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Thursday, August 17

WA’s carbon-pricing program nears $1 billion in revenue, far outpacing early estimates
Washington’s latest auction of carbon-emission allowances raked in an estimated $62.5 million last week, with revenue from the state’s carbon-pricing program now nearing a billion dollars and far outpacing early estimates. Lawmakers this year budgeted about $2 billion in anticipated revenue from the auctions for projects intended to reduce emissions and improve air quality over the next two years. The Climate Commitment Act aims to reduce the state’s production of carbon dioxide, methane and related gases to 45% below 1990 levels in the next seven years, 70% below 1990 levels by 2040 and decarbonize by 2050. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

On Washington’s public lands, a rise in fires caused by people
Fires have more than doubled so far this year on state-managed public land in Washington compared to 2022, and people are mostly to blame for the blazes. On Washington state lands, there have been 49 human-caused fires through Aug. 1, compared to 27 during that same time frame last year, according to the Department of Natural Resources. People have caused at least 82% of the fires this year on state land, the department said. Lightning-strike fires are also up. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (David Ryder)

Washington state receiving $58M to replace culverts beneath roads that are harmful to fish
The Biden administration on Wednesday announced nearly $200 million in federal infrastructure grants to upgrade tunnels that carry streams beneath roads but can be deadly to fish that get stuck trying to pass through. Washington state is receiving the largest sum of any state with $58 million. Many of the narrow passages known as culverts, often made from metal pipes or concrete, were built in the 1950s and contribute to population declines of salmon and other fish that live in the ocean but return to freshwater streams to spawn. Continue reading at Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)

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Associated Press
Amazon imposes new fees on sellers who ship their own products to customers
Washington state receiving $58M to replace culverts beneath roads that are harmful to fish

Aberdeen Daily World
WDFW adds 40 acres to wildlife area near Elma
Grays Harbor College selected for free meals program
Grays Harbor sees highest COVID rate in WA among nationwide spike

Bellingham Herald
WSDOT launches Amtrak electric buses that will operate between Seattle and Bellingham

Columbian
Workers in Clark County toil away amid extreme heat
Vancouver Police Department hires two assistant chiefs
Jenny Creek Road Fire evacuation zones rolling back as crews get handle on fire
Officials in Clark County concerned about troubling trend in work zone crashes

The Daily News
Editorial: Thumbs up to Cowlitz County cooling shelters, thumbs down to Oregon drug law

Everett Herald
Lake Stevens starts charging for police body camera footage
Dome Peak wildfire swells to 770 acres east of Darrington

The Inlander
We spent a weekend at Spokane’s most notorious intersection. Here’s what we saw.
West side bust highlights Washington’s strict cannabis lounge regulations
Opinion: How Spokane is leading the nation with latest transit project

News Tribune
Lakewood residents are receiving fire evacuation warnings. Here’s what those levels mean
Pickets this week at MultiCare Indigo clinics over surge of patients vs. quality of care

Olympian
Withheld documents may provide insight into the records WA lawmakers want to keep secret (Mullet, Saldana, Kuderer, Hasegawa, Randall, Billig)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle rebate program incentivizes use of electric trucks
Alaska Airlines flight attendants picket again ahead of contract talks
SBA makes sweeping change to 8(a) program after court ruling
Tacoma council adopts resolution to encourage micro-businesses
Here are the changes to the SBA 7(a) program and how they’re working

Seattle Medium
Drug Possession Law Pushed To September By Lawmakers
Fire Last Straw For Troubled Encampment In North Seattle
Editorial: Having Our Say Against Carbon Pollution

Seattle Times
Mount Rainier bans all fires starting Friday
Asia-Pacific leaders cap off trade meetings with Space Needle summit
WA AG sues O’Reilly Auto Parts, says pregnant workers faced discrimination (Keiser)
WA’s carbon-pricing program nears $1 billion in revenue, far outpacing early estimates

Skagit Valley Herald
Burn bans expanded in county, on public lands
Grant awarded for removal of Hart Slough creosote pilings

Spokesman Review
Critical fire conditions forecasted in Eastern Washington Thursday and Friday
Amazon fulfillment center in Airway Heights cited for unsafe conditions

Tri-City Herald
More destructive Japanese beetles found in Tri-Cities. Could it lead to a quarantine?
100+ temperature smashes 100-year-old Eastern WA heat record. Next worry is fire

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Fire burns about 600 acres in north Walla Walla County

Washington Post
Here’s where water is running out in the world — and why
New vaccines this fall could curb covid variant, respiratory viruses

WA State Standard
On Washington’s public lands, a rise in fires caused by people
Extra cap-and-trade auction may net $62M for Washington
Conservative group sues Washington over law to protect trans youth in crisis

Wenatchee World
Link Transit shows K8M electric bus at state transit association conference
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority commissioner tapped for state transportation commission seat

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington had highest year-over-year drug overdose death increase in US, data show

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle’s Pike Place Market opened 116 years ago today

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
KCRHA outlines progress with homeless crisis in presentation to Seattle leaders
AG Ferguson sues O’Reilly Auto Parts for alleged discrimination against pregnant employees
Washington State Ferries begin journey to zero emissions with first contract for hybrid-electric conversion

KNKX Public Radio
UW researchers find pattern of Tacoma ICE facility using chemical agents, force against detainees

KUOW Public Radio
How hot temps, wildfire affect NW power grid
Has summer school helped in the fight against pandemic learning loss?
Washington sues O’Reilly Auto Parts, alleging discrimination against pregnant workers

KXLY (ABC)
Excessive heat impacts local food bank

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Amtrak’s new electric bus launches Bellingham-Seattle service

MyNorthwest
Fire closure of North Cascades Highway is hurting local businesses
Evacuation orders lifted in Lakewood after major fire at Fort Steilacoom Park
$50 million project on 196th Street in Lynnwood now complete

Wednesday, August 16

Washington awards $150M contract to convert ferries to hybrid-electric power
Washington State Ferries announced Tuesday it has awarded a roughly $150 million contract to ship builder Vigor to convert up to three of the state’s largest vessels to hybrid-electric power. Moving the largest ferries to hybrid-electric power is one of several steps the ferry system is pursuing as it looks to wean itself off diesel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agency’s long term plans call for retrofitting more ferries to hybrid-electric, building new hybrid-powered vessels, adding charging stations at terminals and retiring diesel ferries. Thus far, there is $1.33 billion secured to build up to five hybrid electric Olympic Class vessels and convert up to four other boats to hybrid electric. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (WSDOT)

Ultra high-speed train connecting Vancouver B.C. to Portland would ‘transform the Pacific Northwest,’ Washington Democrats argue
A team of Washington Democrats is calling for the federal government to help fund a high-speed rail line that would travel up to 250 miles per hour and stretch from Canada to Oregon. In the letter, the Democrats argued the project would lead to better access to jobs, affordable housing, climate initiatives, shared resources, increased tourism and economic growth for the Pacific Northwest region. During the 2022 session, the Washington State Legislature allocated $4 million for additional analysis and framework for future high-speed rail and another $150 million legislators hope the federal government will match for the project. Officials sent a status report to Governor Jay Inslee and the Legislature on June 30. Continue reading at KING5.

Comment: State lawmakers acted on housing; now it’s our turn
Lack of homes, inflation and other economic challenges over the years have all led to a housing attainability crisis. So, while much work remains to address this crisis, I was heartened that the state Legislature this year took meaningful action to help local communities better coordinate and plan in the shared work for more housing choices. New laws adopted this year will help cities facilitate more housing, and streamline how local communities track and report on permits for housing construction. Taken as a whole, these bills demonstrate a collaborative, coordinated plan for confronting the affordability crisis across our state. With the Legislature on break until early 2024, the work must continue at the local level if we are going to be successful in addressing the housing crisis. It is not enough for Olympia to act; we must all act and work together on the changes ahead. Continue reading at Everett Herald.

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Associated Press
Federal grants will replace tunnels beneath roads that let water pass but not fish

Aberdeen Daily World
Scammers pose as power company officials

Bellingham Herald
Annual asbestos warning goes out to people living near Swift Creek and Sumas Mountain
Whatcom County home prices drop, although Bellingham sees an increase in real estate costs

Capital Press
Report: Breaching Snake River dams would put thousands of farmers at risk

Columbian
Vancouver eyes easing rules on size of buildings
‘What’s a cooling center?’: Many in Clark County in need have no idea facilities exist
Editorial: Is it time to aggressively address climate change?

Everett Herald
Lynnwood celebrates nearly $50 million project on 196th Street
Comment: State lawmakers acted on housing; now it’s our turn
Editorial: Police raid on newspaper a blatant abuse of power

News Tribune
Pierce County needs more than 110K new housing units by 2044. Where will they come from?
Pierce Transit puts troubled Bus Rapid Transit project on hold and turns to quicker fix

Olympian
Where’s that smoke coming from? Wildfire maps show location, status of WA state fires
Campfires banned on DNR-protected lands due to fire danger, agency says

Puget Sound Business Journal
Commercial real estate sales volume slows considerably
Telework, paid leave on table for Pregnant Worker Fairness Act
Seattle unveils $7.5M housing investment in Rainier Valley

Seattle Medium
Urban League Of Metropolitan Seattle To Host 2nd Annual Summer Resource Festival

Seattle Times
New report details dozens of uses of force at Northwest ICE center
Seattle, King County upgrade burn bans, prohibit recreational fires
Dolly Parton kicks off free book program for WA kids (Stonier)

Spokesman Review
Heat sets record Tuesday in Spokane; dry winds bring fire danger later this week
Harris in Seattle: Vice president touts ‘Bidenomics’ in speech to mark anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

Tri-City Herald
West Nile virus detected in 3 Eastern WA towns. Worst year since 2009, say officials
Dolly Parton visits Washington to celebrate expansion of her Imagination Library (Stonier, Heck)

Washington Post
Cancer among younger Americans is on the rise, new study shows

WA State Standard
Washington awards $150M contract to convert ferries to hybrid-electric power
Extreme heat: What King County’s emergency preparedness planner wants you to know

Yakima Herald-Republic
Firefighters respond to fire on Ahtanum Ridge in Yakima
Yakima County Commissioners extend solar moratorium again
Yakima and Ellensburg set new high temperature records on Tuesday
New Yakima County team helps rescue animals during wildfires and other emergencies

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Sinking light rail track in Seattle under repair this week
Company awarded contract to convert largest Washington ferries to hybrid-electric power
‘People want cooling:’ King County’s program to get heat pumps in homes that need it the most
Ultra high-speed train connecting Vancouver B.C. to Portland would ‘transform the Pacific Northwest,’ Washington Democrats argue

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘Win-win situation’: Washington families benefit from Dolly Parton’s book gifting program
PSE asks customers to save energy as heat wave blankets western Washington
North Cascades Highway remains closed as crews battle Sourdough Fire amid rising temperatures

KNKX Public Radio
Government’s own experts found ‘barbaric’ and ‘negligent’ conditions in ICE detention
Pacific Northwest heat wave could break temperature records through Thursday

KUOW Public Radio
As Seattle area heat wave continues, outdoor workers feel the burn
‘The most dense and consolidated damage I’ve seen’: A WA firefighter’s dispatches from Maui

KXLY (ABC)
Cooling resources available for seniors to beat the heat this summer

NW Public Radio
Heat safety 101: Prevention, warnings and treatment
Distrito legislativo de Washington Central debe redibujarse

Q13 TV (FOX)
Nearly 90% of Washington wildfires are human-caused; officials on alert as fire danger lingers
‘Heat islands’ pose challenge for residents trying to stay cool in King County

Web

Crosscut
Washington considers consolidating elk management (Lekanoff)

MyNorthwest
City of Burien considers new controversial homeless sweeps strategy
Seattle City Council approves increase of EV stations with state goals on the horizon
Vice President Harris visits Seattle, discusses climate crisis, economy

Tuesday, August 15

Stifling prison heat used to be just a Southern problem. Not anymore.
Climate change has amplified heat-related struggles in more state prisons. Some advocates have argued that hot conditions in prisons constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. The conditions have led to lawsuits and protests across the country. To address these problems, some states are offering alternative cooling methods such as cooling beds and increased access to water stations or ice; others have allocated funding toward upgrading or building new facilities with air conditioning. In Washington, there are five HVAC system upgrade projects that received legislative funding for the Monroe Correctional Complex, the Washington Corrections Center for Women, the Washington State Penitentiary and the Progress House Work Release. Most states, however, have taken little to no action, advocates say. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Creative Commons)

Hazardous heat comes to the Pacific Northwest
An upper-level ridge of high pressure over western Washington and Oregon will likely continue to bring hazardous temperatures for the next several days, National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Reedy told Axios. The ridge should begin to break down by next weekend, said Reedy, with temperatures cooling slightly into the 80s throughout the region. The Pacific Northwest stood out this year for its relatively mild temperatures compared to the widespread heat waves blanketing the U.S. for much of this summer, and the world’s record-breaking July temperatures. Continue reading at Axios. (Brendan Lynch)

WA’s $5M youth homelessness effort is ramping up. Is it working?
Washington’s policies to prevent youth and young adult homelessness are considered among the best in the country. In a 2021 report, the National Homelessness Law Center’s analyzed states’ “readiness to tackle the specific challenges of youth homelessness” and ranked Washington first among states, and second overall, behind Washington, D.C. But the report noted that its rankings did not reflect states’ success in preventing youth homelessness, and Washington’s own data show its room for improvement, especially for youth who have been through public systems. A report published in June by the Department of Social and Health Services showed that nearly 1,100, or 15%, of the more than 7,000 young people who left state systems — foster care, the juvenile justice system, or inpatient behavioral health treatment — between July 2020 and June 2021 were homeless one year later. Continue reading at Crosscut. (David Ryder)

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Associated Press
Heat wave forecast to bake Pacific Northwest with scorching temperatures
Mishmash of how US heat deaths are counted complicates efforts to keep people safe as Earth warms

Aberdeen Daily World
Workshop, 5K aim to address suicide

Axios
Hazardous heat comes to the Pacific Northwest
Washington expands access to fentanyl test strips (Orwall)

Bellingham Herald
Vegetation fire burns Monday inside Stimpson Family Nature Reserve in Bellingham

Capital Press
Focus on farms as Horse Heaven wind hearings open
States say EPA pesticide plan poisonous to compliance programs

Columbian
Scientist: Floating wetlands a natural solution for algae blooms in Clark County lakes
Heat wave in Clark County prompts health warnings, raises wildfire concerns
Housing, treatment, more resources needed to fight fentanyl in Clark County

The Daily News
Excessive heat alerts in effect; temperatures sizzle to 20F above average

Everett Herald
25 Snohomish County cooling centers provide a safe place to cool off
$250K in federal money to boost transit in east Snohomish County
Comment: Simple message needed as ‘tripledemic’ approaches
Comment: Looming child-care cliff will send workers home

Olympian
Puget Sound Energy asks customers to use less electricity as heat wave increases demand
Thurston County is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. Here’s where to get free tests

Peninsula Daily News
State ferry fares to increase starting in October

Seattle Times
Seattle is adding three traffic cameras to catch you doing this
Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Seattle, address clean energy
New study shows cooling potential of varying Seattle trees and forests
Seattle cooling center opens for people living outside
WA Democrats ask Buttigieg for $200M to plan Canada-Seattle-Portland bullet train
Opinion: Major climate legislation will keep ports, air and water clean
Editorial: Welcome back to Seattle, Vice President Harris

Spokesman Review
Getting There: Hillyard is blossoming, but North Spokane Corridor’s impact is yet to be seen
With hot days ahead, Spokane activates cooling centers for the vulnerable
WSP fire academy’s new training buildings offer crucial hands-on practice with flames
Opinion: Why Washingtonians should care about abortion rights in Idaho

Tri-City Herald
New $78 million Prosser hospital complex taking shape
Sex offender likely to die in WA prison for paying ‘desperately poor’ boys to be filmed

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Excessive heat warning issued in Walla Walla Valley with 107-degree maximum expected

Washington Post
What recession? This summer’s economy is defying the odds.
Federal guidance shows how colleges may still address race in admissions

WA State Standard
State completes acquisition of shuttered Tukwila psychiatric hospital
Stifling prison heat used to be just a Southern problem. Not anymore.

Wenatchee World
Wenatchee expected to approach record-high temp for August; cooling centers opened

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima hits 101 on Monday with even higher temperatures expected this week

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle drug use cases in limbo as new state law goes into effect
Washington law guaranteeing truck drivers access to bathrooms could become national model

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Experts explain importance of Washington red flag warning as humans leading cause of wildfires

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
VP Kamala Harris visits Seattle Tuesday to speak on inflation and climate crisis
Dolly Parton to celebrate a milestone for early literacy in Washington state Tuesday
Enforcement changes to Washington state drug possession law begin Tuesday

KUOW Public Radio
Sourdough Fire consumes another 1,000 acres, cuts dam power to Seattle
What to know as Western Washington enters heat wave this week
Should you celebrate summer’s end with a Covid booster or wait until fall?
WA GOP picks new chair, and makes an unexpected endorsement
Orcas had a pretty good year: Today So Far

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane officials show support for criminal justice initiative, concerns still remain
Cooling resources available in Spokane amid predicted high temperatures

NW Public Radio
Planes and helicopters, dozens of firefighters called to fight Trinity Fire near the Tri-Cities

Q13 TV (FOX)
Dolly Parton to visit Washington state as 65,000 kids enroll in her free book program

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Behavioral issues, not RVs, concern Bellingham leaders

Crosscut
WA’s $5M youth homelessness effort is ramping up. Is it working? (Senn)
Some E-bike companies are pushing against right-to-repair laws

MyNorthwest
Where to find cooling centers around Washington, heat wave forecasted
WA teacher shortage remains rampant heading into upcoming school year

Monday, August 14

90s and more: Excessive Heat Warnings across Western Washington
Several weather advisories have been posted by the U.S. National Weather Service for areas across Western Washington, warning of dangerously hot temperatures through Tuesday evening. In Western Whatcom County, Western Skagit County, and Everett, daytime temperatures in the mid-80s to low-90s are expected through 11 p.m. Tuesday night. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Judge rules in favor of Montana youths in landmark climate decision
In the first ruling of its kind nationwide, a Montana state court decided Monday in favor of young people who alleged the state violated their right to a “clean and healthful environment” by promoting the use of fossil fuels. The court determined that a provision in the Montana Environmental Policy Act has harmed the state’s environment and the young plaintiffs, by preventing Montana from considering the climate impacts of energy projects. The provision is accordingly unconstitutional, the court said. Continue reading at Washington Post. (Thom Bridge/AP)

EPA clears WA to do more controlled burns to prevent wildfires
Washington firefighters now have more planning time and a longer season to ignite the controlled burns they use to prevent massive wildfires threatening landscapes and homes and blanketing the state in choking smoke. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved Washington’s smoke management plan last week, marking the first update to the state’s main document guiding prescribed burns in more than two decades. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Colin Mulvaney/The Spokesman-Review)

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Bellingham Herald
Increased toxins from excessive algae in Lake Wiser prompts warning from Whatcom County

Columbian
Sens. Cleveland and Liias: Thanks for help, Oregon, now let’s build bridge
‘Vulnerable victim’ deaths in Washington drive criminal penalties in negligence cases
‘Dangerous’ hot temperatures expected in Vancouver, Southwest Washington today
Editorial: GOP disses young voters at its own peril
Letter: Carbon pricing is needed
Editorial: Vancouver adjusts canopy amid climate change

The Daily News
EXPLAINER: Longview School District’s $112M budget proposal
GeoGirls program blends science and summer camp at Mount St. Helens

Everett Herald
As tenant protection ends, landlords can evict without mediation again (Robinson)
Editorial: Fate of four dams may turn on talks, climate change
After no one runs for 5 Snohomish County offices, what’s next?

News Tribune
This part of unincorporated Pierce County is big enough to be a city. Should it be? (Morgan)
Overnight fire lights up skies — heat and dry conditions causing multiple South Sound blazes
Op-Ed: A fair perspective on Affirmative Action

Olympian
Concerns surround ‘reopening’ of Thurston County jail. Here’s how it’s going so far
Think school supplies are pricey? Imagine buying enough for 3,500 Thurston County students

Peninsula Daily News
Kilmer requests include Peninsula projects funds
Editorial: OUR VIEW: Legislation would stem ‘news deserts’
State treasurer: Lack of retirement savings could mean future crisis

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing 737 Max’s anti-ice system draws concern from FAA

Seattle Times
EPA clears WA to do more controlled burns to prevent wildfires
Heat wave arrives in Western WA, with a side of smoke
In Seattle, test scores lag but opportunities align to help Black male students
Seattle social housing developer sees first round of funding (Chopp, Saldaña)
Editorial: The research is hard to ignore: Paying for early education pays off

Spokesman Review
Record-breaking heatwave expected in Spokane this week
Cases of COVID-19 are going up nationally for the first time this year. What about Spokane?

Tri-City Herald
WA public hearing set on large Tri-Cities wind farm. Not everyone will get to speak
Update on NW heat wave: Hottest days of the summer expected this week
Historic B Reactor in Eastern WA shutting down tours for 2 years. Why it’s closing

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
State grants help area hospitality businesses recover from pandemic losses
City says heat, longer billing cycle caused higher Walla Walla water customer bills

Washington Post
Judge rules in favor of Montana youths in landmark climate decision

WA State Standard
U.S. District Court temporarily blocks enforcement of Idaho transgender bathroom law
Bird flu outbreak stokes fears for Washington’s wild birds

Wenatchee World
‘I just wanted to make sure you guys have thought about the community’ | Concerns raised in Chelan County about PUDs crypto mining rate changes
Confluence Health reaches contract agreement with Wenatchee Valley Medical Group

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington firefighters who died in the line of duty honored in statewide memorial service
This weekend’s fires in Pierce County prompt stern warnings ahead of increased risk
Evacuations triggered by brush fire lifted in Thurston County near Offut Lake
‘We refuse to give up’: Western Washington organizations work to address food insecurity

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
90s and more: Excessive Heat Warnings across Western Washington
Smoke from Sourdough fire settles over Seattle

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Local, state agencies release more warnings about increased fire danger amid rising temperatures
Washington gas prices among highest in the nation due to taxes and new emissions program
Seattle mayor wants ‘urgent action’ from council after delay on drug possession law

KNKX Public Radio
Coronavirus FAQ: Is it wiser to get a booster now or wait for the new fall booster?

KUOW Public Radio
Power production resumes at Skagit dams near Sourdough Fire
Washington sends Task Force 1 to Hawaii in wake of wildfires
2 rambunctious youngsters, no dying elders might spell hope for NW orcas
Week in Review: fires, taxes, and elections
Here comes Covid, walking down the street: Today So Far

KXLY (ABC)
‘Presence is the number one thing out there’: WSP increasing patrols as students return to campus’
Weather Alert: Dangerous heat for the next four days
Investigators: West Spokane arson suspect told police she set Dishman Hills fires, too
Mayoral veto stalls removal of racist statue in downtown Spokane

NW Public Radio
Central Washington Legislative District must be redrawn
Vacaciones en el “paraíso” se convierten en desastre para familia de Washington

Web

Cascadia Daily News
‘I’ll chain myself to this bowling alley if I have to’

MyNorthwest
Amazon is rolling out a generative AI feature that summarizes product reviews
Maui wildfire is now the deadliest in the US in more than 100 years
Swimming beach at Green Lake closed after discovery of toxic algae
Washington is the 8th most expensive US state for household bills

The Stranger
Seattle Calls for Reform as SPD’s Top Brass Union Returns to the Bargaining Table

Friday, August 11

Consumers seeing relief in some food prices as inflation continues to slow
Consumers are getting some relief from higher prices as core inflation, which excludes food and energy, continues to show signs of cooling — an encouraging sign for the U.S. economy, according to economists. The Department of Labor’s report on Thursday showed the consumer price index rose 0.2% in July, in line with expectations, and 3.2% in the past year compared to 3% in June. Despite that slight uptick, economists say that it’s still good news for the economy overall and for consumers. This is the second month core inflation has reached pre-pandemic levels, according to an analysis of Department of Labor data by the Roosevelt Institute. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Scott Olson)

Washington state buys shuttered psychiatric hospital in Tukwila
Washington state officials are buying a recently shuttered for-profit psychiatric hospital in Tukwila in an attempt to shore up the state’s mental health system. The purchase of the Cascade Behavioral Health facility, which closed last month, will prevent the loss of more treatment beds amid a long-running shortage of psychiatric treatment options. Funding for the $29.9 million purchase comes out of the state Department of Social and Health Service’s current budget, according to agency spokesperson Tyler Hemstreet. “Any additional funding will be through a supplemental funding request” to the Legislature, he wrote in an email. Under state operation, the facility – which was licensed for 137 beds – will be used for patients moving through Washington’s civil commitment system, according to Hemstreet. That will then open space for more patients needing competency and restoration services at Western State Hospital, he added. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Genna Martin)

WA ferry fares to increase this fall and next
The price of a ferry ride is set to go up around 40 cents on the state’s busiest routes — in October and then again in the same month the following year, a step state transportation officials say is necessary to cover the full cost of running the boats. The state Legislature budgeted $725 million for operations in 2024 and 2025, assuming $419 million of that would come from fares. The Washington State Transportation Commission and Washington State Ferries said they would monitor ridership and revisit the budget in the 2024 legislative session. People took 17.4 million trips last year. So far this year, ridership is 77% of pre-pandemic levels. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Karen Ducey)