Crime drops across every major category in Washington
Strachan pointed to several factors that law enforcement leaders believe are contributing to the drop in crime, starting with improved policing practices, more proactive enforcement, and Washington’s pursuit laws that took effect in June 2024. Staffing levels have also improved at many departments, though some areas still face serious shortages. He also credited the state’s investment in diversion, deflection, and reentry programs that address substance use disorder and behavioral health needs, along with more efficient court processing and faster case resolution. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (KIRO 7)
Smoke, heat headed for Western Washington, as wildfires grow to the east and north
Experts are predicting a potentially record-breaking fire season because of dry conditions across Washington state, which is in the midst of its fourth consecutive year of drought. The earth’s pollution-altered climate means drier, hotter summers in the Pacific Northwest and less winter snow. Both trends make the region more susceptible to fire and smoke. Continue reading at KUOW. (Lindsey Wasson)
Local elections offices increase security to manage threats
A survey of hundreds of local election officials found that nearly a third have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse because of their job. The findings from the Brennan Center for Justice come as election offices across Washington increase security and transparency measures to protect workers and voters. … In addition to those who reported direct abuse, 52% of respondents expressed concern for the safety of their colleagues. The survey also found that 23% of officials worry about being assaulted at work or at home. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)
Aberdeen Daily World
Wildfire smoke expected to flood into Chehalis River valley
AGP, Port of Grays Harbor officially open Terminal 4 expansion (Tharinger, Bernbaum, Chapman)
Auburn Reporter
Wildfire smoke is now the primary pollutant affecting pregnancy, study shows
Axios
Seattle’s smoky skies are back
Cyclospora outbreak causes first two deaths
Seattle libraries are getting A/C at every branch
Bellingham Herald
Wildfires are burning across WA. See where — and how big they’ve gotten
Multifamily housing, commercial project proposed in Bellingham’s Fountain District
Warmer temperatures, heavy wildfire smoke expected this week in Whatcom County
Capital Press
Restraining order issued against Washington beekeeper
Wildfire growth prompts more teamwork as NW activity jumps
Ranchers among those affected by Spokane wildfires; 64,000 evacuated
Everett Herald
Marysville’s child drug exposure law takes effect Tuesday
Edmonds seeks applicants for fiscal sustainability task force
Forecasts: Wildfire smoke will likely worsen SnoCo air quality this week
The Inlander
NEWS BRIEFS: Spokane County sends supplemental ballots to some after boundary errors
Spokane family trapped on Long Lake amid historic wildfires; plus, resources for those affected
Kitsap Sun
Poulsbo sets day for waterfront paid parking to start
Poor air quality, smoke could linger in Kitsap through the week
News Tribune
$135 million investment in Port of Tacoma terminal will increase capacity
Can you get a ticket for driving with a dog in your lap? What WA state law says
New York Times
Man Arrested on Suspicion of Arson in Spokane Wildfire
Northwest Asian Weekly
SPD shakeup means CID may have to start over—again
Seattle Police Chief resigns ahead of Seafair; Eddie Lin says city is prepared
Puget Sound Business Journal
AI valuations create paradox in startup market
Data center demand fuels Microsoft’s appetite for real estate
Seattle Times
Trump approves FEMA relief for Spokane wildfires
Arson suspect arrested in catastrophic Spokane wildfire
Lake Chelan fire offers ‘heartbreaking’ look into WA’s wildfire future
Opinion: E-bikes aren’t like ordinary bikes, and WA kids pay the price
Seattle, King County outline plan to take back homeless authority contracts
Opinion: WA is in the running for worst-performing homelessness response
Editorial: Spokane wildfires show WA can’t ignore risk in climate-change era
Spokesman Review
Wildfire leaves Northwest Spokane in a ‘war zone’
How to help: City of Spokane creates portal to organize donations for wildfire recovery
Investigators arrest 37-year-old man in connection to devastating Spokane County wildfire
Spokane libraries, county auditor’s office working to ensure voters have access to Aug. 4 election ballots
Tri-City Herald
Tri-City firefighters join frontline at devastating Spokane fires
Choking smoke cancels 2 Tri-Cities Night Out events. No relief expected soon
WA State Standard
‘Overwhelming amount of damage’: Fight ongoing against Spokane fires
Wildfire veterans fear federal tactics, extreme fires could put crews at risk
Democratic lawmakers propose three-year moratorium on new large data centers in Oregon
Democratic state officials urge US Supreme Court to affirm pause on Trump vote-by-mail order
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Arrest made in connection with Spokane complex fires
Little Giant Fire jumps Lake Chelan as it grows to more than 50,000 acres
Crews from across Washington state race to aid wildfire-ravaged Spokane County
‘That is a war zone’: National Guard describes devastation from Spokane-area fires
Advocates say ICE is carrying out a ‘soft raid’ targeting workers at Lynden seafood plant
Reputable Woodinville HVAC business says Google profile trouble led to thousands in losses, layoffs
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Suspected arsonist arrested in connection with Spokane fires
Spokane Complex Fires: 700 homes destroyed, 65K evacuated
WA consumers to get refunds for unnecessary hotel fees in $750K settlement
FEMA authorizes funds to help fight Sinlahekin, Fairview, and Autumn Lane Fires
King County Metro to add 9 new bus routes, 3,000 additional weekly bus trips to schedule
Seattle, King County plan to reclaim nearly $160M in homelessness contracts from KCRHA
IRS tax lien, absences, policy disagreements: Full picture emerges in SPD Chief’s resignation
‘We’re not going to shy away from it’: Local elections offices increase security to manage threats
Seattle business leaders, event organizers urge mayor to restore CCTV cameras after recent shootings
KNKX Public Radio
Spokane begins to assess damage from ongoing wildfires
KUOW Public Radio
Smoke, heat headed for Western Washington, as wildfires grow to the east and north
KXLY (ABC)
President Trump approves emergency disaster relief for Spokane area wildfires
Convicted felon arrested for arson in connection with massive Spokane wildfire
Sheriff’s Office says fines, arrests could be made if people continue flying drones near Spokane fires
Spokane arson suspect had multiple contacts with law enforcement the day of the Old Trails Fire and one year before
Autumn Lane Fire becomes nation’s top priority as thousands of acres burn across Spokane and Stevens counties
Web
Geekwire
Zillow cuts more than 500 jobs in its largest layoff of the year
MyNorthwest
Crime drops across every major category in Washington, but officials warn the full picture is more complicated
Seattle business leaders, event organizers urge Mayor Katie Wilson to restore CCTV cameras after recent shootings
The Urbanist
Opinion: Sound Transit Gave Us a Ballard Date. Here’s How To Accelerate It.
Issaquah Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Project Ten Years in the Making
West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday info, with bridge incident