Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Monday, July 26

Report: Seattle police stop Black people, Native Americans at far higher rate than white people
Seattle police watchdogs and civil libertarians say they are alarmed and disappointed by a new report showing officers — despite nearly a decade under federal oversight partly intended to address bias — continue to stop and use force against Black people in the city far more often than white people. The report found that Black people, per capita, were seven times more likely to be subjected to force by Seattle police than white people, and five times more likely to be stopped and questioned. Native Americans in the city were nine times more likely to be stopped, it said. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Mark Nowlin)

For minimum wage workers, there’s no catching up with the rent
Until last month, Mikayla Droz slept on the floor of a one-bedroom apartment she shared with two other people. Before that, she lived in a trailer in what she describes as a “commune” near Tumwater, a two-hour walk from the nearest bus stop. Droz, who earns $15 per hour working overnight shifts as an in-home caregiver, is just one example among many low-wage workers who must seek increasingly creative arrangements to scrape by as housing costs in Olympia skyrocket. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Tony Overman)

Despite law, 20 WA counties don’t offer public-option health plans
Two years ago, Washington state lawmakers passed a public-option health care bill, with the goal of making it easier and cheaper for Washington residents to buy health insurance. Yet in about half the state’s counties, if you try to buy a public-option plan run by the state government, you’ll be out of luck. The spotty availability of the new public-option plans is one of several hiccups that arose during the rollout of Washington’s new, government-procured health care program. Continue reading at Crosscut.

Print

Associated Press
Wear a mask, King County health official advises as COVID cases rise, variant spreads
Confusion besets new police reform laws in Washington state (Johnson)

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen Council discusses cost, benefits of regional fire authority

Bellingham Herald
This new Whatcom initiative hopes to give students help to take action on climate change
This is what Bellingham, Whatcom did when YouTube removed videos with false COVID claims
Updated: Washington sees 5th wave of COVID. This is what the state now recommends on masking

Everett Herald
As police adjust to reforms, crisis responders feel deserted (Johnson, Goodman, Dhingra, Pedersen)
DUI Victims Memorial Wall moving to county government campus
Suicides from Deception Pass Bridge renew calls for barriers
Proposal to lay cables under Columbia met with skepticism
Officials urge vaccinations as Delta variant takes root
Heat wave melted county roads, buckled sidewalks
Bloomberg Comment: Homelessness was on decline, until we changed course
Op-Ed: Cydney Gillis: Land mine tripped in covid’s office battlefield
Opinion: The ignorance and lies that live Nextdoor
Opinion: Analogies are useful tools but they can be misused

The Facts Newspaper
New laws take effect in Washington State aimed at bridging the digital divide (Hansen)

Kitsap Sun
‘It never ends:’ Where Kitsap’s recycling rubbish goes to find a new life

News Tribune
Pierce County starts plans for homeless shelters in Fife, Lakewood, Spanaway
Puyallup hits pause button on implementing new state laws regarding homeless shelters
‘Traitor’ graffiti near Fircrest homes with Black Lives Matter signs stirs confusion, concern
New security plan may remove police officers from Tacoma schools. What you need to know
Leadership shake-up announced at Tacoma psychiatric hospital with history of challenges
PenMet evicts Fox Island park hosts, leaving neighbors angry and dismayed

New York Times
Scenes From America’s Largest Wildfire
A voting rights group backed by athletes launches a campaign focused on criminal justice reform.
They Waited, They Worried, They Stalled. This Week, They Got the Shot.

Olympian
Olympia police chief describes huge changes in policing dictated by new state laws
Thurston County issues toxic algae warning for Pattison Lake
For minimum wage workers, there’s no catching up with the rent

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
National association supports mandating vaccinations
Hundreds of area hospital workers unvaccinated
Clallam County commissioners to consider rescue funds for utility assistance
Wildfires blasting through West draw states to lend support
Conservation urged in water systems
Peninsula fire danger high

Puget Sound Business Journal
How tech won the pandemic and now may never lose
Seattle-area female AEC execs take aim at discrimination, other work-related wrongs
More companies are tying executive pay to diversity goals
Amazon signals growing interest in digital currency

Seattle Times
COVID-19 now a ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’? Not so fast
Report: Seattle police stop Black people, Native Americans at far higher rate than white people
Seattle struck a ‘grand bargain’ on housing. Now City Hall is reviewing the initial results.
A homeless encampment led Seattle to close a spray park. What does that say about how the city views public spaces?
‘Mr. Barricade’ promotes quick-build bike lanes, talks road design on TikTok
Driven by pandemic, social media use surged in Seattle
Washington State Patrol’s toxicology lab ran tests in office contaminated by meth, possibly jeopardizing thousands of cases
Opinion: Come together to save Puget Sound and Snake River salmon
Editorial: Democrats must be ready to go it alone to protect Dreamers

Skagit Valley Herald
Number of new COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Skagit County

Tri-City Herald
30-year-old among 3 recent Tri-Cities area deaths due to COVID
This is what saved the Tri-Cities area from rolling blackouts in historic heatwave, says BPA
COVID vaccines up to challenge of variants
Richland researchers innovating to keep you cool for less in triple-digit temps
Critics say Tri-Cities lawyer is ‘cashing in on people’s fears’ with student mask exemptions
Floating mass of weeds clogs Columbia Cup return to Tri-Cities

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
COVID vaccines up to challenge of variants
Walla Walla Valley officials draft plan to combat affordable housing crisis

Washington Post
Biden officials closely monitor delta variant in U.K. as their anxieties mount over impact to U.S. economy
Doctors, nurses and medical groups call for mandatory coronavirus vaccinations for health workers
‘Some are still suffering’: Months after Capitol riot, police who fought the mob contend with physical, psychological pain
As coronavirus surges, GOP lawmakers are moving to limit public health powers

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima housing market hot for both buyers and sellers
Comment: Make room for the nonbinary
Opinion: Will new police rules solve the problem?

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Officials await clarification over new law enforcement reform bill ‘misconceptions’ (Johnson)
Community organizations continue their mission to reduce violence in Seattle
These new Washington laws went into effect on Sunday

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Citing delta variant, King County urges indoor masks
Seattle-based cruises resume with new COVID protocols

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
4th person killed overnight in Seattle’s deadly weekend of gun violence

KUOW FM
King County health official recommends going back to masking up indoors
How Some Districts Are Trying To Get Anxious Families Back Into School Buildings

KXLY (ABC)
‘It will place individuals at a greater risk’: Police worry about new laws, social justice groups welcome the changes

Q13 TV (Fox)
Loved ones mourn victim in Seattle shooting as witnesses recover from traumatic night of gun violence

Web

Crosscut
Despite law, 20 WA counties don’t offer public-option health plans (Cody, Frockt)
Skagit dams in crosshairs of renewed push to save salmon, orcas

MyNorthwest
Seattle City Council set to vote on street parking rate increase in Uptown neighborhood
Law enforcement calls for Attorney General’s opinion on new police laws (Johnson, Goodman, Dhingra)
Health officials worried about a fifth wave in COVID cases, delta variant
SPD’s protest response did more harm than good according to new report
Seattle aims to redirect money from departed SPD officers to ‘alternative’ 911 response efforts
King County health officer recommends everyone wear a mask ‘once again’
Washington town ‘might have poorest air quality on the planet’ due to wildfires

La Raza del Noroeste
¡Por las comunidades, para las comunidades!
El estado pide a los proveedores que sigan trabajando para impulsar la vacunación contra la COVID-19

Northwest Asian Weekly
$10.4 M to community organizations focused on BIPOC safety

Friday, Jul 23

‘We have … a voice.’ Black lawmakers are changing the conversation in Olympia
This year the members led on a number of issues, including the enactment of sweeping police accountability measures and passage of a bill that made Juneteenth a state holiday. The caucus used its collective voice to urge Gov. Jay Inslee to extend the state’s eviction moratorium. The caucus also issued statements following the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd and following the decision to charge three Tacoma police officers in the killing of Manny Ellis. Continue reading at KUOW. (Northwest News Network)

Seattle police response to protests last summer made things worse, report says
The Seattle Police Department needs to find a better way to interact with anti-police demonstrators, including allowing officers to express solidarity with protesters marching against police brutality and racism, according to the first in a series of detailed critiques of the department’s response to racial justice protests in downtown Seattle. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder/The Seattle Times)

Despite Canadian easing, US extends land border restrictions
The U.S. government on Wednesday extended the closure of the land borders with Canada and Mexico to non-essential travelers until at least Aug. 21. The announcement by the Department of Homeland Security came two days after the Canadian government announced it would begin letting fully vaccinated U.S. citizens into Canada on Aug. 9, and those from the rest of the world on Sept. 7. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Paul Chiasson/AP File)

Print

Associated Press
Despite Canadian easing, US extends land border restrictions
Delta variant has become dominant in Oregon
Democrats back Biden US lands pick assailed by Republicans
NFL teams face potential forfeits for COVID-19 outbreaks

Auburn Reporter
Transportation Commission wants your help naming next ferry

Bainbridge Island Review
Another COVID-related death confirmed in Kitsap, 123 total

Bellingham Herald
With Canada reopening its border, the Port of Bellingham is ending this service
COVID-19 infection rates increase in six of Whatcom County’s seven regions last week

Capital Press
Committee deadlock sets up Senate vote on BLM pick
WSDA to certify hemp use banned in Washington
Crews make progress on huge Oregon blaze
Invasive tree of heaven more like a tree of hell for some

Courier-Herald
Opinion: On Critical Race Theory

Everett Herald
Nothing lasts forever — Lake Stevens’ castle playground leveled
Everett gymnastics coach charged with voyeurism, child porn
State will close a minimum security unit at Monroe prison

The Facts Newspaper
City announces $10.4 million to Community Organizations Focused on BIPOC Safety

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way police to conduct emphasis patrols to mitigate recent rise in violent crime

International Examiner
Pandemic recovery will take time for businesses in the Chinatown International District

News Tribune
Man charged in Tacoma security guard’s death dragged her ‘like a rag doll,’ records say
National Guard recruiter, former Air Force special agent charged with child sex abuse
Toxic algae found in Pierce County lake; health officials issue caution advisory
As South Yakima Avenue shows, Tacoma’s homelessness crisis has reached a tipping point
Tacoma church considered a total loss after Thursday night fire
New tool finds vacant Pierce County apartments for people experiencing homelessness
Peninsula school board passes resolution on ‘critical race theory.’ Here’s what to know

New York Times
Sizzling temperatures are forecast to spread across much of the U.S.
How Tech Won the Pandemic and Now May Never Lose
Why Vaccinated People Are Getting ‘Breakthrough’ Infections

Olympian
Visiting Olympic National Park? Don’t start a campfire, park service says
Snazas join other WA sheriffs backing Second Amendment, Constitution
Plastic bag ban coming to WA state covers curbside pickup, too
Olympia police chief will give update on state’s new policing laws tonight
Parent company of Heritage Bank will close 4 more branches
Swimmers can safely return to this park’s waters after county lifts advisory

Puget Sound Business Journal
Starbucks pledges $100M to hunger relief, hits food share program milestone
Entitlement process, land constraints seen as key obstacles in nation’s booming industrial market
Survey finds commercial broker confidence hits all-time high

Seattle Times
What to know about COVID restrictions for traveling between the U.S. and Canada
As King County gun violence climbs, officials invest money in community-based approach to end shootings
Up next: A sunny, warm Seattle summer weekend forecast
Seven Black women, alleging discrimination during their careers with Seattle Parks Department, file lawsuit
Seattle police response to protests last summer made things worse, report says
Opinion: Protect the legacy of our urban parks, a classic public good

Skagit Valley Herald
Feds approve 32 studies in dam relicensing process
State investigating deaths of deer in Anacortes
Mount Vernon School Board passes district’s budget

Washington Post
Amazon pledges to investigate discrimination after internal petition wins backing of hundreds of employees
Tensions simmer in northern Haiti amid funeral for assassinated president
Japan manages a forced smile at lonely Opening Ceremonies, but Olympic joy is in short supply
Among U.S. Olympians, 83 percent are vaccinated against coronavirus
Alabama’s GOP governor says ‘it’s time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks’ for covid-19 spike

Yakima Herald Republic
State is catching Japanese beetles by the thousands in the Grandview area

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Lawmakers urge Washington Department of Transportation to clear encampments near highways (Fey)
Small business owners question viability of Washington’s plastic bag ban
Burien City Council candidates targeted by anonymous political signs

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Inspector general’s report recommends changes in police protest tactics
Burien Mayor claims to be target of white supremacy hate crime
Drive-by shootings up 100% in Seattle; shootings at 5-year high in King County
New tool finds vacant Pierce County apartments for people experiencing homelessness

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
King County officials increasingly alarmed by gun violence crisis
New report outlines Seattle police response to protesters in wake of George Floyd’s murder
North Cascades Highway to stay closed by spreading wildfire
Doctor says more than mandates needed to encourage COVID vaccinations
Some COVID-19 testing sites seeing recent surge in traffic
New police reform measures take effect Sunday in Wash. state
WSU coach Nick Rolovich won’t attend Pac-12 event due to vaccine mandate (Frockt)

KUOW FM
‘We have … a voice.’ Black lawmakers are changing the conversation in Olympia (Morgan, Taylor, Lovick, Hackney, Berg, Entenman, Nobles, Johnson, Harris-Talley)

KXLY (ABC)
‘It’s absolutely necessary’: Advocates reaffirm need for new police reform laws
‘WSU has an obligation to serve the public’: WSU President reaffirms vaccine policy as coach Rolovich opts out of shot

Q13 TV (Fox)
First camp connected to debris thrown onto I-90 cleared, second camp sweep planned for next week
Mayor Durkan announces $2 million investment as gun violence peaks in King County

Reports of ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases alarming medical experts, world governments

Web

Crosscut
What’s in a name?

Thursday, July 22

Despite WA court ruling, warrants continue for drug possession
Months after the Washington Supreme Court deemed the state’s law criminalizing drug possession unconstitutional, thousands of people remain on parole with drug-related charges that are likely invalid. In some cases, these people have been arrested for parole violations on warrants issued by the Washington State Department of Corrections, despite their almost certain eligibility to have the past charges cleared under the court’s so-called Blake decision. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jovelle Tamayo)

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson rejects ‘insufficient’ $527 million settlement with opioid companies
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson rejected a $527.5 million settlement with drug companies accused of fueling the opioid epidemic, setting the state up for a trial he hopes could win billions of dollars for drug treatment and prevention. “They put profits ahead of the health and wellbeing of thousands of Washingtonians,” Ferguson said Wednesday. Continue reading at KING 5.

Single-use plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1 in Washington
Washingtonians will begin to see fewer plastic bags littering the state’s roadsides, parks, and streams beginning Oct. 1 when the statewide plastic bag ban goes into effect, prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastic carry-out bags by restaurants, retail, small vendors and grocery stores. The ban had been originally scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2021, but the limited availability of compliant bags prompted Gov. Jay Inslee to delay it through a proclamation. The proclamation was recently rescinded. Continue reading at Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber.

Print

Associated Press
Washington AG rejects opioids settlement, wants trial
US jobless claims rise to 419,000 from a pandemic low

Aberdeen Daily World
QIN member lends hand to local waterways cleanups

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom’s job market is still in disarray. These industries are bouncing back
Wildfires keeping this road east closed, but many trails are still accessible
U.S. extends border closure to Aug. 21 while Canada will allow in vaccinated Americans

The Daily News
Cowlitz County Superior Court faces nearly 43% uptick in open felony criminal cases due to pandemic

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Yakima Valley Police Force Criticize Police Reform Measures
Recreational areas in eastern Washington closed due to fire danger

Everett Herald
Bob Anderson, Everett’s first ‘strong’ mayor, dies at 91
$1,250 pandemic bonuses approved for some county employees
In first in-person meeting, Edmonds Rescue Plan passes 6-1

The Facts Newspaper
Following surge in murder rate, gun violence, Dunn seeks to reestablish gang unit
DSHS Division of Child Support receives $1M federal grant to develop parenting program for teens, yo
Inslee statement on federal decision to maintain U.S.-Canada border closure

Islands’ Weekly
County Drug Court celebrates its first graduate

Kent Reporter
King County purchases Auburn hotel to house homeless

Kitsap Sun
Lawsuit claims Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue tolerated sexual harassment accusations

News Tribune
Plans for $200M resort near Mount Rainier dealt another blow. Is this the end?
State keeping tabs on 21 derelict vessels in Pierce County. Here’s where they are
Another Pierce County resident’s death has been attributed to the June heat wave
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
County’s homeless heat wave response lacked leadership. ‘You can’t survive without water.’
South End, Northeast Tacoma properties under consideration for new homeless shelters
Another cost of COVID: WA state saw sharp increase in derelict boats in 2020
Here’s why Tacoma public pools have such limited hours during the height of summer
Gig Harbor re-opens Civic Center to public; Here’s what school, park districts are doing
Paused due to COVID, Gig Harbor plastic bag ban is coming back. Get ready.

New York Times
Rising Rents Threaten to Prop Up Inflation
Pelosi Bars Trump Loyalists From Jan. 6 Inquiry, Prompting a G.O.P. Boycott
The Bootleg Fire is now the third-largest blaze in Oregon since 1900.
House Republicans soft-pedal push for Covid vaccinations amid rising infections.
Fire, floods, dead fish: Climate change fuels extreme weather, with no ‘return to normal.’
Amid rising cases, the C.D.C. director warns the U.S. is at “another pivotal point” in the pandemic.

Olympian
State closes Eastern Washington land to camping. Corps parks still open
Vaccinated people can still get COVID. Here are the most common symptoms, study says

Puget Sound Business Journal
Apartment rents take off ‘like a rocket ship’ as for-sale housing market feels unattainable for many
As Delta variant rages, here’s what businesses need to know about Covid-19 workplace safety requirements
Workers want more remote work. The trend may save employers millions.

Renton Reporter
New state police reform laws to kick-in on July 25

Seattle Times
After years of delay and deliberation, Bellevue shelter has a site and funding
Yes, it’s still summer in Seattle, but our days before ‘the Big Dark’ are numbered
After watching decades of gentrification, Central District church calls on Seattle to return land
Biden’s border decision extends pain for Point Roberts residents

Skagit Valley Herald
Grant to give boost to area trails
Skagit County’s agritourism study progressing
Samish Bay oyster recall issued, harvest closed due to bacteria-related illness
$3.2 million distributed for local transportation projects

Spokesman Review
Buying a house in Spokane County? It’ll cost an extra $200 starting Monday
Agriculture secretary, Idaho-Oregon farmer urge Senate panel to fix ‘broken’ immigration system
Fast-moving fire on Spokane Reservation in Stevens County grows to 200 acres
‘Hit by climate change right, left and center’: Inslee calls for revamped FEMA aid system during visit to fire-ravaged Nespelem

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Single-use plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1 in Washington
New COVID Cases Crop up Locally, With One ‘Breakthrough’ Case

Washington Post
In America’s least air-conditioned cities, brutal heat changes some people’s minds
Biden administration to impose sanctions on Cuban officials following attacks on protesters
Facebook and YouTube spent a year fighting covid misinformation. It’s still spreading.
Wyden delays Biden border nominee, seeking answers on federal actions during Oregon protests
Takeaways from the Pegasus Project
You got a coronavirus vaccine. But you still became infected. How did that happen?
For unvaccinated, coronavirus is soaring again

Yakima Herald Republic
Construction of U.S. Highway 97 roundabout set to begin next week
Yakima Council might put local income tax ban to voters
Yakima County prosecutor, sheriff push for law and justice sales tax that doesn’t expire
Opinion: Vaccines are protecting our economic health

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Clearing homeless encampments ‘not humane,’ Washington DOT secretary says
Homeless encampments near I-90 in Seattle to be removed following string of rock-throwing incidents
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson rejects ‘insufficient’ $527 million settlement with opioid companies
Stretch of North Cascades Highway likely closed through July due to wildfires

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Delta variant cases soar in Washington along with demand for COVID testing
Single-use plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1 in Washington
Study ranks Seattle as one of the best cities in the country for a carless weekend getaway

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
I-90 homeless camp to be cleared after dangerous debris-throwing incidents
Rock throwing suspect held on $500K bond after being arrested with help of motorist
500,000 hotel jobs nationwide won’t return after pandemic, experts say
City says West Seattle Bridge repairs are on schedule, but public remains frustrated

KXLY (ABC)
Local police sharpen skills to help those in crisis
‘I am extremely disappointed’; Gov. Inslee critical of White House decision to keep borders closed

Q13 TV (Fox)
Local law enforcement have concerns over new police reform laws going into effect
Single-use plastic bag ban to begin Oct. 1 in Washington
WSDOT to remove homeless camp along I-90 as rock-throwing incidents increase in the area
WA State overdose numbers on track to hit record high

Web

Crosscut
Despite WA court ruling, warrants continue for drug possession
How strengthening the PNW’s electrical grid could end up doing harm
Opinion: For homeless solutions, Seattle can look to New York and Vancouver

Wednesday, July 21

Evictions slowed during pandemic but some Washington renters still faced pressure to move, UW report says
Although a statewide moratorium sheltered many tenants from eviction over the last year, some renters still lost their housing in more informal ways, according to a recent report from researchers at the University of Washington. In a survey of renters with low incomes, about 16% reported a landlord texting, emailing, calling or telling them in person to vacate their rental unit, compared with 9% before COVID-19. Nearly 6% reported a landlord shutting off utilities compared with 4% before the pandemic. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

U.S. extends border closure to Aug. 21 while Canada will allow in vaccinated Americans
Vaccinated Americans may be able to begin traveling to Canada in 2½ weeks, but Canadians, whether they’re vaccinated or not, will not be allowed to cross the border into the U.S. for non-essential reasons for at least another month. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday, July 21, announced that it was extending its temporary restriction prohibiting non-essential cross-border travel from Canada through at least Aug. 21. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Richard Read)

Washington’s death toll from June’s heat wave has reached 112
Authorities say last month’s Pacific Northwest heat wave that toppled all-time temperature records killed at least 112 people in Washington state. KUOW reports the Department of Health updated its tally on Monday, which caused the death toll to increase by 21. In Washington, the bulk of the deaths were in the state’s most populous counties, King, Pierce and Snohomish, though 20 of Washington’s 39 counties reported at least one death caused by the triple-digit heat. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

Print

Associated Press
Washington’s death toll from June’s heat wave has reached 112
Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell quizzes airlines on delays, worker shortages

Aberdeen Daily World
$70 million in Chehalis Basin funds on hold
QIN gets federal funding for solar power in new Generations building
Op-Ed: Young people should be reading newspapers
Op-Ed: What good is a minimum wage if it’s stolen?

Bellingham Herald
U.S. extends border closure to Aug. 21 while Canada will allow in vaccinated Americans
Electric vehicles have a bright future in Whatcom County, if this issue can be overcome
COVID likely skewed annual homeless count, but it showed these numbers in Whatcom County
Whatcom COVID case numbers slowly creep up, but no new delta variant cases reported

Capital Press
Fish and Wildlife Service withdraws critical habitat rollbacks for spotted owl
As fires rage, DNR closes Eastern Washington lands
Earlier, hotter, bigger and faster fires are fueling historic fire season
Coping with stress, stigma and suicide in farm country

Columbian
PeaceHealth COVID outbreak traced to patient; 3 of 4 infected workers unvaccinated
Editorial: In Our View: Climate essential component of I-5 Bridge plan

Courier-Herald
The King County Council put “Ranked Choice” voting legislation on hold this year, but may pitch it to voters next year. What do you think of this voting style?
Two weeks left to apply for small business grants in unincorporated King County

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Recreational areas in eastern Washington closed due to fire danger
Yakima authorities ask public opinion on parks, recreation

Everett Herald
Former Marysville student charged with racist death threats
Most sheriffs in Washington pledge to protect 2nd Amendment

Federal Way Mirror
Residential migration on the uptick as COVID eases

International Examiner
200 days in Congress, and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland is full of surprises

Kent Reporter
Kent-based Blue Origin completes its first human flight into space | Photos

Kirkland Reporter
County property purchased in Bellevue for Eastside supportive and affordable housing

Kitsap Sun
‘I get to practice where I trained’: Residency program helps fill doctor’s void in Kitsap
Thanks to storage, aquifers and wells, Kitsap water providers report normal water levels
USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier arrival expected Thursday

Mercer Island Reporter
Islanders react to mask-free life as things return to normal
Letter: Thoughts on climate change

News Tribune
There’s a big construction project underway at UW Tacoma. Here’s what they’re building
South Tacoma, Lakewood transit stations need improvements, groups say. Will they happen?

New York Times
U.S. Life Expectancy Plunged in 2020, Especially for Black and Hispanic Americans
As Virus Resurges, G.O.P. Lawmakers Allow Vaccine Skepticism to Flourish
Republicans are set to block an infrastructure bill in the Senate, pleading for more time for bipartisan talks.

Olympian
An Olympia parks project that was approved in the ’90s may begin construction in 2022
Thurston County added 1 death, 187 COVID-19 cases last week. Is virus activity rising?
Vaccinated people can still get COVID. Here are the most common symptoms, study says

Puget Sound Business Journal
Tacoma mayor seeks funding to join South Sound affordable housing coalition
Retail market sees some improvement in Q2. But supply chain, labor shortage continue to weigh on industry.
Biden to name a critic of Big Tech as the top antitrust cop
Think the labor shortage is bad now? The long-term pain is only going to get worse.
Amazon ‘ramping down’ Covid-19 testing for warehouse workers
Cyberattacks that targeted UW, Microsoft linked to Chinese government
This $2B transportation industry grant program is now closed. When will the money go out?

Renton Reporter
Study suggests that the top 10 percent of gasoline-using drivers consume one-third of all the gas

Seattle Medium
City Of Seattle Grants $10.4 Million To Community Organizations Focused On Safety For Communities Of Color
Dunn Introduces Legislation To Provide Greater Transparency For Property Taxes

Seattle Times
Evictions slowed during pandemic but some Washington renters still faced pressure to move, UW report says
Seattle’s new Fairview Avenue bridge opens Saturday morning
Canada’s new COVID border rules have put us in our place
A new generation of Asian American artists is expanding Bruce Lee’s legacy
Washington State Department of Natural Resources will close lands east of Cascades due to extreme fire danger
Parents are returning to work, but Seattle’s child care industry continues to struggle with COVID-19 impact
Editorial: Washington prisons require humane climate resiliency

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County considers changes to building codes
Conway School Board approves school district’s budget

South Whidbey Record
Four county officials fined for public disclosure violations
South Whidbey Harbor sees revenue surging post-COVID

Spokesman Review
State Rep. Rob Chase’s anti-vaccine comments removed from Facebook, called ‘false information’
Hot, dry conditions fuel several wildfires in Eastern Washington, Idaho
Opinion: Matthew Hollon, MD: A big, bold idea for Spokane

Tri-City Herald
State closes Eastern Washington land to camping due to fire danger
Attorneys charging $1 million a month to get Easterday farms, ranches out of bankruptcy
COVID patients hospitalized in Tri-Cities more than double in a week

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Water conservation encouraged for extreme drought in Walla Walla Valley, but no restrictions yet
Fires in Umatilla National Forest grow to 92,000 acres

Washington Post
Heat waves are dangerous. Isolation and inequality make them deadly.
Rescue efforts launched after record floods in central China displace 1.2 million
Key federal aid programs are running out of time — and cash — as new coronavirus variant spreads
Growing number of Republicans urge vaccinations amid delta surge

Whidbey News-Times
Letter: Vaccination rate is appallingly low across the country
School board member threatens to sue students
Law enforcement role in school threats debated

Yakima Herald Republic
Judge issues temporary protection order against Yakima council member Jason White
High fire danger leads to DNR, WDFW land closures. Here’s how it will affect the Yakima Valley
Fewer Yakima County residents out of work in June as businesses ramp up activity
Yakima Valley law enforcement critical of police reform measures set to go into effect

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Drone highways? Washington Transportation Commission planning for the future
Health officials urge people who use drugs to carry Narcan as overdose deaths rise in Washington
Homeless encampment near I-90 in Seattle to be removed following string of rock-throwing incidents
New timeline for replacement of I-5 bridge between Washington and Oregon

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Large homeless camps to be cleared along highway to address debris-throwing incidents
Auburn hotel to be King County’s latest site to house chronically homeless people
Two veterans work to get interpreter out of Afghanistan
Seattle Children’s eliminates opioids from Bellevue surgery center
Canadian tourism businesses brace for American travelers
DNR-managed lands in Eastern Washington closed due to extreme fire danger
State proposes new toll rates on SR 99 Tunnel, Tacoma Narrows Bridge
‘Frustrating and disappointing’: Washington families react to new Canada entry requirements

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Transportation officials mulling how much to increase price on Washington state toll roads
Doctors stress unvaccinated kids should continue masking, social distancing
Breakthrough COVID cases prompts new calls to mask up in Washington state
Crews to clear homeless camp near I-90 that has been linked to rock attacks on motorists

KXLY (ABC)
$2M grant increases learning opportunities for kids outside the classroom

NW Public Radio
Western Ranchers Are Cuttin’ Herds Like Mad To Prep For A Winter With Short Hay
Extreme Fire Danger Forces Managers To Close Public Lands In WA, OR

Q13 TV (Fox)
WSDOT to remove homeless camp along I-90 as rock-throwing incidents increase in the area
Delta variant accounts for 83% of US COVID-19 cases, CDC says
Amazon to end testing for COVID-19 at warehouses this month

Web

MyNorthwest
US extends ban on non-essential travel from Canada
Seattle Children’s eliminates opioids from Bellevue surgery center
Homeless camps along I-90 to be cleared after 7 more vehicles hit by debris
Thurston County ambulances seeing long emergency room wait times
Bellevue appoints interim police chief with Steve Mylett leaving for new job in August
Future of Seattle’s proposed I-5 lid will likely fall to city’s next mayor
With fires ‘smashing records,’ state closes DNR lands in Eastern Washington
Washington’s fentanyl crisis deepens as overdose deaths continue to rise
Washington’s military-focused vaccine lottery holds first drawing Tuesday

Tuesday, July 20

Canada to open border for fully vaccinated U.S. residents Aug. 9 after COVID closure
After 16 months of border restrictions, fully vaccinated Americans are going to be able to visit Canada starting Monday, Aug. 9. The Canadian government made the announcement on Monday, July 19. Americans will need to prove to border officials they are fully vaccinated through the ArriveCAN app. All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will still require a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result, according to a news release from the Canadian government. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Warren Sterling)

As fires roar through its hills and forests, once again the Colville tribe watches its ‘life’s blood burn’
Lean and weathered, a horseman by trade who has broken his shoulders twice riding broncs and racing, Ralph Moses is Nez Perce by blood and no stranger to fear. He experienced a new kind of terror Monday night as he watched a wildfire encircle his home. Started by lightning, moved by wind and fed by parchment-dry grass and trees, the fire roared through his 110-acre ranch, lapping at the home he’s lived in since 1972. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Tyler Tjomsland)

Poor data, racism fueling crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people, activists say
Across the country, there are thousands of reports of Native Americans missing. But for a long time, what has been a crisis on Indian reservations has been widely ignored. Thanks to grassroots efforts drawing more attention to these cases, there are members of law enforcement and some lawmakers paying attention and working to turn awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women, men, girls and boys into action. Continue reading at KING 5.