Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Olympia, WA

Capital Press · Lacey, WA

Nearby: Lacey, WA

Farm labor groups align to promote ethical employment practices

Five organizations involved in bringing seasonal foreign farmworkers to the U.S. have formed an alliance to promote ethical recruiting and employment practices. Trusted Recruiter Alliance members intend to exceed regulatory standards set by the government, said Enrique Gastelum, CEO of the Worker and Farmer Labor Association in Lacey, Wash. “We don’t need the government coming in and telling us what’s morally right,” he said. The alliance’s other members are Western Growers in California; Oakland, Calif.-based CIERTO; Austin, Texas-based LaborMex, and másLabor, which has offices in Virginia and Georgia. U.S agriculture, particularly in states with labor-intensive crops, such as Florida, Georgia, California and Washington, rely on the H-2A program to fill jobs. The Labor Department certified 398,258 job openings for H-2A workers last year. Some 16% of all farmworkers were foreign workers, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Grand Forks Herald · Rochester, WA

Nearby: Rochester, WA

The best way to spend a day in Rochester

A free day in Rochester is packed with potential. From delicious dining destinations to trendy boutiques and family fun spots, there's no shortage of things to do. Plan your next free day in Rochester with these Best of the Best winners that residents swear by. Rise and grind If you're the kind of person who likes to start your day with some athletic training, head to Burn Boot Camp for a 45-minute workout. They offer alternating High-Intensity Interval Training and strength training days. Drop in for a class to try it out and start your day on the right foot. Find your morning perk-up at Cafe Steam. Try their rich and delicious Mocha or a Spice Thai Coffee with sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, cardamom and clove. For the best breakfast in town, head to Hollandberry Pannekoeken for a mix of classic and creative offerings. The namesake pannekoeken is highly recommended and is available with a variety of toppings, from bananas to bacon to rum raisin.

Tacoma Ledger · Tacoma, WA

Nearby: Tacoma, WA

UW Tacoma students reflect on the 2026 midterm election results

UW Tacoma students share their thoughts on the predicted results of the 2026 midterm election. By Kai Lee With the election results still coming in, many people are watching in anticipation. Some students at UW Tacoma reflect on the Nov. 3, 2026, election results. On Nov. 4, Shayla Pitre, a senior at UW Tacoma, explained that she voted against Initiative 645, which aimed to repeal the millionaires’ tax. The initiative was predicted to not pass. “I feel like they should tax millionaires,” Pitre said. “… I’m glad that one didn’t go the other way.” Initiative 001, the “Parents Bill of Rights,” focused on giving parents more access to certain records about their child held at their school. “I feel like parents should have a right to see what their kids are learning,” Pitre said. “I don’t see what the problem is. Do they not want [parents] to know? Parents—whether they know or not—they don’t write the book that they learn from in school.

Molalla Pioneer / Herald Pioneer · Tacoma, WA

Nearby: Tacoma, WA

Gov. Kotek wants Oregon to ban immigration detention centers. Others have tried and failed.

Oregon already has a 2021 law banning private immigration detention centers that may not be enforceable in light of previous court rulings on privately-run facilities. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is calling upon state lawmakers to pass legislation outlawing the construction of new immigration detention centers in the upcoming legislative session next year, but previous court cases from other states suggest that such a law may not be enforceable. The governor made her comments at a Friday press conference where she was asked what more she and state leaders could do to support Oregonians amid the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, during which federal agents have shot people, conducted warrantless arrests and smashed car windows. Research from immigrant rights advocates has shown that counties with such centers are more likely to see immigration-related arrests.

Tacoma Ledger · Tacoma, WA

Nearby: Tacoma, WA

UW Tacoma students share their thoughts before the election

UW Tacoma students shared their thoughts about the election ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, election. By Kai Lee Many students at UW Tacoma gave their opinions on the election or voting ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, elections. About 39% of adults in Washington state voted in 2025. The voter turnout for young adults ages 18 to 29 was 17% in recent years according to Campus Vote Project. Some students at UW Tacoma find voting important to uphold their values. “I hope people of all groups will feel safe,” Jordan Eng, a third-year Computer Science and Systems major, said. “If you are American, you should treat other Americans as Americans, no matter what they look like.” In the interview with Eng on Oct. 30, he said he was planning on voting that weekend. On the ballot, there were initiatives brought up by Let’s Go Washington, a conservative-leaning political action committee. One was I-001, which aims to allow parents access to their child’s school records and more.

The US Inquirer · Auburn, WA

Nearby: Auburn, WA

New federal housing rule could displace thousands, experts warn

Residents of federally funded public housing will be required to show proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status under a new rule published Thursday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The measure could displace nearly 80,000 people, including tens of thousands of citizens in mixed-status families, from their homes, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute. Since 1995, mixed-status families have been permitted to live together in HUD-funded housing as long as federal subsidies covered only eligible household members. The new rule may force these families to decide whether to remain together in nonpublic housing or split up their households. “This is tearing apart families and sowing division,” said Marie Claire Tran-Leung, director of the Evictions Initiative Project and managing attorney at the National Housing Law Project.

Seattle Gay News · Bremerton, WA

Nearby: Bremerton, WA

Rep. Emily Randall hosts ceremony to honor Queer veterans

After defeating Republican candidate Teresa Fox for the US House seat from Washington’s 6th Congressional District, US Rep. Emily Randall hosted a ceremony at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton on Nov. 7, to recognize and to honor LGBTQIA+ veterans ahead of Veterans Day. Many of their sacrifices and bravery go unrecognized or unappreciated, and some were even separated from the military by the current administration due to their identity. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has declared that he will find all Transgender troops currently serving in the military and discharge them, in accordance with President Trump’s executive order. It is worth noting that Rep. Randall and US Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon introduced a resolution to honor LGBTQIA+ veterans earlier this year on the 15th anniversary of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy (aka DADT). Rep.

MyEasternShoreMD · Kent, WA

Nearby: Kent, WA

Unofficial results in, Republicans take contested seats in Kent

KENT COUNTY — Republican incumbents held the top three spots in the Kent County commissioners race Tuesday night, while Republican Matt Crouch led the race for state’s attorney, according to unofficial results.All Election Day precincts had reported, but mail-in and provisional ballot results remained outstanding.In the race for three county commissioner seats, Republican incumbents moved ahead after Democrats held the top three spots in early voting returns.Albert Nickerson and John F. Price were tied with 3,410 votes each, or 17.92%. Ron Fithian followed with 3,279 votes, or 17.24%, holding a 135-vote lead over Democrat Sam Shoge for the third seat.Shoge received 3,144 votes, or 16.53%. Democrats John T. Carroll and Thad L.