KUOW Blog
News, factoids, and insights from KUOW's newsroom. And maybe some peeks behind the scenes. Check back daily for updates.
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Stories
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If Washington won't back middle housing, Spokane will: Today So Far
- After a statewide middle housing proposal failed in Olympia, Spokane is going with its own plan.
- Researchers in Southern Oregon are uncovering a Northwest history that is not often told.
- PNW breaks hot weather records.
This post originally appeared in KUOW's Today So Far newsletter for August 1, 2022.
Spokane is a clever city. I once covered a guy who started a Star Wars church in order to get around city zoning codes. It worked. Now its city council has a plan to address a different kind of hurdle, aiming to avoid the housing woes faced by Seattle and other Northwest cities. For a limited time only, the Lilac City is building middle housing.
"We had never had this problem before in Spokane. For a long time, Spokane had inexpensive — I don't want to say 'cheap' — inexpensive housing," Spokane Councilmember Betsy Wilkerson told KUOW's Joshua McNichols.
But that is changing fast. This might sound familiar to folks in Western Washington communities — the cost of living is rising, fast, around Spokane and folks are being priced out of town, experiencing homelessness. There was an effort during the last legislative session in Olympia to address this problem across the state and allow for cities to build middle housing. It was an attempt to fill in a housing gap. But it failed, so Spokane is taking it upon itself to keep that effort alive. Spokane is allowing the building of middle housing (housing that affordable and generally isn't a giant McMansion or very low-income; it's housing for folks in the middle of that range).
Spokane is still using a lot of the middle housing it already built, generations ago, and it's gorgeous — far superior to anything being built in Seattle these days. Read the full story on Spokane's middle housing, and how it relates to Seattle, here.
Researchers in Southern Oregon are uncovering a Northwest history that is not often told. We often hear a lot about the Oregon Trail and folks of European descent making their way out to these parts, but the region's development during that time had just as much to do with immigrants from China, the Philippines, Japan, the Basque region of Spain, and elsewhere. They built railways, herded sheep, operated canneries, and logged the forests.
A lot of that history has been covered over, literally, as towns where these people lived have been overtaken by nature once again. The Baker White Pine Mill in Grant County, Oregon hasn't been occupied since the 1930s. Now, researchers are digging into the ground, unearthing artifacts, to find what stories are stored beneath the soil.
"We are on an industrial site and we're finding doll arms, marbles, and tea sets. That really brings home this idea that families were part of these early industries in these remote areas," said archaeologist Chelsea Rose. "We need to broaden our understanding of what that looks like."
Northwest News Network's Tom Banse has the full story here.
Did you think I was going to ignore the weather? Sorry, it's too obvious. But at least I didn't lead with it.
The Northwest broke a few hot-weather records over last week's heat wave. Today is the first day that much of the region won't have temperatures above 90 degrees. In fact, the Seattle area set a new record for the most consecutive days above 90 — six days. Portland set a seven-day record for temps above 95. We're going to have a few more days of cooler temps. So enjoy! Read more here.
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Monkeypox outbreak in Washington state 'is not under control'
As of Aug. 1, there have been 145 confirmed cases of monkeypox infection in Washington state, according to the latest from the state's Department of Health. Cases have been doubling every 8-9 days ever since the first reported case in May.
"So clearly, this is an outbreak that is not under control," said Dr. Tao Kwan-Gett, chief science officer for the Washington state Department of Health.
RELATED: Critics say 'monkeypox' is a racist name. But it's not going away anytime soon
Officials say that King County is experiencing the majority of cases, though surrounding counties are seeing confirmed infections. Kwan-Gett said the monkeypox name has created a stigma, so the DOH is calling the contagious infection MPV or MPXV instead.
Most of the cases have been reported by men who have sex with men. But Kwan-Gett notes MPV doesn’t discriminate between sexual orientation, gender, or income. This virus is not a sexually transmitted disease.
“Anybody who has physical contact with another person who has an infectious rash could be infected," Dr. Kwan-Gett said. "It's important to keep in mind that we're not safe from MPV until all of us in our communities are safe from MPV."
That is why MPV vaccines are highly sought after. Doses have been difficult to get, so far.
"But we will be getting more," Dr. Kwan-Gett said, adding that Washington got 3,600 doses last week of the newest vaccine. "And 90% of that allocation went to King County."
That vaccine is called "JYNNEOS," which Kwan-Gett said is the best option right now. He notes that the federal government plans to distribute 800,000 doses of JYNNEOS nationally, soon. It is unknown how much of that shipment will be allocated to Washington.
"And we're very eager for that to happen so that we can be sure to... vaccinate those who've been exposed and those who are at highest risk for for infection," Dr. Kwan-Gett said.
Read more: Monkeypox cases are doubling in Washington, but more vaccines are on the way
Dyer Oxley and Libby Denkmann contributed to this blog post.
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Extreme heat can exacerbate long Covid symptoms
Last week’s scorching temperatures created a range of challenges for people in the Seattle area, including for those experiencing long-term symptoms after a Covid-19 infection, known as long Covid.
“There absolutely is an impact of heat on our patients with long Covid,” said Dr. Janna Friedly, executive director of the UW Medicine Post-Covid Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic.
Friedly said the heat tends to exacerbate symptoms for her patients.
Susie Rantz, a long covid patient at the post-covid clinic, said that was the case for her. She got Covid-19 very early in the pandemic, in March 2020. Rantz wasn’t hospitalized but she experienced severe chest pain, shortness of breath, a cough, and fatigue.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt that tired in my life,” Rantz said.
She recovered. But the fatigue lingered, as did some other symptoms. Rantz now has issues with her autonomic nervous system, which regulates things like heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, when she stands, her body has a hard time moving blood back up to her brain.
“So now I have blood at my feet that’s not getting to my head, and a racing heart rate when I’m not even doing any exercising.”
When the heat wave hit this past week Rantz said everything got worse. The high temperatures meant bad headaches, more fatigue, and more breathing issues for her.
“I really, as much as possible, tried to sit down ... and tried to find really cool areas,” Rantz said.
Prior to Covid, Rantz didn’t have any health conditions. Now, she said, she has to pay much more attention to her body.
“Knowing that we’re going to have 90-degree temperatures in Seattle for years to come and that’s going to be regular, you have to just think a lot differently about what you can and can’t do,” Rantz said.
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Washington's DelBene joins Pelosi on Indo-Pacific trip
Washington Congresswoman Suzan DelBene is among the delegation joining Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her trip through Asia, specifically the Indo-Pacific region.
DelBene's office says the region is vital, not only to the national economy, but to Washington's as well.
“I’m honored to join Speaker Pelosi and represent Washington state on this delegation," DelBene said in a statement. "Asia is a critically important region to America’s economic and national security interests. It is also vital to Washington state’s economy where roughly 40% of jobs are tied to international trade."
DelBene represents Washington’s 1st Congressional District, which covers northeast King County up through Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. She is vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which, she notes, "shapes trade policy in the House of Representatives."
"I look forward to helping strengthen existing relationships with our allies and trading partners, open new markets for American companies, and level the playing field for American workers," DelBene said. "Forging more resilient and reliable supply chains with trusted partners in Asia is a top priority for me so we can lower costs for consumers and manufacturers here at home.”
RELATED: Pelosi begins Asia tour in Singapore
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July 2022 heat wave sets new PNW records
Another year, another heat wave, and another round of broken records. The Seattle area has set a new record for the most consecutive days with temps over 90 degrees — six days.
The previous record was for five days, set in July 2015 and August 1981. And it's the fifth time Seattle has recorded 95 degree weather three days in a row, according to the National Weather Service.
Seattle hit a high of 95 degrees Sunday, overtaking the previous record for July 31 — 94 degrees set in 2015.
The high temperature for Monday, Aug. 1 is expected to be in the 80s, with things cooling down into the 70s over the week.
Portland set a similar record for seven days in a row above 95 degrees. The previous record was set in 1981.
The National Weather Service has removed its excessive heat warning for the Puget Sound region. A warning remains in effect for much of Eastern Washington, where temperatures could rise into the triple digits yet again.
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As a racial justice activist, NBA great Bill Russell was a legend off the court
Bill Russell, who has died at the age of 88, was more than just a basketball superstar and world-class athlete. As a dedicated human rights activist, Russell fought against racial inequality both in and out of professional sports.
In February 2011, Barack Obama presented Russell with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House. He told those in attendance about Russell's record 11 NBA titles, more than any player in history. All of the championships were playing for the Boston Celtics.
RELATED: Bill Russell, basketball legend with record 11 NBA titles, dies at 88
However, the president was more impressed by Russell's life outside of his athletic accomplishments: marching with Martin Luther King Jr.; standing up for Muhammad Ali; and boycotting a game in Kentucky after his Black teammates were refused service in a coffee shop.
"He endured insults and vandalism, but he kept on focusing on making the teammates who he loved better players, and made possible the success of so many who would follow," Obama said in 2011. "And I hope that one day, in the streets of Boston, children will look up at a statue built not only to Bill Russell the player, but Bill Russell the man."
The first game boycott over civil rights
In October 1961, the Boston Celtics were in Lexington, Ky., for a pre-season exhibition game. Before the game, Sam Jones and Tom Sanders, two Black members of the Boston team, were refused service when they tried to grab a bite to eat from the hotel's café.
According to Mark C. Bodanza's biography of Sam Jones, Ten Times a Champion, Jones and Sanders walked away humiliated and angry. The two bumped into Russell and K.C. Jones on the way back to their hotel rooms and explained what had happened in the café.
The four men brought the news to Celtics Coach Red Auerbach, who rang the hotel management about the incident. Though the players were eventually given permission to eat at the hotel, they wanted nothing to do with the establishment and chose to fly home.
It was the first boycotting of a game over a civil rights protest, according to the Basketball Network. When the players landed back in Boston, they were welcomed by a predominantly white crowd that supported their decision.
Russell told reporters the following day, per Bodanza: "We've got to show our disapproval of this kind of treatment or else the status quo will prevail. We have the same rights and privileges as anyone else and deserve to be treated accordingly. I hope we never have to go through this abuse again. But if it happens, we won't hesitate to take the same action again."
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Bill Russell, basketball legend with record 11 NBA titles, dies at 88
Bill Russell, one of basketball's legendary players, has died at age 88. The announcement was posted on his verified Twitter account.
Russell won more NBA titles than any player in history. All eleven were with the Boston Celtics. As a five-time league MVP, he changed the game, making shot-blocking a key component on defense. And he was a Black athlete who spoke out against racial injustice when it was not as common as it is today.
Fighting for something from an early age
To understand this man and superlative athlete, it helps to remember a parent's lesson.
RELATED: As a racial justice activist, NBA great Bill Russell was a legend off the court
One day when Bill Russell was 9, he was outside his apartment in the projects in Oakland, Calif. Five boys ran by and one slapped him in the face. He and his mother went looking for the group, and when they found them, young Bill expected mom justice. Instead, Katie Russell said: Fight them, one at a time. He won two, lost three. In a 2013 interview for the Civil Rights History Project, Russell said his mother's message to her teary son changed his life.
"And she says, 'Don't cry,' " Russell said. " 'You did what you're supposed to do. [It] doesn't matter whether you won or lost. [What matters is] you stood up for yourself. And that's what you must always do.' "
Russell certainly did on the basketball court — where he blossomed late but ended up revolutionizing the game.
Elevating and taking the game with him
"Krebs from the corner. His outside shot blocked by Russell. And now Russell has made three big plays in the last three minutes of the game. Barnett goes in and Russell blocks it."
By 1963, in this NBA Finals game, Russell was a shot-blocking menace, which represented a sea change in the game.
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'Always get the dog’s name!'
What is Journalism Rule #1, you ask?
“Always get the dog’s name” is near the top of the list.
I violated the prime dog directive (LOL) during a rushed person-on-the-street interview (actually a person-in-the-light-rail-station interview) last week for the heat wave story I did for KUOW and NPR.
Mea culpa.
But!
I was able to track down Julia Kitch of Bothell later and learn that her 16-month-old golden retriever, Arlo, will go to work with her this week so he doesn’t overheat in their home in Bothell that has no air-conditioning.
Arlo also got new booties to protect his paws from hot asphalt.
Meet Arlo. Good boi!
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Slow turnout and some slow mail: A look at Washington's 2022 primary election so far
Halei Watkins with King County Elections says they expect voter turnout to be similar to the last midterm election in 2018 — about 45% return — but Watkins says that, so far, turnout is a bit sluggish.
“We are looking to be running just a little bit behind those projections as of today,” Watkins said.
There are a number of possible explanations. Voter enthusiasm may have dipped. Or, sometimes, Watkins says it’s the weather.
“Things impact turnout and that includes extreme heat and family vacations,” Watkins said. “Voting is not always at the top of everybody's mind.”
Also, more people could just be waiting to hand in their ballots next week.
“Especially in primary elections, we're really seeing folks trend to turning in their ballots later,” Watkins said.
RELATED: What next week's primaries say about Washington state politics
Ballots need to be postmarked or returned to a drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, however, some Washington state officials have raised an issue with mail service delays around this August’s primary. Whatcom, Snohomish, and Island counties are reportedly affected.
“For all mail in Ferndale, there's been a significant backlog for the last couple of weeks,” said USPS Spokesperson Riley Sweeney.
Ferndale’s post office is reportedly struggling the most. That has some residents worried about how this might affect their ballots and other mail.
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PNW cyclist in the Tour de France Femmes: Today So Far
- Seattle Mayor Harrell gives SPD a deadline to assign lingering sexual assault cases to detectives.
- The FBI is now investigating a Seattle nonprofit employee for misusing funds.
- A Seattle-based cyclists is riding in the Tour de France Femmes.
This post originally appeared in KUOW's Today So Far newsletter for July 29, 2022.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has signed an executive order instructing the Seattle Police Department to conduct a review of its investigations bureau. The subtext of this order is, "Why has SPD lagged, or not moved, when it comes to many sexual assault cases?" as well as, "Cut that out." The order also sets a deadline — every reported felony crime of violence with sufficient evidence has to be assigned to a detective by the end of August. This aims to cover the backlog of sexual assault cases that Seattle has sitting around. Read the full story on this here.
The order comes after reporting from KUOW's Ashley Hiruko, along with The Seattle Times, that uncovered an internal memo indicating that SPD halted investigations of such crimes amid staffing shortages. This left victims on the shelf, waiting for any resolution of their case. Mayor Harrell responded to the news by calling it "unacceptable." And the police sergeant who wrote the leaked memo came under investigation by the city's Office of Police Accountability.
Read the latest on this story here.
The FBI is now investigating an employee of Community Passageways for misusing funds. The nonprofit works with Seattle and King County for youth programs such as violence prevention, and alternatives to incarceration.
Community Passageways started in 2016. Since then, it has taken in millions in grants and contributions to fund its efforts. The organization tells KUOW that the FBI notified it in May that one of its employees was under investigation. That employee has since been fired. Community Passageways says it is attempting to recover money. KUOW's Amy Radil has the full story here.
A true Northwesterner is competing in the Tour de France Femmes. Before Veronica Ewers went pro, she worked at Seattle Children's Hospital, went to college in Oregon, and grew up in Idaho.
"This is my first full year as a pro, and first year at the world tour level," Ewers told KUOW's Kim Malcolm. "And there are so many women who are significantly more experienced in the women's peloton who have worked so hard. So I definitely cannot comprehend how much it means to them — having worked so hard to be finally having the women's Tour de France."
"It's just so overwhelming and beautiful. I hope it inspires all of these little girls and young women, and even adult women to know that there's progress being made, that we can do anything, and that there's space for women to be as competitive as men."
When Ewers spoke with KUOW, she was ranked 13th out of 130 riders. Check out the full conversation here.
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Washington AG investigating Seattle Pacific University for potential discrimination
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has confirmed his office is investigating what it calls "potential illegal discrimination" by the administration at Seattle Pacific University.
Back in May, the university's board of trustees voted to keep a school policy in place that states it won't hire employees who are gay, lesbian, or transgender. Specifically, the policy states the university prohibits employees from engaging in "same-sex sexual activity."
RELATED: 'This doesn't feel like love' — SPU students sit-in for LGBTQ equality on campus
That decision proved controversial among the university's students, many of whom staged a sit-in protesting the policy. Around that time, the AG's office said it received complaints from students, faculty, and staff about the issue, alleging it violates Washingtonians' civil rights.
“My office protects the civil rights of Washingtonians who have historically faced harmful discrimination," Ferguson said in a statement. "That’s our job — we uphold Washington’s law prohibiting discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation."
“My office respects the religious views of all Washingtonians and the constitutional rights afforded to religious institutions. As a person of faith, I share that view. My office did not prejudge whether Seattle Pacific University’s employment policies or its actions are illegal. We responded to the complaints from concerned Washingtonians by sending the University a letter. The letter asked four questions. The letter also invited the University to provide any additional information that it wanted my office to consider."
The letter was unpublicized, until now. It asked SPU to provide its policies around employees and sexual orientation; provide all instances when such policies were used to hire, fire, or discipline an employee; provide complaints from any employee or potential employee about such policies; and provide job descriptions for employment at the school.
Instead of responding to the letter, the school filed a federal lawsuit against the AG's office, arguing that SPU "is under fire—and government investigation—by Washington’s attorney general."
"Seattle Pacific University, like many religious universities, is navigating complex issues regarding Christian teachings on justice, love, marriage, and human sexuality. Seattle Pacific holds to traditional Christian beliefs regarding marriage and sexuality, in alignment with the Free Methodist Church," the lawsuit states, further arguing that the Constitution allows the university to require staff to "agree" with the its perspective on marriage and faith.
"The attorney general is wielding state power to interfere with the religious beliefs of a religious university, and a church, whose beliefs he disagrees with," the lawsuit states.
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Excessive heat warning extended through weekend for Western Washington
Relief from the heat is not coming as soon as previously hoped now that the National Weather Service has pushed out its excessive heat advisory through Sunday evening.
RELATED: Hospitals brace for surge as Seattle area feels the heat
Western Washington will experience temps above 90 through the weekend. Forecasts as of Friday morning show temperatures dropping below 90 on Monday.
Oregon health officials are now investigating up to four deaths that could be tied to the current heat wave. King County officials report that they have not seen any locally, yet, although there have been at least 28 heat-related emergency room visits recorded since Tuesday.
The ozone alert for the Cascade foothills has also been pushed out. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency cautions that air quality is either "unhealthy" or "unhealthy for sensitive groups" in "the Cascade foothills of King and Pierce counties, particularly Issaquah east, North Bend, and Enumclaw." Air quality is expected to improve Sunday or Monday.
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