KUOW Blog
News, factoids, and insights from KUOW's newsroom. And maybe some peeks behind the scenes. Check back daily for updates.
Have any leads or feedback for the KUOW Blog? Contact Dyer Oxley at dyer@kuow.org.
Stories
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Costco prepares for CEO switch up
A leadership change is slated for Issaquah-based Costco by the end of 2023 as CEO Craig Jelinek plans his exit from the job.
Jelinek will officially step down on Jan. 1, 2024. Ron Vachris will then step into the role and oversee Costco's 861 warehouses worldwide. Vachris has been Costco's president and chief operating officer since 2022, but has been with the company for 40 years.
RELATED: Live, love, Costco — Couple searches the globe for warehouse treasures
According to a company statement, the switch is part of a "long-standing succession plan" that has been in the works.
Jelinek is not going far. He plans to remain with the company as an advisor through April 2024. He will also be on Costco's board of directors.
"Costco has a very strong culture and a deep bench of management talent," Jelinek said. "I have total confidence in Ron and feel that we are fortunate as a Company to have an executive of his caliber to succeed me."
This leadership change is a repeat of the last time Costco switched CEOs. Jelinek moved into the CEO job in 2012, after serving as the company's president and chief operating officer, just as Vachris is about to do. Jelinek became CEO, after Costco's founder, Jim Sinegal, left the role on Jan. 1 of that year. Sinegal also stayed on as an advisor and member of the board. He stepped down from the board in 2018.
RELATED: Former Costco CEO among top donors trying to sway Seattle voters
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Hundreds of Jewish activists in Seattle demand ceasefire in Gaza
People filled into the lobby of the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle Tuesday, demanding U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) call for a ceasefire between the Israeli military and Hamas. The large crowd was led by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, which argues the state of Israel does not represent Jews around the world.
In steady rain, chants of “Free Palestine Now!” echoed off downtown Seattle buildings. People carried homemade signs that read, “stop the genocide.” Prayers were read aloud for the civilians killed in Gaza since Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
RELATED: Tensions run high at UW pro-Palestine rally
This was the second Jewish-led protest in five days at Murray’s Seattle office.
“As Jews, we are standing up against genocide and the Congress is beating the drums of war,” said Wendy Elisheva Somerson, one of the founders of Jewish Voice for Peace. “And we are saying, ‘No, you can't do that in our names.’ The State of Israel claims to speak in the name of all Jews, but they don't.”
A handful of protestors made their way through security at the federal building and up to the 19th floor to speak to Murray directly. They were met with locked doors and a sign that stated the senator’s office was temporarily closed Tuesday for a meeting. The group called a phone number on the sign and left a message with one of the senator’s aides, listing off their prepared demands.
“As Jews, we demand: Address the root causes and occupation of Palestinian land,” one member read over speaker phone.
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Congressmember Jayapal joins call for ceasefire in Israel and Gaza
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) joined a call for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza Tuesday.
In a statement posted to social media, Jayapal joined six other members of Congress to advocate for, at a minimum, a temporary cessation in the fighting to save civilian lives.
The representatives who signed the letter argued a ceasefire would give both sides time to negotiate for the safe return of hostages, including Americans, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
RELATED: Hundreds of Jewish activists in Seattle demand ceasefire in Gaza
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What killed Tokitae? Doctors cite 'multiple chronic conditions'
There were many factors that led to the death of Tokitae, the orca taken from Puget Sound waters to live and perform in Miami over the past 50 years. "Old age" is the simplest way to put it.
RELATED: A celebration of life for the last captive southern resident orca
According to the Miami Seaquarium, "death due to progression of multiple chronic conditions including renal disease and pneumonia" is the cause of Tokitae's death: "acute and chronic bronchointerstitial pneumonia and renal degeneration, and a chronic condition of the heart implying the degeneration of the cardiac valves."
To put it another way, a range of ailments added up to Tokitae dying of old age in August, after spending her life in a tank in Miami. Tokitae was about 57 when she passed away in August, shortly before she was scheduled to be returned to her home waters in Puget Sound.
A team of veterinarians and pathologists conducted the necropsy. The effort was led by Dr. Judy St. Leger, who coauthored the book, "Killer Whale Necropsy Guidelines."
In the official report on Tokitae's necropsy, Dr. St. Leger wrote:
As animals age, degenerative conditions develop. This animal exhibited clinical progression of multiple degenerative changes with a cumulative impact resulting in death. The chronic cardiac valvular disease may have contributed to the lung disease (as is suggested by the presence of “heart failure cells” in the lungs). The ongoing inflammation and immune responses led to kidney disease from both immune protein deposition (amyloidosis) as well as tubular degeneration and mineralization, a typical aging change. The renal disease may have caused the gastritis and pituitary mineralization. Other findings may have been significant but with had undetermined clinical impact.
RELATED: Listen to the last song Toki, the captive orca, sang, a tune her mother taught her
Tokitae was born to the L Pod of southern resident orcas that travel the Salish Sea. She was roughly 6 years old when she was captured in Whidbey Island's Penn Cove in 1970. She lived at the Miami Seaquarium ever since, performing under the name "Lolita."
Tokitae's remains (ashes) were returned to the Lummi Nation last month. The tribe led efforts to return the orca to Puget Sound, but she died in August before those plans could be carried out. Lummi leaders then requested that her remains be returned.
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Cities in Washington can no longer make vague promises to build enough 'affordable housing'
Cities in Washington can no longer make vague promises to build enough affordable housing for the people moving into this region.
That’s the aim of a new state law giving cities specific goals around how many homes they'll accommodate, and who should be able to afford them.
The previous system gave cities a lot of discretion about the kind of housing they’d allow and where it should go, according to King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. Sometimes their strategies backfired, resulting in housing that was scarce and expensive.
“If everybody's responsible for something, nobody is responsible. And so we never came close to meeting those targets,” Balducci told KUOW. “And there's nobody you can point out and say, 'Well, you didn't do your part.’”
Under the new law, cities still control their own zoning laws, which govern where housing can go. But the pressure to meet more specific affordability requirements should convince cities to permit more apartment buildings and townhomes in more places, Balducci said.
For example, Snohomish County’s analysis of state data shows that only 1% of housing in Bothell is affordable to extremely low-income households. But under the new law, Snohomish County will require a large percentage of new housing in Bothell to meet that affordability standard. Bothell also needs much more middle-income housing. Finally, the city still needs some housing for high earners, but not nearly as much as it has been building.
The law, HB 1220, was signed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2021. However, it's taken until now for its impact to reach cities.
Washington cities are currently in the process of updating their comprehensive plans, which will guide how they grow over the next 20-plus years. The new housing goals for each city will become part of those plans, which are due in December 2024.
Success is not guaranteed. There’s no legal requirement that cities meet their affordable housing goals. Some cities invite in all kinds of housing but fail to attract developers.
Still, Balducci is optimistic. “I truly believe that if we do this, right, we will go 10 years from now and look back and you will see it bend,” she said. “You will see a turn in the housing shortage because this work will make that kind of a difference.”
Expect a wait, though. Homes built under these guidelines won't be ready for a few years.
Update notice, 9:13 a.m. on Wednesday, 10/18/23: This story has been updated to include more information about the law in question.
Update notice, 4:45 p.m. 10/19/23: Bothell's goals were prepared by Snohomish County, not King County. Bothell is in both counties.
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Another flower saved in the Northwest
In a win for flower conservation, federal officials have announced they are removing a perennial flower in the Northwest from the Endangered Species List.
The Nelson's checkermallow, a bright pink, tall flower with many petals, has been listed since 1993. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said back then, "most known populations were small and threatened by habitat loss, encroachment by invasive and woody plant species, and roadside management activities."
RELATED: NW's golden paintbrush flower removed from Endangered Species List
“Recovering species is difficult but rewarding work, and we are fortunate to have dedicated partners who collaborated with us and rose to the challenge to save the Nelson’s checkermallow,” said Pacific Regional Director Hugh Morrison, with the Fish and Wildlife Service. “We are thrilled to announce the delisting of a second prairie plant during the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. This success story highlights the power of partnerships when it comes to conservation in the Pacific Northwest.”
The flower is now in recovery across the Northwest, thanks to the work of local governments, environmental organizations, and nearby community groups.
It is native to the Willamette Valley and Coast Range of Oregon and the southwestern corner of Washington state.
This is the second flower-save that conservationists can celebrate this year. In July, the Northwest's golden paintbrush flower was also removed from the Endangered Species List. It was first placed on the list in 1997.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife credits a range of organizations who helped conservation efforts for the Nelson's checkermallow: the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, private landowners, Institute for Applied Ecology, The Nature Conservancy, Greenbelt Land Trust, Native Plant Society, Oregon State University, Portland State University’s Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank, county and city governments, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Climate Pledge becomes first sports arena to earn zero carbon certification
Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena has become the world's first arena to receive a zero-carbon certification.
The International Living Future Institute announced this week that 12 consecutive months of data shows the home of the Kraken and the Seattle Storm has met its net zero-carbon standard.
“Our Zero Carbon Certification recognizes highly energy efficient buildings that are designed and operated to fully account for their carbon emissions impacts,” ILFI CEO Lindsay Baker said in a statement. “This is a significant undertaking, especially for as large and complex a project as Climate Pledge Arena. We are thrilled to see the arena become the first arena to achieve this.”
RELATED: Climate Pledge Arena goes on offense with sustainability goals
A key requirement to receive this certification is that 100% of the energy an arena uses must come from renewable energy sources. Also, low-carbon materials must be used during construction, and it needs to create renewable energy on- or off-site. Climate Pledge has solar panels among other things and gets clean power from Puget Sound Energy's Lower Snake River wind farm.
During its recent remodel, the arena also nixed all its natural gas uses, and converted operations, like its heating system, to electric.
“Every day we work towards our Climate Pledge commitment of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040, and the arena’s ILFI certification demonstrates the progress we can make when Climate Pledge signatories work together,” said Kara Hurst, vice president of worldwide sustainability at Amazon. “I’m proud of the teams who have worked together to bring the world’s first official net zero carbon arena to life, and I’m excited for sports and entertainment fans to continue to experience all the arena has to offer.”
In 2020, Amazon purchased the naming rights to the arena, as owners kicked off a remodel effort. The online retailer named it Climate Pledge, after the company's own net-zero goals.
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Conservative groups push SCOTUS to tackle Washington state's capital gains tax
Conservative groups are making another push against Washington state's capital gains tax.
As of this year, the state taxes people for selling certain assets — such as stocks and bonds — worth more than a quarter of a million dollars.
RELATED: Seattle eyes capital gains tax of its own
The Freedom Foundation already took its appeal against the tax all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
This week, the Washington Policy Center, and a group of other conservative organizations, joined the case with a friend-of-the-court amicus brief. They're pushing for SCOTUS to take up the case.
The center is focusing on the constitutionality of the tax, arguing that Washington's aim to tax out-of-state transaction runs afoul of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Washington's Supreme Court already upheld the state's capitol gains tax in March of this year.
According to a statement from the center:
The Washington Supreme Court’s decision threatens to unsettle numerous limitations on the scope of states’ taxing power and thereby prompt other states to follow Washington’s lead, when it suits their own purposes. If Washington can lay an excise on out-of-state sales of capital assets involving only out-of-state property, may California impose a gas tax on gasoline purchases in Arizona? May Texas impose an excise tax on stock sales in New York? May Pennsylvania impose a sales tax on grocery store checkouts in Ohio? Straightforward and long-standing principles of federalism dictate that the answer to all these questions should be no. But if this Court does not review Washington’s claimed authority to impose an excise tax with extraterritorial effect, other states will surely follow Washington’s lead and enact novel excise taxes of their own.
Other organizations that signed on to the amicus brief include: Americans for Tax Reform, California Policy Center, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Illinois Policy Institute, Independence Institute, National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, Mountain States Policy Center, Oklahoma State Chamber Research Foundation, Opportunity for All Coalition, Reason Foundation, and the Tax Foundation.
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Pike Brewing is moving out of downtown Seattle
The brewery anchored near Seattle's Pike Place Market for more than 30 years is moving out of downtown. But it's not going far.
Pike Brewing is relocating its operations to SoDo.
RELATED: Northwest craft brewers rethinking drinking with nonalcoholic quaffs
"The decision to move our brewing operations to a new facility was not made lightly," Pike Brewing founder Charles Finkel said in a statement. "We have cherished the memories, the community, and the history that has been made at our current location. However, we are excited about the endless possibilities that our new facility will offer as we continue to produce exceptional craft beer."
The brewery's Pike Pub and Pike Fish Bar will stay put at their current spot on First Avenue, a block from the market.
In a statement from the company, it called the move "a milestone" that heralds "a new era," and that the SoDo location will be a "state-of-the-art facility." Beer production at the new brewery will begin in January 2024.
The timing is sentimental. Pike Brewing tapped its first keg on Oct. 17, 1989. The Pike Pale Ale was the first beer the company brewed at 1415 First Avenue. On Wednesday, Oct. 18 — 34 years later — Pike Pale Ale will be the last brew produced at that location.
RELATED: While many of us work from home, this Seattle brewer lives at work
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These earthquake-prepped Washingtonians know exactly when the next shakeout will be
Don't be surprised if you see people suddenly dropping for cover on Thursday, Oct. 19. It's time for the next Great Shakeout earthquake drill.
The drill starts at 10:19 a.m. More than 1.2 million people in Washington state (and 52.8 million worldwide) have signed up to participate, which means they will act as if an earthquake has just struck — dropping to the ground, looking for cover, and holding on.
Those are key tactics promoted by the Great Shakeout, should a major earthquake hit the Northwest, as detailed in an informative video that has a much more upbeat vibe than an actual, terrifying earthquake.
In 2022, more than 1.3 million Washingtonians took part in the Great Shakeout.
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Seattle's Green Lake closed due to toxic algae
Stay out of Green Lake until further notice. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department has closed the lake because toxic algae was found in the water.
Keep pets out of the water. Avoid areas with scum on the surface if you plan on boating. Otherwise, officials say no swimming, or water skiing, in the lake.
If you catch fish out of Green Lake, thoroughly wash, gut, and clean the fish.
This is not the first time Green Lake has been closed because of toxic algae. It has often been closed over the years, and treated, most recently in August. In that instance, the lake reopened after a few weeks.
Green Lake was given its name because it historically had a green color, due to frequent algae blooms. It is believed that modifications to the lake to create the park in the early 1900s (which included lowering the water level and diverting its drainage) has further created conditions for algae.
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Amanda Knox is on trial again. She says that's a good thing
Amanda Knox is on trial in Italy yet again, and she says "this is a good thing."
Knox released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Friday morning, explaining why she feels the new legal proceeding is a positive move.
RELATED: People love the idea of a monster' — Amanda Knox
In short, while an Italian court exonerated her of a murder charge in 2015, she previously served time for a slander charge. However, the European Court of Human Rights found that she was innocent of slander in 2019. This has led to even more legal proceedings for Knox to pursue a full acquittal.
Knox goes over the full details here.
Knox is from West Seattle, but she gained international fame in 2007 when she was arrested for the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. She was put on trial in 2009.
The ruling was appealed and Knox was found not guilty in 2011. The story didn't stop there. An Italian court ordered a retrial, and Knox was found guilty yet again. The final acquittal came in 2015 from an Italian supreme court, and Knox was once again not guilty. Italy was ordered to pay damages in 2019.
RELATED: 'Stillwater' Movie Repeats 'Fiction' Pushed By Italian Prosecutor — Amanda Knox
The slander charge was related to comments made about bar owner Patrick Lumumba, implicating him in the death of Kercher.
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