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Wednesday, July 24

WA nears a plan to remove key culverts for salmon — after spending $4B
As the Washington State Department of Transportation spends billions of dollars removing concrete and metal pipes that block spawning salmon, another state agency is finally finishing a strategy to fix all the state’s fish migration barriers. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials last week revealed key parts of a plan to prioritize which of tens of thousands of these man-made blockages would, if replaced, bring back the most salmon. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Kevin Clark)

Shorter camping stay limits in WA state parks to begin in August
Campers in Washington’s state parks will soon find themselves unable to stay in one site quite as long. New rules approved by the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission limit camping stays to no more than 10 consecutive nights in one park in a 30-day period and a maximum of 90 days per calendar year in all state parks. The new limits go into effect Aug. 18 and will apply year-round. The parks system will honor existing reservations and enforce limits on new reservations after Aug. 18. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)

Washington Secretary of State launches new campaign to break down mail-in ballot process
The Washington Secretary of State’s Office has invested $1.8 million in an effort to battle misinformation surrounding mail-in ballots. The new campaign, created with the help of the creative agency Happylucky, uses stylized imagery and animation to promote mail-in voting and highlight its security. Videos published by the campaign break down the process from when ballots are sent out to how they are counted by local elections offices. It also explains how staff reach out to voters if there are any issues with their ballots. Continue reading at KXLY. (WA Secretary of State)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Fire breaks out at homeless camp

Axios
Washington’s wildfire season ramps up

Capital Press
Wautoma solar project next to step into the spotlight

Columbian
State agency will take over investigations into police use of deadly force investigations in Clark County

Everett Herald
With looming earthquake threat, Everett breaks ground on $80M reservoirs

Kent Reporter
King County Council approves traffic safety study in Fairwood
Sheriff’s Office cuts school resource officers at Kentwood, Kentlake

News Tribune
Wreck with police caused her death, lawsuit contended. Now Tacoma will pay $2 million
‘Someone who never stopped caring.’ TNT columnist Matt Driscoll dies unexpectedly at 43

New York Times
Planet Sets Record for Hottest Day Twice in a Row

Olympian
The world’s first fully hydrogen-powered ferry just launched. It was built in Bellingham

Peninsula Daily News
Indigent defense caseloads may decrease
Public comment being sought on Project Macoma

Port Townsend Leader

Fire danger ‘very high’ in Jefferson County

County updates trails connection on comp plan

Puget Sound Business Journal
First Mode layoffs expected to affect up to half of its employees
Property tax assessment disparities are impacting these residents most

Renton Reporter
Peer counselor offers hope in Renton courts

Seattle Times
WA ferry workers bear brunt of delayed, angry passengers
What to do with all that lavender? WA farmers got creative and made oil
WA nears a plan to remove key culverts for salmon — after spending $4B

South Whidbey Record
Whidbey has a toad-crossing zone

Spokesman Review
Wildfires burn nearly 10,000 acres on Colville Reservation
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say
Spokane County nationally recognized for its Teen Text Line: ‘You’ll get the help you need if it’s within our ability’

Washington Post
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say
How ‘carbon cowboys’ are cashing in on protected Amazon forest
Delta under federal investigation as it cancels thousands of flights

WA State Standard
Shorter camping stay limits in WA state parks to begin in August

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle attorney pushes for increased safety along protected bike lanes
Interim Chief Sue Rahr talks progress, obstacles after 60 days leading Seattle Police Department

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Fires threaten towns, close interstate in Pacific Northwest as heat wave continues
Interim SPD Chief addresses gun violence, drug ordinance enforcement amid staffing crisis

KNKX Public Radio
Colleagues, political leaders, and family react to sudden loss of Tacoma columnist Matt Driscoll

KXLY (ABC)
Washington Secretary of State launches new campaign to break down mail-in ballot process

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Intalco Aluminum to pay $5M to feds over EPA violations
County OKs $150K Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study
Whatcom County Council asks executive for vast range of actions on homelessness

Crosscut
U.S. and Canada update 60-year-old Columbia River Treaty

MyNorthwest
WA to pay $15 million to 3 sisters who were sexually abused in foster home
‘Food is finished:’ Refugees in Kent call for help as health, food struggles remain

Tuesday, July 23

$2.5M in federal funding is at stake. Why can’t Pierce County agree on homelessness plan?
With the clock ticking on $2.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, Pierce County leaders seem farther apart than ever on their approach to homelessness. Democrats on the Pierce County Council want to use the money to build a temporary stability site somewhere outside Tacoma, saying it would provide important shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Tony Overman)

Thousands of low-income WA families qualify for a tax credit they aren’t claiming
Less than half of Washington residents eligible for a tax credit aimed at low-income working families received it last year — the first year it was available. Still, the state met its goal of reaching at least 40% of those eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit, according to a recent Department of Revenue report. The report said 45% of eligible households claimed the credit. It also found 86% of applicants were approved for it and 56% of applications were processed within 30 days. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Getty Images)

Federal court orders higher pay for foreign guest workers in WA orchards
Foreign guest or H-2A workers at Washington’s tree-fruit orchards will get paid more under a federal court ruling issued earlier this month, in the latest development in a yearslong court battle over how foreign agricultural workers are paid. Under the ruling from the U.S. District Court in Seattle in the case brought by Familias Unidas por la Justicia, or FUJ, a Burlington-based farmworkers union, the U.S. Department of Labor will reinstate prevailing wages set in 2022. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Genna Martin)

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Axios
Tourists and workers return to Seattle
Delta faces investigation over “continued widespread disruptions”

Columbian
North Cascades Highway closes again due to wildfire
‘There is no moving forward’: Clark County Council at impasse on railroad
Vancouver schools, teachers union still negotiating as end of contract approaches
After stabbing at Clark College, internal review finds school’s emergency response system ineffective
32 cottage-style homes planned: Evergreen Habitat for Humanity project is nonprofit’s largest to date

Indian Country Today
Columbia River Treaty modernization doesn’t change much for salmon

News Tribune
$2.5M in federal funding is at stake. Why can’t Pierce County agree on homelessness plan?

Olympian
What lies beneath? Estuary work to find answer this week by draining Capitol Lake

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA increases maximum loan amount, targets climate-focused projects

Seattle Times
Many more kids are being shot and killed in King County in 2024
7 officers, 3 others hospitalized after high-speed chase in Spokane
WA county closes jail and will pay family $2.5M after man’s suicide

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Conservation easement placed on Camp Waskowitz

Spokesman Review
Weird winter weather was the pits for Green Bluff peaches and cherries
Spokane City Council shoots down resolution supporting enforcing homeless camping law
Three of six city of Spokane pools extend hours because of high temperatures this weekend
Opinion: Artificial Intelligence can be our first line of defense in limiting the effects of wildfires

Washington Post
Four years after covid, many students still losing ground
U.S. is making progress on its climate goals — but still falling short

WA State Standard
Thousands of low-income WA families qualify for a tax credit they aren’t claiming

Yakima Herald-Republic
Defensible space provides room to prevent wildfires from destroying homes

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
14-year-olds, 13-year-old arrested for brandishing ‘fully automatic’ firearms at Seafair parade in Seattle

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Delta Airlines passengers still stranded at Sea-Tac Airport

KNKX Public Radio
Tri-Cities forum draws support for Lower Snake River dams

KUOW Public Radio
Garfield County pledges to keep jail shuttered after suicide went undetected

KXLY (ABC)
Memorial service for former Congressman George Nethercutt at Gonzaga Tuesday
Evacuations expanded to town of Keller for wildfire

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Tiny home villages move likely delayed after neighboring business alleges city violated contract

Crosscut
Are offshore wind turbines in Washington’s future? (Springer)
Federal court orders higher pay for foreign guest workers in WA orchards

The Urbanist
King County Launches ‘100 Days of Action’ Against Gun Violence

Washington Observer
More on the Medicaid problem

Monday, July 22

Washington wolves stay state endangered species
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 5-4 Friday to keep wolves as a state endangered species, rejecting the recommendation of state scientists who said Washington wolves are not in danger of extinction. The majority sided with wolf advocates and Gov. Jay Inslee, who argued reclassifying wolves to “sensitive” was premature because wolf packs have not moved into the South Cascade Range or southwest Washington. Continue reading at Capital Press. (Capital Press)

Prison powwow: Native families connect with their loved ones behind bars
In line to enter a state prison north of Olympia, 10-year-old Ahyoka Wixon cannot stay still. Ahyoka and 7-year-old Lily Wixon are there to participate in Washington Corrections Center’s annual powwow on July 11 alongside their father, who will be singing and drumming. The powwow is organized by Tribal Sons, the prison’s Native affinity group. Wixon and other Native leaders in prison said they’re working on rehabilitating themselves and their fellow Native prisoners, and the powwow makes “all the difference.” Indigenous people are incarcerated at higher rates than any other group in Washington state, and the disparity between Indigenous and white incarceration has roughly doubled in the past decade. Advocates attribute the disparity to over policing of Indigenous communities and high rates of poverty. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Grace Deng)

More mentors, better facilities, gear that fits. WA police departments are upping their game to recruit more women
It’s estimated that just 12% of police officers nationwide are women. At 11%, Washington state lags below that already low number. Several law enforcement agencies across the state have signed on to a goal to increase women in the ranks. They’re recruiting women by offering strong mentorship programs and better-suited gear and facilities, among other strategies. But so far, success is mixed, and larger agencies especially continue to struggle. Eight agencies in Washington state have signed on to the hiring goal —Kent, Lacey, WSU Pullman, Richland, Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, and the Washington State Patrol. But amidst a national shortage of police candidates, progress is slow, especially for bigger agencies. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Fire District 2 seeks to renew EMS levy

Auburn Reporter
Convicted Auburn officer’s attorneys seek new trial, new judge

Axios
Why homesteading is growing among Seattleites
Wildfires erupt in West, Canada amid major heat wave
Delta struggles to recover after industry-wide airline meltdown

Capital Press
Washington wolves stay state endangered species
WSU grass farm studies yarrow for low-impact lawns

Columbian
Kids Online Safety Act could see vote this month
Olympia’s Capital Mall to become mixed-use urban space
Night skies in the Gorge are getting brighter. This group is pushing back
Clark County officials address election security concerns as 2024 primary approaches

Everett Herald
Global tech outage leaves a mark on Snohomish County
United Way delivers 100k free books to Snohomish County kids
Food safety team defends its work: it’s a ‘high pressure, thankless’ job
‘We don’t have openings’: SnoCo recovery houses struggle with demand
When you get lost in WA, what’s the cost to get rescued? Surprisingly little
Miners Complex tops 500 acres in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Washington’s 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline marks 2nd anniversary as advocates call it pillar for mental health support (Orwall)

Federal Way Mirror
Rent increases rattle Belmor Mobile Home Park residents

Kent Reporter
High-profile juvenile crimes continue to rock Kent this summer

Mercer Island Reporter
District to roll out MI Phone-Free Schools policy

News Tribune
Airline travel increasing across the country. Is Washington back to pre-pandemic levels?
FDA elevates recall in 7 states of California farm’s rice, which may contain foreign ‘rodent’ object

Peninsula Daily News
District adding community paramedic

Puget Sound Business Journal
Alaska posts record revenue, awaits DOJ decision on Hawaiian merger
Businesses, agencies ramp up backup systems after global tech outage

Seattle Times
‘Endangered’ status to remain in effect for WA wolves
Pacific Northwest faces critical fire risk as wildfires burn
Two years into 988 crisis line, WA works to spread the word

Skagit Valley Herald
Local tribes receive grants for climate resilience
Group tests for microplastics on Skagit River beach
Mount Vernon School District starts live translation, talks strategic plan

Spokesman Review
Airlines start digging themselves out of epic flight disruptions
Many with PFAS in their West Plains wells question airport leadership and Commissioner Al French; he blames criticism on election year politics

Washington Post
Women recognize prevention’s value, but still delay health screenings
Heat pumps, EV chargers and more: U.S. unveils $4.3 billion in local climate funds

WA State Standard
‘Endangered’ status to remain in effect for WA wolves
State AGs ramp up scrutiny of alleged price-fixing in rental housing
Prison powwow: Native families connect with their loved ones behind bars

Yakima Herald-Republic
Defensible space provides room to prevent wildfires from destroying homes

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
First weeks of new sailings, King County Water Taxi sees jump in ridership
Washington poll: How voters want the next governor to address state’s key issues

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
City of Seattle oversight leads to tens of thousands getting $10 checks

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle parking rates rise with SDOT’s seasonal price adjustment this summer

KUOW Public Radio
No juveniles in adult prisons, Washington court orders
Battery farms to store green energy are needed, but where should they go? King County considers
More mentors, better facilities, gear that fits. WA police departments are upping their game to recruit more women

KXLY (ABC)
Gray wolves to remain on endangered species list in Washington
Former Spokane Mayor Woodward says city violated her free speech, interfered with election

Web

Cascadia Daily News
What’s the Deal With: Smokey Bear license plate?
Cloud Mountain Farm testing recycled paper alternative against plastic mulch
North Cascades Highway closed near Easy Pass Trailhead due to wildfire danger
Washington gray wolves will maintain endangered status; restrictions on killing them remain

Crosscut
Global tech outage affects WA unemployment system, payments
WA housing discrimination complaints dip, bucking national trend

The Urbanist
Sound Transit Doubling Sounder North Service This Fall with Four Runs/Day
Kirkland Advances Catalyst Project for ’10-Minute Neighborhood’ Near Houghton

Friday, July 19

Washington governor orders council to restore windmills to Horse Heaven project
A state council yielded Wednesday to Gov. Jay Inslee and took a step toward approving the Horse Heaven wind and solar project in southeast Washington largely as proposed by Scout Clean Energy. The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council directed planners to draw up a new recommendation that would allow nearly all 222 turbines that Scout proposes to build on farmland near the Tri-Cities. Continue reading at Capital Press. (Scout Clean Energy)

Inslee to agency leaders: Money’s too tight for new programs
As Washington Gov. Jay Inslee fashions his last budget proposal, he’s told directors of state agencies to not ask for money for new programs or expansion of existing ones. Washington chief economist David Reich outlined a $477 million decline for the current budget, which runs through next June, with another $189 million dip expected in the next fiscal cycle. He said lower capital gains tax collections and less consumer spending are the primary reasons for the downturn since the last forecast came out in February. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Jerry Cornfield)

Washington’s 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline marks 2nd anniversary as advocates call it pillar for mental health support
Jul. 19-July marks the two-year anniversary of the launch of Washington’s 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline, an initiative advocates say has become a pillar for mental health support. The launch of 988 in Washington was part of a national effort to improve the response to suicide and behavioral health crises. Since then, the three-digit number has remained an accessible resource for those seeking help. As many as 8,600 people call a month, and another 2,100 people text the lifeline. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

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Aberdeen Daily World
Training the trainers to treat overdoses

Axios
Heat islands make Seattle seem hotter
How a single software update is shutting down the internet

Capital Press
Senators call for more action on potato wart
Judge dismisses utility’s suit against cap-and-trade
At Inslee’s order, council restores windmills to Horse Heaven project

Everett Herald
Boeing workers signal support for strike if contract talks fail
State: Marysville school plan ‘does not comply,’ must be fixed by Wednesday

High Country News
Will the Northwest Forest Plan finally respect tribal rights?

News Tribune
You’re risking gastrointestinal illness if you go into the water at this Tacoma beach
Scammers target Pierce County pet owners, threaten to kill animals unless they’re paid
New juvenile rehabilitation center coming to Pierce County. Here’s what we know so far
University Place School District employee reported her son was attacked. Then she sued
Can I wear headphones while driving in Washington? What about AirPods? Here’s the law
Washington’s 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline marks 2nd anniversary as advocates call it pillar for mental health support (Orwall, Dhingra)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Downtown Seattle worker foot traffic climbs but still lags 2019 levels
Businesses, agencies ramp up backup systems after global tech outage
Alaska posts record revenue, awaits DOJ decision on Hawaiian merger

Seattle Times
$10 refunds in the mail after Seattle vehicle tab fee snafu
Christian shelter challenges WA law prohibiting anti-LGBTQ+ hiring
Boeing case spotlights plea agreements involving corporate defendants
Global tech outage caused by software update disrupts air travel, health care and shipping
Opinion: Police are wrong: Law protecting youth doesn’t hurt investigations

Spokesman Review
At Washington universities, enrollment questions persist
Worldwide tech outage causes flight delays, including in Spokane
How Spokane Farmers Markets are encouraging healthy habits in the youth

WA State Standard
States strike out on their own on AI, privacy regulation
Inslee to agency leaders: Money’s too tight for new programs
Dental therapists, who can fill cavities and check teeth, get the OK in more states

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Airlines resuming flights after worldwide tech outage
Ferry captains ask fishermen to give them space on the water
WSDOT asks for patience as construction continues from Seattle to Bellevue
What is CrowdStrike? Company linked to massive service outages across industries
CrowdStrike issue causes mass global tech disruptions, grounding flights across the U.S.

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Massive computer outage grounds flights, shuts down businesses globally

KUOW Public Radio
More green space, fewer silos: King County reveals new extreme heat plan

KXLY (ABC)
Providence, MultiCare local hospitals impacted by global tech outage
Global tech outage impacting flights at Spokane International Airport
Spokane mayor explores additional plans to reduce city’s budget deficit

Web

MyNorthwest
Visitors are filling downtown Seattle streets near pre-pandemic levels
Tacoma police looking for serial arsonist after rash of fires endanger lives, property
Digital disruptions caused by Microsoft Windows patch impacting Sea-Tac, area hospitals

The Urbanist
Metro Flex Shuttles Launch in Delridge/South Park on July 22

Thursday, July 18

Seattle interim police chief fires officer who made ‘vile’ comments
Seattle interim police Chief Sue Rahr has fired an officer and union leader who made comments, described as “vile” and callous, downplaying the death of a young woman killed by another officer speeding through a crosswalk. Mayor Bruce Harrell, in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, said he supported Rahr’s decision, even though city officials and the chief recognize it will likely be appealed, lead to arbitration and potentially affect the department’s efforts to end 12 years under federal oversight that has narrowed its focus to officer accountability. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

WA Supreme Court considers cutting public defender caseloads
Would slashing public defender caseloads in Washington better ensure people accused of crimes, but unable to afford a lawyer, receive counsel as they are constitutionally guaranteed? The state Supreme Court is considering a request to reduce the number of cases public defense attorneys handle each year by up to two-thirds, and is seeking the public’s opinion on whether it is a good idea. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Getty Images)

Faced with limited work options, asylum-seekers are starting businesses in Washington state
In general, asylum-seekers must wait 150 days after submitting an asylum application to apply for federal work authorization. That leaves them with around five months of not being employable, which often means they can’t pay for rent, food, and other basic necessities on their own. Starting a small business is one way asylum-seekers and other immigrants can prepare to make a living as they await work authorization. But for some, the consequences of not having an income outweigh the risks of launching their business before being authorized to work. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)