Government

Seattle’s native people, the Duwamish, will learn today about their next step in a decades-old legal battle.  The tribe has petitioned the US government for federal recognition, which would make the Duwamish eligible for certain benefits like health care, fishing rights and the chance to run a casino.

  The Seattle City Council is considering a change to the city’s parking zone program. Currently, permits are only available to residents who live in certain areas. The changes would allow some employees who work in these areas – and are getting slapped with expensive tickets – to purchase permits as well. But some residents are opposed. 

Ross Reynolds talks with Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, who's backing the change.

This Week In Olympia
The state Legislature begins week two of the special session today. Everett Herald reporter Jerry Cornfield joins us with a look at what to expect.

Traumatic Brain Injury
Sarah was hit by a drunk driver in her 20s.  Over the years, her brain has exhibited more and more signs of damage. Traumatic brain injury can present challenges and frustrations for partners as well. Sarah's long-term partner, Julie Hall, shares her personal story of loving, caring and coping with a partner with a brain injury.

The Autistic Brain
Temple Grandin is one of the world’s most accomplished and well-known adults with autism.  In her new book “The Autistic Brain,” Temple Grandin explores what current brain science has revealed about autism and the possibilities it offers.

Washington state’s proposed marijuana rules were released yesterday, and critics are already weighing in. Plus, Republican legislators are pushing for education reform. David Hyde gets all the details from Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins.

The White House has received a lot of criticism this week over three issues that have gained national attention. A series of emails were released by the White House in relation to the Benghazi hearing. The IRS seems to have been targeting political leaning groups, in particular conservative ones, for audits. Journalists from the Associated Press had their phone records obtained by the government without their knowledge. How do these latest controversies effect the political climate in Washington D.C.?

Also, Washington Governor Jay Inslee has unveiled his top three budget priorities for the special session, the National Transportation Safety Board wants to lower the legal alcohol limit to 0.05, and 400 people showed up to a King County Council meeting this week to object to the potential cuts in bus service.

Finally, will this be the last time that Eli Sanders, C.R. Douglas and Knute Berger have to talk about the NBA, the Sacramento Kings and the Sonics on our panel?

Write to us at weekday@kuow.org to tell us what news stories you have been following this week.

Democratic activists in the city of Seattle last night began picking favorites in the Seattle mayoral election. Incumbent mayor Mike McGinn didn’t make their list.

The 46th District Democrats was the first local party organization to endorse in the race. The 46th Legislative District includes parts of north Seattle, Shoreline, and Kenmore.

The Sacramento Kings will stay in Sacramento. NBA owners met in Dallas Wednesday and overwhelmingly rejected an effort by investor Chris Hansen to move the team to Seattle.

The Obama administration is facing tough criticism these days over issues including Benghazi and and the Internal Revenue Service scandal.  What do you think? Is President Obama doing a good job?  Ross Reynolds takes the temperature here in the Puget Sound region.