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Friday, June 28

Auburn police officer found guilty of murder
A King County jury convicted Auburn police Officer Jeffrey Nelson of murder and assault Thursday for shooting Jesse Sarey outside a neighborhood grocery, a historic verdict that affirms hard-fought, often anguishing efforts to hold police accountable. Nelson is the first police officer in the state to be charged and now convicted of murder for on-duty actions. He was charged under the sweeping standards of Initiative 940, passed by Washington voters in 2018. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)

Strain of rent on wages in WA is among highest in U.S., report finds
Most workers in Washington are spending too much of their income on rent, according to a new report. The report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that Washington has the fifth highest “housing wage” in the country. That’s the amount a person must make to afford a two-bedroom home without spending more than 30% of their income on housing. “Rents are rising far, far, far greater than incomes,” said Michele Thomas, director of policy and advocacy for the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. “Washington’s households are hurting.” Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Getty Images)

The Supreme Court says cities can punish people for sleeping in public places
In its biggest decision on homelessness in decades, the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that cities can ban people from sleeping and camping in public places. The justices, in a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, overturned lower court rulings that deemed it cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment to punish people for sleeping outside if they had nowhere else to go. Continue reading at KNKX. (Jenny Kane)

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Associated Press
First officer is convicted of murder since Washington state law eased prosecution of police

Aberdeen Daily World
Hoquiam city council approves purchases from Emmert

Axios
Supreme Court guts agency power in seismic Chevron ruling
Supreme Court says restrictions on homeless people not “cruel and unusual”

Bellingham Herald
WA Ecology adds fine to list of liabilities for 2022 fishing boat diesel spill in Salish Sea
WA had the 2nd most active shooter incidents of any state last year, new FBI data says

Capital Press
USDA proposes beefier Packers and Stockyards Act rule
Western Innovator: Irrigation manager confronts drought

Columbian
Clark County renters must earn $38 per hour to afford 2-bedroom unit, according to report
Surprise – it’s $4,178 more: Couple struggle with unexpected hospital bill, hope for more transparency from systems

Everett Herald
Red light cameras coming to 2 busy Edmonds intersections
Boeing angers safety officials with disclosures on 737 Max incident
Police: Sexual abuse of student was part of Monroe teacher’s pattern
From Edmonds to Minneapolis, schools nationwide face budget woes

News Tribune
Sound Transit will raze Federal Way megachurch to erect rail facility, board decides
It’s illegal to trap wild animals in WA. What to do with raccoons, other wildlife at home
After chaotic dissolution of Pierce County AIDS organization, new nonprofit takes over
UW ranked top 10 in the world, above many Ivy schools, in 2024-25 US News global rankings
Opinion: Washington wolves are at risk. Fish and Wildlife might make it worse. Why?

New York Times
Supreme Court upholds ban on sleeping outdoors in homelessness case
Officer found Guilty of murdering man outside Washington State grocery store
Supreme Court overrules Chevron Doctrine, imperiling an array of Federal rules

Puget Sound Business Journal
Harrell proposes citywide expansion of new public safety department

Seattle Times
Auburn police officer found guilty of murder (Goodman)
As WA housing costs climb, incomes aren’t keeping up
New data gives insight into which Seattle schools could close
Supreme Court allows cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside
Supreme Court makes it harder to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, charge Trump faces

Spokesman Review
Spokane County to pilot hate crime hotline
Spokane to move to two-year budget cycle in change intended to promote long-term thinking
Four Spokane police chief finalists talk community policing, budget woes and drugs at forum Thursday
Deja Vu Showgirls sign removed Thursday in Spokane Valley as part of transition to human-trafficking refuge
‘A language that many speak’: Thrive soccer camp helps local refugee youth cultivate their passions and connect (Riccelli)

WA State Standard
Strain of rent on wages in WA is among highest in U.S., report finds
U.S. Supreme Court ruling upends $183M opioid settlement payment for WA
U.S. Supreme Court sides with Oregon city, allows ban on homeless people sleeping outdoors

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Supreme Court issues ruling on homeless camping bans
Auburn police officer Jeffrey Nelson found guilty of murder
Port of Seattle to require cruise vessels use shore power by 2027
How Supreme Court public homelessness ruling could impact Washington cities
King County rescinds $1 million shelter funding offer from City of Burien in latest clash over homelessness
Auburn officer was first to be found guilty of murder under I-940. Here’s what the initiative does

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Jury finds Auburn officer accused of murder guilty on both counts
‘Seattle, it’s not Seattle anymore’: Open air drug use still a problem in downtown
Supreme Court allows cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Auburn officer found guilty of murder, assault for 2019 shooting

KNKX Public Radio
The Supreme Court says cities can punish people for sleeping in public places

KUOW Public Radio
Auburn cop found guilty of murder in 2019 death of Jesse Sarey

KXLY (ABC)
Mayor Brown proposes voluntary retirement program for Spokane Police officers
Healthcare providers view Supreme Court’s Idaho abortion ruling as a delayed win
The Final Four: Spokane police chief finalists address police shootings, fentanyl surge in public forum

FOX13 TV
Jury finds Auburn police officer guilty of murdering man in 2019 shooting

Web

Crosscut
WA fines Home Depot $1.6M for selling hydrofluorocarbon products

MyNorthwest
Seattle to hire 18 behavioral health responders as police force dwindles
Auburn officer found guilty of murdering Jesse Sarey years after his death

The Urbanist
Opinion: Sound Transit Needs Its Own Permitting Authority

Thursday, June 27

State bar looks for solutions as legal deserts worsen in rural WA
For years, the Washington State Bar Association has been concerned with the state’s growing number of “legal deserts,” areas where residents struggle to access legal services. To help solve the issue, the bar association created the Small Town and Rural Committee — STAR, for short — that works with law schools and county bar associations to find solutions to the dwindling number of lawyers in rural Washington. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Tyler Tjomsland)

State revenues tumble nearly $500 million but WA lawmakers aren’t fretting
A state revenue forecast released Wednesday shows collections will be nearly $500 million less than lawmakers counted on earlier this year, driven largely by a tumble in capital gains tax receipts and less consumer spending. In the coming months, reserves may be needed to fill funding gaps until the Legislature and next governor craft spending plans in the 2025 session. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Jerry Cornfield)

Why Washingtonians’ RX prices are surging
Many frustrated pharmacists in Washington are feeling validated this week after a new analysis was released, suggesting the industry’s third-party drug negotiators are ripping off employer healthcare plans and choking out local pharmacies. Brick-and-mortar pharmacies in Washington are struggling. According to the Washington State Pharmacies Association, 83 community pharmacies have closed in Washington since 2023. Continue reading at King 5.

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Axios
Supreme Court dismisses high-profile Idaho abortion case
Boeing sanctioned by NTSB for “blatantly” violating investigative rules

Columbian
Late-night releases from Clark County Jail leave people on streets with nowhere to go
Law enforcement agencies warn of wave of phone scams targeting Clark County residents
Clark County chosen for hate-crime hotline pilot program due to high number of reported hate crimes

Everett Herald
Damaged Mukilteo-Clinton ferry could shake up holiday travel
Notoriously slow internet gets a boost on Highway 530 corridor
Everett port announces $15.2M contract for new restaurant buildings
Students, staff say so long to ‘decrepit’ elementary school near Lynnwood
Letter: State oversight for Marysville schools provides needed help

High Country News
Data centers could set back climate progress

The Inlander
Washington’s only veterinary diagnostic lab is working to understand how a deadly strain of bird flu made its way into dairy cattle

News Tribune
Pierce County property values went up 6% this year. Here’s what that means for taxes
He’s worked for Tacoma Fire for 31 years, the last five as chief. His last day is June 30
Contentious K-5 reading curriculum will be tested in Pierce County. What does it teach?
Opinion: Tacoma unveiled a new logo — and the internet reacted. ‘It looks like a drunk panda’

Seattle Times
State bar looks for solutions as legal deserts worsen in rural WA
King County Council punts on vote as it mulls future of youth jail
Seattle proposes higher utility rates while moving forward huge tunnel
Seattle crisis response team could quadruple in new proposal from mayor

Spokesman Review
Are power shutoffs coming? Avista officially shifts into fire safety mode
Bird flu has infected Idaho dairy farms. Is the state prepared for an outbreak?
‘This area’s growing, thriving’: Spokane County to construct new community park on the West Plains

WA State Standard
Inslee’s budget director leaving for state investment board post
State revenues tumble nearly $500 million but WA lawmakers aren’t fretting (Robinson, Ormsby)
Document indicates Supreme Court will punt Idaho emergency abortion case for now
SCOTUS rejects suit alleging federal government bullied social media into censoring content

Yakima Herald-Republic
Keys Road Fire apparently started in homeless encampment, fire official says
Slide Ranch fire near White Swan nearly contained; 17 homes destroyed, 10 damaged

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Why Washingtonians’ RX prices are surging
Boeing “blatantly violated” investigation procedure by talking with the media, regulators say
50 years later: Organizer of Seattle’s first-ever Gay Pride Week reflects on historical moments

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
King County Juvenile Detention Facility controversy talks continue
Seattle and King County granted extension for wastewater projects by EPA, DOJ
A mechanic for a Boeing subcontractor says he was fired after complaining about poor repair work

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Boeing sanctioned for leaking info on 737 Max 9 investigation
Emergency abortions in Idaho allowed for now in limited Supreme Court ruling
Seattle’s CARE department expands citywide services with $1.9 million federal grant
Seattle city leaders host community conversation after fatal shooting near Alki Beach

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle plans to send more mental health specialists to 911 calls

KXLY (ABC)
Multicare apprenticeship gives Spokane students hands-on medical experience
The Supreme Court allows emergency abortions in Idaho for now in a limited ruling
Documents detail union’s vote of no confidence in outgoing YPD Chief Matt Murray

Web

Crosscut
Seattle’s dual dispatch police alternative is expanding citywide

MyNorthwest
Bellevue police warn of thieves targeting elderly residents
Boeing gets hammered by NTSB for violation of investigative regulations

The Urbanist
Gun Violence in Schools Has Seattle Officials Scrambling

Washington Observer
Supremes mull unveiling ‘Stop the Steal’ Seattle cops

Wednesday, June 26

The inside story of the fight for marriage equality in WA
Washington’s road toward marriage equality was one of incremental steps and setbacks, individual efforts and group movements that played out in courtrooms, legislative chambers and — eventually — wedding ceremonies, three years before same-sex marriage was legalized across the U.S. The same-sex marriage movement took different approaches in courts, the Legislature and other elected bodies, and the public. Washington lawmakers in 2012 passed a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry, which was then signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Karen Ducey)

WA transportation projects score nearly $90M in federal grants
Eight transportation projects in Washington will receive a combined $89.7 million in federal grant funding, Democratic members of the state’s congressional delegation said this week. The largest grant, $25 million awarded to King County Parks, will go toward closing a gap in a planned 42-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail – known as the Eastrail – between Renton and Snohomish County. The portion of the project the grant will partially pay for will involve retrofitting a steel bridge that crosses over 16 lanes of Interstate 90. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (King County Parks)

Seattle schools considering more security, closing campuses for lunch after shooting
Seattle Public Schools is considering several safety changes on high school campuses next school year after a student was shot and killed earlier this month. Superintendent Brent Jones wrote in a letter to families Tuesday that the district is considering changes that could include increasing security and neighborhood safety organization patrols, wearing identification badges on campus, requiring clear backpacks and closing campuses for lunch. The district also plans to expand plans to include gun violence prevention in high schools and increase mental health support for all students. Continue reading at King 5.

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Axios
Washington beats U.S. in 988 answer rate
Inside the brewing fight over pedestrian safety
Visa freeze worsens America’s nursing shortage
Biden pardons veterans convicted under military’s ban on gay sex

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County home prices up 14% compared to last year; May’s median price was $673,000

Columbian
Opinion: Letter: Barred owl proposal is misguided

Everett Herald
Everett Herald strike continues, as owners aim to resolve layoffs
On Mukilteo-Clinton route, small boat means continued long ferry lines
Comment: Congress has bill to protect kids online; make it law

News Tribune
Local Humane Society to launch the mobile veterinary unit in Pierce County later this year
Opinion: We challenged WA lawmakers to pledge public transparency. Not many took us up on it (Chopp, Mullet, Orwall, Pedersen, Pollet)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing nears deal to buy major supplier for $4.08B
Rising home insurance costs are challenging would-be buyers
King County OKs crisis centers plan, but now comes the hard part
‘Lock-in effect’ restricts homeowners despite inventory improvements

Seattle Times
The inside story of the fight for marriage equality in WA
4 hospitalized after I-5 police chase that ended in Lakewood
Holocaust Center graffiti not a hate crime, Seattle police say
Cal Anderson’s legacy was built ‘in the trenches’ | Seattle Pride at 50
Seattle schools ponder clear backpacks, required IDs to improve safety
Justice Mary Yu on marriage and adoptions for all | Seattle Pride at 50
WA high court to decide if Seattle officers at Jan. 6 rally can stay anonymous

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County commissioners reauthorize Clean Water Program
Union workers picket at Mount Vernon Library Commons construction site

Spokesman Review
New link under Monroe Street Bridge connects South Gorge, Centennial trails
‘No place I would rather be’: Washington State elevates Anne McCoy to full-time athletic director
Two Mead High football players allege assaults, racial bullying following last year’s camp incidents
Spokane County Commission opts to continue offering signing bonuses to help fill vacant deputy positions
Opinion: Calls for a full-time legislature leave out the costs

Tri-City Herald
Pasco is banning sitting and lying on downtown sidewalks. What areas will it impact?

WA State Standard
WA transportation projects score nearly $90M in federal grants
Health care company sues WA over ban on at-home sexual assault evidence kits

Wenatchee World
Ecology releases final EIS for Eightmile Dam reconstruction project
Upper Valley MEND surpasses campaign goal with $7.3 million for affordable housing
Chelan, Douglas and Grant county PUDs sue Bonneville Power and U.S. Army Corps over Columbia River Treaty delays, overpayment

Yakima Herald-Republic
Cherry harvest in Northwest looks promising, especially after last two years
Community rallies to help those affected by Slide Ranch fire near White Swan

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Marysville parents call for upheaval of school district leadership amid turmoil
Seattle schools considering more security, closing campuses for lunch after shooting
Washington tied with Texas for second highest number of active shooter incidents in 2023
Vandal shatters windows that displayed support for Palestine at Freedom Socialist Party offices

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle looking to crack down on street racing takeovers
Promise and peril: Report warns of generative artificial intelligence potential
Jury awards $700k to Seattle protesters jailed for writing anti-police slogans in chalk on barricade
Washington high court to decide if Seattle officers who attended Jan. 6 rally can remain anonymous

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle sees more dangerous street racing events as city leaders push for new law
Some Seattle area rideshare drivers plan to strike Wednesday over safety demands
‘Stretched too thin’: SPD chief addresses homicides, gun violence amid staffing shortage

KNKX Public Radio
As sideshows gain popularity, police try a range of tactics to stop them in their tracks

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council takes fresh approach to street safety with new resolution
Development and warmer temperatures linked to more intense wildfires across the Inland Northwest

Web

Crosscut
How Seattle Public Library’s cyberattack impacts patrons, students

MyNorthwest
Seattle City Council outlines plans to curb illegal street racing
Seattle School District considering student safety measures, school consolidation

Tuesday, June 25

Vote nears on ending ‘endangered’ status for WA wolves
The Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission will decide next month on lowering gray wolves’ status under the state’s endangered species law. Environmentalists and others say this would lead to inadequate protection for the animals when they still haven’t recovered in parts of the state. State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials and others contend that not much would change in terms of how the animals are shielded from hunting and argue the move makes sense because wolf numbers have strongly rebounded. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife)

ICE detention center in Tacoma among those with the highest number of deaths
The Northwest Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center in Tacoma has one of the worst track records in the country as far as the number of deaths in custody. And according to a new report by the American Civil Liberties Union, American Oversight, and Physicians for Human Rights, those deaths could have likely been prevented. At least 70 detained immigrants have died in ICE custody across the country since 2017. Two of those deaths happened at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. Continue reading at KNKX. (Lilly Ana Fowler)

WA Supreme Court says state can have a say in local evictions
The Washington Supreme Court ruled last week that the Attorney General can continue pursuing a lawsuit against the city of Sunnyside. Cities across the state have implemented a crime-free rental housing program in which landlords, tenants and law enforcement work together to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in rental properties. In its 2020 lawsuit, the state claims that Sunnyside, in Yakima County, abused the program by forcing tenants out of their homes over unsubstantiated claims of crime or nuisance without a court order. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jovelle Tamayo)

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Auburn Reporter
How WRAP is changing the world of mental health and addiction recovery

Axios
Seattle’s noisy “Belltown Hellcat” driver faces a reckoning
Extreme wildfires doubled in frequency, magnitude since 2003
7 states show promising recovery from youth mental health crisis
Surgeon general calls guns a public health threat in new advisory
Exclusive: AP launching nonprofit group to raise at least $100M for local news

Bellingham Herald
Additional funding approved to support Whatcom motel room housing for homeless families
There will be no lifeguards on duty this summer at Bellingham’s Bloedel Donovan Park. Here’s why

Capital Press
EFSEC resists rolling over on Horse Heaven energy project
WDFW scientists lay out reasons for sensitive wolf proposal
Stakeholders weigh in on the Columbia River task force, report
USDA provides $6 million in labor grants to Northwest ag organizations

Columbian
Falling beer demand, crushing glut putting a chill on Eastern WA hop crop
Vancouver gets $17.5 million in federal funding for Heights District project

Everett Herald
Everett Herald newsroom strikes amid layoffs
Judge blocks parts of Washington’s new parental rights law
Snohomish County real estate values tick up 4.5% in assessor’s report
Everett CHC doctors, feeling like ‘commodities,’ speak up on ailing system
Arlington churches waged covert ‘battle’ against Pride event, records show
To fill gap, Snohomish County tries new approach to recruit women firefighters
Comment: Journalism vital to community, keep The Herald robust
Comment: Biden looks to protect immigrant spouses of citizens
Editorial: Boeing quality proving difficult to recapture

Islands’ Weekly
All San Juan County beaches are closed to recreational shellfish harvesting

Mercer Island Reporter
City council adopts Transportation Improvement Program

News Tribune
Motel to medical-respite center? Here’s what we know about Tacoma Mall Boulevard project

Peninsula Daily News
Bayside Housing to take over Port Townsend shelter July 1
Lands commissioner wary of federal plan to kill thousands of owls

Puget Sound Business Journal
One-time housing hot spots now seeing price cuts
IRS announces when payments on ERC claims will resume
The National Observer: The clock is ticking for big overtime change

Renton Reporter
New pursuit law allows more flexibility for Renton police

Seattle Times
Seattle traffic slowed a whole lot in 2023
WA wants to kill goldfish illegally introduced to Spokane County lake
A grieving Seattle community considers ways to keep Garfield kids safe
Jury: Seattle police violated graffiti protesters’ rights, must pay $680,000

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County has shelter units to be used for quarantine

Snoqualmie Valley Record
North Bend accepting affordable housing project proposals
Police department opens substation at North Bend Outlet Mall

Spokesman Review
The Dirt: Two projects to add living units near Gonzaga
When individuals receive the support they need to overcome their challenges, we inherently enhance public safety.

Tri-City Herald
Mandatory watering schedule ordered for Kennewick Irrigation District as drought worsens
Opinion: Personal transformation is a lifelong journey. Mine began in a WA prison

WA State Standard
Vote nears on ending ‘endangered’ status for WA wolves

Wenatchee World
After No. 2 Canyon Fire, chief warns of more to come

Yakima Herald-Republic
Judge hears argument about WA farmworker wages
Evacuation levels lowered on Slide Ranch fire south of White Swan

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Everett Herald journalists stage one-day strike after layoffs announced
Despite an incoming Washington state law, lead-ridden imported cookware remains for sale (Pollet)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
What to expect for wildfire season
Seattle City Council approves expansion of license plate reading tech
Passengers injured in Sound Transit bus crash spark seat belt debate
Supreme Court will take up state bans on gender-affirming care for minors
Report from Zillow shows sky-high down payments required for Seattle homebuyers
Tacoma receives nearly $2 million to transition residents from fossil fuels to clean energy

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle police on pace to lose more officers than it gains in 2024
Seattle Public Library begins network restoration after ‘ransomware event’
Seattle cracks down on unpermitted food vendors at Alki Beach in West Seattle

KNKX Public Radio
ICE detention center in Tacoma among those with the highest number of deaths

KUOW Public Radio
Families won’t know which Seattle schools will close until fall

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council considers gun safety ordinance

Web

Crosscut
WA Supreme Court says state can have a say in local evictions
Pierce deputy drove 83 mph in wrong lane during deadly 2020 crash

MyNorthwest
Seattle officers recover dozens of guns in separate incidents

Washington Observer
Aspects of Parents Bill of Rights placed on hold

Monday, June 24

More Seattle-area seniors seek property tax relief as living costs mount
More Washington homeowners have a chance to save on their property tax bills this year and thousands are taking local governments up on the offer. After a recent state law change, a long-standing property tax break program for older homeowners and people with disabilities is now open to people with higher incomes, making more Washingtonians eligible. Counties across Washington have long offered property tax discounts for low-income homeowners who are at least 61 years old when they apply or unable to work because of a disability. The program exempts homeowners from certain levies. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Washington’s ‘parents bill of rights’ law partly on hold
A judge decided Friday to press pause on part of Washington’s new “parents bill of rights” law. It comes as the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington leads a legal challenge to get the law thrown out. The plaintiffs say the measure undermines school-based support for LGBTQ youth, and that the law as written violates the state constitution. The law was created through the state’s initiative process after gaining support from thousands of voters and top Republicans in the state. The Legislature enacted the parents rights initiative, I-2081, alongside two other initiatives earlier this year. Continue reading at KNKX. (Daniel James )

WA mobile home complaints over rent hikes, policies surged in 2023Mobile home residents in Washington filed twice as many complaints to the state alleging unlawful rent increases, unfair policies or maintenance problems in 2023 compared to other recent years, according to the latest report from the Attorney General’s Office. The program’s 2023 report listed an unprecedented 731 complaints from tenants – up 28% from the previous year’s 572 and double the approximately 360 complaints filed in 2019-2021. Landlords also filed three complaints in 2023, down from 10-20 in other years. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Grant Hindsley)