WA agriculture workers look to retain momentum of pandemic strikes
In collaboration with OneAmerica, the Washington State Immigration Solidarity Network and the Washington State Labor Council, the Fair Work Center opened an office in Yakima last month to provide workers and immigrants a place to gather, get information and organize. The center’s opening comes as labor and community organizers seek to help agricultural workers sustain the momentum of the 2020 strikes, which won workers temporary pay raises during the height of the pandemic and an opportunity to voice concerns directly to employers through newly formed worker committees. The strikes attracted widespread attention from labor advocates and the public. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Mai Hoang)
Why King County mental health facilities decline 27% of referrals
A wheelchair, using a CPAP machine for sleeping, pregnancy – these are among the reasons why hundreds of people are turned away from mental health crisis facilities in the King County area every year. Known as evaluation and treatment centers (E&Ts), their goal is to stabilize patients in a psychiatric emergency with medication and therapy. But people with mental illness, their families and their advocates point out that despite this mission, some of the most vulnerable people often are denied treatment. For people with substance-use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities or criminal records, it can be a maze to decipher which facility will offer the proper staff, training and bed availability to take them. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)
New state agency ‘months’ away from starting police investigations
A new state agency was mandated to start investigating police use of deadly force cases on July 1, but it appears it actually won’t be ready to handle those investigations for months. “It’s just a lot to get done. Standing up an office from nothing is incredibly difficult,” said Roger Rogoff, appointed last month by Gov. Jay Inslee to head up the state’s newest agency, the Office of Independent Investigations. Under current law, when a police officer in the state uses deadly force, detectives from surrounding agencies, typically from the same county, investigate the incident and refer the case to county prosecutors for charging decisions. Continue reading at KING 5.
Associated Press
CDC: Mask-wearing recommended in growing number of counties
King County sheriff won’t cooperate with out-of-state abortion probes
Health officials: Monkeypox likely spreading in King County
New agency to investigate police use of deadly force delayed
Bellevue Reporter
Bellevue Police Department launches transparency and accountability website
Courier-Herald
Locals protest Supreme Court abortion ruling at Enumclaw City Hall
Everett Herald
Edmonds affirms support for reproductive rights in wake of Roe ruling
Community Transit moves toward no fares for youth riders
Kent Reporter
Kent School Board votes to reject LGBTQ book ban decision
Olympian
Sorority to reimburse University of Washington students $253k. Who should expect a refund?
Peninsula Daily News
Avian flu case reported in Jefferson County
Port Townsend Leader
Emergency order declared for southern resident orcas due to pregnancies, poor health
Puget Sound Business Journal
How college endowments are faring amid inflation, stock-market volatility
Relief at last for some Seattle-area homebuyers, but it’s still very much a seller’s market
Seattle Times
Why King County mental health facilities decline 27% of referrals
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
New state agency ‘months’ away from starting police investigations
Most Washington ferry routes operating on reduced schedules ‘until further notice’
New BA.5 COVID-19 subvariant spreading quickly, poses threat to immunity
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Report: Earthquake could produce tsunami waves that would hit Seattle in minutes
Charleena Lyles inquest: Jury finds officers used reasonable force in deadly 2017 shooting
Understaffed and overworked: Kirkland firefighters say the department is in crisis
Local transmission of monkeypox virus likely in King County
Some physicians concerned about gray area caused by new abortion trigger laws
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Declining enrollment figures at Seattle Public Schools stirs concern about future funding
KNKX Public Radio
This single-celled sea critter could help scientists learn about climate change
KUOW Public Radio
King County Takes Steps to Prepare for Anticipated Spike in Abortion Services
Monkeypox spreading among community in King County
KXLY (ABC)
Mayor proposes camping compromise, local businesses expect little change
‘We need housing’: Spokane City Council adds flexibility to accessory dwelling unit rules
Spokane’s food pantries see an uptick in people lacking food
Q13 TV (FOX)
King County Council examining ways to get guns out of hands of ‘potentially violent’ people
Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue seek federal funding to stay afloat
King County Council to consider declaring fentanyl a public health crisis
Web
Crosscut
WA agriculture workers look to retain momentum of pandemic strikes
Pandemic relief funds may mask budget crises at rural WA hospitals
MyNorthwest
King County tackles short and long term plans to restrict local gun violence
WA AG orders $500,000 in restitution from UW sorority over rent payment scheme
Senator Liias talks plans to ‘lid’ I-5 as maintenance continues (Liias)
SPD once again eyes termination of parking officer who referenced lynching of BLM protestors