Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Thursday, March 17

WA state health officials preview their plan for moving forward with life with COVID
Washington state health officials so far are not worried about the current surge of Omicron subvariant cases overseas, but say they are closely monitoring through various means to detect when and if such a strain takes off here. In a Wednesday news briefing, officials with the state Department of Health told reporters that the state’s WA Forward plan will be released Thursday as a blueprint for next steps in living with COVID-19 as the last surge dwindles. Continue reading at The Olympian.

WA, Canada agree to address flooding near NW border
U.S. and Canadian government leaders have agreed to work together to address flooding near the northwest Washington border with Canada on the Nooksack River. The Bellingham Herald reports in a joint statement issued Tuesday, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee and British Columbia Premier John Horgan pledged “to build a sustained and ongoing transboundary initiative to address Nooksack River flooding prevention and response.” Details will be disclosed this spring. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

War in Ukraine reveals familial rifts for some Washingtonians
As the world reevaluates its relationship with Russia, Eastern Europeans in Washington state are doing the same with friends and family swayed by Russia’s propaganda on the violent invasion of Ukraine. “It’s really hard for me to understand that they do believe their own state media and don’t believe the family,” said Liliya Askarova, 37, of Newcastle, calling it “the most heartbreaking experience.” Continue reading at Crosscut. (David Ryder)

Print

Associated Press
WA, Canada agree to address flooding near NW border

Bellingham Herald
Car theft numbers in Bellingham ‘staggering,’ as rate quadruples in first 2 months of 2022
Whatcom’s median home sale price is at an all-time high. See the sales chart here
Canada reportedly planning to drop pre-entry testing requirement at U.S. border
Five things to know about orca and how to help the endangered species

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Prosecuting sexual assaults must be priority (Orwall)

Everett Herald
In D.C., Tulalip Tribes laud revised Violence Against Women Act
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Editorial: Congress, let’s not do the time warp again; ever
Editorial: Extend the reprieve on student loan payments

Kent Reporter
House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan to retire from Legislature (Sullivan, Jinkins)

News Tribune
Pierce County deputy shot while serving warrant in Spanaway dies from his injuries
Pierce County pledges to end homelessness through regional office, $9 million
A ‘missed opportunity.’ How UWT design students would fix a mistake from Tacoma’s past
Man fleeing from Pierce County deputies causes fatal collision at intersection
8 Pierce County police agencies get grant money to store more sexual assault kits
Man dies in shooting involving Tacoma police near the Tacoma Mall

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Europe’s New Omicron Rise Could Be a Sign for the U.S.
Republicans Push Crackdown on Crime Wave That Doesn’t Exist: Voter Fraud

Olympian
State announces it is all but certain to recommend converting Capitol Lake to an estuary
Saint Martin’s University names first woman to be its next president
Ex-WA far-right Rep. in Poland with Ukrainian kids
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
WA House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan won’t seek re-election (Sullivan)
Capital City Proud Boys plan to rally on the Capitol Campus this weekend
WA state health officials preview their plan for moving forward with life with COVID

Peninsula Daily News
Two more COVID—19 deaths reported on Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
Jury awards over $150M to victims of 2019 South Lake Union crane collapse
SBA sets up ‘fraud council’ to combat PPP fraud, GAO says
Biden’s massive spending bill includes funding for affordable housing projects
Starbucks plans to phase out its single-use coffee cups

Seattle Medium
City Council Extends Free Street Dining Permit

Seattle Times
Developer says construction will start next month at long-vacant pit across from Seattle City Hall
Harrell postpones Seattle police plan to crack down on ‘disorderly conduct’ at Third Avenue bus stops
Pierce County deputy shot during SWAT operation dies
Questions over witnesses, bullet jewelry mar second day of King County’s new inquest process
Editorial: Thank you, state Sen. Reuven Carlyle, for being a model public servant (Carlyle)

Skagit Valley Herald
Nonprofit scores court victory in bid to protect Southern Resident orca whales
Next Skagit Valley College president announced

South Seattle Emerald
SPD — Armed robbery suspect shot & killed, watching for Covid-19, & more
Application period opens for newly expanded, affordable Seattle preschool program

Washington Post
As diplomats hint of progress in talks, Ukraine accuses Russia of bombing Mariupol theater
A covid surge in Western Europe has U.S. bracing for another wave
Fed raises interest rates modestly, plans seven rate hikes in total this year

Whidbey News-Times
Ferry system floats plan to restore service (Paul)

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council to keep talking about regional crime resource center proposal
Yakima Council OKs plan for RV parking, tiny homes at Camp Hope
Yakima State Fair Park COVID-19 testing site closing after March 29
Yakima area residents invited to talk about air quality on March 24
Yakima Valley child care providers say pandemic-related cost increases not covered by state aid

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Pierce County deputy dies after being shot by suspect during SWAT operation in Spanaway
Stanwood residents push back on center for involuntarily committed psychiatric patients
Washington health leaders look to prepare for possible next wave in COVID

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Community mourns life of deputy killed during SWAT operation
Police shoot, kill man near Tacoma Mall
Armed robbery suspect shot, killed in South Seattle standoff
Canada to drop COVID tests for vaccinated visitors: official
Starbucks founder Howard Schultz to return as interim CEO
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses Congress

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
SWAT officer dies after officer-involved shooting near Spanaway, other remains in hospital
Wash. state asks for input on proposed wolf-livestock conflict deterrence rule change

KUOW Public Radio
New Pot Tax Proposal on Seattle City Council’s Radar: Leaked Document
How likely is nuclear radiation to reach Washington?: Today So Far
Permanent Daylight Saving Time is bad for your health, says UW expert
Why misinformation is ‘sticky’ and sometimes easy to fall for

KXLY (ABC)
FBI possibly investigating SPS for unreported assaults in schools
‘Now is the time to move forward’: Washington Dept. of Health announcing plan for ‘co-existing’ with COVID-19

Q13 TV (FOX)
‘Somebody that always stepped up:’ Law enforcement officials remember SWAT deputy Dom Calata

Web

Crosscut
‘I’m not a token’: Seattle council president Debora Juarez opens up
War in Ukraine reveals familial rifts for some Washingtonians

The Stranger
What Will It Take to Get Statewide Housing Reform? (Bateman, Shewemake)

Wednesday, March 16

WA wants to capture the natural gas leaking from landfills
In the universe of global warming, carbon dioxide emissions tend to overshadow methane. Although methane is shorter-lived in the atmosphere, it is a much more potent source of greenhouse gases that cause global warming. “Methane stays in place for 10 years instead of 100 years, but it has 100 times the impact of carbon emissions,” state Rep. Davina Duerr, D-Bothell, said at a Jan. 10 hearing on her proposal, House Bill 1663. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Marcio Jose Sanchez)

More counselors, nurses for WA schools after Legislature increases funding
Over the next three years, Washington state is dedicating more than $600 million to help schools hire more counselors, nurses, social workers and psychologists. It was among the major wins this year for school funding advocates, who had been lobbying state lawmakers for years to improve a formula that provides school districts with the salary for just one school nurse for every 5,263 elementary school students. By 2025, that ratio will change to one nurse for every 684 students. Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

‘Spring forward’ no more? Senate passes bill to make daylight saving time permanent
Are you tired of gaining and then losing an hour of sleep each year because of daylight saving time? Apparently, so is the U.S. Senate. The Senate passed by unanimous consent the Sunshine Protection Act on Tuesday, a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent. It was introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ed Markey (D-MA) and had 16 other co-sponsors, including Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). Continue reading at KING 5.

Print

Associated Press
Senate approves bill to make daylight saving time permanent

Bellingham Herald
How expensive is it to live in Whatcom County? Two studies look at the data
Environmental nonprofit claims legal victory over Whatcom refinery, says it will help orca
As pandemic eases, Bellingham cracks down on RV encampments
Washington state, Canada agree to address border flooding in Whatcom County (Shewmake, Rule)
It’s not too late for disaster assistance in Whatcom after winter’s flooding

Capital Press
Washington Ecology charts rapid carbon cuts
Washington wheat farmer elected NAWG president

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Lawmakers should keep focus on health care (Stonier, Cody)

The Daily News
Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to hold telephone town hall March 22

Everett Herald
Highway 530 slide memorial to be a ‘beautiful place’
County and EvCC have deal to keep preschool open next year
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
How an outspoken Snohomish vigilante became a deputy — then was fired

International Examiner
In love and honor of all massage parlor workers

News Tribune
Toddler killed 3 months after being returned to parents by Child Protective Services
WA state troopers seeking witnesses to Puyallup collision that injured trooper
Man suspected of shooting 2 deputies had violent past, spent time in prison, records show
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers for Pierce County
At least 4 Pierce County deputies have been shot in the line of duty since 1978
Amazon could be your landlord. Tech giant joining housing market in these WA cities

New York Times
Ukraine Live Updates: Zelensky Implores Congress for More Weapons and Sanctions
Why the Fed Is Poised to Raise Interest Rates
A Groggy Senate Approves Making Daylight Saving Time Permanent

North American Post
Three-Part Origin of the Japanese People
Nobuko Miyamoto: Giving Voice to Asian American Stories – Part 2

Olympian
Reader Poll: Senate votes to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. How do you feel?
Pierce County deputy in ‘grave condition’ after SWAT arrest shooting; suspect is dead
2 Pierce County sheriff’s deputies shot on duty are fathers known for public service
Father of missing Washington 5-year-old girl pleads guilty to endangering her siblings
8 more Thurston County residents die of COVID-19 as mask mandate eases, cases fall
East Bay residents want to be included in discussion about helicopter pad proposal

Puget Sound Business Journal
Could higher gas prices have ripple effects for retailers, e-commerce leasing in industrial market?
NLRB contends Starbucks retaliated against pro-union workers
Concrete drivers still not back at work despite offer to return
Grocers renew call to end Covid-19 hazard pay in Seattle
SBA extends Covid-19 EIDL payment deferment. Here are the details.

Seattle Medium
County Council Approves Plan To Fight Displacement, Promote Equity And Social Justice
City Attorney’s Office Announces New Initiative To Address High Utilizers Of The Criminal Justice System

Seattle Times
Former WA Rep. Matt Shea, accused of domestic terrorism, working to secure adoptions for Ukrainian children in Poland
How omicron fueled an unprecedented wave of breakthrough infections in WA
Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson to retire in April
More counselors, nurses for WA schools after Legislature increases funding (Stonier)
No ‘ghost trucks’ for West Seattle Bridge concrete work
Opinion: Business, government can partner for equitable economic recovery

Skagit Valley Herald
Seattle City Light takes next step toward dam relicensing

South Seattle Emerald
City Attorney’s Initiative targets “high utilizers” of the criminal justice system

Tri-City Herald
Kennewick is out of space for industrial development. Court agrees city can expand
This Tri-Cities 9-year-old has raised nearly $1,000 to help Ukrainian refugees

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Valley health officials shifting to endemic COVID-19 response, changes to reporting

Washington Post
Zelensky urges Biden to be ‘leader of the world’ in address to Congress
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine see progress as Lavrov suggests ‘hope’ for a ‘compromise’
A year after the Atlanta shootings, Asian women live in fear: ‘How are we all going to stay safe?’
Biden administration designates Afghans for protected status, shielding them from deportation

Yakima Herald-Republic
Colleges and universities around Yakima update mask policies
Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital allows more visitors with COVID trends improving
Bus driver shortage causes Mt. Adams schools to go virtual Friday

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Suspect in Spanaway shooting that left 2 deputies injured had extensive criminal history
‘Spring forward’ no more? Senate passes bill to make daylight saving time permanent
Snohomish County steps in to save Early Learning Center amid shortage

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Two deputies shot in Spanaway, one in grave condition; suspect dead
Starbucks founder Howard Schultz to return as interim CEO
Final teen caught after violent escape from Snoqualmie detention center
Amazon to build affordable housing near transit stops

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New initiative identifies hundreds who have caused thousands of crimes in Seattle
Crown Hill businesses say crime coming from more than just homeless camp
Sex assault survivor from Seattle spearheads national effort to help survivors
Attorney general says Seattle company falsely marketed COVID-19 treatment

KUOW Public Radio
What Is Antarctic Ice Telling Us? This Uw Scientist Can Translate
Inquests into officer-involved shootings look very different now in King County
In timely but unexpected vote, U.S. Senate goes for permanent daylight saving time (Riccelli)
How clean energy could be good for your wallet as well as the environment
For these two WA Democrats, Ukraine conflict resets expectations for smaller military
Here comes the sun – but should it stay all year round?
Snoqualmie Tribe’s fight to hunt and gather. Now the Supreme Court will weigh in

KXLY (ABC)
‘It’s very important’: New bill aims to get more sexual assault nurse examiners trained in eastern Washington

NW Public Radio
U.S. Senate Votes To Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent (Riccelli)
MisinfoDay: How To Identify And Battle Misinformation
Newly Released Data Could Help Fish At Dams Around The World
WSU Researcher: One In Six Couples Have Different COVID Vaccination
New Weather Satellite Will Aid Western Forecasters

Web

Crosscut
WA wants to capture the natural gas leaking from landfills (Duerr, Fitzgibbon)
Nuclear war has long posed a particular threat to Washington state

MyNorthwest
Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson retiring, Howard Schultz to serve in interim role
All five Echo Glen escapees in custody after fifth apprehended Monday
Sound Transit considers competing proposals for West Seattle, Ballard Link extension
Some concrete deliveries set to resume Saturday despite union agreeing to immediate return
Two Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies shot in Spanaway; suspect dead
Washington’s wait for permanent Daylight Saving Time could be nearing end after Senate vote
Washington Food Industry Association calls on Seattle mayor to end hazard pay
Signs of relief for Washington drivers as increase in gas prices begins to slow
Jury awards $150 million to victims of 2019 Seattle crane collapse
Inquests into law enforcement-involved deaths resume in King County
Seattle police ask for help identifying man involved in killing teen downtown
Seattle City Attorney launches partnership to address prolific offenders
Seattle-area concrete delivery set to resume with some drivers cleared to work Tuesday
Local leaders weigh investigation into concrete suppliers over bid-rigging and collusion concerns
Report details path to repairing ‘erosion of trust’ between Seattle police, protesters

The Stranger
Here’s What Happened in Olympia (Bateman, Shewmake, Duerr, Peterson, Liias, Senn, Lekanoff, Van De Wege, Billig, Johnson, Bronoske, Thai, Sells, Riccelli, Berry, Randall, Chapman, Leavitt, Rule, Springer, Walen, Mullet, Ramel, Das, Sullivan, Dolan)
After Rolling Back COVID-19 Provisions, Council Unsure When It Will Roll Back Into Its Own Chambers

West Seattle Blog
LIBRARIES: More hours/days to be restored – here’s what’s planned at West Seattle branches
UKRAINE: Sisters organizing help from West Seattle
Seattle Preschool Program expanding in West Seattle
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Concrete followup; party-planning update

Tuesday, March 15

9 things state lawmakers did this session — and 1 they didn’t
State lawmakers concluded a sometimes contentious 2022 session Thursday night after a final day highlighted by passage of a record-setting supplemental state budget and a nearly $17 billion transportation package. With only minutes to spare, they wrapped up a 60-day session in which COVID’s enduring presence forced dozens of members to work virtually, as they did a year ago. But the pandemic didn’t slow lawmakers. They passed hundreds of bills. Most will soon be signed into law. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

Seattle police must rebuild trust with community, modify use of less-lethal weapons, report says
The Seattle Police Department must rebuild trust with the community, improve its communication with protesters and modify its use of less-lethal and chemical munitions in a crowd, according to the second in a series of detailed critiques of the department’s response to racial justice protests in downtown Seattle in 2020. Seattle’s Office of Inspector General for Public Safety on Monday released its second “Sentinel Event Review” report, examining the local demonstrations that arose after the May 25, 2020, murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Mixed emotions from parents, teachers and students as masks now optional in some schools
Students and staff at Seattle Public Schools now have the option of not wearing a mask for the first time in nearly two years. The district is among several — including Lake Washington, Issaquah and Bellevue — that are letting teachers and students decide whether or not they want to wear a mask at school. The new rules are bringing mixed emotions after there were more than 100 COVID-19 cases in the Seattle school district last week. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen and Hoquiam levee projects in line for nearly $10 million in federal funding

Auburn Reporter
Inquests into police shootings to resume in King County

Bainbridge Island Review
Oil owners will be liable for spills (Gregerson)

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom’s COVID infection rate drops below 100, but hospitalization rate slowly climbing
Not all rental prices in Bellingham are increasing, here’s where to look
With mask mandate over, Whatcom has reason to smile with lowest COVID rates since July

Capital Press
Washington Legislature passes $17 billion transportation plan (Liias)
9th Circuit rejects third lawsuit against barred owl removal experiment
La Nina hangs on, expected to stick through summer

Columbian
Clark County legislators saw success during session (Cleveland)
Opinion: In Our View: Well-informed public key to democracy

Everett Herald
How to weigh in on Everett light rail’s route and stations
School, but not police, punish Lake Stevens student over ‘racist’ post
Near Stanwood, neighbors oppose proposed psychiatric center
‘Great Resignation’: Many career shifts in Snohomish County
In Snohomish County, climate change is an economic game changer
Rough and rumbly section of Highway 9 set for emergency repairs
As masks come off, Snohomish County locals have mixed emotions
2 Superior Court judge positions added in Snohomish County
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
9 things state lawmakers did this session — and 1 they didn’t
Comment: Saunders: It’s ‘the People’s House’; time to reopen the Capitol
Comment: Local leaders key to American Rescue Plan’s success
Comment: More ‘sunshine’ can help trust in government thrive
Editorial: Give last captured Salish Sea orca shot to return
Editorial: Congress, let’s not do the time warp again; ever

The Facts Newspaper
Applications are open for the new Small Business Capital Access Program!
Transformational investments in transportation, housing, climate lead as Legislature adjourns 2022

Kitsap Sun
Legislature sends funding to Kitsap-area projects

News Tribune
Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls will drop with the passage of this bill. Here’s how, when (Randall)
Op-Ed: Seattle’s Skagit dams harm salmon and orcas, but WA Dems focus only on the Snake. Why?
Op-Ed: This isn’t why I came to the U.S. Free us from the tyranny of Inslee’s emergency powers

New York Times
Ukraine Live Updates: 3 European Leaders Head to Kyiv as Attacks Continue
China’s Covid Lockdowns Set to Further Disrupt Global Supply Chains
Global Economy Sinks Deeper into Turmoil as Fed Prepares to Raise Rates
How California Is Building the Nation’s First Privacy Police

Olympian
WSDOT wants input on strategies to improve I-5 corridor from Tumwater to Dupont
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state

Peninsula Daily News
Fund for seismic measures passed (Van De Wege, Chapman, Tharinger)
COVID-19 case rates continue downward trend
Road work begins on U.S. Highway 101 near Lake Crescent

Puget Sound Business Journal
Striking Teamsters offer to return to work on limited basis in Seattle
Reporter’s notebook: Tensions between tech workers and employers were plain to see in Olympia
Higher-ed leaders: How we’re preparing students for the future workplace
Here’s where masks are still required after state, local mandates expire
Washington’s estate tax revenue spiked in 2020. Could this be why?
Alaska Airlines launches training program to address pilot shortage
Covid’s boomtowns: How the pandemic has redefined the way people live … and reshaped many of America’s cities in the process
Comment: We aren’t giving up on Pioneer Square — and neither should you

Seattle Times
Amazon, Sound Transit will build hundreds of apartments in Bellevue, SeaTac in affordable-housing push
What Russia’s war in Ukraine means for Washington’s wheat market
‘You can fake anything on the internet’: Professors host day to teach WA students to combat misinformation
Inquest is first test of King County’s revamped review of deadly police shootings
Seattle police must rebuild trust with community, modify use of less-lethal weapons, report says
Easier access to a better treatment — buprenorphine — is helping people with opioid use disorder turn their lives around
Opinion: Break the grip of oil states like Russia with clean-energy transition

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County gets the $14 million it needs to build new Guemes Island Ferry
State reports 51 new cases of COVID-19 for Skagit County during past week

Sol De Yakima
Valle de Yakima levanta mandato de mascarilla como el estado de Washington
Yakima discutirá estacionamiento de casas rodantes, viviendas pequeñas en Camp Hope

South Seattle Emerald
Starting Monday, March 14, masks will be optional in Seattle Public Schools

Spokesman Review
Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are ongoing. Here’s what might be part of a deal
For the first time in two years, most Spokane County students show their faces in class
Providence launches mental health program for new and expecting mothers
Getting There: Spokane’s growth inspires new STA transit project with more bus routes headed east

Tri-City Herald
West Richland development could bring thousands of homes and Queensgate-sized shopping area

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Masks now optional in most Walla Walla Valley city and county buildings — here’s what to expect
Students arrive at Davis Elementary School in College Place on first unmasked day in two years
Construction work continues at Walla Walla High School, officials say in latest update
American flag retirement drop box installed at College Place City Hall

Washington Post
The truth about gas prices and oil production
Millions of vulnerable Americans likely to fall off Medicaid once the federal public health emergency ends
Fox News cameraman killed in Ukraine; European leaders traveling to Kyiv

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘My child is worth it’: Parents in Fife call for teacher’s dismissal
Masks now optional for Seattle Public School students, teachers

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle city attorney announces initiative to address repeat criminal offenders
Striking concrete mixer drivers offer to return to several Seattle-area projects
Seattle woman responding to Ukrainian refugee crisis
Verdict in civil trial of fatal 2019 Seattle crane collapse
Homeless encampments on the move after City Hall encampment sweep
Seattle police seeking person of interest in fatal shooting at 3rd and Pine
Job fair Tuesday for up to 100 positions at Bellevue assisted living center
As Russian invasion expands, so do Seattle-based efforts to help Ukrainians
Father of Oakley Carlson pleads guilty to separate charges
Mixed emotions from parents, teachers and students as masks now optional in some schools
Guilty plea for Seattle man who tried to join Islamic State

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New initiative identifies hundreds who have caused thousands of crimes in Seattle
Washington schools discuss dropped mask mandate’s impact on staffing, student learning

KUOW Public Radio
Maskless in Seattle: Today So Far
The goal: Vaccinate 70% of the world against COVID. Scientists are proposing a reboot

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Police chief claims SPS isn’t following mandatory reporting procedure with threats, assaults at schools
Spokane Valley Fire Department breaking ground on new facility Tuesday

Web

Crosscut
Seattle high-needs homeless program at risk of ending
Waiting on small business, rental or other relief in WA? Tell us your story
Rural WA agencies seek federal support to fortify against cyberattacks
Las instituciones rurales de WA buscan apoyo federal para fortalecerse contra los ataques cibernéticos

MyNorthwest
Jury awards $150 million to victims of 2019 Seattle crane collapse
Inquests into law enforcement-involved deaths resume in King County
Seattle City Attorney launches partnership to address prolific offenders
Seattle-area concrete delivery resumes with some drivers cleared to work Tuesday
Local leaders weigh investigation into concrete suppliers over bid-rigging and collusion concerns
Report details path to repairing ‘erosion of trust’ between Seattle police, protesters
UW expert: ‘Nuclear is absolutely essential’ as feds fund next-gen nuclear revitalization
Washington schools begin shift to mask-optional approach for students
Flush with state dollars, Seattle’s Aurora redesign emerges
Seattle entrepreneurs are saving forests one square of toilet paper at a time
An inch of Seattle-area lowland rain expected through Wednesday morning

West Seattle Blog
CONCRETE STRIKE: Drivers say they’ll return to work at 3 companies without a settlement ‘to allow concrete to flow to critical projects’ including West Seattle Bridge
POLITICS: Longtime State Rep. Eileen Cody of West Seattle retiring: ‘I had a good run’
UTILITY WORK: Planned outage next week for ~500 customers

Monday, March 14

5 major things the Washington Legislature approved in 2022
Election years mean short, 60-day sessions at the Washington State Legislature. And, while sometimes that means lawmakers don’t do all that much, in 2022, they broke that pattern by approving several major pieces of legislation and a big increase in state spending. Before adjourning Thursday, Washington’s Legislature approved a ban on selling large-capacity magazines for firearms, a proposal that had languished in Olympia since 2017. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Ted S. Warren)

Highways, transit, bikes and more: What’s in the new $17B WA transportation package
The Washington state House and Senate both passed a new 16-year, nearly $17 billion transportation funding package Thursday, sending the legislation to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature with just hours remaining in the short 2022 legislative session. The final product promises large-scale investments in highways, ferries, and bike and pedestrian corridors. It goes beyond the traditional list of members’ favorite road projects to provide $6 billion for transit and preservation needs all over the state, to be chosen throughout the 16 years. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

‘It’s a huge impact’: New law will offer more Washington students free meals at school
When students get a free meal at school, a big load is lifted off some family’s shoulders. A new Washington law will help more students eat for free. A federal program run by the USDA pays for free meals for certain schools. The program is called the Community Eligibility Provisions. “How it affects East Valley is that seven out of our eight schools now qualify for CEP, which means over 3,000 students will be able to access free lunch starting next school year,” said Jennifer Witting, the East Valley School District Nutrition Services Director. Continue reading at KXLY.

Print

Associated Press
What lived, died during legislative session (Jinkins)
Congress approves money for Hanford nuclear cleanup
Legislature OKs $64.1B supplemental budget, adjourns (Rolfes)

Aberdeen Daily World
Kilmer locks down $9.95 million in federal funding for Aberdeen, Hoquiam levee projects

Bainbridge Island Review
Law returns to police more power

Bellingham Herald
Yes, even a baby counts in car-pool lane. Take the win, parents, and teach along the way
COVID provided this ultra-busy Bellingham teen an opportunity to accomplish a rare feat
Funding to improve Intalco finalized, but can it get a power agreement and reopen? (Rule, Shewmake)

Capital Press
Washington gets a new state veterinarian
Incident meteorologists get ready for wildfire season
Washington health board backs off regulating farms

Columbian
Gun measures resonate as Washington legislative session ends (Liias, Berry)
I-5 Bridge project funding back to $1B in transportation package (Cleveland, Fey)
Opinion: In Our View: State mask mandate ends, but COVID endures
Opinion: In Our View: Talk is cheap; action needed vs. climate change
Opinion: In Our View: Close the book on school virus-shot mandate
Opinion: In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Thanks, Russell; fentanyl fears (Wylie)

The Facts Newspaper
Transformational investments in transportation, housing, climate lead as Legislature adjourns 2022 (Fey, Liias)

High Country News
Whales and fishers compete for what’s on the line

News Tribune
Tacoma mayor’s State of the City highlights housing crisis, rising crime amid pandemic
‘Unacceptable.’ For Tacoma, a difficult State of the City address for a difficult time
Auto theft task force recovers 11 stolen vehicles in Pierce County
Gig Harbor has new city administrator. She has 27 years of local government experience

New York Times
As a Crisis Hotline Grows, So Do Fears It Won’t Be Ready
Surge of Omicron Infections Prompts Lockdowns in China
After 2 Years of Pandemic Life, Turn Toward Normalcy Is a Shake-Up
Which Coronavirus Vaccine Will Work in the Youngest Children?

North American Post
Farewell Pike Street Cherry Trees?

Olympian
Here’s a look at legislation that passed, and failed, this session in the legislature
Man arrested after he hits car near Yelm Highway, then tries to flee, Lacey police say
WA Legislature adjourns, passing $64B operating budget and $17B transportation package (Billig)
Thurston Thrives gets another chance after County Commission approves funding
Democratic lawmakers agree to $64 billion operating budget 1 day before session adjourns (Robinson, Rolfes, Ormsby)
Washington state Democrats agree on $17 billion in transportation funding (Fey)
Food waste is a climate change solution some WA Republicans and Democrats can agree on (Fitzgibbon)
The Evergreen State College approves new school, will invest up to $2.1 million

Peninsula Daily News
In-person public meetings to return
Lawmakers OK planning funds for mental crisis center (Tharinger, Van De Wege)
Peninsula case rates reach mandate-lifting benchmark
Vaccine proof, masking mandates lifted this weekend
Masking optional in classes
24th District capital projects approved
EYE ON CLALLAM: County considers setting hearing on tax increase for housing funds
FEMA continues to provide assistance to homeowners, renters

Runta News
Wadajir Market & Other Local Community Organizations Receive $9 Million

Seattle Times
The marvel of old-growth forests that once cloaked the Pacific Northwest
Woman who says Seattle officer raped her more than 40 years ago finds unusual ally: a genealogy site
Congressional spending bill will fund more than $200 million in projects for Washington state
Highways, transit, bikes and more: What’s in the new $17B WA transportation package (Liias, Ramos, Fey)
Hospital staff shortages, health equity, pandemic response among issues tackled by WA legislators (Cody)
Masks off? Not everyone will be baring their faces as Seattle area drops the mandate
How Washington lawmakers did — and didn’t — boost mental health care this year (Dhingra)
Opinion: Why I resigned as chair of the redistricting commission

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County ready to take off masks as state mandate ends Saturday
La Conner Town Council lifts masks and pledges support for Ukraine
Protestors gather in support of family of man shot by Sedro-Woolley police officer

South Seattle Emerald
Annual Free Clinic at Climate Pledge Arena Canceled for Scheduled Concerts
Seward Park Neighbors Come Together to Save an ‘Exceptional’ Tree
Opinion: Mayors’ Coalition for Community Safety Should Examine Own Police Departments
Opinion: Police-Led Mental Health Welfare Checks — Getting to the Root of the Issue

Tri-City Herald
Congress adopts record high budget to clean up Hanford, WA nuclear contamination
Does Pasco’s Road 100 interchange need a $40M transformation? Here are some choices
Will fireworks be banned in Benton County next year? Commissioners have a plan
Richland, WA astronaut ready for her 2nd spacewalk. 1st was ‘awesome’
Health officials see promising COVID trends in Tri-Cities. But deaths still high
WA restaurants are worried about salmon. But is breaching Snake River dams the solution?
Ex-Pasco mayor at the Ukraine border, helping war refugees as they flee bombing

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Construction work continues at Walla Walla High School, officials say in latest update
American flag retirement drop box installed at College Place City Hall
College Place authorizes nearly $220,000 for summer youth recreation programs
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available free to area youngsters birth to 5
Walla Walla Valley homemade mask businesses reflect on two years of service as mandate lifts
Walla Walla approves $14.5 million for reconstruction projects on Alder, Poplar streets
Walla Walla names four police chief finalists

Washington Post
Sides talk as crisis grows; Zelensky to address U.S. Congress Wednesday
‘Gutted’: What happened when a Georgia elections office was targeted for takeover by those who claim the 2020 election was a fraud
Congress urges DOJ, Treasury to examine drug companies aiming to turn opioid settlements into tax breaks

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima City Council to consider plan for RV parking and tiny homes at Camp Hope
Freedom Kits help girls in developing countries stay in school
Bellingham Herald: Food waste is a climate change solution some WA Republicans and Democrats can agree on (Fitzgibbon, Das)
Wapato family celebrates homecoming after 3-year-old girl’s harrowing battle with COVID-19
Vaccines, testing and masks: Two years of COVID-19 in Yakima County
Bill approved to simplify farm accounting, limit worker check cashing fees
Valley’s creative minds returning to Yakima Maker Space as pandemic wanes

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Some Seattle parents worry about new COVID variants as schools drop mask mandate
Here’s where masks will still be required in Washington starting March 12
Proposals for gas tax ‘holiday’ gets pushback at state, national level
Pot shop protection bill fails to clear Washington Legislature (Hackney)
‘The state of the city is unacceptable’: Tacoma mayor comments on public safety in yearly address

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Mixed emotions from parents, teachers and students as masks now optional in Seattle schools
4th Avenue encampments cleared out in time for St. Patrick’s Day Parade
South Sound businessman says uptick in crime is keeping him up at night
Pierce County, Tacoma opt not to cover health department’s $15M COVID-response request
To mask or not to mask? Indoor mask mandate ends, but not everywhere
Citing safety concerns, Amazon allows employees to relocate out of downtown Seattle office
Companies use ‘ghost truck’ workaround to move concrete during strike
Rainier Connect making major changes to Click cable TV service. Some folks are unhappy

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County presiding judge explains why some defendants go free after arrest
High gas prices in Washington state affecting ride share drivers
Business owner pleads for help due to crime near Georgetown homeless camp

KNKX Public Radio
What passed? What died? Washington’s 2022 legislative session wrap up (Senn, Valdez, Entenman, Saldaña, Riccelli, Salomon, Pedersen)
Some Seattle students upset about district lifting mask mandate

KUOW Public Radio
New Bridges and Ferries, Wider Highways, and Free Fares in Freshly Passed Wa Transportation Package (Saldaña)
Seattle removes two downtown homeless tent encampments in one week
Pandemic updates for Seattle: Sick with Covid? Washington has a hotline to help
Stroke rates are increasing among young people. Here’s what you need to know
China battles multiple COVID-19 outbreaks, driven by stealth omicron
What will you do as masking indoors becomes optional?
Week in Review: Ukraine, Mask Mandates, and Russell Wilson
Coastal tribes may soon have more money to move to higher ground in Washington state
TSA extends travel mask mandate through April 18

KXLY (ABC)
‘It’s a huge impact’: New law will offer more Washington students free meals at school (Riccelli)
Spring rains already close to passing arid 2021 season
What’s changing for schools when Washington’s mask mandate lifts?

Web

Crosscut
Rural WA agencies seek federal support to fortify against cyberattacks
5 major things the Washington Legislature approved in 2022 (Rolfes, Jinkins)

The Dales Report
Washington Initiative Proposes Legalization Of Psilocybin Use (Salomon)

MyNorthwest
As legislative session ends, Gov. Inslee applauds victories on transportation, homelessness (Fey, Liias)
Seattle proceeds with second homeless camp removal this week
Flush with state dollars, Seattle’s Aurora redesign emerges: potentially lower speeds, more bike paths
Seattle entrepreneurs are saving forests one square of toilet paper at a time
Seattle Public Schools appoint interim superintendent to permanent role
‘Unlike Russell Wilson, COVID is not going away’: Forecasting future of post-mandate pandemic
With COVID on the descent, travel at Sea-Tac Airport takes off
The masks come off: What you need to know with statewide mandate ending March 12
Worst likely yet to come for rising inflation, gas prices across Seattle area
Heated exchange over COVID rules between state lawmaker, security leads to conduct probe
Concrete strike negotiations worsen as supplier offers terms that penalize picket lines
High-capacity magazine ban headlines series of victories for state gun safety advocates
Sweep of homeless camp outside Seattle City Hall draws criticism from activists, local leaders
Indigenous relics evoke questions of ownership amid Skagit dam relicensing
Washington cities with Russian sister cities faced with decision
Washington Legislature passes bill to limit catalytic converter theft (Ryu, Wilson)

The Stranger
A “Dream Come True” for Washington’s Film Industry (Riccelli, Wellman, Frockt, Robinson)
Slog PM: Legislature Closes Up Shop, Cherry Blossoms Peak Next Week, Ukraine Still Going Through Hell (Van De Wege, Sheldon, Johnson)
Washington State Drops Major Coin on Affordable Housing (Macri, Robinson, Chopp)

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Comment countdown continues with city observations, ‘deep dive’ info, and how to see what it’ll look like
CORONAVIRUS: Mid-March check of West Seattle and countywide trends/stats
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Ferry dock, police updates, 2 big spring events
WEEKEND SCENE: Paddlers’ Duwamish River competitive cleanup nets almost a ton and a half of trash
COUNTDOWN: 6 days to West Seattle recycle/reuse/shredding event

Thursday, March 10

Budget deal reached in Olympia pays for renter relief, mental health, student loan program
Washington’s Democratic lawmakers Wednesday announced a $64.1 billion state budget deal that pumps new dollars into government programs and funds a new transportation package, raises for state workers, rental assistance and the start of a new student loan program. Flush with higher-than-expected tax collections, Democratic budget writers spread billions of dollars around government without raising new taxes. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)

Students close to getting voting power on WA education board
When it comes to giving student advocates more say in public school systems, school leadership is all on board, so to speak. The 16 members of the Washington State Board of Education unanimously supported Senate Bill 5497, which will give student members of the board a vote in the decisions that impact their peers across the state. The student vote bill passed out of the House on March 1 and was sent to the governor for his signature. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jovelle Tamayo)

Inflation hits another 40-year high. The war in Ukraine could make it worse
Annual inflation climbed to a new four-decade high in February, reaching alarming levels even before Russian troops moved into Ukraine, sending energy prices sharply higher. The Labor Department said Thursday that consumer prices were 7.9% higher in February than a year ago. Prices rose 0.8% between January and February — an acceleration from the month before. The annual inflation rate for February is the highest since January of 1982. Continue reading at KUOW. (AFP)