Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Wednesday, August 5

Beirut blast death toll rises to 100 with more fatalities feared
The death toll from explosions that devastated central Beirut has passed 100, the Lebanese Red Cross said Wednesday, as residents across much of the city woke in shock, if they had slept at all. The blasts occurred at a warehouse in Beirut’s port area that apparently housed massive quantities of explosive materials. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Hussein Malla)

Governor updates and clarifies requirements for gyms, other fitness services
Gov. Jay Inslee has updated requirements for fitness services in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The updates take effect Monday, Aug. 10, and are for counties in phases 2 and 3 of the state’s Safe Start reopening plan. (Only five counties are still in Phase 1: Benton, Franklin, Chelan, Douglas and Yakima.) Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Joshua Bessex)

Defunding Seattle police: Mayor Durkan, Chief Best chide City Council budget plan
Mayor Jenny Durkan and police Chief Carmen Best on Tuesday challenged the Seattle City Council over its controversial plans to defund the police department, criticizing a key element to strip 100 officers from the department. “Blunt cuts of 100 officers between now and the end of the year is really not the way to proceed,” Durkan said. Continue reading at KOMO News.

Print

Associated Press
Trump’s demand for US cut of a TikTok deal is unprecedented
Lebanon to put some Beirut port officials under house arrest
Fireworks, ammonium nitrate likely fueled Beirut explosion
Washington lawsuit says protective gear costs impede protest
Oregon reports 342 new coronavirus cases, 5 more deaths
25 virus cases reported at Oregon summer camp
Washington state flower shop fined $4K for mask violation
Police declare riot in Portland as unruly protests continue
Police: Washington state man allegedly shot by deputy dies
Auditors issue critical report for Pullman-Moscow airport
Seattle mayor, police chief urge slow down of police cuts

Aberdeen Daily World
County health officer calls for distance learning
Second COVID-19-related death reported in Grays Harbor County
Commentary: Note to Republicans in Congress: ‘It’s an awesome blessing to provide for people in need’
Letter: Do you believe Trump, or your doctor?

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Governor updates and clarifies requirements for gyms, other fitness services
Washington state reports 664 new COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths on Tuesday
Whatcom sees five new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, state reports
COVID-19 disproportionately impacts Whatcom Hispanics. Here’s what could help
Whatcom County health officer makes recommendation for how the school year should begin
These food-related industries have had the most COVID-19 outbreaks in Washington

Capital Press
Inslee halts plans for Chehalis River dam
Farmers to receive compensation in NORPAC deal

Columbian
Clark County sees 61 new COVID-19 cases as total approaches 2,000
Ridgefield voters say no to $40.5 million school bond
Vancouver Public Schools officials say remote learning will be better in fall
In Our View: Congress must ensure funding for vote-by-mail

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Memorial honors fallen Bothell police officer Jonathan Shoop
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Tourism takes a vacation, and many businesses are hurting
WaPo Commentary: ‘Taxpayers’ don’t need protection; Americans do

Federal Way Mirror
Three nonprofit groups to get $500,000 each to provide housing for human trafficking victims
Communities in Schools Federal Way launches virtual school supplies drive

Highline Times
Gun violence flaring in King County; More people were shot in last six months than the same period over the last four years
Apply for a South King County Fund Economic Recovery Grant

Islands’ Weekly
Outdoor Recreation generates big money in Washington
Cover your face, says Department of Health
COVID-19 activity continues to grow in Washington state as hospitalizations and deaths rise
Hot, dry conditions prompt commissioner Franz to enact statewide burn ban
Record $5.2 Million Gift Expands Turtleback Preserve and precedent-setting donation also returns land to the Lummi Nation
A recap of the islands’ most recent COVID cases

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Man shot by Kitsap sheriff’s deputy dies at hospital
Why don’t we know more about that COVID-19 case? The balance of health privacy laws and public interest
Fifth person has died from COVID-19 in Kitsap County

News Tribune (subscription required)
Registration for new ‘Tacoma Online’ school opens Wednesday. Families face difficult choice
Mayor’s behavior becomes an issue at City Hall, as employees complain of angry outbursts
Visitors from mainland swamp island swim spot, prompting COVID-wary officials to close it
Pierce County reports 80 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths on Tuesday
From cat whiskers to Seahawks, masks not so bad after all. Do your part to kill COVID
Governor updates and clarifies requirements for gyms, other fitness services

New York Times
With Census Count Finishing Early, Fears of a Skewed Tally Rise
‘It’s Like Having No Testing’: Coronavirus Test Results Are Still Delayed
Hurricane, Fire, Covid-19: Disasters Expose the Hard Reality of Climate Change

Olympian (subscription required)
Coronavirus updates: Report highlights outbreak data; Alaska Airlines strengthens face covering policy
Washington state reports 664 new COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths on Tuesday
These food-related industries have had the most COVID-19 outbreaks in Washington
Bankruptcy judge approves the sale of McClatchy to hedge fund Chatham Asset Management
2 COVID-19 deaths in Thurston announced Tuesday, with 20 new positive cases

Peninsula Daily News
East Beach wildfire about 30 percent contained
Virus numbers may hit plateau
Peninsula health officials discuss schools reopening

Puget Sound Business Journal
Distilleries raced to make hand sanitizer for the pandemic. No longer.
With census count finishing early, fears of a skewed tally rise

Seattle Times (subscription required)
‘This profession is a calling’: Bothell police Officer Jonathan Shoop is honored at memorial
Editorial: Stakes are high for remote K-12, fall edition
Op-Ed: Preserve dental benefits for our most vulnerable citizen
Op-Ed: Keep John Lewis close and follow ‘the way of love and nonviolence’

Skagit Valley Herald
Burlington-Edison School Board approves home-based learning plan
New gym restrictions to have minor effects on Skagit businesses

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Snoqualmie Valley School District will be entirely online this fall

Spokesman Review
Under pressure from faculty, Mary Cullinan resigns as president of EWU
Half of outbreaks in Washington have been in long-term care facilities, new state report says
Lamar Advertising removes anti-mask billboards, declines to display 3 of 4 ads from anti-racism group
Not home, but still healthy: Precautious Spokane-area first responders stem spread of COVID-19
Opinion: Jim McDevitt: Defunding the police is a bad idea

Tri-City Herald
Most Pasco students will start online in September after unanimous school board vote
More than 100 Tri-Cities COVID cases reported Tuesday. Total Hanford cases up

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
COVID-19 case numbers rising, including among inmates
Walla Walla commissioners won’t add ‘Liberty State’ proposal to the fall ballot
More hospital admissions, another death, from COVID-19
Okanogan orchard worker under quarantine dies at farm labor camp
Editorial: Inslee should follow Oregon’s lead on special session
Seattle Times: Alaska Airlines warns nearly 1,600 Washington state employees of COVID-19-driven fall layoffs

Washington Post
Grocery costs are straining already tight home budgets. Here’s why prices are rising
Deaths in Beirut blasts pass 100
Here’s what videos tell us about the explosions in Beirut
Democrats introduce bill to add new mission to the Federal Reserve: Ending racial inequality
White House, Democrats at odds over jobless aid
Struggling U.S. manufacturers pivot to one product where sales are actually booming: Masks
President’s son calls for blocking mine in sensitive fishing area
In the 75 years since Hiroshima, nuclear testing killed untold thousands
Things you didn’t know (or maybe forgot) about how women got the vote
Six states form testing coalition in absence of federal strategy

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County records 200th COVID-19 death Tuesday
Opinion: Yakima County trending the right way with COVID-19 numbers

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
What you need to know about coronavirus Wednesday, Aug. 5
Gun violence on the rise in King County, according to new data

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Seattle City Council expected to vote on defunding SPD budget
Seattle company Outdoor Research starts producing CDC-approved medical face masks
PLU unveils ‘PLUS year’ tuition program for current students
FAA identifies design changes needed to return 737 MAX to service
New South Sound elementary school named after NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Portland police declare riot after truck drives through crowd, protesters break into building
Video shows neighbors face-off with protesters outside Seattle police chief’s home
Defunding Seattle police: Mayor Durkan, Chief Best chide City Council budget plan
Health leader says Washington could move back in phases if COVID numbers don’t decrease

KNKX FM
OSPI releases guidance for special education as many districts plan for remote learning
‘Act of desperation’: King County sees an increase in gun violence
Pilchuck Dam removal nearing completion, with 37 miles of good fish habitat upstream
A growing number of parents in Seattle are pushing for some outdoor learning in the fall

KUOW FM
Blog: Covid-19 pandemic in Washington state
Layoffs and shop closures hit Seattle and Portland airports, terminal expansions continue
In White Center, the economic safety net shows its gaps
After ‘Severe’ Delays, 6 States Band Together To Buy Coronavirus Tests
White House Plan Breaks Taboo: A Focus On Guns And Veteran Suicide
Amnesty International Documents 125 Incidents Of Police Violence Against Protesters

Q13 TV (Fox)
The defunding Seattle Police debate continues ahead of city council’s budget vote
King County Prosecutor raises concerns over defunding police as violent crime surges
Mounting evidence shows masks may help avoid severe illness, even if you get COVID-19

Web

Crosscut
Opinion: Durkan veto of COVID-19 relief bill is bad economics
Gov. Inslee extends utility shutoff moratorium to Oct. 15
WA school mascot draws Native family into decades-long fight
Cancer treatment in WA prisons often too little, too late

Slog
Seattle’s Mayor and Police Chief Keep Gaslighting the City About Defunding SPD
Officers’ Reliance on “Less Lethal” Munitions Leave Portlanders With Lasting Head Injuries

Tuesday, August 4

$100 million in rent aid coming to Washington counties
The Washington state Department of Commerce is releasing $100 million of federal CARES act funding earmarked for rent assistance to counties. The funding will be administered by existing county-level organizations that provide homeless prevention services. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (David Zalubowski)

Initial backlog of pandemic-caused unemployment claims has been cleared, state says
An initial backlog of unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic has been cleared, the Washington state Employment Security Department said Monday. “More than 81,500 individuals who had applied by mid-June and not received payment now have resolution on their claims,” ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine said in a press release. Continue reading at The Olympian. (TVW)

Census Bureau says counting will end a month earlier than planned
The Census Bureau announced late Monday that door-knocking and other field activities for the 2020 Census will cease a month earlier than planned. The agency had given indications last week that field activities would cease Sept. 30 instead of Oct. 31, to submit the population count to the president by Dec. 31. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (LM Otero)

Print

Associated Press
Gyms will need to triple distance for exercising indoors
Parents unhappy with school options assemble learning ‘pods’
State is working through secondary jobless benefit backlog
Washington fish trap opens on White River in October, will be largest in U.S.
Washington state is working through secondary jobless benefit backlog
Sunday demonstrations in Portland described as peaceful
Protests in the long term: How is a lasting legacy cemented?
‘Re-centering’: Portland protests begin peacefully
Oregon to offer quicker benefits to unemployed workers
Oregon: Lawmakers return Aug. 10 for session to deal with deficit
First Asian giant hornet found in Washington state trap
FAA spells out design changes needed in grounded Boeing jet
Seattle police chief upset after protesters visit her home
Portland police declare unlawful assembly during protest
As school begins amid virus, parents see few good options
Washington’s largest county moves to make Juneteenth holiday
Family of teen who died at WSU fraternity files lawsuit
Portland Commissioner receives flood of racist messages
Virtual school: Teachers want to improve but training varies
Judge orders review of protest news images sought by police
US officials seek limits on “habitat” for imperiled species
Washington psychiatric hospital has 21 new COVID-19 cases
US: Snake River dams will not be removed to save salmon
Judge: Thurston County Sheriff removal petition to advance

Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor County approves first $122,000 in small business relief grants
County approves five full-time permanent hires for public health COVID-19 response
Grays Harbor County reached 58 COVID cases in July, 98 total

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
$100 million in rent aid coming to Washington counties
COVID-19 disproportionately impacts Whatcom Hispanics. Here’s what could help
Whatcom gets this share of $195 million in federal funds for online teaching
Whatcom sees 14 new COVID-19 cases Monday, as three areas had surges last week

Bothell Reporter
Free mask event for King County residents, Aug. 4 in Bellevue

Capital Press
Second guestworker dies at Washington farm

Columbian
In Our View: Remote lessons must be accessible to all
CARES Act to send nearly $5.5 million in rent assistance to Clark County

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Flower World hit with $4,200 fine for banning face masks
Local private schools mulling in-person class this fall
Seattle police chief’s Snohomish County home draws protesters
Stalled for months, state resolves 81,000 unemployment cases
COVID-19 testing continues this week at McCollum Park

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way mayor hosts first public forum for African American, Black communities

Highline Times
Council approves Kohl-Welles’ amendment to keep gun stores away from schools
City of SeaTac launches $350,000 economic recovery Emergency Relief Grant Program for local small businesses
Opinion: First soccer moms, now rage moms

The Inlander
EWU President Mary Cullinan steps down weeks after vote of no confidence

Islands’ Weekly
Local businesses receive help from the Department of Commerce
Statewide face-covering order expansion
Orca Network launches “Share the Water”

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Washington teen found alive 9 days after she ran out of gas and disappeared into the woods
Need for blood beckons: Donor criteria eased amid blood supply shortages

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma Public Schools saves $45 million for taxpayers in COVID-impacted bond market
PLU delays in-person learning by a week, announces phase-in plan amid COVID-19 uptick
Hacked platform used by Tacoma schools sends 37,000 phishing emails to families, staff
Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies need body cameras. Let’s hope for progress this week
Pierce County reports 92 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

Olympian (subscription required)
$100 million in rent aid coming to Washington counties
Washington state reports 542 new COVID-19 cases and 4 deaths on Monday
Coronavirus updates: State reaches 1.6k deaths; updates to indoor fitness guidance
Slightly higher rates for Puget Sound Energy customers after correction by regulators
Initial backlog of pandemic-caused unemployment claims has been cleared, state says

Peninsula Daily News
Virus numbers may hit plateau
Clallam nears utility assistance agreement with federal funds

Puget Sound Business Journal
TikTok, Trump and an impulse to play CEO to Corporate America
Alaska Airlines warns 4,200 workers they may face layoffs in October
Amazon got ‘disrupted’ by Target and Walmart, analyst says
Opinion: Seattle City Council is making it harder for businesses to survive
New report says Seattle metro area lost $13.4B during first half of 2020
Mayor vetoes council’s plan to drain Seattle’s rainy day fund on emergency Covid-19 relief
GSBA, Comcast launch small-business relief fund for owners who are LGBTQ+, women and people of color
US chip industry plots route back to homegrown production

Seattle Times (subscription required)
King County beaches closed for fecal bacteria — can we cry fowl and blame Canada geese?
COVID-19 positivity rates drop in King County, but hot spots to south still burn brightly
After protests near her home, Seattle police chief asks City Council for intervention
Alaska Airlines warns nearly 1,600 Washington state employees of COVID-19-driven fall layoffs
ESD: Nearly 87,000 bogus unemployment claims filed in Washington state
Seattle City Council members propose police layoffs but say they can’t defund by 50% right away
COVID-19 forced King County to change its homelessness system. And almost by accident, housing referrals for Black people are going up.
Man accused of causing death of Bothell police officer pleads not guilty to charges
FAA finalizes its plan for the return of Boeing’s 737 MAX
Bloomberg: Trump orders limits on U.S. contractors’ use of foreign workers
‘The biggest monster’ is spreading. And it’s not COVID-19.
Editorial: Honor John Lewis and protect voting rights
Op-Ed: Preserve dental benefits for our most vulnerable citizens

Skagit Valley Herald
Halibut season set to open
Local health clubs await new restrictions
Restaurants, bars adjust to new restrictions
Skagit Valley College receives Job Corps grant
Letter: Protect the Dreamers

Spokesman Review
Spokane Public Schools to begin fall with distance learning
Parents react with concern, relief to Spokane Public Schools’ plan to keep fall classes online
Unemployment benefit request backlog cleared, state says

Tri-City Herald
2 more COVID deaths, but new cases and hospital patients drop in Tri-Cities area
BLM silent bridge march protests wrongful detention of Tri-Cities man
Pasco to decide if students will return to classrooms. Finley expects to go online

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Umatilla County has another COVID-19 death; Walla Walla County’s cases up by 38
Columbia County reports first COVID-19 death
State now requires race and ethnicity data on COVID-19 cases
Area schools grapple with fall sports
Editorial: Fauci’s confidence in a coronavirus vaccine is heartening

Washington Post
Isaias barrels north as conditions worsen in southern New England
Does Trump understand how bad the pandemic is?
House committee probes DHS office that tracked journalists, protesters
‘I don’t know John Lewis’: Trump bashes deceased civil rights leader for skipping his inauguration
Op-Ed: The census is foundational to democracy. No one should undermine it.
Census Bureau says counting will end a month earlier than planned
If Congress can’t pass coronavirus legislation, is the institution broken?
Judge whose son was killed urges better protection of personal information

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County continues downward trend in new COVID-19 cases; 42 new cases Monday
500-acre wildfire threatens homes Monday evening on Konnowac Pass
More travelers are flying in and out of Yakima, leading Alaska Airlines to add a 2nd daily flight
Yakima school district outlines four-stage reopening plan, but no final decision yet

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington gyms told to triple distance for exercising indoors

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
30,000 people still in limbo even as ESD meets deadline to resolve backlog of claims
Protesters sue Seattle, claim they need ‘expensive’ protective gear to safely protest
Seattle City Council members question Sawant’s plan to defund SPD this year
PLU offers free tuition for all current students
Gyms will need to triple distance for exercising indoors
Tacoma Public Schools warns about phishing emails sent to families
SPD Chief Best calls for home protests to stop

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
New Spanaway elementary school named in honor of ‘Hidden Figures’ mathematician
Despite COVID-19, some Puget Sound schools prepping for in-class learning this fall
Families debate how to socialize children during coronavirus pandemic
We’re likely at a ‘turning point’ in Portland protests, sociologist says

KNKX FM
A look inside the elections center in Pierce County, as workers adapt amid COVID-19
OSPI releases guidance for special education as many districts plan for remote learning
Public online schools in Washington are seeing growth as parents look for a different option
Some help for Seattle area small businesses

KUOW FM
Washington state proposes new unemployment benefits formula as federal dollars dry up
Ongoing coverage of protests for racial justice in the Seattle area
Blog: Covid-19 pandemic in Washington state
Inmates sent to Covid hot spot in central Washington to relieve overcrowding at their prison; others sleep on floor

Q13 TV (Fox)
Council staff: Laying off every sworn officer still won’t cut SPD’s remaining 2020 budget in half
FAA releases design changes for grounded Boeing 737 MAX
Pierce County woman’s unemployment claim disqualified over identity issue (Conway)
Tacoma Public Schools warns of phishing scam asking for personal information

Web

MyNorthwest.com
Okanogan County now has the most COVID cases per capita in Washington
New lawsuit alleges SPD is forcing ‘de facto protest tax’ with use of crowd control weapons
Barber fined $90K says he has the power of the Constitution on his side

Slog
Seattle’s COVID-19 Crisis Not Big and Terrible Enough For the Mayor
What Would a World Without the Post Office Look Like?
New Grant Fund Moves Money From Big Conglomerates to Local Small Businesses

Monday, August 3

Seattle City Council members propose police layoffs but say they can’t defund by 50% right away
Seattle City Council members have unveiled a plan to shrink the Police Department, starting with a spate of budget proposals that could reduce the force by as many as 100 officers through layoffs and attrition this year. Most of the proposals, including cuts aimed at the department’s SWAT team, encampment-removal team and mounted unit, appear to have enough support to pass. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Jury: Washington state liable in Powell boys’ deaths
A jury has found that Washington state officials were partially responsible for the deaths of missing Utah woman Susan Cox Powell’s children at the hands of their father. The News Tribune newspaper in Tacoma reported that jurors on Friday awarded $98 million to the estates of Charlie and Braden Powell. Continue reading at Kitsap Sun. (Tony Overman/AP)

Scientists Worry About Political Influence Over Coronavirus Vaccine Project
In April, with hospitals overwhelmed and much of the United States in lockdown, the Department of Health and Human Services produced a presentation for the White House arguing that rapid development of a coronavirus vaccine was the best hope to control the pandemic. “DEADLINE: Enable broad access to the public by October 2020,” the first slide read, with the date in bold. Continue reading at The New York Times. (Anna Moneymaker/NYT)

Print

Associated Press
Jury: Washington state liable in Powell boys’ deaths
SpaceX capsule and NASA crew make 1st splashdown in 45 years
Sorry, boomers: millennials and younger are new US majority
King County moves to make Juneteenth an official paid holiday

Aberdeen Daily World
Second COVID-19-related death in Pacific County
City awards initial round of business grants for Covid losses
Hoquiam Schools now likely to open all online Sept. 2
Health director talks about Covid surge
Commentary: Coronavirus unleashes righteous worker anger and new wave of unionism

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Insurance Commissioner extends order against COVID-19 surprise billing and lab fees
Whatcom County sees 12 new coronavirus cases Sunday, state says
Here’s how some Whatcom businesses maintain safe environments for workers, customers
With new state restrictions, these Whatcom businesses are figuring out how to survive
Family’s lawsuit details policies they say led to Whatcom County jail suicide

Capital Press
Japanese imports of beef up despite virus
Feds affirm opposition to breaching Snake River dams
Washington farms ask for record number of foreign workers
Washington traps first Asian giant hornet

Columbian
One new COVID-19 death, 22 cases reported in Clark County
In Our View: COVID-19 refresher can help us beat this virus
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Right time for Academy plans (rental assistance, COVID-19)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
COVID and road closures have hampered Rucker Ave. businesses
Lawmakers welcome return of passenger service at Paine Field
Rogue Snohomish barber faces big tab for his political protest
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Editorial: Wishful thinking useless against virus, recession
Viewpoints: Pandemic puts our commitment to ADA to test
Ferry ride isn’t a pleasure cruise in COVID-19 summer of 2020
Burke: Trump puzzled by his unpopularity? Here’s some help
Bloomberg Comment: Carbon’s impact on temperature worse than we thought
Bloomberg: Microsoft tries to salvage deal to buy TikTok, appease Trump

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Local businesses receive help from the Department of Commerce

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Environmental group wants to buy the rights to Puget Sound net pen sites
Why don’t we know more about that COVID-19 case? The balance of health privacy laws and public interest
USDA identifies some of the mysterious, unsolicited seeds after all 50 states issue warnings
Amazon delivery center developers to build roundabout on Highway 3
Washington State player says head coach threatened his status over Pac-12 unity group

News Tribune (subscription required)
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District proposes ‘dialed’ approach to reopening schools
Insurance Commissioner extends order against COVID-19 surprise billing and lab fees
Pierce County reports 77 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths
Meet the woman who is working to bring awareness to racial inequities in Puyallup
Jury delivers verdict in wrongful death trial on behalf of Susan Cox Powell’s sons
Pac-12 player group including UW’s Joe Tryon and Ty Jones lists demands, threatens to opt out of 2020 season
Tacoma could lose housing, employment discrimination investigators amid COVID budget cuts
It’s not a good look when Tacoma leaders don’t show up or speak up on police reform

New York Times
I tried to live without the tech giants. It was impossible.
Scientists Worry About Political Influence Over Coronavirus Vaccine Project
Small Businesses Got Emergency Loans, but Not What They Expected
Covid Tests and Quarantines: Colleges Brace for an Uncertain Fall

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County moves to loosen rules on accessory dwelling units in rural areas
Downtown residents raise concerns over Olympia Police Department’s use of tear gas
From $600 a week to $200: How Republicans want to cut coronavirus unemployment benefits
Coronavirus updates: State reaches 58,173 cases, 1,596 deaths
‘Every day was nonstop calls’: How a blue state Republican became the face of mail voting
Thurston County reports 25 new COVID-19 cases, pushing overall total to 674
Online schools see spike in interest as WA districts hustle to set up virtual platforms

Peninsula Daily News
Victoria wastewater treatment plant to be online this year
East Beach wildfire grows to 84 acres
Clallam County reports an additional COVID-19 case
KPTZ hosts a conversation on reckoning with race in Jefferson County
Peninsula couple get mystery package of seeds
Peninsula virus cases up to 154

Puget Sound Business Journal
More than 1,000 companies boycotted Facebook. Did it work?
How safe is it to go back to the office?
U.S. small business bailout money flowed to Chinese-owned companies
Seattle sustainability experts say that despite Covid-19, cities are here to stay
Contact tracing is failing in many states. Here’s why.

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Washington State Ferries grapples with mask requirements for passengers
Proposed Virginia Mason-CHI Franciscan merger increases worry about Catholic limits on health care in Washington state
Seattle City Council members propose police layoffs but say they can’t defund by 50% right away
6 King County beaches closed because of high bacteria levels
Washington was a vote-by-mail pioneer; now other states are following suit amid coronavirus
Coronavirus changed King County’s homelessness system. Could it now be working better for Black people?
Police defunding debate plays out at rally in front of Seattle City Hall
Despite pleas, it looks like National Archives in Seattle still set to close
Hundreds become lawyers in Washington state without bar exam requirement due to COVID-19 exemption
As Washington state’s unemployment bureaucracy stalled, this Facebook group became a lifeline for jobless workers
Bloomberg: Microsoft confirms talks to buy TikTok’s U.S. operation
A scramble to address fears that coronavirus can spread through shared air in buildings
Op-Ed: Our son was hazed to death — end this toxic tradition
Editorial: Supreme Court should reinstate low-cost legal-assistance program
Op-Ed: More poverty and food insecurity shouldn’t be new American normal
Editorial: Seattle Council must rebuke bullying of colleagues
Op-Ed: SPD is our ally in fighting sex trafficking

Seattle Weekly
WIAA gives schools option to delay start of prep sports until December

Spokesman Review
Three newly graduated police officers enter a whole new world
Judge orders review of Seattle protest news photos sought by police; news outlets will appeal
As Spokane jail holds fewer people due to COVID-19, is crime up?
New COVID-19 restrictions could cause delay in election results, county auditors say
Spokane to add isolation facility, contact tracers as 104 new cases are confirmed
Opinion: School leaders are committed to safety

Tri-City Herald
BLM silent bridge march protests wrongful detention
BNSF train cars derail and cause traffic backups in Richland
Federal study says keep lower Snake River dams. Environmental groups condemn decision
Insurance Commissioner extends order against COVID-19 surprise billing and lab fees
Editorial: Stay the course against COVID. Opening Tri-Cities too soon will set us back

USA Today
Kids’ mental health can struggle during online school. Here’s how teachers are planning ahead.
‘Insulin or groceries’: How reduced unemployment affects struggling Americans from California to Mississippi
$1,200 checks? Money for schools? Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan
Washington officials trap state’s first Asian giant hornet. Now they have until mid-September to find the nests.

Washington Post
Seattle police chief criticizes protesters after demonstration at her home
Coronavirus vaccine will not change world right away
Getting a vaccine in record time is hard. Distributing it to tens of millions may be equally daunting.
White House considers unilateral moves amid stalemate with Congress
Defense contractor with billions in sales got millions in pandemic small-business loans
Frail inmates could be sent home to prevent the spread of covid-19, but some are dying in prison
Editorial: A covid-19 outbreak among children at a Georgia summer camp is a warning
Op-Ed: The DHS I led wouldn’t have attacked Americans
Women’s suffrage was a giant leap for democracy. We haven’t stuck the landing yet.
Congressional fight over funding for digital learning could leave behind as many as 15 million kids
Microsoft to continue acquisition discussions with TikTok after talking with Trump

Yakima Herald Republic
State now requires race and ethnicity data on COVID-19 cases
New COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Yakima County; 41 reported Sunday
The cherry crop is smaller, but growers report good returns
Opinion: Yes to special session: Legislature needs its say in pandemic budgeting

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Pac-12 athletes threaten to opt out if demands on injustice and safety aren’t met
Some downtown Seattle businesses struggle to stay afloat as more people continue working remotely

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
‘President Trump is simply wrong’: Washington attorney general responds to claims of voter fraud
SPD chief sends letter to city council, says protesters targeted a home of hers
Seattle council to consider community safety department for some services
State says it will meet deadline for some workers’ unemployment benefits, others still waiting
Seattle to expand free coronavirus testing across the city
Kitsap Transit resumes fare collection
Portland protest peaceful after federal presence reduced
Tacoma could lose housing, employment discrimination investigators amid COVID budget cuts
Chikamin Fire burning in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest caused by lightning
Seattle mayor vetoes city council’s COVID relief spending bill
Verdict: State negligent in deaths of Susan Cox Powell’s sons
Microsoft in advanced talks to buy TikTok’s U.S. business
Evergreen Health expanding use of UV-C light to zap the COVID-19 virus in the air

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Paine Field reopens in Everett with limited service after 10-week closure
Pierce County opens mobile testing sites as coronavirus cases continue to rise
Best implores city council to ‘stand up for what is right’ after protesters visit her home

KNKX FM
Public online schools in Washington are seeing growth as parents look for a different option
With no end to pandemic in sight, venues like Seattle’s Crocodile worry about survival
Federal Study Recommends Keeping Snake River Dams In Place, With Congress Having Final Say
Seattle Public Schools’ Chief of Equity has firsthand experience with racial bias in class

KUOW FM
Police neck restraints now banned in many Seattle suburbs
Blog: Continuing Covid-19 pandemic in Washington state
Updates on protests for racial justice in the Seattle area
Former Seattle foster child reflects on the end of the youth jail: ‘This brings me to tears’
Amid pandemic and protests, Umoja Fest offers ‘day of unity’ in Seattle
Tiny masks: Reopening a Seattle daycare center during Covid
‘It’s nervous-making to be operating a business in this way, at this time’

Q13 TV (Fox)
Protesters show up at Seattle police chief’s home in Snohomish County
Passenger flights at Everett’s Paine Field resumes this weekend
Seattle permits restaurants and stores to extend business into the street
Seattle police spouses: Defend, don’t defund

Web

Crosscut
Welcome to Klickitat Canyon, Washington’s newest conservation area
Defunding Seattle Police by 50% proving complicated for council
Opinion: The teens found guilty of murder in the Jungle deserve mercy

Slog
Portland Police Temporarily Barred From Live-Streaming Protests

Friday, July 31

Children may carry coronavirus at high levels, study finds
It has been a comforting refrain in the national conversation about reopening schools: Young children are mostly spared by the coronavirus and don’t seem to spread it to others, at least not very often.But Thursday, a study introduced an unwelcome wrinkle into this smooth narrative. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Niranjan Shrestha/The Associated Press)

‘Murder hornet’ trapped in Washington state for first time
Washington state has trapped its first Asian giant hornet. The hornet was found July 14 in a bottle trap set near Birch Bay in Whatcom County, and state entomologists confirmed its identity Wednesday, according to a statement on the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)’s website. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Elaine Thompson/The Associated Press)

Portland protest scene relatively calm after US drawdown
The first nightly protest in downtown Portland after a deal was struck for the withdrawal of federal agents guarding a courthouse was largely peaceful and ended Friday without any major confrontations between state police and demonstrators. Continue reading at GoSkagit.com.

Print

Associated Press
Judge postpones arguments in crowd-control weapons case
Unemployment claims climb above 1,000 again while state numbers decline
Portland protest scene relatively calm after US drawdown
Rent’s due, again: Monthly anxieties deepen as aid falls off
Amazon closer to launching satellites, upping internet reach
Portland prepares for US agents to step back from protests
Oregon reports decline in weekly COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths
Port of Seattle officer files race-based discrimination suit
Canada imposes stricter rules for Americans going to Alaska
Slight dip in initial jobless claims, weekly bonus expires
Oregon police try to tamp down nightly Portland protests
Shootings increase during Portland protests
Activists vow to meet arriving federal agents in Albuquerque
Oregon reports 416 new coronavirus cases, 5 new deaths
1st dog that tested positive for COVID-19 dies in New York

Aberdeen Daily World
GH Covid case count grows by 5

Auburn Reporter
Proposal targets illegal camping in Auburn
WIAA gives schools option to delay start of prep sports until December
King County announces $600K in grants for youth sports

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Gun-toting off-duty cop confronts family for BLM display. He’s on leave, WA police say
Grappling with outdoor safety, state Parks says you might have to go elsewhere
Inslee talks about unemployment backlog progress, vulnerable workers, contact tracing
Whatcom County sees 15 new coronavirus cases Thursday, state says
Canada still letting Americans drive to Alaska, but the ‘loophole’ has been tightened
Census Bureau visiting non-responding households in Whatcom County this week
Washington state reports 818 new COVID-19 cases and 9 deaths on Thursday
COVID Q&A with Pierce County health director: testing, outbreaks, returning to school

Capital Press
State confirms more wolf attacks in NE Washington
Western Innovator: Switching from berries to grass seed

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Another man is presumed drowned near Eagle Falls
Despite drownings, TikTok fame draws hordes to Eagle Falls
Dr. Spitters: Bringing students back to school is too risky
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: Supreme Court’s recent treaty ruling could be undone

Highline Times
Q13 News: South King County seeing spike in COVID-19 cases
SDOT: Traffic and revenue study will help inform funding options for West Seattle Bridge Program

Islands’ Weekly
Two new cases of COVID in San Juan County

Issaquah Reporter
WIAA gives schools option to delay start of prep sports until December

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Poulsbo using COVID-19 dollars to make more space for pedestrians on Fjord Drive
Fourth COVID-19 death reported in Kitsap County
From anti-maskers to large gatherings: Kitsap community navigates divides over state’s COVID-19 rules
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue to put $39.5 million bond on November ballot
Olympic Aquatic Center closure forcing layoffs

News Tribune (subscription required)
Criminal histories shouldn’t unnecessarily stop people from getting housing in Tacoma
Heat and COVID-19 closures mean hardship for Pierce County’s homeless, elderly
Tribal Council’s review of EQC casino says allegations in OSHA complaint ‘not supported’
All-online school sensible, but Washington educators, legislators must get it right
COVID Q&A with Pierce County health director: testing, outbreaks, returning to school
Pierce County reports 112 new COVID-19 cases Thursday and 2 new deaths
University of Puget Sound announces remote learning, reduction in tuition

New York Times
Coronavirus Live Updates: Fauci Reassures Congress That U.S. Will Likely Have Vaccine By Year’s End or Early 2021
Opinion: Mitch McConnell Could Rescue Millions. What Is He Waiting For?
Wear Your Mask. Please. No, Not on Your Chin.

Olympian (subscription required)
Washington state reports 818 new COVID-19 cases and 9 deaths on Thursday
WWU changes its fall classroom plans. Here‘s what that means for students, staff
Inslee talks about unemployment backlog progress, vulnerable workers, contact tracing
State Parks say you might have to go elsewhere as people flock to the great outdoors
Thurston County Health Officer urges schools to keep buildings closed this fall
Public can comment Friday on pocket gopher recovery plan, status

Peninsula Daily News
Navy testing criticized for impact on marine life
Port Angeles city projected to lose $1.4 million to COVID-19
Two new cases of COVID-19 in Clallam, none in Jefferson
Olympic National Park fire grows quickly

Puget Sound Business Journal
The economy is in record decline, but not for the tech giants
As schools prepare for distance learning in the fall, child care becomes growing concern
Amazon doubles Q2 income, more warehouse expansion planned this year
Inslee gives updates on reopenings, urges taking calls from contact tracers
Exclusive: 7 airlines seek relief from Sea-Tac leases that require them to cover its revenue shortfalls

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Coronavirus FAQ Friday: Your questions about COVID-19 testing, answered
COVID-19 deaths, positive tests vary dramatically across King County: See the hot spots
Fauci optimistic COVID-19 vaccine will be widely available
‘Murder hornet’ trapped in Washington state for first time
Judge postpones arguments in Seattle crowd-control weapons case, orders hearing into use of force against protesters
King County’s plan to fix homelessness put power in the hands of those who’ve been homeless. But who gets to choose them?
Children may carry coronavirus at high levels, study finds
Expedia revenue down 82% as COVID-19 hammers travel
Trump offers, Democrats reject fix for $600 jobless benefit

Skagit Valley Herald
Broadband survey seeks to map internet access
Rate of positive COVID tests takes a dip

Spokesman Review
Spokane County Superior Court again suspends jury trials
Washington, Idaho lawmakers from both sides of the aisle challenge Trump suggestion of election delay
New jobless claims in the state declined last week as $600 federal benefit expired

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities new COVID cases appear to be holding steady. No new deaths reported
BLM group plans protest after Tri-Cities police pull businessman from car at gunpoint

USA Today
$1,200 checks? Money for schools? Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan
Coronavirus updates: Fauci ‘cautiously optimistic’ of safe vaccine by early winter; summer camp outbreak shows kids’ role in transmission
Kids’ mental health can struggle during online school. Here’s how teachers are planning ahead.

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
WaPo: Amazon’s virus stumbles have been a boon for Walmart and Target
Bloomberg: Hackers are targeting the remote workers who keep your lights on
Editorial: House, Senate must compromise on new coronavirus package

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima’s private schools bank on in-person learning this fall, but brace for word from officials
Selah resumes public comments at city council meetings
Anti-trafficking demonstrations in Yakima, Selah aim to raise awareness of oft-ignored problem
Coronavirus update: 43 new cases in Yakima County, 2 deaths
Opinion: Mystery seeds a reminder to always be cautious of scams

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
End to extra $600 in unemployment benefits could slash Washington residents’ checks by 50%
Everett to consider city’s first sanctioned homeless camp
Some western Washington families consider ‘micro-schools’ as alternative to strictly remote learning

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
State assistance mobilized for growing Eastern Washington wildfire
Backlog of unemployment claims filed between March and June to be cleared Friday
Highest rates of COVID-19 in WA now in ages 20-24
People could have ignited wildfire burning in Olympic National Park, officials say
COVID-19 rollbacks to rules for restaurants, bars and more now in effect
Thurston County health officer recommends remote learning for all county schools in fall
Fred Meyer says local store had 3 recent COVID-19 cases; workers quarantined, recovered
Sawant reveals proposal for defunding SPD by $85M, fires back on ad
‘I will challenge an unlawful attempt to delay the election’ AG Ferguson says to Trump
Officer hit with rock, injured during protest speaks out

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Under COVID, some landlords of limited means worse off than their tenants
New poll says more than 50 percent of people support defunding Seattle Police Department
Parents worry about mental health impact of distance learning
More schools choose remote learning option for when classes resume this fall
Portland protesters patrol themselves without presence of federal officers
COVID-19: Inslee order will shield private data obtained during contact tracing calls
Seattle officer injured in riot with protesters says ‘we are people just like them’
Tacoma’s new tiny home community has big goals to get people in houses

KNKX FM
Did you get mystery seeds in the mail? State officials urge you to send them to the feds
Central Area Senior Center fights city effort to add affordable housing
Tacoma officials use online tool to help community engage in budget balancing

KUOW FM
TRANSCRIPT: ‘What A Gift John Lewis Was’: Obama Eulogizes His Friend And Hero
Race and justice in journalism, with Nikole Hannah-Jones
Boeing layoffs hit amid progress on unemployment backlog
How Portland’s Racist History Informs Today’s Protests
When Does Census Counting End? Bureau Sends ‘Alarming’ Mixed Signals

Q13 TV (Fox)
Seattle police officer injured in riot: ‘I saw so much hate’
South King County is a hotspot for COVID-19
Wildfires in Washington spark health concerns during COVID-19 pandemic
Historic jobless claims: ‘I didn’t get unemployment for 16 weeks’

Web

Crosscut
Scam or sabotage? Mystery seeds in the mail confound Washington
Forcing the press to give police unpublished images threatens us all

Slog
For the Third Time, Groups Ask Inslee to Keep the Lights On
Washington State Must Forget About Balancing the Budget and Spend, Spend, Spend
New Report: Camping Could Save the Economy/Our Lives
Expert Says Cops Are Wrong About a “Firework” Damaging the East Precinct

Thursday, July 30

House Democrats grill Census director on Trump order to exclude undocumented immigrants from apportionment
At an often contentious emergency hearing Wednesday, Democratic lawmakers pressed the director of the Census Bureau on how he will follow last week’s presidential directive to change the way the decennial census is used for congressional apportionment. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Andrew Harnik)

As $600 unemployment checks expire, WA’s safety net could strain
Sara Gardner had considered applying for food assistance earlier this year, but with the extra $600 she was receiving each week from unemployment compensation, she decided against it. Better to wait, she thought, and keep it for another time, when she might need the extra help a little more. Now, that time may arrive soon. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Rajah Bose)

Judge OKs effort to recall Thurston County Sheriff over refusal to enforce mask order
A petition to recall Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza from office for not enforcing the state masking mandate can move forward, a judge ruled in the county’s superior court Wednesday. After hearing arguments, visiting Judge Jeanette Dalton decided charges filed by petitioner Arthur West met the legal standard for recall — she was not tasked with deciding whether the charges are true or false. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Sara Gentzler)