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Thursday, Feb. 17

Legislative staff hold sickout after collective bargaining bill dies in WA Legislature
Washington’s Democratic state lawmakers often talk up worker solidarity and union organizing. But after they failed to advance a bill this week to allow their own staffers to collectively bargain, Democratic legislators got a taste of organizing from the boss’s side of the table. On Wednesday, scores of Democratic legislative staffers engaged in a sickout after learning that House Bill 1806 would not advance. Nearly three dozen emails sent Wednesday morning by The Seattle Times to House Democratic legislative assistants bounced back with out-of-office messages. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ted S. Warren)

King County ending vaccine requirement at bars, restaurants
Washington’s most populous county will no longer require COVID vaccination checks to enter restaurants, bars, theaters and gyms beginning March 1. King County officials made the announcement Wednesday. Businesses will be free to impose their own vaccination requirements if they choose, but there will be no countywide requirement. Since last fall, indoor eateries and cultural and recreational spaces have been required to verify their customers’ vaccination status or a negative COVID test as a condition for entry. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Bellamy Pailthorp)

WHO says global case decline affected by drop in testing, deaths still alarmingly high
Newly reported coronavirus cases are dropping worldwide, but World Health Organization officials urged caution Wednesday, saying that a drop in testing might be contributing to that decline and that covid deaths remain alarmingly high. During the week starting Feb. 7, health officials reported 16.3 million new infections globally, an 18.2 percent drop from the previous week, according to WHO figures. Deaths inched higher in the same period, though, to above 73,000, an increase of 0.5 percent from the previous week. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Paul Yeung)

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Associated Press
Dead: Bill sought by governor targeting election lies (Frockt)
Washington Senate OKs bill on governor’s emergency powers (Randall, Robinson)
Union bill dies, WA legislative staffers stage sick-out (Jinkins, Billig)
Washington revenue projections see $2.7 billion increase (Rolfes)
King County ending vaccine requirement at bars, restaurants
An estimated 73% of the US is now immune to omicron: Is that enough?
Regulators won’t let Boeing certify new 787 jets for flight

Auburn Reporter
Ban of guns at government meetings, ballot counting advances (Berg, Senn)
Vaccine verification requirement will end March 1, officials announce
Reporting sexual assault first step to recovery

Bellingham Herald
Sea-level rise is coming for Washington communities. Here’s how is Whatcom preparing
Washington state budget could include $10 million to help reopen Intalco in Whatcom County
Data shows 3 more deaths among Whatcom’s vaccinated, but COVID infection rate cut in half
Whatcom manufacturer fined nearly $100K after worker dies in confined space last summer
Bike lanes, sidewalks coming to road past this popular Whatcom beach
As Bellingham steps away from natural gas, local labor grapples with its future
Canada is loosening its border requirements, which should make crossing easier
Blaine truck crossing reopens after weekend protests, as RCMP reports 12 more arrests

Capital Press
Grants available for Skagit County farmers

The Daily News
Recovery Cafe looks to open new peer recovery location in Longview
Kelso moratorium on halfway houses not renewed for a second run
Chris Skaugset ends 19-year stint as Longview Public Library director

Everett Herald
State tax collections surge again in latest revenue forecast (Ormsby, Rolfes)
Driver shortage cuts bus routes between Snohomish, King counties
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
6 pending bills that support workers, promote pay transparency
Cornfield Report: Awash in money, Democrats soon reveal how they’ll spend it (Rolfes, Hansen)
WaPo Comment: When we lower our masks we can’t lower our guard
Editorial: Report offers surprises in our medical care costs

The Facts Newspaper
Mayor Delivers State of the City Speech, Commits to Action on Public Safety, Homelessness
WA Governor Jay Inslee Updates

The Hill
Washington state legislative staff stage sick-out over labor organizing bill

Kitsap Sun
DNR land near Green Mountain could generate funds for school construction

News Tribune
Weeks after pickup truck slammed into protester, Tacoma police still pursuing leads
Spit mask contributed to Manuel Ellis’ death. TPD had no rules for their use at the time

Newsweek
Right to Unionize Given as Reason for Legislative Staffer ‘Sick Out’ (Jinkins, Sullivan)

New York Times
After 30 Years of Peace, Ukraine Crisis Shakes Europeans
Vulnerable to the Virus, High-Risk Americans Feel Pain as the U.S. Moves On
The $1.7 Billion Student Loan Deal That Was Too Good to Be True
How Tech Can (and Can’t) Help You Fight Soaring Energy Bills
Plan to build private 5G network ‘bubble’ across Tacoma Tideflats moves forward

Olympian
Olympia State Rep. Laurie Dolan will not seek re-election (Dolan)
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Richland schools close immediately after surprise vote to defy WA mask mandate
WA Senate proposes money for housing, schools, broadband access in supplemental budget (Frockt, Mullet)
$6,000 stolen in 2 minutes: cannabis industry sounds alarm after string of thefts
Senate Democrats pass legislation to limit Gov. Inslee’s emergency powers (Randall, Hunt)
New gun restrictions advance out of WA state House. Here’s what the proposed law would do
Washington state agency burglarized twice in a week, Olympia police say

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Canada’s easing of restrictions hopeful sign for Coho ferry
Teens seek more support after COVID-19 isolation
Autopsy confirms cause of death
Washington revenue projections see $2.7 billion increase
Maps show Cascadia quake impact on region

Puget Sound Business Journal
Some Amazon employees fear missing out as pay boost takes effect
Lawmakers consider series of proposals that would alter landlord-tenant relationship (Kloba, Peterson, Bateman, Thai, Hackney, Randall, Davis)
Public safety leads Harrell’s priorities in first State of the City address
FAA to individually certify Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Washington health care leaders stress ‘flexible thinking’ around access to services
Contradictions and course corrections: WA, OR eye paths to national cannabis market
House committee calls on DOT to investigate FAA’s oversight of Boeing
King County to drop vaccine proof requirements for businesses

Seattle Medium
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell Holds First State Of The City Address
New Seattle Mayor Taking Tough On Crimes, Pro Treatment Approach
Washington Suing Texas: COVID Masks Are Fake
King County To End Vaccination Verification Policy On March 1
Senate Passes Legislation To Expand And Strengthen Apprenticeships (Keiser, Randall)
House Passes Morgan’s Community Reinvestment Program Bill (Morgan)
House Passes Bills Supporting People With Developmental Disabilities (Taylor)

Seattle Times
Legislative staff hold sickout after collective bargaining bill dies in WA Legislature (Jinkins, Saldaña, Riccelli)
King County will end COVID vaccine requirements at restaurants, bars, gyms
Cannabis reform bill fails to clear WA House (Wicks, Sullivan)
Seattle-area corporations, billionaires give $10M to address homelessness downtown
Under new mayor, will Seattle’s homelessness policy include encampment removals?

Skagit Valley Herald
Work continues on Skagit Public Utility District’s water pipeline project

South Seattle Emerald
No Proof of Vaccination Required in Bars, Restaurants or Other Businesses as of March 1
In First State of The City Speech, Mayor Harrell Talks Police Expansion, Budget Gaps
Mount Zion on 19th Affordable Senior Housing Project Receives State Funding Boost

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities expected to lift COVID mask mandate when WA state does. Cases dropping
Richland schools to be closed again Thursday over mask decision
New energy secretary plans 1st visit to Hanford site, PNNL in Richland
Tri-Cities court gets its first Latina judge
Richland science teacher charged with molesting 2 students. Allegations go back decades
Kennewick names new police chief. He’s been with the city 26 years
Tri-Cities families sue WA over masks in schools. Pasco councilman leads the fight
COVID virus may be airborne longer and spread by ventilation, shows Tri-Cities research
WSU Tri-Cities monument celebrates WA state’s Black history

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Omicron wave has crested on Vashon, but caution still advised

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Columbia Pulp shuts down ‘most operations’ citing need to better develop customer base for alternative fiber
Parents speak out after Walla Walla School Board refuses to ban hotly contested books
Milton-Freewater City Council authorizes replacement Parks & Rec measure on May ballot
Independent review argues Whitman College’s budget cuts weren’t necessary

Washington Post
As Fla. lawmakers push to limit LGBTQ discussions in schools, Orlando vows to keep teaching its history
The frantic texts sent to Trump’s White House chief of staff on Jan. 6
WHO says global case decline affected by drop in testing, deaths still alarmingly high
Ukraine and Moscow-backed separatists trade accusations of shelling in potential eastern flash point; Moscow expels senior U.S. diplomat
Facing the effects of climate change, skiers want to save their snow — and their sport

Whidbey News-Times
Masks remain on at school, at least for now

Yakima Herald-Republic
Letter: Attorney general’s misdirecting state’s efforts to save lives
Yakima City Council approves affordable housing program, grant for North First Street road project

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington 1 of 5 states with mask mandate. Inslee to address it Thursday.
King County Metro addresses safety concerns and drug use on buses with reform plan
Seattle mayor details some initial changes to city’s homeless response
Seattle, King County leaders to update COVID-19 vaccine verification rules for businesses
Plan for Snohomish River Watershed meant to tackle threats to salmon ‘head on’
‘A bit of an insult’: Thieves steal catalytic converter from Puyallup nurse’s vehicle

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Inslee expected to announce end date for state’s indoor mask mandate
King County to end vaccine verification policy March 1
One month after Bellevue landslide, demolition crews prepare for teardown
Homeless camp to be cleared at Capitol Hill park

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County to end vaccine verification requirement for restaurants, bars on March 1
In some Seattle neighborhoods, residents, businesses take steps on their own to block RVs
Lyft drivers claim company wants to lower compensation, take advantage of customers
Gov. Inslee deciding whether to end indoor mask mandate in Washington
Seattle mayor promises to bring in more officers to help handle violence surge
Seattle mayor, King Co. executive to update vaccination verification policy
Seattle woman grapples with long COVID as 20M in US also cope with chronic illness

KNKX Public Radio
Washington researchers identify new tool in fight to contain invasive green crabs: eDNA

KUOW Public Radio
King County’s Vaccine Verification Rule Will End March 1
Seattle Schools’ report card mirrors statewide dip in standardized test results
Pandemic updates for Seattle: Thursday, February 17, 2022
Why Washington state’s missing middle housing bill died (Macri, Bateman, Pollet)
Washington legislative staffers stage sick-out after unionization bill dies (Jinkins, Billig, Riccelli)
Politics AND news AND Trump’s revenge: Today So Far

KXLY (ABC)
Local students’ test scores drop significantly
Washington’s $16 billion transportation package to give millions towards Spokane infrastructure
Gov. Inslee expected to announce when Washington’s indoor mask mandate will be lifted Thursday
Changes to Washington’s mask mandate coming soon
Reykdal to discuss next steps for masking requirements in WA schools Thursday

Q13 TV (FOX)
Gov. Inslee expected to announce end date for Washington mask mandate on Thursday
Nearly 50 Eastern WA superintendents call for end to mask mandate
8 Seattle traffic camera will automatically ticket drivers who illegally use bus lanes, block crosswalks

Web

Crosscut
WA lawmakers consider cutting red tape on tiny-home construction (Nguyen)
Residents push to improve ‘desolate’ Mount Baker transit station
Chief Seattle Club housing project rooted in Indigenous culture
Rural WA wants in on state highway, health and housing dollars (Rolfes, Liias)

MyNorthwest
At least 50 Washington legislative staffers stage sickout over collective bargaining push (Jinkins, Riccelli)
Report: Seattle to get $10 million from coalition of businesses to address homelessness
Update on end to Washington’s indoor mask mandate could arrive Thursday
Free youth transit access, expanded traffic cameras within transportation budget passed in Senate
Richland schools close Wednesday after board votes to make masks optional
Scaled back version of bill reworking state’s single-family zoning fails to advance
King County to end indoor vaccination verification March 1 at bars, restaurants, gyms
Emergency powers reform clears state Senate; Republicans claim bill ‘does nothing’
Consent decree, homeless response highlights of Mayor Harrell’s ‘State of the City’
Bill targeting election lies stalls in Washington state
‘Our city budget would have been in the red’: Mosqueda touts early returns from JumpStart tax
Two Whatcom County deputies out of hospital after being shot last week
State House OKs open carry ban at school board meetings, ballot counting sites (Berg)

The Stranger
Over 100 Washington Legislative Workers Call Out Sick in Protest of Working Conditions (Jinkins, Saldana, Riccelli, Sullivan)
Gig Workers Ask the Seattle City Council to Deliver a Minimum Wage

West Seattle Blog
Here’s why mailed property-tax bills will arrive later than usual
Downtown ‘block the box,’ transit-lane ticket cameras to be activated starting next month
CORONAVIRUS: King County to end vaccine-verification policy

Tuesday, Feb. 15

Ban of guns at government meetings, ballot counting advances
Washington moved a step closer Monday to barring firearms where school boards and city councils meet, and where ballots are counted. The state House approved legislation barring “open carry” at buildings where elected city and county leaders hold their meetings, and both open and concealed carry where school boards meet and vote tallying occurs. Majority Democrats pushed through House Bill 1630 on a 57-41 party-line vote, contending the restrictions will keep those places free of intimidation from armed individuals. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

COVID put thousands of procedures in WA on hold, frustrating patients and worrying surgeons
[Scott] Matsuda is among thousands of Washingtonians whose medical procedures have been pushed back during the pandemic, as hospitals cleared space for a crush of COVID-19 patients. Delayed procedures vary widely, from colonoscopies to cancer care — anything that, if postponed, is not anticipated to cause harm to a patient within 90 days, according to a recent emergency order from Gov. Jay Inslee that paused all elective care. Even now, exhausted health care workers are scrambling to catch up as patients with the omicron variant clog hospitals. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

Thousands of Washington students choose virtual learning despite return to in-person classes
Students in Washington state are finally learning and going to in-person classes more regularly compared to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While discussions to get rid of school masking are underway, one aspect of schooling synonymous with the pandemic is sticking around: virtual learning. For one family in Renton, virtual learning was a manageable and welcomed approach to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Scott Van Essen and Myra Martino both have the ability to work from home as a game designer and a writer, respectively. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
COVID-19 outbreak grows at prison in southwest Washington
Escaped inmate with Snohomish County convictions recaptured
WA House passes bill banning guns at ballot counts, school boards (Berg)
Regulators won’t let Boeing certify new 787 jets for flight

Aberdeen Daily World
Rep. Kilmer tours flood project site in Hoquiam

Bellingham Herald
Popular butter spread means a bigger facility for this Bellingham food manufacturer
A new downtown Bellingham venue will have get-together events including live music
Car break-ins in Bellingham were up late last year. Here’s why most are likely to go unsolved
These interactive maps show how Whatcom County’s median home value increased in 2 years
Improvised explosives device reported near WWU, Sehome High
WA leaders rethinking community planning as climate change bears down on state (Duerr, Ramel)

Capital Press
Washington Democrats stick with gas tax on Oregonians

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Lifting indoor masks mandates should be soon

Courier-Herald
Shooting, bomb threats closes Enumclaw High

Everett Herald
Everett ex-cop acquitted of perjury but is guilty of stalking
Ban of guns at government meetings, ballot counting advances (Berg, Senn)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Cornfield Report: Will these bills be loved or spurned? A deadline is imminent (Hasegawa)
Editorial: Local health officials should set mask policy
Letter: America’s gun culture is too quick on the trigger
Letter: Child tax credit best option to fight poverty

High Country News
5 things to know about gray wolves regaining Endangered Species Act protection
A vision for more sustainable farmlands

Mercer Island Reporter
Legislators sound off on Mercer Island mayor’s letter to the community (Thai, Senn, Wellman)

News Tribune
Threats toward Enumclaw High School lead to canceled classes, 2 others locked down
Energy from the sun will help power this Pierce County school. Here’s the plan

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Vaccination During Pregnancy Protects Infants from Hospitalization, Study Suggests
White House Takes Aim at Environmental Racism, but Won’t Mention Race
How Bad Is the Western Drought? Worst in 12 Centuries, Study Finds.

North American Post
History of “The North American Times” 2, 1918-1942

Olympian
Port of Olympia commission votes to reduce meetings, publish agendas later
Thurston County confirms 14 COVID-19 deaths as case counts continue to decline
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
New gun restrictions advance out of WA state House. Here’s what the proposed law would do (Senn, Berg, Kuderer)

Peninsula Daily News
Mask mandates may be lifted at state level as early as April

Puget Sound Business Journal
Contradictions and course corrections: WA, OR eye paths to national cannabis market
Sawant to Harrell: Not so fast on ending Seattle’s eviction ban
Seattle Starbucks flagship store joins effort to unionize
Analyst: Boeing’s next jet may not come from the Seattle-area factories

Seattle Medium
Gov Inslee’s Proposals On Homelessness (Kuderer)

Seattle Times
COVID put thousands of procedures in WA on hold, frustrating patients and worrying surgeons
Lawmakers demand fresh investigation into FAA decision not to penalize Boeing for MAX failures
No car, no problem: Here’s how to hit the trails around Greater Seattle using public transit
King County will close rent assistance program to new applicants as money runs out
Drugs on buses have become an everyday hazard, Seattle-area transit workers say (Taylor)
Opinion: Restore WA’s leadership on privacy legislation (Carlyle)

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County weighs in on winding down of mask mandate
Draper Valley Farms settles lawsuit with environmental nonprofit
Skagit County’s COVID-19 cases take slight drop

South Seattle Emerald
Mount Zion On 19th Affordable Senior Housing Project Receives State Funding Boost

Tribal Tribune
Under A Full Moon On Hollywood Boulevard, A Native Story Is Born

Tri-City Herald
‘Yes we can.’ Tri-Cities immigrants call for reform during rally
A Tri-Cities school bars students refusing masks. They’re no longer allowed in without one
‘Relentless’ Wanapum leader dies. He helped bring home Kennewick Man, the ‘Ancient One’
New gun restrictions advance out of WA state House. Here’s what the proposed law would do (Senn, Berg)

Washington Post
White House, congressional Democrats eye federal gas tax holiday as prices remain high, election looms
Russia says some troops withdrawing from Ukraine’s border; NATO chief notes ‘cautious optimism’ but sees no de-escalation yet
Vaccine scientists have been chasing variants. Now, they’re seeking a universal coronavirus vaccine.
Sarah Palin judge will dismiss her libel case, finding no malice by New York Times
Top environmental groups call on Biden to protect mature trees and forests on federal lands from logging

Broadcast

KATU
Washington lawmakers look to invest $1 billion in Interstate Bridge project (Wylie)

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Thousands of Washington students choose virtual learning despite return to in-person classes
Washington school district defies state mask mandate for schools

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
People return to Tacoma homeless camp days after shutdown
Medication mix-up at corrections facility
Ban to limit high-capacity magazines gets push from mass shooting survivors
Seattle considering extending free outdoor dining permit program

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County metro drivers frustrated with drug use, harassment on buses

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates for Seattle: Tuesday, February 15, 2022
To mask or not to mask, that is the question: Today So Far
These bills still have a chance as Washington lawmakers close the first half of 2022 session (Jinkins, Lekanoff)
Study finds Western megadrought is the worst in 1,200 years

KXLY (ABC)
Washington’s COVID reproduction number drops below 1

Web

Cannabis Now
Hemp-derived Cannabinoids Create Controversy in Washington State (Keiser)

Crosscut
Washington is shipping more disabled students out of state
WA transit agencies say federal relief funds were distributed unfairly

MyNorthwest
Multi-billion dollar transportation package would strike down repeal of fuel export tax (Saldaña, Cleveland)
Seattle’s flagship Starbucks location throws weight behind nationwide unionization push
ACLU puts $500,000 behind push to codify decriminalization of drug possession statewide
Microsoft maintains hybrid model as it sets reopening date for Washington offices
‘I need a bill that can pass’: Proposal to rework state’s single-family zoning sheds core pieces (Bateman)
Still questions over timeline of Mayor Durkan’s missing texts in wake of forensic report

Monday, Feb. 14

Keeping kids in school during the pandemic has been tough. In WA, at least 29,000 can’t be found.
Around the state and country, school districts have grappled with big enrollment drops and high numbers of disengaged students during the pandemic — to the extent that some, as far as educators know, have gone missing. They are not going to school anywhere at all. “Disengagement isn’t a new problem, but this is a different kind of magnitude,” said Krissy Johnson, assistant director of attendance and engagement for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Stephani Espinoza)

‘Survival mode’: Inflation falls hardest on low-income Americans
After 15 years, Jacqueline Rodriguez had almost saved enough for a down payment on a house. Then the pandemic hit. Rodriguez was laid off from her job and dug into her savings to cover the rising costs of everything, including her 18-year-old son’s pre-med textbooks. If Rodriguez had been able to buy a house and lock in a mortgage, it would have helped shield her from the highest inflation she has seen in her adult life. Instead, her landlord recently hiked her monthly rent from $1,200 to $1,500. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Mark Abramson)

State House passes safe staffing standards bill for hospitals
A bill to improve worker safety and patient care at health care facilities passed in the state House with a 55-43 vote Saturday. House Bill 1868, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), addresses staffing needs, overtime, meal and rest breaks, and enforcement, making Washington the second state to mandate safe staffing standards for hospitals. “Nurses and healthcare workers have moved mountains over the last two years, but they are burning out,” said Riccelli. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

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Bainbridge Island Review
BI on the move to finalize transportation plan

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom’s not alone in high gasoline prices. Check out this interactive map
Can a Salish Sea snail return from the brink of extinction? Whatcom scientists, tribe hope so
Whatcom businesses fined more than $200,000 for pandemic rules violations
State may have more than $9 million for Whatcom transportation. Here’s how it would be used
Bail set at $5 million for Whatcom attempted murder suspect who allegedly shot 2 deputies
Whatcom County finishes week with 769 new COVID-19 cases and 6 related deaths reported

Capital Press
Washington Democrats boost transportation plan with higher taxes
One year later, Simpson dam removal proposal remains a threat, ag groups say

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Get moving on state transportation package (Fey, Wylie, Liias)
Opinion: In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: COVID rate falls; foul flyer

The Daily News
Capitol Dispatch: Transportation package largely ignores Southwest Washington, rankles reps
Cowlitz County commissioners discuss, add tiny homes to hosted homeless site plan

Everett Herald
3,500 households seek rental assistance
Transportation package could bring $600M to Snohomish County (Fey, Liias)
Fare is fair? Everett bus rider’s case en route to state Supreme Court
Ecology again fines boat owner $70K for fuel spill in river
Families: Loved ones behind bars are not ‘in good spirits’
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: Mask mandates were a good idea that didn’t work
WaPo Comment: We may not wait for covid numbers to call ‘all clear’
Comment: State must join work against domestic terrorism
Comment: More funding can boost good work of family centers
Sen. Liias: Teams improving on-time grad rates for 9th graders
Editorial: Transportation plan can move Washington ahead (Liias, Fey)
Letter: Is current arrangement what founders intended?
Letter: House bill wouldn’t deny restitution to victims

News Tribune
Pierce County property tax ‘valentines’ are coming your way; rates to hop modestly in 2022
Opinion: Enough with the Rambo cosplay. It’s time for WA to finally ban high-capacity magazines (Jinkins)
Opinion: Critical race theory to sex ed: WA parents deserve easy access to school board meetings
Op-Ed: Don’t listen to management posing as bedside nurses. WA hospitals need safe staffing law

New York Times
Pedestrian Deaths Spike in U.S. as Reckless Driving Surges
How Bad Is the Western Drought? Worst in 12 Centuries, Study Finds
Wolves Will Regain Federal Protection in Much of the U.S.
How Billions in Infrastructure Funding Could Worsen Global Warming

North American Post
Seattle Public Schools Japanese Immersion

Olympian
Thurston County may spend $9.9 million remodeling its ballot processing complex
‘We have to do more,’ Capital High principal says about addressing racism, discrimination
$75M proposed to address I-5 flood risk in Nisqually basin. Here’s what it would pay for
Confused by COVID guidance? Here’s what Thurston’s Health Officer recommends
Editorial: It may be the little things that determine whether whales and salmon survive

Peninsula Daily News
Bill would ban sales of high-capacity gun clips (Van De Wege, Chapman, Tharinger)
New site for Clallam County Emergency Operations Center considered
State health officers weigh metrics for lifting mask mandates
Residents want Miller Peninsula in its natural state
Senate OKs school seismic safety bill (Tharinger, Van De Wege, Chapman)

Port Townsend Leader
Gov. Inslee urges action on plan on homelessness
Police restraint gets clarification in House bill

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle ranks near bottom in percentage of Black-owned businesses, study finds
Community college chancellor on the role of 2-year schools in addressing labor shortage
U.S. foreclosure activity at highest since pandemic in January
‘Gainful employment’ regulations to improve college accountability are back on the table
Federal cannabis legalization effort to ‘tear down the walls’ gains momentum
Regulations could be biggest competitive threat to Washington’s cannabis industry
How much do the striking Teamsters make? The two sides don’t agree on even that.
Opinion: An equitable society demands an inclusive approach

Seattle Medium
Challenging Seattle Communities To Address Reparations
Johnson Bill Creating A New Tax Break To Help Homeless Youth Passes House (Johnson)
Senn Bill Preventing Youth Homelessness Passes House (Senn)

Seattle Times
Keeping kids in school during the pandemic has been tough. In WA, at least 29,000 can’t be found.
Gov. Inslee’s $7,500 electric car rebate remains uncertain in WA Legislature (Fitzgibbon, Das)
WA House bill would expand outdoor education statewide (Hunt, Rule)
Drugs on buses have become an everyday hazard, Seattle-area transit workers say
Drivers are getting fewer tickets even as WA traffic goes back to normal. Why? (Nguyen)

Skagit Valley Herald
Lifting of trade ban a plus for Taylor Shellfish Farms

The Skanner
Seattle’s Eviction Moratorium Will Expire at the End of February

South Seattle Emerald
Seattle’s Eviction Moratorium To Expire At The End Of February

Tri-City Herald
Kennewick, Finley and Prosser school levies fail. One is losing by 5 votes
Fake contractor scammed Tri-Cities couple, others out of thousands, says WA state
COVID cases on decline in Tri-Cities. But 9 more people died

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla-area fire departments build new tower for drills
Flood recovery cases nearly closed as Walla Walla Valley finishes disaster cleanup from 2020
Walla Walla Valley florists get creative this Valentine’s Day amid supply chain issues

Washington Post
Texas patients are rushing to get abortions before the state’s six-week limit. Clinics are struggling to keep up.
Vital U.S.-Canada border crossing reopens, but ‘Freedom Convoy’ trucker protests continue in Ottawa
Putin leaves a door to diplomacy open, as European, U.S. leaders race to defuse Ukraine crisis
Biden’s free covid tests plan shortchanges Americans of color and hardest-hit communities, say health workers and activists
‘Survival mode’: Inflation falls hardest on low-income Americans

Yakima Herald-Republic
‘Students supporting students’ — Yakima Valley College opens food pantries on both campuses
Column: Biden’s border surveillance empire should scare you regardless of politics
LA Times: Yakima health board to send letter encouraging end to Washington’s mask mandate
Omicron numbers on downturn in Yakima County, with deaths still high

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Washington hospitals stuck in staffing crisis
Eastside parents vow to fight conversion of hotel to permanent supportive housing
Senate passes bill banning sale of high-capacity firearm magazines; now goes to House (Liias)
Canadian protest impacts border north of Blaine
Seattle business owners looking to city to help stem violence
Police use-of-force bill clears state House (Goodman)
State House passes safe staffing standards bill for hospitals (Riccelli, Sells)
COVID-19 pandemic becoming endemic
$75M proposed to address I-5 flood risk in Nisqually basin. Here’s what it would pay for (Fey, Liias)
DOL estimates around 650,000 individuals affected in data breach
Chinese Americans march in remembrance of immigrants’ expulsion

KNKX Public Radio
Thieves got access to 650K individuals’ info on WA database

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates for Seattle: How sewage can help track Covid outbreaks
It’s not just home prices. Rents rise sharply across the U.S.
Pandemic updates for Seattle: Monday, February 14, 2022
Biden speaks with Ukraine’s leader as U.S. officials warn of imminent Russian attack
Week in Review: Mask mandates, Mazdas stuck on KUOW, and the concrete workers strike

KXLY (ABC)
Move Ahead WA package to provide $16B for state’s transportation (Riccelli)
Riccelli bill to expand number of schools offering free meals heads to Senate (Riccelli)
Bill to ease patient loads for healthcare workers advances to Senate

Web

Crosscut
Adding pot shops to improve social equity hits snag in WA Legislature (Wicks)

MyNorthwest
‘30 truckloads from the finish line’: West Seattle Bridge reopening jeopardized by concrete strike
Doctors, hospital leaders: WA not ready to end indoor mask mandate
UW researchers: ‘The pandemic phase of COVID-19 is gone’
Mayor Harrell to end Seattle eviction moratorium on Feb. 28
Washington ranks 6th in US for SIM card swapping scam

Patch
WA Legislative Roundup: Police Reform, Insulin Caps, Salary Laws (Randall, Keiser, Frockt, Riccelli)

The Stranger
Boy I Sure Hope Lawmakers Don’t Weaken Another Bill to Protect Renters (Macri, Peterson, Leavitt, Paul, Chapman, Rule, Trudeau)

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: City Council briefing Tuesday
CORONAVIRUS: City’s West Seattle vaccination clinic to close at month’s end

Friday, Feb. 11

Billions of federal dollars headed to Western forests to manage fires
Less than a year after Washington state committed $328 million toward reducing the impacts of climate-charged catastrophic wildfire and improving forest health, the U.S. Forest Service announced a plan liable to supercharge that effort. A U.S. Department of Agriculture announcement on Jan. 18 adds nearly $3 billion more to the nation’s forest restoration efforts and fire reduction, especially on federal forest lands in the heart of Washington’s fire country and in 10 other Western states. Just as significant, the accompanying plan incorporates the newest science and reflects Indigenous stewardship practices. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Ted S. Warren)

Bill to limit ammunition magazines shows how firearms debate has changed in Olympia
One 24-hour span demonstrates just how much the debate over firearms, at least for now, has changed at the Washington Legislature. After an emotional debate late Wednesday night, Democratic lawmakers passed Senate Bill 5078 on a party-line vote. The legislation, now headed for debate in the House, would prohibit the manufacture, distribution and sale of firearm magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. If enacted into law, the ban — which advocates and many Democrats have called necessary to reduce gun violence and fatalities — would limit not just magazines for rifles that hold 20 or 30 rounds. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

Cost of living for US families up an extra $276 on average
The cost of living for an average U.S. family has gone up an extra $276 a month, according to The Wall Street Journal. As inflation rises, the price of groceries, gasoline and cars is making up all those costs. Overall household debt jumped by $1 trillion, the most since 2007, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Driving that debt in part are car and home loans, as car prices jumped up over 12%. Low supply and high demand are driving up car prices, but shoppers are still driving off with new cars and higher loans. Continue reading at KOMO News.

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Associated Press
Justices reject 4th recall against Sheriff Adam Fortney
State Senate OKs ban on sale of high-capacity gun ammunition (Jinkins, Liias)
Deadly NW heat wave prompts effort to boost air conditioning (Mullet)
Judge restores protections for gray wolves across much of US
Washington Senate approves seismic safety bill for schools (Frockt)

Auburn Reporter
COVID-19 cases decrease in Auburn
Inslee: Mask mandate is going away, but not quite yet

Bainbridge Island Review
All-electric ferry in the works for Bremerton

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom man arrested in area of Thursday’s shooting of 2 deputies booked in Skagit County
Suspect surrenders, Whatcom deputies who were shot ‘conscious, alert, in stable condition’
As Lynden students protest, Whatcom schools await guidance on universal masking mandates
PETA said orca named by Lummi Nation was ‘deathly ill.’ Seaquarium says she’s recovering

Capital Press
Judge restores some wolves to endangered species list

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Nurse staffing bills may not be healthy approach (Stonier)

Everett Herald
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Hundreds gather for annual aerospace conference — without Boeing
Bloomberg Comment: The bill that could head off another Jan. 6 debacle

High Country News
The first answer for food insecurity: data sovereignty

Islands’ Weekly
Application period now open for new county climate and sustainability advisory committee

News Tribune
Editorial: Critical race theory to sex ed: WA parents deserve easy access to school board meetings

Olympian
Gun rights activists gather in Olympia to oppose gun bill passed Wednesday night in Senate
Lacey set to spend $4 million to acquire 12 acres for new police station
Thurston commission to expand LEAD diversion program for non-violent offenders

Peninsula Daily News
State superintendent comments surprise regional officials
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amazon drops mask requirements for vaccinated employees
Report: Amazon retail CEO Dave Clark sells Medina home, moves to Dallas
Crime-weary business leaders offer recommendations to Seattle council committee
State lawmakers weigh nurse staffing bill to address shortages, burnout (Riccelli)

Seattle Times
Bill to limit ammunition magazines shows how firearms debate has changed in Olympia (Hansen, Jinkins, Liias)
WA cannabis bill seeks to make industry more diverse, equitable (Wicks, Morgan)
Journalists of color at KING 5 hope to inspire the next generation of trailblazers

Skagit Valley Herald
City of Sedro-Woolley upgrading its facilities

South Seattle Emerald
New Children’s Book Speaks Truth Through An Indigenous Lens
From Refugee To Advocate: Medard Ngueita, World Relief Seattle’s New Executive Director

Tri-City Herald
Mask frustration boils over in another tense Richland School Board meeting
Well-known Tri-Citian to lead Ben Franklin Transit until new manager is hired

Washington Post
Biden to split billions in Afghanistan funds between 9/11 victims and humanitarian aid
How Supreme Court Diversity has Shaped American Life
Officers charged in George Floyd’s killing omitted key details from the scene, Minneapolis officer testifies
Some Trump records taken to Mar-a-Lago clearly marked as classified, including documents at ‘top secret’ level
Biden says easing mask mandates ‘probably premature’ as blue states loosen covid restrictions

Yakima Herald-Republic
Selah police, Yakima County sheriff’s deputies to get body cameras
Yakima, Ellensburg set high temperature records on Wednesday and Thursday
Washington officially has a new all-time maximum temperature record: 120 degrees
Letter: Books like “The 1619 Project” offer crucial truths

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle landlords make plea to end eviction moratorium
2 Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies shot after responding to dispute between neighbors

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Two deputies shot, injured responding to dispute between neighbors
State schools chief says it’s time to remove statewide mask mandate in schools
West Seattle residents react to potential bridge reopening delay
Bill to require job postings to include salaries passes Washington Senate

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Two Whatcom County deputies wounded while responding to active shooter call, officials say
Should Washington schools drop mask mandates?
Seattle man sentenced for assaulting federal officer during Jan. 6 riot at US Capitol
Cost of living for US families up an extra $276 on average
How inflation and tangled supply lines are gripping economy

KNKX Public Radio
Washington state legislators propose tax on Oregon drivers’ fuel (Fey, Wylie)

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle Sellers Can ‘kick Back and Let the Market’ Decide What People Will Pay for Their Homes
Gun violence devastated her family. Now she’s working with Seattle to end it
Pandemic updates for Seattle: Washington state mask mandate to be phased out
Outdoor event mask mandate ends soon. Indoor may be next
Pandemic conditions are changing again. Let’s talk: Today So Far

KXLY (ABC)
‘Rethinking the relationship’: How Spokane’s new planning director says he’ll make housing more affordable (Jinkins)

Web

Crosscut
Billions of federal dollars headed to Western forests to manage fires

MyNorthwest
City of Bellevue reaches deal with owners for demolition of home that slid off foundations
Why aren’t metal theft laws working in Washington state?
Seattle chief librarian race takes a surprise twist with remote work dispute
Two deputies shot, injured responding to dispute between neighbors
Judge restores gray wolf protections after being eliminated in 2020
Seattle man sentenced for assaulting officers during US Capitol riot
NOAA committee verifies record for state’s hottest ever day from 2021 heatwave
‘This is the year this gets done’: State restrictions on high capacity magazines on path to passage (Liias, Kuderer)
Washington inches closer toward dream of high speed rail system (Liias)

West Seattle Blog
VIDEO: What the Community Advisory Group for West Seattle’s light-rail project heard, and asked, at first Draft Environmental Impact Statement briefing
CORONAVIRUS: What the governor announced today, and how local numbers are going

Thursday, Feb. 10

Inslee: Mask mandate is going away, but not quite yet
As mask mandates disappear around the country, Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday it will happen in Washington, too, very soon. The governor said he’ll reveal exactly when next week. “Today is not the day to totally eliminate masks. The day is close,” he said at a virtual news conference. “It is no longer a matter of if. It is a matter of when.” COVID cases are falling “like a rock” after a rocket-like surge fueled by the omicron variant, he said. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

WA House members unanimously pass legislation to provide relief for farmers, ranchers
House legislators voted unanimously Wednesday on a measure to help provide short-term financial disaster relief to farmers and ranchers in Washington state. Under the bill, the Washington State Conservation Commission would be tasked with developing and implementing the program to provide funds for farmers and ranchers who can furnish documentation of “lost agricultural income or activity.” The bill doesn’t identify funding for the aid after a $600,000 appropriation from the State General Fund was removed from the original bill. Continue reading at The Olympian.

House passes bill allowing Medicaid to pay for doula services
Members of the state’s House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Wednesday, 85-8, to allow doula services to be covered by Medicaid. Doulas, non-medical advocates who assist birthing families before, during, and after births, would receive state certification under House Bill 1881. The optional certification would allow doula services to be covered by Medicaid, the primary health insurance provider for low-income residents. Bill sponsor Rep. Kirsten Harris-Talley said Medicaid provides health coverage for 52 percent of births in the state. Continue reading at KING 5.