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Tuesday, August 6

Northwest lawmakers join push to block Kroger-Albertsons merger
Opponents of the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons got some high-profile backup Friday when around two dozen U.S. lawmakers asked a federal court in Oregon to temporarily block the deal. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Taylor Balkom)

Google is an illegal monopoly, federal court rules
A federal court has found that Google illegally abused its market power to quash competition in internet search, handing the Justice Department a landmark victory against Big Tech. Continue reading at Spokesman Review. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg)

Washington and other states ask Musk to curb election misinformation on X
Election officials in Washington and four other states sent a letter to Elon Musk on Monday imploring him to fix the AI chatbot on X, formerly known as Twitter, after it shared misinformation about the 2024 presidential election. Continue reading at Axios. (Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios)

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Associated Press
Heat deaths of people without air conditioning, often underscore energy inequity
Secretaries of state urge Elon Musk to fix AI chatbot spreading election misinformation on X

Aberdeen Daily World
Riley Carter resigns from Aberdeen City Council while locked up

Auburn Reporter
King County Sheriff’s Office modifies pursuit policy

Axios
Nearly 11% of Washington state is multiracial
Washington and other states ask Musk to curb election misinformation on X

Capital Press
USDA pesticide spray program for grasshoppers, crickets ruled unlawful
Friction over wolves erupts in northeast Washington

Columbian
Vancouver nonprofit Akin receives $1.2 million from Department of Commerce for early childhood mental health treatment services

Everett Herald
Cannabis company wants to bring store to Monroe. City says no.
Sound Transit exploring paid parking at Lynnwood light rail station
Snohomish County PUD to start distributing bill credits this month

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Eligible electricity customers can receive $200 energy credit through state climate change program

News Tribune
Opinion: Laying off guidance specialists, taking admins to a resort? How’s that help students?

New York Times
Decline in Veterans’ Homelessness Spurs Hopes for a Broader Solution

Olympian
Eastern WA nuclear workers who inhaled plutonium, radioactive particles are suing

Peninsula Daily News
North Olympic Peninsula receives $35M in Recompete funding

Seattle Medium
Wildfire Smoke Set To Affect Seattle’s Air Quality
City Of Tacoma Showcases Equity Index Success In Recent Case Studies

Seattle Times
WA ferry workers union seeks better pay for crew below deck
Data centers got a huge tax break to create WA jobs. Is it paying off? (Berg, Keiser)
Thousands fewer WA kids were evaluated for special ed during pandemic

Skagit Valley Herald
Fare increases coming for Guemes Island Ferry

South Seattle Emerald
Seattle City Council Considers Legislation for ‘Stay Out of Area’ Prostitution and Drug Zones

Spokesman Review
An expensive eye in the sky: Spokane police will use new $164,000 drone to fight crime
WaPo: Google is an illegal monopoly, federal court rules
Survey: Half of American cardholders now carry credit card debt, many with no plan to pay it off

Washington Post
6 ways the Google antitrust ruling could change the internet
U.S. stock indexes move higher the day after global market rout
Boeing leaders to testify as NTSB unveils documents on 737 Max door plug blowout
More Americans are moving into flood and fire hot spots

WA State Standard
Washington falls short covering child care subsidy costs
A chatbot spread falsehood about WA elections. The secretary of state wants it fixed.

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Mother of teen shot, killed in Auburn calls for more accountability for parents if their kids commit crimes
Seattle officer fired over his insensitive comments files $20 million claim
The race to save our orcas: How the Southern Resident population reached an alarming low point
Boeing, FAA executives set to testify at Tuesday NTSB hearing into 737 MAX door plug blowout

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
First case of chronic wasting disease found in deer in Washington State
Wildfire State of Emergency declared due in part to fuel needs
Google illegally maintains monopoly over internet search, judge rules
Fireworks likely caused 5-acre fire near Graham that burned multiple buildings

KNKX Public Radio
Threatened bull trout in the Klamath Basin thriving after 30 years of conservation work

KXLY (ABC)
Cleaning up forests before fire season is helping crews fight wildfires
Charges dismissed against teenager for damaging pride crosswalk
On eve of Washington primary, elections officials warn about misinformation

NW Public Radio
Protecting farmworkers: Wenatchee nonprofit provides resources amid heat waves, wildfire season
Fatal deer disease found in Washington for the first time

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Did you vote by mail? Experts say it’s safe and secure
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community receives cybersecurity grant to combat targeted threats
Updated NWS zones promise more accurate weather warnings for Western Washington

MyNorthwest
Three alarm fire near Auburn under control after reaching 5 acres in size
Google illegally maintains monopoly over internet search, judge rules
Harrell: City of Seattle, King County workers will return to in-person this fall

Monday, August 5

New report details Dobbs’ grim effect on Pacific Northwest health care access
When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, advocates worried that it would result in delayed and substandard care for people seeking abortions, as well as widespread misinformation about the legality of abortion, as states adopted a variety of policies. Now, new data released this month shows these worst-case scenarios have come to pass, with ramifications in the Northwest not just for abortion but for all kinds of health care. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Ted S. Warren)

Take a look: Updated plans for new Washington State Ferries hybrid-electric boats
KING 5 got an exclusive look at new hybrid-electric Washington State Ferries (WSF) boat models. The new boats will include charging units on the upper decks. WSF leaders told KING 5 the new fleet will be the most reliable it’s ever been. Regular ferry riders shared their frustrations with daily sailing delays and cancellations.
Continue reading at King 5.

Gov. Inslee declares statewide emergency for Washington wildfires
Governor Jay Inslee declared a statewide emergency proclamation in Washington due to wildfires. On Friday, the governor issued the proclamation, saying the state has been experiencing unusually dry weather conditions and extremely high temperatures which leads to high-risk fuel conditions in many areas. Continue reading at KXLY. (Amanda Snyder)

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Capital Press
Deer with chronic wasting disease found in Washington

Columbian
New report details Dobbs’ grim effect on Pacific Northwest health care access
Washington’s bag ban, meant to reduce waste, hasn’t made much of a dent in discarded plastic
Seattle area leads the world in big new tech office leases

Everett Herald
‘Magic happens’: Paine Field aerospace center dedicates new hands-on lab
WSU training to teach locals about what is truly recyclable
Snohomish County PUD to start distributing bill credits this month

Kitsap Sun
Port of Bremerton continues improvements after award winning year

News Tribune
Are more license plate readers coming to Pierce County? Here’s where they would be
Tacoma could soon make big changes to parking rules. What will it mean for drivers?
Rules of the Road: Providing a bit of clarity on the act of passing stopped buses

Seattle Times
Kitsap passenger-only ferry service at risk after part failure
Above normal temperatures to continue in Seattle for second week of August

Skagit Valley Herald
Derelict boats being recycled to prevent marine pollution

Spokesman Review
Hydropower remains essential to affordable, reliable electricity in Idaho
‘We are America’s best’: 116th Air Refueling Squadron celebrates 100 years of service in Spokane

Washington Post
Dow drops more than 1,000 points in global market selloff
How time in nature builds happier, healthier and more social children
More Americans are moving into flood and fire hot spots
A wildfire is bearing down on a tiny town. And hardly anyone is leaving.
Study suggests nearby rural land can cool cities by nearly 30 percent

WA State Standard
Dollar Tree required to reform testing process after WA finds toxic children’s products
NorthWestern to acquire more of Colstrip while other utilities unload coal

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee man sentenced to 5 months in jail in April arson case
‘Mission first, people always’ | New Wenatchee Police Department chief talks about new role
Declining enrollment: What it means for NCW schools and communities

Yakima Herald-Republic
Sunday update: Containment on Retreat Fire up to 49%
Water supply up slightly to 51%; Yakima Tieton irrigation makes emergency canal repairs

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Take a look: Updated plans for new Washington State Ferries hybrid-electric boats
Medicine garden at Washington Corrections Center brings healing and connection for Indigenous inmates
Thieves steal $30,000 worth of equipment, gear from Key Peninsula Fire Department

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Kitsap Transit Fast Ferries experience unforeseen disruptions, risks for cancelations
Illegal campfire sparks new fire, campground in North Cascade National Park closed
Longview Lumber hit with $145,000 fine by Department of Ecology for stormwater violations

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Easy fire closes part of SR 20, officials estimate 100% containment set by October

KNKX Public Radio
Gov. Inslee declares statewide emergency for Washington wildfires
Crews make progress on containment in Swawilla and Bridge Creek Fires

KUOW Public Radio
Washington state and counties square off over juvenile rehabilitation closures

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane mayor denies Medical Lake facility under consideration for new homeless shelter site
First case of chronic wasting disease in Washington confirmed in Spokane County
Homeless say Spokane Police swept them from Browne Street viaduct

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Guemes Island Ferry replacement project stalls with funding in flux
Six months in, downtown medics balance overdose calls with dedicated social work
Wildfire activity prompts closure near Easy Pass trailhead on North Cascades Highway

Crosscut
WA teen still waiting for justice after being trafficked via Tinder (Dhingra)

MyNorthwest
Hollingsworth withdraws bill that would have slowed minimum wage increases

Friday, August 2

‘Really frustrating.’ New requirement for temporary WA license plates causing headaches
Washington has been dealing with a shortage of permanent metal vehicle license plates for months. That’s only half the problem facing car dealers and car buyers. In 2022, the state Legislature passed a law that did away with window-taped paper permits and required car dealers to affix durable, temporary plates to the front and back of new and used cars. The problem: Those expire 45 days after a buyer drives off the lot. And it’s taking longer than 45 days for some of those buyers to get their permanent plates. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Craig Sailor)

WA counties sue state Department of Children, Youth and Families
Thirteen Washington counties sued the Department of Children, Youth and Families on Thursday for suspending its intakes of youth offenders as some lawmakers and juvenile justice experts called on Gov. Jay Inslee to fire the department’s leader. The lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court follows a turbulent month for the overwhelmed department, which on July 5 announced it would not take any more sentenced juveniles into its two overcrowded detention centers. The department then transferred 43 young men, ages 21 to 25, to an adult prison to address overcrowding, which a Thurston County judge last week ruled violated a settlement agreement and statute. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Thomas James Hurst)

Charge up, Washington! State launches rebate program for electric vehicles
The Washington State Department of Commerce just hit the accelerator on a new program to provide up to $9,000 in rebates for low-income households that purchase electric vehicles. The program provides rebates for households earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level, allowing individuals earning around $45,000 and families of four earning $93,000 or less to benefit. The rebate can be applied instantly at participating dealerships, making it easier for residents to make the switch to electric. Continue reading at KUOW. (Michael Marais)

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Associated Press
ACLU sues Spokane over its anti-homeless laws after a landmark Supreme Court ruling

Aberdeen Daily World
Sydney Swor is Aberdeen’s new city council president

Axios
Wildfire smoke expected in Seattle

Capital Press
Judge tosses Farm Bureau’s suit against cap-and-trade
Report: EFSEC a roadblock to Washington’s green ambitions
Oregon cherry crop strong, Washington sees weather damage

Everett Herald
Snohomish County opens survey to develop wildfire plan
With instant rebates, Washington looks to rev up EV sales
Snohomish County, others sue state over juvenile detention decision

News Tribune
Lawsuits: Jail inmate beaten, later sexually assaulted at Tacoma hospital by DOC guard
Were hearings delayed for Pierce County Jail inmates? Here’s what happened to lawsuit
Low wages, high rental costs: Affordable housing remains unattainable in WA, report says
Opinion: Seniors who want access to Ozempic have been priced out, but that could change soon

New York Times
Live Updates: U.S. Hiring Significantly Slowed
Appeals Court Further Narrows Voting Rights Act’s Scope

Olympian
‘Really frustrating.’ New requirement for temporary WA license plates causing headaches (Ramos)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing leadership shift gives company its ‘best chance in decades’

Seattle Times
WA confirms first case of chronic wasting disease in deer
WA counties sue state Department of Children, Youth and Families (Leavitt)
WA launches EV rebate program, offering $5,000 off new cars. Here’s who is eligible
Senate rejects legislation that would expand child tax credit and restore business tax breaks

Spokesman Review
Washington confirms first case of chronic wasting disease
Washington declines to kill wolves in pack near Canadian border
As pediatrician shortage rises, local program starts small cohort training in specialty
Suit seeking to prevent Spokane from enforcing anti-homeless camping law could have sweeping effect on state
Opinion: Conserve water to protect the Spokane River
Comment: FAA proposes directive after lapse on Boeing Dreamliner aircraft

Washington Post
Employers added 114,000 jobs in July, reflecting a weaker labor market

WA State Standard
COVID infections spreading in Oregon, Washington and California
Lackluster investigations may perpetuate high Native infant mortality rate
Counties sue Washington over decision to keep sentenced juveniles in local jails

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
1 year after shooting at Rainier Beach community event, youth gun violence prevention work continues

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Bellevue crime and car thefts trending down
Seattle’s ‘Stay Out of Drug Area’ legislation aims to enhance public safety
New Seattle proposal aimed at stopping prostitution and gun violence on Aurora Avenue
Auburn’s mayor, police chief speak at public safety meeting addressing recent string of youth violence

KNKX Public Radio
Biologists truck Snake River sockeye to cooler Idaho waters

KUOW Public Radio
Charge up, Washington! State launches rebate program for electric vehicles

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom County’s LEAD program slated for staffing increase with $420,000 grant

MyNorthwest
Discovery of toxic children products leads to $200K Dollar Tree agreement

Thursday, August 1

Wildfires burn more than 2 million acres nationwide; 182,000 burning in Washington
As of Monday morning, there are 102 large active wildfires being managed nationwide, burning an estimated 2 million acres according to the National Interagency Fire Center. In Washington, there are around 182,300 acres burning. More than 27,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel have been assigned to wildfires across the country. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Dept. of Natural Resources)

WA agency that will investigate police killings sets start date
Beginning in December, police killings in 12 Western Washington counties will no longer be investigated by police. It will be the first test of a unique state agency, the Office of Independent Investigations, established by the Legislature in 2021 with the intent of erasing the “thin blue line” that has traditionally protected police and allowed them to essentially investigate themselves in fatal officer encounters. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Karen Ducey)

New King County Sheriff’s Office pursuit policy more restrictive than state law
The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has released its plan for when officers will be allowed to initiate a vehicle pursuit with suspects. KCSO will still restrict vehicle pursuits to dangerous felonies and DUIs but has also opted to add burglary to its list. This means suspects in smash and grabs could be chased by law enforcement officers, which is something that business owners told KCSO they hoped would change. Continue reading at King 5.

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Associated Press
Boeing names new CEO as it posts a loss of more than $1.4 billion in second quarter
Federal investigation gives more detail on Indian boarding schools, calls for apology
Lawyers for families of passengers killed in 737 Max crashes ask court to block Boeing plea deal

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen city councilmember arrested for rape of a child
Soybean farmers, port come together to celebrate financial contribution

Axios
Statewide delivery fee idea floated (Liias)
Heat wave builds from coast to coast, worsening wildfires
More Gen Zs are putting homeownership dreams on hold
On paid family leave, more states follow Washington’s lead

Capital Press
Sugar prices fall, unlike input costs
Analysis: Farm bill delay would damage growers
WDFW to remove one wolf from NE Washington pack
Trade wars, competition shrink apple exports over past decade
SUN POWER: As Oregon soaks up solar power, farmland shrinks
Inland Pacific NW aphid numbers up slightly, but not an outbreak year

Columbian
Clark County buys Ridgefield Pits, opening the way for a $20M restoration project
Wildfires burn more than 2 million acres nationwide; 182,000 burning in Washington
Two apex predators discovered in Washington state waterway for first time, researchers say
Are noncitizens using Washington driver’s licenses to illegally register to vote in Clark County? (Wylie)

Everett Herald
Swedish battery maker opens first U.S. facility in Marysville
Editorial: End challenge against Everett’s third Pallet village

The Inlander
A Lewiston man missing in action for 80 years is finally laid to rest; and Spokane gets a Climate Resiliency Project to help beat the heat
A proposed wind turbine project promises to bring jobs and tax revenue to the Palouse; some residents think the project has a turbulent future

News Tribune
Flags around the state flew at half-staff today. Here’s what we know about why
‘This is unacceptable.’ Fires keep occurring in a Tacoma gulch frequented by homeless
‘Not everything is going to fit everywhere.’ Home in Tacoma Phase 2 plans get first look
Did you see lots of canoes paddling close to Owen Beach today? Here’s what’s happening

North American Post
Vashon Remembers the Day of Exile

Peninsula Daily News
Derelict vessels present problems for ports

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing names new chief exec
Everett fusion startup Zap Energy lands $130 million
Edmonds School District begins planning for $170 million project

Runta News
After Five Consecutive Years of Drowning Deaths Staying at Historically High Levels, King County Officials Encourage the Public to be Cautious at Lakes, Rivers, and Puget Sound

Seattle Times
Seattle weather: 90-degree days for the first week of August
WA agency that will investigate police killings sets start date
King County sheriff relaxes pursuit policy after legislative changes

South Seattle Emerald
White Center Community Clashes With County on 16th Avenue Road Project
How to Tackle Lack of Regional Affordable Housing? King County Calls In Experts
Opinion: Establishing the Crisis Care Network: Connections Health Solutions Opens in Kirkland

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
“Ghost” boat service will expand this fall

Washington Post
Senate Republicans are set to block a child tax credit expansion
Biden rules protecting trans students take effect — but not everywhere
How much are rents going up? See how prices have changed in your area.
Antarctic temperatures soar 50 degrees above norm in long-lasting heat wave

WA State Standard
State advisory board on juvenile justice asks Inslee to fire director of children’s services (Leavitt, Frame)

Wenatchee World
Update: 2nd-alarm brush fire near Orondo prompts air support and evacuations

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Aberdeen City Council member charged with child rape
Acting chief of Seattle CARE team appointed to permanent position
New King County Sheriff’s Office pursuit policy more restrictive than state law
Here’s how much Washington’s paid leave program has paid out in 5 years (Keiser)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
City of Seattle considering SCORE Jail pilot program for misdemeanor offenders
Lawsuit could derail Everett’s plan to build temporary shelter for women, children
Auburn neighborhood to host community meeting after violent shootout at bus stop
Tesla in Monroe crash that killed motorcyclist was using self-driving system, authorities say

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Endangered soupfin, broadnose sevengill sharks discovered in Puget Sound
Seattle City Council member to announce legislation aimed at curbing Aurora Avenue crime

KUOW Public Radio
Jurassic shark: scientists find ancient species in Puget Sound
‘Very cruel.’ Lost pet owners targeted by scammers posing as Seattle Animal Shelter

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane housing voucher application deadline approaching
Firefighters fully contain all three wildfires in Spokane County
Spokane’s interim police chief leaving to join Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Lime contract ensures accountability for waterway cleanup in Spokane

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Cash-strapped school districts see positive financial outlook after year of state oversight
Opinion: Community voices helped improve CDC’s border policy on dogs (Shewmake)

Crosscut
WA and WI libraries given $249k for tabletop gaming programs
King County’s landfill is scrambling to solve its methane problem

MyNorthwest
Man intentionally kills 25 seagulls with Jeep on Washington beach
DoorDash to implement new fee amid frustrations with Seattle City Council

Wednesday, July 31

60 Native children from Northwest died in U.S. boarding schools, among nearly 1,000 deaths nationwide
More than 60 children from tribes with homelands in Washington, Oregon and Idaho are among the nearly 1,000 Native American children who died in the U.S. government’s abusive boarding school system that tore families apart and devastated Indigenous communities, according to the results of a federal investigation released Tuesday. There were at least 17 boarding schools in Washington, up and down the Interstate 5 corridor, on the coast, and dotted through the arid grasslands of the eastern parts of the state, according to the Interior Department. Many of them were on present-day tribal land. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Hibulb Cultural Center)

Senate passes landmark bills to protect kids online, raising pressure on House
The Senate overwhelmingly passed a pair of bills to expand online privacy and safety protections for children on Tuesday, delivering a major win for parent and youth activists who have clamored for action against tech companies they say are endangering the well-being of kids. The legislation, approved 91-3, would force digital platforms to take “reasonable” steps to prevent harms to children such as bullying, drug addiction and sexual exploitation, and it would broaden existing federal privacy protections to include kids and teens 16 years old and younger. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Kent Nishimura)

King County is getting its first walk-in mental health crisis center
A new walk-in crisis care center in Kirkland for people experiencing mental health emergencies will start accepting patients in early August. It’s the first center of its kind in the county and will begin to fill a gap in the mental health care system: a place for people in crisis to go that’s not the emergency room or jail. People in crisis can go on their own or with a family member. Police or firefighters could bring them here instead of to an emergency room or jail. Someone could call 988, and a mobile crisis team could pick them up and bring them here. An emergency room could refer them. Continue reading at KUOW. (Sasun Bughdaryan)