Washington Legislature sees record diversity as majority Democrats pledge focus on equity
This year, the Washington State Legislature has welcomed a record number of lawmakers of color, including a record number of Black lawmakers who are all Democrats. The increasing diversity comes in the wake of last year’s civil rights protests and amid ongoing demands for police accountability and racial justice. Continue reading at KNKX. (Austin Jenkins)
Bill with relief for Washington businesses, unemployed workers heads to governor’s desk
A bill that would increase the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers and curb an increase in employers’ unemployment taxes has passed the both houses of the Washington state legislature with broad support. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Tony Overman)
Senator Bob Hasegawa introduces Washington universal healthcare bill
Senator Bob Hasegawa, who represents Washington’s 11th District (Renton, Tukwila, part of Kent, SoDo, the Industrial District, Georgetown, and South Park), introduced a bill that would create a healthcare trust allowing everyone in the state to access affordable healthcare, vision care, dental, and mental health care. Continue reading at The South Seattle Emerald. (Alex Garland)
Associated Press
Seattle hospitals rush out vaccines after freezer failure
Playing favorites? Hospital boards, donors get COVID shots
Senate committee approves open carry ban at Capitol, rallies (Kuderer)
Lawmakers push mental health days for kids amid pandemic
The Latest: Fauci pushes need for global vaccination effort
Stocks climb in calmer trading, while silver prices jump
Asian shares rise after vaccine maker boosts Europe supplies
Aberdeen Daily World
Lawmakers push competing COVID-19 packages (Liias, Ormsby)
Harborites get a literal shot in the arm
Two new COVID deaths in Pacific County; vaccinations underway
Jobless rate on Twin Harbors is highest in state
Resolution to extend syringe exchange program past April 1 not heard at quarterly Board of Health meeting
Aberdeen grants target hospitality businesses
Letter: Our elders told us
Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington
‘How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?’ Whatcom residents ask as rollout frustration continues
Here’s what happened the day after Bellingham dismantled downtown homeless Camp 210
‘We’re just doing what we’ve got to do,’ resident says after homeless camp’s removal
Whatcom sees 46 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, state reports Saturday
Washington state law clearly requires front license. It’s enforcement that’s a little hazy
OSPI, Kaiser Permanente prep to vaccinate Washington state teachers in new plan
Want a vaccine? State has reopened registrations for its 4 mass vaccination sites
Deaths reported at Washington veterans home amid COVID-19 outbreak
Small WA cattle ranchers struggle to meet beef demand. Bill aims to fix that (Shewmake)
More vaccine clinics are on the way for seniors, but the wait may be long
460-mile roundtrip ‘for nothing.’ Vaccine ran out before Everett man’s Tri-Cities appointment
Washington state reports 1,796 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday
Bill with relief for Washington businesses, unemployed workers heads to governor’s desk (Keiser, Sells)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Friday in Washington
Freezer failure forces overnight rush to use COVID vaccines at Washington hospital
What could GOP’s COVID relief counteroffer mean for stimulus checks? What to know
Want a vaccine? State has reopened registrations for its 4 mass vaccination sites
When will we achieve herd immunity for COVID-19? A doctor explains
Here’s how to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment
Whatcom sees 72 new confirmed COVID-19 cases Friday, state reports
Stimulus checks could be cut for people who owe money to the government, experts say
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Booster shot, pain relievers, eye injuries & more
You shouldn’t take pain relievers before getting a COVID vaccine. What to know
This mental illness was the 2nd biggest risk factor for dying from COVID, study finds
Should you get your COVID vaccine if you currently have coronavirus? What to know
Coronavirus updates: Pierce, Thurston counties move into Phase 2, paving way for indoor dining, youth sports
Capital Press
Constitutional amendment would ban legalization of pot
Columbian
Visitors to Camas hair salon may have COVID-19 exposure
In Our View: New homebuilding standards necessary hurdle
In Our View: Despite supply issues, vaccine efforts advance
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Virus test; cutting in line
In Our View: State’s redistricting rules good, could be better
The Daily News
Southwest WA counties holding COVID-19 vaccine briefing Monday
Inslee eases reopening requirements; Southwest region to remain in phase one
‘Light at the end of the tunnel’: Inslee’s announcement means west region preps can begin
Everett Herald (subscription required)
Arlington Proud Boy ‘Milkshake’ fought police at U.S. Capitol
Cornfield Report: Inslee gets some friendly fire; COVID spending nears a vote (Van De Wege, Chapman, Tharinger)
Local businesses reeling over massive unemployment tax hike
Rogue Snohomish barber keeps on running with scissors
Small planes and generous pilots deliver food and PPE
We’ve got lots of vaccination capacity, but too few doses
Providence gave special vaccine access to donors, volunteers
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Restaurant reprieve: State to relax some indoor restrictions
Opinion: For a prisoner, protecting health is an infraction
Bloomberg Viewpoints: A minimum wage won’t cut it; we need living wages
WaPo Comment: Jan. 6 showed outcome when we accept, promote lies
WaPo Comment: No honor for Republicans who retire to avoid truth
WaPo Fact check: Kerry’s green jobs comparison to coal’s falls short
Editorial: Give teachers a cut in line for covid vaccine
Letter: Evangelicals bear responsibility too for D.C. riots
The Inlander
Would a bill to cut steep penalties on unpaid property taxes help poor homeowners or reward rich scofflaws?
Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Local leaders, public health officials raise concerns about state reopening plan metrics
Vaccine clinic on pause after Kitsap fails to receive additional doses from state
Tunneling drill boring its way through 1,000 feet of Old Town Silverdale
Kitsap Transit’s Gateway Center hosts COVID-19 vaccination clinic
In divided vote, commission approves Navy SEAL training at state parks
News Tribune (subscription required)
Hotel on Meridian in Puyallup chosen to serve as East Pierce homeless shelter
Washington state law clearly requires front license. It’s enforcement that’s a little hazy
MultiCare turns to outside physician provider network to serve three more of its hospitals by April
Pierce County reports 187 new COVID-19 cases
Soon you’ll have to exit two miles early if you’re going to downtown Tacoma from I-5
New tiny home village in Tacoma to serve Puyallup Tribal members experiencing homelessness
Virus cases pass 1,000 in Gig Harbor; near 300 on Key Peninsula; 17 now dead
Op-Ed: I faced four questions while locked down at US Capitol, says Tacoma area congressman
New York Times
Silver Rises as GameStop Investors Find New Target: Live Updates
After Record Turnout, Republicans Are Trying to Make It Harder to Vote
The Government Agencies That Became Smaller, and Unhappier, Under Trump
North American Post
Kawabe Memorial Grants Available
Olympian (subscription required)
Homeless activists occupy downtown Olympia hotel
Thurston County confirms 41 more COVID-19 cases, increasing overall total to 6,449
Want a vaccine? State has reopened registrations for its 4 mass vaccination sites
More vaccine clinics are on the way for seniors, but the wait may be long
Bill with relief for Washington businesses, unemployed workers heads to governor’s desk (Keiser, Sells)
‘Going to school’ begins again Monday for some Thurston County families
Peninsula Daily News
Bill would establish office to investigate police use of force
Peninsula COVID-19 cases, infection rates reported
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
OlyCAP proposes plan that may lead to a new solution
District 24 legislators slam regional virus plans (Van de Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)
Virus case counts rise on Peninsula
Puget Sound Business Journal
Opinion: Steps to foster inclusion and belonging during performance reviews
State, Kaiser Permanente ready to vaccinate school employees
Another $97 billion? Putting higher ed’s latest request for Covid-19 relief in context
Washington businesses approved for $853M in latest round of PPP loans
McKinsey in advanced talks with US states to settle opioid claims
America’s next great economic experiment: What if we run it hot?
$500 billion in aid to small businesses: How much did it help?
Runta News
Qatar Starts Flights Between Seattle and Doha Connecting Middle East, Africa, and India
Seattle Times (subscription required)
Washington state lawmakers approve a big unemployment tax cut and a boost in jobless benefits (Keiser, Sells)
How a Native American survey and vaccine rollout models a community-centered approach
Here’s what you can and can’t do under Inslee’s COVID-19 ‘Healthy Washington’ plan to reopen the state
Washington Legislature takes up excessive force by law enforcement (Dhingra)
Housing ‘at the speed of trust’ for queer and trans Black, Indigenous and people of color in Seattle
As Port Angeles reopens its schools, students readjust to routine
Washington lawmakers look for ways to exit the eviction moratorium — and prevent the fallout (Macri, Kuderer, Das, Johnson)
Editorial: A legislative check on the governor (Billig)
Seattle Weekly
Research suggests warmer oceans are killing sea stars in Puget Sound
Report: Washington salmon are in hot water
Skagit Valley Herald
For some Skagit manufacturers, business has boomed during the pandemic
Mine expansion near Lake Erie appealed
County vaccine appointments fill up quickly
South Seattle Emerald
Senator Bob Hasegawa introduces Washington universal healthcare bill (Hasegawa)
“REACH-ing out: Faith community seeks to expand shelter offerings in West Hill area
Opinion: Inequitable vaccinations
King County public health officer notes ‘mixed message’ on reopening, spread of new coronavirus variant
Queer the Land’s new Beacon Hill house will provide housing, healing, and community for QT2BIPOC
Spokesman Review
Washington Legislature sends unemployment insurance relief bill to governor (Sells, Stonier)
‘Here comes hope’: Spokane Valley church raises $300k to pay off millions in medical debt for those in need
A stable life: Support widens to prevent youth homelessness in the state
Tri-City Herald
Bill with relief for Washington businesses, unemployed workers heads to governor’s desk (Keiser, Sells)
‘Easier to win the Mega Millions lottery.’ Older Tri-Citians struggling to get COVID vaccine
Small WA cattle ranchers struggle to meet beef demand. Bill aims to fix that (Shewmake)
Thousands of COVID vaccine appointments open up at Tri-Cities fairgrounds
9 more COVID deaths in Tri-Cities area. New cases dropping
460-mile roundtrip ‘for nothing.’ Vaccine ran out before Everett man’s Tri-Cities appointment
Demand overwhelming Tri-Cities COVID vaccine supply. Here’s the outlook for next week
In-person Pasco classes canceled Monday. Teachers need to get ready for longer days
Caregivers reflect on COVID pandemic and getting vaccinated
OSPI, Kaiser Permanente prep to vaccinate Washington state teachers in new plan
Editorial: WA lawmakers should talk to farmers before pushing a low carbon fuel plan
USA Today
Oregon law to decriminalize all drugs goes into effect, offering addicts rehab instead of prison
They’ve nurtured our babies through COVID-19 horrors. Now, child care workers aren’t sure when they’ll get vaccinated.
Vancouver Business Journal
The medical argument for reopening the economy
Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Washington Legislature sends unemployment insurance relief bill to governor (Sells, Stonier)
Washington Post
In Myanmar coup, Suu Kyi’s ouster heralds return to military rule
Trump’s legal team exited after he insisted impeachment defense focus on false claims of election fraud
Essential workers get lost in the vaccine scrum as states prioritize the elderly
Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County vaccination sites receive a substantial increase in Moderna vaccine for this week
Washington Legislature takes up excessive force by law enforcement
What does the more contagious strain of coronavirus in Washington state mean, and what can be done?
No plastic bag ban in Washington until the COVID-19 emergency ends
Broadcast
KING5 TV (NBC)
Puget Sound businesses excited to move to Phase 2 of state’s reopening plan Monday
12 arrested in Olympia after occupying Red Lion hotel near state Capitol
Seattle vaccinates 400 high-risk grocery store workers at pop-up clinic
Face masks required on planes, buses and other shared transportation in new CDC mandate
More than 10,000 people get COVID-19 vaccine at Washington’s mass vaccination sites
After Washington hospitals invite donors to get COVID-19 vaccines, state health officials issue public warning
KIRO7 TV (CBS)
7 taken into custody during Olympia hotel sweep of group demanding pandemic housing
Grocery, hospitality workers get vaccines at pop up clinic
Female officials inspired by first woman to officiate this year’s Super Bowl
King County opens new vaccine clinics, raises eligibility age
Vaccines should fight new U.K. coronavirus variant now found in King, Pierce, Snohomish counties
BBB: Don’t share your coronavirus vaccination card on social media
CDC recommends watching Super Bowl at home with people in same household
DOH: Facilities engaging in ‘invitation-only’ vaccine clinics risk not receiving additional shipments
State superintendent announces plan to vaccinate Washington educators
Over 10,000 vaccinated in first week at state’s new sites
Local doctor urges African Americans, other skeptics to get COVID-19 vaccine
Emergency vaccination clinics open overnight to keep doses from going to waste
More contagious U.K. COVID-19 variant strain found in King County
Clash over changing police deadly force rules
KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Attempted takeover of Olympia hotel by homeless activists ends in arrests
Seattle Fire Dept. teams vaccinate 400 high-risk grocery store workers
Restaurant owners in Region 1 frustrated as other areas move to reopen
U.K. COVID-19 variant now in every county of Puget Sound region
Group of maskless protesters invades 2 Kennewick stores
KNKX FM
Washington Legislature sees record diversity as majority Democrats pledge focus on equity (Nobles, Nguyen, Jinkins)
KUOW FM
WA’S PLAN TO VACCINATE TEACHERS, REOPEN SCHOOLS GETS MIXED REVIEWS
10 Senate Republicans Outline $600B Counteroffer To Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Bill
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
Did Closing Schools Save Lives Or Cost Lives? The Debate Continues
CDC Issues Sweeping New Mask Mandate For U.S. Travelers, Extends Eviction Moratorium
Johnson & Johnson Executive Says Vaccine Works Where It Counts: Preventing Deaths
Pipe Bombs Believed To Have Been Placed Night Before Attack On U.S. Capitol
Coronavirus FAQ: I’m Using UV Light To Disinfect Stuff. Is That A Good Idea?
Biden Won’t Reverse All Of Trump’s Foreign Policy. Here’s What He’ll Keep
Fauci, Other Biden COVID-19 Advisers Tout ‘Really Encouraging’ Vaccine News
With Biden Team Focused On Other Crises, Experts Say Drug Epidemic Is Exploding
‘Sea Prison’: COVID-19 Has Left Hundreds Of Thousands Of Seafarers Stranded
A freezer breaks, and a mad scramble ensues to vaccinate hundreds of Seattleites overnight
NW Public Radio
Playing Favorites? Hospital Boards And Donors, Some In Washington, Get Vaccine Priority Offer
‘This Is War’: Inside The Secret Chat Where Extremists Devised Their Plans After U.S. Capitol Attack
Q13 TV (Fox)
COVID-19 vaccine info: Where to get vaccinated in Washington state
Brandi Kruse: Republicans finally found agreement with Inslee
Washington state auditor’s office breached in software ‘security incident’
Washington business owners prepare for big changes under Phase 2
Web
Crosscut
Uber, Lyft would need to cut emissions under WA state plan
MyNorthwest
Unemployment bill passes House, headed to governor’s desk (Ortiz-Self)
Sequim residents question mayor about his support of QAnon
Criticism of Washington’s Phase 2 includes unpredictability, inaccurate metrics
COVID-19 updates: Getting the COVID-19 vaccine ‘doesn’t mean you are invincible’
7 taken into custody during Olympia hotel sweep of group demanding pandemic housing
Three mass vaccination sites in Snohomish County temporarily closed for lack of doses
Seattle P.I.
As two Washington regions move to Phase 2, here is where every region stands
Slog
Duchin: “We’re Skating Forward into Phase 2 and Not Knowing How Thick the Ice Is”
Boeing’s $20 Billion Buyback Scheme Should Count As the Company’s Largest Net Loss