Skykomish residents told to be prepared for evacuation as Bolt Creek Fire continues to burn
Evacuation orders have been raised once again for some people affected by the Bolt Creek Fire burning in Snohomish and King counties. Those in Skykomish, and in some communities along the Old Cascade Highway west and east of town, are now under level two evacuation orders. That means “be ready to leave.” “We’re going to be into a fire weather watch, which means increased fire activity throughout the next 72 hours,” [Incident commander Kevin] Griffey said. “We’ve brought in extra resources to deal with that increased activity for days and nights, we’ve got helicopters on standby … ready to come in. If the activity increases enough, we’ll order that up.” Continue reading at KUOW. (Snohomish County)

WA schools ask for more time to spend $2.6B in COVID relief
Superintendents across Washington state say deadlines to spend billions in federal education relief dollars risk cutting off key student supports just as they get off the ground. Washington K-12 schools have spent about half of $2.6 billion in combined relief, largely intended to help schools navigate immediate coronavirus-related challenges. Now as they look to the remaining $1.3 billion, administrators say they fear federal deadlines in 2025 will cut short projects addressing lost academic progress, student mental health and school air quality. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Lindsey Wasson)

Five things about covid we still don’t understand at our peril
Since a new coronavirus launched the global pandemic that has now killed more than 6.5 million people — 16 percent of them in the United States alone — scientists in record numbers have devoted themselves full time to unraveling its mysteries. In less than three years, researchers have published more than 200,000 studies about the virus and covid-19. That is four times the number of scientific papers written on influenza in the past century and more than 10 times the number written on measles. Still, the virus has kept many of its secrets, from how it mutates so rapidly to why it kills some while leaving others largely unscathed — mysteries that if solved might arm the world’s scientists with new strategies to curb its spread and guard against the next pandemic. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (CNS/AFP)

Associated Press
Pfizer asks FDA to approve omicron COVID-19 booster shots for 5- to 11-year-olds
Starbucks says it wants union bargaining to begin

Bellevue Reporter
DCYF launches Workforce Retention Grant to fund child care provider retention efforts

Bellingham Herald
Latest Census estimates show how COVID changed where Whatcom County is working
Amtrak’s Cascade service is running again. Here’s what you need to know

Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: 988 hotline plays key role in mental health care
Editorial: In Our View: Reject stunts by solving immigration problems

The Daily News
Red flag warning comes as Goat Rocks Fire battle continues

Everett Herald
Arlington firm’s all-electric plane, Alice, takes first test flight
U.S. 2 closed near Skykomish as Bolt Creek fire spreads
Editorial: Everett’s budget crunch points to larger tax issue

Kitsap Sun
COVID-19 cases in Kitsap County increasing again
Officials request funds for more fast ferry sailings

Olympian
Port’s Joe Downing casts doubt on future of KGY radio station building

Puget Sound Business Journal
Starbucks asks unionized stores to begin bargaining talks

Seattle Times
Nearly 40% of U.S. adults have strong feelings about Seattle
Bolt Creek fire closes 4-mile stretch of Highway 2
Navy, NTSB prepare to recover plane wreckage in Mutiny Bay
Bellevue protest in solidarity with Iranian women
Property tax levy proposed to fund mental health care in King County

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County’s COVID-19 case rate takes slight drop

Spokesman Review
Heat burst expected to break records on Tuesday
Odds of native trout’s survival jumps as fish hatchery near Usk nears completion
Shortage of corrections officers could force closure of Geiger
Opinion: Sheriff Knezovich’s divisive letters fails to acknowledge progress made at Camp Hope

Washington Post
Five things about covid we still don’t understand at our peril
Considering an electric vehicle? Here’s how to prep your home for one.
Biden to reveal plan for reducing obesity, ending hunger by 2030
Staffing shortages continue to plague schools, data shows

KING 5 TV (NBC)
King County behavioral health plan would be funded with $1.25 billion tax levy

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Drivers stuck in I-90 gridlock push for no tolls on detour routes

KNKX Public Radio
Hurricane Ian strengthens to a Category 3 storm as it takes aim at Florida
Stocks and bonds both get clobbered this time. Here’s what’s behind the double whammy

KUOW Public Radio
After 2-year pandemic pause, Seattle-BC train service returns
Skykomish residents told to be prepared for evacuation as Bolt Creek Fire continues to burn

KXLY (ABC)
City asking for public’s input on proposed updates to City Council districts
Outgoing head of Spokane’s Neighborhood, Housing services praises mayor’s effort in resignation letter

NW Public Radio
Rising Tide: Pacific Northwest Could Soon Double Or Triple Its Small Number Of Seaweed Farms

Q13 TV (FOX)
Bolt Creek Fire approaches US 2; crews shut down part of highway

Crosscut
WA schools ask for more time to spend $2.6B in COVID relief