WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Wednesday, March 18

Gov. Jay Inslee signing House Bill 2965.

Coronavirus: Gov. Inslee signs emergency aid bill as number of cases in Washington passes 1,000
Gov. Inslee signed a measure Tuesday drawing $200 million from the state’s emergency “rainy day” fund, with $175 million going to the public health system and the remainder to a dedicated unemployment fund for coronavirus impacts. The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately. Continue reading at Kiro7.


Food businesses are being urged to serve only take-out orders to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo taken at the Wasabi Store in Penn Station in New York, Monday, March 16th, 2020.

It’s Time To Get Serious About Social Distancing. Here’s How
By now, you’ve heard the advice that to slow the spread of coronavirus in the U.S., we need to practice social distancing. But if you’re confused as to what that looks like in practice, we’ve got some answers. Continue reading at KUOW. (Pacific Press/Lightrocket)


New Washington State Patrol troopers taking part in a graduation ceremony raise their right hands and take the Oath of Office, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, in the Rotunda at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. The class of 31 troopers completed more than 1,000 hours of training and will now work for the WSP across the state. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

WA commits $50K to investigate bias in State Patrol stops
In the wake of revelations that Washington State Patrol troopers search people of color at far higher rates than whites, the state Legislature has agreed to pay $50,000 to investigate bias in police stops. And in a related development, lawmakers approved funding designed to boost diversity in the ranks of state troopers, the overwhelming number of whom are male and white. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Ted S. Warren)


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Associated Press
Trump: U.S., Canada to close border to nonessential travel
Stocks, oil sink again as recession fears batter markets
World virus infections pass 200,000, Europe’s borders jammed
5.7-magnitude quake shakes Utah, Salt Lake airport closed
Nevada governor shutters gambling, dining to halt virus 
Iran reports largest spike in coronavirus as 147 more die
Stocks, oil sink again as recession fears batter markets
Virus threatens labor for farms, food processors in PNW
Brown extends Oregon school closures to fight virus spread
Asian stocks higher after Trump promise of virus aid
Trump mulls sending all who cross border illegally to Mexico
Best strategies against virus: Track, isolate, communicate
What’s Happening: Inmates seek release, wars weaken defense
Trump: US, Canada to close border to nonessential travel
One mask a day for doctors in virus epicenter of Washington
Virus deaths hit 54, Inslee signs emergency aid bill
Department of Licensing closes service counters over virus concerns
Trump says US, Canada agree to close border to ‘non-essential traffic’
Coronavirus pandemic prompts lawmakers to push paid leave
Millennium loses appeal over coal dock shorelines permit
Virus threatens labor for farms, food processors in PNW
Death told [sic] from new coronavirus in Washington state hits 50
Millennium loses appeal over coal dock shorelines permit
One mask a day for doctors in virus epicenter of Washington
Washington-grown berries recalled for Norovirus concern
Food banks face virus dilemma: More demand, fewer volunteers
More wipes, no jeans: Amazon limits shipments to warehouses
State drivers licensing service offices closing due to virus
US governors expand shut downs amid coronavirus concerns
Hit by virus, US airlines seek aid far exceeding post-9/11

Aberdeen Daily World
Ocean Shores Cares, NB Senior Center are helping to feed self-quarantining residents
State says file for benefits right away if your job is affected by COVID
Some tribes shutting down casinos to slow spread of coronavirus
Businesses, offices around Harbor closing lobbies
Poll: 18% of US workers have lost jobs or hours since coronavirus hit

Auburn Reporter
COVID-19 severe blood shortage; Red Cross drives canceled; fewer donations
Western Washington Goodwills to close March 19 to April 2 due to COVID-19 concerns
A COVID-19 recession could cost millions of jobs
Amazon donates $50,000 in supplies to Kent facility for COVID-19 response

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Lummi Nation announces two positive cases of coronavirus in Whatcom County
WIAA says spectator at Yakima state basketball tournament tests positive for COVID-19
Social Security offices close due to coronavirus. Here’s how you can still get help
‘It is best to consider that we have all had some contact’ with coronavirus, WWU says
Two more Whatcom residents test positive for coronavirus, Health Department says
Whatcom County restaurants adapt to restrictions, pushing to-go and delivery to survive
CBP Blaine Sector chief’s issues icy challenge to chiefs along northern U.S. border
So you’re working from home, but did you feel this earthquake Tuesday morning?
Coronavirus update: Tacoma city council confirms state of emergency proclamation
Coronavirus update: State driver’s licensing offices close
‘Much has changed’ since schools closed — here’s how Whatcom districts are responding
PeaceHealth sharply restricts visitors to Bellingham hospital amid COVID-19 outbreak
Gov. Inslee seeks major disaster declaration so more workers can get unemployment
Distillery making sanitizer for a strapped Washington hospital as coronavirus spreads
5.7-magnitude quake, swarm of aftershocks strike Utah near Salt Lake City, USGS reports
Facebook ‘bug’ mistakenly flags coronavirus news stories as spam
National Guard deployed in many states to help with coronavirus. What can they do?
World virus infections pass 200,000, Europe’s borders jammed
Baltimore scientists to work on third experimental coronavirus vaccine
 
Bothell Reporter
To our elected officials: Be bold, be consistent, be honest, be helpful

Capital Press
Coronavirus puts pressure on farm labor picture
Few virus impacts expected for wheat farmers
SBA offers loans in response to COVID-19
Cold snap nips cherry, apricot buds

Columbian
Letter: Cleveland is effective legislator  (Cleveland)
Washington gears up to aid the suddenly unemployed

The Daily News
Local parents keep kids occupied with games, parks during school closure

Everett Herald (subscription required)
COVID-19 update: Restaurants, childcare, small businesses
No more pretty hair or feet: COVID-19 closes beauty salons
Please, people, stop hoarding! It can be harmful — even to you
Hospital ban on visitors makes a life-or-death choice harder
Everett to suspend evictions during coronavirus pandemic
Bloomberg: Boeing stock tumbles after it seeks $60B government bailout

Federal Way Mirror
King County Sheriff to immediately stop enforcing court-ordered evictions
Federal Way Municipal Court to reschedule hearings to prevent spread of COVID-19
Serenity on screen: Pacific Bonsai Museum closed to public, offers virtual tours
 
Islands’ Weekly
Sex education becomes a requirement for Washington state public schools (Lekanoff)
View current San Juan County COVID-19 data online

Issaquah Reporter
King County Sheriff to immediately stop enforcing court-ordered evictions
King County Library System closures and other coronavirus responses
New quarantine locations to open on Eastside
A COVID-19 recession could cost millions of jobs
Companywide, Boeing reports 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19
COVID-19 severe blood shortage; Red Cross drives canceled; fewer donations

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Charter review commission to be elected in 2020
Washington state legislators make tampons tax-free

Kent Reporter
House Majority leader Sullivan retiring from state Legislature (Sullivan, Jinkins)

Kirkland Reporter
A COVID-19 recession could cost millions of jobs
A look inside the Kirkland Emergency Operations Center
New quarantine locations to open on Eastside

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard’s most vulnerable workers allowed to go home amid coronavirus concerns
Kitsap Superior Court closed after employee tests positive for COVID-19
Mason County sees first positive COVID-19 test
As COVID-19 response grows, people stay home and ferries run light
Olympic High grad living in Italy faces coronavirus lockdown with his family
Kitsap food banks shift to meet growing demands of COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus prompts closures at both tribal casinos in Kitsap County

New York Times
U.S. virus plan anticipates 18-month pandemic and widespread shortages
Resources for child care and at-home learning for kids to teens as we wait out coronavirus closures
Coronavirus Live Updates: Nations Pledge Trillions to Stave Off Economic Catastrophe
Layoffs Are Just Starting, and the Forecasts Are Bleak

Olympian (subscription required)
Spectator at 1A, 2A basketball championships in Yakima tests positive for COVID-19
1st Mason County resident tests positive for coronavirus
Massive layoffs as McMenamins temporarily shuts down sites in Oregon, Washington
Olympia officials call fake proclamation posted on downtown businesses ‘shameful’
Trump says U.S. closing border with Canada. ‘Temporary’ for coronavirus response
Albertsons and Safeway offer special hours for shoppers at risk of coronavirus issues
Has your business closed because of COVID-19? Thurston economic officials ready to help
Olympia restaurants improvise to stay open while state’s COVID-19 limits are in place
Thurston commissioners agree to delay April courthouse vote due to COVID-19

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Black Ball ferry service to continue
Bloodworks Northwest to hold bloodrive in Forks
Clallam County issues emergency declaration
Port Townsend declares state of emergency
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to conduct most business by phone
OlyCAP offices closed to public
Peninsula Home Fund relaunched to help in crisis
Fourth COVID-19 case discovered on North Olympic Peninsula
Peninsula restaurants offer takeout, delivery options
How social distancing works and what it means for you
EYE ON CONGRESS: Senate takes on coronavirus economic aid  (Van De Wege)
Opinion: Jefferson Healthcare responds to COVID-19

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle chamber study outlines severity of coronavirus impact on businesses
Opinion: Support Washington’s small businesses during time of crisis
Amazon suspends shipments of nonessential items to its fulfillment centers
White House outlines tax, stimulus plans to head off coronavirus effects on businesses, ‘American workers’

Renton Reporter
Councilmember Văn proposes eviction moratorium

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Surge of coronavirus patients expected as officials marshal emergency supplies, health workers test positive
State health officials looking for more medical equipment to combat coronavirus
Coronavirus daily news updates, March 18: Drive-thru tests, a border closure and more
What I want you to know about coronavirus, from a Seattle woman who recovered from COVID-19
Westneat: ‘People are having a hard time believing’: Virus hits home at Seattle’s Leschi Market
A Lummi Nation doctor is self-quarantined. But the tribe has been preparing for weeks for a coronavirus outbreak.
Boeing and the airlines seek massive bailout; critics ask about sharing the benefit
Why are people hoarding toilet paper during the coronavirus pandemic?
Seattle-area health care systems begin drive-through coronavirus testing for patients
During coronavirus closures, Seattle schools try to provide pandemic-proof lunch
Could Seattle tax big businesses like Amazon for coronavirus relief? Sawant, Morales issue call as crisis worsens
Secretary of State Kim Wyman asks Inslee to cancel April special elections over coronavirus concerns
Most encampment removals in Seattle put on ‘pause’ to prioritize coronavirus outreach, city says
Resources for child care and at-home learning for kids to teens as we wait out coronavirus closures
Rant and Rave: Panic shopping is problematic
After losing contact with homeless plaintiffs, ACLU lawyers ask court to dismiss case against the city of Seattle
Coronavirus travel cancellation woes drag down Expedia’s systems, making refunds difficult to obtain
Nonprofits, small businesses hurt by coronavirus can tap up to $2M in federal loans
Costco aims to lift online sales with $1 billion purchase of logistics firm
Seattle government expecting revenue loss of more than $100 million as result of coronavirus
How should you best wash produce? A guide to home food-safety tips amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus puts Seattle-area grocery workers on front lines of pandemic
Op-Ed: Exercise away the COVID-19 blues
Editorial: Update internet regulations to save journalism

Seattle Weekly
Amazon donates $50,000 in supplies to Kent facility for COVID-19 response
COVID-19 severe blood shortage; Red Cross drives canceled; fewer donations
King County Library System closures and other coronavirus responses
How are faith communities responding to the coronavirus pandemic?
Companywide, Boeing reports 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19
A COVID-19 recession could cost millions of jobs
Puget Sound renters will need housing assistance

Skagit Valley Herald
Anacortes declares an emergency
Libraries, museum offer opportunities despite closures
COVID-19 shutdown forces some businesses to close, others keep fighting
Cleanups being planned for old Anacortes water plant, landfill

Snoqualmie Valley Record
New quarantine locations to open on Eastside
A COVID-19 recession could cost millions of jobs

Spokesman Review
Bloomsday postponed until September because of coronavirus concerns
93% of Spokane County residents will see property tax increase this year
A check from federal government would be quickest way to spur economic activity amid coronavirus, Inland Northwest experts say
Dozens released from Spokane County custody following Municipal Court emergency order
Disaster declaration opens Spokane County businesses to government loans
Keeping it local: Apprenticeship program helps Inchelium clinic keep, promote staff
Inslee: State considering more restrictions to fight virus spread
Dry Fly Distilling will produce hand sanitizer spray, distribute in Spokane for free
All 50 states report confirmed COVID-19 cases as Washington eclipses 1,000; North Idaho reports no positives
Opinion: Joanna James: Government needs to aid restaurants with employee paid leave
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: No-Li Brewhouse exemplifies the spirit of helping each other during coronavirus outbreak (Riccelli)

Tri-City Herald
Legends Casino closes for the rest of March due to coronavirus
5 Tri-Cities groceries set special hours for seniors and others most at risk from coronavirus
More than 50 coronavirus deaths and over 1,000 confirmed cases reported in Washington state
Live updates: Hanford workers tested for COVID-19, Richland library restrictions and more
CBC delays start of spring quarter. Classes move online to slow coronavirus spread
1st coronavirus case in Tri-Cities confirmed by health district

USA Today
After coronavirus school closings, will states need to hold kids back, institute summer school?

Vancouver Business Journal
Treasurer halts delinquent tax collections, offers business tax relief

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Editorial: Hoarding of supplies during pandemic shameful
Op-ed: Jason Mercier: 2020 state legislative session was unlike any other

Washington Post
A chilling scientific paper helped upend U.S. and U.K. coronavirus strategies
It’s ‘quarantini’ time. People say cheers to video happy hours when they’re stuck at home.
White House plan aims to send $2,000 to many Americans, includes $300 billion for small businesses
The best stimulus plan? Keep workers on payrolls.
Dow drops more than 1,300 points at open
DIY nasal swabs, drive-throughs, labs in overdrive: Americans are desperate for more virus testing
Perspective: Hello from Italy. Your future is grimmer than you think.
Fact Checker: What did Dr. Fauci say about coronavirus testing ‘failing’?
Opinion: China’s coronavirus propaganda campaign is putting lives at risk
Opinion: We can’t escape another recession. Keep these three questions in mind.
Opinion: How to ensure fairness in an all-mail voting system
Opinion: This is the biggest blunder in presidential history
‘NOT TRUE’: Oprah Winfrey debunks bizarre QAnon conspiracy theory spreading across the Internet
Bars learn the hard way that ‘shut-it-down’ for coronavirus means exactly that
Ex-congressman Duncan Hunter sentenced to 11 months in prison

Whidbey News-Times
WhidbeyHealth opens drive-thru testing
City looks at raising marina revenue

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima Valley school districts begin free meal distribution to youths
City of Yakima updates residents about coronavirus response
“All our employees will remain whole.” Yakima County school officials say layoffs are not in the plans

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Real-time updates: US, Canada to temporarily close border to slow spread of coronavirus
Washington woman, 106, who lived 1918 Spanish flu shares coronavirus advice
Safeway, Albertsons reserve store hours for those most vulnerable to coronavirus
Can coronavirus spread on mail? United States Postal service issues statement
Eviction relief offered in Seattle, King County during coronavirus outbreak
Who qualifies for Washington unemployment during the coronavirus outbreak?
Cry for help prompts retiree, school nurse to join coronavirus fight

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Gov. Inslee signs emergency aid bill as number of cases in Washington passes 1,000
US-Canada border to be temporarily closed, Trump says
Seattle DOT creates food pick-up priority signs to help restaurants stay afloat
Some local grocery stores offer special hours for seniors, other vulnerable people
Despite Governor’s urgings to ‘shelter in place,’ many seniors say they’ll risk leaving home
Where are the COIVD-19 drive-thru test sites in Western Washington?
Tacoma offers businesses and families relief during COVID-19 outbreak
Seahawks appearing at Bloodworks Northwest to encourage fans to donate
Coronavirus pandemic taking toll on people’s mental health
Managing mental health during the coronavirus outbreak: 7 tips from a behavioral health consultant
Coronavirus: White House proposes sending checks to every American
State drivers licensing service offices closed due to coronavirus
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport averaging 34,000 fewer passengers per day than this time last year
Most large casinos closing in Western Washington

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Tents presumably for COVID-19 testing pop up in Burien, mysteriously vanish next day (Orwall)
Coronavirus death toll pushes past 50 with fatalities in King, Snohomish and Clark
Seattle to create temporary loading zones in front of restaurants for easier take out
‘There’s a lot of stress’: Auburn ER doc outlays local challenges battling COVID-19
Tents presumably for COVID-19 testing pop up in Burien, mysteriously vanish next day
Volunteers making ‘homemade’ masks to combat shortages caused by COVID-19
Gov. Brown extends closure of Oregon’s schools through April 28

KNKX FM
Parents enroll their kids in Washington’s public online schools amid coronavirus outbreak
Bars and restaurants struggle with Washington’s latest shutdown order
Outside coronavirus epicenter, doctors improvise and brace for what’s coming
Senators in Capitol as Trump pushes for more coronavirus aid, checks for public
Seattle Children’s says four patients have tested positive for COVID-19; all are home recovering
As more people stay home, virtual medicine expands in response to the coronavirus
Coronavirus resources: Guidance and latest numbers from agencies across Washington
Coronavirus makes lines at DMV anathema with Real ID deadline fast approaching
Canadian prime minister announces border closure to limit spread of novel coronavirus

KUOW FM
$200 MILLION IN COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUNDING APPROVED FOR WASHINGTON STATE
Why you should cool it on the road during coronavirus outbreak in Washington
Coronavirus Crisis: Still Dividing Americans More Than Uniting Them?
Trump Shuts Border With Canada, Blames ‘Chinese Virus’ As Coronavirus Spreads
‘A Socioeconomic Tsunami’: How The World Is Dealing With Pandemic
COVID-19 Threatens Food Supply Chain As Farms Worry About Workers Falling Ill
Pence Warns Coronavirus Outbreak Could Last ‘Well Into July’
Coronavirus debrief: Tuesday edition
The Bay Area has been ordered to shelter-in-place. What does that entail?
5 things to know about SeaTac Airport now
March 17th | How Washington schools persist through pandemic-driven closures
Social Distancing Leads To Blood Shortage
Internet Traffic Surges As Companies And Schools Send People Home
It’s Time To Get Serious About Social Distancing. Here’s How
White House Pushes for Quick, Direct Payments To Americans In Response To Coronavirus
Are U.S. Hospitals Ready?
Poll: Nearly 1 In 5 Households Have Lost Work Because Of Pandemic
The Wild: The wildlife super dog that can save us from bears
NW Public Radio
How Inland Northwest School Districts Plan To Get Students Fed During Coronavirus Closure
Coronavirus Makes Long DMV Lines A No-No With Real ID Deadline Fast Approaching
‘Hours Count.’ Governor Officially Orders Washington Businesses Close; Counties Adapt To Help

Q13 TV (Fox)
Coronavirus deaths surpass 50 in Washington, Inslee signs emergency aid bill
Worried about bills? Here’s what internet, utility companies are doing to help
WHO and CDC never discussed providing international test kits to the US, global health agency says
How COVID-19 is impacting local law enforcement response

Web

B-Town Blog
Coronavirus testing tents removed from CVS Pharmacy parking lot in Burien (Orwall)

Civic Skunkworks
Coronavirus Is Breaking Our Economy. A Middle-Out Stimulus Package Can Fix It.

Crosscut
Coronavirus turns Seattle into America’s laboratory
Emergency coronavirus spending caps WA legislative session (Das, Rolfes)
Coronavirus outbreak prompts call for ICE to release at-risk detainees
WA commits $50K to investigate bias in State Patrol stops (Lekanoff)
Opinion: 3 things local leaders must do to protect workers during coronavirus
Meet a Seattle scientist racing toward a coronavirus vaccine

MyNorthwest.com
Pierce County: Criminals ‘not getting a pass’ during coronavirus outbreak
State government describes early relief measures for small business owners
Safeway and Albertsons to announce seniors-only shopping hours
UW Medicine drive-through coronavirus testing opens for patients in Northgate

Seattle P.I.
Bringing the zoo to you: Woodland Park Zoo releases heartwarming video of baby gorilla and mother
A comprehensive list of COVID-19 resources for Washington residents
Amazon, Safeway, Albertsons hiring thousands of new employees in wake of COVID-19
King County Sheriff’s Office won’t carry out evictions amid COVID-19 outbreak
US, Canada to close border to nonessential travel

Slog
Struggling Cruise Ship Corporations Should Not Get Aid From the US Government
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Everyone
Breaking Coronavirus News: McMenamins Lays Off Nearly 3,000 Employees, Be Kind to Your Grocers
Seattle Parks in the Age of Social Distancing: What’s Allowed?
Coronavirus Updates: These Seattle Events Will Be Livestreamed This Week: March 17-22, 2020
Seattle and 4Culture Announce New Funding Relief Packages for the Arts
Drag Shows Are Going Digital
Council President Lorena Gonzalez Cuts Maternity Leave Short Because of COVID-19 Crisis