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Monday, July 11

States must now take lead on climate change action
When faced with decisions from “the court of last resort” — as the U.S. Supreme Court is nicknamed for its final word on court cases — objections can seem, well, moot. So the level of disappointment for many if not most Americans with a slate of recent Supreme Court decisions — on access to abortion, gun safety, the separation of church and state and most recently for a federal agency’s ability to regulate power plant emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases — is compounded by a sense that restoration of past precedents and laws will involve a long climb back, if that climb is possible at all. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Charlie Riedel)

Lawmakers consider a residents’ ‘bill of rights’ for seniors in independent living facilities
A disagreement between residents at a Lacey senior living facility and their management has led some state lawmakers to consider legislation that would create a residents’ bill of rights for senior citizens living in independent facilities. “The number of seniors is like a silver tsunami and as you look around, there are new facilities being built everywhere,” Rep. Laurie Dolan, D-Olympia, said. “But because there’s no coordination that facilities have to do the same kinds of things, it’s sort of like the Wild West right now.” Dolan told McClatchy Thursday that she has been in discussion with Sen. Sam Hunt and Rep. Jessica Bateman about the potential new legislation since the first meeting with residents at Bonaventure in Lacey occurred on June 7. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Chris Boswell)

Drugmaker seeks approval for first nonprescription birth control pill in U.S.
A French drugmaker on Monday asked for permission to sell daily birth control pills over the counter for the first time in the United States, handing federal regulators a major reproductive health issue just as the Biden administration struggles to respond to the Supreme Court decision striking down the constitutional right to abortion. Paris-based HRA Pharma said in a news release that it submitted its application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a progestin-only daily oral contraceptive. Progestin is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Andrew Harnik)

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Bellingham Herald
This Bellingham assisted living facility fined for failing to investigate abuse claims
For the first time since May, Whatcom returns to this CDC community COVID level

Capital Press
Wildlife commission nixes wolf rule sought by Inslee
Fourth backyard flock tests positive for bird flu in Oregon

Columbian
Clark County at high risk for COVID-19; CDC recommends indoor masks
Editorial: In Our View: Nuclear energy deserves serious consideration

The Daily News
Does your property have poisonous, invasive weeds? Cowlitz County officials want to know.

Everett Herald
Mukilteo high school student charged with hate crime
Marysville fire chief put on leave reaches deal, agrees to retire
Wildlife finds a new home at mitigation site near Mill Creek
Keeping Snake River dams will be costly, too
Comment: A clean power grid and its jobs depend on hydropower
Editorial: States must now take lead on climate change action

Indian Country Today
‘We are here and we are strong’
Wild species relied on by billions at risk, report warns
First climate agreement to center Indigenous voices gains international support

Kitsap Sun
Federal funds could help Port Orchard elevate flood-prone Bay Street
Kitsap median home prices reach $600K even as inventory rises

News Tribune
First probable case of monkeypox found in Pierce County
‘Pride is about celebration.’ 20,000 attend Tacoma’s LGBTQ festival after 2-year hiatus (Jinkins)

Olympian
Lawmakers consider a residents’ ‘bill of rights’ for seniors in independent living facilities (Dolan, Bateman, Hunt)

Seattle Times
First Foods: How Native people are revitalizing the natural nourishment of the Pacific Northwest
Former Seattle police chief to be key witness against Auburn officer charged with murder
Charleena Lyles’ cousin recounts ‘horrific’ inquest process
‘Punch to the gut’: Native leaders, lawyers say Supreme Court ruling undermines tribal sovereignty
King County Sheriff’s Office announces new board aimed at police reform, community connections
Wild bees, threatened by warming and wildfires, get help from WA researchers

Skagit Valley Herald
New Skagit County COVID-19 cases take another drop

Spokesman Review
Opinion: We might be done with the virus, but it isn’t done with us

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities COVID deaths spike, outbreaks reported. CDC, local ratings mixed
Former Tri-Cities mayor to pay half maximum fine allowed in WA ethics complaint settlement
Pasco Council will interview 4 applicants for vacant seat. 2 from immigrant communities

Washington Post
About the Uber Files investigation
Drugmaker seeks approval for first nonprescription birth control pill in U.S.
There are too many mass shootings for the U.S. media to cover
As the BA.5 variant spreads, the risk of coronavirus reinfection grows

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
BA.5 omicron variant believed to be most contagious strain so far as number of re-infections rise
Researchers get in-person look at baby southern resident orca born in K pod this spring
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department investigating probable monkeypox case in Pierce County
Tacoma police looking to increase force to 30% women by 2030

NW Public Radio
Unlocking The Ocean’s Black Box With Science

Q13 TV (FOX)
Monroe’s superintendent remains on leave following controversy, district seeks interim candidate

Web

MyNorthwest
Executive Constantine and King County Sheriff Cole-Tindall announce new plans for office
Medical malpractice turns to corporate fraud allegations at Seattle Children’s: ‘the more we learn, the more upsetting it becomes’
Pacific Science Center reopens its doors after 2 years
Why King County isn’t in ‘high risk’ category for COVID-19 despite rising case rates

West Seattle Blog
CORONAVIRUS: Newest numbers for West Seattle, King County

Friday, July 8

The falling of Roe v. Wade: Through the eyes of a local abortion access hotline volunteer
With the U.S. Supreme Court recently overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which protects a person’s right to choose to have an abortion, the Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF) is already feeling the added pressure. “Even though I think we’re privileged to be in these states that are protecting abortion rights, I think this is going to impact access for people who live in Seattle, who live in Portland, where you would anticipate that it would be particularly easy to access,” said Cole, who said wait times for abortion appointments might increase in the future. While Washington has little restrictions when it comes to obtaining an abortion, Cole noted some of the barriers pregnant Washingtonians face. Continue reading at Auburn Reporter. (Hannah Saunders)

Black And Hispanic Americans Are Getting Hit Harder By Inflation. Here’s Why
Many Americans are struggling to cope with higher prices for food, gas, housing and other essentials. But inflation has taken an even heavier toll on certain segments of the population. Black and Hispanic Americans have been grappling with higher inflation rates than the national average since prices began surging in March 2021, according to a recent analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. That’s a shift from the pre-pandemic period, when Black and Hispanic Americans’ inflation rates were at or slightly less than the national average. Continue reading at CNN. (Spencer Platt)

Judge dismisses GOP lawmakers’ challenge of House vax rule
“After nearly 50 lawsuits, we continue our undefeated record defending state COVID-19 policies aimed at keeping Washingtonians safe,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. The outcome wasn’t a total surprise. Much changed from the time the suit was filed and the session had ended when the parties faced off in court, effectively mooting many of the plaintiffs’ points. The suit’s dismissal means the House “will maintain the ability to govern itself,” said Jinkins, D-Tacoma. “And when we have unexpected circumstances like a pandemic we will be able to figure out the best way to get the people’s work done.” Continue reading at The Everett Herald.

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Associated Press
Tear gas: Senators decry lack of federal safety assessment

Auburn Reporter
The falling of Roe v. Wade: Through the eyes of a local abortion access hotline volunteer

Bainbridge Island Review
434 COVID cases confirmed in Kitsap in past week

Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
New ‘Do Not Flush’ labeling law goes into effect across Washington this month

Capital Press
WDFW: Removing wolves works, doesn’t harm recovery
Risk of big fires increases in parts of West

Everett Herald
Judge dismisses GOP lawmakers’ challenge of House vax rule (Jinkins)
Comment: Labor market strength argues against recession fears
Comment: Gunfire not just killing kids; it’s killing childhood
Comment: Supreme Court wages war on public sector expertise

High Country News
The beauty buried in the data

Islands’ Weekly
New ferry hires up, new vessels delayed
New program to help islanders receive transportation to off-island rehab centers

Kent Reporter
Inslee comes to Renton to celebrate new Sunset Gardens housing project

News Tribune
‘Stop the violence’: Tacoma residents call for action after teenager’s homicide
‘We grieve, as Tacoma grieves’: City leaders respond to shooting of 14-year-old girl
Ruston asks EPA to step in concerning Point Ruston’s ‘drastic departure’ from plans

Olympian
Lacey joins partnership to move homeless living in camps near I-5 into housing
The Evergreen State College names Carmichael permanent president
Olympia seeks public input on developing these 12 locations into ‘neighborhood centers’
Thurston’s COVID death toll surpasses 400 as CDC maintains county’s ‘high risk’ status

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle-area libraries adopt program in effort to expand access
Washington manufacturers feeling squeezed by chip shortage
Hotels bedeviled by severe staff shortages as travel demand roars back

Seattle Medium
Racism Is Still A Big Problem In The US, But This Trend Offers Some Hope
6 Washington Counties Should Wear Masks
HHS Awards Nearly $13 Million In Washington For Innovative, Community-Based Training Programs

Broadcast

CNN
Black And Hispanic Americans Are Getting Hit Harder By Inflation. Here’s Why

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Average hourly wage of Seattle metro workers 31% above national average, statistics show
Housing inventory in Western Washington increasing as ‘some sense of normalcy’ returns

NW Public Radio
Washington State And Feds Need “Marriage Counseling” On Hanford, Says Government Official

Q13 TV (FOX)
Push to declare fentanyl abuse a public health crisis moves forward, with few details on how

Web

The Stranger
City Attorney’s Focus on “High Utilizers” Helps No One
Seattle Won’t Make Landlords Disclose Rent Gouging

Thursday, July 7

WA agriculture workers look to retain momentum of pandemic strikes
In collaboration with OneAmerica, the Washington State Immigration Solidarity Network and the Washington State Labor Council, the Fair Work Center opened an office in Yakima last month to provide workers and immigrants a place to gather, get information and organize. The center’s opening comes as labor and community organizers seek to help agricultural workers sustain the momentum of the 2020 strikes, which won workers temporary pay raises during the height of the pandemic and an opportunity to voice concerns directly to employers through newly formed worker committees. The strikes attracted widespread attention from labor advocates and the public. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Mai Hoang)

Why King County mental health facilities decline 27% of referrals
A wheelchair, using a CPAP machine for sleeping, pregnancy – these are among the reasons why hundreds of people are turned away from mental health crisis facilities in the King County area every year. Known as evaluation and treatment centers (E&Ts), their goal is to stabilize patients in a psychiatric emergency with medication and therapy. But people with mental illness, their families and their advocates point out that despite this mission, some of the most vulnerable people often are denied treatment. For people with substance-use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities or criminal records, it can be a maze to decipher which facility will offer the proper staff, training and bed availability to take them. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

New state agency ‘months’ away from starting police investigations
A new state agency was mandated to start investigating police use of deadly force cases on July 1, but it appears it actually won’t be ready to handle those investigations for months. “It’s just a lot to get done. Standing up an office from nothing is incredibly difficult,” said Roger Rogoff, appointed last month by Gov. Jay Inslee to head up the state’s newest agency, the Office of Independent Investigations. Under current law, when a police officer in the state uses deadly force, detectives from surrounding agencies, typically from the same county, investigate the incident and refer the case to county prosecutors for charging decisions. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
CDC: Mask-wearing recommended in growing number of counties
King County sheriff won’t cooperate with out-of-state abortion probes
Health officials: Monkeypox likely spreading in King County
New agency to investigate police use of deadly force delayed

Bellevue Reporter
Bellevue Police Department launches transparency and accountability website

Courier-Herald
Locals protest Supreme Court abortion ruling at Enumclaw City Hall

Everett Herald
Edmonds affirms support for reproductive rights in wake of Roe ruling
Community Transit moves toward no fares for youth riders

Kent Reporter
Kent School Board votes to reject LGBTQ book ban decision

Olympian
Sorority to reimburse University of Washington students $253k. Who should expect a refund?

Peninsula Daily News
Avian flu case reported in Jefferson County

Port Townsend Leader
Emergency order declared for southern resident orcas due to pregnancies, poor health

Puget Sound Business Journal
How college endowments are faring amid inflation, stock-market volatility
Relief at last for some Seattle-area homebuyers, but it’s still very much a seller’s market

Seattle Times
Why King County mental health facilities decline 27% of referrals

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New state agency ‘months’ away from starting police investigations
Most Washington ferry routes operating on reduced schedules ‘until further notice’
New BA.5 COVID-19 subvariant spreading quickly, poses threat to immunity

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Report: Earthquake could produce tsunami waves that would hit Seattle in minutes
Charleena Lyles inquest: Jury finds officers used reasonable force in deadly 2017 shooting
Understaffed and overworked: Kirkland firefighters say the department is in crisis
Local transmission of monkeypox virus likely in King County
Some physicians concerned about gray area caused by new abortion trigger laws

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Declining enrollment figures at Seattle Public Schools stirs concern about future funding

KNKX Public Radio
This single-celled sea critter could help scientists learn about climate change

KUOW Public Radio
King County Takes Steps to Prepare for Anticipated Spike in Abortion Services
Monkeypox spreading among community in King County

KXLY (ABC)
Mayor proposes camping compromise, local businesses expect little change
‘We need housing’: Spokane City Council adds flexibility to accessory dwelling unit rules
Spokane’s food pantries see an uptick in people lacking food

Q13 TV (FOX)
King County Council examining ways to get guns out of hands of ‘potentially violent’ people
Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue seek federal funding to stay afloat
King County Council to consider declaring fentanyl a public health crisis

Web

Crosscut
WA agriculture workers look to retain momentum of pandemic strikes
Pandemic relief funds may mask budget crises at rural WA hospitals

MyNorthwest
King County tackles short and long term plans to restrict local gun violence
WA AG orders $500,000 in restitution from UW sorority over rent payment scheme
Senator Liias talks plans to ‘lid’ I-5 as maintenance continues (Liias)
SPD once again eyes termination of parking officer who referenced lynching of BLM protestors

Wednesday, July 6

“Panic:” Local Families Feeling The Pinch Of High Inflation
“The panic, the high anxiety is what we hear and what we see; they are very afraid,” Christian said. The steep rise in inflation is straining households’ ability to keep families fed and forcing area food banks to keep up with increased demand as prices of food surge without an end in sight. Low-income families and racial minorities are particularly vulnerable to the highest inflation rate in 40 years because they spend a larger portion of their income on necessities like food. The end of the Biden administration’s Child Tax Credit that was part of the American Rescue Plan helped families cope with the pandemic’s economic downturn, but the measure expired at the end of 2021. Continue reading at The Seattle Medium. (Cesar Canizales)

15 Washington counties have high Covid levels
A total of 15 counties in Washington state are experiencing high Covid community levels. According to the CDC, six of those are in Western Washington, including: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Lewis, Pierce, and Thurston counties. The remaining nine counties in Eastern Washington include: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Walla Walla, Columbia, and Asotin. Community Covid levels in King and Snohomish counties are medium. The CDC recommends that people in areas with high community levels mask up again while indoors and on public transportation. Continue reading at KUOW. (CDC)

Lawmakers seek protections for abortion access in Washington state
In Washington state, where abortion remains legal, more people are seeking help, according to Jennifer Allen, the Chief Executive Officer at Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “We are seeing patients from all over the country already,” said Allen. Allen said that began right after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and a number of states started banning or blocking abortions. The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) is concerned it will eventually overwhelm clinics here. “We don’t know what it will mean to our system… when abortion becomes illegal in Idaho and when many, many more patients start crossing the border for care,” said Allen. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
State justices blast racist questioning by prosecutor
West Coast dockworkers still talking after contract expires
US job openings slip but still remain at healthy level

Bellingham Herald
Price comparing? Here’s a look at staple food prices at Bellingham grocery stores in July
More homes are now available in Whatcom County, but it’s still very tough for buyers
Whatcom’s weekly COVID-19 infection rate drops to its lowest mark since late April

Capital Press
West Coast ports remain open after contract expiration
A conversation with Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton
Acres of Whidbey Island farmland, forest, beach, preserved

The Daily News
Congressional earmarks for Columbia Heights road, Longview police training, dispatch equipment advance

Everett Herald
Cow pie power! Monroe manure-to-energy project expands
Tulalip Tribes to open tiny home village with 17 shelters
Comment: Adoption often isn’t ‘perfect’ solution it’s sold as
Comment: Supreme Court showing little restraint of own power

High Country News
Landslide risk is on the rise thanks to climate change, and states are looking to identify hazards

Indian Country Today
Experts: US Court fractures decades of Native American law
Canada sets $15B deal over Indigenous child welfare flaws

News Tribune
CDC says Pierce County at ‘high’ level of COVID-19; health department says ‘medium’

Olympian
Thousands of WA state retirees will keep insurance coverage after hundreds protest PEBB meeting
Dozens gather outside DNR office to protest ‘unjust practices’ in timber harvesting

Peninsula Daily News
US Coast Guard encourages safe whale-watching practices

Puget Sound Business Journal
Report: Puget Sound housing markets could see price declines soon
Industry staff shortage a priority for UW Medicine’s new interim president

Seattle Medium
“Panic:” Local Families Feeling The Pinch Of High Inflation
SPS’ Assistant Superintendent Of Academics Offers Advice To Help Mitigate Summer Learning Slumps

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit Public Utility District’s pipeline project stalls

Tri-City Herald
Crews fighting Benton-Yakima county line fire. It’s already burned 4,500 acres of brush

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Lawmakers seek protections for abortion access in Washington state
Washington law enforcement agencies working together to combat retail theft

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Deliberations underway in Charleena Lyles’ fatal shooting inquest
No new mask mandate in Pierce County despite rising COVID-19 cases

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County Council meeting to discuss gun violence
Testimony in Charleena Lyles inquest hearing concludes, jury to deliberate

KNKX Public Radio
NOAA Fisheries issues new recommendations for Makah whale hunt, the long-awaited decision will come within a year

KUOW Public Radio
Are We Nearing the End of the Long Road to Hormonal Birth Control for Men?
15 Washington counties have high Covid levels

KXLY (ABC)
Council members preparing ordinance for SPD precinct location
Spokane City Council to discuss ordinance giving them final say on major facilities
Mayor Woodward to discuss camping ordinances on Wednesday

Q13 TV (FOX)
A race to stop a kelp crisis, with impacts far beyond local waters

Web

MyNorthwest
Forest Service green-lights new monitors on Glacier Peak
Seattle City Light is bringing EV2 curbside charging to a neighborhood near you
King County Council pledges $1 million to help those seeking abortions out of state
WA lawmaker says launch of 988 system has the opportunity to ‘save lives’ (Orwall)
WA indigenous sovereignty in question after SCOTUS ruling on state-tribal domain

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: City changes plan for Delridge station recommendation
VACCINATION: Two more West Seattle clinic dates for under-5-year-olds

Tuesday, July 5

Police: Gunman fired more than 70 rounds at July 4 parade
The gunman who attacked an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago fired more than 70 rounds with an AR-15-style gun that killed at least six people, then evaded initial capture by dressing as a woman and blending into the fleeing crowd, police said Tuesday. The July 4 shooting was just the latest to shatter the rituals of American life. Schools, churches, grocery stores and now community parades have all become killing grounds in recent months. This time, the bloodshed came as the nation tried to find cause to celebrate its founding and the bonds that still hold it together. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (John Starks)

Washington launches new Indigenous missing person alert system
State highway signs will now alert drivers when an Indigenous person goes missing and is believed to be in danger. At midnight July 1, Washington State Patrol launched the new Missing Indigenous Person Alert system. It will broadcast messages on signs and the highway advisory radio system. It will also notify all Washington law enforcement electronically. It’s similar to an Amber Alert for children or a Silver Alert for seniors. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Olivia Vanni)

Decrease in salmon threatens Southern Resident killer whales, study finds
Southern Resident killer whales have not had enough food for several years, which could affect their already small numbers, according to a study by the University of British Columbia. Researchers looked at the requirements and availability of prey for Northeastern Pacific Southern Resident killer whales. The study found a fluctuating level of salmon from spawning areas on rivers had a detrimental effect on killer whale health, threatening a small and fragile group of whales. “It really appears like they cannot take (many) more rough years,” said Fanny Couture, lead researcher for the study. Continue reading at The Associated Press.