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Thursday, July 21

Seattle City Council to consider protections for people seeking abortions
A pair of new Seattle City Council bills designed to prohibit discrimination and interference with abortion care will be considered by members of the council Friday, adding to a cluster of potential policy changes intended to make the city a safe harbor for people seeking abortions. After the U.S. Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade in June, ending constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place for almost 50 years, many of the city’s elected officials proposed ways to fund, uphold or defend the right to an abortion in Seattle, as other states banned and criminalized abortions. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Jennifer Buchanan)

King County declares fentanyl a public health crisis
King County’s record-breaking number of fentanyl overdoses has prompted the county council to declare a public health crisis. This year 268 people have died so far — a 46 percent increase compared to this time last year, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office Overdose Dashboard. Council members say the goal is to sound the alarm and find solutions. Most of the recent fentanyl overdoses and deaths have been linked to illegally manufactured opioids. It’s a synthetic drug that’s fast-acting, addictive and highly potent. “I’ve been working on this a long, long time. And this is unprecedented,” said Caleb Banta-Green, principal research scientist with the University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug, and Alcohol Institute. Continue reading at KUOW. (Isolde Raftery)

Extreme heat wreaks havoc on roads and railways. Experts say we need to adapt.
Roads and airport runways buckling. Train tracks warping. Bridges swelling. These are just some of the damaging effects extreme heat has had on critical infrastructure in recent years, as heat waves have become more frequent and intense — a stark reminder, experts say, of the need to adjust quickly to a warming planet. “Most of our physical infrastructure was built using the temperature records of the mid-20th century,” Costa Samaras, principal assistant director for energy with the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, wrote in an email. “That is not the climate we have now.” Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Robin van Lonkhuijsen)

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Associated Press
Biden scraps announcing crime plan after positive COVID test
Murders up, police staffing way down in Washington state
King County sheriff asked to investigate ballot-box surveillance
WHO once again considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency
King County Considers Mandates, Urges Masking, Boosters

Auburn Reporter
King County Council votes to declare fentanyl a public health crisis amid overdose surge

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom’s overall crime numbers were down. Here’s where violent crime reports were up

Columbian
Report finds more violent crime, fewer officers in Washington

The Daily News
Local ports plan projects after infrastructure bill gives $450M to ports nationwide
Kelso City Council aligns with state, bans openly carrying weapons at public meetings

Kitsap Sun
Over $1.6 million in federal funding planned for Suquamish tribe’s housing project

News Tribune
Homicides increased in WA state in 2021. What about in Tacoma and Pierce County?
Tacoma-Pierce County health department closes offices after threat made against employees

Olympian
Murder, violent crimes up in WA state but drug offenses down, annual data show

Port Townsend Leader
Upcoming COVID-19 clinics to offer free vaccinations to children

Puget Sound Business Journal
Report shows state still adding jobs even as possible recession looms
Younger workers are much more comfortable sharing their salaries
Developer: Motels turned to housing are CRE’s ‘unicorns’
Lawmakers push for greater fintech role in SBA 7(a) lending program

Seattle Medium
Harrell Unveils Plan To Recruit And Retain Police Officers

Seattle Times
Seattle weather to get scorching after some ‘normal’ summer temperatures
Seattle City Council to consider protections for people seeking abortions
Prosecutor: No charges against Seattle police officers in fatal 2017 shooting of Charleena Lyles
Opinion: Help Seattle restaurants survive: Fix delivery-fee cap at 15%

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County distributes $1.2 million for affordable housing
Residents of Big Lake offered options to protect water quality

Tri-City Herald
Feds bar Hanford company from new contracts. It’s accused of COVID loan fraud
Year-long drought alert lifted in Eastern WA. But Tri-Cities isn’t in the clear
3 Richland school leaders are trying to stop attempt to oust them. How long until a decision?

Vancouver Business Journal
Clark County real estate market sees ‘dramatic’ slowdown in June

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
COVID-19: Walla Walla, Umatilla and Columbia counties in high transmission rate
City of Walla Walla seeking input on how to improve transportation safety

Washington Post
Biden tests positive for covid-19, White House says
Extreme heat wreaks havoc on roads and railways. Experts say we need to adapt.
Secret Service watchdog knew in February that texts had been purged
House passes protection for birth-control access; Senate support is unclear
Even a day after Jan. 6, Trump balked at condemning the violence

Yakima Herald-Republic
EFSEC extends deadline for Yakima County solar projects
Inslee promotes solar power during Yakima visit

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘This is an outrage’: Inslee blasts those responsible for ballot box ‘surveillance’ signs in King County
WA Poll: Do Washington voters trust election security?
President Biden tests positive for COVID-19
Jan. 6 panel probes Trump’s 187 minutes as Capitol attacked
Violent crime up as Washington state sees decrease in police officers: 2021 crime report

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19
Inslee says state is not looking at bringing back masks
Inslee to announce proposal expanding training, support for officer recruitment

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Tacoma clears camp near county courthouse amid concerns about crime from the site

KUOW Public Radio
King County declares fentanyl a public health crisis
The new Jumpstart payroll tax raised more than expected. Is the money going where it’s most needed?
Vaccine boosters provide defense against severe Covid, new study finds

KXLY (ABC)
New Washington report shows increase in violent crimes across the state

NW Public Radio
Ben Franklin Transit Board Ends Tax Cut Talk For Good

Q13 TV (FOX)
Seattle cyclists, advocates concerned over bike crashes involving cars

Web

MyNorthwest
Chelan fire likely caused by ‘rogue lightning strike,’ now 80% contained
Vaccine mandate here to stay for state employees, according to Gov. Inslee
Despite fewer bidding wars among home-buyers, Seattle-area real estate prices continue to climb
Amid ever-rising overdose deaths, King County votes to declare fentanyl a public health crisis

Wednesday, July 20

WA tribes to get $50M to restore Puget Sound
Tribes in Western Washington will receive $50 million in federal funding from the infrastructure bill, effectively doubling support for restoration and protection of Puget Sound. The Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday in Sequim that it will give the money over the next five years to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, which supports 20 treaty tribes. “For too long, the federal government has failed to live up to its trust and treaty responsibilities — and persistently failed to provide the federal funding needed to invest in the infrastructure our tribal communities need,” said U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, in a statement. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Demand for tech workers puts emphasis on diversity in higher education
Tech jobs are increasing faster in Washington than in almost any other state. From 2019 to 2021, tech jobs statewide rose 6.6%, the third-highest increase in the U.S. Filling those jobs, however, is a challenge in itself at a time when many employers have a heightened awareness of workplace diversity and inclusion. Female students as well as Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic students remain significantly underrepresented in computer science at the UW, but the department is still outpacing national averages in terms of representation. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal. (Anthony Bolante)

‘It’s time to move forward’: Temporary ordinance could create more housing options
For the next year in Spokane, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes can be built in any residential neighborhood. Spokane City Council passed a temporary zoning ordinance with the goal to get more people housed. “I would love to be able to have a home that they can grow up in and space to possibly run around. I look forward to doing that here,” said Nicole Mills. Mills is a single mom of two and hopes home ownership is a reality for her one day. She currently rents an apartment with her two children. The city’s new zoning ordinance could create more options for people like Mills. Continue reading at KXLY.

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Associated Press
GOP groups organize ballot box surveillance efforts
Seattle mayor nominates new director of police board
States getting more monkeypox vaccine soon, US officials say

Aberdeen Daily World
988 new suicide prevention lifeline

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham sets a one-year ban on multi-family construction in this neighborhood
Here’s when Whatcom County may see triple-digit heat

Capital Press
Washington cap-and-trade cost estimates increased

Everett Herald
Everett Herald journalists launch effort to unionize
After court strikes Edmonds gun storage law, city looks at options
Comment: Supreme Court used flawed history of Christian right

News Tribune
A historic Black church wants to combat gentrification on Tacoma’s Hilltop. Here’s how
$25K per guest: Why using a Pierce County hotel for COVID-19 shelter was so expensive

Puget Sound Business Journal
Lack of diversity in tech pipeline puts spotlight on academic programs
SBA winds down venue grant program as watchdog finds issues

Seattle Times
WA tribes to get $50M to restore Puget Sound
New civilian director nominated to lead Seattle’s Office of Police Accountability
WA schools chief wants to sever connection between timber sales, K-12 construction
Campfire season is over in Eastern Washington
Opinion: Demand congressional action on clean energy

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County electric ferry nearly ready for construction

Washington Post
Trump’s choices set nation on path to Jan. 6 violence, committee shows
Biden to issue new policy on climate, vowing to act if Congress doesn’t
House passes protection for same-sex, interracial marriages with bipartisan support

Yakima Herald-Republic
$500K grant to help foster, vulnerable youths transition to adulthood in Yakima County

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Timber sales should benefit rural school districts, state superintendent says
King County, community leaders to discuss gun violence prevention methods
Providence nurses calling for hazard pay to help retention amid staffing shortage
Low-income housing in Hilltop neighborhood being built by Tacoma church

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Officials call ‘under surveillance’ signs placed near ballot drop boxes voter intimidation
King County Council declares fentanyl a public health crisis amid spike in deadly overdoses
‘Transformative’ changes for Washington schools? Top educator pitching new policies
Seattle chamber ends fight over city’s JumpStart business tax
House approves same-sex marriage bill, retort to high court

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Some homeless delay camp cleanup in Tacoma, accuse city of taking personal property
King County officials call for activists to remove ballot drop box surveillance signs

KNKX Public Radio
Canadian researchers seek paths for animals to migrate in response to climate change

KUOW Public Radio
Everett Daily Herald staff forms union, asks for fair pay and working conditions
Recent Seattle gun violence part of growing trend
Gino Betts named new civilian head of police accountability office
WA abortion provider says executive order makes ‘zero difference’
Documents show the secret strategy behind Trump’s census citizenship question push

KXLY (ABC)
McMorris Rodgers, Fulcher vote nay to same-sex marriage protection bill passed by House
‘It’s time to move forward’: Temporary ordinance could create more housing options
Drought declaration lifted for Eastern Washington

Q13 TV (FOX)
Excitement surrounds baby Southern Residents, as scientists fear ‘dried up twigs’ on family tree
DNR estimates Stayman Flats wildfire burned 1,200 acres of land near Chelan so far

Web

The Stranger
City Council Fills Durkan-sized Loophole in Police Oversight System

Tuesday, July 19

WA hospitals are far over capacity, as backlogs and staff shortages add up
Washington’s hospitals are again “dramatically over capacity,” as challenges discharging patients worsen and staff shortages persist, the state’s health care leaders said Monday. In a news briefing, leaders from the Washington State Hospital Association said many health care facilities are 120% to 130% full, leading to long wait times in emergency departments, declining patient care and disruptions in ambulance services throughout the state. The high patient loads aren’t directly due to COVID-19 cases: Instead, officials say delayed procedures and difficulties discharging hospital patients are behind the capacity problems. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Elaine Thompson)

CEOs made 324 times more than average worker in 2021. Group calls it ‘greedflation’
Executive wages in the U.S. continue to grow to record highs while their workers struggle to keep up with rising prices, new data shows. The average S&P 500 CEO made 324 times the median pay for their workers in 2021, according to the AFL-CIO’s annual Executive Paywatch report. That is a 23% jump from 2020’s 299-to-1 CEO-to-worker pay ratio. In 2021, CEOs earned an average of $18.3 million in compensation, an increase of 18.2% from 2020. Meanwhile, U.S. worker wages rose 4.7% in 2021, falling behind the record-breaking 7.1% inflation rate, the report shows. After adjusting for inflation, U.S. workers’ average hourly earnings fell by 2.4% in 2021, the report says. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Michel Spingler)

Biden could declare climate emergency as soon as this week, sources say
President Biden is considering declaring a national climate emergency as soon as this week as he seeks to salvage his environmental agenda in the wake of stalled talks on Capitol Hill, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private deliberations. Some climate activists have urged the White House in recent months to deploy an emergency declaration to maximum effect, arguing that it would allow the president to halt crude oil exports, limit oil and gas drilling in federal waters, and direct agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency to boost renewable-energy sources. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Bill O’Leary)

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Associated Press
Lawmakers, wildlife officials study E-bikes on trails (Liias)
AP source: Biden holds off on climate emergency declaration
6 members of white supremacist group appear in Idaho court
Washington superintendent to resign, receive nearly $400K

Bellingham Herald
Four proposals offered for a major waterfront project. See the details, vote for your favorite

Capital Press
Trade regulators decide against tariffs on UAN imports

The Daily News
New fees proposed at Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Everett Herald
Comment: ‘Right to life’ will end up killing more women

High Country News
Washington’s largest homeless encampment faces an uncertain future

Kitsap Sun
New models show tsunami’s effects on Kitsap after Seattle Fault quake

News Tribune
Here’s Pierce County’s $50M plan to house 200-300 of its chronically homeless residents
Nuisance Tacoma school property to be redeveloped into housing, urban village, plans show

Olympian
Port of Olympia commissioner Downing speaks out after ‘vote of no confidence’ story
Americans’ confidence in public schools approaches all-time low, Gallup poll finds
CEOs made 324 times more than average worker in 2021. Group calls it ‘greedflation’
WA state hospitals remain over capacity, and it’s not just the fault of COVID-19

Peninsula Daily News
Highly infectious COVID-19 on the rise

Puget Sound Business Journal
Starbucks baristas at Seattle roastery strike as union tension mounts
Senators say SBA EIDL program has billions left to lend, but will it?
Foreclosure starts, bank repossessions rising to pre-Covid levels
Employers may need to rethink Covid-19 testing after new EEOC guidance

Seattle Times
WA hospitals are far over capacity, as backlogs and staff shortages add up
Opinion: Don’t roll back cruelty-free cosmetics laws

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County moves to protect farmland in fish habitat debate
New Skagit County COVID-19 case rate takes a jump

Tri-City Herald
Richland nuclear plant could be 1st in U.S. to produce power this way under new deal
Rent prices are skyrocketing across the U.S. How does Tri-Cities compare?

Washington Post
Biden could declare climate emergency as soon as this week, sources say
Heat waves are getting hotter and more frequent. Here’s how to prepare.
Ways to spot and combat ‘shrinkflation’ as grocery bills soar
A 1792 case reveals that key Founders saw abortion as a private matter

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Soda and similar taxes are beneficial for lower-income communities, UW study finds
Some Washington hospitals reportedly overcapacity

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Potential for very warm weather across western Washington next week
Evacuations ordered for wildfire near Chelan
Starbucks union workers say union busting, not safety is the cause for store closures
Monkeypox cases on the rise in western Washington
‘Just the beginning’: Starbucks CEO says ‘many more’ store closings on tap
Average price of gas continues to fall in Washington

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Homeless camp on private property in SLU cleared after months of complaints
Survivor says she had to jump through hoops to get rape kit tested in Washington (Orwall)

KNKX Public Radio
These gun deaths didn’t make national headlines, but they left a devastating mark
These are the 4 key takeaways from the Uvalde shooting investigation report

KUOW Public Radio
Colleges navigate confusing legal landscapes as new abortion laws take effect

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington’s routine childhood vaccination rates still lag behind pre-pandemic levels
New UW study on effective dispensing of abortion medications via telehealth services

Web

MyNorthwest
Des Moines betting on fast ferry service to attract visitors
Hospitals sound alarm with 130% patient capacity as WA stares down BA.5 wave
Starbucks Roastery workers protest store closures as Schultz says its “just the beginning”
Several western Washington counties experiencing high levels of COVID-19 infection

West Seattle Blog
Save Fauntleroy Cove Park group leaps into lull for ferry-dock project
DEVELOPMENT: Microapartments proposed for site of fire-gutted South Delridge building

Monday, July 18

Majority of state supports offering abortions to out-of-state residents, according to WA Poll
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion was met with broad opposition in Washington state, according to a recent statewide poll. Results from the WA Poll, conducted among 825 Washington adults earlier this month, showed strong pushback to the Supreme Court ruling — making abortion one of the top issues on voters’ minds in the weeks following the Roe v. Wade decision. While most opposition came from female and Democrat respondents, feelings of disagreement generally increased with residents’ education and household income. Meanwhile, male and Republican respondents showed the strongest backing of the ruling, according to poll results. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

Climate change prompts a push away from natural gas
While the gas industry describes heat pumps as “not a silver bullet,” many do consider them a major weapon in the battle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Heat pumps not only provide efficient space heating but double as air conditioners, because they can transfer warm air in either direction. They offer protection against heat waves and allow Pacific Northwesterners to close their windows and breathe filtered air when forest fire smoke invades the region. An estimated 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to buildings, and half of home energy demand is for space and water heating. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ryan Berry)

Climate change is pushing hospitals to tipping point
When an unprecedented heat wave baked the Pacific Northwest last July, emergency rooms sought any way possible to lower the core body temperatures of patients coming in droves with heat-related ailments. Many emergency departments in the region began putting people in body bags filled with ice to help safely adjust their temperatures. But despite their lifesaving efforts, around 1,000 excess deaths occurred from the brutal heat. The scramble to save lives paints the challenging reality that many hospitals and medical workers are facing again this year as severe weather-related health emergencies escalate because of extreme climate events. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Spencer Platt)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Bid protest delays North Shore Levee project in Grays Harbor County
Gov. Inslee visits flood hazard reduction projects in Montesano
Inslee attends Fry Creek pump station groundbreaking (Tharinger)

Capital Press
Cougar rule to help Washington elk herd passes
Suit invites federal judges to change wolf control in Washington

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: Solutions, not more studies, to save salmon

The Daily News
National mental health crisis line 988 goes live Saturday; expected to lower 911 mental crisis calls in Cowlitz County

Everett Herald
Climate change prompts a push away from natural gas

News Tribune
Bartell pharmacy leader explains why it’s a good idea to get kids vaccinated for COVID

Olympian
Thurston County spending COVID-19 recovery money too slowly, officials say
Olympia school officials, families say more info needed for decision on balanced calendar
Do your kids receive free or reduced-price school lunches? WA summer food aid coming
Living in an independent senior facility? Advocates for WA seniors want to hear from you (Hunt, Dolan, Bateman)

Seattle Times
How we talk about monkeypox could protect lives
Majority of state supports offering abortions to out-of-state residents, according to WA Poll
Poll: most WA residents blame Trump for Jan. 6 attack, but many Republicans don’t
This is how far Seattle Schools are from meeting students’ mental health demands

Skagit Valley Herald
Slowing housing market puts homeless services funding at risk

Tri-City Herald
CDC increases Tri-Cities COVID rating to ‘high.’ Thousands of workers must wear masks

Washington Post
Scientists rush to save 1,000-year-old trees on the brink of death
Climate change is pushing hospitals to tipping point
Is it safe to travel while BA.5 spreads? Health experts weigh in.
Under right-leaning Supreme Court, the church-state wall is crumbling

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima apartment vacancy rate improving as construction surges
Yakima County commissioners plan moratorium on solar farms until siting rules are devised
12,000 Yakima County permanent residents eligible to naturalize, gain citizenship

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
WA Poll: Nearly two-thirds of Washington adults oppose overturning Roe v. Wade
Washington state adults mostly blame Trump supporters, not Trump for Jan. 6 attack, WA Poll finds
Washington lawmakers, wildlife officials study E-bike impact on trails (Liias)
King County health officials in ‘active discussions’ about possible mask mandate

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Gas prices continue to drop in Seattle, Washington state and nationwide
Starbucks workers hold picket line at Reserve Roastery, accuse company of union busting
New national 988 mental health crisis line active; Puget Sound advocates approve effort

KXLY (ABC)
City Council to discuss Trent homeless shelter negotiations on Monday

Q13 TV (FOX)
Monday at 10 p.m.: Why Southern Resident orcas’ behaviors have changed

Web

MyNorthwest
UW astronomer: NASA’s new telescope shows clearest images of other galaxies to date
King County struggling to find solutions to keep homeless off the streets permanently
Extreme Risk Protection Order filed against man accused of threatening to kill Rep. Jayapal
Starbucks union to bring lawsuit against company, disputes reason for closures
Duwamish River Park opens after decades of redevelopment

The Stranger
Seattle City Council Puts Ranked-Choice Voting on Ballot

Friday, July 15

988 – the new crisis phone and text line – goes live this weekend
Starting Saturday, people in a mental health or behavioral crisis can call or text 988, a three-digit national replacement for local suicide hotlines and other helplines. It’s the first step in a long process to improve crisis-response systems across the U.S. While questions have been raised about whether the hotlines are ready to go nationwide, operators in Washington state say they’ve been able to ramp up hiring and feel prepared for the launch. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times)

Worst backslide in global vaccinations ‘in a generation,’ U.N. says
The coronavirus pandemic coincided with the worst backslide in global vaccination coverage in a generation, according to new data from the United Nations. This came despite a historic effort to develop and distribute billions of coronavirus vaccines during the pandemic. The new data, released late Thursday by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, showed that average global childhood coverage for vaccines developed for 11 key diseases had fallen from 71 percent in 2019 to 68 percent in 2021, marking the first time in over 30 years that the metric had fallen. Continue reading at Washington Post. (Baz Ratner/Reuters)

Prosecutor issues decision on Tacoma police officer who drove through street-race crowd
A Tacoma police officer who drove his vehicle through a crowd of pedestrians Jan. 23, 2021 during an illegal street racing event won’t be charged with any crimes, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett told Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore on Thursday. The man who apparently was run over in the incident is facing criminal charges. Continue reading at Tacoma News Tribune.