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Wednesday, Aug. 4

Health officials concerned with uptick in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations in Washington due to delta variant
Health officials are raising concerns about a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Washington due to the spread of the delta variant. The state Department of Health on Tuesday reported 600 hospitalizations statewide — a 20% increase since last week. An average of 1,500 new daily cases have been reported over the past four days and the percent of positive tests has climbed to 5.5%, up from 2% a month ago. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Elaine Thompson)

State’s dairy workers begin earning overtime with new law
Washington state dairy workers can start earning overtime pay after a new law took effect July 25. The law, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee in May, allows dairy farmers to earn overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate for any work above 40 hours per week. Farm workers had previously been exempt from overtime pay because they were excluded from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Continue reading at Auburn Reporter. (Conor Wilson)

Western forests face devastating consequences of climate change, wildfires
Wildfires are an increasingly dangerous threat to people, wildlife, and property in the American West, but that threat could eventually taper off. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Maureen Kennedy is an assistant professor of wildfire and forest management at the University of Washington Tacoma. She told KUOW’s Paige Browning about her research. Continue reading at KUOW. (Unsplash and Matt Howard)

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Associated Press
WA sees 1,500 new cases a day of COVID-19 in recent days
Southern Resident orca near Washington state presumed dead
NLRB preliminary finding revives labor organizing at Amazon
Spirit cancels half its flights; American also struggling

Aberdeen Daily World
Work begins Aug. 16 to stabilize 101 at Cosi Hill slide area

Auburn Reporter
State’s dairy workers begin earning overtime with new law (Keiser)

Bainbridge Island Review
COVID, housing, budget discussed at BI school meeting

Bellevue Reporter
Independent investigation conducted after Lynnwood Jail death

Capital Press
Vilsack on wildfires: Nation, Oregon face ‘larger challenges’
Lightning sparks new wave of wildfires in Cascades
Washington Ecology to fund drought relief
Risk of large fires to stay high into fall
Tree fruit growers assess damage from late June heat wave
Hot, gusty weather could mean explosive fire growth in West

Columbian
PeaceHealth to require vaccinations for workers

Courier-Herald
Tax breaks for apartment developments? City seeks public comment
Letter: Americans deserve Medicare for All

The Daily News
BPA’s first rate cut in decades may not affect local costs
PeaceHealth, Kaiser Permanente requiring COVID-19 vaccination for employees

Everett Herald
Woman left alone for 3 hours at Lynnwood Jail killed herself
New low-income apartments to replace Whispering Pines
Bloomberg Comment: ‘Median voter’ doesn’t ask for much but gets it
Letter: Vaccine opponents risk tragedy for more than themselves
Letter: Students need to be taught history, warts and all

Islands’ Weekly
Delta variant drives sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations
‘Unprecedented growth in garbage’

Journal of the San Juan Islands
San Juan County COVID case cluster investigation underway

Kent Reporter
King County has no plans to buy any Kent hotels for the homeless

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap racial equity grants help two nonprofits aid kids ‘on a bigger scale’

Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island families prepare for return to in-person learning

News Tribune
‘No-poop zones.’ Residents say travelers are using Pierce County community as a toilet
With cases stacking up, Pierce County court adjusts COVID rules to get trials moving
Following potential COVID exposure, it’s back to Zoom for Gig Harbor council
You can visit national parks for free on two days in August. Here’s what to know

New York Times
Trump asks a judge to block the Treasury Dept. from giving his tax returns to Congress.
Defense Secretary Weighs Recommending Vaccine Mandate for Troops
Amazon Faces Wider Fight Over Labor Practices
In the Infrastructure Bill, a Recognition: Climate Change Is a Crisis
Democrats Seek $500 Billion in Climate Damages From Big Polluting Companies

Olympian
Thurston County confirms fourth COVID-19 outbreak at jail
Medic One levy lift passing by wide margin in early returns Tuesday night
Thurston sees 2 more COVID-19 deaths, 196 cases
119 COVID-19 cases in 2 weeks prompts closure of UNFI’s Centralia distribution center
Restaurant fined repeatedly for defying Washington COVID restrictions closes for good
Editorial: Washington state’s police reform is taking effect without alternatives in place

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County Commissioners award $5.5 million bid for first phase of Lower Dungeness levee project
Makah Tribe strengthens its rules as COVID-19 cases rise
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Protection Island fire fills bay with smoke

Puget Sound Business Journal
Push continues for more Restaurant Revitalization Fund money as advocates warn of closures
Biden sets eviction ban in variant-stricken areas
PeaceHealth becomes latest system in Washington state to require caregiver vaccinations
Data shows downtown Seattle is recovering more slowly than other big cities
Redfin pushes back office reopening, will require vaccinations for returning workers

Seattle Medium
Durkan Proposes Comprehensive Budget Plan To Address SPD Hiring, Reduce Gun Violence, And Invest In Alternatives
City Of Seattle To Invest Over $50 Million In Second Wave Of Rescue Plan

Seattle Times
Health officials concerned with uptick in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations in Washington due to delta variant
Opinion: How we can restore forests, increase fire resilience and protect communities
Editorial: Take a step back from the grand reopening

Skagit Valley Herald
Orcas’ brief visit to Salish Sea bookended by causes of celebration, mourning

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Snoqualmie police chief explains impact of state’s new reform laws
Letter: New education legislation signed into law

South Whidbey Record
Projects inch closer to federal funding
Letter: Should be less reactive and better informed
Letter: Cost of childcare seems high, but not when you consider factors

Spokesman Review
Spokane businesses joining national push to require proof of vaccinations
Unhappy campers: Several camps shutter due to poor air quality

Tri-City Herald
West Nile virus found in Kennewick and Richland. Here’s where
Tri-Cities air deteriorates to ‘very unhealthy.’ Excessive heat watch issued

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Goodwill move from Walla Walla to College Place good to go after pandemic pause

Washington Post
Last-minute eviction ban extension fuels confusion and is too late for some
Mexico to sue U.S.-based gunmakers over flow of arms across border
Tens of millions of people have been moving into flood zones, satellite imagery shows
Most unvaccinated Americans believe coronavirus vaccine poses greater health risk than the disease, poll finds
Officer killed in attack outside Pentagon identified, was Army veteran
Virtually all emperor penguins doomed for extinction by 2100 as climate change looms, study finds
Here’s what we know about the delta-plus variant

Yakima Herald Republic
As COVID-19 increases, Yakima County health care providers weigh vaccine requirements for staff
Hearing delayed; Yakima council member Jason White remains under protection order
‘There was nothing we could save’: Heat wave cooked Walla Walla sweet onions to mush
Letter: Disinformation is putting vaccine doubters at risk

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington homeowners experiencing ‘sticker shock’ when pandemic-related ‘mortgage forbearance’ ends
Acts of domestic terrorism targeting railroads a concern for law enforcement in Washington
CDC issues new targeted eviction moratorium due to COVID-19, but can’t extend full moratorium without Congress

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Delta variant drives spike in cases, hospitalizations as state leaders urge vaccine
Redmond area residents irked after learning county bought nearby hotel for homeless
Could Seattle follow NYC and push patrons to show proof of vaccination at indoor venues?
Montlake Bridge closing for almost a month to replace entire deck in $7M project
Vancouver approves ‘supportive campsites’ for homeless
Winner of Washington state’s $250,000 military COVID-19 vaccine lottery announced

KNKX FM
What does a fifth wave of COVID mean for WA – masks, vaccine mandates, another lockdown?
After months of requests, Native American religious sweat lodge ceremony will resume at WA prisons
Pierce County Council says equity should play role in how it distributes services, resources

KUOW FM
Pandemic blog: Washington’s hospitals are filling up
Crews From Alaska To Puerto Rico Are Trying To Control The Bootleg Fire
New research models possibly devastating consequences of climate change and wildfires for western forests
The Biden Administration Plans A New Eviction Moratorium After A Federal Ban Lapsed

KXLY (ABC)
‘People are just literally jumping ship’: Homeschooling surges across the nation, local families make switch
WA Department of Health concerned over rise in cases and hospitalizations
Smoke, ash, heat and drought hurting Washington agriculture

NW Public Radio
Biden asks governors: How can we help with western wildfires?

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington sees 1,500 new cases a day of COVID-19 in recent days

Web

Crosscut
Washington tribe calls on Seattle City Light to remove the Gorge Dam
Fury with Seattle Children’s builds after racism report kept private

MyNorthwest
State sounds alarm over latest rise in COVID cases with hospitals strained to their limit
Seattle area continues march toward record dry streak despite thunderstorms next door
Two major Washington health care providers will require vaccinations for employees
Microsoft delays return to office, will require workers to be vaccinated

Tuesday, August 3

‘Every hospital is quite full’ in Washington as delta variant of coronavirus spreads
Health care leaders are again becoming increasingly worried about hospital capacity in Washington as intensive care units and emergency rooms start to fill up, driven by the spread of the extremely transmissible delta variant of the coronavirus among unvaccinated residents. Cassie Sauer, president and CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association, said during a Monday news conference that the delta variant, which now is responsible for most new cases of infection in the state, is one of the biggest concerns among health leaders. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

With federal eviction moratorium lifted, Washington tenants, landlords relying on state’s ‘bridge’ program
With the federal eviction moratorium having expired this weekend, tenants and landlords in Washington are relying on the state’s “bridge” program to ease them out of the situation. For tenants and landlords alike, the new program remains confusing, and evictions are likely still coming. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium was first put into place September 2020 and has been extended three times, but expired Saturday. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Tyler Tjomsland)

State overdose deaths rose in the first quarter of 2021. How did Thurston fare?
Statewide overdose deaths increased in the first three months of 2021 compared to 2020. Overdoses increased from 377 in the first three months of 2020 to 429 in 2021, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health. About 191 overdoses from 2021 are linked to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine, per a July 20 news release. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Craig Kohlruss)

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Associated Press
Washington hospitals ‘quite full’ amid COVID-19 case surge
Southern Resident orca near Washington state presumed dead
Woman pleads guilty to terror charge on train tracks

Aberdeen Daily World
Nearly four years in, South Beach RFA shows benefits of consolidation

Capital Press
A drought like no other, NOAA scientist says
Endangered orcas get new protection from federal government
Pulse yields could be down by as much as 60% due to drought

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: Gov. Inslee wise to follow CDC mask guidance

The Daily News
Amtrak Cascades’ 30-year-old fleet to be replaced by 2025 at Kelso station
COVID-19 vaccination rate lags among Cowlitz County youth as cases increase

Everett Herald
Facing pressure, Lynnwood council postpones vote on new jail
Arlington Proud Boy ‘Milkshake’ indicted in Capitol siege
WaPo Comment: Last, best hope for unvaccinated? Republican leaders
WaPo Comment: ‘Telling truth shouldn’t be hard.’ So let’s be honest
Opinion: Dan Hazen: What we got wrong about ‘first responders’
Opinion: Burke: Terminal stupidity is anti-vax, anti-mask comorbidity
Letter: Expand successful programs to address homelessness

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap health officer: Few ‘breakthrough’ cases show vaccines ‘are saving lives in our county’

News Tribune
Proposed subdivision sparks fight over future of pristine spring in East Pierce County
Tacoma health system to require COVID-19 vaccines for all staff as Delta variant spreads
See all those boats on Commencement Bay the last few days? Here’s why they were there
Will anti-CRT resolution lead to dilution of efforts on race, equity? Some worry
School board president goes on conservative radio to discuss ‘critical race theory’
Editorial: How much is COVID-19 breaking through vaccines in Pierce County? We need more data

New York Times
Americans Suffer Pandemic Whiplash as Leaders Struggle With Changing Virus
The Delta Variant in Schools: What to Know
Lawmakers look to leave their mark on the infrastructure bill as the Senate forges ahead.
Heat and wind are fueling the nation’s largest blaze, as experts predict ‘above normal’ wildfires through September.
Big Economic Challenges Await Biden and the Fed This Fall

Olympian
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Survey shows Olympians are dissatisfied with response to homelessness
State overdose deaths rose in the first quarter of 2021. How did Thurston fare?

Peninsula Daily News
Hotel may be renovated for low-income mental health housing
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Virus cases still climbing

Puget Sound Business Journal
Bipartisan infrastructure deal includes cuts to SBA’s Covid-19 relief programs
Microsoft, Amazon, Google earnings show growing clout in the cloud
Once she saw the Molotov cocktail, Bellevue mayor swung into action
Delta variant has many companies rethinking the return to work
Microsoft will require proof of vaccination for workers returning to the office
Lack of foreign workers has seasonal businesses scrambling
Administration seeks to blunt impact from end of eviction moratorium
US House passes funding bill with $4.5M for Tacoma developments
Tacoma may commit ARPA funds to affordable housing, homeless response
Kaiser Permanente makes vaccines mandatory for employees
Opinion: Our tax dollars can help Washington flourish

Renton Reporter
Educational merit of critical race theory sparks heated debate (Senn)

Seattle Medium
Op-Ed: Black Philanthropy Month Is Black Freedom

Seattle Times
Pet cemetery patrons, neighbors wage lengthy fight against Kent cell tower (Orwall)
‘Every hospital is quite full’ in Washington as delta variant of coronavirus spreads
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission petitions U.S. Supreme Court to take up case over anti-LGBTQ hiring lawsuit
With COVID numbers rising again, these 60 Seattle bars and restaurants now require proof of vaccination for entry

Skagit Valley Herald
La Conner School District summer program preparing kids to go back to school

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Puget Sound Darigold workers on verge of strike amid contract negotiations
Sound Transit Board to meet Aug. 5 to consider project delays

Spokesman Review
Inslee calls for investment to fight climate change on wildfire call with Biden
Biden directs Pentagon to plan for mandatory COVID-19 vaccines
With federal eviction moratorium lifted, Washington tenants, landlords relying on state’s ‘bridge’ program
Spokane County to pause federal emergency alerts as location glitches persist
Opinion: Brian G. Henning, Amber Lenhart and Bob Lutz: Climate Chaos – Our Present, Our Future?
Opinion: Robert Archer: To avoid a redo of the 2020-21 school year, listen to science
Opinion: Peter Starzynski: The Washington Policy Center is a champion of our state’s wealthiest citizens, at the expense of working families and communities of color

Tri-City Herald
Tri-City law firm offers refunds for its $100 school mask exemption letters
Tri-Cities air deteriorates to ‘very unhealthy.’ Excessive heat watch issued

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Sexual assault leads to calls for closing King County Courthouse

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
College Place School District closes deal on land for new school

Washington Post
Scientists expected thawing wetlands in Siberia’s permafrost. What they found is ‘much more dangerous.’
You’re going to be asked to prove your vaccination status. Here’s how to do it.

Yakima Herald Republic
‘Smart orchard’ technology gets a test monitoring Honeycrisp apples in Grandview
Yakima Valley College to require masks and encourage vaccines this fall

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Snohomish County sets record for overdose deaths
Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Seattle when city efforts end
Washington hospitals ‘quite full’ amid new surge of COVID-19 cases

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Washington state nears fifth wave of battling COVID-19 pandemic
Port project could mean less access for West Seattle low bridge
King County council member touts property trade with Seattle, an effort to clean up camp
Kaiser Permanente makes COVID vaccines mandatory for all employees amid virus resurgence
Washington hospitals packed as delta variant surges

KNKX FM
Biden asks governors: How can we help with western wildfires?

KUOW FM
Police Say Their Own Lawyers Can’t Agree About New Washington State Reform Laws
Federal rental assistance dollars can prevent evictions — if you can navigate the process
KUOW pandemic blog: Updates for Seattle and the NW
Rain is on Seattle’s horizon ‘just in the nick of time’
Unions in Washington state secure wins under Democratic one-party rule in Olympia (Senn, Riccelli, Mullet)

KXLY (ABC)
Local professor sees similarities between past and present pandemics

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington physicians record summer spike of gun violence victims
US hits vaccine milestone as 70% of US adults now have at least 1 dose

Web

Crosscut
Why Seattle’s renter protection debate is so heated

MyNorthwest
One of oldest orcas in Puget Sound pod believed to be dead
State agencies ask residents to check backyards for invasive insects
State hospital leaders sound off as delta variant, and frustration, spreads
Woman accused of attempting to sabotage train near Bellingham pleads guilty
Over 100 Seattle bars, nightclubs, restaurants now requiring proof of vaccination

Monday, August 2

Editorial: Restored voting rights for former prisoners is a game changer. Just ask this Tacoma mom
At age 37, La’Keisha Hamilton is checking a big item off her bucket list this summer: Born and raised in Tacoma and later sent to prison, she’s voting for the first time in her life. She was released from 24-hour confinement, earned a sociology degree at the Evergreen State College in Tacoma, found employment, pays taxes and gave birth to a son, Legacy, in early July. Yet she wasn’t eligible to vote until now. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

Confused about the eviction moratorium expiring? Here’s where Washington renters stand
A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year was scheduled to expire Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and had fallen months behind on their rent. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Elise Amendola)

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations are rising in Washington
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise across Washington, according to a Washington State Department of Health. Case counts and hospitalizations flattened at the end of June only to increase starting in the first week of July, according to the department’s July 27 media release. Beginning July 8, hospitalizations increased among people ages 40-49 and ages 70-79. Continue reading at Bothell-Kenmore Reporter. (Washington State Department of Health)

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Associated Press
Biden sees shortages to stop climate-change fueled wildfires
What’s going on with eviction moratorium, rental market in Washington?
Confused about the eviction moratorium expiring? Here’s where Washington renters stand
Evictions expected to spike as federal moratorium ends
It’s In — And Big: Senators Unveil $1T Infrastructure Proposal
Infrastructure fight finally set: T’s crossed, i’s dotted
Endangered orcas get new protection from US government
US employers ratchet up the pressure on the unvaccinated
COVID-19 case reported at crowded Lynnwood council meeting

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen, Hoquiam schools prepare for masks-required fall opener
New weekly COVID case counts drop slightly

Auburn Reporter
King County Council OKs millions for courts overwhelmed by pandemic backlog
Legislators target local community building projects (Wilson, Johnson)

Bainbridge Island Review
Opinion: Distrust in government cause of many COVID deaths

Bellevue Reporter
Opinion: Massive reforestation effort needed in Washington and beyond

Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations are rising in Washington

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Give new policing laws a chance to perform
Opinion: In Our View: Sheriffs’ letter raises concerns about intent
Opinion: In Our View: Time to get a handle on state’s plastic bag ban
Opinion: In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Chiles’ aplomb; end of Elahan

Courier-Herald
Mt. Rainier seeks public input on air tour plan
State reports 94% of COVID-19 cases are unvaccinated people

Covington-Maple Valley Reporter
King County to restart inquests into deaths by police officers

The Daily News
Longview, Kelso and Rainier police host community parties Tuesday to build trust
Longview council reluctantly moves to comply with Blake decision

Everett Herald
32-bed substance abuse treatment center opens in Everett
About 4,000 Snohomish County tenants approved for rent help
Blood shortage strains local agencies, hospitals
Spitters: It’s time for everyone to mask up indoors, again
County lost 100 aerospace manufacturing jobs in June
Abuse claims settled; Catholic principal worked in Everett
$500,000 available for Edmonds nonprofits
Opinion: Viewpoints: Why we’re being asked to mask up again
Editorial: Our covid battle isn’t over; we must again mask up

The Inlander
As vaccination rates lag in rural northeast Washington, health officials fear COVID ‘onslaught’

Islands’ Weekly
EPA and Environment Canada issue report on health of Salish Sea
Opinion: New laws make law enforcement difficult

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Single-use plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1 in Washington state
Endangered orcas receive critical habitat protections
San Juan County complete burn ban effective July 30

Kitsap Sun
Central Kitsap School District proposes raising school impact fees for developers

News Tribune
Still need a COVID vaccine? Many places now offering walk-up service; rides available
Deaths from this opioid drug are on the rise in Pierce County and Washington state
Will anti-CRT resolution lead to dilution of efforts on race, equity? Some worry
Editorial: Restored voting rights for former prisoners is a game changer. Just ask this Tacoma mom (Simmons)

New York Times
Where a Vast Global Vaccination Program Went Wrong
Senators finish writing bipartisan infrastructure bill in rare weekend session.
The cryptocurrency industry won last-minute concessions in the infrastructure bill.
Climate in the Infrastructure Bill: A substantial investment in resilience.
After a scorching, parched summer across much of the U.S., what will August bring?
The U.S. is wasting vaccine doses, even as cases rise and other countries suffer shortages.

Olympian
What happens when police don’t show up to 911 calls (Goodman, Dhingra, Pedersen)
Opinion: Washington state’s police reform is taking effect without alternatives in place

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Jefferson Healthcare relaunches nurse consult line for COVID-19 symptoms
Brinnon Group grant to monitor water quality in Hood Canal
Community receives tour of tiny house village
Private or state plan? Deadline coming on state long-term care insurance (Macri)
Port Townsend City Council to hear legislative updates on policing
County to award bid for floodplain restoration project

Port Townsend Leader
Four new COVID-19 infections discovered in Port Townsend
Six additional COVID-19 cases reported in Jefferson County Thursday
Under 20 age group has largest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in county

Puget Sound Business Journal
Congress urged to earmark up to $7 billion for struggling state colleges
Leisure travel this summer puts hotel market on path to recovery — but rebound far from even

Seattle Medium
What’s Different About The Delta Variant? Here’s What’s Known
Childhood Vaccinations Required For Back-To-School: Free August Vaccine Events In Federal Way, Kent, Renton, And Tukwila
Businesses Are Taking A Stand On Vaccines
Increased Mobility Options Arrive In Rainier Beach, Skyway, Tukwila, And Renton With Expanded Via To Transit
City Of Seattle Announces Partnerships To Open New Shelter Spaces
U.S. Department Of Education Announces It Will Expand The Second Chance Pell Experiment For The 2022-2023 Award Year

Seattle Times
Smoke from Oregon and California wildfires reaches Seattle; rain expected later this week
How unions are racking up new wins in Democratic-controlled Washington state (Mullet, Riccelli)
These Washington state teens think students deserve voting rights on the state’s highest educational board
Why building rail transit in U.S., Seattle costs so much and takes so long
King County has quickly bought 7 hotels for homeless people, but will it be enough?
Opinion: A middle path to climate-smart forestry

Skagit Valley Herald
New laws forcing local law enforcement to adjust (Ramel)
Number of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County drops
With $25 million to spend, county makes plans for American Rescue Plan Act funding
From forest to beach: Skagit Land Trust shows off Samish Island property
Opinion: Ask the Undersheriff: New laws make us all less safe

South Whidbey Record
Clinton Beach dock receives federal funding for reconstruction
Controversial BLM post deleted but debate continues
New wave of COVID cases worries medical professionals

Tri-City Herald
‘This is entirely avoidable.’ Tri-Cities hospital getting pounded with COVID patients
Tri-Cities chokes under more smoke. Air quality rated as unhealthy for everyone
‘Spineless.’ Many Tri-Cities parents upset with local schools over new WA mask mandate

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
College Place School District closes deal on land for new school
Walla Walla Public Schools continue to provide most school supplies to students

Washington Post
Senate finishing crafting $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure proposal, setting delicate debate in motion
Federal monitors cost millions, with disputed results. Seattle’s police watchdog was a case in point.
‘I should have gotten the damn vaccine,’ woman says fiance texted before he died of covid-19
Coronavirus vaccinations are increasing. So are U.S. cases.
Wildfires need fuel to burn. A key way to get rid of that fuel is to set it ablaze, very carefully.

Whidbey News-Times
Commissioners outline ideas for relief funds

Yakima Herald Republic
They were driven from their land in 1877 by U.S. soldiers. Now the Nez Perce tribe is home again.
Yakima County businesses look at safety precautions as COVID case numbers increase again
Poor air quality expected to continue Monday in Yakima Valley, with relief by midweek
New hours for COVID-19 testing at State Fair Park in early August
‘Smart orchard’ technology gets a test monitoring Honeycrisp apples in Grandview

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Protestors seek answers after woman dies inside Lynnwood Jail
Delta variant fears are driving more patients to Pierce County vaccination clinics, providers say

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
More wildfire smoke could be coming to Western Washington
National eviction moratorium expires but help is still available for tenants in Washington
Climate change likely a factor in dead zone found in Pacific, OSU professor says

KNKX FM
Pining for whitebarks: Researchers work across Northwest to save ‘quintessential wilderness trees’
Orcas make their way to Salish Sea, but sick whale lags behind

KUOW FM
Seattle Restaurants Are Feeling the Pressure With Covid Cases on the Rise Again
Orcultural exchange: Orcas briefly visit Salish Sea after long absence
KUOW pandemic blog: Updates for Seattle and the NW
House Speaker Pelosi And Democratic Leaders Call On Biden To Extend Eviction Ban
Misinformation could be behind trailing youth vaccinations in WA
What we know about breakthrough Covid in Washington state – and what we don’t

NW Public Radio
‘Cultural Changes Ahead’ For Police In Washington State, As Controversial Reform Takes Effect (Johnson, Dhingra)
Pining For Whitebarks: Researchers Work Across The Northwest To Save ‘Quintessential Wilderness Trees’

Q13 TV (Fox)
These companies are requiring employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations

Web

Crosscut
Lummi Nation reimagines foster care for Indigenous families

MyNorthwest
Why Puget Sound region’s air quality has been unaffected by arrival of smoke
Steel shortage derailing plans to complete ‘Revive I-5′ project
An exit interview with departing Bellevue Police Chief Steve Mylett
Seattle police deploying extra units this weekend after uptick in shootings
COVID cases have quadrupled in King County thanks to delta variant
Lawmaker calls for shutdown of King County Courthouse after assault

West Seattle Blog
What’s new at West Seattle’s only tiny-house encampment, Camp Second Chance

Friday, July 30

US economy surpasses pre-pandemic size with 6.5% Q2 growth
Fueled by vaccinations and government aid, the U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.5% annual rate last quarter in another sign that the nation has achieved a sustained recovery from the pandemic recession. The total size of the economy has now surpassed its pre-pandemic level. Thursday’s report from the Commerce Department estimated that the nation’s gross domestic product — its total output of goods and services — accelerated in the April-June quarter from an already robust 6.3% annual growth rate in the first quarter of the year. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP)

Police shootings continue daily, despite a pandemic, protests and pushes for reform
On Oct. 27, an Uber driver in Pompano Beach, Fla., reported that he had been carjacked. A passenger attacked him, slashing his hand with a knife and stealing his Mercedes-Benz, the driver said. The driver had left his cellphone in the car, and police tracked it into Palm Beach County. Sheriff’s deputies found the vehicle and 20-year-old Ryan Fallo. He ignored commands to drop the knife and approached them, the sheriff’s office said, and they shot and killed him. The shooting was later ruled justified. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Parents of mentally ill man killed by deputy file federal lawsuit against Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
The parents of a 25-year-old man killed by a Spokane County deputy have filed a federal lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Office. Justine Murray and Mark Jentsch allege that Deputy Joseph Wallace “needlessly chased” their son Ethan Murray into a secluded area of the woods on May 4, 2019 and opened fire without justification. Continue reading at KXLY.

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Associated Press
Report: 94% of COVID-19 deaths among not fully vaccinated
Amazon’s sales growth slows as pandemic shopping surge eases
US economy surpasses pre-pandemic size with 6.5% Q2 growth

Aberdeen Daily World
Planning work continues on Hoquiam flood protection levee

Bellingham Herald
Inslee, other Western governors to meet with Biden on wildfires Friday
From Washington to D.C., this message to Biden is to work with tribes and honor treaties
Delta variant of COVID-19 sees large increase in Whatcom County, latest report shows
Whatcom County Council vote changes the future of industry at Cherry Point

Capital Press
9th Circuit rejects challenge to beef promotions
Coalition seeks relisting of gray wolves in West
Australian jet airtanker arrives to fight US wildfires
Southwest Washington grains project grows, gets funding

The Daily News
Cowlitz County nonprofit receives homeless prevention grant
Summer school programs aiming to catch up, re-engage students
Cowlitz water shortage forces businesses to reevaluate

Everett Herald
Whispering Pines residents ‘terrified’ as demolition looms
3 Monroe teachers awarded $185 million for chemical exposure
Airbus, Boeing rivalry is back on as sales campaigns pick up
Bloomberg Comment: Republicans should back Biden’s infrastructure deal
WaPo Comment: With democracy under attack, journalism must adapt
Letter Ignoring racism in our community is condoning it

High Country News
How yellowcake shaped the West

News Tribune
Police lament loss of neck holds. ‘No one wants us to beat someone into submission’
WA motorcycle fatalities rose in 2020 and 2019. Here are the statistics for 2021 so far
Drug investigators sue county, saying they were unfairly sullied for political reasons

New York Times
Western Governors Seek Federal Aid in Wildfire Battle
How Disabled Americans Are Pushing to Overhaul a Key Benefits Program
Climate Crisis Catches Power Companies Unprepared
A Carbon Calculation: How Many Deaths Do Emissions Cause?
Trump Pressed Justice Dept. to Declare Election Results Corrupt, Notes Show
C.D.C. Internal Report Calls Delta Variant as Contagious as Chickenpox

Olympian
South Sound YMCA is offering up to $1,000 ‘commitment bonus’ to childcare workers
Providence St. Peter in Olympia is the No. 3 hospital in the state, report says
8.2 earthquake off Alaska was strong enough to be detected in South Florida and Maine
Hit-and-run victim follows perpetrator, helps police make arrest
Inslee, other Western governors to meet with Biden on wildfires Friday
From Washington to D.C., this message to Biden is to work with tribes and honor treaties
Can mixing COVID vaccines boost protection against delta variant? What early data shows

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon reports over $100B in revenue again, but online sales growth slows
King County acquires Blackstone, Nitze-Stagen properties to house chronically homeless
Tacoma approves tax exemption for multifamily project despite concerns
SBA gives reprieve for small business owners appealing PPP loan forgiveness decisions

Seattle Medium
Mayor Durkan Proposes Comprehensive Budget Plan To Address SPD Hiring, Reduce Gun Violence, And Invest In Alternatives
Childhood Vaccinations Required For Back-To-School: Free August Vaccine Events In Federal Way, Kent, Renton, And Tukwila

Seattle Times
The ‘fifth wave’ of COVID-19 is here. What you should know about the delta variant and masking
Wildfires, smoke bring early end to Winthrop’s tourism season
Bonneville, Northwest’s biggest clean-power supplier, to cut rates for first time in more than a decade
They were driven from their land in 1877 by U.S. soldiers. Now the Nez Perce tribe is home again.
History in the hills: 2 classic Pacific Northwest hikes for history buffs
Washington state governor to join bipartisan group meeting with President Biden on wildfires

Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon to start spending ARPA funding

The Skanner
Report: Half of Seattle police calls don’t need cop response

Spokesman Review
President Joe Biden directs Pentagon to plan for mandatory COVID-19 vaccines
McMorris Rodgers unveils draft legislation to strip tech companies of ‘Section 230’ legal protections
Washington health officials recommending, not mandating, vaccinated people wear masks in high-transmission areas
Biden officially nominates Spokane native Vanessa Waldref as U.S. attorney for Eastern District of Washington
As first monthly child tax credit payments arrive Washington congresswoman pushes to make them permanent
Hundreds of new Washington laws go into effect on Sunday covering areas from police accountability to wildfires to education
Senate panel approves Biden’s nomination of UW Native American Law Center director as top Interior Department lawyer
As police-reform laws go into effect, sheriffs and activists disagree on their effectiveness (Johnson)
Opinion: Dr. Luis Manriquez and Kirby Weythman: The heat wave, health and healthy public policy
Opinion: Attorney General Bob Ferguson: Pharmaceutical industry must be held accountable for role in opioid crisis

Tri-City Herald
New CEO named to lead the Pacific Northwest’s only nuclear power reactor
Tri-Cities COVID cases doubling faster than weeks ago. We’re back to last year’s level

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Public Schools continue to provide most school supplies to students
Walla Walla police arrest second person connected to shooting

Washington Post
Europe has caught up to the U.S. on coronavirus vaccinations — and is deploying near-mandates to get further
Police shootings continue daily, despite a pandemic, protests and pushes for reform
Evictions are about to restart as tenants wait on billions in unspent rental aid
Opinion: Narrowing the U.S. wealth gap is important. Narrowing the racial wealth gap is urgent.
Dead zones, a ‘horseman’ of climate change, could suffocate crabs in the West, scientists say
More workers are returning to the office. The pandemic-era commute might be changed forever.
‘The war has changed’: Internal CDC document urges new messaging, warns delta infections likely more severe

Yakima Herald Republic
Renewable energy projects progressing in Central Washington
Opinion: Inslee’s COVID response is the reasonable answer

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Seattle grocers ask SPD to hire more officers to meet ‘basic levels of public safety’
CDC document warns delta variant appears to be as contagious as chickenpox
Durkan seeks to lift $7.5 million budget restriction to hire more Seattle police officers
King County courthouse attack followed years of safety concerns

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Dry streak continues, with heat advisory for some areas
Doctors warn women, especially Black women, about signs of uterine cancer
Alaska quake a reminder of tsunami risk in Washington
Police searching for suspect after man found dead in Puyallup parking lot
More Seattle businesses implementing ‘No Vaccine, No Service’ policies

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
State Patrol says troopers were unable to pursue wrong way driver because of new law
State health officials report more than 800 new coronavirus cases Thursday
US consumers boost spending 1% as inflation remains high
Former CDC director: Delta variant ‘coming for you,’ could cause 200K new COVID cases

KNKX FM
Seedcast: This farmworker used his voice to cultivate change

KUOW FM
Covid blog is back, and so is masking indoors
Common cancer screening methods are less accurate for Black women. This UW doctor has made it her mission to change that
Jenny Durkan on more police vs. community-based solutions: ‘It’s a false choice … we need both’

KXLY (ABC)
Masks required, quarantine guidelines change: What to expect this upcoming school year
Sports betting to start in Spokane by early fall
Parents of mentally ill man killed by deputy file federal lawsuit against Spokane County Sheriff’s Office

NW Public Radio
Black lawmakers are changing the conversation in Olympia (BMC)
Western ranchers prepare for a difficult winter
Extreme Fire Danger Forces Managers To Close Public Lands In WA, OR

Q13 TV (Fox)
King County offering vaccination clinics to students ahead of 2021-22 school year, including COVID vaccine
New restrictions on Washington state police may lead to spike in crime (Johnson)

Web

Crosscut
Toward energy independence
For international students, pandemic took online learning to extremes

MyNorthwest
Medical leaders in Washington support mandatory vaccinations for health care workers
Washington shatters records in midst of ‘early, alarming’ start to wildfire season
Woman assaulted in bathroom at King County Courthouse
Mayor Durkan: Council needs to pass bill addressing SPD staffing ‘as soon as possible’
CDC recommends people in these Washington counties wear masks indoors
King County councilmembers secure funding to hire more sheriff’s deputies

Slog
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Proposal Masks the Ultimate Function of the GOP: To Make Government Not Work
Rep. Adam Smith Rakes in Federal Bucks for Local Projects

Thursday, July 29

Governor asks everyone to mask up in crowded indoor spaces
It was fun while it lasted. About two months after the state eased mask requirements for vaccinated Washingtonians, Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday asked everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to consider masking up in crowded indoor settings like grocery stores, restaurants and retail shops. “This is frustrating because we are past the point in this pandemic where the general public should have to deal with more restrictions,” Inslee said during a Wednesday news conference. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

The key to living with wildfire smoke? Preparation
While western Washington skies have stayed clear so far, smoke plumes blanket much of the rest of the Northwest, as the worst of the West’s wildfire season remains ahead. Liz Walker and her neighbors in Winthrop have been living under that noxious cloud for days as a pair of fires burning a total area nearly twice the size of Seattle tear through forests and scrubland near the north central Washington mountain town in Okanogan County. Air quality there and elsewhere east of the Cascades has fallen to unhealthy levels, as smoke particles that travel deep into the lung fill the air. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Nathan Howard)

Canada border guards vote to strike as country plans to reopen to vaccinated Americans
More than 8,500 unionized Canada Border Services Agency workers could go on strike as soon as Aug. 6 — three days before the country is scheduled to reopen…The potential strike comes as the Canadian government plans to lift some of its COVID-19 related travel restrictions. The U.S.-Canada border closed to nonessential travel in March 2020 as COVID-19 began to spread. On July 19, however, the Canadian government announced fully vaccinated Americans could visit the country again starting Aug. 9. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Warren Sterling)