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Today’s newsletter is 804 words — a 3-minute read.

Most of the Washington State Ferries fleet was out of service yesterday after about two dozen engine-room workers called in sick.

Why it matters: The staffing shortage put 13 of the state's 18 ferries out of service yesterday, upending commutes, appointments and other travel plans.

Most routes are back operating on their regular schedules today, ferry officials said this morning.

Catch up quick: Twenty-three engine-room workers called in sick yesterday, and employees who were qualified to fill in declined to do so, Washington State Ferries posted on X early yesterday.

• The workers who called in sick or declined to fill the vacancies are represented by the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, according to WSF.

What they're saying: The union said in a statement that it didn't coordinate the mass sick calls, which it described as a "frantic call for help from an abused and frustrated group of highly-skilled and committed workers," the Washington State Standard reported.

• The union has previously argued that engine-room workers are underpaid compared with similar jobs and overworked because of staffing shortages.
• In June, the union said records showed the 25 engineers with the most overtime logged between 585 and more than 1,500 overtime hours annually.

The other side: WSF highlighted what some of the workers make, saying staff chief engineers have a base salary of $157,000 and can earn more than $350,000 with overtime.

• "We expect our employees to return to work as soon as possible," the agency said yesterday.

Zoom in: Some disruptions continued this morning, with crew shortages canceling a few early sailings on the Seattle-Bainbridge, Edmonds-Kingston and Mukilteo-Clinton routes.

• The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is running on two boats instead of three.

What's next: Customers should check rider alerts before traveling today, as schedules could change "based on crew and vessel availability," ferry officials said.

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Fall has arrived in Seattle, but peak displays of autumn leaves aren't expected here just yet.

The big picture: Seattle is expected to see its most vibrant foliage Nov. 1–7, a bit later than most of the country, according to a map on Explore Fall.

Yes, but: If storms hit and knock the leaves off the trees before then, it could cut leaf-peeping season short.

To experience fall colors in a city known for its evergreens, try visiting Kubota Garden, the Washington Park Arboretum, Seward Park, Discovery Park or Green Lake.

• If you want to get your fix of fall colors a little earlier, leaves are expected to peak in places such as Snohomish, Leavenworth, Yakima and in the Cascade foothills before Seattle.

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✍️ Mayor Wilson signed an ordinance yesterday that will ban large grocery stores from using AI or data-driven "surveillance pricing" to charge customers different prices for the same items. (KOMO)

🥬 Japanese grocery chain Hashi Market is set to take over a former Amazon Fresh space along Aurora Avenue North.

• The location will be the chain's first in Seattle. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

💼 Seattle's tax burden has shifted more heavily onto businesses as job growth has lagged, according to a new report commissioned by the Downtown Seattle Association and the local chamber of commerce. (GeekWire)

⚾️ Mariners stars Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor both underwent postseason surgeries over the weekend — Raleigh on his left shoulder and Naylor on his wrist.

• The two players, who struggled offensively this past season, are expected to be fully recovered in time for spring training. (Seattle Times)

⚖️ A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges eight Starbucks protein drinks marketed as sugar-free actually have between 12 and 23 grams of sugar per 20-ounce serving. (KIRO 7)

Boadicea is named after the first-century Celtic queen. And, like a true warrior queen, she "knows her own mind and is not hesitant about expressing it," owner Nan H. writes.

• She likes to place herself in the middle of the bed, then fall asleep before she can be persuaded to move.
• "I love her strong, affectionate, and opinionated little self," Nan tells us.

Want to see your pet featured here? Hit reply and send us their name, some cute pics and what they most like and dislike. They might just become our next featured star!

☕️ Melissa bought a new coffee maker after getting sick of her old one leaking water all over the counter.

🍽️ Clarridge is looking forward to meeting some of you tonight.

This newsletter was edited by Geoff Ziezulewicz.