Quick Look

Umatilla National Forest moves to Phase A Public Use Restrictions

PENDLETON, Ore.–Due to increased fire danger and dry weather conditions, Phase A of the Public Use Restrictions (PURS) for smoking, off-road travel, and chainsaw use will go into effect on the Umatilla National Forest at 12:01 a.m. (pacific time) on Friday, June 25, 2021.

Turkey Tail field trip

DAYTON–The Umatilla National Forest will host a field trip to the proposed Turkey Tail Insect and Disease Project (Turkey Tail) on July 29, 2021. The purpose of the field trip is to share information about the Turkey Tail Project, discuss project objectives and proposed alternatives, and to gather information from the public about values that they would like the Forest Service to consider in project development.

Online voter registration unavailable

OLYMPIA — During a Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) system upgrade July 2-5, online voter registration and updates will be unavailable at VoteWA.gov. Washingtonians can still register to vote or update their registration by printing and returning a paper form to their county elections office

Those who wish to update their registration or register to vote during the DOL system upgrade may download and print forms directly from the Office of the Secretary of State’s elections website. Those who have already registered to vote, however, can still look up their voter-registration information by logging in to VoteWA.gov.

USDA, FCC, and NTIA Announce Interagency Agreement to Coordinate Broadband Funding Deployment

WASHINGTON D.C.–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an interagency agreement (PDF, 274 KB) to share information about and coordinate the distribution of broadband deployment federal funds. In accordance with the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act, the respective Cabinet and agency leaders announced that their agencies will consult with one another and share information about the distribution of new funds from the FCC’s high-cost programs that support broadband buildout in rural areas, the USDA’s Rural Utilities Services grant and loan programs, and programs administered or coordinated by NTIA.

Traditional music series returns to Deception Pass State Park this summer

Weekly concerts resume in person at the park’s North Beach Amphitheater

OLYMPIA–The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program invites the public to attend the American Roots Music Series at Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island.

The series of eight free concerts takes place at 7 p.m. on Saturday evenings from July 10 through Aug. 28, at the park’s North Beach Amphitheater, 41020 WA-20, Oak Harbor.

State’s unemployment trust fund outlook significantly improved for 2021

OLYMPIA–The better-than-expected economic recovery in Washington has resulted in a more favorable 2021 unemployment trust fund outlook than was projected late last year. The latest report, released on Thursday, finds the state’s unemployment trust fund is now projected to maintain solvency through 2021. The November 2020 report forecasted that a loan, or an advance on a loan, may be needed to keep the unemployment trust fund solvent through 2021.

USDA Extends Eviction Moratorium to July 31, 2021

WASHINGTON D.C.–The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended through July 31, 2021, the moratorium on evictions of the hundreds-of-thousands of Americans who live in multifamily housing communities supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Unemployment claims for regular benefits increased slightly

OLYMPIA–There were 7,544 initial regular unemployment claims (up 9.5 percent from the prior week) and 374,810 total claims for all unemployment benefit categories (down 2.3 percent from the prior week) filed by Washingtonians, according to the Employment Security Department (ESD) during the week of June 13–June 19.

‘Operation Dry Water’ encourages boaters to stay sober

Campaign targets boating under the influence July 2 - 4

OLYMPIA–As boaters prepare for the Fourth of July holiday, law enforcement agencies are preparing for Operation Dry Water–a nationally coordinated effort that focuses on boating-under-the-influence (BUI) awareness and enforcement. Boaters will notice an increase in patrols July 2- 4, across Washington state.

In Washington state, it’s illegal to use any substance that impairs a person’s ability to operate a boat. The law applies to all boats, including kayaks, canoes, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, and inflatable fishing rafts.

Boaters, paddlers reminded to take extra caution during heatwave

Extreme hot weather a concern as people flock to the water

OLYMPIA–Hot, sunny weather is in the forecast for the next week. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures statewide will be in the 90s and 100s.The Washington State Parks Boating Program urges boaters and paddlers to be extra cautious on the water.