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Thursday, August 18

Weather chaos in the West: High heat and concerns about fires and flood
Weather alerts blanket the West Coast, even as much of the rest of the country remains relatively quiet weather-wise. All across California and the Pacific Northwest, heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are in place, and temperatures are expected to top 100 degrees in spots. A few dry thunderstorms could bring fire concerns, too, and in the Desert Southwest there’s potential for flooding. More than 17 million Americans are under heat advisories on the West Coast, with another million or so included under excessive heat warnings. Advisories stretch through the entire San Joaquin Valley in California and blanket most of Washington state and the northern half of Oregon. Excessive heat warnings are in effect for central Washington state and include the city of Yakima. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Craig Mitchelldyer)

Ostrom Mushroom Farms faces civil rights lawsuit on gender, other discrimination
Ostrom Mushroom Farms, a major producer in the Pacific Northwest, systematically fired about 80% of its employees at its Sunnyside farm — the majority of whom were women — and replaced them with foreign workers, who were mostly men, under a visa that provides fewer labor rights, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by the state attorney general. The lawsuit alleges Ostrom violated the Washington Law Against Discrimination by engaging in retaliation against employees who reported concerns over working conditions and refused to hire U.S.-based workers and women. Attorney General Bob Ferguson said Wednesday during a news conference held at the Centilia Cultural Center in Seattle that his office was seeking pay lost by workers who were unjustly fired, restitution and civil penalties for the company. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daisy Zavala Magaña)

Red flag warnings spark concerns of wildfires in WA. This interactive fire map shows where
Despite being in the thick of wildfire season, Washington firefighters are enjoying a relatively peaceful August. But the National Weather Service in Seattle is warning people not to rest on their laurels, especially over the next couple of days, as dry, hot and unstable conditions have resulted in red flag warnings throughout the state. A red flag warning is issued when dry conditions, warm weather and high winds combine to create a potential fire danger. The Weather Service is also keeping an eye on the potential for isolated thunderstorms over the Cascades on Thursday, where a lightning strike could also ignite a wildfire. Continue reading at The Olympian.

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Auburn Reporter
Congressman introduces bill to discourage large investors from buying homes

Bloomberg
U.S. jobless claims unexpectedly dip for first time in three weeks

Capital Press
Groups petition Oregon to regulate dairy air emissions

Columbian
Clark Council OKs request for COVID funds to expand broadband to rural residents
Editorial: In Our View: Future Fund an investment in Washingtonians (Stonier)

The Daily News
Kelso council looks to fund road repairs, maintenance after staff estimate $1.5M needed

Everett Herald
‘Small step’ toward affordable housing is big debate in Snohomish
County OKs hotel-shelter purchases, won’t require drug treatment

News Tribune
Hazardous chemical bin in Lakewood Industrial Park at risk of exploding, firefighters say
Opinion: I was in prison. This year I’ll vote for the first time in 25 years. Here’s why it matters (Simmons)

Olympian
WA struggles to provide mental health care. Here’s how an archaic law makes it harder
Red flag warnings spark concerns of wildfires in WA. This interactive fire map shows where

Peninsula Daily News
State provides tourism relief grants

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle City Council approves police hiring incentives
Washington AG accuses Meta of trying to gut state campaign finance law
Gravity Payments CEO Dan Price resigns amid assault charges

Seattle Times
Seattle saw one of its warmest nights ever, and more heat is ahead
Ostrom Mushroom Farms faces civil rights lawsuit on gender, other discrimination
What happens if you get COVID again? Here’s what an infectious disease expert says

Tri-City Herald
Some Tri-Cities kids are already back in class. Here’s a look at a post-COVID classroom
Kennewick Council reaches split decision on public prayer. Would it be divisive?

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Columbia County undersheriff OK to preach in uniform, sheriff, prosecutor say

Washington Post
Allen Weisselberg, longtime Trump executive, pleads guilty to tax scheme
Glaciers in Europe are experiencing the most severe melting on record
Weather chaos in the West: High heat and concerns about fires and flood

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima City Council signs on to letter welcoming refugees to the U.S.
WA attorney general files civil rights lawsuit against Ostrom Mushroom Farms in Sunnyside

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
South Seattle community bands together to save affordable housing
‘How do we diversify the teacher workforce?’: SPS program increasing representation in classrooms

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Snohomish County Council approves purchase of two hotels for homeless housing, wraparound services

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Snohomish County Council OKs plan to buy, convert 2 motels into housing for the homeless
Seattle, King County move forward with pilot program for RV safe lot

KNKX Public Radio
Massive new climate law could give Pacific Northwest green businesses a boost
‘Another kind of homophobia:’ Critics say King County’s monkeypox vaccine criteria are intrusive

KUOW Public Radio
Another heat wave arrives in the Northwest
The future of renewable energy may lie in organic waste

Q13 TV (FOX)
Firefighters prepare for increased threat of brush fires as excessive heat lingers

Web

The Stranger
Seattle Has Lost the Battle Against Air Conditioning

Wednesday, August 17

Federal climate and inflation bill to bolster wave of new laws in WA
The landmark climate change and health care bill signed by the president Tuesday will unlock a wave of federal funding just as Washington prepares to launch a number of pivotal state programs. The new law will begin to funnel billions of dollars into green technology and infrastructure, making 2023 a potentially monumental year in the state’s fight against climate change. Washington is preparing to roll out a spate of programs that will put a price on greenhouse gas emissions, require electric utilities to phase out coal and reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. An influx of money could streamline and expedite state efforts to decarbonize. But the legislation’s success or failure will depend largely on how effectively federal funding complements state programs on the way. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Infectious disease expert suggests monkeypox prevention techniques for college students
At a time when thousands of college students prepare to flock back to local campuses, Edward Leonard, M.D., a board certified infectious disease specialist at Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, suggests college students take measures to protect themselves from the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that can appear anywhere on the body. Leonard recommends that college students don’t share towels, bedding, or clothing since the virus can spread if a person’s skin comes into contact with a contaminated object. Additionally, Leonard suggests covering coughs and sneezes since respiratory droplets can transmit the monkeypox virus with direct and extended face-to-face exposure. Continue reading at Bellevue Reporter. (Black Press File Photo)

Student loan borrowers will know ‘soon’ about moratorium extension
Student loan borrowers will know “soon” about an extension of the pause on student loan payments and possible debt cancellation, the U.S. education secretary said in an interview Tuesday, but still no decisions have been made. The pause expires Aug. 31. With the deadline just over two weeks away, borrowers and student loan servicers are growing weary without any guidance. “We’re having conversations daily with the White House and borrowers will know directly and soon from us when a decision is made,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told CBS News. The White House has said Biden will make a decision by the end of August. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
WA pays $2M to workers assaulted at psychiatric hospital

Auburn Reporter
King County releases first-ever Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy

Bellevue Reporter
Infectious disease expert suggests monkeypox prevention techniques for college students
Office of Law Enforcement Oversight director issues statement on behavioral health response

Bellingham Herald
Washington is at high risk of tsunamis and waves up to 42 feet tall, here’s how to prepare

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: Hanford offers potential, poses challenges

The Daily News
New $110M budget proposed for Kelso School District
Heat advisory set for Wednesday and Thursday for Cowlitz County

Everett Herald
State laws prompt changes in Everett city rules for shelters
Editorial: Electoral Count Act needs bipartisan reforms now

International Examiner
Velma Veloria honored with Lifetime Achievement Award from the Equity in Education Coalition

New York Times
Biden Signs Climate, Health Bill Into Law as Other Economic Goals Remain

Peninsula Daily News
Transgender proclamation draws hundreds to meeting
Observable sheen from oil spill shrinks

Puget Sound Business Journal
Child care workers in King County to receive one-time ‘retention’ bonus

Seattle Medium
Executive Constantine And Coalition Announces Behavioral Health And Crisis Response Priorities

Seattle Times
Truck drivers for Seattle sandwich maker Homegrown asked for a raise, then came the cameras
Federal climate and inflation bill to bolster wave of new laws in WA (Fitzgibbon)
How an old federal rule limits inpatient mental health beds in Washington
Washington attorney general enters fray in Idaho abortion lawsuit

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities largest school — the biggest high school in WA — must add more portable classes

Washington Post
U.S. officials clashed with the only maker of monkeypox vaccine as cases climbed
State climate action could be supercharged by the Inflation Reduction Act
How the Education Dept. plans to lift 7.5 million borrowers out of default
FDA moves to make over-the-counter hearing aids available to millions

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima continues to show support for Ukraine six months into war
Appeals court says penalties should be higher in Yakima School District public records case

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Student loan borrowers will know ‘soon’ about moratorium extension
King County pollution cleanup aims to restore habitat at a vital location for salmon

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Temperatures spike with record heat expected Thursday
Biden signs massive climate and health care legislation
Facebook parent Meta seeks to kill transparency requirements in Washington’s campaign finance law

KNKX Public Radio
Tribal scientists snorkel rivers to help save freshwater mussels

KUOW Public Radio
New 988 hotline is ‘the front door’ to help. But what’s next for Washingtonians in need?
Rep. Strickland on why the Dems’ massive healthcare and climate bill is a big deal for WA
One year later, Afghan refugees in WA still need support to put down roots

Q13 TV (FOX)
Snohomish County aims to turn motel to bridge housing in a city that banned outdoor overnight camping

Web

Crosscut
What the Nooksack River’s climate tailspin means for people and fish
WA state agencies fall short on federal relief reporting
Nine months later, Whatcom County flood survivors await FEMA aid

MyNorthwest
Amazon employees in Calif. walk out mid-shift in protest of low wages
Kitsap Transit gets nearly $1M to help address frequent ferry delays and cancellations
90% of child care workers applied to receive $500 bonus from King County
Washington attorney general joins coalition challenging Idaho’s near-total abortion ban

West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: Here’s what more we found out about West Seattle’s big water-main break

Tuesday, August 16

Crews begin removing oil, fuel from sunken boat near San Juan Island
Commercial divers and salvage teams on Monday began removing remaining diesel and other potential pollutants on the Aleutian Isle, a 49-foot vessel that sunk Saturday west of San Juan Island. Crews will get to the vessel, which is in 100 feet of water, using two decompression chambers, according to Petty Officer Michael Clark of the U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest. A safety zone of 1,000 yards around the sunken vessel west of Sunset Point was put in place Monday as well as specialized marine mammal-deterrence teams staged in Snug Harbor by the Washington Department of Fish and Game, according to the Coast Guard. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Infrastructure money to almost double zero-emission buses on road
The infrastructure law is set to almost double the number of zero-emission buses on U.S. roads with a single year’s funding, the Federal Transit Administration announced Tuesday. The agency said it has awarded $1.6 billion through a pair of programs to transit operators across the country. The money will be used to purchase about 1,800 buses — including 1,100 that aren’t dependent on fossil fuels — and to construct maintenance and charging facilities while training workers. The funding is one of the most direct ways the $1 trillion infrastructure package promises to cut carbon emissions from transportation, the nation’s biggest source of greenhouse gases. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Bill O’Leary)

With student loan decision expected soon, US wipes out debt for 208,000 borrowers
Students who used federal loans to attend ITT Technical Institute as far back as 2005 will automatically get that debt canceled after authorities found “widespread and pervasive misrepresentations” at the defunct for-profit college chain, the Biden administration announced Tuesday. The action will cancel $3.9 billion in federal student debt for 208,000 borrowers, the Education Department said. The debt is being forgiven using a federal rule known as borrower defense, which is meant to protect students from colleges that make false advertising claims or otherwise commit fraud. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

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Associated Press
Environmental groups sue US over Puerto Rico dredging plan
With student loan decision expected soon, US wipes out debt for 208,000 borrowers

Bellingham Herald
More heat is headed toward Whatcom. How hot will it get? And what else is on the way?
This job fair seeks to connect refugees to jobs and services in Whatcom County

The Daily News
Port of Longview moves forward with ongoing storage, rail projects

Everett Herald
Snohomish County eyes another motel-to-shelter project in Edmonds

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Fishing vessels sinks, leaking diesel and threatening sensitive areas

Peninsula Daily News
Monkeypox vaccine coming to Clallam County

Seattle Times
Is a colder than average, third La Niña winter in store for Seattle?
Starbucks says labor board helping pro-union workers in Seattle, elsewhere
Crews begin removing oil, fuel from sunken boat near San Juan Island
Hungry for more student interest, WA teachers test a free science curriculum

Underscore News
Yakama Nation, other tribes call on governor to reject Goldendale energy project

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Storms rain on parade of Walla Walla Valley wheat growers, causing further delays

Washington Post
Justice Department opposes release of Mar-a-Lago affidavit
Trump-allied lawyers pursued voting machine data in multiple states, records reveal
Infrastructure money to almost double zero-emission buses on road
Post-Roe, more Americans want their tubes tied. It isn’t easy.

Yakima Herald-Republic
Smaller apple harvest predicted for 2022 in Washington
Calling climate leaders: Yakima accepting applications for city sustainability committee

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Residents of Puyallup mobile home community slated for closure struggle to find affordable housing
Mayor signs legislation to protect reproductive rights in Seattle
Local moms band together, push for change after losing sons to overdoses
Suicide rates are rising among Black youth. How advocates are trying to break the stigma around mental health

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle becomes sanctuary city for those seeking abortions

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle mayor signs bills in support of reproductive rights and gender affirming care

KUOW Public Radio
How dramatic pandemic shifts affected Northwest birds
NW has dodged wildfire smoke this summer (so far), but fires still being fought across Washington
Washington State Ferries looks to the next generation to staff — and bring diversity to — future crews
WA activates alerts for missing Indigenous people – and forecasts more alerts overall

Q13 TV (FOX)
Oil spill clean-up hits new snag, as biologists raise killer whales concerns
Snohomish County buying up hotels as transitional housing for people facing homelessness

Web

MyNorthwest
Divers trying to recover oil from sunken fishing boat in San Juans
Mayor signs bill package expanding abortion protections, access in Seattle
Wildfires threaten nearby Leavenworth; 12+ fires burn across WA state

West Seattle Blog
UPDATE: Thousands lose water in West Seattle, after big break at 24th/Kenyon
TUESDAY: Confirmation process begins for new SDOT director Greg Spotts

Monday, August 15

Washington has new hotline for monkeypox information
Washington’s Department of Health has set up a new hotline to answer your questions about the monkeypox virus, aka MPV. The number is 1-833-829-HELP. The hotline will be operational from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays, and between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (outside of state holidays). Operators will answer any questions about risk factors, vaccine information, testing, and treatment. Just be aware that they won’t be able to schedule any appointments for you. Language assistance will be available in 240 languages. Continue reading at KUOW. (Gilles Lambert)

Proposal would keep worker heat protections in place all year in WA
New rules for people working outside in Washington may be in place year-round under a proposal from the state Department of Labor and Industries. For the past two years, L&I has released emergency rules for the summer which add to guidance already in place. The rules require rest breaks, water and shade for those working in the heat. They apply to construction, agriculture and delivery jobs, among other industries. This year’s emergency heat protections are in effect from June 15-Sept. 29. But staff members said temperatures are rising and they could be high outside of summer months. In May 2021, for example, the high temperature reached 92 degrees in the Yakima area, according to the National Weather Service. Continue reading at Yakima Herald-Republic. (Emree Weaver)

Energy secretary agrees Tri-Cities assets ‘irresistible’ for growing a clean energy hub
The Tri-Cities is well positioned to move from “cleanup to clean energy,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on her first visit to the Tri-Cities. Leaders representing Tri-Cities economic and other interests pitched the concept to her at a roundtable discussion, with their message bolstered by Granholm’s tours of the Hanford site and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland Thursday and Friday. The Tri-Cities has an “irresistible mixture” of assets for a clean energy economic future, Granholm agreed. And it has the benefit of being in a state that’s already No. 2 in the nation for clean energy as President Biden focuses on clean energy goals and signs new legislation with clean energy development tax incentives into law, she said. Continue reading at Tri-City Herald. (Bob Brawdy)

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Associated Press
So-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law confuses some Florida schools
Thao, Kueng say they rejected plea deal in Floyd killing
Starbucks asks labor board to halt union votes temporarily
Seattle ambulance contractor pays $1.4 M in fines

Aberdeen Daily World
$50 million secured for North Shore Levee project in Aberdeen and Hoquiam

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom returns to CDC’s ‘low’ COVID community level, but these two regions would be ‘high’
Environmental report on Cherry Point Refinery dock begun in 2006 released Friday
Bellingham Starbucks workers strike
One and a half weeks since its first confirmed monkeypox case, has Whatcom seen more?
Bellingham’s blue buses are electric
Here’s how Bellingham is getting millions more to fight climate change

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: Put vaccines on back-to-school to-do list (Stonier)

The Daily News
RiverCities board walks back limits on age, income for youth passengers

Everett Herald
Lynnwood’s microtransit test begins this fall, others possible
‘It’d be a miracle’: Providence tests new treatment for meth addiction
A daily pill could virtually end HIV, if people only knew to get it (Liias)
Proposed map shifts every Everett City Council district
Editorial: Nurses and hospitals need our care, support now

Indian Country Today
Quileute Tribe opens K-12 school on higher ground
$1B added to tribal broadband program
Fifty years later and Congress is ready to act on climate change

The Inlander
History seems to repeating itself between the Roaring 1920s and whatever it is the 2020s will be remembered for

Kitsap Sun
Requirements for electric vehicle charging stations on the horizon in Kitsap County

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County considers rehousing allocations
Affordable housing units get upgrades
Jefferson County to consider opioid settlement allocation

Seattle Times
These areas of WA are likely to get hotter — but people keep moving there
How King County’s efforts to help at-risk students created a record that could jeopardize their privacy
Vessel carrying 2,600 gallons of fuel, oil sinks near San Juan Island
Column: How the media privileges white victims

Tri-City Herald
Energy secretary agrees Tri-Cities assets ‘irresistible’ for growing a clean energy hub
COVID takes a turn in Tri-Cities. Here’s the latest on infections and deaths

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
E-Bikes gain popularity in Walla Walla

Washington Post
Trump-allied lawyers pursued voting machine data in multiple states, records reveal
More dangerous heat waves are on the way: See the impact by Zip code.
Trump’s secrets: How a records dispute led the FBI to search Mar-a-Lago
As Congress funds high-tech climate solutions, it also bets on a low-tech one: Nature

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council looks at program supporting free transit rides for Yakima youths
Yakima Valley Memorial, MultiCare officials extend timeline for merger discussions
Proposal would keep worker heat protections in place all year in WA

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New WSDOT video shows benefits of wildlife crossings, with more coming to Washington
Here’s what Washington state was granted for infrastructure projects

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Fishing vessel sinks off San Juan Island; Coast Guard responding to fuel spill
What’s behind Harborview Medical Center’s capacity crisis
Black-owned coffee shop in Shoreline targeted with new threats of racism

KUOW Public Radio
A community conversation about Seattle and the overdose crisis
Washington has new hotline for monkeypox information
‘Incredibly lucky’: endangered orcas dodge diesel spill off San Juan Island
Seattle considers fixing equity gap in cannabis industry
Take two for Seattle’s social housing initiative

Q13 TV (FOX)
Clean up efforts continue after diesel, oil spill near San Juan Island; scientists concerned about orcas

Web

MyNorthwest
Harborview Medical Center 30% over capacity, will stop accepting non-emergency patients
Universal healthcare campaign gains momentum in Washington state

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: SDOT announces September 18th reopening date
CORONAVIRUS: Updated West Seattle, countywide numbers
FOLLOWUP: Repairs yet to begin on ferry, pilings damaged in Fauntleroy crash

Friday, August 12

House poised to send Inflation Reduction Act to Biden for his signature
Today, the House returns to Washington for the expected passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, a sweeping package that aims to lower health-care costs, combat climate change, raise taxes on some large companies and reduce the deficit. The legislation would then go to President Biden for his signature, handing the president the latest in a summer string of legislative victories. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)

King County, Seattle form coalition to boost mental health facilities and workforce
King County has lost nearly a third of its residential mental health beds since 2018, and residents wait an average of 44 days for such treatment, county and city officials announced Thursday. The data points to the severely under-resourced state of the county’s behavioral health system. It was announced as part of the formation of a new coalition of King County and Seattle government leaders, state representatives and health care workers who plan to rebuild and add more resources to the region’s depleted mental health workforce. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert / The Seattle Times)

A New Agency Seeks to Hold Washington’s Killer Cops Accountable
Charleena Lyles. John T. Williams. Manny Ellis. More than two years after thousands flooded streets across Washington to #SayTheirNames, police accountability advocates are finally seeing the state’s response to their demands for impartial investigations of cops who kill on the job. Last week, the skeleton crew of employees staffing Washington’s new Office of Independent Investigations (OII) finally moved into their offices. The agency, while off to a slower start than initially projected, represents a first-in-the-nation victory for survivors of police violence. Once the department hires its remaining key staff members and finalizes its operating protocols, it will stand as the only statewide agency in America that investigates cops when they use deadly force, rather than allowing local departments to investigate their own. Continue reading at The Stranger. (Tyler Gross)