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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.

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Bellingham Herald
Inslee promotes marine blue economy during this visit to Bellingham

Capital Press
Outlook improves for a third straight La Nina
Driver saves pilot after helicopter hits tractor
Report: $2.66 billion annual crop value of Columbia Basin Project

The Daily News
Initial I-5 Bridge plan gets OK from Metro, transportation councils
Flood mitigation in downtown Centralia moves forward
Seasonal burn ban begins Friday in Cowlitz County, region

Everett Herald
Providence nurses seek hazard pay from Everett amid staffing woes
‘It’s a start’: 8 years later, MPHS families see step toward gun control
Comment: A pre-Civil War lens on coming abortion fights

News Tribune
Prosecutor issues decision on Tacoma police officer who drove through street-race crowd
Tacoma police officers justified in 2017 fatal shooting of armed man, prosecutor says
Second probable case of monkeypox reported in Pierce County by health department
43 people applied to be on Tacoma City Council. How will the vacant position be filled?
MultiCare turning to drones for medical deliveries with new service to start in Tacoma area

Olympian
It’s official: Panattoni submits plan for 480,000-square-foot warehouse in Tumwater
Two men accused of vandalizing Olympia mural also linked to Idaho pride event incident
Thurston County adds 13 more COVID deaths as CDC status remains ‘high risk’
Another tree disease is spreading in South Sound, and this one can hurt people, too

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle-area CEOs back effort that would require schools to offer computer science education
Port of Seattle approves lease for Des Moines industrial development

Seattle Medium
After The Repeal Of Roe v. Wade: What Does It Mean For Black Women
Comment: Overturning Roe v. Wade Weakens Our Union

Seattle Times
Two-thirds of WA counties had more deaths than births this past year
WA Poll shows residents back assault weapon ban
Some city of Seattle workers ready to quit rather than return to the office
Seattle logs more than a week of dry weather for the first time in months
988 – the new crisis phone and text line – goes live this weekend
Starbucks will appeal mail-in unionization vote at Seattle Roastery
Opinion: Protect our National Park Service from the politics of Washington, D.C.
Opinion: The Webb telescope restores (some of) my faith in humanity

Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon council approves $12.5 million bond for fire station remodels
Skagit 911 suspends plan to ask voters for sales tax increase
Construction begins on Veterans Community Plaza

Washington Post
Secret Service erased texts from Jan. 5 and 6, 2021, official says
Nobody wants to be in the office on Fridays
Inflation is soaring. Time to rethink your emergency savings.
Groups that aid abortion patients pull back, fearing legal liability
Worst backslide in global vaccinations ‘in a generation,’ U.N. says

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
UW professor sues school over language in syllabus regarding land acknowledgment
Seattle mulls a rezone of all residential neighborhoods
Providence nurses demand hazard pay amid staffing shortage

KXLY (ABC)
Camp Hope grows to small town population, many stuck without a choice
Business owners in downtown concerned about safety, hoping for solutions
WA county considers mandates, urges masking, boosters

NW Public Radio
Federal Report Recommends Breaching Lower Snake River Dams To Restore Salmon

Q13 TV (FOX)
Food pantries say Washington seniors are hit the hardest by inflation
Second ‘probable’ case of monkeypox detected in Pierce County

Thursday, July 14

Washington Supreme Court to hear challenge to new capital gains tax, bypassing Court of Appeals
The Washington Supreme Court will decide the legality of the state’s new capital gains tax, bypassing the Court of Appeals, in a case with hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue on the line and the potential to overturn decades of state Supreme Court precedent. The capital gains tax, passed by the Legislature in 2021, was a major and long-sought progressive victory for Democratic legislators. It created a 7% tax on profits from the sales of stocks, bonds and similar investments. But the tax only applies to profits above $250,000. The court is expected to hear oral arguments potentially around November, a court spokesperson said, although that could be pushed back if parties request an extension. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Uvalde parents, Highland Park survivors demand assault weapons ban
Kimberly Rubio keeps trying to picture the classroom through her 10-year-old daughter Lexi’s eyes, haunted by the different ways that May day could have ended. What side of the room did Lexi run toward with her classmates, huddling and fearing for their lives? What if Rubio had taken her daughter home earlier after an award ceremony that day? What if the outside door locked properly? What if police had immediately engaged the suspected gunman? But the one question that lawmakers should ask themselves every morning and night, she posed, was: “What if the gunman never had access to an assault weapon?” Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Salwan Georges)

New 988 crisis line launches Saturday; here’s how it works
988 – this is the new number people can call if they’re having a substance abuse or mental health crisis or if they’re also feeling suicidal. The new number will be operational starting Saturday. The three-digit number is meant to be easier to remember when someone is feeling overwhelmed and in crisis. It’s a lifeline and another option for those who need help. The 988 number is the same as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, just now shortened. When people do call 988, they’re greeted with a message. When they’re listening to that message, the call is being routed to a local crisis center or as close as it can be. Continue reading at KXLY.

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Associated Press
Washington Supreme Court to decide capital gains tax case

Auburn Reporter
Hirotaka appointed as the next Washington State Archivist

Bainbridge Island Review
Work on BI overhead ferry walkway begins

Bellevue Reporter
Sexual assault advocates speak out about loss of bodily autonomy following Roe v. Wade decision

Capital Press
Whatcom County water talks stumble out of the gate
Study calls for smarter land use planning to curb farmland loss
Ag stakeholders reject White House draft reports on dam breaching

Columbian
Portland City Council, Port of Portland unanimously vote for I-5 Bridge plan

The Daily News
Kalama, Longview ports team up to consider whether to add, deepen Columbia River turning basins

Everett Herald
‘Broccoli in the brownies’: New takes on summer school boost attendance
Public electric vehicle chargers come to downtown Everett
Comment: Even at inflation’s new highs, concerns may be easing

News Tribune
Another tree disease has appeared in Pierce County, and this one can injure people, too

NNPA Newswire
Union Cries Foul as Starbucks Announce the Closing of 16 Locations

Olympian
Olympia council OKs funding for Family Support Center’s supportive housing project

Seattle Medium
Attorney Questions System And Policies As Inquest Jury Determines That Officers Were Justified In Shooting Death Of Charleena Lyles
Mayor’s Office Announces Finalists For OPA Director
Strickland Introduces Legislation To Help HBCUs Become Top Tier Research Institutions

Seattle Times
Man who allegedly threatened to kill U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal released from jail
Harrell proposes new hiring incentives for Seattle police, aims to add 500 officers in next 5 years
Inflation hits record 10.1% in Seattle as prices keep climbing
Washington Supreme Court to hear challenge to new capital gains tax, bypassing Court of Appeals
SeaTac detention center has most COVID infections among federally run prisons

Tri-City Herald
Kennewick council divided over prayer at meetings. Attorney says rules must be followed

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla City Council punts on Whitman statue, stalls for more study

Washington Post
Democratic cities in Republican states seek ways around abortion bans
The nonstop scam economy is costing us more than just money
FDA authorizes Novavax coronavirus vaccine, adding to pandemic arsenal
Uvalde parents, Highland Park survivors demand assault weapons ban
Veterans forced out for being gay are still waiting for VA benefits

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle social housing initiative falling short on signatures
Federal lawmakers discussing ways to solve affordable housing crisis amid surging rent prices
Can cash incentives help SPD’s hiring, retention problem?
Washington Supreme Court to decide capital gains tax case

KUOW Public Radio
Federal report recommends breaching Lower Snake River dams to save salmon
Seattle’s low income communities benefit from soda tax revenue, UW study says
What recent SCOTUS ruling could mean for PNW Indigenous peoples

KXLY (ABC)
New 988 crisis line launches Saturday; here’s how it works

NW Public Radio
Why Some Benton County Residents Are Paying A Hospital Tax But Have No Hospital
Ben Franklin Transit Board Will Hold Two Meetings: Will They Refuse $75 Million From The State?

Q13 TV (FOX)
Seattle mayor, police chief announce $2M recruitment plan, but no cash incentive to keep officers

Web

MyNorthwest
Seattle Mayor Harrell commits to hiring 500 SPD officers by 2027
Washington charter school chain to repay $790,000 for misusing funds
Number of ‘high risk’ COVID counties in Washington cut in half over last week

The Stranger
Mayor Harrell Wants to Give Cops an Extra $30,000 to Work in Seattle

Wednesday, July 13

After Roe falls, local abortion clinics already feel strained system
Roughly half the states in the United States have already banned abortions, or are likely to ban them, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. In neighboring Idaho, a trigger ban passed in 2020 is set to make nearly all abortions illegal. Washington is one of 16 states with laws protecting abortion. The state could see an increase of up to 385% of patients whose nearest abortion provider is in Washington, Guttmacher predicts. Courtney Normand, Washington director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, said clinics across Western Washington are already seeing patients who have flown or driven thousands of miles for the medical procedure. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Olivia Vanni)

U.S. emissions linked to over $1.8 trillion of global economic losses, study says
The United States and China, the world’s two leading greenhouse gas emitters, are each responsible for more than $1.8 trillion of global income losses from 1990 to 2014, according to a new study that links the emissions in individual countries to the economic impacts of climate change in others. The report may bolster the scientific basis for legal claims for losses tied to global warming. The Dartmouth College study, published in the journal Climatic Change, linked one nation’s emissions of heat-trapping gases to losses and gains in the gross domestic product of 143 countries for which data is available. It found that five of the world’s leading emitters of greenhouse gases caused $6 trillion of global economic losses through warming caused by their emissions from 1990 to 2014. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Drew Angerer)

WHO warns covid ‘nowhere near over’ as variants spike in U.S., Europe
“The virus is running freely,” the World Health Organization warns as the latest omicron offshoots drive up coronavirus infections around the world. Many countries have lifted restrictions and reduced coronavirus tracking as they grapple with pandemic fatigue. But “new waves of the virus demonstrate again that covid-19 is nowhere near over,” according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He appealed to governments Tuesday to pour efforts back into testing and improving vaccine deployment and said rising cases were straining medical systems already stretched by the pandemic. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (David Ryder)

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Associated Press
White House: To help salmon, dams may need to be removed
Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Capital Press
Inflation picks up steam, reaches 9.1%

The Daily News
Work on Spirit Lake access road to prevent flooding begins after appeal denied

Everett Herald
After Roe falls, local abortion clinics already feel strained system
Passenger train between Vancouver and Seattle to resume in September
Comment: Supreme Court ruling will lead to more violent crime

Peninsula Daily News
Federal grants available for coastal climate change projects

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle’s housing vacancy rate is among nation’s lowest
Recession fears and inflation concerns not derailing job growth
Less than half of Seattle’s JumpStart tax revenue will go toward housing

Seattle Medium
City Council To Vote On Historical Light Rail Expansion

Seattle Times
With no plans yet to boost ridership, Sound Transit bets on isolated North Seattle station site
Seattle City Council names preferences for new Sound Transit line
Stalled projects at Seattle, other WA ports could finally proceed — with a cost — under new federal plan
Webb images could answer our ancient questions, says Seattle astronomer
Man suspected of hate crime for allegedly threatening to kill U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Tri-City Herald
Pasco City Council appoints its first Black member in 15 years
‘Difficult and costly.’ Snake dams should be breached, says Biden administration report
DOE names contractor to operate Tri-Cities national science lab for the next 5 years
Shock of deadly nerve toxins in Columbia River at Tri-Cities prompts new warnings

Washington Post
U.S. emissions linked to over $1.8 trillion of global economic losses, study says
June inflation soared 9.1%, a new 40-year high, amid high gas prices
Five charts explaining why inflation is at a 40-year high
Ex-Oath Keeper outlines dark worldview behind U.S. Capitol attack
WHO warns covid ‘nowhere near over’ as variants spike in U.S., Europe
Justice Dept. announces task force to fight overreach on abortion bans

Broadcast

KNKX Public Radio
Jan. 6 panel shows evidence of coordination between far-right groups and Trump allies

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane community conflicted over new south police precinct location

NW Public Radio
Western State Center Continues To Monitor Extremist Activity In Northwest
Idaho And Other NW Parents Struggling To Find Vaccines For Children Under 5
DNA Samples And Genetic Sleuths Helped Solve WA Cold Cases

Web

MyNorthwest
Puget Sound fish farming unlikely to be the single cause of Chinook extinction, NOAA says
BA.5 most contagious strain yet, second booster on the way
Rep. Jayapal threatened at her home, perpetrator could face hate crime charges
Don’t toss that butt … on the highway median, it can start a fire

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: City Council finalizes recommendations – and, for Delridge, non-recommendation
CORONAVIRUS: Pop-up COVID vaccination clinic at Seacrest

Tuesday, July 12

Report: Quake-triggered tsunami would hit Seattle in minutes
A study published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources this week shows a tsunami triggered by a major earthquake beneath Puget Sound would arrive at Seattle shores sooner and reach farther inland than previously thought. Models showed a tsunami following a magnitude 7.5 quake would inundate Seattle’s shoreline under more than 20 feet (6.1 meters) of water, and reach parts of Bainbridge Island, Elliott Bay and Alki Point within three minutes, The Seattle Times reported. Waves could reach a staggering 42 feet (12.8 meters) at the Seattle Great Wheel downtown and reach as far as Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (WA DNR)

How Biden’s rail expansion could impact WA train service
As President Biden’s ambitious passenger rail expansion plan faces an early test on the Gulf Coast, Washington train advocates have expressed concern about how it could affect the Pacific Northwest. “Even if there’s an adverse decision,” Liias said. “I don’t expect that there would be any kind of immediate impact because we’ve built these partnerships and relationships to deliver good rail service here.” Liias acknowledged that despite the amicable partnership with BNSF, competing with freight for track space leads to undesirable service disruptions, like delays or cancellations. In the future, he would like to see hourly train service along the Vancouver to Portland route — a goal that would likely require the construction of new tracks and potentially a high-speed line to make it time competitive with driving. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

The Covid-era surge in new businesses shows disparities in financing
The pandemic-fueled surge in business creation continues to reveal underlying racial disparities for small-business financing. That’s according to a new survey by payroll provider Gusto Inc., which found new Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs were less likely to be approved for private business loans or capital investments. It’s not for lack of trying. The survey found 14% of white business owners applied for a loan, and 70% saw their loans approved. Meanwhile, 17% of Black owners applied for a business loan but 55% saw it approved. About 10% of Hispanic owners applied for a business loan, and just 30% were approved. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal. (Getty)

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Associated Press
Report: Quake-triggered tsunami would hit Seattle in minutes
California heat builds as crews protect Yosemite sequoias
White House: To help salmon, dams may need to be removed

Auburn Reporter
Massive earthquake on Seattle Fault would bring catastrophic tsunami waves
Federal government announces monkeypox vaccine distribution to WA

Capital Press
Catching energy: Floating offshore wind generator proposals worry fishing industry

Columbian
Vancouver City Council approves early I-5 Bridge plan
Editorial: In Our View: State takes right approach on specialty education

Everett Herald
First monkeypox case confirmed in Snohomish County
Bracing for light rail, Lynnwood City Council grapples with growth
Comment: Threat isn’t over for minority students’ education
Comment: Court decision makes fighting climate change tougher

High Country News
Jury awards damages to Lummi Nation for 2017 fish spill

Indian Country Today
Judge refuses to dismiss tribes’ lawsuit over redistricting

Olympian
Two members of white nationalist group face charges for defacing Olympia mural in 2021

Peninsula Daily News
COVID cases trending down; precautions urged

Puget Sound Business Journal
The Covid-era surge in new businesses shows disparities in financing
Covid-19 changed consumer, dining habits — and permanently reshaped commercial real estate

Seattle Times
White House weighs in on Lower Snake River dam breaching in unusual power play
How much wages have increased in King County and across WA
UW Medicine virologists track local spread of monkeypox as more WA counties see infections
How Biden’s rail expansion could impact WA train service (Liias)
Opinion: Sound Transit must do the right thing for Seattle’s Chinatown International District

Sol De Yakima
Aviso de calor para el martes en el valle de Yakima; podría llegar a 102 grados
Yakima recibe $500 000 en fondos federales para combatir violencia doméstica relacionada con armas de fuego

Spokesman Review
Dozens gather in Coeur d’Alene to protest abortion restrictions

Washington Post
NASA unveils first images from James Webb Space Telescope
Jan. 6 hearing expected to focus on link between militants, White House
Pandemic fueled surge in superbug infections and deaths, CDC says
Biden officials push to offer second booster shot to all adults

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Man accused of threatening Rep. Jayapal could face hate crime charges
Mother says Seattle schools failing her special needs son 3 years after he was placed in cage
Search for land underway to set up RV ‘safe lot’ in Seattle
More local monkeypox cases — the CDC’s warnings for your summer plans
Biden admin: Docs must offer abortion if mom’s life at risk
Seattle councilmember proposes adding ranked-choice voting decision to November ballot

KNKX Public Radio
NASA’s James Webb telescope reveals the universe as we’ve never seen it before

KUOW Public Radio
Charter school ordered to repay state $790,000 for misappropriating kindergarten funds
Watch Live: House January 6 committee holds public hearings on its investigation

Q13 TV (FOX)
DOH: Several confirmed, probable cases of monkeypox reported in Washington state
Police: Man targeted Rep. Jayapal with racially-charged threats of violence

Web

The Stranger
Seattle City Council May Put Ranked-Choice Voting on the Ballot

Monday, July 11

States must now take lead on climate change action
When faced with decisions from “the court of last resort” — as the U.S. Supreme Court is nicknamed for its final word on court cases — objections can seem, well, moot. So the level of disappointment for many if not most Americans with a slate of recent Supreme Court decisions — on access to abortion, gun safety, the separation of church and state and most recently for a federal agency’s ability to regulate power plant emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases — is compounded by a sense that restoration of past precedents and laws will involve a long climb back, if that climb is possible at all. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Charlie Riedel)

Lawmakers consider a residents’ ‘bill of rights’ for seniors in independent living facilities
A disagreement between residents at a Lacey senior living facility and their management has led some state lawmakers to consider legislation that would create a residents’ bill of rights for senior citizens living in independent facilities. “The number of seniors is like a silver tsunami and as you look around, there are new facilities being built everywhere,” Rep. Laurie Dolan, D-Olympia, said. “But because there’s no coordination that facilities have to do the same kinds of things, it’s sort of like the Wild West right now.” Dolan told McClatchy Thursday that she has been in discussion with Sen. Sam Hunt and Rep. Jessica Bateman about the potential new legislation since the first meeting with residents at Bonaventure in Lacey occurred on June 7. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Chris Boswell)

Drugmaker seeks approval for first nonprescription birth control pill in U.S.
A French drugmaker on Monday asked for permission to sell daily birth control pills over the counter for the first time in the United States, handing federal regulators a major reproductive health issue just as the Biden administration struggles to respond to the Supreme Court decision striking down the constitutional right to abortion. Paris-based HRA Pharma said in a news release that it submitted its application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a progestin-only daily oral contraceptive. Progestin is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Andrew Harnik)