Daily E-Clips

Friday, August 7

WA Head Start advocates denounce Trump administration’s moves to deregulate program
A draft proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows dozens of Head Start’s program performance standards are slated to be eliminated or replaced. The standards serve as an operating guide for the program, and cover requirements around things like curricula, safety, and nutrition. Continue reading at KUOW. (AP)

Damage toll from Spokane fires now totals 900 structures
While these are updated figures, they are still just preliminary estimates, Stokesberry said. Officials expect the number to climb. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (NIck Wagner)

As federal protections fade, disabled Americans fear a return to institutions
The federal spending reductions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are likely to spur more cash-strapped states to cut home- and community-based services, since the federal Medicaid law only requires them to provide institutional care. More than half a dozen states have already moved to limit such services for people with disabilities, according to an analysis of state actions by researchers at George Washington University. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Courtesy of Jeneva Stone)

Thursday, August 6

Climate change is fueling wildfire risk — and anxiety
Why it matters: Climate scientists study how global warming increases the odds of wildfire. People living through it are confronting a more immediate question: where is truly safe anymore? The big picture: Wildfires intensified by climate change are like an unforgiving spotlight sweeping across the world. No one really knows where it will stop next. Continue reading at Axios. (Brenden Lynch)

U.S. Supreme Court to hear Bellevue group’s challenge of AR-15 bans
The U.S. Supreme Court next year could overturn state bans on semiautomatic rifles that would invalidate laws in a dozen states, including the ban passed by Washington lawmakers in 2023. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Trump deportations cost taxpayers $2,358 each
Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to deportations could instead fund other public priorities such as food assistance, health care or housing. By the numbers: EPI estimates the $268.9 billion projected for deportations could alternatively fund more than 118 million additional SNAP recipients over the remaining 2.5 years of the Trump administration, based on National Priorities Project data. Continue reading at Axios. (Danielle Albert)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Light turnout in primary election delivers surprises

Axios
DOJ’s voter roll crusade hits a courthouse wall
Trump deportations cost taxpayers $2,358 each
Climate change is fueling wildfire risk and anxiety

Capital Press
Oregon leads lawsuit against Trump forced-labor tariffs
Organic honey import rules challenged by U.S. beekeepers
U.S. farm exports grow in first half of 2026 despite trade issues

Everett Herald
Comment: Opportunity with transit consolidation
Haze covers Snohomish County as wildfire smoke worsens air quality
Comment: The system is sound. The trust gap is the problem worth fixing.

News Tribune
New details emerge about issues behind Mary Bridge surgical delays
WA’s 29th Legislative District race still super tight after latest results (Conway, Mena, Taylor, Hasegawa)
As a bus route to Seattle nears its end, riders dread their new commute
Tacoma’s new maritime skills center is ready for business. Here’s a look inside
Opinion: Without Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, Washington skips $700 million

New York Times
While Fighting Wildfires, They’re Also Fighting Illegal Drones
Bessent Declares Widening Gap Between Rich and Poor ‘Dead’

Seattle Times
ICE threatens sheriffs with prosecution over access to inmates
U.S. Supreme Court to hear Bellevue group’s challenge of AR-15 bans
Opinion: Children affected by gun violence need support, or they may continue the cycle

Spokesman Review
Avista, Inland Power look to restore services in areas effected by wildfires
‘They want an answer’: Dispelling conspiracy theories plaguing the Spokane Complex fires
Sheriff says fire evacuations will last ‘many, many more days.’ Why he says that’s for good reason
Disaster Assistance Center to open at Shadle Park High School, resources available beginning Thursday
Washington insurance commissioner discusses help for wildfire victims, fire mitigation during visit to Spokane

WA State Standard
Leaderboard jostled in WA legislative races with latest vote tally (Morgan, Walen, Ryu, Salomon, Ormsby)
Ferry construction begins in Florida on WA’s new hybrid-electric vessels (Liias)
Trump urges US Senate to pass bill making daylight saving time permanent
Spokane fires could be latest disaster to unsettle property insurance market

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Air quality impacts to continue Thursday amid heat advisory

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Google lays off 52 employees across several WA locations
Man suspected of starting Old Trails Fire in Spokane area expected to enter plea
Spokane community helping each other and emergency responders during devastation

Web

Geekwire
Washington state’s next-gen ferry era kicks off with 3 new hybrid boats in $1.15B deal
Disaster hits home: How Amazon and other companies are responding to Washington state wildfires

MyNorthwest
Spokane County sheriff says evacuations won’t be lifted for ‘many, many more days’

Washington Observer
Primary takeaways (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon, Richards, Krishnadasan, Shavers, Paul, Pollet, Walen, Morgan)

West Seattle Blog
ELECTION 2026: Second round of primary results (Fitzgibbon)
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday notes, as smoke and heat alerts continue
Two things to know about Metro’s next ‘service change’ – how it will, and won’t, affect West Seattle riders

Wednesday, August 5

Washington’s primary election results roll in
All 98 seats in the state House and 24 in the state Senate are up for grabs. All 10 of the state’s U.S. House seats are also on the ballot, as are four positions on the state Supreme Court. There are many more races at the local level. Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Aspen Ford)

Washington breaks ground on first new ferry in 11 years, three hybrid-electric vessels ordered
And the new ferries can’t come soon enough for Washington. The state lost four ferries between 2015 and 2025, shrinking its fleet from 25 ferries to 21. The ferries on hand are old, with 11 ferries (more than half the fleet) being more than 40 years old, and one that’s 67 years old. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Courtesy of WSF)

The smoke is here. Here’s the air quality forecast for the rest of the week
Under these levels of pollution, people with asthma, respiratory infections, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or stroke survivors should limit outdoor activities, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Brian Hayes)

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Associated Press
Trump’s immigration crackdown has detained more than 50 military spouses and parents

Bellingham Herald
Reentry center, courtroom back on the table for new Whatcom County Jail plan

Capital Press
Timber group says lawsuit made Oregon fire worse

Everett Herald
Three Snohomish County cities cancel National Night Out Tuesday
Voters initially back public-service ballot measures, but hospital lagging
Comment: The impact of three U.S. Supreme Court rulings on free enterprise

News Tribune
Here’s where Tacoma’s streets levy stands after election night
The smoke is here. Here’s the air quality forecast for the rest of the week
Live voting results for the Aug. 4, 2026 primary election in Pierce County

Seattle Times
Opinion: We can’t fix America’s schools without data
5 things to know about the 2026 WA primary election
White House readies AI framework to review security risks
Column: WA Democrats face no backlash for ‘millionaires tax’
Cle Elum passed a data center ban. One might be built there anyway
Editorial: Unfortunate glitch should not absolve WA law school grads from taking the bar

Spokesman Review
WA Supreme Court elections make for a momentous primary
Voters narrowly approving Spokane Transit Authority’s 20-year tax renewal on Tuesday
‘Our city just comes together’: Community provides free meals in the wake of Spokane-area fires
‘It doesn’t seem real’: Spokane is a community in mourning as the toll of destruction from weekend wildfires comes into focus

WA State Standard
Washington’s primary election results roll in
Spending deal freezes Trump proposal to gain power over federal grants, extends highway law

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Real-time results: August primary election
‘This is as bad as it gets’: Chelan County residents brace as Little Giant Fire grows
Docs: Lighter, missing matches found on man accused in Spokane County wildfire

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Zillow slashes 500+ jobs as company leans harder into AI
DOCS: Man accused of starting Spokane-area fire arrested with fanny pack full of matches
KIRO 7 INTERVIEW: Witness recounts seeing Spokane arson suspect minutes before wildfires spark

KNKX Public Radio
Ballard could get light rail in 2042, but delay to 2060 is possible
Officials push back on federal changes that could impact WA science news
‘Ceremonies change lives’ Nisqually youth learn and guide through paddling

KUOW Public Radio
Election results for Washington’s August 4 primary
Primary election takeaways from the KUOW newsroom
‘People are just in shock right now.’ Weekend fires bring destruction to Spokane

KXLY (ABC)
Firefighters gain some containment on all three Spokane wildfires
Spokane arson suspect took a plea deal for death of his father, served prison time in Arizona

Web

Geekwire
Zillow layoffs hit 91 jobs in Washington state, with senior roles bearing the brunt

MyNorthwest
Arson suspect in Old Trails Fire held on $1M bail as Spokane wildfires rage
Washington breaks ground on first new ferry in 11 years, three hybrid-electric vessels ordered
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson-backed progressive candidates fall short in Washington primary races
Containment progress for Spokane Complex Fires: Old Trails, Autumn Lane at 13% containment, Fairview at 5%
‘We are building safer communities’: King County receives $15M grant to strengthen crisis response, prevent gun violence

The Urbanist
Voter Turnout Lags as Washington’s Primary Election Enters Home Stretch

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch, with smoke and heat alerts
ELECTION 2026: First round of primary results, with Seattle Public Library levy passing (Fitzgibbon)

Tuesday, August 4

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)

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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

Monday, August 3

‘The top fire in our nation’: Old Trails destroys 640 structures as ‘potential for lives to be lost’ remains
Mass evacuations remain in place, with the Spokane Convention Center serving as the main overnight shelter for 409 families that had to flee their homes in chaotic scenes that unfolded in the neighborhoods of northwest Spokane. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Brian Plonka)

As Spokane burns, wildfires erupt across WA, amid a parched forecast
More than a dozen major wildfires continue to burn across Washington, with many of them growing fast over the weekend. … Already this has been one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in the state’s history, with over 700 structures destroyed in Spokane alone over the weekend and a nearly 30% increase in the land covered by wildfires in the past few days. And months still remain in Washington’s wildfire season. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)

WA driver data still used in ICE arrests, UW report shows
Earlier this year, state officials said they would take further action to block federal immigration agencies from tapping Washington drivers’ data, but arrests made using driver data have been steadily climbing, a report shows. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nick Wagner)