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Thursday, March 24

New Washington gun laws crack down on high-capacity ammo magazines, tighten open-carry rules
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a package of bills Wednesday tightening the state’s gun laws, including a measure that bans the manufacture, distribution and sale of firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Washington joins nine other states, including California and New Jersey, that restrict magazine capacity size. “We are not willing to accept gun violence as a normal part of life in the state of Washington,” Inslee, a Democrat, said at a news conference in the Capitol’s state reception room, where he was surrounded by lawmakers and other supporters of the new laws. Continue reading at The Kitsap Sun. (Ted S. Warren)

Trouble in the flower fields as workers strike just before Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Rosa Martinez held up a sign over her head Wednesday that read “huelga” — Spanish for “strike” — with hands covered in clusters of sores she says were caused by the caustic liquid daffodils release when cut. Martinez said she and other field workers are left to buy their own medical-grade disposable gloves, which can cost $30 a box, and are only provided a small container of ointment the size of a ketchup packet to treat sores upon request. That and several other complaints prompted Martinez and more than 70 other farmworkers employed by Washington Bulb Co. in Mount Vernon to walk off the job Wednesday morning. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Steve Ringman)

Report: Over half of U.S. waters are too polluted to swim or fish
Back in 1972, U.S. legislators passed the Clean Water Act with a 10-year goal: Make it safe for people to fish and swim in the nation’s waters. Fifty years later, around half of all lakes and rivers across the country that have been studied fail to meet that standard, according to a recent report by the Environmental Integrity Project, a D.C. watchdog and advocacy nonprofit. Instead, they’re classified as “impaired” — meaning that their fish are inedible, their water undrinkable, they’re unsafe for humans to swim in and inhospitable to aquatic life. Continue reading at High Country News.

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Associated Press
New Washington gun laws crack down on high-capacity ammo magazines, tighten open-carry rules (Senn)
Amazon fined by WA over risk of worker injury at warehouse
Officials investigate 2 deaths at Franklin County Jail

Bainbridge Island Review
‘Active shooter’ drills to be less scary for students (Walen)

Bellingham Herald
‘Not everything is perfect in the tulip fields.’ Skagit farmworkers go on strike
This humpback whale sighted in Bellingham Bay surprised experts
Whatcom County Council reconsiders decision on this Cherry Point beach access

Capital Press
High from hemp — states wrestle with chemically made THC
Washington tulip, daffodil farmworkers strike over wages, conditions
Odessa aquifer approved for NRCS watershed planning

Columbian
Washington State Department of Ecology levies $131K fine on Vancouver contractor
Opinion: In Our View: Congress must continue to fund COVID fight

The Daily News
Cowlitz County COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations may be flattening at low level
Preschool, kindergarten registration open in Kalama

Everett Herald
Neighbors air concerns on proposed psychiatric center near Stanwood
‘A milestone’: Law signed banning sales of large capacity ammo magazines (Berg, Liias)
Use of force in Marysville arrest prompts investigation
Editorial: Better access to public meetings a covid-era plus (Wicks)
Bloomberg Comment: Only way to live with covid is not to ignore it

High Country News
Report: Over half of U.S. waters are too polluted to swim or fish

The Inlander
With limited access, neighbors and WSDOT both worry about proposed homes near Highway 195

International Examiner
In leadership and legacy, Filipinas celebrate working women’s rights
Out of the door and onto the community’s doorstep Access granted: ICHS at the forefront of equity in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Issaquah Reporter
DelBene earmarks $1.5 million for regional community venue and emergency coordination center in Snoqualmie Valley

Kent Reporter
County wants input for plan to develop Cedar Hills Regional Landfill

News Tribune
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Officials identify armed man fatally shot by police near Tacoma Mall

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: BA.2 Accounts for Majority of Global Cases, W.H.O. Says
Is America’s Economy Entering a New Normal?
Biden Administration Prepares Sweeping Change to Asylum Process
Ukraine Live Updates: With Biden in Europe to Rally Allies, U.S. Vows to Take In 100,000 Refugees
E.U. Takes Aim at Big Tech’s Power With Landmark Digital Act
Mandatory Meetings Reveal Amazon’s Approach to Resisting Unions

Olympian
Governor signs into law 3 new bills that put restrictions on guns in WA (Liias, Berry, Senn)
How will the new gun laws affect Washingtonians? Here are some of the basics
River Ridge High School in Lacey evacuated after bomb threat

Puget Sound Business Journal
Fiery rhetoric overshadows some progress in concrete strike
Seattle council member pushes plan to reinstate hiring bonuses for police
With projects stalled, Seattle-area governments eye developing their own concrete plants

Seattle Medium
Family of Manuel Ellis Reaches $4 Million Settlement In His Death
New Law Takes Effect To End ’Surprise’ Medical Bills
Comment: Women’s History Month Sees Historic Progress For Black Women In America

Seattle Times
Skagit Valley tulip, daffodil farmworkers on strike over working conditions and wages
Seattle’s Rep. Frank Chopp moves $2M from Regional Homelessness Authority to nonprofit he co-founded (Chopp)
WA Gov. Inslee signs new firearms regulations into law, including limits on sale of gun magazines (Liias, Senn)
King County pilots film plastic recycling program at 10 Seattle-area grocery stores

South Seattle Emerald
News Gleams: South end’s diverse cuisine, help for Ukraine, & more
Nepantla cultural arts gallery features comics art show by Chicano artists
Opinion: Impact of cruises on Puget Sound waterways and beyond

Tri-City Herald
After 2 years West Richland’s newest elementary school gets a name of its own

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
College Place City Council authorizes engineering of new drinking water well
Walla Walla firefighter in jail for alleged child molestation
Walla Walla Fairgrounds board hopes to hoist rodeo viewers

Washington Post
U.S. to accept 100,000 refugees; emergency talks bring new sanctions
Russia could have lost as many as 15,000 troops in Ukraine war, NATO official estimates
American Bar Association says Jackson is ‘A-plus’ on final day of confirmation hearings
Prosecutor who resigned over stalled Trump probe says ex-president committed felonies
Nearly 75% of U.S. counties lost population last year as deaths outnumbered births, data shows
Ukraine’s Zelensky calls for global protest marking one month of war
What climate change will mean for your home

Yakima Herald-Republic
Tri-City Herald: Q&A: How will the new gun laws affect Washingtonians?
Federal lawmakers secure funds for nursing program in Yakima, other local projects
Talks continue about regional crime resource center for Yakima area
Yakima County sheriff, police chiefs say more suspects will elude arrest as bill fails

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
More Starbucks across the country deciding to unionize
Russia attacks Ukraine: US to welcome up to 100K Ukrainians
Omicron subvariant found in 25% of cases tested at UW lab
Gov. Jay Inslee signs three gun safety bills into law
Former Boeing test pilot found not guilty of deceiving FAA

KNKX Public Radio
Inslee signs trio of gun bills, including ban on sale of ‘high-capacity’ gun magazines (Berry, Senn)
Madeleine Albright, the first woman to become U.S. secretary of state, has died
Highest-ranking transgender official Rachel Levine visits Seattle Children’s gender clinic

KUOW Public Radio
Washington state has a pickle of a sport: Today So Far
GOP questions for Jackson in her hearings were about midterm messaging – 4 takeaways
When 2 coronavirus variants meet inside 1 person, a Frankenstein hybrid can be born
Idaho prepares to ban most abortions in the state as governor signs Texas-style law

NW Public Radio
Concerns Over Latino Ballots Being Rejected In Washington State Elections
WA Gov. Inslee Signs Gun Bills Into Law (Berry, Senn)
The Fight For Legacy Forests: Part Two – Why & How DNR Manages Forest Land

Q13 TV (FOX)
‘Nobody should be asked to pay back one cent,’ advocates fight for blanket waiver on ESD overpayments

Web

Crosscut
WA entomologist proposes giving invasive hornet a less-offensive name
Stay or leave: WA families reflect on attending public schools
A new podcast on how the pandemic transformed public education in WA

MyNorthwest
Washington Sen. Murray says Idaho abortion ban is ‘cruel, dangerous’
Seattle council looks to bring back SPD hiring incentive program
Farm workers strike one week before Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Seattle gets warmest day in over five months, with chance to repeat over weekend
Omicron subvariant goes from 7% to 25% of local cases within a week
Employers deny claims of collusion, price-fixing as Seattle-area concrete strike nears fifth month
Seattle Pride cuts ties with Amazon over company’s political contributions
Seattle police chief lays out plan for hitting ‘reset,’ but questions remain
UW expert: ‘Really disappointed’ to see free COVID testing end for uninsured
City of Seattle held ‘scheduled RV Remediation clean’ in Ballard, RVs remain
With construction delayed over Teamsters’ strike, King County wants to supply its own concrete

West Seattle Blog
2 years without the West Seattle Bridge: More Q&A about what’s next, including low bridge’s future
FOLLOWUP: SDOT cancels 16th/Austin reconfiguration plan

Wednesday, March 23

Manuel Ellis’ family to receive $4M from Pierce County in wrongful death settlement
Pierce County agreed Tuesday to pay $4 million to settle part of a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Manual Ellis, who died in Tacoma police custody two years ago. The Pierce County Council unanimously approved the settlement. “No monetary value will ever compensate for the loss or heartache Mr. Ellis’ family and loved ones experienced over the last two years. Nor will it stop the Ellis family or community from grieving his death,” a council statement following the vote said. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

For immunocompromised people in WA, return to ‘normal’ threatens mental and physical health
As public safety measures against the coronavirus fade into the rearview mirror — Washington’s mask mandate has ended in most locations and, in general, proof of vaccination is no longer required to eat in restaurants or attend crowded events — many people like [Maia] Williams are receding even further into lives of solitude. Around age 3 or 4, Williams was diagnosed with a condition called common variable immune deficiency, a grab-bag term for a number of immune problems. Williams, who has worked from home for the past two years, says she’s living proof of the price of returning to pre-pandemic life. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Alan Berner)

Seattle Starbucks unionizes in coffee giant’s home city
Baristas and other employees at a Seattle Starbucks have voted to unionize, the first such vote in the city where Starbucks originated and the latest in a nationwide push to organize the coffee shop chain. The unanimous vote announced Tuesday by the National Labor Relations Board is also an especially symbolic win as Howard Schultz returns as interim chief executive officer, The Seattle Times reported. The store in the Capitol Hill neighborhood will become the seventh in the country where employees have voted in favor of unionizing with Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)

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Associated Press
Seattle Starbucks unionizes in coffee giant’s home city

Auburn Reporter
New law targets active shooter lockdown drills in Washington schools (Walen)

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom ready to close this COVID isolation and quarantine facility

Capital Press
Senate panel passes shipping bill to aid farm exports
Federal judge redraws map for managing wolves
West Coast winegrowers move toward ‘no-touch’ mechanized vineyards

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: States’ promotion of vigilantism is divisive

The Daily News
Third fentanyl pill bust in two months in Longview leads to arrest
Herrera Beutler visits Kelso business after helping obtain a Small Business Administration loan
County commissioners approve additional state funds for developmental disability services

Everett Herald
In Oso, lost neighbors always ‘in our hearts — never forgotten”
Finally, Snohomish County’s COVID case rate in double digits
A new Marysville superintendent, and a lot of hope for the future
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: Obamacare is boosting economic health of states
WaPo Comment: Why it’s a good idea to stock up on masks, tests

News Tribune
WA pot shops robberies have turned deadly. It will keep happening until Congress acts
Manuel Ellis’ family to receive $4M from Pierce County in wrongful death settlement

Olympian
Space-constrained Thurston Public Defense department eager to move to new site
Six more Thurston County residents killed by COVID-19 as cases continue to fall

Peninsula Daily News
State Highway 112 reopens to two-way traffic
One case of BA.2 found on Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
Capitol Hill Starbucks becomes first in Seattle to OK union vote
Seattle Pride says it turned down $100K sponsorship from Amazon

Seattle Medium
Black Future Co-op Fund Grants $1.05M To 21 Black-woman-led Organizations (Nobles)
Small Business Owners Targeted By Scams Requesting Payment For Certificates, Posters
High School Students In Olympia Fighting Against Racism, Sexual Harassment
Uber, Lyft Drivers To Receive Minimum Pay
EV Charging Station At Morgan Junction
Parents And Students Continue To Grapple With School Masking Policies

Seattle Times
For immunocompromised people in WA, return to ‘normal’ threatens mental and physical health
New data shows remote work surges, transit use collapses among workers in downtown Seattle
Seattle temperatures top 60 degrees for first time in 127 days. More warm weather is ahead
Initiative aimed at Southcenter could raise minimum wage in Tukwila to match SeaTac, Seattle
‘A deep inner meaning’: Seattle returns ancient artifacts to Upper Skagit tribe
Washington state may extend a pandemic graduation waiver program until 2024
Workers at a Seattle Starbucks vote to unionize, hoping to send a signal of change to the food-service industry
Editorial: Deadly pot-shop robberies are a byproduct of federal inaction

South Seattle Emerald
Local communities consider history in attempt to understand gun violence
Opinion: Seattle raging grannies sing, ‘war is not the answer’

Tri-City Herald
Tearing out lower Snake River dams gaining support in D.C. and WA state

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla attorney appointed to President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Omicron’s subvariant found in 25% of cases tested at UW virology lab

Washington Post
Supreme Court nominee Jackson faces more questions on sentencing, precedent
NATO will deploy more battle groups to eastern flank; Biden en route to Europe
Moderna says its coronavirus vaccine for young children is safe, but efficacy is a more complicated picture

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
SDOT posting ‘driver report card’ signs at crosswalks
Troopers report “dangerous trend” of rising drive-by shootings on highways
VOTE: WSDOT narrows down names for its 4th tow plow to 16 choices
Three-day weekends for officers? New changes in the works for Seattle Police
Seattle Starbucks store votes to unionize, becomes first on West Coast
With construction delayed over Teamsters’ strike, King County wants to supply its own concrete
Seattle Pride drops Amazon as sponsor for 2022 parade
Tacoma business burglarized 4 times in 8 weeks
Part of Seattle tenant protection law struck down by court
Black law students rally in DC for Judge Jackson’s historic hearing

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle is reemerging, slowly: Today So Far
Pandemic updates: ‘Stealth’ Omicron is 1/4 of Covid tests at UW Medicine
50 years ago sex equality seemed destined for the Constitution. What happened?

NW Public Radio
Revised Book About History Of Chinese Immigrants In Washington State To Be Published This Week

Web

MyNorthwest
Seattle Starbucks location votes to become first on West Coast to unionize
City of Seattle held ‘scheduled RV Remediation clean’ in Ballard, RVs remain
With construction delayed over Teamsters’ strike, King County wants to supply its own concrete
Data from Seattle HOPE Team finds that referrals lead to shelter placement in only half of all cases
New initiative backed by conservative donors takes aim at Washington capital gains tax

The Stranger
SPD’s Strategic Plan Is Basically a Bulleted List With 25 Photos of Smiling Cops

West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: New idea for averting future concrete crises – have public entities make their own

Tuesday, March 22

Local law-enforcement agencies to receive funding to expand storage of sexual-assault kits
More than a dozen Seattle-area police departments will receive funding for cold-storage units to preserve evidence of sexual assaults, according to Attorney General Bob Ferguson. “More storage means more evidence can be tested, and more crimes can be solved,” Ferguson said in a news release announcing the funding. “These resources will bring justice to survivors.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Steve Ringman)

A foster system paradox: Parents billed for care of their children
In the vast majority of cases where children are removed from their homes and taken into foster care, family poverty is a big factor. It could be a refrigerator without food or an apartment without electricity. Yet for nearly four decades, parents struggling with this level of need have been billed for their children’s care and obligated to pay the state — even when they have no income. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Grant Hindsley)

Tuesday marks 8 years since 43 killed in Oso landslide
Tuesday marks eight years since the Oso landslide was triggered in Snohomish County. At 10:37 a.m. on March 22, 2014, the once forested hillside above Oso collapsed without warning in a massive landslide, destroying the Steelhead neighborhood and killing 43 people. Dozens of homes were wiped out when mud, rocks, trees and debris roared down a hillside above the north fork of the Stillaguamish River. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

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Associated Press
High court rejects case of Seattle Christian Group, bisexual lawyer

Auburn Reporter
‘ForWArd’ plan details how state will ‘coexist’ with COVID

Bellevue Reporter
Bellevue city leaders celebrate transportation infrastructure funding from state legislature (Kuderer, Wellman, Slatter, Walen, Thai, Senn)
King County Council approves program intended to help fight displacement, promote equity among historically disadvantaged groups

Bellingham Herald
See how Whatcom County gas prices rocketed on this interactive chart
Tribal members, community offer prayer and cedar for the return of orca
As Whatcom remembers 2-year anniversary of first COVID-related death, state reports 5 more

Columbian
Interstate Bridge Replacement Program aims to bridge equity gap
Opinion: In Our View: Equity vital in Interstate 5 Bridge replacement
Opinion: Cheers & Jeers: School support; charity scams (Stonier)

The Daily News
Local driver’s petition for better DoorDash pay reaches 36,000 signatures
Cowlitz County law enforcement receive $4K in state funds to store rape kits

Everett Herald
Everett School District opens new ‘Family Resource Center’
Editorial: Needed fixes made for long-term care program

News Tribune
Pierce County Council to consider $4M settlement in Manuel Ellis wrongful death lawsuit
City of Tacoma to remove homeless encampments along stretch of J Street on Tuesday
This new $4 million park in Pierce County has a barn play area with a tractor, swings

New York Times
Ukraine Live Updates: Russia Advances Crackdown on Dissent as Progress Stalls in Ukraine
Supreme Court Live Updates: Senators Question Ketanji Brown Jackson
Bucking Republican Trend, Indiana Governor Vetoes Transgender Sports Bill
Jackson emphatically rejects allegations that she has been lenient on child sex abuse defendants.
The S.E.C. moves closer to enacting a sweeping climate disclosure rule.

Olympian
Washington state is home to 5 threatening volcanoes. Here’s what to know about them
JBLM job fair set for Wednesday open to transitioning military, vets, spouses and kids
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County considers dwelling changes
Jefferson County mulling housing dollars

Port Townsend Leader
Judge dismisses lawsuit over mask and proof-of-vax mandates

Puget Sound Business Journal
State appeals court strikes down a Seattle pandemic rule on evictions
Amazon hit with fine over ‘willful’ safety violations at Kent warehouse
Life sciences, biotech research draw big bucks to Washington
Retiring Visit Seattle CEO expects tourism and city will bounce back
SEC unveils new climate disclosure rule for businesses
An ex-Google employee has sued the tech giant, accusing it of systematically discriminating against its Black workers
Judge tosses D.C.’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon

Seattle Times
As armed robbers hit WA marijuana shops, owners say there’s a simple solution
Watch that intersection! Driver ‘report card’ signs going up around Seattle
Court strikes down part of Seattle law meant to help tenants avoid eviction
Is homelessness a housing problem? Two Seattle experts make their case in new book
Why Ukrainian refugees prefer resettling in Washington state
Local law-enforcement agencies to receive funding to expand storage of sexual-assault kits
Pierce County to pay $4M to family of man killed by Tacoma PD while deputies watched
U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission’s anti-LGBTQ+ hiring policies case
Editorial: Unify sexual-misconduct response at WA universities

South Seattle Emerald
Union Security Officers Rally for Respect
Violence is a public health issue, but the biggest epidemic in this country isn’t Covid-19…
Opinion: 911! We Must Act Quickly to Save our Beloved Community

Tri-City Herald
Longtime Hanford chief is leaving. That means changes for 2 contractors with 4,100 workers
Here’s how a $6.5M renovation will transform the aging MLK Jr. Center in Pasco
Ethics officer dismisses complaints by ex-city leaders against Kennewick council members

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Spring job fair to be held April 6 in downtown Walla Walla

Washington Post
Russian forces are now shelling Mariupol from the sea

Yakima Herald-Republic
Agriculture education continues to grow in Yakima Valley with new programs for students
Two Yakima Valley efforts collect financial support and supplies for Ukraine
Irrigation season begins April 1 for Yakima customers

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Former skating coaches say they faced retaliation after reporting coach for sexual abuse
Tuesday marks 8 years since 43 killed in Oso landslide
$4M settlement reached with family of Manuel Ellis
How one man racked up dozens of parking tickets for a license plate he didn’t even have yet
Workers at Seattle Starbucks store set to vote on unionization
World Vision CEO speaks with KIRO 7 after dangerous trip to Ukraine border

KNKX Public Radio
Pierce County agrees to $4M settlement with Manuel Ellis’ family, pending council vote
Pickleball develops pros, prizes, new facilities as it’s designated Washington’s state sport (Lovick)
Special group of gray whales shows up earlier than ever in Puget Sound

KUOW Public Radio
A third of trans youth are at risk of losing gender-affirming care, study says
The U.S. warns companies to stay on guard for possible Russian cyberattacks
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings: What happened Monday

NW Public Radio
New Lawsuit Challenges WA District 15 Redistricting – With A Twist
Pickleball To Be Designated Washington State’s Official Sport (Lovick)
Eastern Washington Prisons Dealing With COVID Outbreak
No Washington Spring Black Bear Hunt In 2022
County Election Auditor Battles Ongoing Accusations Of Voting Fraud

Web

Crosscut
A foster system paradox: Parents billed for care of their children
Words matter when recounting WWII treatment of Japanese Americans
Seattle voters could pay an added tax to speed up light rail buildout

MyNorthwest
Pierce County agrees to $4 million settlement with family of Manuel Ellis
Remembering the Oso landslide, eight years later
Washington State Court of Appeals rules against portions of Seattle’s eviction moratorium
Auburn Food Bank offers help to local families amid recent rise in gas prices
Chinese airliner crashes with 132 aboard in country’s south

The Stranger
KOMO Journalist Blasts Out Proud Boys Propaganda — UPDATE: He’s Out
Seattle Students Demand Masks in Class

West Seattle Blog
Another electric-vehicle charging station proposed for West Seattle
NEW SIGNS: SDOT starts citywide stop-for-pedestrians campaign with signage in West Seattle
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: First the catalytic converter, then the entire truck

Monday, March 21

As omicron’s BA.2 subvariant pushes up cases globally, here’s what it looks like in WA
While omicron’s subvariant known as BA.2 races through Western Europe and prompts new spikes in cases, COVID-19 trends remain on the decline in Washington state, which has recorded a fairly slow spread of the variant so far. But some local researchers are questioning what its long-term impact could be in the United States and are predicting it could overtake the initial omicron variant in the coming months. BA.2 first emerged in the U.K. last December and over the past few months has spread throughout Europe. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

Electric vehicle sales have surged in Washington state. But gas cars still dominate
Sales of electric vehicles are accelerating, even as the climate-friendly cars remain a rarity on Washington roads. One in nine cars sold in King County in 2021 runs on electricity, more than twice the market share electric vehicles have achieved nationwide, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. EVs made up 11.7% of new car sales in King County, 7.8% in Washington, and 4.4% nationwide in 2021. Still, electric vehicles, including “plug-in hybrids” that can run on either battery power or gasoline, were just 1.3% of all passenger vehicles on Washington roads and 0.8% of vehicles nationwide in 2021. Continue reading at KUOW. (Michael Marais)

Nearly 2 years after the border closure, Canada announces it’s dropping testing requirement
One day before the two-year anniversary of Canada and the U.S. agreeing to close their land border due the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic, Canada announced that it soon will make crossing the border from Whatcom County easier than it’s been in the past two years, at least if you’re fully vaccinated. Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada will not be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test, Canadian Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced in a virtual briefing Thursday, March 17. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

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Associated Press
Seattle to return nearly 300 artifacts to Upper Skagit Tribe

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham adds $1 million for child care, as these efforts to expand access continue
Study shows Bellingham owns one of the worst ratios of minority-owned businesses in nation
Whatcom maintains ‘low’ COVID ranking from CDC, as one region’s infection rate drops to 6
Port of Bellingham has more details on waterfront redevelopment. Here’s an update
Nearly 2 years after the border closure, Canada announces it’s dropping testing requirement

Capital Press
USDA to subsidize farm exports at Seattle port
Poultry farmers urged to take precautions against avian influenza

The Daily News
Kelso woman transforms after prison, Lower Columbia College graduation with help of Students in Need fundraiser
Port of Longview rail expansion receives $2.5 million in federal funding
New bills targeting methane emissions will affect Headquarters Landfill after rulemaking

Everett Herald
State funds to bridge the gap for Marysville rail crossings
Lawsuit: Everett hospital hid ‘charity care’ in the fine print
Mukilteo-Clinton ferry a high priority for restored service (Paul)
Once a rarity, remote government meetings appear here to stay (Wicks)
In Mukilteo, mayor-council friction over diversity appointees
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Comment: U.S. affordable housing crisis only getting worse
Comment: State, others take tree-to-sea path to saving salmon
Comment: Infrastructure work key to state’s rural communities
Bloomberg Comment: What Senate’s time change vote says about Congress
Bloomberg Comment: Biden’s new covid chief just what the doctor ordered
WaPo Comment: Science, health won’t settle the switch in time
Editorial: Hobbs looks to build on past election chief’s work
Letter: Don’t build local highway projects only for what we need now
Letter: Edmonds schools dual-language program has it right
Letter: Gov. Inslee’s covid mandates worked to save lives
Letter: Those who vaccinated, wore masks have done well. Thanks.

High Country News
Sea Potential works to empower people of color in marine sciences

International Examiner
Trafficking and violence survivors from marginalized communities face challenges with remote services, due to pandemic

News Tribune
New mapping shows I-5 through Lakewood could be inundated by flooding of Clover Creek
From broken windows to homicide: How to understand what ails Tacoma, and then fix it
Doctors finding hurdles to using pills to treat COVID-19

New York Times
Supreme Court Live Updates: Confirmation Hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson Begin
Some U.S. states are reducing daily reporting of coronavirus data, raising fears of blind spots.
With Inflation Surging, Biden Targets Ocean Shipping

North American Post
The Seattle Uwajimaya Parking Lot
Three-Part Origin of the Japanese People

Olympian
2 Olympia police chief finalists have been named in workplace, discrimination lawsuits
Is planned resort near Mount Rainier back from the dead? A judge raises new questions
Lacey contractor failed to pay workers for overtime, federal investigators say
Thurston County Chamber board supports North Thurston’s balanced calendar proposal
Here’s what local leaders have to say about turning Capitol Lake back into an estuary

Peninsula Daily News
‘We need to be able to tailor our support’: Chronic homelessness in King County
Berry: Case rates down now
County to consider ARPA funding for Habitat for Humanity
Food Coop to participate in SNAP Produce Match Program
More work slated on Lincoln Street in Port Angeles
Port Angeles seeks volunteers for Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Sequim seeks volunteers for newly formed Salary Commission

Puget Sound Business Journal
Two years later: College presidents reflect on how the pandemic changed higher education
Affordable housing experts highlight need for collaborative efforts
Facilities to care for Seattle’s most vulnerable face funding shortage
As the Great Resignation rolls on, companies are investing more in training
Kent company’s role in Ukraine aid efforts highlights aerospace labor challenges

Seattle Medium
Why Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing Is Significant
Judge Jackson’s Supreme Court Hearings Set As Support Grows For Confirmation
VP Kamala Harris Announces Grants To Help HBCUs With Bomb Threats
Governor Signs Bill Addressing Diaper Need (Nobles)
City Announces Open Enrollment And Expansion Of Seattle Preschool Program
Op-Ed: Pay Inequity – The Past Is Prologue

Seattle Times
As omicron’s BA.2 subvariant pushes up cases globally, here’s what it looks like in WA
Warmest days of the year so far on the way for Seattle area
Column: Electric vehicles shouldn’t be just for rich folks (Fitzgibbon)
Afghan refugee children, arriving in the Seattle area after the fall of Kabul, start school
The higher cost of driving lands heavily for those scraping by in the Seattle area
Downtown Seattle’s crime and inequity issues can get better, but a key ingredient is missing, officials say
Seattle city attorney’s plan for repeat offenders is ‘tired’ and destabilizing, public defender says
Family of Black man killed by police during 2019 Vancouver traffic stop files wrongful-death lawsuit
Opinion: The future of work is hybrid, seamless and inclusive

Snoqualmie Valley Record
State provides funds for SR 18, Snoqualmie Parkway, police mental health officer

South Seattle Emerald
‘Beloved’ Campaign Combats Gun Violence With Activism, Art — And Love For Community
Opinion: Dear Beloved – A Love Letter To Seattle’s Black Community
Opinion: How Do You Support Someone Who’s Having An Abortion?

Spokesman Review
Hearing opens for Jackson, first Black female nominee for U.S. Supreme Court
Racism deemed a public health issue in Washington, state public health association declares
Idaho could make getting an abortion harder, and Washington is preparing for more patients
State budget includes ‘significant investment’ in housing, homelessness
Spokane Valley’s massive Barker Road project gets a $3 million assist from Patty Murray

Tri-City Herald
More Tri-Cities COVID deaths reported, but they may finally be on the decline
70-year history of baby deliveries at downtown Kennewick hospital ends this month
Contractor at massive Hanford nuclear waste project rated ‘good,’ paid almost $6M
Fake Amazon job listings for the Tri-Cities area. They’re not what you think
Tri-Cities first Latina Superior Court judge ready to ‘step up’
Franklin County voting rights trial gets delayed past 1-year deadline
Advances in renewable energy are being made in the Tri-Cities by PNNL scientists
PNNL’s HydroPASSAGE: Advancing hydropower for fish and industry
Disrupted sleep studied during coronavirus pandemic

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Some employees, customers in Walla Walla opt to keep wearing masks after mandate lifts
Walla Walla County redistricting draws unexpected attention, calls for public input
Police Capt. Chris Buttice named next Walla Walla police chief
Walla Walla-area railroad crossings slotted for improvement
More details in Eagles shooting emerge as officials explain Walla Walla officer’s clearing
Walla Walla County considers speed limit changes on Taumarson Road, Prospect Avenue and Reser Road
Walla Walla to consider moratorium on redevelopment of manufactured home parks
Commission recommendations could reduce VA health services in Walla Walla

Washington Post
Democrats hail Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination; Republicans promise to probe philosophy
Ukraine rejects call to surrender Mariupol; 8 killed in Kyiv mall strike
The SEC proposed a landmark climate disclosure rule. Here’s what to know.
Justice Clarence Thomas hospitalized with infection; Supreme Court says he’ll miss some oral arguments this week

Yakima Herald-Republic
Toppenish homeless encampment uprooted, flea market displaced in wake of landowner’s death
New list of missing Indigenous people in Washington includes Montana woman last seen in Kennewick
New lawsuit over Yakima Valley voting boundaries alleges racial gerrymandering
Selah School District names six candidates in superintendent search
Yakima Council considers adding third Latino-majority voting district

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Celebration of life planned for fallen Pierce County Deputy Dom Calata
Poulsbo to pay $2M to settle police killing lawsuit
China Eastern plane crash: Boeing 737 airliner with 132 aboard plunged from 29,000 feet
Seattle marchers calling for no-fly zone in Ukraine
State treasurer urging Congress to pass ‘Safe Banking Act’
Oso landslide memorial construction to start

KNKX Public Radio
Watch Live: Senate holds confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson

KUOW Public Radio
Electric Vehicle Sales Have Surged in Washington State. But Gas Cars Still Dominate
Pandemic updates: Students, teachers protest end of mask mandate
Ukrainian officials say Russia has bombed a school with 400 people sheltering inside
The U.S. may force companies to disclose climate risks, marking a historic change
Week in Review: Atomic weapons, masks, and Daylight Saving Time

NW Public Radio
Salmon Release In Hangman Creek ‘a great thing’ For Coeur d’Alene Tribe
Hangman Creek ‘a great thing’ For Coeur d’Alene Tribe
Renewed Violence Against Women Act Helps More Groups
Coronavirus Subvariant Detected In Washington State

Web

Crosscut
WA courts Hollywood with new movie studio and film tax incentive
Rural Jefferson County is building its own broadband network

MyNorthwest
Union push among Starbucks workers an ‘evolving backdrop’ of ‘uncertainty,’ says retiring CEO
Washington prepares for ‘influx of patients from Idaho’ after strengthening abortion protections
Seattle students plan Monday walkout over lifting of mask mandate in schools
‘We’re so far behind on this’: Seattle council looks to catch up on affordable housing data
New King County project gives more options for recycling soft plastics
Handful of police reform rollback bills take effect in Washington, others fall short
As permanent Daylight Saving Time bill advances, should Washington push for Standard Time instead?
Seattle-area gas prices begin to tick down after peaking early in week
Boeing builds launch vehicle for mission to land first woman on the moon
Sound Transit mulls aggressive fare enforcement with revenue forecasts in ‘wrong direction’
Washington enacts limits on how schools can conduct active shooter drills
Tips to save on gas as prices get worse before they get better
Canadian border will no longer require tests for vaccinated travelers
Some Seattle-area concrete drivers return to work, others await go-ahead from employer
Pierce County Sheriff’s deputy dead after being shot Tuesday in Spanaway
With mask mandate in rear-view, state plots course for future of COVID response

The Stranger
Downtown Seattle Association Hosts Group Therapy Session for the City’s Rich and Powerful
First Their Home Burned Down. Then Came the Contracts

Friday, March 18

‘ForWArd’ plan details how state will ‘coexist’ with COVID
State officials have a new, long-term game plan as Washington transitions to a phase of the pandemic that feels more normal. A roadmap released Thursday, formally titled ForWArd, plots out how the state wants to prevent, monitor and react to any future waves of infection. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file)

WA must stand ready as abortion rights fall under siege in states near and far
It’s like a scene out of a movie. Activists and volunteers ferry a group across the border, organizing transportation and offering them shelter, while the travelers — some coming from 1,000 miles away and risking legal peril back home — await to get medical attention. This is not some far off dystopian future. This could be America if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade this summer, making safe, legal abortion no longer a constitutional right across the nation. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman, File)

Lummi matriarchs say healing the Salish Sea begins with bringing home their orca relation
Sacred Sea, led by enrolled Lummi Tribal members Raynell Morris and Ellie Kinley, continues to advocate for the repatriation of the orca Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut from her concrete tank in the Miami sun back to her cool, dark home waters of the Salish Sea. “Now that she’s not performing three times a day, not having to do tricks for food, she can get the best care and be her best self,” said Morris, vice president of the Sacred Lands Conservancy known as Sacred Sea. Continue reading at Bellingham Herald. (Miami Herald)