Why is Seattle’s rent so high? Justice Department investigates possible price fixing Local leaders are paying attention to a Politico story that broke this week. It says the US Justice Department is opening a criminal investigation into big corporate landlords. The concern is they’re using a third-party algorithm to orchestrate a price-fixing scheme. Joshua McNichols
Week in Review: the legislative session, a plan for growth, and a judge disqualified Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with PubliCola’s Erica Barnett, Washington Policy Center’s Paul Guppy, and Earth Finance’s Reuven Carlyle. Kevin Kniestedt
King County Council members push back on criticism over handling of asylum-seeker crisis The plight of a couple hundred asylum-seekers looking for shelter has been juggled among various community and religious organizations that are calling on elected officials to do more. Libby Denkmann
Facing another hotel eviction, Seattle area asylum-seekers lean on religious groups to foot the bill Approximately 100 local asylum-seekers, mostly from Venezuela, met with the King County Council Tuesday to ask for help as their latest hotel shelter arrangement came to an end. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
How will Seattle grow through 2044? City leaders are about to find out Where should Seattle allow more housing to be built? The city’s official answer to that question will change – when the city updates its comprehensive plan. A draft of that plan is expected the week of March 4th. Joshua McNichols
In dire times, Seattle area pet owners turn to local foster care program An unexpected emergency like losing a job, or a home can mean all sorts of disruption. It can also leave people unable to take care of a pet. But there's help available in the Seattle area. Casey Martin
6 protesters arrested after descending on Seattle City Hall to demand support for refugees Isolde Raftery
Time, money runs low for asylum-seekers sheltering at Seattle area hotels Hundreds of asylum-seekers took refuge at Seattle area hotels during January’s cold snap. What was intended to be a weeklong stay has evolved into a monthlong stay. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Can rent stabilization help Washington residents? Rent control, rent stabilization, and anti-price gouging — oh my! Those are three commonly referenced ideas when it comes to tackling skyrocketing rents. Dyer Oxley
Micro-apartments are poised to become legal in Washington state A bill that would allow “micro-apartments” anywhere normal apartments are built has passed both chambers of the Washington Legislature. Joshua McNichols
