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Monday, Aug. 16

Heat and smoke protections for WA farmworkers may fall short
While Washington regulators created new rules to protect farmworkers who harvest during the heat and smoke, worker advocates say the protections fall far short of what’s necessary. Under the emergency rules, temperatures must break 100 degrees before employers are required to provide a paid cooling break, and air pollution must reach hazardous levels before farm owners must provide masks. Continue reading at Crosscut.

Washington’s unemployment recovery among fastest in US
Washington’s unemployment rate continues to improve as it recovers from significant Covid-19 pandemic-related job losses. A report by WalletHub found Washington’s change in unemployment claim numbers for the week ending Aug. 2 was 75% less than it was the same week in 2020. The state still hasn’t fully returned to its 2019 level, however. There were about 1.5% more claims filed last week than were filed in the same period in 2019. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal.

Rep. Lovick: Comment: State’s new laws on policing an aid to police, public
Forty years ago, I proudly joined the Washington State Patrol. Back then, I had the utmost respect for our community’s protectors. Now, I have 40 times more respect for them. Yet we are having more difficulty coming together than ever before. When you’re involved in complex legislation determining the future of policing, it isn’t about who is right, but about doing what is right. I spent 2020 looking into people’s eyes and listening to their pain. As someone who wore the badge for decades, I needed to hear this. It was the first step in a journey toward collective healing. Continue reading at The Everett Herald.

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Associated Press
WSU to end ‘personal or philosophical’ vaccine exemptions
COVID-19 outbreak at veterans home kills 1, 32 test positive
Washington state promotes 3rd vaccine dose for ‘vulnerable’
Food stamp benefits to see largest single increase in program history
Taliban sweep into Afghan capital after government collapses

Aberdeen Daily World
Planners to ask Aberdeen for $7 million local commitment to North Shore Levee

Bainbridge Island Review
Kitsap expert: Wear masks in public indoors
Opinion: We have a moral responsibility to undo racism
Opinion: Spend more on front end to protect environment

Capital Press
Northwest potato farmers ‘clobbered’ by weather, hope for average crop
After the Bootleg: Ranchers add up losses from massive fire

Columbian
COVID presents Clark County schools chiefs with obstacles and opportunity
Opinion: In Our View: Infrastructure bill a win for Washington, U.S.
Opinion: In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Olympic spirit; bureaucracy

Courier-Herald
Opinion: Technology and the post-pandemic restructuring of education

Everett Herald
2020 Census: Snohomish County grows by more than 114,000
Frustration and fear as closures at Monroe prison begin
What the infrastructure bill could mean for Snohomish County
Mukilteo’s new road offers slower parallel to Speedway
Amid surging cases, nurses and others protest vax mandates
With no proof, Snohomish event will consider election fraud
Reykdal presses his case for mandatory teacher vaccinations
Rep. Lovick: Comment: State’s new laws on policing an aid to police, public
Editorial: The UN climate report, ‘The Lorax’ and us
Opinion: Burke: Can’t we agree on more than an onion shortage is bad?
Comment: What’s keeping us from affordable housing
Viewpoint: Heat waves not topping records but shattering them
Forum; Can we call a ceasefire to verbal gun battles?
Bloomberg Comment: Very few medical exemptions for vaccines legitimate
WaPo Comment: At 100, WWII vet mourns hate’s hold in own country
WaPo Comment: No, casual contact with fentanyl won’t cause overdose
Letter: There are other team names we should reconsider
Letter: Recent history explains much about rules of racism

The Facts Newspaper
Delta variant drives dramatic spike in cases, further exhausting hospital capacity across the state

Federal Way Mirror
County applies for acquisition funding assistance of Federal Way Red Lion hotel

The Inlander
Why Washington is knowingly violating its own laws in the treatment of mentally ill suspects
Rent in the Inland Northwest is soaring, and tenants feel powerless to stop it

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Regional transportation authorities consider passenger-only ferry options
Inslee announces vaccination requirement for most state employees, private health care and long-term care workers

Kirkland Reporter
Opinion: It’s time to rethink Washington’s long-term care law

Kitsap Sun
Deal to add 200 acres to Newberry Hill Heritage Park in the works

News Tribune
Prepare for 10-mile backups as construction closes state Route 167 later this month
Dedication ceremony set for Puyallup sculpture that pays tribute to Japanese Americans
More Idahoans are using ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Officials warn it could be dangerous
Op-Ed: Congress should do these 2 things to help Pierce County with safe, transparent police work

New York Times
Afghanistan Live Updates: Fear Spreads in Kabul as Taliban Take Charge
Delta Surge Drives Home Painful Truth: Covid Isn’t Going Away
As a big wildfire is contained in Oregon, others force thousands to evacuate across the West.
Food stamp aid will rise a record amount.

Olympian
Olympia, Lacey, Thurston County to work together to maintain junction of major trails
Mount Rainier National Park considering shuttles along Nisqually corridor
Are you ready to pay a tax in Thurston County to support low-income housing?
Thurston County school districts face a key shortage as the new year approaches
Hundreds gather at Capitol to protest Gov. Inslee’s vaccine mandate for state workers

Port Townsend Leader
Jefferson County Public Health: Nearly 90 percent of COVID cases are unvaccinated residents
Mask mandate to start Monday in Jefferson County

Puget Sound Business Journal
With City Hall Park now cleared, lawmaker suggests building affordable housing there
Sea-Tac Airport tenants grapple with building delays, worker shortages
Washington’s unemployment recovery among fastest in US

Seattle Times
Frustration, rage and surging COVID-19: This is not the summer we hoped for
5 census takeaways: When it comes to race, ethnicity in Seattle, 2020 data tells us who’s moving in, who’s moving out
UW Medicine offering third vaccinations, rescheduling surgeries as delta variant surges
Did the oldest male southern resident orca die too young — at just 35?
‘It’s a nightmare’: Their homeland racked by war, famine, Seattle’s Tigrayan community looks for answers
Thin blue line thickens after murder charges for Tacoma police officers in Manuel Ellis’ death
As wildfires overwhelm the West, officials try to predict their path
Sound Transit faces a $6.5 billion shortfall. Here’s what it might do (Fey, Hackney)
Sen. Das: Green roof legislation promises a multitude of community benefits

Skagit Valley Herald
Despite year’s challenges, Skagit County Fair sees higher attendance
Hitting Home: Latest climate change report underscores impacts for Skagit County
Controversy continues between Seattle, tribes over Skagit River dam
Fix-It Days project offers 10th year of repairs in continued effort to reduce trash
New Anacortes police chief a familiar face
Bear Creek Fire smoldering in North Cascades National Park
Smoke settles over Skagit County

The Skanner
Seattle Park Encampment Gone After Dozens Get Housing
Death Toll of Powerful Earthquake in Haiti Soars to 1,297
Chaos as Thousands flee Afghanistan after Taliban Takeover
Afghan Women Losing Rights as Taliban Approach Kabul
Federal Judge Leaves CDC Evictions Moratorium in Place

Snoqualmie Valley Record
North Bend asks residents to voluntarily conserve water
County enters planning phases for Snoqualmie Valley improvement plan

South Whidbey Record
Letter: Children should not be forced to endure face masks

Tri-City Herald
‘Wishing for a deep breath.’ Fundraisers launched for Tri-Citians in ICU with COVID
This entrance to Kennewick’s Columbia Park is closing until fall for construction
More Tri-Cities deaths from COVID reported. Mostly unvaccinated people dying

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Delta variant drives dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases across state

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Ports in Walla Walla, Columbia counties awarded $2 million for rural broadband projects
Hospitals staggering as variant spreads ‘like wildfire’ in Washington, not quite as quickly in Walla Walla, Columbia counties
Ports in Walla Walla, Columbia counties awarded $2 million for rural broadband projects
Dayton City Council member Delphine Bailey resigns amid turmoil over recent firings of top city staff
Designer approved for Walla Walla’s Heritage Square project, $2.5 million construction slated for 2022

Washington Post
Fear, uncertainty and chaos in Afghanistan after Taliban’s rapid return to power
Scenes of deadly chaos unfold at Kabul airport after Taliban’s return
Afghan security forces’ wholesale collapse was years in the making
Aid workers scramble to save Haiti earthquake victims as storm approaches
Nearly a third of U.S. workers under 40 considered changing careers during the pandemic

Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor school board clears the room after audience shouts disrupt meeting
Letter: Mask up for the safety of those on the front line
Letter: Need to step up, mandate wearing of face masks
Letter: Non-citizens get more protections than U.S. citizens

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima sets record with 103-degree high Sunday, but air quality remains an issue
Danger level remains high for Schneider Springs Fire as closures expand
Attorney says Don Wayman was fired for being a whistleblower, but Selah mayor disagrees
Yakima protesters object to mask and vaccine requirements
Editorial: First responders deserve our thanks — it’s their busy season
LA Times Column: Here’s how Fox News’ white supremacist propaganda can be stopped

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Wildfire forces evacuations near Lake Chelan
Puget Sound region gets relief after days dealing with wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke linked to a rise of COVID-19 cases in Washington during 2020, Harvard study finds
Kent community fights back against gun violence

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Back to school: Parents urged to get their kids’ vaccines, well-checks now
Unemployment benefits may be denied to workers fired for not being vaccinated
Rising COVID cases in Washington stir concern about another lockdown

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane air quality improves to ‘moderate’
Packed In: Realtors turn to cold calling to get more homes on the market
Gonzaga requiring all people on campus to wear masks
Fire near Ford grows to 2000 acres, prompting Level 3 evacuations
Spokane sets new weather record for 90 degree days
‘It’s sad:’ Families leave without playing soccer tournament due to unhealthy air quality

Q13 TV (Fox)
State Superintendent wants Inslee to require COVID-19 vaccination for K–12 school employees
Officials: Delta causing COVID-19 cases in Washington to ‘spread like wildfire’
COVID-19 outbreak at veterans home kills 1, 32 test positive

Web

Crosscut
King County rent relief still slow to reach tenants
Opinion: Seattle should require vaccine proof at restaurants and bars
Cleaning up nuclear waste at Hanford: Secrecy, delays and budget debates
Communities under fire | Comunidades e incendios
Heat and smoke protections for WA farmworkers may fall short

MyNorthwest
Seattle council set to vote on bill limiting SPD’s use of less lethal weapons during protests
Puget Sound region gets early-week breather from heat and smoke
Kent husband, father working to get family out of Afghanistan
Lawmaker calls for Seattle to give county control over City Hall Park following closure
Kitsap renewed mask directive follows ‘explosion’ in cases
Where COVID case rates, hospitalizations are highest in Washington
Seattle Public Schools requires all ‘non-represented’ staff to be vaccinated
New mask guidance for high school sports in Washington

La Raza del Noroeste
Las variantes del COVID-19: Cómo mantenerse protegido a largo plazo

Friday, August 13

Seattle among U.S. cities that saw population gain of 100K in census
The city of Seattle was among 14 cities in the U.S. that saw a population gain of 100,000 or more over the past decade, and the nearby city of Kent was among 10 of the fastest growing cities with populations of 50,000 or more, according to data released Thursday by the U.S Census Bureau. Figures released earlier this year showed that the overall population of Washington state grew by nearly 15% over the past 10 years to more than 7.7 million, but despite the population jump it isn’t getting any more than the its current 10 U.S. House seats. Continue reading at KNKX. (Ted S. Warren/AP File)

Murder hornet sighted in Whatcom County
The second sighting of a so-called murder hornet this year was reported by a person in Whatcom County this week, the Washington state Department of Agriculture said Thursday. The Asian giant hornet was reported by a Whatcom County resident on Wednesday. Entomologists confirmed the sighting Thursday. The resident’s report included a photograph of the hornet attacking a paper wasp nest in a rural area east of the town of Blaine, about two miles from where state workers eradicated the first Asian giant hornet nest in the United States last October. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren/AP File)

Washington Republican legislators push election fraud narrative at hearing on Sunday
More than nine months after the 2020 election, some Republicans continue to follow former President Donald Trump’s lead in waging a campaign to overturn or undermine confidence in the results. That’s true even in Washington — no one’s idea of a swing state — where Trump lost to Joe Biden by nearly 785,000 votes. On Sunday, five Republican state representatives are hosting an unofficial public hearing at a Snohomish church, encouraging the public to bring forward evidence of voting fraud or irregularities. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times)

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Associated Press
Seattle among U.S. cities that saw population gain of 100K in census
Northwest heat wave: Focus on getting water to vulnerable
Here we go again: Sizzling Northwest sends people scrambling to cool off, stay safe
Murder hornet sighted in Whatcom County
Seattle park encampment gone after dozens get housing
Court: Making homeless man pay truck’s towing cost excessive

Aberdeen Daily World
State ferry fees to rise this fall, even more in fall 2022

Bellingham Herald
Washington’s first live ‘murder hornet’ sighting of 2021 confirmed in Whatcom County
Intense heat and smoke are starting to have these impacts on Whatcom County
WA county health leaders unite on indoor masking recommendation amid COVID-19 surge
What is Whatcom County doing about COVID masking mandates and suggesting for the fair?

Capital Press
NOAA: La Nina likely to bring relief to Northwest farmers this winter
Asian giant hornet sighted in Washington state

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Yakima Health Board calls for flexibility in mandatory use of face masks in schools
Air quality reaches unhealthy levels in Yakima due to smoke

Everett Herald
State schools chief urges a vaccine mandate for teachers
WaPo Fact check: How did CDC use India data on breakthrough cases?
WaPo Comment: Dangerously, we’re still using ‘vermin’ as an analogy
Editorial: Delta variant is playing hardball; so must we
Letter: Democrats in Congress trying to solve problems

Mercer Island Reporter
Police chief addresses use of force, tactics and drug laws

News Tribune
Here’s how hot it’s expected to get Friday in Tacoma, Pierce County
Tacoma man who dismantled WWII ships wins big jury verdict in mesothelioma lawsuit
Masking, vaccinations, testing: State updates guidance for high school sports in 2021-22 school year

Olympian
Washington’s first live ‘murder hornet’ sighting of 2021 confirmed in Whatcom County
State mistakenly notifies thousands of canceled personalized vehicle plates
Washington takes this step in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People task force
Wildfire smoke is descending from Canada. What’s that mean for Pierce, Thurston counties?
Helicopter called in to put out Wednesday fire in Capitol Forest

Puget Sound Business Journal
Survey: Bellevue residents cheer tech job growth but want more affordable housing
U.S. adds millions of housing units. But only some states and cities gained ground.

Seattle Times
Washington Republican legislators push election fraud narrative at hearing on Sunday
Smoke and hot weather expected Friday in Seattle area, but relief is on the way
Nearly 200,000 in Washington could lose all jobless benefits next month
Amazon spends more in Washington than any other state — and it’s not even close
The climate crisis is also a crisis of capitalism
13 good — maybe even lucky — things that have happened in Washington on Friday the 13th
Know signs of heat illness and how to avoid it
Washington State University to eliminate personal and philosophical COVID-19 vaccine exemption for students

Skagit Valley Herald
Two volunteers recall guiding a half-century of 4-H participants
Residents urged to stay safe in smoky, hot conditions
Excessive heat warning in effect; smoke rolls in
Area hospitals preparing to vaccinate all staff

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Back to work? With new virus strain, maybe not | Roegner
Snoqualmie explores solutions to future water problems

South Seattle Emerald
Advocates push for systemic change in face of rising hate crimes in Seattle
Organizers mark construction of new East Yesler Way affordable housing building

Spokesman Review
Lawsuit alleges Spokane deputies hit and allowed K9 to bite complying man lying on the ground
Washington Attorney General announces Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force
Reykdal wants ultimatum for all school employees: get vaccinated or lose your job
Woodward says Spokane will encourage, not mandate vaccinations among city workers
Spokane County weekly jobless claims increase, but remain below pre-pandemic levels
Opinion: Elisabeth Warder, DDS: Local and state partners need to band together to transform oral health

Tri-City Herald
‘Struggling.’ Tri-Cities COVID cases surge. Officials fear more, younger deaths coming
Update: Tri-Cities air quality drops to ‘very unhealthy’ level. No relief for days

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
State schools chief urges a vaccine mandate for teachers

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
School officials in Walla Walla Valley have mixed feelings about a possible vaccine mandate for local educators
Oregon reaches record new cases high, 121 in Umatilla County
Walla Walla expands civil service commission, shortens terms

Washington Post
Mass Afghan government surrenders as Taliban fighters overrun three key cities in sweeping territorial gains
How the racial makeup of where you live has changed since 1990
‘This is real’: Fear and hope in an Arkansas pediatric ICU
Opinion: How to fix our rigged tax system

Yakima Herald Republic
Bumping River corridor under “go now” evacuations with Schneider Springs Fire on the move
State updates masking protocols for upcoming high school sports year
Opinion: Health board should focus on health, not politics

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Puget Sound wildfire smoke expected to worsen Friday as heat wave continues
Washington state superintendent asks Inslee to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for public school employees
Seattle Public Schools to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for non-union employees
COVID-19 outbreak at Tacoma facility for immigrant detainees worsens
Extra COVID vaccine dose authorized for those with weak immune systems

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
WA superintendent asks Gov. Inslee to mandate vaccine for all K-12 school employees
King County’s plans to preserve farmland
Census shows US is diversifying, white population shrinking
Excessive Heat Warning in effect for parts of Western Washington

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Extra COVID vaccine OK’d for those with weak immune systems
Several Wash. state ferry runs canceled for Friday the 13th
Washington State confirms first live sighting of murder hornet in 2021
Ruling helps protect homeless people from having cars towed
Seattle Public Schools directs all non-union staff to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18

KNKX FM
Hopping into the wild: Endangered frog release could help boost only known population in Washington
Ruling protects homeless people from having vehicles towed

KUOW FM
‘Don’t let this experience define your life.’ Japanese-American woman heals after violent assault
Covid blog: Pandemic updates for the NW
Seattle schools could be 30 drivers short this fall
How hot is too hot, Seattle?
U.S. Is Starting To Evacuate Some Embassy Staff From Afghanistan With Military Help
Seattle opens dozens of cooling centers ahead of another heat wave
Hopping into the wild: endangered frog release could help boost only known population in Washington
Shellfish farmers line up for disaster aid after heat wave decimates oysters and clams

KXLY (ABC)
Friday is the last day for Coeur d’Alene’s summer meal program
At the ‘Take Back Our Schools’ rally, parents hope to make a change
Masks, social distancing, COVID protocols: Hear from 7 Spokane students about going to school in a pandemic
Washington student athletes no longer need to mask up while playing, with exceptions
MultiCare tightens visitor restrictions
State superintendent urges vaccine mandate for K-12 teachers
WSU to discontinue personal, philosophical exemption under COVID vaccine requirement
Air quality alert issued for Eastern Washington, parts of North Idaho
Gov. Little: Get vaccinated so students can have a normal school year
Washington’s top health officers encourage masks in indoor public spaces
Team announced to oversee task force on missing, murdered Indigenous women in Washington
No vaccine requirement for City of Spokane, Spokane County workers

Q13 TV (Fox)
Thurston County requiring masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status
State Superintendent wants Inslee to require COVID-19 vaccination for K–12 school employees
Elective surgeries getting canceled again as Washington hospitals fill up with rising COVID cases
Tacoma mayor, police chief to host study sessions discussing violent crimes increase
Seattle mayor defends vaccine mandate, refuses to say whether she will fire officers who don’t comply

Web

MyNorthwest
Washington superintendent will request vaccine requirement for K-12 school employees
All Washington health officers recommend masks in indoor, public spaces
New Amazon Fresh grocery store opens in Seattle’s Central District
First live Asian giant hornet sighting confirmed in Washington in 2021
State Supreme Court rules in favor of homeless Seattle man whose truck was towed

Slog
Hear Us Out: We Actually Need More Wildfires, Not Fewer

Thursday, Aug. 12

Key educators support a vaccine mandate for teachers in Washington
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, a growing number of elected officials, education leaders and health experts in Washington and around the country are voicing support for a vaccine requirement for teachers and staff in public schools. On Wednesday, the same day California adopted a vaccine mandate for teachers and staff, state Superintendent Chris Reykdal said he has “encouraged” Gov. Jay Inslee to consider requiring public school employees to be vaccinated. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

COVID outbreak at facility for immigrant detainees worsens
An outbreak of COVID-19 cases that started in June at a facility for detained immigrants in Tacoma, Washington, has continued to worsen. The Seattle Times reports since then, 150 people, including seven guards and a federal health care worker, have tested positive at the Northwest ICE Processing Center, according to a lawyer monitoring court-ordered government notices of COVID-19 cases there. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Dean J. Koepfler)

Pandemic’s toll on seniors extended well beyond nursing homes
As COVID-19 resurges across the country, driven by the highly infectious delta variant, experts are extending our understanding of the pandemic’s toll on older adults — the age group hit hardest by the pandemic. New research offers unexpected insights. Older adults living in their own homes and apartments had a significantly heightened risk of dying from COVID last year — more than previously understood, it shows. Continue reading at Kaiser Health News. (Justin Sullivan)

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Associated Press
Severe drought devastates Washington state’s wheat crop
Lawsuit targets Seattle homelessness measure
COVID-19 outbreak linked to music festival in eastern Oregon
Heat wave hits Northwest, sending people to cooling centers
COVID outbreak at facility for immigrant detainees worsens
New federal rule protects southern resident orcas down coast

Aberdeen Daily World
U.S. Secretary of the Interior visits Taholah
Grays Harbor College increasing in-person operations

Auburn Reporter
King County to pay family of pregnant mother killed by sheriff deputies
State ferry fares to rise this fall, and even more next fall

Bellevue Reporter
Another summer heat wave is coming to King County

Bellingham Herald
Here’s when Whatcom County could see smoky skies in coming days
North Cascades Highway reopens, but fires still burning in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Inoculation still best way to fight latest surge

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Extreme heat forecast Wednesday through Sunday in the Yakima Valley

Everett Herald
Burn ban upgraded in Snohomish County: No recreational fires
Monroe at 98 degrees? It will be toasty through Saturday
Masks off — sort of: State updates school sports guidelines
Pandemic’s toll on seniors extended well beyond nursing homes
Lake Stevens neighbors mourn 1,000s of trees at Costco site
Bloomberg Comment: Watch climate change’s toll on air, water currents

The Inlander
Why Washington is knowingly violating its own laws in the treatment of mentally ill suspects
Rent in the Inland Northwest is soaring, and tenants feel powerless to stop it

News Tribune
With hot temperatures forecast through weekend, cooling centers opening across region
South Hill evacuation warning lifted as crews get handle on brush fire
Child tax credit direct payments will be sent earlier this month. Here’s what to know
Editorial: Pierce County heat wave response must improve this time. Volunteers can only do so much

New York Times
Let the Gerrymandering (and the Legal Battles) Begin
For Many, Hydrogen Is the Fuel of the Future. New Research Raises Doubts.
Garland presses state judges to stop evictions by connecting landlords and tenants to federal aid.
F.D.A. to Authorize Third Vaccine Dose for People With Weak Immune Systems
Evicted, Despite a Federal Moratorium: ‘I Do Not Know What I am Going to Do’

Olympian
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Olympia City Council approves rules for short-term rental properties
Here’s how Two Spirit and Indigiqueer people are reclaiming space in Washington tribes
Olympia City Council supports allowing Capitol Lake to revert to an estuary

Peninsula Daily News
Heat wave hitting Peninsula
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Caution urged on federal lands during dry conditions
State ferry fares to increase 2.5 percent in October

Puget Sound Business Journal
Employer sentiments shifting on vaccine mandates
Amazon’s investments in Washington outpace every other state — and it’s not close
Expedia pushes back office reopening to January
A second shuttered venue grant? SBA to begin follow-up funding as application deadline nears
SBA aims to clear economic injury disaster loan backlog in August
SBA loans to African American businesses decrease 35%
Alaska Airlines weighs vaccine mandate for employees once FDA signs off
These three SBA Covid-19 small business programs still have money
Homebuyer pessimism continues to rise while some buyers may be looking to exit housing market
How pandemic population shifts have changed housing landscape in secondary markets

Renton Reporter
Latest Report on Vaccine Basics and Effectiveness

Seattle Times
Canada reopened its borders to Americans this week but the crowds haven’t arrived just yet
The heat wave is here: Seattle has a ‘good shot’ of breaking a few temperature records
UW human rights report questions compliance with state law restricting cooperation with immigration officials
Key educators support a vaccine mandate for teachers in Washington
In Seattle, pandemic recovery brings another reality: The rent is going up
Seattle Children’s staff call for full report from probe into racism at hospital system
Where to find cooling centers to help you escape the Seattle-area heat this week

Skagit Valley Herald
Sedro-Woolley revives its parks committee

The Skanner
COVID: Oregon Issues Mask Mandate, Warns of Hospital Surge

South Seattle Emerald
News Gleams: Vaccines required, child care aid, heat wave 2.0, low-income housing, & more!
COVID-19 outbreak at ICE detention center continues
Opinion: National Products Inc. pumps environmental hazards into South Park daily

Spokesman Review
Here’s what you need to know about Washington’s new vaccine mandate
Murray, Cantwell, Crapo and Risch help Senate pass historic infrastructure bill that would invest billions in Inland NW
Anti-mask crowd gathers at Spokane School Board meeting as another year of covered faces in class approaches
Race to the finished lines: Redistricting committee close to drawing new commissioner maps
Spokane affordable housing program pushed back amid staff shortages in City Hall
Opinion: Mary Koithan, Mark Leid and John Tomkowiak: Sustained effort from us all is the only way to get past this pandemic
Opinion: Spin Control: Are local income tax bans a red herring in Washington?

Tri-City Herald
Franklin County has highest COVID rate in 4 Western states. Benton County 2nd in WA
Tri-Cities firm awarded $9.5M to build steel cage over plutonium reactor at Hanford
This Tri-Cities hospital 1st to require employee COVID vaccines. Others to follow
Benton County drivers are going to have a wait for new license plates

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
State of emergency declared again in Umatilla County, Round-Up will still let ‘er buck
Walla Walla Valley and Washington state health leaders seek to stop rising local tide of COVID-19
Walla Walla County health leaders announce ‘Vaccine Blitz’: Here’s where to get vaccinated
Public input sought on draft plan for managing city trees in Walla Walla

Washington Post
What Rosen told U.S. senators: Trump applied ‘persistent’ pressure to get Justice to discredit election
Opinion: Why this stage of the pandemic makes us so anxious
Opinion: The eviction moratorium limbo laid bare the system’s extreme dysfunction

Whidbey News-Times
State representative secures funds for wharf substructure (Paul)

Yakima Herald Republic
As COVID cases rise, Yakima Valley Memorial limits visitors, requires staff vaccinations
Yakima board of health urges some leeway in mandatory masks in school

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
From heroes to ‘selfish’: Nurse says Washington’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate is creating division
Can a forest survive a wildfire? Washington experts are testing it
Problems at Point Roberts persist as Canadian border reopens to Americans
Washington Rep. Jayapal confident in passage of $3.5 trillion plan
Alaska Airlines considering worker vaccine mandate once FDA gives approval

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Indoor mask mandate now in effect for Snohomish County
Vaccine mandate may have unintended consequences
Respiratory therapist asks family to get vaccinated before dying from COVID-19
Pastry shop owner hopes to inspire young Black entrepreneurs
Brush fire along I-5 in North Seattle forces evacuation of nearby homes

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Hospital capacity concerns grow as heat wave approaches
Tacoma council members demanding more police patrols in response to violent summer
New report shows Seattle Police response times could take over an hour

KUOW FM
Covid blog: Pandemic updates for the NW
Fauci Says COVID-19 Booster Shots Are Needed For Those Who Are Immunocompromised
Child Care In The U.S. Is Broken. The White House Has A $225 Billion Plan To Help
Much Of The U.S. Will Bake Under Stifling Heat Before Expected Relief This Weekend

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane forecast to break 63 year heat record this weekend
Providence Health again restricting visitors due to rising COVID hospitalizations
Air quality creeps into ‘unhealthy’ range for parts of Eastern Washington, North Idaho
SPS school reopening plan comes with some changes
Mixed reactions to vaccine mandate at Spokane Veterans Home
Bedrock Fire forces parts of Lenore to evacuate
Health district concerned with children vaccine eligibility as COVID hospitalizations rise
Spokane temporarily opening cooling centers as heat hits the city
Salvation Army gives out 4,000 backpacks to kids in community
Severe drought devastates Washington state’s wheat crop
Boise music festival requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID test

Q13 TV (Fox)
Some state lawmakers, school districts push back against mask mandates in classrooms
Crews begin cleaning up Seattle City Hall Park homeless encampment
Infrastructure bill 2021: What does it mean for Washington state?
Lawsuit targets Seattle homelessness measure

Web

Crosscut
Despite court order, WA foster care system still out of compliance
Despite credibility issues, WA cops find police jobs elsewhere
How the pandemic shaped the people who feed us
Opinion: Seattle’s former police chief on what to do about rising gun violence

MyNorthwest
King County assessing need for mask mandate ‘on an ongoing basis’ as COVID cases continue to rise
Protesters gather in Puyallup to speak out against vaccine mandate
Federal judge warns politics are undermining Seattle’s consent decree
Where to find cooling centers, beat the heat in the Puget Sound area
ACLU asks judge to invalidate ‘Compassion Seattle’ proposed homelessness initiative
Efforts begin to clear homeless camp in Seattle’s City Hall Park

Slog
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal on Her Strategy to Pass the President’s Agenda Through Congress
How Do We 86 COVID from the Club? It’s All About Layers

Wednesday, Aug. 11

Thousands of Washington residents will soon lose unemployment benefits as programs end
As many as 122,780 Washington residents who now collect federal unemployment benefits could stop receiving them in early September. Four major federally-funded unemployment programs expire on the week ending Sept. 4. The Century Foundation estimates that more than 7.5 million people nationwide will see their payments stop. The maximum benefit is currently $929. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Nam Y. Huh)

What’s Washington state’s cut of the Senate’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill?
The $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed by the Senate Tuesday would funnel billions of dollars of federal cash to Washington state. The money would be spent on projects ranging from roads, rail lines and airport improvements, to upgrades to the transmission grid to handle the demands of a power industry shifting to cleaner sources of energy. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Mike Siegel)

Pacific Northwest braces for another multiday heat wave
People in the Pacific Northwest braced for another major, multiday heat wave starting Wednesday, just over a month after record-shattering hot weather killed hundreds of the region’s most vulnerable people when temperatures soared to 116 degrees Fahrenheit (47 Celsius). In a “worst-case scenario,” the temperature could reach as high as 111 F (44 C) in some parts of western Oregon by Friday before a weekend cooldown, the National Weather Service in Portland, Oregon, warned this week. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Tommy Martino)

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Associated Press
Pacific Northwest braces for another multi-day heat wave
Snohomish County brings back indoor mask mandate for residents over 5

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County sees 7 new COVID-related hospitalizations reported Tuesday
These Whatcom County regions see highest COVID infection rates of the summer
Thousands of Washington residents will soon lose unemployment benefits as programs end
Port of Bellingham makes this big change in how the waterfront will be developed
It’s been a long road to development on Port of Bellingham’s G-P property

Capital Press
Officials: Idaho trap-and-truck salmon effort successful

Everett Herald
County health officer enacts indoor mask requirement
A ride on a state ferry to cost more this fall, and next too
Boeing delivers more 737 Maxs as other orders are canceled
COVID outbreak at ICE facility in Tacoma worsens
1,000 pounds of plastic recycled into Snohomish park benches
Lynnwood police are getting body cameras
WaPo Comment: Suicide, leading killer of police, unacknowledged
Bloomberg Comment: Odds are sports betting’s expansion will mean trouble
Editorial: Pact turns senior center over to trusted steward

News Tribune
More than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in Pierce County in past 4 days

Olympian
Filson, iconic Seattle apparel-maker, slashes factory staff but vows to keep local production
Providence returns to no-visitors policy Wednesday as COVID-19 Delta variant cases rise

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Olympic Peninsula hospital staffs to be vaccinated

Puget Sound Business Journal
What’s in the $1 trillion infrastructure package?
Boeing delivers 737 Max, freight jets but backlog shrinks
In role reversal, Microsoft protests NSA cloud contract awarded to Amazon
SBA’s PPP loan data shows rural-urban divide in $800B program
FAA flags new issue on Boeing 737 jets

Seattle Times
Auburn to pay $250,000 to settle lawsuit over rough arrest that left man unconscious, injured
Issaquah man sentenced for $1.1 million COVID relief fraud scheme
Where to find cooling centers to help you escape the Seattle-area heat this week
Bartell customers face delays, staff shortages after Rite Aid takeover
What’s Washington state’s cut of the Senate’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill?
Snohomish County brings back indoor mask mandate for all residents over 5
Editorial: How can state’s highest-paid employee — more than $3M — be allowed to shirk vaccine mandate?

Skagit Valley Herald
March Point Heronry grows with Land Trust purchase
Sedro-Woolley City Council meetings go hybrid with in-person and Zoom
Swinomish, regional tribal leader Lorraine Loomis dies at 81
Job Corps culinary program returns to Sedro-Woolley campus

The Skanner
Big Win for $1T Infrastructure Bill: Senate Shows It Can Act
Washington Mandates Vaccine for State, Health Care Workers
Washington state ferry fares to increase 2.5% in October
Lawsuit to Block Unionization of Oregon’s Capitol Staff

South Seattle Emerald
Local South End summer programs thrive with $1 million in support from DEEL
Call for resignations persist despite Seattle Children’s release of investigation findings

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities firm awarded $9.5M to build steel cage over plutonium reactor at Hanford
Franklin County has highest COVID rate in 4 Western states. Benton County 2nd in WA
Pasco school bus drivers looking for public support

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Valley and Washington state health leaders seek to stop rising local tide of COVID-19

Washington Post
Biden to convene a summit of democracies in December
Senate Democrats adopt sweeping $3.5 trillion budget that opens the door to health, education and tax reforms
Millions of coronavirus vaccine doses around the world face expiration
Opinion: Climate doubters lose one of their last remaining arguments

Yakima Herald Republic
Union Gap City Council bans local income tax
New Washington law requires kids to talk to attorneys before police can question them
Editorial: Latest climate report should shift our focus
NY Daily News Opinion: More clearly than ever, we can see the anti-democratic plot Trump tried to execute

Broadcast

KING 5
Excessive Heat Warning goes into effect for most of western Washington Wednesday
CDC has new COVID vaccine recommendations for pregnant women
Infrastructure package contains billions of dollars for Washington state projects
COVID-19 vaccine mandate forcing Washington state employees to make a decision
Yes, 45,000 bridges in the US are in poor condition

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
CDC no longer tracking all ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases
Snohomish County announces new mask directive as delta variant continues to spread
Murder suspect captured as advocates defend police reform
Issaquah man sentenced for COVID-19 relief fraud scheme

KNKX FM
WA law enforcement continues to violate Keep Washington Working Act by feeding info to ICE
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visits Quinault as climate pushes coastal tribes to higher ground

KUOW FM
A Very Rough Fall in Seattle for Pediatric Patients’ as Delta Variant Spreads
Another heat wave is on the way, what’s your action plan?
Covid blog: Pandemic updates for the NW
Report: WA law enforcement agencies still cooperate with ICE, despite state law banning practice
Being Unvaccinated For COVID Will Cost Students At A Small College An Extra $750
Vaccinating During Pregnancy Has Become Even More Urgent As ICU Beds Fill Up
The CDC Said The Delta Variant Is As Contagious As Chickenpox. That’s Not Accurate
Climate change is changing Seattle summers
U.S. Senate infrastructure package could ‘significantly improve’ salmon habitat
Fauci Says Teachers Should Be Required To Be Vaccinated
The Senate Approves The $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill In A Historic Vote

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane officials and state employees respond to Gov. Inslee vaccine mandate
Kootenai Health to restrict visitors due to wave of COVID hospitalizations
State Republicans call on Inslee to reconsider school mask requirement

Web

MyNorthwest
Efforts begin to clear homeless camp in Seattle’s City Hall Park
Republican lawmakers ask Gov. Inslee to reconsider K-12 mask mandate
Temporary tiny home village to be built in Seattle’s University District
Snohomish County to enact mask directive for all residents regardless of vaccination status
Tacoma opens up applications for universal basic income pilot program

Slog
Op-Ed: The Delta Variant Reminds Us the Recovery Isn’t Over Until We Balance Our Tax Code
Washington Mandates Vaccines for Most Government and Health Care Workers

Tuesday, Aug. 10

Governor will require state employees to get COVID vaccine
Gov. Jay Inslee opened a new front in the battle against the deadly coronavirus Monday, ordering state employees and private health care workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by mid-October — or they could lose their jobs. Under the mandate, roughly 60,000 workers of the 24 state agencies under Inslee’s control — such as the departments of Corrections, Transportation, and Social and Health Services — must show proof of vaccination by Oct. 18 as a condition of employment. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ken Lambert)

This tribe has lived on the coast of Washington for thousands of years. Now climate change is forcing it uphill
Within minutes last winter, the ocean overcame this village’s seawall and flooded the courthouse, community center, store, post office and dozens of homes, forcing evacuations. Now the tribe, which lived at sea level for thousands of years, is moving its village up the hill as the effects of climate change take hold. The village provided a somber backdrop Monday during a historic visit from Deb Haaland, the secretary of interior — and the nation’s first Native American Cabinet secretary. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Sylvia Jarrus)

Over 30% of Washington nursing home staff still unvaccinated
Washington state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate for most state employees and health care workers will have a large impact on the state’s long-term care facilities and nursing homes, where vaccinations rates are between 60 and 70 percent. “It’s a blunt message, but it’s one that’s needed,” said Robin Dale, president of the Washington Health Care Association (WHCA). Continue reading at KING 5.