Washington’s economic picture improves, budget shortfall shrinks
Washington’s economy has recovered some of the jobs, retail sales and tax revenue that plunged after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, improving its budget outlook for the next three years, but that still leaves the state “well below where we were in February,” the state’s economist said Wednesday. The projected shortfall to the General Fund budget through June 2023 is about half the $9 billion projected in June when the last economic forecast was released, State Economist Steve Lerch said. The General Fund is the state’s main pool of money which funds education and most state programs and salaries outside transportation. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Jim Camden / The Spokesman-Review)
Crowd-control weapons at Seattle protests have caused injuries, heightened tensions with police
In a summer of skirmishes between protesters and police, July 25 stands out for the volume of its brutality. Tensions had been primed in days prior. Video of agents seizing a protester in Portland sparked anger among some demonstrators. Then, federal agents traveled to Seattle, against local politicians’ wishes. And in an emergency hearing the night before, a federal judge blocked a Seattle City Council ban on tear gas, blast balls and similar weapons. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ted S. Warren / AP)
Another baby orca born to J pod — the second this month
Another baby orca has been born to J pod, the Center for Whale Research confirmed Friday morning. It’s the second calf born this month for the endangered southern resident orcas that frequent Puget Sound. “We confirm that there is a new calf in J pod and the mother is J41,” Ken Balcomb, the founding director of the center, wrote in a text message to The Seattle Times on Friday morning. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Pacific Whale Watch Association)
Associated Press
Projected state revenues improve in Washington state
Inslee: Washington is being targeted by phishing campaign
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Auburn Reporter
Sound Transit may pause construction of second parking garage in Auburn
Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some Whatcom industries are faring better than others
Whatcom County sees six more COVID-19 cases, state reports Thursday
Washington state reports 536 new COVID-19 cases Thursday
Bellingham ‘to remain nimble and adaptive’ as schools prepare for in-person learning
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Capital Press
Scorched California faces more hot, windy weather
Western Innovator: State hemp manager jumps in at harvest
Everett Herald (subscription required)
State asking Boeing what will keep 787 production in Everett
Hot button issue: Stores ask employees to remove ‘BLM’ pins
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Boeing year-end goal for 737 max return gets boost in Europe
Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
New COVID-19 cases among CHI Franciscan employees spur health investigation
New Poulsbo police chief named
Retiring Kitsap County parks director brought longevity to the position
CKSD holds return-to-play committee meeting
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Opinion: State must invest in Medicaid dental coverage
News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma convention center coming back to life with new COVID-19 protocols
Washington state reports 536 new COVID-19 cases Thursday
Editorial: Allowing ATVs to drive on public roads might be OK. But not so fast, Pierce County
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Olympian (subscription required)
Opinion: The sky has cleared, but can we see ahead? Climate change action is needed now
Freed agrees to civil penalty to resolve campaign finance, reporting violations
Thurston County COVID-19 cases jump by 17 on Thursday
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Peninsula Daily News
Man involved in timber poaching, starting wildfire sentenced
Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon’s Bellevue expansion says a lot about what the company wants from a city
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Seattle Times (subscription required)
How some Washington nonprofits are trying to make pandemic ‘learning pods’ accessible for all
Crowd-control weapons at Seattle protests have caused injuries, heightened tensions with police
Seattle’s median household income soars past $100,000 — but wealth doesn’t reach all
Another baby orca born to J pod — the second this month
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Inslee announces safety guidelines for air travel amid coronavirus pandemic
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Officials: Washington being targeted by phishing campaign
Judge says 2020 census must continue for another month
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Snoqualmie Valley Record
Surge in consumer spending eases state budget challenges (Rolfes)
Spokesman Review
Washington’s economic picture improves, budget shortfall shrinks (Ormsby, Rolfes)
State asking Boeing what will keep 787 production in Everett
Northwest lawmakers respond after Trump won’t commit to accepting election results
COVID-19 activity plateauing statewide, but health officials confirm more than 100 new cases in Spokane County
State, county initial jobless claims increased last week
Shawn Vestal: Bar association brings discussion of racial justice to community
Tri-City Herald
Feds look to end controversial self-insured program for ill Hanford workers
3 more COVID deaths reported in Tri-Cities area. But new cases down from 1-day spike
Hanford contractor to stay for another year, feds announce 6 days before contract expires
Washington Post
Biden pays respects to Ginsburg; Trump to spend day on the campaign trail
Trump’s escalating attacks on election prompt fears of a constitutional crisis
Breonna Taylor’s family assails Kentucky attorney general, demands grand jury information
Kentucky’s only Black female legislator arrested on felony rioting charge at Breonna Taylor protest
Police are using the law to deny the release of records involving use of force, critics claim
After years of promising his own health care plan, Trump settles for rebranding rather than repealing Obamacare
Criminal charges brought in coronavirus outbreak that killed dozens at Massachusetts veterans’ home
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, wife test positive for coronavirus
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Trump pledges to send $200 drug discount cards to Medicare recipients weeks before election; funding source unclear
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Small investors have pushed big companies toward social change. A new SEC rule will limit their influence.
Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima Health District reports 25 new COVID-19 cases Thursday
Workforce council secures grants to aid laid-off workers in Central Washington
Broadcast
KING5 TV (NBC)
Sea-Tac Airport, airlines consider rapid COVID-19 testing to help get travelers back in the air
Officials: Washington being targeted by phishing campaign
‘Very disappointing’: Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan reacts to council overturning her police defunding veto
Tacoma Public Schools won’t resume in-person learning Monday due to N95 mask requirements
Criminal investigation requested after Seattle officer seen rolling bike over protester
Is ‘canceling’ racists effective in fighting racism?
KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Overnight protests turn destructive on Capitol Hill
Heavy rain, gusty winds moving across Western Washington
HSD: Council leaves city without tools to address homeless encampments that pose health, safety risks
Investigation underway, SPD officer placed on leave after rolling bike over protester
“It’s a gut punch as a parent”: League policy stops transgender athlete from playing on his team
KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Some protesters say Seattle police officers chilling free speech with recent arrests
Sheriff’s office to investigate Seattle Police officer seen rolling bike over protester
Fires set outside East Precinct following Breonna Taylor march
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4 new COVID cases confirmed at Bremerton clinic, hospital
Tacoma schools will not resume in-person classes Monday due to lack of proper PPE
KNKX FM
LISTEN: State ombuds talks about protecting loved ones in long-term care
Health officials say getting a flu shot now will help avoid simultaneous surge with COVID-19
Tacoma’s mayor remembers Harold Moss: A civil rights icon, trailblazer, father figure
WATCH: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in state at U.S. Capitol
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KUOW FM
Pathmarking The Way: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Lifelong Fight For Gender Equality
Orcas had a wild ‘greeting’ party to celebrate baby whale birth
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WATCH: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lies In State At U.S. Capitol
Q13 TV (Fox)
Another night of demonstrations near Seattle’s East Precinct
Tacoma Public Schools delays start of in-person learning
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Web
Slog
The Peaceful Transfer of Presidential Power Will Be a Long Shot
Washington Voters Aren’t Immune to Vote-by-Mail Propaganda