State politics and budgets
Washington’s next Legislature faces a widening budget challenge
Candidates in Whatcom and Skagit counties are divided over whether to cut spending or find new revenue as lawmakers prepare to confront a state budget shortfall in 2027. Republican candidates and an independent in the 40th and 42nd legislative districts argue for scrutinizing programs, finding efficiencies and eliminating duplication; 42nd District candidate Misty Flowers also wants the state to reconsider the Climate Commitment Act, which critics say adds about 50 cents per gallon to gasoline prices. Democratic Rep. Alex Ramel, seeking reelection in the 40th, said worsening economic conditions could require new revenue, warning that “couch cushions aren’t going to cover it.” The debate comes after spending doubled over the past decade, reserves were drawn down and credit-rating agencies raised concerns about the state’s finances.
Whatcom prosecutor candidates offer competing plans to rebuild the office
Jesse Corkern and Ryan Swinburnson, the candidates for Whatcom County prosecuting attorney, both say the office needs stronger leadership and mentorship after staff departures and concerns about its work environment. Corkern favors assigning attorneys to specialized caseloads and promises to shorten time to trial and reduce workloads within a year without exceeding the budget; he says he would focus on management rather than carry cases himself. Swinburnson argues that the office needs an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to serious case backlogs and looming personnel cuts, and says prosecutors should weigh all relevant factors rather than simply adopt police recommendations. The open seat is a change election: Corkern is a Democrat, while Swinburnson runs without party affiliation and has the county Republican Party’s endorsement.
Skagit commissioner candidates confront a county budget squeeze
Skagit County’s next commissioner will inherit a budget under strain after the county cut 51 staff positions last year to address a projected $19 million deficit. Appointed to the seat in January, Joe Burns says the county has already taken the easiest cost-cutting steps and needs a deeper review of how it operates, while maintaining investments in services such as North Star. State Sen. Keith Wagoner, who plans to remain in the Senate at least until his term ends if elected, says balancing the county budget must come first and points to his experience managing large budgets. Burns is endorsed by the county Democrats; Wagoner is endorsed by the county Republican Party.
Lynden asks voters to fund staffing and reserves with a property-tax increase
A November ballot measure would raise Lynden’s property-tax rate by 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value starting in 2027, adding about $25 a month for a $600,000 home and generating roughly $2 million annually for the city. Lynden says the revenue would help hire two police officers, restore a recently eliminated clerk position, add full-time firefighters and reinstate positions in public works, finance, parks, information technology and community development. The city also plans to add $300,000 a year to reserves; it currently has less than 30 days of operating capital, compared with a state recommendation of 60 to 90 days. The city cites rising costs, reduced sales-tax revenue and new stormwater obligations among the pressures behind the proposal.
District 40 candidates debate healthcare, taxes and water rights
Democratic Rep. Debra Lekanoff, who has represented the 40th Legislative District since 2018, faces Republican Cindy Carter in a district covering San Juan County and parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties. Both candidates say they support universal healthcare, but Lekanoff backs a state system and argues that expanding Apple Health is an immediate priority after about 20,000 lawfully present Washingtonians lost coverage on Oct. 1. Carter supports universal coverage through greater competition among insurers. Carter’s platform also calls for abolishing income and carbon-emissions taxes and supports voter ID laws; Lekanoff lists housing insecurity, behavioral health, ferries and salmon among her priorities.
Schools, public services and accountability
Bellingham parents turn their attention to proposed school boundaries
Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Greg Baker has recommended closing Carl Cozier and Columbia elementary schools at the end of the school year, pending a school board vote. Carl Cozier’s students would be split between Wade King and Sunnyland; Columbia students would likely move to Alderwood. Cozier families say the recommendation has ended a design process for a new school that began in 2024 and was paused after enrollment projections showed continued decline. Parents now say their focus is on how attendance boundaries will divide students and affect school communities, while the district acknowledges families’ sadness and confusion.
Shelton audit finds hundreds of immigration-linked license-plate searches
Shelton police identified 943 outside-agency searches of the city’s automated license-plate-reader network with what the department described as a “strong immigration-related connection.” Another 1,952 entries referenced Homeland Security Investigations or an immigration-enforcement agency, but the audit could not establish their purpose. The searches all occurred from April through October 2025, when the network used nationwide sharing settings; the department said none were conducted by Shelton officers. Police cautioned that an audit entry does not prove a Shelton camera captured a sought vehicle or that the department returned data. Shelton says it ended out-of-state access in fall 2025, and a review of 2026 records found no immigration-related searches or access by agencies outside Washington.
Seattle schools will test weapons detectors at two high schools
The Seattle School Board unanimously approved a pilot to install weapons detectors at Rainier Beach and Nathan Hale high schools after the schools requested them. The freestanding systems, made by CEIA USA, are designed to detect firearms and large knives; the company says students carrying Chromebooks will need to remove and pass them around the detectors. The district aims to have the equipment in place by December and will collect feedback from students and staff before deciding whether to expand the program. The decision follows fatal shootings affecting Seattle school communities, including two Rainier Beach students killed at a nearby bus stop in January.
Disability lawsuit challenges Tacoma Dome caregiver ticket policy
A Woodinville woman with quadriplegia has sued the city of Tacoma, arguing that requiring her caregiver to buy a ticket for events at the Tacoma Dome violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. Jill McAuley says she relies on caregivers to navigate crowds and respond to emergencies, and that venues including Lumen Field and Climate Pledge Arena have admitted her caregiver without charge. Her attorney argues the Dome’s policy effectively makes disabled patrons pay more to attend events and is seeking a change in venue policy, with monetary damages also possible. The city declined to comment on the litigation.
State utilities commission apologizes after rate-hearing disruption
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission apologized after racist and offensive remarks repeatedly interrupted an Oct. 7 virtual public-comment hearing on Puget Sound Energy rates. The commission said its moderation fell short and apologized to people subjected to hate speech, participants who took time to comment and anyone who may have been discouraged from speaking. Public comments on the PSE rate case remain open through Nov. 12.
Regional economy and transportation
Ferry union talks with governor after service disruptions
Gov. Bob Ferguson has begun discussions with the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association about wage increases amid staffing problems at Washington State Ferries. The talks followed a wave of delays and cancellations after 23 crew members called out sick; the union represents 417 ferry engineers. Union representative Eric Winge said Ferguson committed to addressing pay gaps between engine-room operators and deck crews. Oiler Nick Twietmeyer said engine-room wages have fallen about 20% below those of deck colleagues, making it difficult to retain workers amid a global marine-engineer shortage.
South Seattle shooting kills nightclub security guard
A drive-by shooting outside Kittens Gentlemen’s Club in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood killed a 36-year-old security guard and seriously injured a 27-year-old woman early Sunday. Seattle police said a car entered the club parking lot and its driver fired multiple shots toward the building; the woman was found inside with a gunshot wound to the leg. Officers found a vehicle engulfed in flames less than an hour later, and police are investigating whether it was connected to the shooting. Detectives are treating the case as a homicide and asked anyone with information or video to contact the department’s violent-crimes tip line.
Search continues for missing plane in Okanogan County
Washington State Department of Transportation search teams were looking for a 1976 Piper Cub carrying two people after it lost contact with Seattle air-traffic controllers Saturday evening. Radar placed its last known position between Oroville and Okanogan, near U.S. 97, while the aircraft was traveling from Penticton, British Columbia, toward Grangeville, Idaho. WSDOT coordinated searches by aircraft and helicopter, with the Colville Confederated Tribes assisting on the ground; crews also used cell-phone forensics to help identify possible search areas. Authorities said they had received no distress signal and were not seeking volunteer searchers.
North Cascades agencies plan prescribed burns through November
The National Park Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service plan to burn piles of brush, logs and branches in the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national recreation areas during October and November, when weather and staffing allow. The material was left from fire-suppression work on the Border 2 and Sisi fires. Smoke may be visible around Stehekin and Ross Lake, affect visibility and air quality, or settle in low-lying areas overnight. Fire managers say they will proceed only when the risk of flames spreading beyond the piles is low and conditions are suitable.
Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry workers vote to unionize
Nonprofessional workers at the Museum of History & Industry voted 16–1 to form MOHAI Workers United, according to reporting by The Seattle Times. The group includes employees in education, programs, special events and visitor services. Workers cited pay, staffing shortages and turnover as concerns during the organizing campaign. The vote follows union drives at other Seattle-area cultural institutions, including the National Nordic Museum and the Seattle Art Museum.
Washington flu season begins early, with two deaths reported
Health officials are warning that flu activity is rising earlier than usual in western Washington, with two flu-related deaths reported by the first week of October. Hospitals are seeing more flu-related admissions and testing is showing more positive results, according to local health reporting. Doctors are urging residents to get vaccinated sooner rather than later as the season gains momentum.
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