WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Thursday, March 26

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., heads to a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Pelosi forecasts House OK of Senate’s $2.2T virus aid plan
The House will give final approval Friday to the massive $2.2 trillion economic rescue bill with robust backing from both parties, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, a vote that would cap Congress’ tumultuous effort to rush the relief to a nation battered by the coronavirus. Pelosi spoke Thursday morning, just hours after the Senate used an overnight vote to approve the measure 96-0. With House members dispersed around the country, Pelosi and Republican leaders were planning to bless the measure by a voice vote, probably with just a sprinkling of lawmakers present in the chamber. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Susan Walsh)


Marc Shelffo runs Strength Over Speed (SOS), a crystal meth recovery support group for gay and nonbinary people and recently moved his meetings to online in response to COVID-19. (Dorothy Edwards/Crosscut)

Social distancing is hard, especially for people living with addiction and mental illness
When Marc Shelffo first heard Gov. Jay Inslee’s mandate to limit gatherings and practice social distancing, he thought of his addiction support group. Shelffo runs Strength Over Speed (SOS), a crystal meth recovery support group for gay and nonbinary people. Members depend on the gatherings and the connections they’ve garnered through the group to get by. Social isolation is hard on anybody, but Shelffo says it’s particularly hard for people who rely on community for their health. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Dorothy Edwards)


Inslee signs the law repealing a Boeing tax break
Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday signed legislation to repeal a tax break for the Boeing Co. on April 1 and not give it all back in the future. Senate Bill 6690 seeks to resolve an international trade dispute between the U.S. and the European Union and prevent billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs on the aerospace giant’s planes, its suppliers’ products and other Washington exports such as fruit, wine and seafood. Continue reading at The Everett Herald.


Print

Associated Press
Senate passes $2.2T coronavirus aid plan, House votes Friday
3.3 million seek US jobless aid, nearly 5 times earlier high 
Daily bread? In France, fighting virus 1 baguette at a time
Alaska announces new virus cases, most of them in Anchorage 
Rural America watches pandemic erupt in cities as fear grows
Family: US believes ex-FBI agent Robert Levinson has died 
In U.S. outbreak, rumors of martial law fly despite reassurances
US hospitals rush to find beds for surge of virus patients
WSU delays May commencement due to virus concerns
5 workers, 2 patients at psychiatric hospital have COVID-19
Wash. governor signs bill to ban single-use plastic bags
Washington governor signs bill allowing sports betting
Stocks rise sharply on Wall Street, heading for 3-day rally
Stocks have first back-to-back gains since sell-off began
Nearly half-million infected worldwide, economic toll rises
Virus shutdowns cause huge spike in WA jobless claims
Alaska Airlines cuts flights, pay due to coronavirus
U.S. jobless claims soar to record 3.3 million as layoffs jump
Washington governor signs bill to ban single-use plastic bags

Aberdeen Daily World
Westport Shipyard terminates more than 300 employees due to coronavirus
Westport boat launch, other Port facilities closed to recreational use
Westport Winery pitches in to make hand sanitizer
Commentary: The stock market crashed five times before coronavirus. Those disasters can show us how to face this one
Coronavirus plea from Johns Hopkins: Please take social distancing seriously to save lives

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Coronavirus deaths reach 132 in Washington state Wednesday as confirmed cases climb to 2,580
Port of Bellingham closes some park, event areas to help stop spread of coronavirus
Two Whatcom residents test positive for coronavirus, Health Department says Wednesday
Bellingham hospital reports staff, supply resources ‘adequate’ to battle coronavirus
Whatcom County executive asks Inslee for state’s help to get more coronavirus test kits
Coronavirus update: Total of 5 employees test positive at Western State Hospital
Two Whatcom residents test positive for coronavirus, Health Department says Wednesday
Are people who are obese at higher risk of coronavirus? Here’s what experts say
What happens when state’s eviction moratorium ends?
Can mosquitoes and ticks spread the coronavirus? Here’s the latest from experts
In the age of COVID-19, the dead are going without funerals, memorials, cultural rituals
Why are Washington state breweries considered ‘essential’ during the coronavirus pandemic?
Coronavirus deaths reach 132 in Washington state Wednesday as confirmed cases climb to 2,580
Social distancing score card: Which Washington counties are doing the best?
Fishing temporarily banned in Washington state over coronavirus and crowded docks
Will coronavirus be a seasonal illness? Here’s what top health expert Fauci says
Here’s how to cancel or reschedule a federal tax payment if you’ve already e-filed
Washington state business owners now have a way to argue they’re ‘essential’ during COVID-19 outbreak

Bothell Reporter
King County releases breakdown data of COVID-19 cases, deaths

Capital Press
Farm groups say economic aid package needed
Stimulus package offers aid for livestock producers
Western water data coming to new online platform
It’s mint to be

Columbian
In Our View: Coronavirus outbreak dominates legislative session (Hobbs)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Plexiglass ‘sneeze shields’ coming to a supermarket near you
5 more Community Transit workers test positive for COVID-19
COVID-19 outbreak strikes 2 more long-term care facilities
Inslee signs the law repealing a Boeing tax break
With bill signed, sports betting is coming to tribal casinos (Peterson)
Inslee signs law allowing sharing of sales tax with tribes
Bloomberg: Comment: What we know should guide choices on risks we take
Harrop: Even when socially distant, we’re in this together
Where are the ample tests promised for Covid-19?

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way Mirror to suspend print publication
KCLS pivots to digital during coronavirus pandemic
Legislators request unemployment assistance for independent contractors (Keiser, Sells, Jenkins, Billig)
Free meals for kids available at 8 additional Federal Way locations

The Inlander
For hundreds of thousands of Washington state workers, the governor’s orders mean unemployment

Islands’ Weekly
Eligible donors urged to continue to give blood amid COVID-19 concerns
Shoreline Master Program ordinance official comment period
San Juan County Health Officer issues order to prevent spread of COVID-19

Issaquah Reporter
King County releases breakdown data of COVID-19 cases, deaths
KCLS pivots to digital during coronavirus pandemic
King County suspends work release program
COVID-19 gathering restriction delays funerals

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Coping with COVID-19 anxiety and stress
San Juan County Health Officer issues order to prevent spread of COVID-19

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Kitsap small business owners search for assistance in wake of mandatory shutdown
Inslee suspends sections of open public meetings and records laws during outbreak
Kitsap County sets up two ‘recovery centers’ as it prepares for COVID-19 to hit the homeless
Washington golf courses ask Inslee for reprieve from potential shutdown
Initial jobless claims surged to record 3.3M last week as coronavirus takes heavy toll on economy
Pelosi says there will be a ‘strong bipartisan vote’ on coronavirus package, lays out priorities for future stimulus
Adoptions not ceasing at Kitsap Humane Society amid COVID-19
Senate passes historic $2 trillion stimulus package to curb effects of coronavirus

New York Times
Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Jobless Claims Are Highest Ever; House to Take Up $2 Trillion Stimulus
Job Vacancies and Inexperience Mar Federal Response to Coronavirus
In Coronavirus, Industry Sees Chance to Undo Plastic Bag Bans
Medicare Is Updating Coverage to Help in the Coronavirus Crisis
Senate Approves $2 Trillion Stimulus After Bipartisan Deal
Coronavirus Doesn’t Slow Trump’s Regulatory Rollbacks
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Wins a Victory in Dakota Access Pipeline Case

Olympian (subscription required)
What happens when state’s eviction moratorium ends?
Coronavirus update: Total of 5 employees test positive at Western State Hospital
In the age of COVID-19, the dead are going without funerals, memorials, cultural rituals
Coronavirus deaths reach 132 in Washington state Wednesday as confirmed cases climb to 2,580
Washington State Patrol report says suspect intentionally struck trooper, fled scene
Fishing temporarily banned in Washington state over coronavirus and crowded docks
Here’s where you can get help if you are experiencing domestic violence during shutdown

Peninsula Daily News
Sequim landlord gives 22 businesses free April rent
Colorado Army medical unit headed to Washington state
COVID-19 test kits arrive; one more case on Peninsula
Virus prompts cancellations on Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
New unemployment claims in Washington soar as COVID-19 wrecks havoc
The Fed asks for BlackRock’s help in an echo of 2008
Governor halts most construction statewide as part of his ‘stay home’ order
Senate approves $2 trillion stimulus after bipartisan deal
Fine print of stimulus bill contains special deals for industries
Alaska Airlines adopts historic 70 percent cut to flight schedule, slashes dividends
Demand for relief grants among small businesses in Seattle soars during COVID-19 pandemic
Insurance commissioner expands telehealth coverage order as demand for virtual visits rises

Renton Reporter
King County releases breakdown data of COVID-19 cases, deaths
King County suspends work release program

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Washington’s jobless claims jump more than nine-fold as coronavirus hammers economy
School in Washington is supposed to resume (remotely) by Monday. Will it?
New Inslee edict: Most construction work is not authorized during coronavirus shutdown
Sen. Cantwell: Boeing may not like strings attached to U.S. help for aviation in coronavirus crisis
Former Navy vice admiral leading Washington’s coronavirus response brings experience in medicine, military
Seattle to use city facilities as shelters to decrease crowding during coronavirus pandemic
What the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus could mean for Washington state
Infographic: Do’s and don’ts of the stay-at-home order for coronavirus in Washington state
Westneat: There’s a ‘moon shot’ to save the school year from coronavirus, but not in Seattle
Fine print of stimulus bill contains special deals for industries, including Boeing
Virus infections near 500,000 as health systems buckle
Bloomberg: Nuclear scientists developing faster, cheaper COVID-19 test 
Seattle-area restaurants are helping people in need, even amid their own pain in coronavirus crisis
Editorial: Fix the systems that failed Hanford workers | Editorial

Seattle Weekly
King County releases breakdown data of COVID-19 cases, deaths
COVID-19 gathering restriction delays funerals
Activists want rent, mortgage suspensions

Skagit Valley Herald
Deputies, police will work to enforce Inslee order

Snoqualmie Valley Record
King County releases breakdown data of COVID-19 cases, deaths

Spokesman Review
7,000 sign petition asking WSU to partially refund students amid coronavirus closures, changes
Statewide fishing ban ordered by Washington wildlife managers
Spokane County’s confirmed COVID-19 cases nearly double in 2 days; lack of supplies still limiting case counts
Can your Washington business provide supplies needed to fight COVID-19? If yes, do this
Plastic bags banned, paper bags to cost 8 cents after Inslee signs bill that takes effect next year
Morhaf Al Achkar: Who lives and who dies?

Tri-City Herald
Fishing temporarily banned in Washington state over coronavirus and crowded docks
CBC shuts down Tri-Cities campuses because of coronavirus, moving most classes online
2 workers at a Kennewick nursing home have coronavirus. Seniors and staff being tested
4th person dies of coronavirus in Tri-Cities, health officials report
4 Richland firefighters nearly clear of quarantine after concerns of coronavirus
Editorial: If you want your life back, follow Inslee’s coronavirus stay home order 

USA Today
$1,200 cash payments, help for businesses: Here’s what’s in the historic stimulus package for coronavirus
Initial jobless claims surged to record 3.3M last week as coronavirus takes heavy toll on economy
Asian American lawmakers sound the alarm on coronavirus-related discrimination
Travelers get a break: REAL ID deadline extended to Oct. 1, 2021, due to coronavirus

Vancouver Business Journal
‘Stay Home – Stay Healthy:’ Updated COVID-19 FAQs for Washington state employers

Washington Post
Conservatives push Trump to end social distancing, citing a conspiracy of the left to impose its agenda
United States indicts Venezuela’s Maduro on ‘narco-terrorism’ charges
U.S. sees record unemployment numbers as stimulus bill heads to House
3.3 million Americans filed for jobless benefits
As New York’s crisis deepens, experts split over how to contain its spread to new areas
Is ‘social distancing’ the wrong term? Expert prefers ‘physical distancing,’ and WHO agrees.
The U.S. traditionally leads in times of crisis. Now it’s practicing self-isolation, and its rivals are stepping in.
Suspect in New Zealand mosque shootings unexpectedly pleads guilty to 51 murder charges
He urged saving the economy over protecting those who are ‘not productive.’ Then he faced America’s wrath.
In some states, oil-price collapse brings back 99-cent gas
The Daily 202: Government experts warn of a second wave of coronavirus cases, as the health system struggles
Italy’s new coronavirus cases are slowing. How soon until normal life returns?
Coronavirus could threaten endangered great apes, scientists warn

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Editorial: State prisons wisely using inmate labor to help during pandemic
Virus shutdowns cause huge spike in WA jobless claims
Wash. governor signs bill to ban single-use plastic bags
WSU delays May commencement due to virus concerns
2 more workers at psychiatric hospital have coronavirus

Yakima Herald Republic
Astria Health CEO offers to sell or lease closed Yakima hospital to state to help with COVID-19 outbreak
Officials put out an urgent call for blood donations
COVID-19 cases in Yakima County up to 53 Wednesday, numbers expected to rise
Editorial: There are lessons to learn from choppy stay-at-home rollout

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
$2 trillion coronavirus deal: Who will get stimulus checks and when?
Real-time updates: 132 coronavirus deaths among at least 2,580 overall cases in Washington
State launches site to clarify ‘essential’ businesses under stay-home order
US jobless claims soar to record 3.3 million as layoffs jump
These jobs are hiring during the coronavirus crisis in Washington
‘I’m very lucky’: KING 5 photographer on the mend after coronavirus diagnosis
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival called off due to state’s coronavirus outbreak

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Senate approves $2 trillion stimulus package; non-essential businesses shut down
COVID-19 home test kits launch in King County
FTC and BBB Warn: Beware of ‘stimulus scammers’
King County, Seattle seeking more staff for sites created in response to coronavirus
Home repair workers expect surge in calls during stay-at-home order
US jobless claims soar to record 3.3 million as layoffs jump
Gov. Inslee signs bill allowing sports betting at tribal casinos
Ballard hires private security to guard shuttered businesses
Nordstrom, Alaska Airlines announce huge cutbacks due to pandemic
Five Western State Hospital workers test positive for COVID-19
Skagit Valley Tulip festival canceled due to coronavirus outbreak
WSU postpones spring commencement to August, offers online option in May

KPVI 6 (NBC)
Governor approves public assistance for human trafficking victims (Saldaña, Pellicciotti)

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
‘So people don’t break in and drink our alcohol’: Stores board up for stay-at-home order
Rolling with the punches: Century-old tavern offers toilet paper with bucket of beer
Some seniors may struggle with isolation of social distancing
Coronavirus death toll reaches estimated 132 in Wash. state
‘Essential businesses’ remain open during stay-home order, but what’s ‘essential’?
Relief coming for Seattle small businesses affected by coronavirus
Alaska Airlines decreasing flights by 70% for April, May during COVID-19 crisis
WSU delays graduation ceremonies until August
State Patrol sees steep decline in collisions amid COVID-19 outbreak

KNKX FM
Mobile COVID-19 testing comes to homeless and formerly homeless populations in Seattle
Bellingham nursing home takes steps to prevent another COVID-19 disaster, officials say
Hundreds of child care centers close down amid the coronavirus outbreak
Washington And Oregon State Parks Close Over…Well, You Know Why
Washington commissioner of public lands shuts down all recreation areas for at least two weeks

KHQ Q6 (NBC)
Governor approves public assistance for human trafficking victims (Saldaña, Pellicciotti)

KUOW FM
A HUSH FALLS OVER SEATTLE
READ: $2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill
Live coverage: Coronavirus in Seattle and Washington state
Is Loss Of Smell And Taste A Symptom Of COVID-19? Doctors Want To Find Out
A birth in the time of corona
3.3 Million File For Unemployment Claims, Shattering Records
Commercial Fishermen Struggle To Survive In The Face Of Coronavirus
Defense Secretary Esper Says Military Has ‘Limited Capacity’ To Provide Hospital Beds
Families call for transparency from nursing homes on coronavirus cases
50,000 Americans Stranded Abroad By Coronavirus Events, State Department Says
If hospitals in Washington state become overwhelmed, who gets life-saving care?
FACT CHECK: Testing Should Take Place Wherever There Are Cases Despite Trump’s View
Judge Orders Environmental Review Of Controversial Dakota Access Pipeline
Formerly homeless adults in Seattle now being tested for the coronavirus
KUOW statement on live White House Coronavirus Task Force briefings
‘Stop Price Gouging,’ 33 Attorneys General Tell Amazon, Walmart, Others
Ventilator Makers Ask U.S. Government To Manage Distribution
Washington And Oregon State Parks Close Over…Well, You Know Why
Gilead Declines ‘Rare Disease’ Status For Experimental Coronavirus Drug
Petition seeks early release of some Washington prison inmates to reduce risk of coronavirus
Senate Coronavirus Bill Includes $400 Million To Protect Elections

Q13 TV (Fox)
‘It bothers me to my core’: Bellevue PD says COVID-19 is fueling racist threats
‘We are in this together’: Neighbors offer gifts, masks for front line coronavirus workers
Popular trails, state-owned recreation sites close statewide
Delivery workers thrust into front lines of COVID-19 fight: ‘Don’t give up, you are our heroes’
What are essential businesses during Washington’s ‘stay at home’ order? Check this list
With non-essential stores closed, small businesses wonder if they’ll ever recover
5 workers, 2 patients at psychiatric hospital have COVID-19
For local workers and businesses, virus rescue payments and financial support is needed now
Deadline to get a REAL ID pushed back at least a year due to coronavirus
Idaho Gov. Brad Little issues statewide stay-at-home orde

Web

Crosscut
Social distancing is hard, especially for people living with addiction and mental illness

Slog
Breaking Coronavirus Updates: Trump Blames US Media, Not the Coronavirus, for the Country’s Lockdown
Under This Stay-at-Home Order, What Can You Do in Washington Right Now?
Seattle Closes Parking Lots at Trails, Beaches, and Popular Recreation Areas
Trump Coronavirus “GUIDELINES” Land in West Coast Mailboxes