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Wednesday, June 23

Many small businesses are having trouble paying rent – and customers aren’t returning fast enough.

More than half of minority-owned small businesses and more than a third of small businesses overall said they had trouble paying rent in June — and customers are not flocking back fast enough as Covid-19 ebbs. Continue reading at The Puget Sound Business Journal.

Gov. Inslee: State could reopen early if vaccination rate hits 70% milestone

Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday that there is a real possibility that he could fully reopen the state before the scheduled reopening on June 30, but added that he is unable to give an exact idea of where Washington’s metrics are in reaching that 70 percent vaccination goal. Continue reading at KOMO News.

Inslee expected to announce ‘short-term’ eviction moratorium extension Thursday
Gov. Jay Inslee’s Office said Tuesday the governor intends to announce a short-term extension of the state’s eviction moratorium.Right now, the eviction moratorium is set to expire on June 30. Details about the governor’s plan are expected Thursday. Housing advocates hope to see a three-month extension. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
WSU medical school receives full accreditation
Supreme Court win for college athletes in compensation case
EU investigates Google’s conduct in digital ad tech sector
5 Black officers accuse UW police department of racism
GOP filibuster blocks Democrats’ big voting rights bill
Pelosi signals new panel to investigate Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Aberdeen Daily World
Expanded child tax credit to reach 1.4 million Washington children

Auburn Reporter
Hot housing market forces out many first-time homebuyers

Bellingham Herald
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Whatcom sees 15 new COVID cases and two more related hospitalizations Tuesday
White House extends COVID vaccine target past July 4 as those under 27 derail efforts

Capital Press
$220 million Oregon wildfire bill progresses despite ‘defensible space’ fears
Wildfire outbreaks across much of West keep crews busy

Everett Herald
Native American mascots to be discontinued in Marysville (Lekanoff, Berg, Lovick, Davis)
Snohomish County airports get $5.5 million in federal grants
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: Democrats may regret filibuster’s end if successful
WaPo Comment: Constitution doesn’t back D.C. statehood’s opponents
Editorial: Allow fully vaccinated to cross U.S.-Canda border
Letter: More support for students needed after pandemic

High Country News
A reality check on Biden’s ‘30 by 30’ conservation plan

Kitsap Sun
While momentum to increase prescribed burns increases, obstacles await

News Tribune
They’re back: Seahawks get approval for full capacity of fans at home games this season

Olympian
What’s next for grizzly bears in Idaho, surrounding states? Managers say it’s complicated
Military chiefs resist big changes to prosecution decisions

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Two Olympic Medical Center COVID-19 patients doing poorly, Berry says

Puget Sound Business Journal
Many small businesses are having trouble paying rent – and customers aren’t returning fast enough.
Tech giants, fearful of proposals to curb them, blitz Washington with lobbying
Everett port terminal project set to begin on former Kimberly-Clark site
The next Boeing-Airbus tanker battle is about to begin
The quit factor and two other trends shaping the challenging labor market
How companies can sustain momentum with their diversity efforts

Seattle Times
Focused approach will help Washington state’s COVID-19 vaccine uptake, Inslee says
Buffett exits as Gates Foundation trustee, sidestepping rift
To fix inequities, South King County report recommends community colleges stop requiring remedial classes
Fatal stabbing prompts proposed legislation to condemn Seattle’s City Hall Park
UW’s Black campus police officers file multimillion-dollar claims over ‘unbearable’ racism
Seattle’s chief ‘proletarian’ says goodbye as the city goes back to the future to house the homeless
Where are cooling spaces in Seattle? City announces options, limited by COVID-19
Opinion: Give refugees worldwide a chance like America once gave me
Editorial: Portland’s tourism plea signals Northwestern drive to revive

Skagit Valley Herald
Anacortes asks community for support for Tommy Thompson Train
Assessment given on community health in Skagit County
Anacortes finds alternative chlorine supply for water treatment

South Seattle Emerald
Resentencing continues under law correcting harsh ‘three-strikes’ convictions
Community group demands Governor Inslee end cooperation with ICE
Seattle eviction moratorium extended as council passes more renter protections
Ask a therapist: singing the body electric — dismantling pandemic body shame at the end of COVID

Spokesman Review
‘Facing atrocities head-on’: Tribal leaders support Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s decision to investigate Native American boarding schools
Declining or flat COVID rates seen statewide in Washington, more vaccinations needed
Opinion: Theo Martin: An unintended consequence of Washington’s new environmental protection law

Tri-City Herald
Benton, Franklin commissions ask for $7 million transit tax cut. But will it happen?
New COVID cases in Tri-Cities area tick up. June celebrations blamed
100-year-old heat records for Tri-Cities could be shattered in the coming days
Tri-Cities police have 6 months to get body cams to comply with a new WA state law
Avelo Airlines giving 2021 graduates free round-trip tickets. Find out how in Tri-Cities

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla sweet onion harvesting has begun
Pools still safe in Walla Walla Valley amid ongoing chlorine shortage in Midwest

Washington Post
Supreme Court sides with high school cheerleader in free-speech dispute over profane Snapchat rant
States across the country are dropping barriers to voting, widening a stark geographic divide in ballot access
For military’s top man, navigating the Trump-Biden transition is his biggest test yet
Hong Kong’s pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper to shut under government pressure

Yakima Herald Republic
11 new COVID cases Tuesday in Yakima County
Signs of hope at Umtanum Recreation Area after last year’s fire, reseeding efforts

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Drier conditions than normal in Washington spell trouble for wildfire season
Everett leads US in new apartment sizes, study says
Black UW police officers claim racism is rampant in their department
Inslee expected to announce ‘short-term’ eviction moratorium extension Thursday
High court limits when police can enter home without warrant
New law limiting police use of force in Washington may make mental health response more difficult (Johnson)

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Washington state eviction ban to be extended, governor’s office confirms
Inslee: Reopening before June 30 ‘possible’ if more people are vaccinated
Excessive heat watch issued for Western Washington
Councilmember proposes condemning City Hall Park, citing public hazard
Excessive heat watch and recent drownings have first responders warning about water danger
Kitsap County prosecutor declines charges in jail death

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Gov. Inslee: State could reopen early if vaccination rate hits 70% milestone
Inslee: Statewide eviction moratorium to be extended one last time
Five officers accuse UW Police Department of racism, demand $8 million
Proposal calls for condemning Seattle’s City Hall Park as menace to public safety
Hacked: Racist, derogatory messages posted on Lake Washington school district website

KNKX FM
Listen: How close is WA to 70% vaccinated? What will happen with eviction moratorium?

KUOW FM
Reigning in Tech Giants Could Happen With Jayapal-sponsored Antitrust Bill
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
Supreme Court Grants A Reprieve To Agency That Runs Fannie, Freddie
Supreme Court Restricts Police Powers To Enter A Home Without A Warrant
This heat wave will be ‘historic,’ Washington climatologist says
Seattle’s port is greener than ever. That may not be enough.

KXLY (ABC)
US wildfire officials see increasing demand for firefighters
Spokane International Airport to receive nearly $17M in American Rescue Plan funding

Q13 TV (Fox)
Many hopeful as King County purchases Renton hotel to house those experiencing homelessness
Crime, violence could lead to Seattle park’s condemnation
Seattle Pride organizers apologize after raising issue with event charging White people ‘reparations’ fee
State selects 256 more winners in vaccine lottery
70% of Americans 30 and older get COVID-19 shot, White House says

Web

Crosscut
Opinion: Do renter protections reduce the rental housing supply?

MyNorthwest
Mistaken arrest made for man suspected of throwing rocks onto Seattle freeway
Western Washington enters dangerous wildfire territory ahead of weekend heatwave
Gov. Inslee to extend eviction moratorium in short term
King County buys hotel in Renton to house homeless

Slog
Death Season Begins at Lake Washington

Tuesday, June 22

Expanded child tax credit to reach 1.4 million Washington children, Rep. DelBene says
Starting next month, most families with children in Washington state can expect to begin receiving up to $300 in monthly payments as part of the new expanded child tax credit. Tucked into the federal government’s COVID-19 aid package known as the American Rescue Plan, the expanded credit is a key part of what some consider a breakthrough anti-poverty initiative. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Wu)

7,000 tenants, waiting for help, fear eviction after June 30
When the county Dispute Resolution Center contacted Ramón Alvarado and his wife, the couple was two months behind on rent. Although they made partial payments each month, a pre-pandemic back surgery had left Alvarado unable to work. Less than a month later, the couple learned they would receive enough money to cover their rent from May until August. They have lots of company. The case is one of more than 1,800 the Dispute Resolution Center’s Homelessness Prevention Team has processed since April. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Katie Hayes)

Washington health officials want people to prepare for wildfire smoke
A Seattle skyline buried in smoke is becoming more common. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) said three out of the last four years the state was hit with significant smoke events caused by wildfires. Wildfire season typically runs from July through September. The Fire Weather Season Outlook by the National Weather Service shows this year’s season will likely ramp up quickly and potentially last longer because of warm, dry weather. Continue reading at King 5.

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Associated Press
Amid clamor to increase prescribed burns, obstacles await

Aberdeen Daily World
Construction begins this month to restore aquatic habitat in Satsop and Wynoochee rivers
Correctional officer in Grays Harbor County dies of COVID

Bellingham Herald
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
COVID spread continues to slow in Whatcom, as vaccination efforts approach milestone
Council OKs plan to spend $128M in COVID-19 relief funds

Capital Press
Ranchers shut out of ESA lawsuits over wolves
$1M settlement reached in dairy worker overtime lawsuit
Washington proposes wildfire smoke rule twice as strict as California’s

Columbian
Clark County reports 111 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths over four-day period
In Our View: Bolster Affordable Care Act, don’t destroy it

The Daily News
Local districts not teaching critical race theory; focus is on access, equity

Everett Herald
7,000 tenants, waiting for help, fear eviction after June 30
Joints for jabs: Pot-up at a pop-up COVID vaccination clinic
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg: Latest FAA reform gives workers new way to report safety flaws
WaPo Comment: Bad Holocaust analogies proof we haven’t learned
Comment: How to get the most from the news you consume

High Country News
The threat of wildfire in the West arrives alongside tourists

The Inlander
How whitewashed education has left us ill equipped to participate in American civic life

Kitsap Sun
Disinfectant shortage leads Bremerton to close downtown fountain parks

News Tribune
Small city demands removal of angel silhouette from Sept. 11 memorial after complaint
Neighbors rally to save native oak trees threatened by Lakewood warehouse proposal
Pierce County starts week maintaining low numbers of new COVID cases
Editorial: Here’s the truth about critical race theory in WA state schools

New York Times
Live Updates: Voting Rights Bill Expected to Run Into Filibuster

Olympian
Thurston County adds 1 death and 155 cases last week as virus activity continues to drop
Olympia port votes quickly on plan to grow to a 5-member commission. Zita asks: Why now?
Crisis counselors being hailed as police alternatives. It’s too heavy a burden, some say

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Peninsula health care system starting to see strain

Puget Sound Business Journal
The labor shortage woes continue. Do workers just hate their jobs?
Opinion: Unintended consequences of JumpStart Seattle could soon become clear
Opinion: Power of partnerships on display, courtesy of Covid-19
Employers face greater cybersecurity risks as workers return to the office
More employers are considering vaccine mandates. Experts expect the trend to accelerate
Tech employees want remote work. And many will quit if they don’t get it.

Seattle Times
King County buys Renton hotel for homeless shelter as local leaders unite on strategy
Seattle City Council approves plan to spend $128 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds
With 2 new villages and an expansion, the effort to double tiny house villages in Seattle begins
How Seattle Opera became one of few companies nationwide to pull off an all-digital season
Why Uber and Lyft trips may be costing you more in Seattle area
Expanded child tax credit to reach 1.4 million Washington children, Rep. DelBene says
Opinion: There’s no better investment than ‘free’ community college
Opinion: The American renaissance has begun

Skagit Valley Herald
New COVID cases at lowest since September

Spokesman Review
‘Well worth it’: Kootenai Tribe holds cross-border vaccine clinic with Kootenay Tribe of BC
New tax credit could cut child poverty in half, but White House and Northwest tribes fear poorest families could miss out
Isolated from the rest of Washington, Point Roberts residents worry for future of ‘Little America’ as border restrictions are extended
Sense of unity as Spokane celebrates Juneteenth weekend
Juneteenth passage starts conversation about paid time for city labor workers, private companies
Spokane’s mayor unveiled a plan to replace shelter beds, but does it comply with city law?
Opinion: Spin Control: Inslee used both hands to pass the buck to Wyman on dual broadband bills
Opinion: Getting There: As some cities remove urban highways, work begins on skyway section of North Spokane Corridor

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities police have 6 months to get body cams to comply with a new WA state law
1 in 10 crashes in Kennewick happen at this intersection. What’s being done about it

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Preparing for construction interruption inside Walla Walla’s Plaza Way commercial area

Washington Post
In Oklahoma, the 1995 bombing offers lessons — and warnings — for today’s fight against extremism
Appeals court blocks federal judge’s ruling to overturn California’s assault weapons ban
As homicides soar nationwide, mayors see few options for regaining control
Retail workers are quitting at record rates for higher-paying work: ‘My life isn’t worth a dead-end job’
Youngest adults are least likely to be vaccinated, and their interest in shots is declining, CDC finds
Biden administration endorses bill to end disparity in drug sentencing between crack and powder cocaine
Opinion: Kyrsten Sinema accidentally reveals the huge hole in her filibuster defense

Yakima Herald Republic
$1M settlement provides retroactive overtime pay to workers at Yakima Valley dairy
Free meals for kids available through Yakima Valley schools this summer
Despite chlorine shortage, Yakima public pools remain open
Yakima Health District reports 35 new COVID cases from Saturday to Monday
Opinion: Vengeance won’t solve gang violence — it’ll take hard work

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Vaccine lottery winners selected Tuesday in Washington’s 3rd drawing
Washington health officials want people to prepare for wildfire smoke
Washington state agrees to end hotel, office stays for foster youth
Point Roberts’ fire chief warns of ‘humanitarian crisis’ if US-Canada border closure continues
It’s ‘very frustrating’ seeing unvaccinated patients, Virginia Mason doctor says

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
They’re back! Tourists return to downtown Seattle, masks and all
Seattle council to weigh ‘tiered approach’ to limiting SPD’s use of crowd control weapons
Seattle Public Schools ordered to make up for delays, medical care for some disabled students

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle council OKs $128 million rescue plan in rare unanimous vote
Washington nears reopening deadline but some businesses fret about preparedness
Burien City Council to decide if planned housing development for the homeless can advance
Fatal stabbing at Seattle City Hall park stirs questions about suspect’s release on bond

KNKX FM
As reopening approaches, efforts continue to get vaccines to people without shelter
Police say it’s hands off for some mental health cases after use of force law change (Johnson)
Federal court: Puyallup River dam needs permits under Endangered Species Act before it can restart
The Supreme Court Sides With NCAA Athletes In A Narrow Ruling

KUOW FM
Washington’s ‘duty to Intervene’ Police Training Begins
Endangered orcas missing from their home waters for 10 weeks
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
Opinion: Vaccine Hesitancy In The U.S. Is A Peculiar Privilege
Separated at the border: father and son are reunited, but obstacles persist
Seattle Now: The city’s next housing crisis
Police say it is hands off for some mental health cases after use-of-force law change

KXLY (ABC)
Pacific Northwest Solutions fined over $25K for using reactor without permit

Q13 TV (Fox)
Seattle City Council OKs plan to spend $128M in COVID-19 relief funds
Child Tax Credit 2021: Here’s who will receive monthly payments

Web

Crosscut
Bake sales to Teslas: Seattle area PTAs grapple with funding equity
Opinion: WA Democrats undermine democracy when they bend the rules

MyNorthwest
Gov. Inslee repeals trio of pandemic-related proclamations as state approaches reopening
Canada to ease some restrictions, but U.S./Canada border still closed
3.2 magnitude earthquake shakes near Olympia Monday night
Tips and a new program for travelers out of Sea-Tac Airport
Seattle council to weigh ‘tiered approach’ to limiting SPD’s use of crowd control weapons

Slog
Uber-Hack Christopher Rufo Boosts Jordan Peterson’s Bête Noire Cultural Marxism, Rebrands It Critical Race Theory, and Thereby Perpetuates an Anti-Semitic Theme

Monday, June 21

What it means for Juneteenth to be an official holiday
When Washington state Rep. Melanie Morgan was growing up, she didn’t learn about Juneteenth in school. In the history books that she and many others were assigned, “Juneteenth may have been a one-line thing,” the Democrat from Parkland said this week. Now, Morgan hopes students and adults alike will get a more thorough education about Juneteenth, or June 19, the day frequently celebrated to mark the end of slavery in the United States. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Susan Walsh)

Washington is tantalizingly close to a ‘near return to normal,’ but COVID risks are staying higher in some areas
Washington is going to fully reopen soon. Not today. Probably not tomorrow. But soon. End of the month at the latest. “We are on the two-yard line,” Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday, pleading with state residents to hold out just a little longer before the state drops its remaining COVID-19 restrictions. To suss out the metaphor: The goal line, set by Inslee, is 70% of Washington residents 16 and older receiving at least one vaccine dose. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)

Bill expands opportunities for outdoor, nature-based early learning in Washington
Washington children are now the first in the nation to have the option of attending early learning programs based entirely outdoors. A bill passed this year made Washington the first state in the country to allow service providers to offer full-day outdoor, nature-based early learning options to families with young children. Continue reading at South Seattle Emerald. (Susan Fried)

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Associated Press
State has major win in Buckhorn mine Clean Water Act case
Chlorine shortage: Cities ask people to reduce water use
Juneteenth becomes official state holiday in WA in 2022
Washington state Capitol reopening to public July 1
Seattle extends COVID-19 eviction ban. How long are renters protected from landlords now?
US-Canada border restrictions extended until July 21
Mistrial halts case on minimum wage for immigrant detainees
VA moves to offer gender confirmation surgery to vets

Aberdeen Daily World
Wild Olympics legislation gets hearing in Senate subcommittee (Tharinger, Chapman)
Hoquiam Police Chief Myers recognized for work on police reform legislation
Ocean Shores faces water shortage

Auburn Reporter
Auburn restaurants may get sidewalk permit fees waived

Bainbridge Island Review
Opinion: People leaving other countries not good for them or U.S.
Opinion: We all have the right to know, not just journalists
17 new cases of COVID confirmed in Kitsap

Bellevue Reporter
Opinion: Thoughts and prayers just aren’t enough | Roegner

Bellingham Herald
These leaders weave social responsibility and Native values in education, environment
Whatcom sees 16 new COVID-19 cases Friday, variant cases up by 87 last week
Construction zone on this part of I-5 could get worse as bridge project starts new phase
Your Fourth of July celebrations are likely polluting local air and water. Here’s how
Canada announces another extension of border closure with U.S. to non-essential travel
After more than eight decades, Bellingham High announces its new, inclusive mascot
This is how Bellingham will celebrate Black American history and culture on Juneteenth
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Friday in Washington state
Fauci wants COVID ‘crushed’ before return to research: ‘It ain’t over till it’s over’
UW Virology lab keeping close watch on spread of COVID-19 variant
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Natural immunity, long-COVID, reinfection & more
Are Americans worried about COVID spreading to their family? What new poll finds

Capital Press
Washington health officials don’t know if farmworker housing rules effective
NW potato stocks drop as demand increases
National, regional ag leaders get close-up look at lower Snake River dam issues

Columbian
Changes loom for Larch: State Department of Corrections proposes closing unit
Editorial: In Our View: Shipping industry’s woes hit Washington hard

Covington-Maple Valley Reporter
Vaccination data reveals disparities among regions and race

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Before the end of the moratorium, organizations seek to prevent evictions and help with rent
Yakima Valley Libraries Summer Reading Program Begins

Everett Herald
Are you ready for public transit ride-sharing in Lynnwood?
Wildfire smoke: A burning health issue is getting worse
With credit scores out, will insurers cut or hike your rate?
Could Snohomish County’s two largest airports be expanded?
Justice to Jubilee: ‘No one is free till everyone is free’
Everett police ask council to renew 9 drug enforcement areas
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg: Commentary: Increasing the gas tax isn’t enough; replace it
Opinion: Juan Paralez: Our leaders must confront domestic terrorism
Opinion: Joel Kohlstedt: Covid couldn’t stop vital learning partnership
Comment: Local libraries key infrastructure for communities
Comment: New plastics law relies on recycling that isn’t there
WaPo Comment: How and why to talk to your kids about Juneteenth
WaPo Comment: Nixon started War on Drugs but its failures are ours
Editorial: Court secures ACA but work remains for Congress
Letter: Comment on wealth taxes more failed ‘bootstrap’ economics
Letter: Capital gains tax should be adjusted for inflation
Letter: Sens. Murray, Cantwell must act to save salmon, orcas
Letter: Why doesn’t GOP show interest in investigating Capitol siege?

The Facts Newspaper
Mayor Durkan Announces September 30 Extension of Eviction

Federal Way Mirror
Totem Middle School to undergo name, mascot change
Juneteenth flag raised at Federal Way City Hall (Taylor, Johnson)
Opinion: Federal Way can reshape itself through the arts | Livingston

High Country News
How will humans live through ecological collapse?
Crowds swarm the public lands

Kent Reporter
Shopping cart protests cost Federal Way taxpayers thousands of dollars

Kitsap Sun
No charges for Kitsap jail officers in death of mentally ill murder suspect
‘Unity in our own community’: As summer begins, a joyful Juneteenth in Kitsap
West’s drought has no end in sight: ‘If we do nothing, it’s going to be really bad’
Sheriff’s office agrees to policy changes and free speech training after jailing activist
Where we’ve been with Bremerton’s Juneteenth, and where it goes next

News Tribune
With pandemic easing, local organizations to resume in-person services with new money
Puyallup to hold community festival in August. No masks required if you’re vaccinated
East Pierce County regional road expansion project to cost up to $300 million
Pierce County families celebrate Juneteenth at Wright Park event in Tacoma

New York Times
Supreme Court Backs Payments to Student-Athletes in N.C.A.A. Case
Why G.O.P.-Led States Are Banning the Police From Enforcing Federal Gun Laws
White House Unveils Strategy to Combat Domestic Extremism
V.A. Plans to Offer Gender Confirmation Surgeries for Transgender Veterans

Olympian
Thurston County’s budget amendment is much larger than usual. Here’s why
Racism against Asian-Americans casts a shadow over Washington’s history
Lacey police chief finalists were asked about use of force. Here’s what they had to say

Peninsula Daily News
Alleged racial incident draws 140 to rally
Sequim City Council considers expanding utility discount program
Smilemobile in Chimacum this week
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Jefferson County masking mandate expected to end June 30
Tharinger tours river center expansion project (Tharinger)
Immunizations edge upward while COVID variants threaten unvaccinated

Port Townsend Leader
Jefferson County lifts COVID-19 restrictions on hiring

Puget Sound Business Journal
Campus leaders take sides as Biden mounts push for free community college
Job winners and losers in the pandemic: How Covid-19 affected public company payrolls
‘They see my face and don’t want to invest’: Commercial real estate leaders discuss diversity problem
Mayor Durkan extends Seattle’s eviction moratorium through September
Opinion: This Pride Month, consider intersectionality

Runta News
City of Seattle Announces First in the Nation Driver Resolution Center (DRC)

Seattle Times
Internal Amazon documents shed light on how company pressures out 6% of office workers
How many people are fully vaccinated against COVID in your King County neighborhood?
Editorial: Just because Juneteenth now a federal holiday doesn’t mean we stop pushing for racial justice
Break up Amazon? Seattle Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal sponsors bill taking on tech giants
A Seattle Times story called her a homeless meth user. She asked to be seen as more
Washington is tantalizingly close to a ‘near return to normal,’ but COVID risks are staying higher in some areas
Opinion: Sports betting will help lift up Washington state tribes
Opinion: The pressure for parenting perfection in a pandemic

Skagit Valley Herald
County, schools using new tsunami modeling to update emergency plans
Prosecutor sees flaw in state’s mental health system

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Wildfire preparedness meeting set for June 23

South Seattle Emerald
Opinion: Growing South King county Pride events show queer communities we’re welcome
‘Teaching the Truth’ rally defends critical race theory in Washington state
A history of Juneteenth
Weekend Long Read: Economic progress report
Activists delay ship operated by Israeli firm ZIM from unloading at Port of Seattle
Opinion: Say her name: Charleena Lyles
Bill expands opportunities for outdoor, nature-based early learning in Washington

South Whidbey Record
Letter: Putting people into groups of color ‘divisive’
More federal relief money than expected headed to Whidbey

Tri-City Herald
Benton’s COVID cases now higher than Franklin County. 9 outbreaks in schools, businesses
Allegations fly in Kennewick. Mayor threatens to sue 2 councilmen
Tri-Cities researchers adding innovations to Spokane smart Eco-District
Nuclear power plant near Tri-Cities back on the grid just ahead of blistering heatwave
Tri-Cities teen gets COVID vaccine and wins 1 year of college tuition
Tri-Cities Juneteenth celebrations have new significance this year

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Joints for Jabs vaccine program fails to catch on
Preparing for construction interruption inside Walla Walla’s Plaza Way commercial area

Washington Post
Supreme Court rules against NCAA restrictions on colleges offering educational perks to compensate student-athletes
The economy isn’t going back to February 2020. Fundamental shifts have occurred.
Models predict U.S. coronavirus infections could surge this fall if vaccination rates lag, former FDA chief says
Colombians have thronged to anti-government protests. Hundreds have gone missing.

Yakima Herald Republic
Global chip storage impacts inventory at Yakima-area car dealerships
Gang tensions are rising in Yakima with recent wave of shootings; what’s the solution?
Help available for tenants, landlords in Yakima County as eviction moratorium expires June 30
State Fair Park vaccination center hours change; 22 new coronavirus cases Friday
Opinion: It’s a good day to remember why dads are important

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Pop-up vaccine clinic in Redmond works to reach Latino community

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Downtown Seattle’s Central Library to reopen Tuesday for first time in more than a year
Black father, son share commitment to law enforcement
Juneteenth celebrations are also a call to action

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Juneteenth Holiday celebrated by thousands around Puget Sound
King County has a higher COVID vaccination rate than most other Washington counties
State health officials report over 1,000 new coronavirus cases over two days

KNKX FM
Trudeau wants more Canadians vaccinated before opening border

KUOW FM
Photos: Seattle Area Seniors Graduate Together, in Person
Pandemic updates for Washington state
Police say its hands off for some mental health cases after use of force law change (Johnson)
Photos: Americans Celebrate Juneteenth After It Becomes A National Holiday
Chlorine shortage hits Northwest drinking water suppliers

Q13 TV (Fox)
Nasal spray could potentially treat COVID-19, NIH says
Brandi Kruse: Gov. Inslee should forgive COVID fines

Web

Crosscut
COVID vaccine research continues with help of trial participants
What it means for Juneteenth to be an official holiday (Morgan)
AIDS memorial rises in Seattle 40 years after start of epidemic

MyNorthwest
COVID updates: Fall, winter surge possible in US, warns UW modelers
No way to know if vaccination will outpace Delta variant
Seattle school district to test full-time virtual classes in fall
Seattle mayor extends city’s COVID-19 eviction moratorium to September

Friday, June 18

Canada announces another extension of border closure with U.S. to non-essential travel
Those wishing to travel to Canada for what has been deemed non-essential reasons will have to wait another month . . . at least. Canada announced that it is extending the closure of its border with the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic until July 21, according to a tweet Friday morning by Canadian Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair. The border closure will now extend into its 16th month. Continue reading at Bellingham Herald. (Warren Sterling/The Bellingham Herald)

Washington elected officials, hospital association praise Supreme Court ACA decision
State elected officials and associations applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act on Thursday. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the 5th Circuit’s decision in California v. Texas, ruling that the plaintiffs had no standing after they tried to argue that the part of the ACA that required Americans to have health insurance or pay a fine if they did not was unconstitutional. Continue reading at Spokesman Review. (J. Scott Applewhite)

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Associated Press
Washington state Capitol reopening to public July 1
New vaccine lottery announced for military in Washington
Officers resign en masse from Portland protest response unit
Judge dismisses Washington state governor recall petition
Mistrial halts case on minimum wage for immigrant detainees

Bainbridge Island Review
12 new cases of COVID confirmed in Kitsap
BI parks looks to buy indoor facility

Bellingham Herald
Canada announces another extension of border closure with U.S. to non-essential travel
Inslee announces cash prizes of up to $250K for military who get the COVID-19 vaccine
Whatcom sees another COVID-related death, as 26 confirmed cases reported Wednesday
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Is it better to get immunity from catching COVID — or vaccines? What science shows
Tips on reentering the post-COVID-19 world

Capital Press
National, regional ag leaders get close-up look at lower Snake River dam issues

Columbian
Washington Legislature leads Juneteenth recognition (Stonier)
After glitches, Washington takes new stab at checking unemployment eligibility
Washington nearing Inslee’s 70% vaccination threshold, but that doesn’t mean we’re done

Courier-Herald
Opinion: I write to set the record straight
Enumclaw, Black Diamond detail upcoming road projects
Construction to close SR 164 at ampitheatre for 90 days

Everett Herald
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Federal Way Mirror
Council approves body cameras for Federal Way police

Issaquah Reporter
Researchers track ‘mysterious’ kokanee salmon in region

Kent Reporter
Sound Transit, Amazon agreement to create affordable housing projects

News Tribune
An instant house-buying program is expanding in Northwest. Could it be right for you?

Olympian
Washington voters led much of the nation in saying guns must sometimes be seized to prevent violence. How’s the law working?
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Grays Harbor deputies make arrest in cold rape case, explore possible link to Lindsey Baum
Inslee announces cash prizes of up to $250K for military who get the COVID-19 vaccine
City Council approves permits for new mental health hospital in northeast Lacey
Is it better to get immunity from catching COVID — or vaccines? What science shows

Port Townsend Leader
Proposed tent city at Cape George raises alarm
Charging station installed at PT church

Puget Sound Business Journal
Google settles lawsuit with Washington AG for $420K
Data shows Eastside housing has not kept up with growth
Some small businesses are trapped between the SBA and an IRS backlog
The labor shortage is driving pay higher. It also means big bonuses.

Seattle Times
Washington is tantalizingly close to a ‘near return to normal,’ but COVID risks are staying higher in some areas
Juneteenth a paid day off? Companies scramble to figure it out
Dems eye $6T plan on infrastructure, Medicare, immigration
Biden’s silence on executions adds to death penalty disarray
Obamacare is here to stay. Brace for new health care battles.
Voting bill showdown looms as GOP rejects Manchin plan
After Trump’s flattery, GOP hits Biden as weak on Russia

Skagit Valley Herald
Pushing Past the Pandemic: As COVID-19 raged, hospice volunteers found ways to help
National chlorine shortage may affect Anacortes water customers
Swinomish affordable housing project could break ground this fall
Skagit Valley College breaks ground on early learning center

Spokesman Review
Senate hearing highlights rift between Democrats, Republicans on student-athlete rights
Washington elected officials, hospital association praise Supreme Court ACA decision
Inslee announces separate lottery for veterans and active-duty service members
Opinion: Jeff Beaulac: Closing the digital divide

Tri-City Herald
WA Hispanic vaccine rates seriously lagging. Inslee came to Tri-Cities to find out why

Washington Post
States cutting off emergency food-aid programs or making it harder to qualify
McConnell vows to block voting bill in Senate, spurning Manchin’s proposed compromise
In nationalizing Juneteenth, U.S. is still late to the hemisphere’s party

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County proclamation over ‘vaccine segregation’ draws ire of local NAACP
Yakima Neighborhood Health Services CEO expresses relief at Supreme Court decision upholding Affordable Care Act
Yakima Council looks at options to support mental health, crisis response
31 new COVID cases Thursday in Yakima County

Broadcast

KING 5
US-Canada border restrictions extended until July 21

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
New vaccine lottery announced for military in Washington
Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday
Mistrial halts case on minimum wage for immigrant detainees

KNKX FM
Mistrial halts case on minimum wage for immigrant detainees in Tacoma

KUOW FM
As Washington Nears a Vaccination Milestone, Officials Urge Caution and More Shots
Pandemic updates for Washington state
Juneteenth Is Now A Federal Holiday
The First ‘Murder Hornet’ Of 2021 Has Been Discovered In Washington State
Why is policing so damaged? Four Seattle teens ask the adults in charge

KXLY (ABC)
WA and Idaho officials support Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday
COVID vaccine clinic to be held at local farmers market
Judge dismisses Washington governor recall petition

NW Public Radio
President Biden Signs Bill Into Law Making Juneteenth A Federal Holiday

Web

MyNorthwest
State not looking to roll back for Delta variant, but
could in future
10 arrests at Port of Seattle terminal protest to block boat from unloading
Gov. Inslee announces vaccine lottery for military personnel, veterans
‘Delta variant should be that warning flag,’ says Tacoma ER doctor

Slog
Recent Unsolved Hit-and-Run Cases in South Seattle Expose the Dangerous Freedom of Cars

West Seattle Blog
VIDEO: Protest, arrests on Harbor Island

Thursday, June 17

Obamacare Wins For The 3rd Time At The Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act for the third time on Thursday, leaving in place the broad provisions of the law enacted by Congress in 2010. The vote was 7 to 2. The decision threw out the challenge to the law, on grounds that Texas and other objecting GOP-dominated states were not required to pay anything under the mandate provision and thus had no standing to bring the challenge to court. Continue reading at KUOW. (AP)

Biden to sign bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday
The United States is commemorating the end of slavery with a new federal holiday. President Joe Biden is set to sign legislation into law Thursday to make Juneteenth, or June 19, the 12th federal holiday. The House voted 415-14 on Wednesday to send the bill to Biden. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas — two months after the Confederacy had surrendered. That was also about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states. Continue reading at the Seattle Times. (Stefani Reynolds)

‘What keeps me up at night’: COVID gamma variant worries Washington state health official
Despite the recent spread globally and across Washington state of the COVID-19 variant known as delta, a different variant is keeping state epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist up at night: the gamma variant, first identified in Brazil. The gamma variant, on the other hand, is associated with higher hospitalization rates and increased breakthrough infections. The variant, also known as P.1, now accounts for 16% of the cases in Washington state and is the fastest-rising variant in the state, he said. Continue reading at the Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert)