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Thursday, June 10

Seattle is first major city to fully vaccinate 70% of eligible residents, Durkan says
Seattle has become the first major American city to reach its goal of fully vaccinating 70% of residents 12 and older, helping push Washington toward its overall vaccination and reopening targets. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan touted the milestone in a news release Wednesday, saying the city has surpassed San Francisco to take the lead in COVID-19 vaccine jabs. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)

WA Notify saved lives, officials say
The Washington State Department of Health reported Wednesday that its COVID-19 exposure notification tool saved an estimated 30-120 lives and likely prevented about 6,000 cases during its first four months while in use. Researchers at the University of Washington and the DOH released the results on Monday after conducting a modeling study of the tool.Since Nov. 30, 2020, more than 2 million people have enabled WA Notify since it launched, according to a release. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

Washington can expect a warmer, drier summer – and more wildfires
The threat of wildfires in much of Washington state is expected to be above average this summer as hot and dry conditions are predicted through September. This May was warm and dry across much of the Pacific Northwest, with the exception of some areas of the Cascades and in Western Washington. Most of Eastern Washington and Southwest Oregon saw less than 10% of their average precipitation for the month, according to a fire outlook report by the Predictive Services of the National Interagency Fire Center. Continue reading at Bellevue Reporter. (Laura Knowlton)

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Associated Press
Washington’s ‘joints for jabs’ vaccine program falling flat
Mayor: Seattle 1st major city to fully vaccinate 70%
Gov. names Feek as Employment Security Department head
Washington state high court to consider if veto went too far

Auburn Reporter
Auburn police complete state mandated crisis intervention training

Bainbridge Island Review
BI Parks may buy Bainbridge Athletic Club

Bellevue Reporter
Washington can expect a warmer, drier summer – and more wildfires

Bellingham Herald
Legislators urge Biden to ease restrictions that could help this Bellingham facility grow
Washington on target for reopening June 30, Inslee says. But there is 1 exception
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Watch: Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 update from Wednesday (June 9)
Feds could restrict West Coast salmon fishing to help orcas
Inslee names longtime leader to head embattled Washington unemployment agency

Capital Press
Biden administration to rewrite WOTUS rule
USDA to invest in strengthening supply chain

Everett Herald
Baker Heights site no longer on the table for WSU expansion
Inslee picks acting commissioner to run unemployment agency
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Local groups plan to mark Juneteenth and end of U.S. slavery
WaPo Comment: Biden pledge to respect reporters’ rights not enough
Editorial: Courts, lawmakers shouldn’t make call on who’s media
Letter: Plan to removal Snake River dams should be supported

High Country News
Film: After wildfire, a motel becomes a temporary refuge

International Examiner
Constituents ask what the most diverse legislature got accomplished this session (Duerr, Nguyen, Das, Thai, Ryu, Hasegawa, Gregerson, Ortiz-Self)

Island’s Weekly
Washington State Parks launches gift cards

Issaquah Reporter
Invasive milfoil plant linked to dwindling salmon population in Lake Sammamish

Kent Reporter
Kent city leaders propose how to spend $28.2 million in federal relief

Kitsap Sun
Got a COVID-19 shot from the VA or DoD? You can’t win WA’s vaccine lottery. Here’s why.

News Tribune (subscription required)
Despite pandemic, students of color at this high school made sure their voices were heard
Tacoma man pleads guilty to setting fire to Seattle police building during 2020 protests
Will the COVID vaccine prize lottery get Pierce County to 70 percent?
Puyallup approves restaurant gift cards as incentive for COVID-19 vaccinations
Editorial: Washington gives cash, other perks to go get vaccinated. How about to go back to work?

New York Times
Live Updates: After Report on Tax Payments of Richest Americans, Congress Rethinks the Code

Olympian
State Commission sets hearing on changes to congressional, legislative district maps
SPSCC names Tolefree vice president of finance and operations
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
More than 1,500 acres near Tenino to be conserved with state-nonprofit deal
Inslee names longtime leader to head embattled Washington unemployment agency

Peninsula Daily News
Department of Natural Resources addressing hardwood shortage
Feds could restrict West Coast salmon fishing to help orcas
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Long-term care facility outbreak up to 15 cases

Puget Sound Business Journal
She applied for SBA PPP loan forgiveness. A typo cost her $12,000.
Washington state closes in on vaccination goal, but stays in Phase 3
Tacoma council clears way for $300M Town Center project to resume

Seattle Times
Seattle is first major city to fully vaccinate 70% of eligible residents, Durkan says
Amazon to maintain pace of warehouse work despite regulator’s citation
Lawyer: CHOP protester who pleaded guilty to arson was housemate with Manuel Ellis
Got a COVID vaccine? Check your voicemail. You didn’t win jackpot, but Washington is trying to reach other winners.
Casa Latina closes Seattle worker center, saying protests have caused unsafe environment
Cami Feek named to head embattled Washington Employment Security Department
Editorial: Opioid peddlers don’t deserve a free pass

South Seattle Emerald
With vaccination rate rising, state prepares to reopen no later than June 30
Tiny house village to open in Skyway
WA DOH host panel focuses on misinformation with COVID-19 vaccines
Filipino Community Village set to open this summer

Spokesman Review
‘The future of college sports is in jeopardy,’ Gonzaga’s Mark Few tells Cantwell’s Senate panel on student-athlete pay
Cami Feek to head Washington’s Employment Security Department, Inslee announces
In victory for Cantwell and other Northwest senators, Senate passes rare bipartisan bill aimed at outcompeting China
As lawsuit against Inslee gets Supreme Court hearing, lawmakers, activists express concerns for future compromises (Billig, Chapman, Van De Wege)
Washington ‘really close’ to 70% vaccination goal, Inslee says
Vaccine clinics at Spokane fire stations draw modest numbers, big praise
Spokane City Council withdraws mayor’s COVID state of emergency; administration calls action ‘premature’
Opinion: George Nethercutt: The right way to battle opioid abuse in Washington state

Tri-City Herald
Moving mountains of dirt for Highway 395 underpass in Kennewick
Canada considering reopening its border, starting with vaccinated travelers. Here’s when
Grammy-winning rapper and country music stars coming to Benton Franklin Fair
U.S. Senate approves $200 billion to boost tech research. What it means for Tri-Cities

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla will use a salary commission to review Council salaries
Washington’s ‘joints for jabs’ vaccine program falling flat

Washington Post
The push to remake policing takes decades, only to begin again
Global approval of the United States has rebounded under Biden, survey finds
Seattle overtakes San Francisco as America’s most vaccinated big city
Opinion: A shocking exposé of superrich people’s tax bills should prompt a big rethink

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County Board of Health won’t commit to following state, federal laws
26 new COVID cases in Yakima County Wednesday; mobile vaccine clinics planned
Opinion: Treaty Days honors strength of Native spirit

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Seattle becomes first large city to reach 70% fully vaccinated
WA Notify saved lives, officials say

KNKX FM
Free ORCA card program aims to draw workers to struggling areas in Seattle
A Group Of Gray Whales Survives Die-Off With An Annual Detour To Puget Sound
Listen: Vaccination push, eviction moratorium are hot topics in Olympia right now

KUOW FM
Pandemic blog: Updates for western Washington

KXLY (ABC)
‘This is an amazing moment in our state’; Washington on the verge of reopening

Web

Crosscut
On police funding, Seattle council members worry they’re losing momentum
Podcast | Can conservative America embrace climate policy?

MyNorthwest
‘Joints for jabs’ vaccine program in Washington faces hurdles
Gov. Inslee: Washington ‘close’ to being able to reopen ahead of schedule
Puget Sound wedding industry springs back to life ahead of state reopening
Gov. Inslee names new head of oft-maligned Employment Security Department
Seattle hits major milestone, becomes ‘most vaccinated city’ in US
ACLU: ‘Compassion Seattle’ homelessness proposal ‘is neither compassionate nor effective’
Seattle City Council working on steps to decriminalize psychedelics like mushrooms

West Seattle Blog
As city celebrates COVID-19 vaccination milestone, mayor thanks West Seattle on hub’s closing day

Wednesday, June 9

State offers ways to check your eligibility as COVID vaccine lottery drawings begin
Prep for Washington state’s first COVID-19 vaccine lottery drawings this week has frustrated some residents who have not been able to confirm their status to make sure they are in the running. While offering assurances that the state has residents’ COVID vaccination data on file, the state Department of Health on Monday also offered new tips on how to check your status. Those seeking further information on eligibility can call the state’s vaccination hot line, 833-VAX-HELP, or go to its vaccination lottery website at walottery.com/vaccination. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

Pandemic didn’t clean our dirty air — CO2 levels are highest they’ve been in 63 years
Since 1958, samples of the air have been collected atop a barren volcano in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to track atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the northern hemisphere. Now, 63 years later, those levels have peaked, despite a more than year-long pandemic that halted much of the human activity responsible for emitting the greenhouse gas. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Susan Cobb)

Families divided by border closure, watch reopening plans
Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter to the secretary of state and secretary of Homeland Security, asking them to reopen the U.S.- Canada Border. The border has been closed for 15 months during the pandemic to slow the spread of COVID-19. Cynthia Boyd, of Auburn, is paying close attention to the potential reopening. Her parents live in Vancouver, B.C. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

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Associated Press
Feds could restrict West Coast salmon fishing to help orcas
Debt collector to return $475K to Washington consumers

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Whatcom County sees 42 new COVID-19 cases as hospitalizations jump
Canada considering reopening its border, starting with vaccinated travelers. Here’s when
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Pandemic didn’t clean our dirty air — CO2 levels are highest they’ve been in 63 years

Capital Press
Court probes limits of Inslee’s veto power
Wheat stripe rust at 20-year low in Northwest
Cosmic Crisp apple gains market momentum, but still faces challenges
Severe drought spreads in Washington
High-risk part of fire season arrives in some of West

Courier-Herald
The business of reopening on the Plateau

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Somers proposes one-time payments for some county employees
Supreme Court considers whether Inslee’s veto went too far
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Letter: School nurses are at the front-line of public health
WaPo Comment: Must we jump straight from pandemic to pandemonium

High Country News
Mining for lithium, at a cost to Indigenous religions

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Letter: COVID’s grasp isn’t let up yet

Kent Reporter
Pride flag to fly at Kent City Hall June 14-20
Crews building 16-story, $8.4 million water tower on Kent’s West Hill

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine protects against virus variants, study shows

News Tribune (subscription required)
State offers ways to check your eligibility as COVID vaccine lottery drawings begin
Could an old shipping container be your new Tacoma home? Maybe someday soon
Pierce County dam operator hit with big fine for polluting Puyallup River with field turf

New York Times
Biden Aims to Bolster U.S. Alliances in Europe, but Challenges Loom
Covid Live Updates: Biden Says He Will Unveil Global Vaccination Plan
Rich Schools, Poor Schools and a Biden Plan
A bipartisan group of House lawmakers unveils an infrastructure proposal.
Uber and Lyft Ramp Up Legislative Efforts to Shield Business Model

Olympian (subscription required)
Collection agency to return $475K after suit alleged it unlawfully garnished wages in WA
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
WA Army National Guard training center taking shape in Richland
City of Olympia plans to purchase property with homeless camp
Get vaccinated at a Washington pot shop and get a freebie to take home

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam reports 10 more COVID cases as state vaccination lottery begins

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA is working to streamline PPP loan forgiveness — again. Especially for these types of loans.
Comcast partners with Seattle to invest in digital upgrades for small businesses
‘It was like pre-Covid’: Busy holiday weekend gives Seattle hotels hope for summer return to normal
Wealthiest executives paid little to nothing in federal income taxes, report says

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Sound Transit light rail will improve to 8-minute frequency this weekend
The ‘two societies’: 97% of new COVID cases are among people who haven’t gotten the shots
Seattle music venues rev up for reopening armed with few guidelines and a lot of hope
Not just Seattle: Homebuyers face stiff competition from Bellevue to Poulsbo
Seattle council asks overdose and recovery panel to consider decriminalization of psychedelics
Opinion: What the public gains by remote trials in federal court
America’s very wealthiest likely pay less in taxes than you do, ProPublica finds

South Seattle Emerald
Activists gather at Othello Park to call for cancelling rent, continuing moratorium

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Walla Walla to again consider ambulance utility fee
County officials discuss vaccination rates, masking policies

Washington Post
Federal prisoners hold $100 million in government-run accounts, shielded from some criminal scrutiny and debt collection
Justice Department says it can ‘vigorously’ defend religious schools’ exemption from anti-LGBTQ discrimination laws
Biden departs on a trip overseas that includes meetings with allies, summit with Putin
Opinion: Isolating during the covid-19 pandemic warped our brains. It’s time to confront that.
For a second year, most U.S. police departments decline to share information on their use of force

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima COVID vaccination site will move to old Astria Regional location on Thursday, Sunday

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Seattle City Council working on steps to decriminalize psychedelics such as mushrooms
Families divided by border closure, watch reopening plans
Eastern Washington in first-of-its-kind drought advisory with dry conditions across US
Feds plan to curtail West Coast salmon fishing to help orcas

KNKX FM
Listen: Vaccination push, eviction moratorium are hot topics in Olympia right now

KUOW FM
UW Physicians Try Jailhouse Calls to Demystify Covid Vaccine
Pandemic blog: Updates for western Washington
The Salish Sea: An imperiled wonder of the Northwest
The Highly Contagious Delta Variant Is On The Rise In the U.S.

Web

Crosscut
Native doulas help navigate tricky births during the pandemic
Opinion: Facing climate concerns, will King County stop Boeing Field expansion?

MyNorthwest
Feds plan to curtail West Coast salmon fishing to help orcas
Eastern Washington in first-of-its-kind drought advisory with dry conditions across US
A year later, questions still swirl around how and why SPD abandoned East Precinct
Electron Dam owner fined $500K over Puyallup River pollution
Record-breaking month spurs ‘strong, chaotic’ Puget Sound housing market
Gov. Inslee, Washington State Patrol unveil ‘heroes wall’ in Olympia
State set to pick first round of winners for Washington’s new vaccine lottery

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Replacement-plan introduction, and what else is planned for Thursday update

Tuesday, June 8

Washington state approves “Joints for Jabs” vaccination promotions
The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) of Washington has approved a temporary allowance for cannabis retailers to offer “Joints for Jabs” promotions to support local vaccination efforts.The allowed promotions may provide one joint to an adult customer who received a COVID-19 vaccination at an in-store vaccination clinic.This approval is effective immediately, optional for cannabis retailers and expires on July 12, 2021. Continue reading at KIRO 7 News.

Washington state to halt driver’s license suspension for unpaid tickets, failure to appear in court
About 100,000 Washington drivers will soon have their licenses reinstated under a court-ordered moratorium on the state’s practice of revoking licenses to penalize drivers who fail to pay fines or fail to appear in court. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert / The Seattle Times)

State offers ways to check your eligibility as COVID vaccine lottery drawings begin
Prep for Washington state’s first COVID-19 vaccine lottery drawings this week has frustrated some residents who have not been able to confirm their status to make sure they are in the running. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (TVW)

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Associated Press
Another COVID side effect: Many kids head to summer school
Washington: Marijuana stores can offer joints for vaccines
AP analysis: COVID prolonged foster care stays for thousands
Rail union: Sabotage caused Washington oil-train derailment

Auburn Reporter
State to allow ‘Joints for Jabs’ promotions to support vaccinations
Report: One-third of Auburn renters are ‘cost-burdened’

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Fish for free in Washington state. No Discover Pass required at parks the same days
Whatcom County sees 16 new COVID-19 cases as local hospitalizations match record high
Get vaccinated at a Washington pot shop and get a freebie to take home
State offers ways to check your eligibility ahead of COVID vaccine lottery drawings
Fewer Americans than ever during COVID pandemic still social distancing, poll finds
UW Medicine study to look at COVID-19 spread in Washington state
Antibody test won’t reveal if you gained immunity from your COVID vaccine, experts say
Whatcom County sees 31 new COVID-19 cases as hospitalizations rise, three school cases

Columbian
In Our View: We are all on vaccination status honor system

Everett Herald (subscription required)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Vaccine lottery’s first $250,000 winner to be picked Tuesday
Local businesses offer free drinks with proof of vaccination
Harrop: Running out of empathy for those refusing vaccine
Bloomberg Comment: Why it’s a challenge to get corporations to pay taxes
Editorial: Lottery may be ticket to get more vaccinated

High Country News
A broken system: The number of Indigenous people who died from coronavirus may never be known

Kent Reporter
Bezos to be on Kent-based Blue Origin’s first human flight to space

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Backyard Habitat Program helps property owners keep watersheds natural

News Tribune (subscription required)
Pierce County continues to see low numbers of new COVID-19 cases
State Rep. Walsh compares ‘Shot of a Lifetime’ vaccine incentives to ‘Hunger Games’

New York Times
Live Updates: Infrastructure Negotiations May Be Nearing the End
Wealthiest Executives Paid Little to Nothing in Federal Income Taxes, Report Says
Covid Live Updates: Vaccines for U.S.’s Youngest May Arrive This Fall
Investors Fret as Biden Takes Aim at a 100-Year-Old Tax Loophole
As Warming Fuels Disasters, Relief Often Favors White People

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County reports one COVID-19 death last week as disease activity declines

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Outbreaks expected among unvaccinated this summer

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA to open Targeted EIDL Advance cash grant to all eligible businesses soon
Opinion: Teacher dissatisfaction may be high, but so are retention rates
SBA still processing PPP loans with hold codes — and the funding is officially gone
New building regulations needed to protect workers
Washington state reaches vaccination milestone on road to reopening
Many employers aren’t capitalizing on new vaccine PTO tax credit

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Today, the first winners of Washington state’s COVID vaccine lottery will be chosen
Washington state to halt driver’s license suspension for unpaid tickets, failure to appear in court
Debt collector to return $475,000 to Washington consumers as a result of attorney general’s lawsuit
Seattle council votes to ban some school-year and post-pandemic evictions, guarantee lease renewals
Seattleites among top in nation for taking vacations as U.S. COVID cases plummet
‘Go in strong’: UW student paves way as among first Muslim women to wear a hijab at law school graduation
As an Auburn police officer’s murder trial looms, families grieve
King County promised to end youth homelessness by June 2021. It didn’t.
Editorial: Give the Duwamish Tribe long overdue federal recognition

South Seattle Emerald
Trial of Auburn officer delayed, but family of Jesse Sarey continues fighting

Spokesman Review
Regulating new cannabis product delta 8 possible, but will require work, experts say
He was sentenced to life for a string of robberies in Seattle. A new state law paved the way for his release
Inslee: Vaccinated residents could win $1 million, other prizes with new incentive lotto program
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: Warming climate driving wildfires higher into the mountains
Opinion: Collin O’Mara and Alyssa Macy: Sen. Murray and Gov. Inslee must keep their promise to save wild salmon

Washington Post
For those who lost loved ones to covid, there is no return to normal
Capitol Police had intelligence indicating an armed invasion weeks before Jan. 6 riot, Senate probe finds
Alaska Native corporation to protect its land, dealing blow to massive gold mine project
Amazon is about to share your Internet connection with neighbors. Here’s how to turn it off.
Supreme Court unanimously backs limits on immigrants with temporary protected status seeking green cards

Yakima Herald Republic
Visitors and spending in Yakima County declined amid COVID-19 pandemic
Opinion: Health board’s emails can’t help but raise suspicions

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
First vaccine lottery drawing in Washington today: What you need to know
Whatcom County train derailment was ‘no accident’: retired NTSB investigator
Washington state approves “Joints for Jabs” vaccination promotions

KNKX FM
Stuck in jail, waiting for a psychiatric bed. COVID-19 made an old problem worse
KNKX Honors Juneteenth 2021

KUOW FM
Pandemic blog: Updates for western Washington
Biden’s Task Force Has Reunited 36 Migrant Families — With Hundreds To Go
Anti-Vaccine Film Targeted To Black Americans Spreads False Information
As Temporary Protected Status Shifts, One Activist Deals With Uncertainty
Fake COVID Vaccine Cards Are Being Sold Online. Using One Is A Crime

Crosscut
WA middle schoolers get vaccinated as districts expand access
Will enough Seattle workers return to commuting by bus?

MyNorthwest
Gov. Inslee, Washington State Patrol to unveil ‘heroes wall’ in Olympia
Woman shot, injured by police; man found dead during Puyallup welfare check
State set to pick first round of winners for Washington’s new vaccine lottery
‘Quite the conundrum’ as Washington businesses struggle to find workers
DOH: ‘Will take time’ for Washington state, federal data to align on vaccine totals
Seattle City Council approves trio of bills aimed at curbing evictions
New law clears way for 114 Washington inmates seeking early release
Link light rail to increase frequency of train service
Federal Way expands hazard pay ordinance to smaller grocery stores
Two-alarm Parkland fire leaves 20 people homeless
Seattle-Bremerton ferry route returns to two-boat service

Monday, June 7

Most 2nd-degree murder cases mean $1M+ in bail. Officers in Ellis death got much less
Two Tacoma police officers charged with second-degree murder in the death of Manuel Ellis were given lower bail amounts than the vast majority of other defendants charged with the same crime in Pierce County since 2017, court records show. Officials say that is likely because the officers do not have criminal backgrounds, have significant ties to the community and are unlikely to intimidate witnesses, all factors weighed by judges when assigning bail.Continue reading at KIRO 7 News. (Joshua Bessex, The News Tribune)

Where have all the waiters gone? On the cusp of reopening, a labor shortage threatens Washington restaurants’ recovery
After almost 15 months of pandemic restrictions, layoffs and losses, many restaurants, bars and other food service businesses face a new crisis: With just weeks to go before restrictions lift, a deep labor shortage is derailing hopes for a quick recovery — and renewing questions about the role of pandemic unemployment benefits. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times)

Washington launched a program to limit vaccine waste. Here’s how providers are using it
Washington state recently unveiled a new program called Vaccine Marketplace, which creates a streamlined process for transferring COVID-19 vaccines between different vaccine providers in the state. Similar to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, Vaccine Marketplace allows providers who have extra doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to share the information with other providers in order to reduce waste. The program launched May 14 and is an addition to the state’s current Immunization Information System, or IIS. It is available to any state provider that utilizes IIS. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

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Associated Press
Another COVID side effect: Many kids head to summer school
High court asked to review men-only draft registration law
Judge tosses challenge to Seattle’s tax on big businesses
Navy destroyer causes oil spill in Port Townsend Bay

Bellevue Reporter
Government agencies closed for COVID-19. Here’s how they plan to reopening, hold meetings
Could a new truck or $1M convince reluctant Whatcom residents to get a COVID vaccine?
U.S. pandemic-relief bill a windfall to Whatcom agencies. Here’s how they plan to spend it
Whatcom continues security for COVID-19 quarantine site, despite these questions
Are you eligible for Washington’s vaccine lottery? So far, finding out is tough
Lummi vaccinations added to county total, as state reports Whatcom’s 99th COVID-19 death
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Friday in Washington state
How the American Rescue Plan Act will effect counties and local government
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Free beer, vaccine requirements, arthritis drug & more
‘Deeply concerned:’ COVID hospitalization rates in teens doubled in a month, CDC says

Capital Press
Severe drought spreads in Washington
High-risk part of fire season arrives in some of West

Columbian
Two Vancouver senior care facilities see COVID outbreaks
Vancouver plans how to allocate $32.6 million in COVID-19 relief
In Our View: WSU marijuana research facility prudent step
In Our View: State smart to offer shot at prizes for vaccinated
In Our View: Improving cybersecurity vitally important to U.S.

Everett Herald
Some sex offenders may return to home counties, but where?
New frigates could bring other improvements to Everett base
Work on I-5 Stilly River bridge will mean summer slowdowns
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
County airport workers got early shot at vaccinations
Whidbey sees an influx of tourists — almost as many as in 2019
WaPo Comment: Mental health days are legitimate; just ask the kids
Editorial: State’s cannabis industry needs fair, focused rules
Editorial: Welcome The Herald’s newest writers, your neighbors
Letter: We shouldn’t legitimize uninformed opinions
Letter: Electoral college a throwback to Holy Roman Empire

Federal Way Mirror
Op-ed: Post-pandemic world is an opportunity for our youth

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
As wildfire season approaches, state crews use ‘thinning’ to limit danger at Green Mountain
‘Nothing we’ve ever seen before:’ Boom brings thousands of housing units to Kitsap County
New class of Navy frigates will be homeported at Naval Station Everett

News Tribune (subscription required)
Washington launched a program to limit vaccine waste. Here’s how providers are using it
Pierce County reports fewer than 50 new COVID-19 cases on Friday
Opinion: Sound Transit pumps brakes on projects costing billions. Here’s how Tacoma will feel it
Opinion: Imagine Tacoma as smorgasbord of housing options. Imagine us getting growth right

Olympian (subscription required)
Opinion: Tumwater pushes ahead on affordable housing efforts, as crisis keeps growing

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Vaccination clinics set this week as lottery begins
EYE ON JEFFERSON: County considers housing grants
Health officers: COVID still poses a danger

Puget Sound Business Journal
Exclusive: Washington state, software firm traded blame over unemployment fraud
Uneven recovery: 35% of small businesses might not survive the summer, survey finds
Opinion: Boeing may have moved on — but have we?

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Many Seattle-area school districts returning to in-person graduation ceremonies
Where have all the waiters gone? On the cusp of reopening, a labor shortage threatens Washington restaurants’ recovery
The enchanting world of beavers in King County — and how they might benefit a warming planet
Voter suppression laws just ‘Jim Crow in new clothes’
Opinion: Create safe environments to keep kids moving, more important now than ever

South Seattle Emerald
Thirty-nine Percent: The uphill battle for oversight in King County
Opinion: Naomi Osaka prioritized her mental health. It’s time we followed suit
Mayor and Council unveil economic relief plan, CD gets more affordable housing
Weekend long reads: America’s complicated beliefs on race, opportunity, and policing
How South King County rideshare drivers weathered the pandemic
Can the Seattle Police Department consent decree be fixed?

Tri-City Herald
More Tri-Cities area COVID deaths, as new confirmed case counts jump this week
Arsonist sets wooden roller coaster ablaze at Idaho theme park, officials say
Are you eligible for Washington’s vaccine lottery? So far, finding out is tough
Hydro racing’s all-time winningest driver is back in the cockpit. 1st stop Tri-Cities
Is a Tri-Cities port being ‘sneaky’ about waterfront housing options near Clover Island?

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Columbia Pulp reopens Lyons Ferry plant
Walla Walla social media restaurant directory born in pandemic evolves as community needs change
Spring elections see two new school board directors at Athena-Weston
Learning by doing: WWCC nursing students get early start through extern program at Providence St. Mary
Walla Walla Community College to offer more in-person learning in summer, fall

Washington Post
FDA approves first drug to slow decline of Alzheimer’s disease
Despite pandemic, level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere hits historic levels
Harris arrives in Guatemala to tackle migration causes

Yakima Herald
New report addresses impacts of legacy pesticides and how to clean them up
2020 wildfires left endangered species in Central Washington at risk
Washington utility has no plans to shut off power for fires

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Confusion surrounds Washington’s vaccination rate
Most 2nd-degree murder cases mean $1M+ in bail. Officers in Ellis death got much less
Seattle advocates push to extend governor’s eviction moratorium
Washington utility has no plans to shut off power for fires
Gov. Inslee says Washington will reopen June 30 even if vaccination goal isn’t reached

KNKX FM
Plans to reopen feel different for rural hospitals – just like the pandemic itself
Native leader calls him a ‘snake,’ but Inslee defends veto of tribal consent in cap-and-trade law

KUOW FM
Pandemic blog for the Seattle area
How Do You Prepare For A Million Workers To Return To The Office? Ask The Government
Working In Sweatpants May Be Over As Companies Contemplate The Great Office Return
This Sikh doctor helped bring vaccines to a Renton temple — and it worked
‘They should be alive:’ Families, advocates honor Washingtonians killed by police
How low wages and high rent helped Covid spread from a wedding in Kent to nearly 300
On Asian America: Living in the rural NW, historical and contemporary stories
The problems with Washington’s prison healthcare system, ferry service, and vaccine lottery, this week

Web

MyNorthwest
Federal Way expands hazard pay ordinance to smaller grocery stores
Two-alarm Parkland fire leaves 20 people homeless
Seattle-Bremerton ferry route returns to two-boat service
COVID updates: White House celebrates 70% vaccination for WA, state says not yet
Seattle DOT installing vertical posts on Aurora Bridge
Man shot, killed in attempted carjacking in SoDo neighborhood
Dry, warm spring weather expected to continue through summer
Judge strikes down lawsuit that sought to overturn Seattle big business tax
Police rifle stolen in 2020 Seattle riot recovered
Skagit Valley Hospital, other North Sound facilities filling up
State troopers trying to find rock thrower along I-90
First-of-its-kind murder trial against Auburn police officer set for early 2022
Washington’s child care crisis poised to get even bleaker post-pandemic

Slog
Slog PM: Judge OKs Seattle’s JumpStart Tax, Facebook Bans Trump for Two More Years, the Bus to the Mountains Starts Tomorrow

West Seattle Blog
Here’s what’s happening at Camp Second Chance, West Seattle’s only tiny-house encampment

Friday, June 4

Washington dangles $1M jackpot, wide variety of other prizes for getting a COVID vaccine
The state will give away more than $2 million in prizes as an incentive to lead people to get their COVID-19 vaccines, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday, including a $1 million grand prize. Those cash drawings are the biggest part of an incentive package that also includes tuition money for students and tickets to flights and sports games, among other things. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Ted S. Warren)

Coronavirus is more contagious now than last year as variants spread in King County
As Seattleites emerge from quarantine to celebrate warm weather and vaccination, ominous news comes from public health experts. People who are not yet vaccinated are more likely to catch Covid-19 now than we all were around this time last year. Consider June last year: near total lockdown. This is because there are more variants, which are more contagious. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

Looking to escape wildfire smoke in WA this year? A new tool could help
When a supermassive smoke plume blanketed Washington last September, all eyes turned to the Washington State Department of Ecology. Less than a year later and just in time for wildfire season, Ecology has a new tool in its toolbelt. The new five-day automated smoke forecast is accessible as part of Ecology’s online smoke map, with days three through five similar to the existing two-day forecast, but using slightly different streams of information.
Continue reading at Crosscut. (Sarah Hoffman)