Washington payrolls fell an estimated 15,400 in September
Washington payroll employment fell an estimated 15,400 jobs in September, even as the unemployment rate dropped to 4.8%.
Washington
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Goldendale adopts parks plan after concern over tribal-culture language
Goldendale’s City Council unanimously adopted a parks plan intended to guide strategy and support grant applications after a three-year planning effort.
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Spokane approves 0.1% sales tax for safety campus
The tax, approved 6–1 by the City Council, is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and will fund public-safety and behavioral-health programs.
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Broncos beat Seahawks 17-14 in overtime on Lutz’s 53-yard kick
Denver beat Seattle in overtime after Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Sam Darnold and Wil Lutz made the winning 53-yard field goal.
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WSU-SEL wildfire initiative is focused on research planning
Washington State University and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories announced a planning initiative aimed at developing research concepts and groundwork for a possible wildfire resilience consortium.
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Hoquiam shuts out Elma 27-0 at Olympic Stadium
Hoquiam beat Elma 27-0 in varsity football on Oct. 9 at Olympic Stadium.
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Second pedestrian dies after Vancouver crosswalk crash
Police reported on Oct. 7 that the 43-year-old man had died from his injuries after the Oct. 5 crash at NE Andresen Road and NE Van Mall Drive. A 34-year-old woman died at the scene.
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DOE orders Washington coal unit to stay available through December
DOE ordered Centralia Unit 2 to remain available through Dec. 11 as a court ruling raises new questions about federal emergency power authority.
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Seattle mayor and council clash over gun-violence strategy after Belltown shootings
Seattle City Council members are set to consider a gun-violence resolution Sept. 15 as Mayor Katie Wilson questions a proposed $418,000 focused-deterrence pilot.
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Seattle launches national search for next police chief
Mayor Katie Wilson’s search includes a public survey due September 15, a September 26 listening session and an anticipated selection by early 2027, followed by City Council confirmation.
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Federal Report: Washington Tank Was Unfit Months Before Collapse
A federal update says a Longview tank was deemed unfit months before its May 26 collapse killed 11 workers. Multiple investigations remain open.
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Washington joins 25-state lawsuit challenging new USPS mail-ballot rule
Washington officials say a new USPS rule could require counties to replace more than 5 million ballot envelopes before the November 3 election. Courts may decide whether the requirements take effect before ballots are mailed October 16.
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Seattle’s new Do Not Solicit registry targets unwanted home-buying pitches
Seattle has approved a registry to curb covered unsolicited home-sale pitches, but the program will not take effect until June 1, 2027.
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Washington’s lawsuit bill reached a new record. What the $614 million tab means for state finances
Washington paid more than $537 million in lawsuit and tort-claim payouts during fiscal year 2026, while legal-defense costs added about $76 million. The record is putting new pressure on the state’s self-insurance system and future budgets.
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Washington’s statewide drought emergency keeps pressure on farms, rivers and water planning
Washington remains under a statewide drought emergency after a warm winter left snowpack at 0% of normal for the calendar date. The sharpest immediate allocation risks are in the Yakima Basin, while household impacts depend on local utilities.
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Bellevue traffic restrictions include Bellevue Way, Lake Hills closure
Sewer-tie-in work will bring lane closures to southbound Bellevue Way on Aug. 8, while Lake Hills Boulevard remains closed through mid-August for culvert replacement.
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Wahkiakum schools in Cathlamet receive seven-year, $30 million facilities grant
Wahkiakum School District received a seven-year, $30 million grant for electrical updates, a grade-school roof and a new HVAC system, with electrical work planned for summer 2026.
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Mukilteo seeks developers for 1.19-acre waterfront site near ferry terminal
Mukilteo has opened the first phase of a two-step process to find a development team for a 1.19-acre waterfront property near the ferry terminal and historic lighthouse.
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Washington advances flood-elevation review for Sumas homes after 2025 storm damage
Washington Commerce has completed the next environmental-review step for a Sumas home-elevation activity tied to long-term flood recovery and future damage reduction.
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Friday Harbor council considers tighter commercial rules for transient accommodations
Proposed Friday Harbor zoning changes would tighten parking, building and conversion rules for transient accommodations while a separate First Street project seeks six transient-housing units.
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Bellingham approves seven-year tax reprieve for downtown startups
Bellingham City Council approved a seven-year tax reprieve for qualifying downtown startups and expanded business tax credits in urban villages.
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Hoquiam moves toward North Shore Levee construction after federal funding restored
A court order restored $150 million for stalled Washington projects, including $85 million for the Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project. Hoquiam has awarded an initial Levee Street phase, with the full project expected to go out for bid after a grant agreement is signed.