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Wednesday, September 21

New estimate for number of WA residents eligible for student loan forgiveness
Nearly 700,000 Washingtonians are eligible for President Joe Biden’s student debt relief program, with the majority of them Pell Grant recipients, according to an estimate the White House released Tuesday. In Washington state, as of March, nearly 783,000 residents hold $28.2 billion in outstanding federal student loans. Nearly half are burdened with federal loans of more than $20,000, and over 77% are under the age of 50. Last month, Biden announced his administration will cancel up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt for those earning under $125,000 a year or households that earn less than $250,000. Pell Grant recipients or undergraduates with the most significant financial need are eligible for up to $20,000 in debt relief, according to the plan. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Al Drago)

1,700 people aided by $1.8 million Snohomish County ARPA money
Snohomish County sent $1.8 million of its $160 million federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to family resource hubs. The county gave money to ChildStrive, Cocoon House, Community Resource Center of Stanwood-Camano, North Counties Family Services, Take the Next Step, Volunteers of America Western Washington in Arlington and Sky Valley, and YWCA. Those agencies helped over 1,700 people with pandemic-related bills as well as employment and social services. To qualify, they had to be at or below 60% of the area’s median income. That equals $5,788 per month for a family of four. Not all of them typically pass out money like this and had to set up the process in response to the pandemic. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Kevin Clark)

Spokane City Council passes emergency air quality ordinance
Two weeks ago, Spokane’s skies turned gray as wildfire smoke from afar wafted over the city and plunged the region’s air quality into the “very unhealthy” range. On Monday, the council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that requires the city to provide shelter space when air quality reaches 201 on the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index. Air quality is considered to be “very unhealthy” when it exceeds 200. Under the previous version of the law, Spokane didn’t have to provide shelter space until the air quality index hit 250. Officials often cancel outdoor school activities and youth sporting events at the 150 threshold, which marks the beginning of the “unhealthy” category on the air quality index. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Dan Pelle)

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Associated Press
Seattle teachers approve new contract following strike
Official: Canada likely to drop vaccine requirement to enter

Auburn Reporter
Department of Health introduces monkeypox data dashboard to track viral activity

Bellingham Herald
‘Serious, confirmed’ hazing incident leads to Sehome football’s forfeit of game
WA isn’t alone in book censorship. Here’s how one library is giving access back to students
Wildfires are still burning in Whatcom and B.C. Here’s what to expect for smoke

Capital Press
Feds recommend at least 10-year term for Easterday
Washington wolf pack crosses line; Fish and Wildlife mulls lethal control

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: As journalism goes, so goes democracy

The Daily News
Cowlitz County commissioners deny reclassification of Woodland Bottoms for proposed subdivision
Justin Aguilar-Tofte family sues Longview in wrongful death claim after he was fatally shot by police in 2020
Castle Rock reviews limiting number of vacation rental homes at Wednesday planning commission meeting

Everett Herald
Snohomish County bus driver shortage creates ripple effect for schools
1,700 people aided by $1.8 million Snohomish County ARPA money
Comment: Dated attitudes about nursing factor in our crisis

The Inlander
State agencies push back on Spokane’s order to remove Camp Hope; call deadline ‘irrational’

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Final preparation for raising the Aleutian Isle

News Tribune
You can visit national parks for free this Saturday. Here’s what to know

Olympian
Which books are banned, challenged in WA? Here’s how to find out restricted titles
WA Congressional delegation supports bill to expand Chehalis Tribe’s leasing authority
Looking for new trails? Thurston County officials consider developing these four options

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA, DOT team to expand capital, contracting opportunities

Seattle Times
Biden nominates Seattle business leader Roger Nyhus as ambassador
New estimate for number of WA residents eligible for student loan forgiveness
Undocumented immigrants can apply for WA COVID-19 relief funds
Ex-WA state employee gets 5 years for pandemic fraud of jobless claims
Seattle City Council OKs legislation to create Seattle Film Commission
Mayor Bruce Harrell appoints Adrian Diaz permanent Seattle police chief

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County to try new approach to mental health in minority communities

Spokesman Review
In scathing letter, state chides city of Spokane on Camp Hope response, accuses mayor of valuing ‘optics’ over ‘action’
Spokane City Council passes emergency air quality ordinance
‘It’s happening with younger and younger people’: UW expert talks about keeping youth safe amid rise in fentanyl use and overdoses

Washington Post
Fed poised for another sharp rate hike to fight inflation
In U.N. speech, Biden condemns Russia
Pickleball is exploding, and it’s getting messy
U.S. Civil Rights Commission sees inequities in FEMA disaster response

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Air quality worsens in Seattle overnight due to Bolt Creek Fire
Seattle mayor selects Adrian Diaz as new police chief

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle City Council passes measure to create film commission

KNKX Public Radio
How Biden’s declaring the pandemic ‘over’ complicates efforts to fight COVID
For the first time in 230 years, Congress has full U.S. Indigenous representation
How do you make Seattle happy? Reopen the West Seattle Bridge

KUOW Public Radio
Western WA is covered by smoke again. But for how long?

KXLY (ABC)
‘Censorship divides us’: Spokane Public Library holds events for Banned Books Week
Spokane Fire Department orders Jewels Helping Hands to take down cooling shelter

Q13 TV (FOX)
Tacoma leaders postpone decision on homeless ban
Washington DOH launches monkeypox data dashboard, cases declining statewide

Web

Crosscut
Remembering Sandy Williams, the Spokane journalist and Black activist

The Stranger
New SPD Chief, Same as the Old Chief

Tuesday, September 20

King County proposes millions in funding for new policing alternatives
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Monday a suite of funding proposals intended to boost public safety in the county with alternatives to traditional law enforcement. Constantine announced the proposals, many of which focus on alternatives to incarceration and law enforcement oversight, as both the county Sheriff’s Office and correctional staff seek to boost their depleted ranks with hiring bonuses and recruitment drives. The dual funding priorities — both policing and less-traditional approaches — represent what Constantine said were dual prerogatives — stopping “immediate harm” and addressing “root causes to prevent future offenses.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (David Gutman)

Military providing water to Yakima Valley homes after tests show it contaminated area’s wells
Military training exercises contaminated the drinking water of nearly 100 homes in the Yakima Valley. New test results show that the drinking water wells near the Army’s Yakima Training Center are contaminated with chemicals that increase the risks of certain kinds of cancer and other health conditions. The military is now providing bottled water for drinking and cooking to those residences. The contamination stems from a firefighting foam that the military used at the training center for decades, up until 2016. The foam contained dangerous chemicals that increase the risks of certain kinds of cancer, thyroid disease, and other health conditions. The chemicals can also harm people’s immune systems. Continue reading at KUOW. (Jos Speetjens)

In a first, health panel calls for routine anxiety screening in adults
In a nod to the nation’s pressing mental health crisis, an influential group of medical experts for the first time is recommending that adults under age 65 get screened for anxiety. The draft recommendations, from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, are designed to help primary care clinicians identify early signs of anxiety during routine care, using questionnaires and other screening tools. Anxiety disorders are often unrecognized and underdetected in primary care: One study cited by the task force found the median time for initiating treatment for anxiety is a staggering 23 years. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Washington Post Illustration)

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Associated Press
Fire near Skykomish 79% contained, Highway 2 still closed

Auburn Reporter
King County Executive proposes millions of dollars in public safety investments

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom Humane Society offering help after more than 100 puppies seized in Skagit County
Whatcom engineers create dredging technology honored as ‘most innovative design’
Pandemic was hard for people with disabilities. This Bellingham center met the challenge
How busy is Sea-Tac? Busy enough to plan a new airport. Where do you think it should be?

Capital Press
Environmental groups urge update of Columbia River Treaty

Columbian
Why alternative Interstate 5 Bridge replacement ideas won’t work
Editorial: In Our View: Public input essential for I-5 Bridge solutions
Editorial: In Our View: Senate must protect same-sex marriage

Everett Herald
Contractor: Grand Ave. bridge timeline, ‘unique design’ caused delays
Prosecutor use of term ‘Mexican ounce’ overturns Everett drug conviction
Comment: Tax credit sent child poverty to record low in 2021
Comment: Banning books is no way to prepare young minds
Editorial: Everett, Sno-Isle libraries protect right to read

News Tribune
Ambulance company ending WA service, including Fife office; more than 100 jobs to be cut
Pandemic’s end ‘in sight,’ but COVID isn’t going away. What’s that mean for the future?

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County sees COVID-19 rates drop into moderate-risk category

Puget Sound Business Journal
Big investments in Moses Lake have come with some growing pains
Some PPP borrowers on the hook because of ‘good faith errors’
Despite layoffs, tech workers still have the upper hand

Seattle Times
Seattle area stuck with smoke from Bolt Creek Fire a little longer
UW housing deal may add hundreds of new apartments near Seattle campus
Seattle educators approve new contract with SPS
Work to contain Bolt Creek fire now 79% complete; Highway 2 restricted
Amid spike in suicides, King County Jail to restore visits, services
King County proposes millions in funding for new policing alternatives
Seattle City Council to vote on 6-year parks budget next week

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County offering disaster preparedness programs for children
Skagit County agrees to settlement with opioid distributors

Spokesman Review
Spokane City Council votes to ban camping along river, under viaducts and near homeless shelters
Chewelah police chief given pre-disciplinary hearing following investigation
Spokane County judge denies attempt by West Hills residents to block homeless housing

Tri-City Herald
WSU Tri-Cities’ fall enrollment drops for 5th year. Is the pandemic still to blame?

Washington Post
Video appears to undercut Trump elector’s account of alleged voting-data breach in Georgia
In a first, health panel calls for routine anxiety screening in adults
YouTube remains rife with misogyny and harassment, creators say
Historic and disastrous storms hit opposite corners of North America

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital lost millions during first part of 2022
Latest round of testing finds 24 of 192 wells contaminated with PFAS near Yakima Training Center

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Teacher union approves new contract with Seattle Public Schools
King County Executive Dow Constantine announces proposed public safety plan
Bolt Creek Fire: Wildfire smoke expected in the Seattle area Tuesday; US 2 still closed

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
New funding proposed to revitalize Seattle parks, including hiring park rangers
King County Executive outlines public safety budget

KUOW Public Radio
Military Providing Water to Yakima Valley Homes After Tests Show It Contaminated Area’s Wells

Q13 TV (FOX)
Teachers ratify new 3-year-contract with Seattle Public Schools
King County public safety proposal includes millions to address repeat offenders
Barge arrives to help repair July crash damage at Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal

Monday, September 19

West Seattle Bridge reopens for traffic after more than 2 years
With honks and blinking headlights, crosstown traffic returned to the repaired high-level West Seattle Bridge this weekend, as city officials urged commuters to slow down Monday, during the span’s first commute in 2 ½ years. Drivers took advantage of light volumes Sunday to go the speed limit and zip between the peninsula and Interstate 5 in four minutes, a novelty after detouring 30 to 60 minutes through Duwamish River valley interchanges or neighborhoods. King County Metro Transit buses that traveled the lower swing bridge, sometimes delayed by ship openings and congested intersections, will return to their red bus lane on the high-rise bridge Monday morning. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

WA students can now take excused mental health days
Starting this school year, Washington has joined a growing number of states that can excuse students from school specifically to take care of their mental health. The change comes amid increasing rates of depression and anxiety — which have been steadily rising for at least a decade. Schools can now accept mental health symptoms in the definition of an excused absence, just as they do physical health symptoms. It formalizes allowing students to take days off to care for their mental health, including for counseling and behavioral health appointments. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jake Parrish)

Tacoma got dragged into DeSantis’ immigration stunt. Even from here, his cruelty is clear
The migrants were loaded onto two planes and flown to a tiny island that wasn’t expecting them, and, according to [Rachel] Self, were also given falsified U.S. addresses by immigration officials, a tactic that could jeopardize the migrants’ chances of winning their immigration cases and staying in the country. Self told reporters that at least one person was given a mailing address of a Tacoma homeless shelter, saying that some migrants provided with a fake address were instructed to quickly check in with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office nearest to it. “There is no other reason to list as someone’s mailing address a homeless shelter in Tacoma, Washington when they ship him to Massachusetts. It is sickeningly cruel throwing obstacles in the way of people fleeing violence and oppression, some of whom walked through 10 countries in the hopes of finding safety,” Self said. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

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Bellingham Herald
Census estimates show number of Whatcom County million-dollar homes doubles since 2019
This earthquake was recorded north of Bellingham early Saturday morning

Capital Press
Labels only required for detectable biotech genes, judge says

Everett Herald
Goat Rocks Fire evacuation notices lifted for Packwood, High Valley
WATCH: Weyerhaeuser woodworkers strike continues
Longview has 1,500 fewer trees than usual. City staff is working to fix that.
PeaceHealth, Kaiser Permanente to keep employee vaccine mandates amid changing Washington state rules

Federal Way Mirror
Stormwater issues prompt downgrading of Poverty Bay shellfishing area

Kitsap Sun
Navy placing 10,000 yards of sand on Puget Sound seafloor as part of legal settlement

News Tribune
Your trash bill and business license fees might go up in Tacoma. Here are the reasons
Where will Washington’s new airport be? Locals are fighting against one of the options
Tacoma council member diagnosed with cancer. ‘I kindly ask for grace and understanding’
Long COVID for WA health systems? ‘Hospitals are struggling and will be for awhile’
Column: Tacoma got dragged into DeSantis’ immigration stunt. Even from here, his cruelty is clear

Olympian
Ensign Road to close for 2 days as city moves more residents to Quince Street Village
Thurston officials recommend new COVID booster, but some appointments are filling up fast
New details provided by Lewis County Sheriff’s Department regarding inmate death

Peninsula Daily News
Sunken vessel lifted from depths of Haro Strait
Ruby Beach reopens after upgrades
Lethal toxin prompts closures of beaches to shellfish harvesting
State Department of Natural Resources takes over small brush fire near Joyce

Seattle Times
Lake City seeks investments from Seattle City Hall amid growth, change
Seattle refugees turn junk into tote bags, medical scrubs and dog toys
King County moves toward $5 million settlement with Suquamish Tribe over sewage overflows
West Seattle Bridge reopens for traffic after more than 2 years

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County’s COVID-19 case rate takes a jump
West Big Lake residents call on Skagit County to prevent flooding

Spokesman Review
Spokane City Council looks to pass illegal camping ordinance Monday

Tri-City Herald
CDC gives Tri-Cities one of worst WA COVID ratings in WA. More deaths reported
Editorial: Tri-City teachers and schools across Washington state need support, not suspicion

Washington Post
Pentagon opens sweeping review of clandestine psychological operations
Biden announces release of U.S. hostage abducted in Kabul more than two years ago
As wildfire risk grows, campfires fade across an arid West
The U.S. safety net was built for cold winters. Hot summers threaten it.

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley students make gains in test scores, still below pre-pandemic levels
WA task force on missing Indigenous people stresses need for funding, family support
L&I renews emergency rules for farmworker, other temporary worker housing

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Alki Beach locals, businesses eager as West Seattle Bridge finally reopens
West Seattle Bridge reopens after 2.5 years

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Gas prices drop in Seattle, statewide, nationwide for 14th straight week
WalletHub: Washington state among nation’s best for being a teacher

KNKX Public Radio
In a rare move, county buys a mental health facility to keep it from closing

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle’s urban forest is shrinking. How can it grow?
Coast Guard postpones effort to remove sunken fishing boat after lifting it to surface
‘A new dawn’ for carefully planned burns in Washington state
King County to buy treatment center as mental health beds are on the decline
Lawsuit aims to protect a rare West Coast carnivore, the fisher

Q13 TV (FOX)
West Seattle Bridge reopens to traffic after 2.5 year closure

Web

Crosscut
WA students can now take excused mental health days
What would it take to bring Seattle home prices down to earth?

The Stranger
Who Will Be Seattle’s Next Top Cop?

Friday, September 16

Early data suggests program can reduce recidivism in King County
Restorative Community Pathways (RCP), King County’s restorative justice program for youth offenders has shown promising results less than a year into its operation, Executive Dow Constantine said. “Restorative Community Pathways is an evidence and community-based program to help change a youth’s behavior, reducing crime and creating a better future for themselves, their families, and our community,” said Executive Constantine. Continue reading at Seattle Weekly. (Seattle Weekly file photo)

Clean energy just got a lot more cost-competitive, report says
The Inflation Reduction Act will cause the cost of renewable energy to decline dramatically over the next decade, according to an analysis shared exclusively with The Climate 202. The analysis from ICF Climate Center, a global consulting firm, concludes that the climate law will make clean energy projects easier to finance across the country, quickening the pace of America’s energy transition. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

West Seattle Bridge passes strength tests, will reopen Sunday as planned
Some critical strength tests were conducted on the West Seattle Bridge this week, and the Seattle Department of Transportation confirmed on Thursday that the bridge is safe and ready to reopen as planned on Sunday, Sept. 18. The exact time the bridge will reopen has not be released to prevent drivers from lining up to be the first to go over the repaired bridge. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

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Associated Press
Suquamish Tribe, King County reach $5M settlement deal over sewage spills
Biden plans floating platforms to expand offshore wind power
$5M settlement reached after King County dumped 6 million gallons of sewage in sound

Bellevue Reporter
Early data suggests program can reduce recidivism in King County
Ribbon cutting ceremony held for new Early Learning Center playground

Bellingham Herald
Struggling to pay for phone or internet? This federal program might be able to help

Capital Press
Agriculture welcomes tentative rail agreement

The Daily News
Ridgefield schools closed Friday as teachers, district continue bargaining
Goat Rocks Fire meeting in Packwood provides answers for residents

Everett Herald
Bolt Creek fire remains in check, but U.S. 2 to stay closed for now
Everett OKs shelter code changes to comply with changes in state laws
Everett joins statewide settlement with opioid distributors
A rising tide of trash forcing another closure of county facilities

Federal Way Mirror
South King Fire and Rescue Names New Assistant Chief of Operations

Kent Reporter
Meghin Margel sworn in as Kent School Board member
Jesse Johnson appointed to Highline College Board of Trustees

Kirkland Reporter
Kirkland 405 Corporate Center reaches net zero carbon operations

News Tribune
Hundreds honor 14-foot guardian on Gig Harbor’s shore. ‘This is medicine for our people’
Teachers in Pierce County school district ratify new contract, ending strike
‘This is life changing.’ Families at closing mobile home park say they’ve settled with developer

Olympian
City of Lacey employee speaks out against Pride Flag. And that was just the beginning
Amtrak worker strike is averted, but WA train riders will still be affected
WA Gov. Jay Inslee heads delegation traveling to Nordic countries for trade mission

Puget Sound Business Journal
Here’s how much the cost of living has risen in Seattle
Executives fear remote work will fuel the turnover tsunami

Seattle Medium
DEEL Provides Funding To Increase Educator Diversity And Organizational Development
Washington’s COVID-19 State Of Emergency To End Oct. 31
Reykdal Introduces Proposal To Provide School Meals At No Cost To All Washington Students
Consumers Observe Gas Prices Fall Weekly

Seattle Times
Seattle Pacific University staffer tells Christian campus: ‘I am a lesbian’
Why women with serious mental illness often get worse care than men
WSDOT eases up on weekend I-5 lane closures in Sodo
Highway 2 to remain closed through weekend amid Bolt Creek fire
Opinion: Millions from opioid settlement can offer healing — if leaders act

Washington Post
The Justice Dept.’s Jan. 6 investigation is looking at … everything
North America’s largest birds return to Northern California after a 130-year absence
Senate punts on same-sex marriage vote until after midterms
Clean energy just got a lot more cost-competitive, report says
Covid-19 in seniors linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk, study finds

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
West Seattle Bridge passes strength tests, will reopen Sunday as planned
Narcan vending machines coming to Pierce County
State Supreme Court rules insurance companies off the hook for SR 99 tunnel construction delays

Web

The Stranger
Seattle Warms Up to Democratically Run Homeless Shelters
Chinatown Protests “Homelessness Megaplex”

Thursday, September 15

Rail workers win key concessions in deal to prevent strike
Railroad workers secured a deal Thursday that will deliver 24% raises and $5,000 bonuses over five years and it will also address some of their concerns about strict attendance rules and time off. The deal that’s retroactive to 2020 will give rail workers the biggest raises they’ve seen in more than four decades. But the concessions related to working conditions may prove to be more important to them. The nation’s biggest railroads, including Norfolk Southern, CSX, BNSF, Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern all negotiated jointly with 12 unions. Continue reading at Capital Press. (BNSF Railway)

Washington state’s tax system is worsening income inequality
As she opened her $1,600 property-tax bill in February, Edith Baltazar suddenly lost her appetite for the eggs she’d prepared for lunch with her daughter. Her thoughts raced: Would their home be taken away if she couldn’t pay it. Baltazar’s daughter wept. The family would have to make a difficult decision: the property tax or $2,000 for diabetes medication. The taxes won. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Melissa Hellmann/Center for Public Integrity)

Public safety is about solving tough problems, not scoring political points
“Do not extend this dangerous program! How many repeat offenders will be put on the streets to steal, rob, assault and possibly kill.” Lately, my inbox has seen several emails like this. The program this person was referencing in this case is Restorative Community Pathways (RCP), a youth diversion program that my Democratic and Republican colleagues on the Metropolitan King County Council approved unanimously. It is an intervention that helps youth who have committed their first offense turn their lives around through community-based efforts — which studies show can be more effective than courts and jails. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)