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OSU and WSU weighing Pac-12 options

Officials say they expect to have  more information within about a month.

News

Washington's paid family leave program could see more delays

The agency that runs the program  says it needs more staff to keep up with surging application numbers.

How earthquake research can help save the PNW from "The Big One"

A new center aims to answer questions like how high tsunami waters could go and how long shaking might last.

Seattle City Council passes plan for prosecuting drug use

Treatment and diversion should be offered first in most cases, according to the new law.

Things to do in Seattle this weekend

Eat Greek pastries, visit a fishermen's festival or watch the Kraken train for free.

Things to Do

With a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sunny weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.6218&amp;lon=-122.3503" data-vars-content-id="64843b2d-67f6-433b-b370-219171009482" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Seattle this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.6218&amp;lon=-122.3503" target="_blank">sunny weekend</a> in store before the return of rain on Monday, this is a good time to leave the house and try something different. Here are a few ideas to get you started.🍰 Sample Greek delicacies like spanakopita, souvlaki, loukoumades and baklava at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Demetrios Greek Festival" data-vars-click-url="http://seattlegreekfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="64843b2d-67f6-433b-b370-219171009482" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Seattle this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://seattlegreekfestival.com/" target="_blank">St. Demetrios Greek Festival</a> from noon on Friday through Sunday. There will also be dancing, wine tasting and tours of the church. Free admission.

Illustration of a beer bottle cap with a grinning emoji face on it.

Last of 6 Pacific Northwest trolls rises in Ballard

The trolls, part of a public art project, are built entirely from recycled materials.

Culture

Fremont&#x27;s no longer the only Seattle neighborhood with its own giant troll.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="final installation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/final-pacific-northwest-troll-sculpture-installed-ballard/281-7a293cca-38af-43e5-8434-bff3be93bdaf" data-vars-content-id="b334186e-1f31-405e-ab62-48c457392505" data-vars-headline="Last of 6 Pacific Northwest trolls rises in Ballard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/final-pacific-northwest-troll-sculpture-installed-ballard/281-7a293cca-38af-43e5-8434-bff3be93bdaf" target="_blank">final installation</a> of Danish artist Thomas Dambo&#x27;s series of Northwest troll sculptures went up in Ballard earlier this month, next to the National Nordic Museum.

A troll made of wood and recycled materials stands far taller than the entrance of the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.

Tacoma makes list of 15 happiest places to live in U.S.

The city's parks and breakfast spots were highlights for the folks at Outside Magazine.

It may surprise some old-school Seattleites who have long looked down on their neighbor to the south, but Tacoma has been named one the 15 happiest places to live in the country.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Outside Magazine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/happiest-places-to-live-us/?utm_medium=organic-social&amp;fbclid=IwAR0wgffeBCQzBTKX_G91HpwCKhLZn2xnjYtmH1ZrVlMZlX44AxVOP8GwFLg_aem_AaP_53ajMbBH7eSIXXkJlEl8APElE66bbwJHNkfaJf1XCMnaV0DXozUCzJQqb5NMaq0&amp;utm_source=Outside%20Magazine-facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ" data-vars-content-id="5a1991af-f8b3-4d45-8f0f-fc6be1990a6d" data-vars-headline="Tacoma makes list of 15 happiest places to live in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/happiest-places-to-live-us/?utm_medium=organic-social&amp;fbclid=IwAR0wgffeBCQzBTKX_G91HpwCKhLZn2xnjYtmH1ZrVlMZlX44AxVOP8GwFLg_aem_AaP_53ajMbBH7eSIXXkJlEl8APElE66bbwJHNkfaJf1XCMnaV0DXozUCzJQqb5NMaq0&amp;utm_source=Outside%20Magazine-facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ" target="_blank">Outside Magazine</a> this week honored Tacoma as one of the country&#x27;s &quot;happiest towns.&quot;

Dune Peninsula adjacent to Point Defiance Park is shown in an aerial photo.

Events to kick off fall in Seattle Sept. 21-23

Raise a pint, enter a National Park for free or join a lighted procession celebrating the fall equinox.

Say goodbye to summer with these Seattle events that signal the coming of autumn.🍺 Grab a beer and a bratwurst at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fremont Oktoberfest" data-vars-click-url="https://fremontoktoberfest.com/food/" data-vars-content-id="cb58e62c-ace3-4afc-9044-677900e1f40e" data-vars-headline="Events to kick off fall in Seattle Sept. 21-23" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fremontoktoberfest.com/food/" target="_blank">Fremont Oktoberfest</a>, which takes over part of the neighborhood from Friday through Sunday. There also are other food options, too, in addition to ciders and seltzers to try.

Illustration of a fall leaf holding a pumpkin spice latte. 

Love Isn't Blind comedy show comes to Seattle

The Bachelorette-style show is based on the concept that men already talk too much.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/23/dating-2023-whats-hot-whats-not" data-vars-content-id="d241982b-85f1-4373-8762-8acf8794c9a4" data-vars-headline="Love Isn&#x27;t Blind comedy show comes to Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/23/dating-2023-whats-hot-whats-not" target="_self">dating</a> comedy show based on the concept that men already talk too much is coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Crocodile" data-vars-click-url="https://everout.com/seattle/events/love-isnt-blind-with-allison-goldberg/e156614/" data-vars-content-id="d241982b-85f1-4373-8762-8acf8794c9a4" data-vars-headline="Love Isn&#x27;t Blind comedy show comes to Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://everout.com/seattle/events/love-isnt-blind-with-allison-goldberg/e156614/" target="_blank">The Crocodile</a> in Seattle&#x27;s Belltown neighborhood Friday.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Love Isn&#x27;t Blind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb1UdD3HK98" data-vars-content-id="d241982b-85f1-4373-8762-8acf8794c9a4" data-vars-headline="Love Isn&#x27;t Blind comedy show comes to Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb1UdD3HK98" target="_blank">Love Isn&#x27;t Blind</a>, a pared-down Bachelorette-style show, features four male contestants vying for a date with one single woman by answering questions without opening their mouths.

Four men in blindfolds compete for a date on the comedy show Love Isn't Blind. 

Seattle's disappearing neon history

LED lights and plastic tubing contributed to its decline, but neon is enjoying a renaissance.

Seattle is believed to have one of the best collections of historic and contemporary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neon signs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/07/20/chicago-vintage-sign-ordinance" data-vars-content-id="370f5f34-eaa6-4e30-9ebb-2e23ffb836f5" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s disappearing neon history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/07/20/chicago-vintage-sign-ordinance" target="_self">neon signs</a> in the country but that heritage is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fast disappearing" data-vars-click-url="https://crosscut.com/2019/09/neon-symbol-seattles-past-what-will-illuminate-its-future" data-vars-content-id="370f5f34-eaa6-4e30-9ebb-2e23ffb836f5" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s disappearing neon history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://crosscut.com/2019/09/neon-symbol-seattles-past-what-will-illuminate-its-future" target="_blank">fast disappearing</a>.Why it matters: While Seattle&#x27;s not known for neon the way cities like Singapore and Las Vegas are, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s collection is recognized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/why-neon-lights-are-glowing-again-across-the-us" data-vars-content-id="370f5f34-eaa6-4e30-9ebb-2e23ffb836f5" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s disappearing neon history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/why-neon-lights-are-glowing-again-across-the-us" target="_blank">city&#x27;s collection is recognized</a> as important due in part to the influence of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early neon artist Bea Haverfield." data-vars-click-url="https://mynorthwest.com/1702575/seattle-neon-signs-bea-haverfield/" data-vars-content-id="370f5f34-eaa6-4e30-9ebb-2e23ffb836f5" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s disappearing neon history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mynorthwest.com/1702575/seattle-neon-signs-bea-haverfield/" target="_blank">early neon artist Bea Haverfield.</a>

When to expect peak fall colors in Seattle

But a trip beyond King County could extend the viewing season.

Fall is just around the corner and that means Western Washington&#x27;s peak foliage viewing days are here.Driving the news: Using historical weather reports, tree species info and user data, travel brand<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" SmokyMountains.com" data-vars-click-url="https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/" data-vars-content-id="fce72e03-b259-49df-a1d2-06fb6019f9b3" data-vars-headline="When to expect peak fall colors in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/" target="_blank"> SmokyMountains.com</a> put together 2023 foliage prediction maps for the U.S.

Small multiples map showing predicted fall foliage progression for 2023. By early October, the northernmost parts of the U.S. are expected to reach peak color change. By mid-November, the southeastern parts of the U.S. are expected to reach peak color change.

Things to do in Seattle this weekend, Sept. 15-17

Drop to play pickleball downtown or take in some jazz at City Hall Park.

Summer&#x27;s last weekend is upon us. Here are some fun ideas that jumped out at us.🎹 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sounds in the Square: Jazz at City Hall Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pioneersquare.org/experiences/sounds-in-the-square-jazz-at-city-hall-park" data-vars-content-id="4ae8ec12-af1a-4a45-a560-4c69db69bbb0" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Seattle this weekend, Sept. 15-17" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pioneersquare.org/experiences/sounds-in-the-square-jazz-at-city-hall-park" target="_blank">Sounds in the Square: Jazz at City Hall Park</a> in Pioneer Square brings local jazz artists together on Saturday from 12 to 7pm. A showing of La La Land will occur prior to the music starting. Free.

Illustration of lit marquee letters spelling "WEEKEND" sitting in a row of theater seats.

Rainier beerfest returns to Seattle Saturday

Listen to local musicians, ride a mechanical bull,  discover herd of "Wild Rainiers."

Founded before Washington was even a state, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rainier Beer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.historylink.org/file/9130#:~:text=A%20Beer%20Named%20%22Rainier%22,brewed%20on%20the%20West%20Coast." data-vars-content-id="b2fa817c-8387-4847-8ae1-29ff721068cb" data-vars-headline="Rainier beerfest returns to Seattle Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.historylink.org/file/9130#:~:text=A%20Beer%20Named%20%22Rainier%22,brewed%20on%20the%20West%20Coast." target="_blank">Rainier Beer</a> is throwing a party this weekend to celebrate late summer blue skies and beer-loving fun.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="R-Day" data-vars-click-url="http://washingtonbeerblog.com/r-day-returns-to-seattle-on-saturday-september-16th/" data-vars-content-id="b2fa817c-8387-4847-8ae1-29ff721068cb" data-vars-headline="Rainier beerfest returns to Seattle Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://washingtonbeerblog.com/r-day-returns-to-seattle-on-saturday-september-16th/" target="_blank">R-Day</a> is a big party in Seattle&#x27;s Georgetown neighborhood.

A person drinks from a gigantic can of Rainier beer at last year's all-day beerfest in Seattle. 

Things to do in Seattle this weekend, Sept. 8-10

Movies, concerts and festivals are on the weekend menu.

🎞️ Catch an outdoor movie at Freeway Park along Seneca Street downtown. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Friday&#x27;s showing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freewayparkassociation.org/movienights/" data-vars-content-id="8851ab06-d9cc-4087-a5da-6c95fbae4835" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Seattle this weekend, Sept. 8-10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freewayparkassociation.org/movienights/" target="_blank">Friday&#x27;s showing</a> is &quot;The Mitchells vs. The Machines.&quot; Movie starts at dusk; free popcorn, snacks and drinks provided.🍺 Sip cider with a view of Lake Union at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cider Summit Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cidersummitnw.com/seattle1?utm_term=0_-748c62b779-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D" data-vars-content-id="8851ab06-d9cc-4087-a5da-6c95fbae4835" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Seattle this weekend, Sept. 8-10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cidersummitnw.com/seattle1?utm_term=0_-748c62b779-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D" target="_blank">Cider Summit Seattle</a>. The event will feature more than 150 ciders from more than 50 producers. 3-8pm Friday and 12-5pm Saturday at Lake Union Park. No kids allowed; it&#x27;s 21+.

Illustration of a cherry pie with "weekend" cut out of the crust. 

Things to Do 🗓