Feds allege more than 400 noncitizens voted in Washington; Hobbs disputes the data
Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd says federal investigators identified 405 people who may be noncitizens and claims they cast more than 1,500 ballots in past state and federal elections. He asked Secretary of State Steve Hobbs to set aside their ballots in the Nov. 3 election while citizenship is verified; prosecutors have not charged anyone in the group. Hobbs says the timing, a week before the election, risks casting unfounded suspicion on the results, and his office is reviewing the request under state and federal law. The dispute follows a federal judge’s finding in a separate case that government data used to search for noncitizen voters contained errors.
Seattle Public Schools considers mergers as enrollment falls below 50,000
Seattle Public Schools is beginning a months-long review that could result in school mergers, as enrollment has dropped from more than 94,000 in 1964 to fewer than 50,000 today. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner cited schools with fewer than 50 students and others with fewer than 120, where multigrade classes are common, and said the goal is more equitable learning conditions across the district. No schools have been selected; community engagement is expected to continue through February, with possible School Board action in early March. The parent-run group Save Seattle Schools opposes another round of closures, warning that uncertainty could push more families out of the district.
Northshore district weighs elementary closures amid enrollment decline
A district advisory committee presented scenarios that include closing Sunrise, Moorland, Cottage Lake and Hollywood Hill elementary schools and changing boundaries across Northshore’s 22 schools. The district says it has lost nearly 1,400 students since 2020, with elementary enrollment declining and students unevenly distributed among schools. Families spoke against the proposals at a board meeting, citing disruption to children and concerns about Sunrise’s deed restriction, which a parent says could return the property to its homeowners association if it stops operating as a school. The district plans to meet with affected communities from November through February, with a final decision expected in March 2028.
Ninth Grade Success improves outcomes, but state funding is uncertain
A state evaluation found that schools participating in Washington’s Ninth Grade Success initiative saw about a six-percentage-point increase in freshmen passing their classes; at a school with 250 ninth graders, that translated to about 15 more students on track to graduate. Gains were particularly strong for low-income students and multilingual learners, whose on-track graduation rates rose by 6.75 and 10.96 percentage points, respectively. The program pairs educators with students facing low grades, attendance or behavior challenges, and served 50 schools in 32 districts last year. OSPI plans to request $1.5 million annually for four years to sustain and expand the initiative, but educators say continued funding is not guaranteed.
Washington will lose a quarter of its long-term psychiatric beds for children
Pearl Youth Residence in Tacoma, one of Washington’s four long-term intensive mental health programs for children, is scheduled to close Nov. 21. Its shutdown would eliminate roughly a quarter of the state’s long-term psychiatric beds for young people, according to KING 5. The closure adds pressure to a limited system serving children who need intensive treatment beyond what outpatient care can provide.
PSE rate proposal could add more than $600 a year to typical customer bills
Puget Sound Energy is seeking three more years of rate increases—16.75%, 3.76% and 8.91%—that the utility says would add an average of more than $600 annually to bills by 2029 for its 1.2 million customers. The proposal follows an 18.85% increase this year and is under review by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. PSE cites clean-energy requirements, aging infrastructure, rising construction and delivery costs, and changes to federal tax incentives. Critics also question the returns going to PSE’s private investors, while the company says it recognizes customers are facing financial strain.
Seattle councilmember proposes $14 million for neighborhood traffic safety
Councilmember Rob Saka has proposed 20 amendments to Mayor Katie Wilson’s 2027–28 budget, including restoring a $14 million District Project Fund for neighborhood street-safety work and $1.3 million for pothole repairs. Saka says the pothole reduction in the mayor’s proposal could make it harder for the city to meet its 72-hour response commitment. Other items include $500,000 for West Seattle business-district cleanup, traffic cameras at Alki, recreation programming and planning for a veterans shelter campus. Wilson’s budget seeks to address a projected $175 million General Fund deficit through nearly $50 million in annual cuts and the elimination of 128 positions.
State campaign-finance agency drops last-minute donation caps
The Washington Public Disclosure Commission said Oct. 22 it would stop enforcing limits on donations to statewide campaigns and political action committees during the final 21 days before an election, citing constitutional concerns. The former caps were $75,000 for statewide campaigns and PACs and $7,500 for local campaigns; limits on direct donations to candidates and state parties remain in place. Campaign operatives from both parties criticized the timing, warning that large late donations could affect races including the closely watched state Supreme Court contest between Ian Birk and Sean O’Donnell. The commission says legal challenges prompted the shift and that it wanted to clarify the rules before the Nov. 3 election.
Seattle mayor’s aide asked police to delay shooting briefing until mayor arrived
A voicemail obtained by KIRO Newsradio shows Alison Holcomb, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s public-safety director, asking a police communications officer to hold a 9:45 p.m. briefing after the July Bite of Seattle shooting until the mayor could join. The recording adds evidence to a dispute over who sought to delay public updates after the gang-related mass shooting at Seattle Center. SPD Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis has said Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt repeatedly asked him to wait; Wilson has denied that account. The mayor’s office had not responded to the station’s request for comment at publication.
Washington poison-center calls involving kratom and 7-OH surge
The Washington Poison Center reported a 433% rise over three years in calls involving kratom and its active compound 7-hydroxymitragynine, with 176 calls through September and September averaging about one a day. Calls include overdoses and withdrawal, while the state has no statewide kratom regulations, according to the American Kratom Association. Poison-center chief clinical officer Jimmy Leonard warned that concentrated 7-OH products can cause slowed or stopped breathing and may be fatal; some small tablets are flavored and can resemble candy. Vancouver resident Tiffany Mercer told KIRO 7 that daily use escalated to every few hours and that quitting brought severe withdrawal symptoms.
Microsoft offers voluntary exits to eligible employees, including at Redmond
Microsoft is offering voluntary exit packages to eligible employees at vice-president level and below in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. The program covers participating teams across most departments, with marketing, sales and some engineering groups excluded; the company says it is a standard severance offer rather than a buyout. A Seattle University economist said the move is unlikely to broadly affect Redmond headcount, which has remained stable through recent rounds of layoffs even as the company reorganized and continued hiring. Microsoft previously said about 30% of 8,600 eligible employees accepted an earlier voluntary retirement offer, but expects participation in this program to be lower.
Boeing supplier dispute stalls Everett production, costing an estimated $6.5 million daily
A dispute with Florida-based Vaero over a critical trailing-edge rib kit has halted Boeing 777 freighter production at its Everett site for nearly two months, according to court filings and Reuters reporting. The disruption is also affecting output of 767 aircraft and KC-46 refueling tankers; Boeing workers told Reuters that some 767 parts have arrived, but two partially assembled 777 freighters were removed from the final assembly line. Boeing and Vaero reached a settlement in September, but production has not resumed, and Boeing is working to bring the component’s production in-house. The company estimates the stoppage is costing it about $6.5 million a day.
Boeing supplier lawsuit follows fatal Longview mill tank failure
Families of two workers killed in the May tank implosion at Nippon Dynawave Packaging’s Longview paper mill are suing the company, alleging it ignored inspection warnings about the tank’s condition. A federal safety investigation found Tank G unfit for continued service about 10 months before it failed, citing significant thinning and a high likelihood and consequence of failure. The May 26 implosion released about 900,000 gallons of white liquor, killing 11 workers and injuring others. The families are seeking damages to be determined at trial; the investigation remains ongoing.
H5N1 detected in Benton County dairy herd
Washington agriculture officials confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in a Benton County dairy herd after routine surveillance detected the virus. The herd is quarantined, and veterinarians are treating sick cows; officials said the detection came before cows showed symptoms. Pasteurized milk remains safe because pasteurization inactivates the virus, but raw milk and raw dairy products from infected cows can pose a risk. The state advises livestock owners to limit animal movement between farms, sanitize footwear and isolate new animals for 30 days.
Washington Ninth Grade Success program posts gains as school systems face cuts
Across about 60 participating Washington schools, the Ninth Grade Success initiative pairs teachers and support staff with freshmen who need help with grades, attendance or behavior. State evaluation results show participating schools typically saw a six-percentage-point increase in students passing classes, with larger gains in on-track graduation rates for low-income and multilingual students. OSPI will seek $1.5 million a year for four years to maintain the program and expand it, but school officials and nonprofit partners say they are worried about whether state funding will continue.
King County launches secure crime-victim case-update portal
King County’s new Crime Victim Portal allows eligible victims in charged adult felony cases, juvenile cases and some misdemeanors to check case information and receive text or email alerts. The tool, the first of its kind in Washington, is available for adult cases charged after Oct. 13 and can also be used by certain family members and guardians. Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion says it can help victims get practical updates, such as upcoming court dates, without relying on mailed notices or independently navigating court records. The office says the portal is intended to bridge gaps where a victim advocate is not assigned; people for whom contact could pose a safety risk will continue to receive updates through a separate process.
King County assessor candidates offer opposing views on property-tax cap
Rob Foxcurran, a Seattle appraiser, and Covington business owner Dominique Scarimbolo are competing to succeed King County Assessor John Wilson, who did not seek reelection after misconduct allegations and an ethics review. Foxcurran, who works for the City of Seattle and serves on the county’s property-tax appeals board, says he would lobby to amend Washington’s annual 1% property-tax limit, arguing that it constrains funding for services such as roads, schools and emergency response. Scarimbolo supports keeping the limit unchanged. Foxcurran received 47% of the August primary vote and Scarimbolo 19%.
Sound Transit sees game-day ridership rise as fans use rail and Sounder
Sound Transit says Eastside station ridership is more than 100% higher on Sundays when the Seahawks play than on Sundays without a game. On the team’s season-opening Wednesday, nearly 5,000 riders used South Bellevue Station—53% above the previous week’s baseline—as the crosslake connection provided another route to Seattle stadiums. More than 3,000 passengers are using extra Sounder trains from Tacoma-Lakewood and Everett corridors for Sunday games, while Kraken and Sounders matches also draw riders. A trip costs $3 each way, and the agency advises fans to arrive early if they plan to use park-and-ride lots.
Pierce County island ferry service remains suspended
The Steilacoom II ferry, which serves Anderson and Ketron islands, has been out of service since a mechanical failure on Saturday, leaving residents and commuters without the county connection. Pierce County says the replacement part is not available in the United States and must be shipped from Canada. The county’s other ferry, the Christine Anderson, is in Everett for Coast Guard inspections until Nov. 6, limiting alternatives for island residents. The county says it is working to restore service and has asked riders to make other plans.
Washington closes rivers to fishing amid historically low flows
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife closed fishing for salmon and all game fish on several western Washington river systems and tributaries beginning Oct. 24. The agency cited historically low river flows, which can leave fish more vulnerable and worsen conditions in waterways. The closures affect major rivers and their tributaries, according to the department’s notice.
King County voters face a consequential Seattle Supreme Court race
The race between Ian Birk and Sean O’Donnell is drawing exceptional attention as Washington’s Public Disclosure Commission backs away from enforcing late-election donation caps for some contributions. The contest had already attracted more than $1 million and is on pace to become the most expensive state Supreme Court race, according to a Democratic consultant working for O’Donnell. Both Democratic and conservative political figures warned that the change could enable substantial last-minute spending. The commission says it acted after legal challenges and to clarify enforceability before Election Day.
Snohomish County urges flood preparations after last winter’s Sultan inundation
County officials are asking residents to prepare for possible winter flooding, recalling last December, when the Skykomish River rose rapidly and flooded parts of downtown Sultan. The town was placed under a voluntary evacuation order as crews deployed sandbags to protect homes and businesses. The county recommends checking whether homes and regular travel routes lie in floodplains, assembling emergency kits, identifying alternate routes and signing up for alerts. Officials also urge residents to check nearby drainage and report problems before severe weather arrives.
Washington 9th-grade support program shows measurable gains
A state evaluation found that the Ninth Grade Success initiative is associated with a six-percentage-point increase in freshmen passing their classes at participating schools. For a school enrolling 250 ninth graders, about 15 more students stayed on track to graduate; gains were also recorded among low-income and multilingual students. The program served 50 schools in 32 districts last year, and some schools have continued it without additional state funding. OSPI plans to request $1.5 million annually for four years, but partners say the program’s future remains uncertain without multiyear funding.
US 2 fully blocked west of Monroe after multi-vehicle crash
A multi-vehicle collision closed both directions of US 2 west of Monroe early Tuesday, with WSDOT reporting closures around 5 a.m. Westbound traffic was stopped at Fryelands Boulevard near milepost 13, while eastbound traffic was closed at Roosevelt Road near milepost 10.5. First responders were at the scene, but officials had not provided an estimated reopening time. Drivers were directed to local-street detours and alternate routes.
Everett apartment shooting leaves one man dead and another injured
Snohomish County deputies are searching for a suspect after a shooting Monday night at an Everett apartment complex killed one man and injured another. The suspect had not been taken into custody, according to the sheriff’s office. The incident is under investigation.
Everett man killed in shooting; suspect sought
A separate report from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office said one man was killed and another injured in a Monday-night shooting in Everett, with the suspect still at large. Deputies are investigating the attack at an apartment complex and searching for the person responsible.
Washington’s suicide rate rose in 2025
New state data show Washington’s suicide rate increased in 2025, with deaths rising among young people, older adults and residents of some rural communities. The figures point to worsening outcomes across groups that can face barriers to mental-health care, particularly in rural areas. State officials have not released further figures in the provided report.
Federal Way teen killed in suspected DUI crash
Deejay Tuiasosopo, a 16-year-old Federal Way High School football player and wrestler, was killed Friday night after a two-vehicle collision near Pacific Highway South. Police say one driver tried to flee and struck Tuiasosopo, who was walking on the sidewalk; a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide and held on $200,000 bail. Teammates, classmates and coaches gathered at a memorial and said they hope to carry his memory through the season. Friends described him as a standout athlete and a supportive presence at school.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge work extends nighttime commutes
WSDOT says drivers should expect longer nighttime trips across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge as crews prepare to install a replacement expansion joint on the westbound span. The 76-year-old bridge has required eight major emergency repairs at its joints since 2024. Crews have removed the most damaged portion and are preparing the area for the new component. WSDOT advises drivers who can avoid the bridge to do so during the work.
Cascade passes face winter driving conditions as snow returns
A Winter Weather Advisory covers Stevens and Snoqualmie passes from Tuesday evening into Wednesday evening, with snow levels expected to fall near 4,000 feet. Stevens Pass could receive four to seven inches by late Wednesday, while Snoqualmie Pass may see snow mixed with rain and slushy road conditions. WSDOT and forecasters warn that conditions can change quickly with elevation and during heavier bursts. Drivers are urged to check pass reports before and during travel.
Federal Way youth-safety dispute follows alleged threat against high school game
A 15-year-old accused of threatening to bring a gun to Rochester High School’s Oct. 23 football game was arrested but initially released after a juvenile detention facility declined to book the teen under its policy. Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said he failed to escalate the booking issue, apologized, and said the youth was later located and booked after officials agreed to an exception. The canceled game was rescheduled, with added law enforcement planned and the sheriff set to attend. The investigation continues.
Child-care centers settle over limits on babysitting work
Seven child-care centers in King and Snohomish counties agreed to a $252,500 settlement over restrictions on employees taking outside babysitting work. The claims concerned policies that limited workers’ ability to provide care independently beyond their center jobs. The settlement covers the seven Washington centers, according to KING 5.
King County launches online portal for crime-victim updates
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has introduced a secure portal where eligible victims can check case information and opt into text or email alerts. It covers charged adult felony cases, juvenile cases and some misdemeanors, and began handling adult cases charged after Oct. 13. Officials say the tool can help victims plan for court dates, childcare, transportation and time away from work, particularly when no advocate is assigned. Victims whose contact information could create a safety concern will continue to receive updates through a separate process.
Port Angeles deputy hits woman while responding to welfare check
Washington State Patrol is investigating after a Clallam County sheriff’s deputy struck a woman in a dark parking lot near Highway 101 in Port Angeles just before 5 a.m. Monday. The deputy was responding to a welfare check involving a woman who may have been experiencing a medical event and said he felt the patrol vehicle hit something while driving slowly. He found the woman on the pavement after backing up and called for medics; she was taken to Harborview Medical Center. Her condition and identity have not been released.
Mount Vernon students may get covered stadium seating through levy
A proposed February 2027 Mount Vernon School District capital levy would fund covered seating at Bulldog Stadium and a multipurpose turf field. The measure would address the lack of weather protection for fans at the high school’s outdoor stadium. Voters would decide whether to authorize the improvements.
Dutch Bros plans first Tacoma location
Dutch Bros Coffee has filed a pre-application permit for a store at 7605 S. Hosmer St., at a former Jack in the Box site that has been vacant since 2024. Construction is not expected to begin until January 2028, and the location would be the chain’s first in Tacoma and sixth in Pierce County. The company has 74 Washington stores and is also planning its first Seattle location in the city’s industrial district. Starbucks, by comparison, has 566 stores in Washington.
Everett plans AI-assisted review for accessory-dwelling permits
Everett officials say a new AI program expected to launch next year could identify errors early in applications for accessory dwelling units and shorten permit-review times. The system is intended to help applicants correct issues before a full review, potentially reducing delays in adding smaller housing units. The city has not yet released further implementation details.
Kratom-related calls rise sharply across Washington
The Washington Poison Center logged 176 calls involving kratom and 7-OH through September, a 433% increase over three years. Calls include overdoses and withdrawal, and the center reported that September brought roughly one call per day. Concentrated 7-OH products are of particular concern because they can suppress breathing and may be fatal; some are sold as small, flavored tablets. Washington remains among the states without statewide kratom regulation.
King County assessor race centers on office credibility and tax limits
Candidates Rob Foxcurran and Dominique Scarimbolo are seeking to replace King County Assessor John Wilson, whose tenure was clouded by allegations and an ethics finding. Foxcurran, an appraiser who has worked for Seattle and in private practice, says the state’s 1% annual property-tax cap should be amended to help local governments fund basic services. Scarimbolo argues the cap should remain as it is. The two advanced from the August primary with 47% and 19%, respectively.
Longview mill families sue after tank failure killed 11 workers
Families of Dillon Miller and Clinton “CJ” Doran filed suit against Nippon Dynawave Packaging, alleging the company failed to act on inspection warnings before a tank imploded at its Longview mill. A U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board report said the tank was deemed unfit for continued service about 10 months before the disaster because of significant thinning. The May 26 failure released roughly 900,000 gallons of white liquor and killed 11 workers. The company had not commented on the lawsuits, and the investigation remains underway.
South Sound ferry disruption leaves island residents without service
Pierce County’s Steilacoom II ferry remains out of service following a mechanical problem, disrupting the route to Anderson and Ketron islands. The part needed for repairs must be sourced from Canada, while the county’s other ferry is in dry dock for Coast Guard inspections until Nov. 6. Residents have had to alter work and travel plans, and the county has urged them to make alternative arrangements while repairs continue.
Snohomish County schools and families brace for winter flood risk
Snohomish County is urging residents to prepare for flooding after the Skykomish River inundated parts of downtown Sultan last December. Water rose over a few hours, prompting a voluntary evacuation order and an emergency sandbag effort. Officials recommend identifying flood-prone routes, preparing emergency supplies and signing up for alerts, as well as checking drainage near homes before heavy rain returns.