WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Tuesday, April 14

The Monroe Correctional Complex in Monroe. THOMAS JAMES HURST AP FILE PHOTO

State to release up to 950 nonviolent offenders early in response to COVID-19
The state plans to release 600 to 950 nonviolent offenders early to free up space in state prisons to fight the COVID-19 outbreak. In a report required by the state Supreme Court, the attorney general’s office said the plan covers inmates with nonviolent and/or drug or alcohol offenses whose release dates are within six to eight months. The release of inmates will begin “in the coming days,” the state said told the high court on Monday. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Thomas James Hurst)


Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

Washington, Oregon and California announce Western states pact
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced on Monday an agreement on a shared vision for reopening their economies and controlling COVID-19 into the future. Here is the joint statement from the governors as released by Inslee’s office: Continue reading at The Issaquah Reporter. (TVW)


Pierce County Superior Court Judge G. Helen Whitener, left, listens as Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks during a news conference, Monday, April 13, 2020, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. Whitener was appointed Monday by Inslee to the Washington Supreme Court to replace Justice Charles Wiggins, who retired from the court at the end of March. TED S. WARREN AP PHOTO

Judge G. Helen Whitener appointed to state Supreme Court
Pierce County Superior Court Judge G. Helen Whitener was appointed Monday by Gov. Jay Inslee to the Washington Supreme Court. Whitener has served on the superior court since being appointed by Inslee in 2015, and previously served as a judge on the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Before becoming a judge, she worked as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Ted S. Warren)


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Associated Press
Washington to release almost 1,000 inmates amid outbreak
Trump claims ‘total’ authority, over governors, to reopen economy
Aircraft to spray for invasive moths in Everett, Woodway
Washington, Oregon, California announce coronavirus pact
Judge G. Helen Whitener appointed to state Supreme Court
Doctor recovering from virus after being on ventilator
Pop-up blood drives extended due to demand
Washington state warns of Asian giant hornet sightings
Officials want delay in nation’s head count due to virus
A phone call, a song: Small gestures soothe COVID-19 stress
Death toll from tornado outbreak rises to at least 34
Trump says he’ll decide ‘shortly’ on easing virus guidelines
Far-right US politicians label lockdowns anti-constitutional
California will release plan about lifting virus constraints
Governors form compacts to coordinate reopening society
Lockdowns cut driving and crashes, bring insurance discounts
Fire engulfs wood products company, prompts air advisory
Virus fuels pot industry’s push for online sales, delivery
Nonprofit groups used to serving desperately poor nations now help U.S.

Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor Public Health will operate drive-through testing site
Pacific County urges owners of second homes to stay away
Washington’s salmon seasons tentatively set
Commentary: Billionaires’ coronavirus charity reflects fear of expanded social safety net
Letter: An open letter from head of the library system

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Gov. Inslee protects Washington’s high-risk employees during coronavirus pandemic
PSE makes $11 million available to help customers in need during coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus simulation shows Whatcom County might be past initial peak of infections
Bellingham nursing home reports death of 10th resident linked to coronavirus
Small-business coronavirus emergency grants no longer available for Whatcom County
Coronavirus updates: West Coast states announce coordinated response
Daughter files lawsuit after mother dies in nation’s first coronavirus hot spot
Washington state reports 127 new COVID-19 cases, 8 deaths
State to release up to 950 nonviolent offenders early in response to COVID-19
Pierce County Superior Court judge named to state Supreme Court
UPDATE: Most stimulus payments will be out Wednesday, Treasury says
Visiting the doctor or pharmacy? Here’s how to protect yourself from coronavirus
Is 5G linked to coronavirus? Here’s what to know about the hoax spreading online
Most Americans wouldn’t return to ‘normal’ life even if orders were lifted, poll shows
Army lab developing COVID-19 test for people who have no symptoms, key to ‘normal’ life return
What’s contact tracing? It’s key to reopening US after COVID-19 pandemic, experts say
Who decides jobs are ‘essential’ in pandemic? Some workers upset by vague definitions
Opinion: Could we handle another Hurricane Katrina in the midst of COVID-19?

Capital Press
West Coast states form virus pact; no orders affected
Inspectors continue grain flow for farmers, customers

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Up to 950 inmates to be let out early amid COVID-19 concern
Donations enable restaurant to feed hospital workers
Sen. Hobbs to oversee National Guard support of food banks (Hobbs)
WaPo: Comment: Layoffs lay bare shortcomings in health care system
Editorial: Libraries go online to keep us reading, connected

Federal Way Mirror
Up to 950 inmates may be let out early amid COVID-19 concern
Washington, Oregon and California announce Western states pact
PSE offers bill assistance for customers impacted by COVID-19
Federal Way mother and daughter spread Easter cheer with bunny visits

Islands’ Weekly
Resources available to support families during COVID-19 pandemic
State Parks to reschedule April free days
Attorney General launches campaign encouraging Washingtonians to report price gouging
Dealing with loss due to COVID-19
Sheriff and Prosecuting Attorney on order enforcement

Issaquah Reporter
Washington, Oregon and California announce Western states pact

Journal of the San Juan Islands
In appreciation to our partners in healthcare and the public
San Juan Island welcomes new secondary school principal

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Treasury says first coronavirus stimulus checks have gone out and many will get payments by April 15
30 minutes with Congressman Derek Kilmer
‘We feel like we’re walking through COVID’: Harrison nurses work New York City hospital

New York Times
Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump and Governors Clash Over Authority to Reopen
‘Unbelievable’ Timing: As Coronavirus Rages, Trump Disregards Advice to Tighten Clean Air Rules

Olympian (subscription required)
Coronavirus updates: West Coast states announce coordinated response
Washington state reports 127 new COVID-19 cases, 8 deaths
Inslee appoints Pierce County Superior Court judge to state Supreme Court
14 counties no longer accepting ‘Working Washington’ grant applications after overwhelming demand
Thurston County COVID-19 cases grow to 81 after one more case is announced Monday
State to release up to 950 nonviolent offenders early in response to COVID-19
Visiting the doctor or pharmacy? Here’s how to protect yourself from coronavirus

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County commissioners to keep nonprofits running
Extension available for property tax payment
How to stay sane during isolation
Virus may hit peak this month

Puget Sound Business Journal
Global economy to suffer worst blow since the 1930s, warns IMF
Cash-strapped US companies ramp up sales of discounted shares
U.S. food supply chain is strained as virus spreads
Who will cover America’s missed mortgage payments?
Stalemate over small-business aid deepens as officials warn of funding lapse
Boeing suppliers in Tacoma, Everett hit by hundreds of layoffs in aerospace sector pause
Inslee joins West Coast governors in coordinated response to reopening economies
Delays to light rail expansion delivery dates ‘possible – if not likely’ due to coronavirus-induced recession
How the virus transformed the way Americans spend their money
One city says builders can continue work despite Washington state’s ban
Keep workers on, or lay them off? Small businesses face hard choices

Skagit Valley Herald
Comment period extended for landfill site
County taking applications for property tax extensions

Snoqualmie Valley Record
SVSD working to keep kids educated
COVID-19 testing resumes at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital

Spokesman Review
Small businesses bear the brunt of shutdown, dog groomer says
On the Front Lines: Hope House leader helps expand shelter for women during the pandemic
School board to approve graduation guidelines amid pandemic closures
Health officials follow federal disease expert Fauci amid weekend uproar
Opinion: Lisa Brown and Russ Elliott: Broadband is critical public infrastructure in the age of COVID-19

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities area coronavirus cases top 500, with death toll at 30
Dozens of Tri-Citians sick with coronavirus from outbreak linked to beef plant
Coronavirus claims at least 3 more lives in Tri-Cities since Friday, says state
Guest Opinion: How will COVID-19 affect energy use? 

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Editorial: City Council wise to pause on taking pandemic action
State historical society’s new head of collections documents COVID-19

USA Today
Here’s what the Constitution’s 10th Amendment says about Trump’s claim to have total authority over states
How coronavirus school closures could cause ‘historic academic regression’

Yakima Herald Republic
All in this together: Local businesses help each other out
Residents donate medical supplies to help local coronavirus effort; more state supplies arrive
Editorial: COVID-19 era is no time to play with fire

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Real-time updates: Bremerton opens COVID-19 testing site to more people
Surgeons found ‘black mold’ clinging to heart of 7-month-old patient at Seattle Children’s
VERIFY: Over-the-counter medications and COVID-19
New app matches your mask, PPE donations to hospitals in most need
King County lacks data on how COVID-19 impacts communities of color
What would happen if we end social distancing too early?
Washington state to release nearly 1,000 inmates in coronavirus response
Washington order protects workers at high-risk for coronavirus

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Inslee agrees on ‘shared vision’ with Oregon, California for reopening economies
State to release up to 950 inmates early to limit spread of coronavirus
State Ag Director confident state supply will keep up with staggering demand at food banks
$10,000 city grant ‘lifesaver’ to Lacey small businesses
Drive-thru coronavirus testing begins in Kitsap County
COVID-19 images wanted for history
Some UW students withdraw, others petition for partial tuition refund amid COVID-19
Washington leads the way when it comes to flattening the curve

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
14 hospital staffers sickened with COVID-19 at UW Medicine Northwest Campus
Navigating distance learning: Two teachers create replica classroom to teach students
Expect some level of social distancing until COVID-19 vaccine is developed, doctors say
State to release nearly 1,000 nonviolent prison inmates early to limit COVID-19 spread

KNKX FM
Swabs for COVID-19 don’t have to go so deep into your nose, local clinic says
Governor announces West Coast pact, prisoner furloughs in response to COVID-19
‘Generations That Follow Us Are Going To Remember’: Coronavirus Threatens Tribes’ Funerals
Inslee appoints first Black woman justice to serve on WA Supreme Court
Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib leaves behind political ‘autopilot’ life, joins Jesuit religious order
Tyvek house wrap tried out as alternative for critically-scarce protective gowns

KUOW FM
HARBORVIEW, UW MEDICAL CENTERS TO TEST ALL INCOMING PATIENTS FOR COVID-19
With visits on hold during pandemic, Washington hospitals strain to comfort sickest patients
Updates: Coronavirus in Washington state
A new perspective of Seattle during the coronavirus outbreak: Photos from above
America’s Largest Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Prepares For A Massive Round Of Defaults
How Contact Tracing Works And How It Can Help Reopen The Country
Who Will Advise Trump On ‘Reopening’ The U.S.? White House To Set New Pandemic Council
10,000 cases: Who has it? Who has immunity? Where are we on testing?
Nearly 1,000 inmates to be released in Washington state. Not enough for social distancing, advocates say
This emergency room doctor survived Covid-19 — just barely
Seattle throws a few small businesses a lifeline
Lobbyists Descend On Washington Seeking Coronavirus Relief Money
April 13th | Does surviving COVID-19 guarantee that you won’t get it again?
Tyvek house wrap tried out as alternative for critically-scarce protective gowns
States Unite On Reopening Economies: ‘Science — Not Politics — Will Guide’ Decisions
Inslee appoints first Black woman judge to serve on WA Supreme Court
What We Know About The Silent Spreaders Of COVID-19
How Long Does It Take To Recover From COVID-19?
White House Says Trump ‘Is Not Firing Dr. Fauci’
Coronavirus Fears Prompt Suspensions Of Bans On Single-Use Plastic Bags
In Idaho, Far-Right Republicans Defy Coronavirus Health Restrictions
Sailor On USS Theodore Roosevelt Dies From COVID-19 Complications
Boeing joins coronavirus manufacturing efforts, builds face shields for medical workers
Supreme Court To Hear Arguments By Telephone, Including On Trump’s Financial Records

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington, Oregon, California announce coronavirus pact
Law enforcement agencies have concerns over early release of up to 950 state inmates
250 Seattle Small Businesses Receive $10,000 Grant
Inslee: 950 nonviolent offenders will get early release to fight spread of coronavirus in state prisons
Pierce County Correctional Officers ‘sounding alarm’ for not being given enough PPE
City of Tukwila uses five-part strategy to cover estimated $6.1 million revenue loss due to COVID-19

Web

Crosscut
Undocumented workers fend for themselves with little COVID-19 help
Social distancing can’t slow the spread of misinformation

Slog
Washington State Sues Facebook for “Repeatedly” Violating Campaign Finance Law
You Can Buy Hand Sanitizer from These Seattle Distilleries
Coronavirus Updates: Who’s Going to Reopen America? The Governors or Trump?
Seattle City Council Caps Rents, Grants Payment Plans for Small Businesses
First Round of Mayor Durkan’s Small Business Relief Money Flows Mostly to South Seattle
United Way Has Been Flooded With Applicants for Rental Assistance