Here's what it'll look like when they try to repair Bertha this fall.
  • WSDOT
  • Here's what it'll look like when they try to repair Bertha this fall.

A Step Toward Repairing Bertha: Crews began digging the pit needed to access the broken tunneling machine on Friday evening, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. “An excavator rolled into position to the west of the Alaskan Way Viaduct near Pier 48, where STP stopped tunneling last December after Bertha overheated. There, crews began taking the first scoops of soil from what will become a 120-foot-deep, 80-foot-wide pile-supported pit.”

Seattle City Council Approves Fee on New Housing Construction: Although it’s designed to provide funding for affordable housing, critics worry it will raise rents in the city overall, reports King 5.

Seattle Failed to Hold Employers Accountable on Sick-Leave Rules: That’s according to a new report released by the city auditor, reports the Seattle Times. In the 16 months since the ordinance requiring businesses to provide paid sick time to workers went into effect in 2012, the city received 143 complaints from employees about possible violations, but in response only sent warning letters and issued no fines. Critics say this doesn’t bode well for how the city will enforce its new minimum-wage law. Ansel Herz also wrote about this report last week.

Did he rely on karma?
  • Courtesy of Microsoft
  • Did he rely on karma?

Satya Nadella Received $3.6 Million Cash Bonus This Year: Geekwire reports that the Microsoft CEO also got stock worth more than $7 million after a performance review, according to the company’s regulatory filing. King 5 notes that Nadella’s compensation package could eventually be worth at least $84.3 million.

State Insurance Commissioner Orders Health Insurers to Review Mental Health Policies: The move comes following a state Supreme Court decision earlier this month that health insurers must cover certain developmental therapies if they’re considered medically necessary, reports KOMO News. The health insurance companies must review any denials of mental health coverage dating back to 2006.


New Damning Details Leaked in Michael Brown Death: Among them, that the teenager's blood was found on the officer's uniform and in his police car, that Brown was shot at least six times, including twice in the head and once at close range, and that he had wounds consistent with a struggle, reports CNN. The revelation has lead to increased protests in Ferguson.

State Supreme Court to Hear Civil Suit Against Backpage.com: The case was filed by three sex trafficking victims who claim the site aids the exploitation of children. It’s the second suit against the website; a federal case was filed in Boston last week, reports KOMO. “Backpage.com argues that the lawsuits are an attempt at censorship. It says the Communications Decency Act gives it immunity from the activities of its members or users.”

Meanwhile, Washington’s AG Urges More Oversight for Websites That Offer Adult Services: Bob Ferguson sent a letter to the US Senate Judiciary Committee urging the passage of the Stop Advertising Victims Exploitation (SAVE) Act, reports the Seattle Times.

Orcas of the Southern Resident community arent doing so well.
  • Tony Kallman/Shutterstock
  • Orcas of the Southern Resident community aren't doing so well.

Baby Orca in Puget Sound Feared Dead: Q13 Fox News reports that the baby orca hasn’t been seen with its mother. Two years ago, another offspring from the same whale was found dead, with indications of death by “severe acoustic trauma.” Back in August, the Guardian noted that the decline in the area’s killer whale population could be due to a lack of Chinook salmon.

November Is Hiphop History Month: There’s a whole bunch of local events planned, including a 30th anniversary screening of Breakin’, which I remember seeing in the theater, which means I’m hella old.