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Tuesday, April 19

Fed up with lackluster reading scores, Wenatchee schools turned to science
Until this year, Sofia was among the roughly 50% of students in Washington state who were reading below grade level. But under a model of instruction adopted by the Wenatchee School District in 2019, the third grader has now surpassed her age group in reading, according to the district’s assessments. She can rattle off the meaning of “morpheme” (the smallest meaningful part of a word) and spot prefixes and suffixes on the fly. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Washington’s newest state park is taking shape, and it’s in Pierce County
A new state park that would incorporate the Nisqually River confluences with the Mashel River and Ohop Creek was just a dream in 1987 when state planners first proposed it. Now, 35 years later, Nisqually State Park is taking shape as the first state park with a campground co-managed with a tribal government. Washington State Parks wants to include the public on how facilities and trails should look at the state’s newest park. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Steve Bloom)

Planes, trains and ferries: Where are masks still required while traveling in Washington?
Nationally, most major airlines have announced they have lifted their mask requirements, but in Washington state, some public transit agencies are still requiring them. Alaska Airlines announced Monday that passengers would no longer be required to wear masks in the air, and Sea-Tac International Airport said the TSA would no longer be requiring masks. However, other local transportation companies are keeping their mask requirements in place while they wait to see if the federal government appeals the ruling. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
President Joe Biden to visit Pacific Northwest
Masks required on Seattle-area buses and trains, not ferries
Masks optional on Alaska Airlines after court ruling
Cheers and fears as US ends mask mandates for travel
Klickitat County denied parts of Yakama Reservation it wanted

Bellingham Herald
Time in the White House and fighting for the Sacred Sea. A Lummi matriarch tells her story
As judge ends transportation mask mandate, Bellingham airport awaits guidance from CDC
Bellingham hospital hits COVID milestone, while Whatcom reaches vaccination mark
Op-Ed: Inslee and Ferguson: SAFE Banking Act is a matter of life and death for WA pot businesses

Capital Press
Infrastructure package invests $31 million in landscape restoration

Courier-Herald
Feds to rename derogatory Mount Rainier National Park lake

The Daily News
Fentanyl drives increase in drug overdose deaths in Washington, Cowlitz County

Everett Herald
Why Snohomish County’s youthful murderers are being resentenced
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Comment: Better access to methadone can ease opioid OD deaths
Bloomberg Comment: Slower Fed acts on inflation, worse recession will be
WaPo Comment: Fact check: Biden blaming inflation on Putin takes explaining
WaPo Comment: GOP had its chances to elevate Black women jurists

Indian Country Today
Supreme Court denies claim to portion of Yakama lands

International Examiner
A push for racial justice, one BIPOC farmer at a time

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee to launch on the eve of Earth Day

News Tribune
Name of Pierce County deputy who shot man during suspected child abuse call is released
Washington’s newest state park is taking shape, and it’s in Pierce County

North American Post
Looking South: Anglophone Canadian Reactions to Japanese American Incarceration – Part 2

Olympian
U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on WA state law to help ill Hanford nuclear workers
WA airports scramble after mask ruling. Delta, Alaska already lift in-flight mandates

Peninsula Daily News
Housing grant approval expected
Jefferson County to address encampment’s future

Puget Sound Business Journal
Meta says headcount has grown faster than expected in Washington state

Seattle Medium
Conventions Returning To Downtown Seattle

Seattle Times
What you need to know about changing mask rules in Seattle area, WA and the U.S.
Drug overdoses: How to be safe and find help in Seattle and across WA
Tacoma’s pioneering needle exchange now using smoking supplies to reach fentanyl, meth users
WA insurance chief Mike Kreidler apologizes for using racist slurs
Seattle street barber gives out more than just free haircuts
Fed up with lackluster reading scores, Wenatchee schools turned to science
Road rage, injury at Pike Place Market comes amid debate over limiting vehicle traffic
WA ferries drop mask rule, but most Seattle-area transit agencies keep theirs
Opinion: For the next King County sheriff, we need a proven change agent

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County Board of Commissioners may vote on planning changes

South Seattle Emerald
5 places in south Seattle President Biden should visit
Delridge traffic barrier causes hardship for community preschool

Tri-City Herald
Richland names new police chief. She’s the 1st woman to hold the job
U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on WA state law to help ill Hanford nuclear workers
WA airports scramble after mask ruling. Delta, Alaska already lift in-flight mandates

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Milton-Freewater asparagus farmer loses week’s crop to frost
College Place continues discussions on possible ambulance utility fee
Future uncertain for Touchet Valley Trail between Dayton and Waitsburg

Washington Post
End of federal transportation mask mandate greeted with confusion, relief
Russia begins ‘battle for Donbas’ in east, sets new Mariupol surrender deadline
The U.S. will boycott some G-20 meetings to protest Russia’s invasion
Biden restores climate safeguards in key environmental law, reversing Trump
Border numbers jump in March, with striking increase in Ukrainians
Report: Majority of renters can’t afford to buy in their city

Yakima Herald-Republic
Moderna announces step toward updating COVID shots for fall
Glenwood Valley is within Yakama Reservation, U.S. Supreme Court affirms
Stay up-to-date on vaccines before Omicron strain increases cases in Yakima, health official urges

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Planes, trains and ferries: Where are masks still required while traveling in Washington?
A group of King County firefighters plea to drop vaccine mandate as jobs put in jeopardy
Langley swears in first Black police chief
Uber, Lyft drop COVID mask requirements

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
State ferries drop masks, but still required on most Seattle-area public transportation
Alaska Airlines, other major airlines make masks optional, effective immediately
Delta pilots to picket at SEA, citing fatigue from staffing shortfall
Six Eastside Fire & Rescue firefighters fired over vaccination status
Tacoma demolition accident leads to power outages
Federal judge voids national mask mandate for travelers
3 light rail stations to be reduced to a single track due to maintenance work
Mayor announces ‘One Seattle Day of Service,’ volunteer event to clean up city

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Masks no longer required aboard Washington State Ferries
Florida judge’s ruling to toss air masks for planes stirs confusion, elation, anxiety
Unvaccinated King County firefighters facing deadline to comply with mandate or lose job
Teachers union asks Seattle Public Schools to add more COVID-19 protocols

KUOW Public Radio
TSA will no longer enforce travel mask mandate after a federal judge strikes it down
Mayor Bruce Harrell looks back on his first 100 days and details his plans moving forward
Ukraine says Russia’s offensive in Donbas has begun. Here’s what we know
China’s temp agencies recruit underemployed migrants to enforce lockdown restrictions
Pentagon says Russia is still laying the groundwork for offensive in eastern Ukraine

KXLY (ABC)
Seattle proposes minimum wage for DoorDash, Rover, other gig workers
WA prosecutors who withhold evidence rarely face discipline (Dhingra)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Mask mandate for travelers: Where masks are optional, still required in Washington
Climate change is killing Northwest salmon, scientists warn

Web

MyNorthwest
Masking rules no longer in effect at Sea-Tac Airport, Paine Field
Seattle restaurants gradually returning to pre-pandemic volume amid mixed city revenue forecast
U.S. Supreme Court rejects Klickitat County’s claim to portion of Yakama Indian Reservation
Mayor Harrell unveils sweeping volunteer initiative as part of One Seattle vision

West Seattle Blog
GONDOLA? West Seattle SkyLink’s response to Sound Transit’s feasibility report
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: 10 days left to comment; 2 meetings this week

Monday, April 18

It’s not over: COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in US
Yet again, the U.S. is trudging into what could be another COVID-19 surge, with cases rising nationally and in most states after a two-month decline. One big unknown? “We don’t know how high that mountain’s gonna grow,” said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University. No one expects a peak nearly as high as the last one, when the contagious omicron version of the coronavirus ripped through the population. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (David Zalubowski)

WA has more money for transit, bikes, pedestrians — but who gets to spend it?/strong>
The only problem with “walk to school day” in Coupeville, Island County, on Whidbey Island, is that not every student has a path to walk. “There are some routes where kids live where they’re walking on the street or there’s no bike lane,” said Donna Keeler, Coupeville’s planning director. This is just the sort of problem the state’s “active transportation” grants are meant to address — a pot of money for communities to build out bike and pedestrian projects and safe routes to school. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Lawmakers provided $800M for homeless programs, but advocates say there’s more to be done
For multiple years, the Washington legislature has attempted to come up with new programs to help people in the state who are experiencing homelessness. This year’s investments, totaling more than $800 million, are the most ever allocated in a session. While several organizations that worked on legislation this year think the state is on the right path, they still believe more can be done to move Washington forward. Data from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness shows that 22,923 people in the state were experiencing homelessness as of January 2020. Continue reading at The Olympian.

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Associated Press
Yakima growers worry about cold snap impact on fruit crop
It’s not over: COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in US
Biden to require US-made steel, iron for infrastructure

Aberdeen Daily World
Local child care providers struggle to balance financial realities and parental needs

Bellingham Herald
Wheelchair users are free to roll along the road where sidewalk access is restricted
Here’s how housing in Bellingham, Whatcom is stacking up
COVID started it. Will rising food prices continue this trend?
We flush and forget, but should bio-sludge go on crops? Bellingham Council considers
This drag show grant for Whatcom Middle School draws criticism on conservative media
Major delays at the Whatcom border crossings as Canadians celebrate long weekend
These are some surprising positives for Whatcom County’s spring economic outlook
Op-Ed: Fourth-generation forester says thriving forestry sector needs private and trust lands

Capital Press
Highly contagious avian flu confirmed in Idaho
Easterday settlement filed in bankruptcy court
White House study of lower Snake River dams raises farmers’ questions

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Building bridges; map morass

Everett Herald
I-5 HOV lane, Highway 529 interchange work to start this year
Snohomish, Everett robotics teams headed to world competition
Bike lane considered for stretch of Madison Street in Everett
Bikes, horses, hikers: At Lord Hill Park, who gets priority?
Catching waves and wind: Clean energy search turns offshore
Schools eye fixes to leaky roofs, aging boilers, old tech
Verizon stores in Everett, Lynnwood vote to join union
Study reveals how public, officers feel about Everett police
Sultan, Granite Falls face cuts if school levies fail again
Comment: Exports offer county’s small businesses recovery path
Letter: Keep state forests in timber production
Comment: State’s $40 million stake will aid small businesses
Editorial: Playing whack-a-mole against teen use of nicotine
Letter: Prison not an effective deterrent to crime
Column: Media failing public on economy’s strong job numbers
Comment: Inflation’s new normal may be 4%; get used to it
Comment: What the neutral terms of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills do say

High Country News
A revolution, a Coast Salish story, a memoir

Indian Country Today
Tribes holding out hope of salmon recovery
In drought-stricken West, officials weigh emergency actions
Boosting equity in the federal government

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap Mental Health Services expands facility in Bremerton for youth programs (Simmons, Rolfes)

News Tribune
Want people to support development in Tacoma? Don’t shut off their power on short notice
Megachurch prompted Pierce County city to examine its code. But it’s back to square one
Sheriff’s deputy shoots, wounds Parkland man during standoff after child calls 911

New York Times
What if Public Funds Were Controlled by the Public?
Americans Over 60 Should Get Second Booster, Official Says

North American Post
The Tokita World War II Diary

Olympian
Tumwater police say pandemic, legislation lowered crime statistics in 2021
Olympia’s hotel stays for the homeless helped few gain housing. Most are back on the streets
Lawmakers provided $800M for homeless programs, but advocates say there’s more to be done
Millions behind on student loan payments being offered fresh start. What to know
New law could affect the way voters in WA decide on ballot initiatives

Peninsula Daily News
Improved reporting sees rise in COVID
Housing grant approval expected

Puget Sound Business Journal
Amid labor shortages, businesses are taking a more proactive approach to college recruitment
How much office-upfit costs have surged, and how they’re factoring in to space decisions
Here’s how the March housing market fared and what’s on the horizon
Delta pilots plan to picket at Sea-Tac Airport over heavy schedules
Washington’s manufacturing workforce is shrinking, but don’t blame the robots
Opinion: It’s a critical moment for Boeing and China
SBA releases ‘equity plan’ to better serve minority-owned businesses

Seattle Times
3 WA cities among nation’s most physically active
How do you move the needle on literacy? This Eastside city is retraining teachers
Why you keep hearing the word ‘grooming’ in the news
Russian-speaking families in Seattle area split: That Ukraine video is fake!
WA insurance chief Mike Kreidler accused of using racist slurs; staff allege mistreatment
WA has more money for transit, bikes, pedestrians — but who gets to spend it?
With COVID-19 and now abortion, WA is Idaho’s civilization. Can that hold?
Editorial: Pairing health care and housing to reduce chronic homelessness (Chopp)
Opinion: A COVID-19 lesson: America needs to invest in K-12 science

Skagit Valley Herald
Number of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County takes slight dip

South Seattle Emerald
No judgment fitness brings LGBTQ+ and fat positive fitness to White Center
What I wish my younger self knew about money that no one told me
Examining the Seattle Chamber of Commerce poll

Tri-City Herald
Private plane crashes and flips at Richland Airport
Car charging stations coming to WA’s scenic White Pass thanks to a Tri-Cities agency
Tri-Cities has one of worst rates of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths in WA state
Yes, cougars live near Tri-Cities. But why are we seeing so many this spring?
‘Fantastic time.’ Here’s what Tri-Cities astronaut will remember about her months in space
More COVID deaths in Tri-Cities as new case rates tick upward elsewhere. Boosters urged
Tri-Cities students shared hard-learned advice from COVID pandemic. It’s now a book
Amazon plans Tri-Cities job fair in April. Warehouse hiring coming this summer
Tri-Cities transit riders speak out against cuts. Board debates trimming taxes
Wheelchair users are free to roll along the road where sidewalk access is restricted
Watch Richland, Washington astronaut Kayla Barron speak from space

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla law enforcement adjusts to evolving reform laws
Temporary storage containers, new buildings planned for Port of Walla Walla’s Burbank Business Park
Old Shopko store in Walla Walla swarms with activity again — as temporary training ground for active-shooter drills
Head of Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla being replaced
Columbia Pulp ordered to relinquish assets to property manager in postponement of sale for debts

Washington Post
The nuclear missile next door
Missiles strike Lviv as Ukrainian forces refuse to surrender in Mariupol
Elon Musk wants a free speech utopia. Technologists clap back.
A food pantry’s closure means more than lost meals for hundreds of families
On Tax Day, the White House takes aim at GOP Sen. Rick Scott’s tax plan
Americans’ taxes used to be public — until the rich revolted
You agreed to what? Tax sites want your data for more than filing.

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima County planning commission to address potential loophole for kitchens at wineries, breweries
The Yakima City Council is setting up new climate advisory board. Here’s how it will work
Bloomberg Opinion: Biden moves forward on gun violence
Letter: Do you hear your hypocrisy, Sen. Honeyford?

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Delta pilots to picket at Sea-Tac Airport over schedules causing ‘fatiguing trips’

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Unvaccinated firefighters face termination
SR 520 on-ramp closure in Redmond impacts thousands of commuters
Ukrainians ‘weep and pray’ for peace on what is their Palm Sunday
First of final concrete pours for West Seattle Bridge begin
Delta pilots to picket at Sea-Tac Airport citing fatigue from staffing shortfall
First Black US attorney for the Western District of Washington hopes to make lasting impact
Major delays at the Whatcom border crossings as Canadians celebrate long weekend

KVVU FOX 26 Medford
President Biden to visit Portland next week to talk infrastructure (Cleveland)

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Low Income Housing Institute offers space in downtown Seattle for police precincts
Tacoma businesses hope for more police presence throughout city

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle’s Payroll Tax May Survive Legal Threat
It’s time to screen all kids for anxiety, physicians’ task force recommends

KXLY (ABC)
War in Ukraine affects global food chain: meat, wheat, vegetable oil prices at all-time high

Web

Crosscut
Seattle proposes minimum wage for DoorDash, Rover, other gig workers
Small and rural WA restaurants left behind by SBA relief program

MyNorthwest
State insurance commissioner issues second apology in as many months, this time over reports of racial slurs
Marshawn Lynch, Macklemore join with Seattle Kraken as part-owners
Seattle sees positive results from scooter share pilot, lays groundwork for full-time program
Delta Airlines pilots to become latest to picket at Sea-Tac citing strain from low staffing
Seattle takes another shot at renter protections after failed eviction moratorium extension
Sound Transit reworks communications system after 6-hour closure of two light rail stations
Could newly-enacted changes to ballot initiatives curtail effort to repeal capital gains tax?
Return to mask mandate not in Washington’s ‘best interest’ right now, says state epidemiologist
Workers at two Seattle Starbucks take to picket lines on Friday over claims of union busting
Boycotting Russia? Watch out for king crab, says Seattle fishmonger
Fire safety outage closes Sound Transit’s University District and Roosevelt stations
King County health officer provides context behind recent rise in COVID cases
FBI releases classified documents from 2018 Horizon Air plane theft from Sea-Tac, crash

The Stranger
The Seattle City Council Considers Giving You More Time to Pay Back Your Landlord

West Seattle Blog
CORONAVIRUS: What’s up, what’s down in this week’s local trend check
WATER TAXI CHANGES: Reduced service Monday-Wednesday; summer schedule starts Thursday
From White Center Now: Balloon blamed for power outage
VIDEO: Specialized concrete arrives for West Seattle Bridge repairs
WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Duwamish Alive! brings hundreds of helping hands to Seattle’s only river

Friday, April 15

Homelessness, behavioral health take precedence in ‘historic’ WA spending plan
The Washington Legislature is using one of the largest infusions of federal money in state history to invest in a wide spectrum of attempts to reduce homelessness. Supported largely by surplus revenue, fewer debts and leftover federal funds from the American Rescue Plan, the extra money meant Democrats could be ambitious in their spending to address some of the state’s hot-button issues around homelessness. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Alex Berner/The Seattle Times)

Report To Washington State Parks Commission Shows Barriers For Black Community Outdoors
The Washington State Parks Commission says it wants more Black community members to enjoy the outdoors. Trina Baker didn’t grow up hiking, camping or adventuring in the snow. However, as soon as she began walking outdoors with GirlTrek, a program designed to get Black women outdoors, Baker said she fell in love with nature. Continue reading at Northwest Public Broadcasting. (Udo S/Flickr)

Washington Ends Practice Of Parents Paying For Their Child’s Incarceration
After more than three decades, a law that dramatically impacted families in the state of Washington was repealed. The policy, known as “parent pay,” which required parents to pay for their child’s time in incarceration, came to an end last month with overwhelming bipartisan support. The executive director of the Washington State Stand for Children advocacy group, Kia Franklin, called the program “exploitative, inequitable, and destabilizing.” Continue reading at South Seattle Emerald.

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Associated Press
State Board of Health won’t require COVID vaccine for students

Aberdeen Daily World
Ocean Shores City Council considers LTAC reform

Bellingham Herald
These are some surprising positives for Whatcom County’s spring economic outlook

Capital Press
April snow storms prompt pollination worries among Washington tree fruit growers
Biden administration invests in rural hospitals in Oregon, Washington

The Daily News
Cowlitz County COVID-19 cases remain flat as state, other counties see small increases
Juvenile court official charged with child sexual abuse
Cantwell meets with Cowlitz leaders about future of sediment control
Port of Longview commissioners hear updates on rail corridor expansion
Cowlitz County food banks report increase in demand amid high gas, food prices

Everett Herald
Study reveals how public, officers feel about Everett police
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo comment: What the neutral terms of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills do say
WaPo comment: Why Biden held a gun with disgust, not reverence
Letter: U.S. spends far more on military than on education

News Tribune
A Tacoma shelter is closing its kitchen for 2 months. It needs your help feeding people
Lacey to receive $500,000 in federal funding for Veterans Services Hub
Parts of vacant Tacoma school campus that irked neighbors finally are being demolished

New York Times
Cities Try to Turn the Tide on Police Traffic Stops
The F.D.A. authorizes the first Covid-19 breath test.
In Several States, Teachers Get Their Biggest Raise in Decades
Bill Gates: We Must Develop Drugs Much Faster in the Next Pandemic

Olympian
Lacey City Council’s restrictive public comment policy is about to change
Apparent phishing scam leads candidate Loren Culp to claim cancellation by Facebook
What motivated man to steal Sea-Tac plane, crash on Ketron Island? FBI records released
Coldest April day on record chills Olympia area on Wednesday, NWS says

Peninsula Daily News
Firm to pay $22.5 million to settle vaping suit

Puget Sound Business Journal
Alaska Airlines plans return to full schedule at Paine Field by summer
Starbucks hit with second NLRB complaint alleging mistreatment of pro-union workers
Here’s the deal Teamsters seek with Seattle-area concrete suppliers
Inflation is increasing stress for employees. More companies are embracing financial wellness benefits.

Seattle Medium
Seattle Fire Department Becomes First in Washington to Earn a Protection Class 1 Rating by WSRB
Public Safety Index In Seattle Important To Recovery
Seattle’s Population Decline
Riders Return To Mass Transit In Seattle

Seattle Times
A quiet, studious leader takes the reins at Seattle Schools
Don’t give up on spring, Seattle! It’ll be warm again soon (or at least not as chilly)
Homelessness, behavioral health take precedence in ‘historic’ WA spending plan (Frockt, Kuderer)
Seattle Fire Department receives top protection rating; property owners could see reduced insurance rates
Editorial: Stuck, cracked, crumbling: Mayor Harrell, Seattle bridge repairs can’t wait

Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon City Council approves funding for police department social workers

South Seattle Emerald
Our kids deserve better than our broken busing system
Washington ends practice of parents paying for their child’s incarceration
First annual Bumblebee Memorial Boxing Showcase benefits foster kids

Washington Post
Warship was hit by two Ukrainian missiles before sinking, Pentagon says
No-knock raids have led to fatal encounters and small drug seizures
Russia warns U.S. to stop arming Ukraine
Opinion: ‘Don’t say gay’ says ‘don’t say straight,’ too. Let’s exploit it.

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Widow of man dissected at autopsy show pushes for new law after KING 5 investigation
Auto wreckers fear catalytic converter law will harm business

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle Police Department’s use of force down sharply but racial disparities continue
All Light Rail stations are now operating after system failure caused service issues
National parks waive entrance fees Saturday to kick off National Park Week
Downtown Starbucks employees picket after facing ‘intense union-busting’ from corporate

KNKX Public Radio
Report to Washington State Parks Commission shows barriers for Black community outdoors

KUOW Public Radio
Is social housing the answer to Seattle’s affordable housing woes?
Major toothache – A look inside dental care in Washington
Seattle’s payroll tax is thriving, but faces next legal challenge

KXLY (ABC)
A look at the changes Spokane school leaders hope will fix bussing issues
‘Everyone deserves a nice place to live’: former Spokane motels turning into apartment complexes

NW Public Radio
Report To Washington State Parks Commission Shows Barriers For Black Community Outdoors
Long Wait Times, Provider Shortages Hinder ADHD Diagnosis
Riding Or Hiking Across Washington State Just Got Easier With New Bridge Over Columbia River

Web

Crosscut
Human Elements: What dogs can teach us about how we age
For Spokane tribal members, finding work can mean losing benefits

Thursday, April 14

E-cigarette giant Juul to pay WA $22.5 million to settle lawsuit
Juul Labs, the e-cigarette giant, will pay $22.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Washington state that alleged it intentionally targeted teenagers with its products, while deceiving consumers about the addictiveness of its vaping products, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday. “Juul’s conduct harmed Washingtonians,” Ferguson said. “Juul violated the law; they did it over and over again.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert/The Seattle Times)

Health board decides against COVID vaccine requirement for students
Students will not be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend public schools. The state Board of Health on Wednesday unanimously endorsed the recommendation of a technical advisory group to hold off, at least for now, on adding it to the list of immunizations students are required to have before attending schools in Washington. Continue reading at Everett Herald.

Cantwell: I-5 Bridge project poised for federal aid
The multiyear project addressing the Interstate 5 Bridge’s old bones may receive much-needed federal funding once stakeholders come to an agreement on its design and operations. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Program staff and community leaders met Wednesday to discuss how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could boost the region’s economy while relieving local traffic frustration. Continue reading at The Columbian. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian)

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Associated Press
April storm improves 2022 PNW water outlook, drought remains
Providence agrees to pay $22 million in medical fraud case

Auburn Reporter
Health board decides against COVID vaccine requirement for students
WA health officials recommend having overdose reversing drug on hand amid alarming increase in drug-related deaths

Bellingham Herald
Federal flood insurance rates are changing in Whatcom. Up or down? Depends who you are
Here’s when higher parking rates, new hours will apply in downtown Bellingham, Fairhaven

Capital Press
Biden administration invests in rural hospitals in Oregon, Washington

Columbian
Cantwell: I-5 Bridge project poised for federal aid
In Our View: Franz’s carbon-offset plan balances concerns

Everett Herald
Health board decides against COVID vaccine requirement for students
Concrete walkout ends; Lynnwood light rail impact may linger
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
‘Our place to grow’: Alaska to resume full service in Everett
‘Taking the power back’: Man sues over Boy Scout leader’s abuse
Editorial: Gray whales a reminder of what must be protected

Indian Country Today
Disenrolled Nooksack citizens continue fight to stay in homes
Farms, fish on dry California-Oregon border see scant water
Gasoline prices hurting consumers

The Inlander
River polluters could face near-zero PCB limits; plus, the fire department plans a hiring spree
Department of Interior looking for local input on replacing racist geographic names

News Tribune
Controversial South Tacoma warehouse project to get public airing at Thursday meeting
School bus company settles safety violations complaint with WA state regulators
New trial ordered in suit of skateboarder hit in Puyallup crosswalk, awarded millions
2 new Tacoma apartment projects that received city tax breaks promise community benefits

New York Times
A New Legal Tactic to Protect Workers’ Pay
What’s Happening With Abortion Legislation in States Across the Country
Supply Chain Hurdles Will Outlast Pandemic, White House Says
Republicans and Democrats Agree Child Care Needs Help. Here’s How They Differ.
California Reveals Its Plan to Phase Out New Gas-Powered Cars by 2035

Olympian
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Washington state health officials vote not to require COVID vaccination in schools
Thurston County man dies after being handcuffed by deputies Tuesday
New law could affect the way voters in WA decide on ballot initiatives
School bus company settles safety violations complaint with WA state regulators
Area residents gather to demand answers to Oakley Carlson’s disappearance

Puget Sound Business Journal
Home prices are soaring. What’s that mean for property taxes?
Concrete flows again in Seattle area but tensions still high as labor deal remains elusive
Providence to pay $22.7M to settle fraud suit against Walla Walla hospital

Seattle Medium
New Law May Entice Movie Industry Back To Washington State
Reports Of A Thousand Ukrainian Refugees Coming To Tri Cities Is False

Seattle Times
COVID cases are up slightly in WA. Will mask mandates come back?
Is a new I-5 bridge connecting WA and OR finally on track?
Column: When it comes to homelessness, we speak with compassion but act without empathy
WA Board of Health votes against adding COVID vaccines to K-12 school-required immunizations
1,500 Gen Zers were polled about climate change. Here are the results
E-cigarette giant Juul to pay WA $22.5 million to settle lawsuit
Opinion: Congress is on the cusp of catching up to public opinion on cannabis reform
Opinion: Save Washington’s legacy forests to save ourselves
Editorial: Inquests into lethal police actions are rightfully back in King County

South Seattle Emerald
Here’s what you need to know about Idaho’s 6-week abortion ban
Emily Alvarado seeks legislative seat, summer youth program grants, & more

Tri-City Herald
Iconic Tri-Cities hot spot shut by the pandemic to be new riverside restaurant
Tri-Cities judge and first Hispanic from WA nominated by Biden to 9th Circuit Court

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla city leaders explain why they didn’t pursue a ban on offensive tattoos
Waitsburg Commercial Club recognizes excellence in the community with return from pandemic hiatus
Smiles all around at Walla Walla Public Schools ‘kinder roundup’

Washington Post
How 50 days of Russia’s war in Ukraine changed the world
Russian warship badly damaged; Mariupol faces key battles in war’s 50th day
Russia threatens to move nukes to Baltic region if Finland, Sweden join NATO
Ky. Republicans override veto, impose sweeping abortion restrictions
Mortgage rates hit 5 percent, highest level in 11 years
Ukraine says it hit Russia’s top Black Sea warship in missile strike
Video shows officer fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya in Michigan
Covid booster shot bolsters protection in 5-to-11-year-olds, Pfizer and BioNTech say

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘I feel violated’: Vehicle thefts are on the rise in Washington state
Galley service returns to certain Washington State Ferry routes
Advocates hope to reduce stigma amid surge in drug overdose deaths
New Washington State Patrol Trooper class the ‘most diverse’ in the agency’s history
Washington health officials vote against requiring COVID vaccine for students
Local leaders support extending federal mask mandate for public transportation

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
FBI releases classified documents from 2018 Horizon Air plane theft, crash
Seattle entrepreneur creates company advancing career opportunities for other people of color
Lawsuit against JUUL orders $22.5 million payout; vaping is still a problem in schools
Board of Health opts against new school vaccine requirement

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New housing, light rail could bring sweeping changes to Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood
Amazon CEO Jassy says he wants to improve warehouse safety
Phinney Ridge businesses hire private security, wait for help from Seattle City Hall
In wake of violent hold ups, state officials mull plans to keep pot shops safe
Inflation, surging food prices hit Washington state food banks hard

KUOW Public Radio
Covid-19 vaccine won’t be required for school kids in Washington state
Pandemic updates: Covid hospitalizations tick up in King County

KXLY (ABC)
‘Time to go’: Homeowners want the homeless camp cleared now, WSDOT says it will…soon
Juul to pay $22.5 million to settle Washington vaping suit
Spokane parents share mixed feelings over health board’s decision to not require COVID vaccine for students

Q13 TV (FOX)
Momentum, funding builds for Interstate Bridge replacement over Columbia River
WA Board of Health votes ‘no’ on including COVID vaccine in child immunizations

Web

Crosscut
How to make manufacturers more responsible for plastics recycling (Das)

MyNorthwest
King County health officer provides context behind recent rise in COVID cases
FBI releases classified documents from 2018 Horizon Air plane theft from Sea-Tac, crash
As Washington overdoses continue to rise, half of OD-linked deaths attributed to fentanyl
Washington health board opts not to require COVID-19 vaccines for K-12 students
CDC extends travel mask requirement to May 3 as COVID rises
JUUL to pay Washington state $22.5 million over unlawful advertising directed toward kids
Shoreline to explore ‘natural evolution’ to single-family zoning
Group behind initiative to repeal capital gains tax clashes with AG over how it would appear on ballot

The Stranger
Gig Economy Giants Worry Paying Minimum Wage Will Hurt Business
Nelson Continues to Piss Off People with Her Push for SPD Hiring Bonuses

West Seattle Blog
FAUNTLEROY FIGHT: Family pleads to save big tree threatened by SDOT project

Wednesday, April 13

How salary transparency could impact the job hunt in Washington state
Senate Bill 5761 requires employers to disclose a salary range upfront in print or online job postings and provide general information about the position’s benefits. In addition to saving time for both employers and applicants, bill sponsor state Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, argues, the measure will improve transparency by empowering applicants with more information when they negotiate their salaries. She also hopes it will help narrow stubborn pay gaps for women and people of color, she said. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jovelle Tamayo)

Report: Use of force by Seattle police at all-time low, but racial disparities cloud numbers
Use of force by Seattle police officers reached an all-time low last year — after skyrocketing in 2020 during the summer protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd — but statistics continue to show sharp and disturbing evidence of racial inequities when officers resort to their hands, Tasers or guns. A preliminary review of the department’s use-of-force trends since 2019, released this week by the federal monitor overseeing court-ordered police reforms, remarks on significant and ongoing progress made by SPD in lowering the number of use-of-force incidents of all types, and praised the city’s review of the violence in 2020 that marred and undermined those efforts. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

After 3-day strike, Marysville Starbucks workers move to unionize
Starbucks workers at a Marysville store have moved to unionize following a three-day strike in protest of working conditions. Strike organizer Katie McCoy said she and another employee walked out of the Lakewood Crossing store on Thursday night after being short-staffed. McCoy said she was asked to stay past closing time and run the store with her coworker, who is almost nine months pregnant. Continue reading at Everett Herald.