state ferry fans see red over Coca-Cola banner ads on vessels
Murray earmarks $80M to rebuild Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge
Editorial: A good news AI story shows the value of early tech education
Dow Constantine: To create safety, King County needs more than jails

Washington Post
College enrollment grew for the first time since the pandemic started
Ford workers praise new UAW contract: ‘This will change so many lives’

WA State Standard
Washington clears backlog of over 10,000 sexual assault testing kits (Orwall)
Mobile home residents are seizing the opportunity to buy their parks
Sound Transit weighs more night and weekend trips on Seattle-Tacoma train line

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima County plans to tap reserves to balance 2024 operating budget
WA farm workers voice varying opinions on increased overtime protections
Editorial: Costs shouldn’t prevent domestic violence intervention treatment

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Freeze warning leads some Western Washington cold weather shelters to open early

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Bellevue School District considers middle school consolidation
Police accountability group lays out 2024 priorities for Washington lawmakers

KNKX Public Radio
Built during protests, Seattle’s BLM Garden fights for its future

KUOW Public Radio
Thousands of untested sexual assault kits finally processed in Washington state (Orwall, Dhingra)
Illegal child labor is surging in WA and across US. Sen. Murray wants to hold businesses accountable
Ballard and North Seattle teens are being mugged on their way home from school

KXLY (ABC)
CDC warns of RSV vaccine shortage, urges parents to stay informed

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Resuming police foot patrols downtown part of city’s renewed safety plan

MyNorthwest
Edmonds property taxes likely to rise as city faces budget shortfall

The Stranger
Slog AM: Washington Clears Rape Kit Backlog

West Seattle Blog
FAUNTLEROY FERRY DOCK: Nine replacement options shown at Community Advisory Group’s first meeting in a year
Sound Transit returns to West Seattle to talk about light-rail stations, kicking off another round of feedback

Thursday, October 26

WA lands chief: State just had one of its ‘most challenging’ fire seasons ever
Lands commissioner Hilary Franz says while responders kept most fires contained, the overall number of blazes was at a historic high, and more burned in western Washington. Franz attributed the department’s success to spending lawmakers approved in recent years. Legislation passed in 2021 set aside $125 million every two years for wildfire response, forest restoration and community resilience – the most significant investment into the state’s wildfire programs in recent years. Continue reading at WA State Standard (Laurel Demkovich)

WA lawmaker moves to fix system for child sex trafficking victims
The lead legislator of Washington’s “Safe Harbor” law aimed at aiding child sex trafficking victims plans to introduce a bill addressing the law’s shortcomings. Stakeholders say a new bill with more funding is needed following an InvestigateWest report that uncovered the state’s failure to provide treatment options for trafficked youth. The purpose of the Safe Harbor law was to ensure that trafficked kids are treated as victims, not criminalized and detained. But with very few treatment options available, stakeholders think repurposing vacant juvenile detention buildings could provide a solution. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Kelsey Turner)

Creating an ecosystem for Black homeownership in WA
For many of us, the biggest asset we will ever own is our home. It’s more than just a place to live. For Black families, however, the dream of homeownership has been a much greater challenge. Today, only 35% of Black households in Washington state own their own homes compared with 68% of white households. Forty-two percent of Black households have zero net worth. A study released earlier this year estimates that racist housing policies have cost Black families in King County between $12 and $34 billion. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Getty)

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Associated Press
An increase in harassment against Jewish and Muslim Americans has been reported since Hamas attacks

Bainbridge Island Review
Longtime state 23^rd District Rep. Sherry Appleton dies

Bellingham Herald
Will metal shredder proposal move forward? Here’s what Whatcom decided on possible ban

Columbian
Washington blood banks face low supply
Southwest Washington viticulture area clears hurdle
Nam’u qas apartments for people exiting foster care opens in Hazel Dell
Battle Ground schools win grant for mental health work
Editorial: Washington, other states wise to scrutinize Meta

Everett Herald
After marathon meeting, Edmonds council raises property taxes 1%
Ban on cash-free businesses passes in unincorporated Snohomish County
Comment: Adults are parenting more but kids are learning less

The Inlander
Cannabis users fared better against COVID, arrests went up
Spokane City Council moves $6 million in pandemic funds toward Trent shelter
A strike force led by local U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref is working to uncover millions of dollars in pandemic relief

News Tribune
Cardiologist testifies police restraint of Manuel Ellis led to his death in their custody
Op-Ed: The carbon tax on gas is burdening WA families. How we can lighten the load (Mullet)

Olympian
Forecast says El Niño will be strong this winter. Here’s what it means for WA weather
Another earthquake rattled NW Washington on Sunday. What’s causing quakes in Puget Sound?

Peninsula Daily News
Sequim looks for ways to encourage housing

Port Townsend Leader
Endangered Southern Resident orcas make return

Puget Sound Business Journal
These are Washington’s most expensive colleges
Why Washington, 32 other states are suing Facebook, Instagram parent
Child-care costs are on the rise — and women are leaving the workforce

Seattle Medium
Schools Aren’t Prepared To Handle Racist Bullying
Gun Violence Is Shaking The Foundation Of Seattle’s Neighborhoods

Seattle Times
WA 2023 fire season a ‘wake-up call,’ DNR chief says
Emergency blood supply dangerously low in WA
Seattle launches pilot program to tackle mental health calls
Snohomish County joins King in mandating stores to accept cash
Seattle students robbed in 14 incidents since September, police say
Opinion: Creating an ecosystem for Black homeownership in WA

Skagit Valley Herald
Inslee checks in on Skagit County’s electric ferry project

Spokesman Review
This year was one of Washington’s ‘most challenging’ fire seasons yet, according to lands chief
Sheriff tells Spokane Valley City Council policy change is underway after beating of man in park, saying his office ‘has to uphold public trust’

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Ferry service eyes Spring 2024 return to three-boat service on Vashon’s north end

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
‘A big change:’ Homeless alliance shows new transitional shelter

Washington Post
UAW and Ford reach tentative deal to end strike
U.S. economy grows at blockbuster pace in third quarter
As child-care crisis looms, Biden asks Congress for urgent help

WA State Standard
WA lands chief: State just had one of its ‘most challenging’ fire seasons ever
Washington fine-tunes its options for boosting electric vehicle sales
Washington lawmaker vows to fix law that’s failing to help victims of child sex trafficking (Orwall)

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee-based Stemilt Growers partners with Atlas Agro in green fertilizer, hydrogen plant

Yakima Herald-Republic
Boil water notice issued in Zillah after E.coli found in the water system

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
5 Shoreline elementary schools to lose district-run childcare next school year

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle outreach program offers a lifeline: Turning dilapidated RVs into permanent homes
Seattle launches crisis responder team to handle 911 calls alongside police and firefighters
Are 4-day school weeks better or worse for students? Here’s what the research says

KNKX Public Radio
Behind the effort to save Pierce County’s historic Parkland School

KUOW Public Radio
Protesters sought new 911 response in Seattle. Here it is

KXLY (ABC)
Local firefighter with cancer doesn’t qualify for worker’s compensation
NAACP criticizes county commissioners over appointment of Racial Equity Subcommittee chair

Q13 TV (FOX)
Pierce County considers new grant program to help small businesses upgrade security
Food Safety Lawyer: Check Halloween candy labels for Red No. 3, recently banned in California
UAW reaches tentative deal with Ford on new contract amind historic strike with Detroit automakers

Web

Cascadia Daily News
City, county fund winter and severe weather shelters

Crosscut
New study brings home the danger of fentanyl for WA residents
WA lawmaker moves to fix system for child sex trafficking victims (Orwall)

MyNorthwest
Seattle approves changes that allow them to pave Burke-Gilman’s ‘missing link’
Parents voice frustrations as Lake Stevens schools see 49 bus cancellations in less than 2 months
Providence nurses fight for better rights after more than 600 quit in last 18 months

Wednesday, October 25

Lack of civil engineers a bottleneck for WA’s large transportation projects
The desperate clamor to hire civil engineers is a symptom of a larger shortage of civil engineers facing contractors in Washington and across the U.S. Opportunities for work are abundant at every level, but fewer people are graduating with civil engineering degrees while thousands more retire each year. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Washington’s new youth homelessness ‘Lifeline’ service lags
In 2021, nearly one in six of the approximately 7,300 youth and young adults — more than half of them people of color — exiting Washington state foster care, justice or behavioral health systems were homeless a year later. The Lifeline pilot was supposed to test whether the program could serve as a crucial safety net for those who have left state care and serve as a model for similar efforts elsewhere. But first the model has to work. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Caroline Walker Evans)

Meta sued by Washington, 41 other states for addictive features targeting children
Dozens of US states, including Washington state, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people’s mental health and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The lawsuit claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law. In addition to the 33 states, nine other attorneys general are filing in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 42. Continue reading at KING 5 TV.

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Associated Press
Microsoft reports higher profits and revenue powered by cloud computing and AI investments
Boeing loses $1.6 billion on fewer deliveries of airliners and higher costs for Air Force One jets

Aberdeen Daily World
Climate solutions collide at Shores Scotch broom site
Grays Harbor County to assess sea level rise risk, map river channels

Axios
Thursday may be Seattle’s new Friday

Capital Press
U.S. Supreme Court asked to review Washington’s new tax

Columbian
Clark County industries continue to add jobs
Nonprofit wants to help pay to build ADUs on properties in Vancouver
Vancouver approves final design of Main Street Promise, focusing on ‘moving people and not vehicles’
Parents criticize district response as new details in shooting outside Evergreen High School emerge
Five-day health care worker strike begins at PeaceHealth in Vancouver; second health care picket this month
Editorial: U.S. health care system requires checkup

Everett Herald
New mini sheriff’s station opens south of Everett
Charges: Mushrooms, ‘breakdown’ sparked midair incident on Everett flight

News Tribune
As certain crimes rise, Pierce County might grant money to businesses to upgrade security
Its drivers are contractors. So will Amazon be held liable for a fatal crash in Tacoma?
Medic who treated Manuel Ellis says ‘excited delirium’ likely was cause of his death
Editorial: Diversity isn’t divisive — but it is political. A DEI veto in Pierce County proves it
Editorial: Pierce County kids are idle — ‘sad, depressed, hopeless.’ New study shows where it’s worst

Olympian
WA state lawmaker says gun in carry-on bag was ‘honest mistake’ after Hong Kong arrest
Nearly 250K people moved to WA state last year. Which states did new residents come from?
Port of Olympia commission approves raises for new union that still has no contract

Peninsula Daily News
Olympic National Park seeks comment for bridge project

Puget Sound Business Journal
‘Signs of life’ emerge for mass transit but service cuts are coming
WA wins federal tech hub designation for aerospace materials center

Seattle Times
7 take-aways from expert panel on the fentanyl crisis in King County
Trial in death of Manuel Ellis spotlights officer who’s both witness and alternative suspect
Seattle to pave over dangerous rail tracks on Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard
WA, 32 other states sue Meta, alleging harm to youth mental health
San Juan Islands consider annual tourism fee for residents, visitors
Lack of civil engineers a bottleneck for WA’s large transportation projects
Parents of special ed students who don’t speak English face another hurdle
What to know about the updated COVID booster shots for kids
Opinion: Seattle’s mild measures are hardly restarting the war on drugs

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County preps for state legislative session

South Whidbey Record
County awards $3.9M to housing project

Spokesman Review
New Washington tsunami maps show evacuation routes, time it would take to walk to shelter

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
WA state library is drafting legislation to update library dissolution statute
Walla Walla Valley fall enrollment: Most schools report steady numbers
Former corrections officer at Washington State Penitentiary sentenced for drug trafficking

Washington Post
Government moves to protect students from avaricious college practices
Companies capture a lot of CO2. Most of it is going into new oil.
Earth’s climate shatters heat records. These 5 charts show how.

WA State Standard
WA and 40 other states sue Meta, alleging Instagram and Facebook harm kids
WA aerospace and wood sectors up for major infusions of federal cash
Washington senator arrested at Hong Kong airport for carrying handgun
Health care ‘game-changer’? Feds boost care for homeless Americans

Wenatchee World
No motorhomes have been towed under a 2022 Wenatchee law, but that could change as more are living in RVs

Yakima Herald-Republic
New partnership helps families access mental health treatment for kids in Yakima Valley
Trial date set in voting rights lawsuit against Yakima County over Latino signatures
PNWU breaks ground on dental school building, receives $12 million grant

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
One person shot, killed by Kent police officer during pursuit
Afraid of losing their wings, pilots may not seek mental health care
Migrant camp outside Tukwila church grows to more than 300 people
Meta sued by Washington, 41 other states for addictive features targeting children
Legislation passed to repair ‘missing link’ on Burke-Gilman Trail near Ballard Bridge

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Mountain snow falls at passes with Frost Advisory tonight for much of Western Washington
Department of Labor and Industries hosts public forum on workers’ insurance

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Kids Mental Health Summit prompts talk about social media lawsuit, community collaboration
First ‘significant’ snowfall signals start of ski season, economic boost for Snoqualmie Pass
Seattle gears up for 2026 World Cup: Aiming to create a lasting legacy, boost regional tourism

KNKX Public Radio
As WA plans to reduce solitary confinement, advocates say reforms are long overdue

KUOW Public Radio
Covid is on the rise at King County nursing homes
WA sues Meta over ‘youth mental health crisis that is costing lives’
FBI: ‘I am not OK’ off-duty Alaska pilot said before trying to turn off jet engines

Q13 TV (FOX)
Docs: Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot used psychedelic mushrooms before trying to shut off plane engines

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Moratorium on new heavy industry fails
ABC Recycling submits plans for metal shredder one day before hearing
Opinion: Greenways is great, but what about indoor rec?

Crosscut
Washington’s new youth homelessness ‘Lifeline’ service lags (Chopp)

MyNorthwest
Get ready to pay more to visit the San Juan Islands
First look at potential new electric Kitsap Fast Ferry unveiled

West Seattle Blog
WEDNESDAY: Sound Transit’s next West Seattle meeting
ALSO WEDNESDAY: Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement project’s Community Advisory Group reconvenes

Monday, October 23

How Native WA communities are fighting the fentanyl crisis
Statewide, American Indian and Alaska Native residents have the highest rate of death from synthetic opioid overdoses, with at least 203 killed between 2018 and 2022, according to state Department of Health data. As the spiraling fentanyl crisis inflicts a disproportionate toll on Indigenous residents, tribal leaders and health providers are calling on state and federal leaders to invest millions to save their families and communities. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

Why are gas prices rising at stations unaffected by cap-and-trade?
Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic leaders believe oil companies are not playing fair and may be increasing costs at the pump even if they don’t refine oil in Washington or participate in the state’s new carbon pricing system. These political leaders have recently announced plans to pursue legislation next year to require oil companies to open their finances to state scrutiny. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Genna Martin)

Black officers say racism was rampant at UW Police. Trial starts Monday in Seattle
A jury trial is scheduled to begin Monday in a case involving dozens of claims of racial discrimination at the University of Washington Police Department. Attorney Toby Marshall, who represents the plaintiffs, said the evidence in the case would show that the incidents of racism in the UW Police Department started to ramp up around the time of George Floyd’s murder and the nationwide protests that followed. Continue reading at KUOW. (Kris Leisten)

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Auburn Reporter
Bridges neighborhood annexation moves closer to finish line

Bainbridge Island Review
Property taxes, budget increases on BI Council Agenda Oct. 24

Bellevue Reporter
Possible antidote to the Eastside’s housing crisis?

Capital Press
Cap-and-trade appeals shielded from public view
FERC approves natural gas project fought by Democrats

Everett Herald
Lawsuit: Children as young as 2 abused at Monroe day care
Substation to support ‘increased’ deputy presence south of Everett
Swift bus lines expanding in Bothell, Marysville, Arlington
Audits find missteps in 2 investigations of Bothell police shootings

Federal Way Mirror
FW City Council update: domestic violence, inclusivity

News Tribune
‘Disruption’ of health care industry makes its way to WA as VMFH joins national network
Highway bridge over Puyallup River closed ‘immediately’ to traffic after deemed unsafe

Northwest Asian Weekly
Outside firm hired to uncover truth in Kandula fatal collision

Olympian
Matching programs help up-and-coming Thurston County farmers get their footing. Here’s how

Port Townsend Leader
Clallam Transit free in ’24

Puget Sound Business Journal
New FHA policy aims to boost first-time homebuying

Seattle Times
How WA’s mental health labyrinth claimed a life
Trial to begin in lawsuit by Black UW police officers alleging racism
How Native WA communities are fighting the fentanyl crisis
WA’s new tsunami maps show how long it would take to walk to safety
First day of Seattle’s new drug law brings push by police, arrests
WA still suffers from drought despite rain — and El Niño won’t help

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Decision on Snoqualmie Parkway jurisdiction deferred, final vote unlikely before 2026
Snoqualmie signs new jail contract with Sunnyside

South Whidbey Record
Marina rate hikes target bigger boats

Spokesman Review
Study: Abortion often requires lengthy drives
Spin Control: A bit of the East Side coming to State Capitol (Heck)
With a pathologist position open for over a year, Spokane County Medical Examiner hopes visa program fixes staffing woes
Opinion: When the ultra-wealthy pay their share in taxes, we all have a brighter future

Tri-City Herald
What’s next for deadly stretch of Highway 395 near Pasco after 5 deaths this year?
Here’s how Biden’s new $7B green hydrogen investment will benefit the Tri-Cities

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Opinion: Help us help you create housing on Vashon

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla School Board wins Board of Distinction award

Washington Post
West Antarctic ice sheet faces ‘unavoidable’ melting, a warning for sea level rise

WA State Standard
For children exposed to alcohol before birth, services are in short supply
Many women can’t access miscarriage drug because it’s also used for abortions

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee Valley YMCA unveils plans for $25.4M facility, seeks $5.5M from community
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority to buy $360,000 site for up to $20M water tower project

Yakima Herald-Republic
Improved weather, longer harvest window help Yakima Valley apple crop

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘Full of light’: Family of I-5 hit-and-run victim pushes for answers
Here’s how long it could take you to evacuate after the ‘Big One’ tsunami hits
Here’s how much income is needed to afford typical Seattle home in 2023

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle Public Utilities warns of influx of illegal tire dumping

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle students targeted in string of armed robberies near Ballard schools
Tukwila church stretched thin with migrant influx despite state of emergency declaration

KNKX Public Radio
Seattle City Light pilots novel EV chargers in denser neighborhoods

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle has a new drug law. Now what?
Black officers say racism was rampant at UW Police. Trial starts Monday in Seattle
Tree lovers, building officials clash over greenery in Washington wildfire zones

Q13 TV (FOX)
Key takeaways from FBI’s annual crime statistics report

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Shower trailer to open behind City Hall in November

Crosscut
Why are gas prices rising at stations unaffected by cap-and-trade? (Nguyen, Doglio)

Investigate West
Washington Lawmaker Vows To Fix Law That’s Failing To Help Victims Of Child Sex Trafficking (Orwall)

MyNorthwest
City of Tacoma announces immediate closure of bridge for safety concerns
Students walk out of Chief Sealth High to protest texts with sexual violence, harassment

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)