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Wednesday, March 2

Some health care workers urge people to keep masking
Some health care workers are urging people to keep their masks on in indoor public spaces like grocery stores and offices, even after Washington state lifts the requirement on March 12. Santiago Neme, an infectious disease doctor, said he hopes people keep masking up, and that he himself plans to do so for the foreseeable future. “It’s not my risk; it’s the risk of my community,” he explained. “We have a pretty significant amount of folks who, although they’ve been vaccinated and boosted, they’re still immunocompromised, and their response to the vaccine is not as robust.” Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

Local police departments start Catalytic Converter Task Force to curb sharp rise in thefts
A quick way for crooks to make some fast cash, catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed over the last few years and now a coalition of law enforcement agencies are teaming up to create a task force aimed at curbing the problem. Police departments in Bellevue, Bothell, Medina, Clyde Hill, Redmond, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Kirkland, and the King County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday afternoon the Catalytic Converter Task Force at a press conference. So far, they report having made 11 arrests. Continue reading at KOMO News.

WA capital gains tax ruled unconstitutional by trial judge
Washington state Democrats have hit their first major legal roadblock in their efforts to tax the rich. A Douglas County Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that the state’s new capital-gains tax violates the state constitution. The tax, which applies to large profits from selling stocks and bonds, was approved by the Legislature last year and took effect in January. In his ruling Friday, Judge Brian Huber said the tax is unconstitutional because it doesn’t apply to everyone uniformly. Continue reading at Crosscut.

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Associated Press
Washington Congresswoman DelBene tests positive for COVID-19
Alaska Airlines suspends partnership with Russian airline
Judge overturns Washington state’s new capital gains tax

Auburn Reporter
Opinion: Is it the right time to lift indoor mask mandates?

Bellingham Herald
Community concern sparks this new task force at Bellingham Public Schools
Bellingham City Council fine-tunes plans to return to in-person meetings as COVID eases
Whatcom’s daily COVID case average drops by 80% in February, but deaths remain high

Capital Press
Washington judge strikes down capital gains tax
Washington Democrats move to give state energy council more power (Carlyle)
Another buffer bill stalls in Washington Senate (Rolfes, Lekanoff)
Oregon House votes to end ag overtime exemption
Q&A: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee talks about agriculture, dams and COVID

Columbian
Former Washington House Speaker Robert ‘Bob’ Schaefer dies at 91

Everett Herald
AG seeks refund for low-income Providence, Swedish patients
Lake Stevens schools investigating apparent racist threat
Study suggests WhidbeyHealth CEO was paid too much
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: Covid has taken a toll on cancer prevention and care
WaPo Comment: Democracy’s foes find allies among America First
Letter: Too many in county are unvaccinated to end mask use
Letter: City of Snohomish needs more affordable homes
Letter: Ukrainian freedom worth higher cost of gas

International Examiner
Viet-Wah site slated for redevelopment into apartments and retail
Bystander training offered to Seattle, national AAPI communities

News Tribune
Final push on new I-5 bridge in Tacoma begins soon. Decades-long HOV project nears end
Tacoma woman sentenced for burning Seattle Police cars during George Floyd protest
Op-Ed: Need a good job? Need workers? You’re not alone. Here’s how WA lawmakers can help

New York Times
Ukraine Live Updates: As Russians Surround Key City, Mayor Is ‘Waiting for a Miracle’
Jerome Powell says rates are headed higher, even as Ukraine poses uncertainty.
Russian Oil Not Worth the Trouble, Some Traders Conclude
Biden says Putin ‘badly miscalculated’ in invading Ukraine.
Covid Live Updates: White House Introduces New Response Strategy
Texas Investigates Parents Over Care for Transgender Youth, Suit Says

Olympian
Controversial capital gains tax struck down by Douglas County Superior Court judge
Active shooter alert at Hanford called a false alarm. No shooter found
Providence hospitals sued by WA state over billing of lower income patients
Thurston County adds 6 deaths as COVID-19 activity continues downward trend

Peninsula Daily News
County provides more time for ADU code change study
Washington, Oregon, California to lift mask mandates March 12
Regional health officer urges individuals to decide to wear masks
Port Angeles man takes over top marine sanctuary post
Heavy rains cause road closures elsewhere in state

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft launches climate team led by exec hired from Shell
Opinion: Improving DEI outcomes takes more than a one-time investment

Seattle Times
Landslide closes westbound Highway 18 near Auburn, but drier days are arriving for Seattle area
The IRS dropped ID.me’s facial recognition tech after backlash. WA is rolling it out in June
Should you unmask in WA? It may depend on where you live
In a blow to progressives, Douglas County court strikes down WA’s new capital-gains tax
King County to continue new juvenile restorative justice program, despite pushback
Column: Here’s proof the pandemic culture wars were never about the pandemic
Editorial: Modernize the Liquor and Cannabis Board

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County sticking with plan for how to spend ARPA money
Skagit Habitat for Humanity making plans for growth
Skagit County to relocate COVID-19 testing site

Sol De Yakima
Más de 100 personas se reúnen en vigilia por Ucrania en el centro de Yakima

South Seattle Emerald
ICHS President and CEO Teresita Batayola Appointed to Presidential Advisory Commission
Rainier Avenue Partially Reopen After Closure Due to Landslides
Celebrating the Women in Our Community — Call For Submissions!

Spokesman Review
Spokane City Council commits $500,000 toward redeveloping former Hillyard library into a mental health clinic
Health district reports first suspected COVID-19-related infant death
After Biden emphasizes unity in State of the Union, Northwest lawmakers’ reactions reflect ongoing division in Congress
Convoy protesting COVID-19 restrictions departs for nation’s capital from Spokane

Tri-City Herald
Hundreds gather in Richland for anti-war, pro-Ukraine demonstration
4 Hanford contractors awarded $77M in incentive pay. Veteran company does the best
What is the Hanford nuclear reservation? Where is it? Here’s what you need to know

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
City manager granted sole authority to fire future Walla Walla fire or police chiefs
Man’s efforts to act as Walla Walla’s first Covid-19 test courier reaches two-year anniversary
Walla Walla group plans Ukraine solidarity rally downtown Wednesday
From the Editor: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin announces change to print frequency

Washington Post
Russia strikes key cities; Biden says Moscow ‘more isolated’ than ever
U.S. prepares to expand financial attack on Russian oligarchs, aiming to seize billions held by Putin allies
Assassination plot against Zelensky foiled and unit sent to kill him ‘destroyed,’ Ukraine says
Biden’s State of the Union applauds unity against Russia, seeks more unity at home
Defendant in first Jan. 6 Capitol attack trial ‘lit the match’ of breach, Justice Dept. says

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council keeps position open after committee recommends Kenton Gartrell
Letter: Ukrainians get it, why don’t more Americans see it?
Letter: Why those 7 million real votes mattered

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
9 law enforcement agencies form task force to combat catalytic converter thefts
Empact Northwest departs for Poland to help with Ukrainian refugee crisis

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Mudslide blocks westbound SR 18 in Federal Way
United front on Eastside to fight catalytic converter thefts
More than a dozen landslides keep crews busy; how to check your risk and prepare

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Landslide near Auburn slams through retaining wall on Highway 18, westbound lanes closed
Biden promises to counter Russia, strengthen economy, move on from COVID
Legislation dies but efforts to address homeless camps on highways has last gasp (Kuderer)
State Department of Licensing site back online after data breach
Seattle City Council OKs hiring bonuses given to police, 911 workers in January
Local police departments start Catalytic Converter Task Force to curb sharp rise in thefts

KNKX Public Radio
Read President Biden’s full State of the Union remarks
Budget debate, helping Ukrainian refugees, masks among hot topics in Olympia

KUOW Public Radio
Kids To Continue Masking In Seattle Public Schools — Possibly For Two More Months
WA Rep. Newhouse says US must ‘do all it can’ to avert global crisis in Ukraine
Pandemic updates: Some health care workers urge people to keep masking
5 takeaways from Biden’s State of the Union address
The pandemic times are a-changin’: Today So Far

KXLY (ABC)
‘Super excited’: Mom finds local support to re-enter workforce, says help is out there for others
WSU relaxing some indoor masking starting March 12
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will give Whitman County toddlers free books

Q13 TV (FOX)
State licensing website restored following data breach, months-long investigation

Web

Crosscut
Seattle’s eviction moratorium ended, but some protections remain
Rural WA nurses seek support for sexual assault examiner training
$340M WA immigrant relief fund plagued by monthslong delays (Rolfes, Ormsby)
WA capital gains tax ruled unconstitutional by trial judge (Jinkins)

MyNorthwest
Landslide blocks all westbound lanes of Highway 18 in Federal Way
Washington state’s capital gains tax unconstitutional, rules Douglas County Court
Mayor Harrell ends SPD hiring bonuses; council approves retroactive recruitment dollars
Hundreds of Uber, Lyft drivers rally for statewide rideshare-driver minimum wage
Washington continues to await answers on Daylight Saving Time as momentum builds in Congress
State House drops vaccination requirement for lawmakers at floor votes
Tacoma woman to spend 5 years in prison for setting fire to SPD vehicles during 2020 protest
King County officially ends COVID vaccine requirements for businesses
Washington’s COVID emergency order will not end yet, says Gov. Inslee
‘We are all Ukrainians today’: Gov. Inslee begins Russian commerce stoppage
State lawmakers introduce bill to lower BAC threshold for DUIs
Gov. Inslee moves end date for state’s indoor mask mandate up to March 12
Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass reopen after early Monday closures
King County anticipates lifting indoor mask mandate in March
Rivers spill and records break as atmospheric river settles over Seattle area

The Stranger
Election Nerds Feud Over Whether or Not Approval Voting Violates Voting Rights

West Seattle Blog
DEVELOPMENT: Work under way at 3405 Harbor Avenue SW apartment-project site
CORONAVIRUS: City’s resource reminder on last day of eviction moratorium

Tuesday, March 1

Gov. Jay Inslee: Indoor, school mask mandates will end March 12 as COVID-19 rates fall
Gov. Jay Inslee said on Monday that he is moving up the date in which the state will no longer require people to wear masks in public indoor spaces and schools to March 12. Inslee last month set the date to drop the indoor mask mandate to March 21. But on Monday, Inslee said that he is confident that a continuing trend of declining COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations will make it safe to lift mask mandates about a week before that. Continue reading at Kitsap Sun. (Ted S. Warren)

Rep. Sullivan: Tear down barriers to higher education and higher wages
Higher education opens doors to opportunity and good-paying jobs — for our children, our workers, and for our local businesses and hospitals as they face shortages in workers with the right skills and degrees. It is time to tear down some longstanding barriers to higher education for Washington students and families. Doing so would better uphold the notion that a degree or postsecondary credential is available to anyone willing to study hard and do the work. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Getty Images)

Inslee says ‘Washington stands with Ukraine,’ orders state to cut connections with Russia
Washington state agencies have been directed to identify and cancel commercial or other connections with Russian entities, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday during a press conference. “Simply put, the people of Washington stand with the people of Ukraine,” said Inslee. “We stand with the people of Russia who are protesting this vicious, malicious, totally unjustified act of violence.” Continue reading at The Olympian.

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Associated Press
‘Atmospheric river’ fuels rains, snow in Pacific Northwest
WA House drops vaccination requirement for lawmakers on floor (Jinkins, Kloba, Kirby)
Changes in indoor mask rules moved up to March 12
California, Oregon, Washington to End School Mask Mandates
2 fixes to police reform laws head to Inslee’s desk
Inslee directs agencies to cut ties with Russian companies

Auburn Reporter
Inslee changes end of mask mandate to March 12

Bellingham Herald
Home appreciation posted this huge one-year jump across Whatcom County in 2021
‘Atmospheric river’ raises flood concerns in Whatcom lowlands this week

Capital Press
Washington lawmakers urge halt to hemp-derived THC in state (Keiser)

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Lifting of mask mandate marks a turning point
Opinion: In Our View: State redistricting system good, could be better

Everett Herald
Sleepless nights for Ukrainian immigrants in Snohomish County
Cornfield Report: Olympia jargon: No, NTIB is not some new kind of face mask (Ortiz-Self)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Snohomish mayor ousts city administrator, names a new one
Cued by CDC, Inslee moves up end of mask mandate to March 12
Editorial: Legislature, Congress must update cannabis rules

Kitsap Sun
Gov. Jay Inslee: Indoor, school mask mandates will end March 12 as COVID-19 rates fall

News Tribune
Op-Ed: Pierce County Sheriff’s Department has a use-of-force problem. The data says it all
Millions of dollars and 3,000 blocks later, how has voter-approved streets initiative fared in Tacoma?

New York Times
Live Updates: Explosions Shake Kyiv and Ukraine’s Second-Largest City
Covid Live Updates: Poll Finds Americans Are Less Worried About Virus
These Climate Scientists Are Fed Up and Ready to Go on Strike
Ukrainian Invasion Adds to Chaos for Global Supply Chains

North American Post
Farewell WMC

Olympian
Statewide indoor mask mandates to ease March 12, Gov. Inslee announces
Thurston County adds 6 deaths as COVID-19 activity continues downward trend
Inslee says ‘Washington stands with Ukraine,’ orders state to cut connections with Russia
Thurston Climate Action Team gets $75,000 grant to combat climate change
‘Not a time to throw caution to the wind,’ as Washington sets end to mask mandate
COVID left Washington’s roads a trashy mess. Here’s what the state’s doing to fix that
Olympia area sees record rainfall totals as Thurston County goes under flood warning

Peninsula Daily News
Jefferson County considers banning fireworks
Regional health officer urges individuals to decide to wear masks
Washington, Oregon, California to lift mask madates March 12

Port Townsend Leader
Indoor mask mandate ends March 11 in Jefferson County

Puget Sound Business Journal
More Washington companies are sharing salary ranges in job postings
Amazon to make masks optional for warehouse employees
Inslee moves up date to drop indoor mask requirement
Report: Immigrants have outsize impact on state’s STEM workforce INNO
Opinion: Washington’s economy demands more support for students to complete credentials

Seattle Medium
Lawmakers For Stopping Hemp-Derived THC In Washington State (Keiser)
Outdoor Education Bill In Budget Negotiations
Successful Space Economy In Washington State
Fatal 3rd & Pike Shooting Creates Crime Spike Talks

Seattle Times
‘We’ve been here before’: Fatal shooting underscores longtime problems at Seattle’s Third and Pine
Gov. Inslee will lift Washington’s COVID-19 mask requirements on March 12 after change to federal guidelines
Women who ran Seattle: Ruby Chow, restaurateur, civic activist and first Asian American elected to King County Council
Seattle area in for a showery start to meteorological spring
Gov. Inslee directs WA agencies to cut ties with Russian companies over invasion of Ukraine
World, including WA, not adapting fast enough to climate change, U.N. report warns
Rep. Sullivan: Tear down barriers to higher education and higher wages

Skagit Valley Herald
COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Skagit County

South Seattle Emerald
Gov. Inslee and King County Announce End to Mask Mandate as of March 12
With Advocates Watching Closely, State Legislators Propose Office to Respond to Encampments (Kuderer, Peterson)
Storyville Coffee Workers Are Unionizing to Fight for Better Pay

Washington Post
Invasion escalates as convoy threatens Kyiv, Kharkiv ‘surrounded’
Biden to deliver first State of the Union address amid global crisis
‘These are powerful people who are attacking children’: Parents respond to Texas’s latest anti-trans directive

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Health District to follow Washington’s timeline: Masks optional indoors starting March 12
Cooper Kupp honored by state legislators
Prosser Memorial Health plans new $78 million hospital complex
Yakima Valley schools prepare for transition to optional masking

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Landslides, flooding reported across western Washington
Ukrainians, Russians in western Washington speak out against war
Snow season in popular northern Washington region disappearing amid climate change, wildfires
Thousands of Washington businesses could get a tax break (Rolfes)
Seattle mayor, businesses address Third Avenue safety concerns in downtown Seattle

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Record rain causes Seattle-area mudslides, flooding, and road closures
Rivers flood after record-breaking rainfall
Another mudslide in Bellevue neighborhood that devastated area six weeks ago
Pleas for help from frustrated business owners in downtown Seattle
Russia attacks Ukraine: Russian forces hit television tower
State indoor mask mandate to be lifted early starting March 12

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington, other West Coast states to drop indoor mask mandates in 2 weeks
Tacoma on pace for more homicides this year than 2020, 2021
Seattle to vote on retroactive hiring bonuses for police, dispatchers
State shuts down nearly 15 miles of SR-7 after severe flooding
Another landslide reported in neighborhood of demolished Bellevue home

KNKX Public Radio
Inslee announces Washington’s mask mandate will lift ahead of schedule, on March 12
Immigrant advocates call for protections for undocumented Ukrainians
Washington, Oregon officials prep for worst-case radiological event scenario from Russia and Ukraine

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates: Eviction moratorium for Seattle renters expires Monday
State Senator proposes lowering WA’s blood alcohol limit to .05 (Lovick)
U.S. expels 12 Russian diplomats for allegedly ‘engaging in espionage’
Walking through the headlines: Today So Far

KXLY (ABC)
Inslee directs Washington agencies to evaluate, terminate possible partnerships with Russia
Washington to lift mask mandate earlier than previously announced

NW Public Radio
Washington State Mask Mandate To Be Lifted Early

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington, Oregon, California to end mask mandates in schools, most public places by March 12

Web

Crosscut
WA bill proposes subsidy to help some families buy diapers (Nobles)
Shrinking WA kelp and eelgrass beds draw legislative attention (Lovelett)
WA indoor mask mandate to lift March 12 in light of CDC guidance

The Stranger
Inslee Moves Up Date to Lift Indoor Mask Mandate to March 12, Joining Other West Coast States

Monday, Feb. 28

Editorial: Bravo! Babies’ bottoms will benefit from budget boost for diapers
As all babies will tell you — at the top of their lungs — soggy diapers are miserable, and diaper rash hurts a lot. So we are pleased to see that both the state Senate and House proposed budgets include funding for diapers for very low income families that receive monthly grants from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Diapers cost up to $100 a month. And according to WestSide Baby, a King County nonprofit diaper bank, “When families cannot afford diapers, parents replace them with paper towels, plastic bags, or may re-use dirty diapers. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Danny Johnston)

WA abortion clinics are preparing for Roe v. Wade to be overturned
With the U.S. Supreme Court considering a major challenge to Roe v. Wade, abortion providers in Washington state are preparing for a future without the landmark constitutional protection for reproductive rights — one in which patients could soon travel into the state in unprecedented numbers for care. “We are expecting a significant increase in patient volume,” said Paul Dillon, vice president of public affairs at Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Ted S. Warren)

Salish Sea providing a ‘window’ into the future of ocean acidification
The waters of Puget Sound form the backbone of many businesses across the Pacific Northwest. They’re also central to the identity of many coastal towns in western Washington. “I’ve lived here 43 years and fishing is such a great part of Anacortes,” said Brian Mackey, a commercial fisherman. “Even the sports industry. Thousands of people come to the water, Anacortes, other places because they want to go fishing. They want to catch crab. It’s part of the identity of the northwest.” Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
Top WA Democrat no longer supports exported fuel tax (Fey, Liias)
Washington state senator apologizes to Oregon governor (Liias)
Target raising minimum wages up to $24 an hour in some areas

Bainbridge Island Review
Awash in money, lawmakers like big spending increases (Ormsby, Rolfes, Frame)

Bellingham Herald
‘Atmospheric river’ raises flood concerns in Whatcom lowlands this week
Ready to hit the trails on your e-bike? Know how these class rules may affect the ride
This Whatcom activist will help the state determine what a green, just future looks like
Back on the waterfront, the Wednesday Bellingham farmers market has these new vendors
Your home may have a racist restrictive covenant. This team will identify them in Whatcom
Whatcom adds 5 more COVID-related deaths, but new cases and hospitalizations remain low

Capital Press
First shipment of tariff-free wheat from U.S. arrives in Vietnam
Reclamation prepares for Columbia Basin Project irrigation season

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Oregon’s objections to proposed tax ring hollow (Wylie)

The Daily News
Capitol Dispatch: Local reps share other state’s frustration over export gas tax
Open house for Longview’s bicycle master plan set for March 10

Everett Herald
Cornfield Report: With less than 2 weeks to go, time for compromise in Olympia (Liias)
Housing Hope, Edmonds schools plan family housing in Lynnwood
After losing temper, Sen. Liias apologizes to Oregon governor (Liias)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Boeing is number one. Who are the other largest local employers?
Why Washington ships special-needs students out of state
Comment: Lawmakers lose interest in prisons’ racial disparity (Simmons)
Comment: Region needs EvCC’s Early Learning Center
WaPo Comment: One pick won’t shift Supreme Court, but history has
Rep. Wicks: Legislature can act to make cannabis industry fair (Wicks, Morgan, Saldana)
Editorial: The work to restore the confidence of voters

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way raises Ukrainian flag in solidarity

High Country News
The digital world’s real-world impact on the environment

Kent Reporter
Unity for Ukraine vigil set for Tuesday, March 1 in Kent

News Tribune
Amended WA House bill is bid on tougher approach to deterring catalytic converter theft (Ryu, Fey)
Fake vaccine cards found in self-service copy area of Gig Harbor office supply store

New York Times
Live Updates: U.S. Sharply Escalates Sanctions Against Russia as Fighting Continues
The ruble crashes, the stock market closes and Russia’s economy staggers under sanctions.
Switzerland says it will freeze Russian assets, setting aside a tradition of neutrality.
Oil prices climb as Ukraine crisis deepens.
The West’s Plan to Isolate Putin: Undermine the Ruble
Climate Change Is Harming the Planet Faster Than We Can Adapt, U.N. Warns
‘Blood Red’: How Lopsided New District Lines Are Deepening America’s Divide
Were These Doctors Treating Pain or Dealing Drugs?
How a National Movement Toppled Hundreds of Confederate Symbols
A New Message for Police: If You See Something, Say Something
Putin Declares a Nuclear Alert, and Biden Seeks De-escalation

North American Post
Mukai Farm Seeks Barreling Plant Restoration Ideas from Potential Tenants

Olympian
Editorial: Bravo! Babies’ bottoms will benefit from budget boost for diapers (Frame, Nobles)
Olympia police auditor reviews 2021 use of force, suggests further training in 2022
Olympia Councilman Dontae Payne to speak at Black history celebration event
WA Supreme Court says ‘race and class’ wrongly affected decision in child dependency case
Thurston County’s homeless census count is underway. Here’s how it’s going so far
Thurston County suspends contract with Community Action Council after auditor’s report

Peninsula Daily News
Repairs on Forks’ A Road expected to begin by early summer
Peninsula counties still high risk, according to CDC metrics
State lawmakers consider synthetic cannabis bills (Keiser)
Washington officials to assess new mask guidance from CDC
Russia invades Ukraine

Puget Sound Business Journal
How the Puget Sound area stacked up for job growth in 2021
The forgotten HBCUs: As millions have poured into historically Black colleges, 2-year schools missed out
One pressing small-business concern amid Ukraine conflict? Cybersecurity issues
Striking Teamsters make new offer; Seattle-area concrete suppliers call it unacceptable

Seattle Medium
Seattle’s Gig Workers Taking Action For More Pay
King County Aggressively Battles Homelessness
Washington State’s Weed Revenue Proposal (Morgan, Davis)
Gov Inslee’s Electric Car Proposal Hits Snag (Fitzgibbon)
Doing Drugs On Seattle’s Metro
Where Are Former Seattle Mayor Durkan’s Text Messages?
Members Of University Research Committee Jointly File Lawsuit Against University Of Washington

Seattle Times
Top WA Democrat pulls support for tax on exported fuel (Fey, Liias)
In Seattle, students are reclaiming prom with free venues and homemade dresses
Outdoor education bill in budget negotiations in WA Legislature (Rolfes, Bergquist, Rule)
Opinion: Survivors of gender-based violence urgently need services
Editorial: Help cities create affordable housing

Skagit Valley Herald
Day Creek landowners in midst of legal fight with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group

South Seattle Emerald
Indian American Women are Making it on the Big Screen, But We Need More
Seattle’s African American Writers’ Alliance Turns 30 at Elliott Bay Bookstore

Spokesman Review
Spokane’s police chief says police reform laws have led to more crime, but some argue the real reason is more nuanced (Riccelli)

Tri-City Herald
Richland, WA is a powder keg over masks and the school board almost lit a spark

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
College Place to make first foray into solar energy
Accessible Walla Walla creates inclusive spaces for guests with disabilities in Valley’s wine and food scene

Washington Post
Russia bombards Kharkiv; high-stakes talks come to an end
U.S., European allies freeze ‘Putin’s war chest’ as Russia careens toward economic crisis
Humanity has a ‘brief and rapidly closing window’ to avoid a hotter, deadly future, U.N. climate report says

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley schools prepare for transition to optional masking
More than 100 gather at vigil for Ukraine in downtown Yakima
As inflation hits home in the Yakima Valley, YVC economics instructor says it can hit rural areas harder
Dallas Morning News Opinion: Putin’s power rises in an age of lies
Letter: Trump’s own words speak to his loyalties

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Much of western Washington under Flood Watch, Avalanche Warning in effect for the Cascades
Salish Sea providing a ‘window’ into the future of ocean acidification

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Russia attacks Ukraine: 500K people have fled Ukraine, UN says
State Dems remove proposed fuel export tax from transportation package (Fey)
Local community group standing ready to help resettle Ukrainian refugees
CDC loosens guidelines; some say it won’t affect their mask-wearing

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Both Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass shut down due to heavy snow
Seattle businesses say 3rd & Pike crime hotspot getting worse after fatal shooting
Piroshky Piroshky owner says they are closing their downtown location following shooting

KUOW Public Radio
Wa Democrats Want to Increase Spending by About $6 Billion (Rolfes, Sullivan)
Pandemic updates: Gov. Inslee is repealing another Covid-related requirement
Washington, Oregon officials prep up for worst-case radiological event scenario from Russia and Ukraine conflict
Week in Review: Crime prevention, cold weather and trade wars.
Effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine trickling over to the U.S.: Today So Far
Biden announces new sanctions as Russia attacks Ukraine

KXLY (ABC)
Mayor Woodward demands Washington mask mandate be lifted now
Airway Heights secures $500k to help replace the city’s water system

NW Public Radio
State Transportation Package And Eastern WA
WA, OR Preparing For Worst Case Nuclear Disaster In Ukraine
“And Action!” WA Legislature Looks To Up Incentives For Making Movies Here
WA Legislature Sends Proposed $7,500 Electric Car Rebates To Junkyard (Gregerson)

OPB
Southwest Washington lawmakers share concerns over fuel tax’s potential impact on I-5 bridge – OPB (Cleveland, Wylie)

Q13 TV (FOX)
State Senate Democrats want to lower legal BAC limit to .05

Web

Crosscut
WA abortion clinics are preparing for Roe v. Wade to be overturned
How Indigenous leaders are using data to confront food insecurity
Human Elements: How a biologist uses data to help salmon and humans
Chehalis tribes opened the country’s first distillery on reservation land
WA redistricting panel admits it broke the law. What now?

MyNorthwest
Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass closed early Monday due to avalanche danger
King County anticipates lifting indoor mask mandate in March
‘Potent atmospheric river,’ inches of rain arrive to Western Washington
Seattle to move forward with preferred designs for Green Lake outer loop
State Democrats remove proposed fuel export tax from transportation package (Fey)
Airbnb provides housing to nearly 1,500 Afghan refugees in Washington
Efforts to block removal of Seattle homeless camp hit sixth day
Advisory group votes against Washington requiring COVID vaccine for students
Former Washington state justice: Biden Supreme Court pick brings diversity in more than one way

The Stranger
After a Big Sickout, House Dems Revive Proposal to Authorize Legislative Union (Jinkins, Sullivan, Riccelli)
Nobody Knows the Number of Seattle Small Businesses at Risk of Eviction Starting Next Week

West Seattle Blog
Another delay for city’s heating-oil tax?
SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: U.S. Navy submarine, inbound
The $110 million tank plan, and what else HPAC talked about this month
FAUNTLEROY FERRY DOCK: Community Advisory Group about to reconvene for first time in 3 months
CORONAVIRUS: February’s final check of West Seattle, King County trends and stats
ACROSS THE BAY: Space Needle to be illuminated in wish for ‘peace and diplomacy’ in Ukraine

Friday, Feb. 25

Ukrainians in Seattle condemn Russian invasion back home
Mirroring protests across the U.S. and in Russia, dozens of Seattle residents rallied Thursday to express anger toward Russia’s attack on Ukraine, and grief over the reality of the conflict entering a new stage. People with personal ties to Ukraine, and those without, gathered shortly after noon on the red brick plaza in front of the University of Washington’s Suzzallo Library, with Ukrainian flags and yellow and blue scarves draped over their shoulders. They held signs condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin or inscribed with the messages: “Save my country” and “No War.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday
The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community. Continue reading at KING 5.

Washington AG sues Providence, Swedish hospitals over charity care law
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a lawsuit against 14 Providence and Swedish Health Services hospitals for allegedly denying charity care to eligible patients. The hospitals in question include some of the largest in the state: Swedish Medical Center First Hill, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Continue reading at The Puget Sound Business Journal.

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Associated Press
CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday
WA Redistricting Commission to pay fines, legal costs

Bainbridge Island Review
Inslee easing some mask requirements

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County sees its first COVID-related death of a resident younger than 20 years old
As COVID-19 cases ease, Bellingham and Whatcom agencies look toward in-person meetings
Having trouble finding a COVID rapid test for the border? Here are some options in Whatcom
CDC moves Whatcom’s COVID transmission level to ‘moderate’ as cases, hospitalizations slow

Capital Press
Washington bill treads familiar path to buffers (Salomon)
Bill to halt cougar-pursuing sheriff falters in Washington House (Chapman)
WDFW proposes new wolf-removal rule
$55 million allocated for work on Columbia-Snake dams
Driver shortage frustrates trucking industry, agricultural producers
Russia-Ukraine uncertainty pushes wheat prices higher

Columbian
Clark County COVID-19 case rate falls sharply this week
Opinion: In Our View: Helping West Coast ports should be a priority

Everett Herald
New superintendent picked in ‘divided’ Marysville School District
AG sues Providence for alleged failure to provide charity care
Short-staffed Community Transit to cut 164 spring bus trips
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
As Amazon moves in, Arlington road projects aim to ease traffic

High Country News
How a Tacoma gas facility started a fight over climate change, sovereignty and human rights

News Tribune
COVID is waning, but Pierce County funeral directors worry about its lasting effects
Tacoma police shoot, kill man suspected of armed robbery
Car thefts in Pierce County exploded in 2021. Here’s why and how to protect your ride
Brovary, a Sister City of Tacoma, hit by air strike during Russian invasion of Ukraine
Colleges need legislative support to help transfer students attain 4-year degrees
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state

New York Times
Live Updates: Ketanji Brown Jackson Is Biden’s Supreme Court Pick
A key inflation metric is still rising. War in Ukraine could make it worse.
House Panel Widens Investigation of Trump’s Handling of Documents
Covid Live Updates: Over 5 Million Children Lost Caregivers to the Virus, Study Says
The C.D.C. will soon loosen indoor mask guidelines, officials say.
Companies Finalize $26 Billion Deal With States and Cities to End Opioid Lawsuits

Olympian
Procession of the Species canceled again, but Arts Walk will go on this spring
WA Redistricting Commission to pay fines, legal costs
Noose found by firefighter inside Washington fire station sparks investigation
Washington State politicians respond to Ukraine crisis, offer support
7 more Thurston residents die due to COVID-19 as virus activity continues to fall

Peninsula Daily News
Winter’s last gasp? Snow here and gone
Russia invades Ukraine
Peninsula on track for lifting proof-of-vaccine mandate
Running Start information to be presented

Puget Sound Business Journal
Washington AG sues Providence, Swedish hospitals over charity care law
Sound Transit names acting CEO known for her big-picture outlook

Seattle Times
Ukrainians in Seattle condemn Russian invasion back home
Seattle Public Schools shuts down bidding process on new school-bus contract
WA lawmakers condemn Russian attack on Ukraine as ‘cruel ambition’ of Putin
Opinion: Tossing that mask puts others at risk to a persistent, deadly pandemic
Editorial: Legislature, turn gun-control progress into real protections

Skagit Valley Herald
Deadline for FEMA disaster assistance fast approaching

Sol De Yakima
Rep. de Selah Jeremie Dufault no buscará reelección en 2022

South Seattle Emerald
Rainier Beach High School Basketball Players Allege Tournament Seeding is Unfair
How SPS’ Equity Tiers Are Used to Address Educational Debt
Black-Owned ‘AISLE 4OUR’ Grand Opening to Feature Retail and Creative Studio Space in the South End

Spokesman Review
Gov. Inslee appoints new member to State Parks and Recreation Commission
‘We’re not sure what tomorrow holds’: Ukrainian Americans in Spokane weigh in on Russian invasion
‘The actions of a madman’: Northwest lawmakers condemn Russian assault on Ukraine as Biden ramps up sanctions (Murray, Cantwell)

Tri-City Herald
Building honors Kennewick police chief’s 44 years serving the public
Here’s what Kennewick, Prosser and Finley schools decided about their failed levies
How to help growing number of homeless Tri-Citians? Inslee hears concerns, solutions
Tri-Cities snow makes roads slick, delays some classes. How long will it stick around?
Richland School Board violated WA open meetings law over mask vote, lawsuit claims
Mental health evaluation ordered for Richland Fred Meyer murder suspect
Attempt to oust Richland School Board president over COVID mask rule ‘nitpicking’ fails

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
College Place to make first foray into solar energy
Walla Walla residents will preview construction on Poplar and Alder streets at virtual open house
Taxes for residents in the Walla Walla School District decrease in 2022, College Place to follow next year

Washington Post
Russian forces press closer to Kyiv; Kremlin offers talks — on tough terms
Zelensky says he’s Russia’s ‘No. 1 target’ and calls for talks with Putin
Biden to nominate Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
After decades of lobbying, supporters say they have the votes in the House to pass a reparations bill
Peer pressure is ending mask usage in schools

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Memorial Hospital will put $14.8 million into staff pay and bonuses
Letter: Kids don’t mind wearing masks? Wanna bet?

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘One of our heroes’: Remembering trailblazing State Senator George Fleming

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Russia attacks Ukraine: Ukraine keeps control of key cities UK intelligence says
Public transit: the new drug den. What’s being done to keep you safe?
Gov. Inslee to terminate vaccine requirements for large events on March 1
Biden to nominate Ketanji Brown Jackson for Supreme Court
Nearly 15,000 out of work; federal mediators back to help end concrete strike

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Average Seattle rent jumps 30.9 percent, but Portland had the worst increase in the US
Seattle eviction moratorium ends Feb. 28, as tenants, landlords remain behind on payments

KNKX Public Radio
In Ukraine, the road to war was paved by the failure of diplomacy
Quiet Sound aims to expand efforts to protect endangered orcas from marine traffic

KUOW Public Radio
Focus Shifts to Safety as Washington Prepares for the End of Its Statewide Mask Mandate
Northwest reacts to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Pandemic updates: State board considers whether Covid vaccine should be required for K-12
World leaders fine-tune punitive measures against Russia
Effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine trickling over to the U.S.: Today So Far
Biden announces new sanctions as Russia attacks Ukraine
What’s in a nose? Smell training may help recovery from Covid-19 anosmia
Emergency U.N. meeting is interrupted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

KXLY (ABC)
Wash. Board of Health’s technical advisory group decides not to recommend requiring COVID vaccine for students

Q13 TV (FOX)
Pacific Coast states threaten to tax salmon if Washington state taxes them on gas exports (Fey)

Web

Crosscut
Human Elements: How a biologist uses data to help salmon and humans
Chehalis tribes opened the country’s first distillery on reservation land
WA redistricting panel admits it broke the law. What now?

MyNorthwest
‘They laughed in our face’: Latest talks in Seattle-area concrete worker strike fall flat
Puget Sound region’s light rail-centered affordable housing projects expand to Sea-Tac
Seattle rallies behind Ukraine with solidarity demonstration at UW’s Red Square
Local politicians unanimously pledge support for Ukrainian-Americans
Snohomish County nonprofit to cut off new rental assistance applications
State Democrats unveil targeted tax breaks, but say broad relief isn’t sustainable (Rolfes)

The Stranger
Nobody Knows the Number of Seattle Small Businesses at Risk of Eviction Starting Next Week
Seattle Firefighter Finds Noose Inside Bitter Lake Fire Station
Washington Is Leaving Its Large Arts Institutions on the Hook for Eye-Popping COVID Mitigation Costs

West Seattle Blog
‘We’re still hoping to open in mid-2022,’ bridge-work director tells West Seattle Transportation Coalition
ENVIRONMENTAL ALERT: Sewer overflow closes shoreline in Fauntleroy
DEADLINE: Seattle Public Schools’ open-enrollment period for school choice
CORONAVIRUS: Last two days for city’s West Seattle vaccination clinic
DEVELOPMENT: Beach Drive demolition imminent

Thursday, Feb. 24

State regulators seek $364,000 in fines from Seattle’s school bus carrier for years of safety violations
Washington state regulators found more than 600 safety and procedural violations by school bus carrier First Student in the past two years, dozens of which persisted for years after company officials were warned of the infractions. The company repeatedly failed to screen drivers for drugs and alcohol, cleared employees to drive before they’d even completed an application for employment or a history of their driving records, provided false information on driver records and allowed some vehicles to continue running even when seats weren’t securely attached, according to a complaint from the state’s Utilities and Transportation Commission. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Courtesy of Kennedy Leavens)

Many women remain out of the workforce. How can employers get them back?
Employers struggling to fill open slots and recruit new workers often find themselves missing one crucial part of the workforce — women. The American economy gained 467,000 jobs in January, but women got just 40.3% of those jobs. While it would take six months of growth at that level to gain back nearly all the 2.9 million jobs the economy lost since the pandemic began, it would take women nearly 10 months to recover the 1.8 million they lost in the same time. Overall, there are more than 1 million fewer women in the labor force in January 2022 compared to February 2020. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal.

Local Ukrainians anxious about families, fate of homeland
As Russian troops continue to advance into Ukraine, news from the frontlines has Ukrainians in western Washington on edge. The Ukrainian Association of Washington State says there are about 100,000 people of Ukrainian descent in the state. Many are closely monitoring headlines and calling their families overseas as they fear for the fate of their homeland. Families like the Lozynskas are thinking about loved ones back in Ukraine. Continue reading at KIRO 7.