HEADLINE: Tacoma waterfront development just got approved — here's what changes

Woke up to the sound of rain on the roof — again. My daughter says she loves the coziness, but I reminded her this is what October always feels like here. The Mariners are out, the trees are fire-colored, and the Home Depot heater section looks like Black Friday. Welcome to the cozy wet hug of fall in the PNW.

TACOMA BUSINESS:

• Port of Tacoma expansion greenlit: 300+ jobs projected with a $250M logistics hub. Why it matters: Freight is sexy if it feeds your family. Big win for South Sound workers.
• Bates Technical gets $8M federal grant: Focused on green energy and skilled trades. This is how you build a resilient middle class.
• Earthwise Pet opens HQ in Hilltop: Local company, national ambition. Smart play: pet spending is recession-proof.
• Sound Credit Union launches AI-powered loans: Faster approvals, lower defaults. Bank meets bot — advantage, borrower.

WHAT'S HAPPENING:

• Tacoma Film Festival | Oct 9-16 | The Grand Cinema
  Cinephiles and indie buffs — this one’s for you.
• LeMay Trunk or Treat | Oct 12 | LeMay – America’s Car Museum
  Family-friendly, and your kid will thank you for the sugar hangover.
• South Sound Startup Night | Oct 10 | Union Club
  Networking with grit. Pitch, drink, repeat.

RESTAURANT/SPOT:

New spot to know: Red Elm Cafe’s second location opens in Proctor. Locally owned, run by three Black sisters, and arguably the best waffles in the 253.

REAL ESTATE WATCH:

• Median home price in Tacoma: $489K (down 2.4% YoY).
• First-time buyers market? Not yet. But we’re closer than you think.

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