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Tuesday, March 29

New maps show strong correlation between redlined places in Seattle and worse air quality
Standing on the banks of the Duwamish Waterway, Adrienne Hampton could see before her the manifestations of a legacy of pollution. Low-flying planes descended into King County International Airport as waves of cars traversed the First Avenue South Bridge. Behind her, roaring trucks navigated potholes along residential streets flooded easily by light rain. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times)

Pickleball officially named Washington’s state sport
Washington Governor Jay Inslee sat at a table set up on the world’s first ever pickleball court, with John Lovick and Kate Van Gent standing beside him. As he scribbled his signature on the paper in front of him Inslee shouted, “Everybody plays!” And just like that, the Snohomish County-led effort to make pickleball Washington’s state sport was complete. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Chuck Wright)

‘Medical airlift’ for Ukraine with $3.5 million of medical supplies set to fly out of Sea-Tac
A relief flight stocked with $3.5 million worth of emergency medical supplies is scheduled to fly out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Monday evening, providing aid to Ukraine during Russia’s ongoing invasion of the Eastern European nation. The flight is being spearheaded by Nova Ukraine, in tandem with Stanford University’s Ukrainian Student Association and the Ukrainian Association of Washington State (UAWS). Cargo will include surgical supplies, “medical machines,” gauze and bandages, arterial lines, and sterile syringes. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (AP file)

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Aberdeen Daily World
State budget funds 19th District projects

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham city cleaning party aims to help keep city litter-free: Here’s how to help
Skagit Tulip Festival returns with a third garden. Here’s when you’ll find peak bloom
Whatcom adds two new COVID-related deaths, but case and hospitalization rates hold steady

Capital Press
Northwest processors buy potatoes from Maine
Irrigation district warns of possible water delivery delay due to stalled union talks
Potato Council opposes resumption of PEI fresh-potato exports to U.S.

Columbian
In Our View: Avoid repeating failures in bridge replacement

Courier-Herald
Enumclaw COVID testing site closing April 1

Everett Herald
Pickleball officially named Washington’s state sport (Lovick)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Island County officials decry subpar ferry service
Langley building moratorium not making comeback
Bloomberg comment: Most taxpayers should see larger refunds this year
Bloomberg comment: What will follow as consumers end shopping spree?
Editorial: Voters shouldn’t ignore Rep. Sutherland’s reprimand

Kitsap Sun
Inslee signs $17B transportation package with funding for Gorst, ferries and more (Rolfes)
Pickleball, invented on Bainbridge Island, is now Washington’s state sport (Lovick)

News Tribune
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
It didn’t pay ransom, but 2021 cyberattack still cost Pierce County school district

New York Times
Live Updates: As Talks Progress, Russia Says It Will Reduce Attacks in Northern Ukraine
Covid Live Updates: F.D.A. Authorizes Second Boosters for Those 50 and Older and Some Immunocompromised People
How 2 Industries Stymied Justice for Young Lead Paint Victims

North American Post
Natsuko Chin, RN, Elected to WSNA Hall of Fame

Olympian
Port says investigation has cleared Commissioner Evans of conflict of interest charge
Here’s the latest scam targeting WA Medicare recipients, state investigators warn
Police chase down suspect after he stole a tow truck, rammed an Olympia patrol car
These Washington state agencies are hiring and paying extremely high salaries

Puget Sound Business Journal
PPP architect calls for more SBA lending for small businesses
Suppliers say 30 people held ‘against their will’ for hours at Seattle concrete plant

Seattle Times
New maps show strong correlation between redlined places in Seattle and worse air quality
Seattle Center Monorail celebrates 60 years
In Sammamish, revolving door of city managers continues
New ballot initiative aims to reduce homelessness, create ‘social housing’ in Seattle
Pickleball officially named WA state sport (Lovick)
Inquest jury finds Seattle police acted within the law and policy in deadly shooting in 2017
Opinion: Banning books or classes does not serve the child or democracy
Editorial: Sustain monorail’s Kraken momentum with Seattle Center improvements

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit Land Trust counts birds for wetland conservation

The Skanner
Governor Inslee Signs $17 Billion Transportation Package

South Seattle Emerald
Celebrating women in our lives — Part 3
My fearless imagination, or how reimagining Seattle is a question better asked of fire

Tri-City Herald
Biden administration proposes ‘disappointing’ Hanford budget cut in 2023
Benton County hazardous waste and tire collection days set for April
Quirky office comedy by Yakima Valley native to get Tri-Cities red carpet premiere
Tri-Cities bar that defied WA mandates shuts down. COVID, inflation and Biden blamed
Tri-Cities hospital gets 1st accreditation in WA for 1 type of cancer treatment

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla County sets meeting dates for redistricting debate
Walla Walla developmental disabilities Transition Expo aims to prepare families for future

Washington Post
Signs of progress in peace talks; U.S. expresses skepticism
Jan. 6 White House logs given to House show 7-hour gap in Trump calls
FDA authorizes second coronavirus booster shot for people 50 and older
4.4 million in U.S. quit or changed jobs in February as turnover remained high
Salmon travel deep into the Pacific. As it warms, many ‘don’t come back.’
Four takeaways from President Biden’s budget proposal

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
FDA authorizes another booster of COVID vaccine for people 50 and up
Western Washington grieving the loss of three officers in less than two weeks
‘Keeps me awake at night’: Seattle pot shop owners increase security after spike in robberies
Tourism in Seattle sees uptick, but pre-pandemic levels still ways away
‘It’s horrible’: Graham residents complain of smell from landfill
Pickleball becomes official sport of Washington state

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Federal lawmakers working to make marijuana business safer
Off-duty Edmonds police officer dies in Las Vegas stabbing
FDA authorizes second COVID-19 booster shot for some people
Tacoma leaders trying to crack down on street racing
Jury rules Seattle officers ‘justified’ in 2017 shooting of Damarius Butts
$3.5M in donated medical supplies headed from SEA Airport to Ukraine
King County woman arrested after mile-long “path of destruction”
Inslee signs measure making pickleball official WA sport

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘There’s no accountability:’ Georgetown neighbors rattled by ongoing crimes
Inslee signs measure making pickleball official WA sport
University of Washington School of Medicine earns top rankings
King Co. councilmember proposes Marijuana Safety Taskforce amid armed robbery surge

KNKX Public Radio
Wildfire smoke can change the atmosphere, even a week later
Researchers track the pandemic’s toll on health workers’ mental health

KXLY (ABC)
WSU School of Medicine helping develop more home-grown doctors

Q13 TV (FOX)
‘His balance is gone now,’ Family confused after ESD clears overpayment balance with no communication
State Liquor and Cannabis Board to discuss safety at local pot shops

Web

Crosscut
UW international students reflect on two years away from home
WA seaweed farming could boom but permitting remains difficult

MyNorthwest
West Seattle Bridge repair on track to finish in ‘mid-2022’ with concrete drivers’ limited return
‘Medical airlift’ for Ukraine with $3.5 million of medical supplies set to fly out of Sea-Tac
Off-duty Edmonds police officer stabbed to death in Las Vegas

The Stranger
You Have High Gas and Food Prices Because of the Man. I Have the Proof

West Seattle Blog
After salmon-spawning season, student volunteers survey Fauntleroy Creek for what followed the fish
Beachfront street-end parklet to be expanded as part of pump-station project in south West Seattle

Monday, March 28

Washington governor signs $17 billion transportation package
A nearly $17 billion, 16-year transportation revenue package that will pay for a variety of projects across the state, including building four new hybrid electric ferries, was signed Friday by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. Inslee split his signing ceremonies between two cities, starting the morning at the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal to sign the revenue portion of the package. Later in the afternoon, he was to head to Tacoma to sign the bill that covers the projects paid for by the package. “There is no way to tackle climate change without tackling transportation and that’s what these bills do,” Inslee said. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (KNKX)

WA Legislature passes bill giving moviemakers more incentives to film in state
A bill that passed the state Legislature this month would increase the annual tax break cap for filmmakers to $15 million, quadrupling the limit to the amount of money that Washington businesses could deductively donate to support the state’s film industry. For years, Washington’s moviemaking tax breaks have lagged behind nearly every other state. Of the 33 states with film industry tax incentives, Washington’s annual cap of $3.5 million — the statewide total that businesses could receive in tax write-offs — is higher than only Nevada’s $1 million. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Lovell Holder/Seal Tree)

Why six small WA cities left thousands in federal relief unclaimed
Sifting through the reporting requirements to receive federal pandemic recovery dollars, Brier Mayor Dale Kaemingk just didn’t think his staff had the time to deal with the extra paperwork that came along with the money. For Brier, a city of about 7,000 people, the decision meant missing out on $1.9 million, equivalent to a little more than half of the city’s general fund expenditures for 2021, which pays for things such as police, fire and other city staff. Brier isn’t alone. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Lizz Giordano)

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Associated Press
Washington governor signs $17 billion transportation package (Liias)
Canada Indigenous tell pope of abuses at residential schools

Bellingham Herald
Lose power in Bellingham? You may have been a theft victim and not know it
Bellingham Police recover most stolen cars, but ‘I wouldn’t dare sit in it if you paid me’
FEMA grants add to millions in Whatcom flood relief from federal, state and local sources
4 Whatcom regions post single-digit COVID infection rates … the other 3 were even lower

Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
Law signed banning sales of large capacity ammo magazines (Liias, Berg)

Capital Press
Washington’s new wolf rule would hurt ranchers most afflicted by predators, ag group says

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Laws tightening gun rules step in right direction
Opinion: In Our View: Hard-hit Class of 2022 still has countless options
Opinion: In Our View: Fix long-term care program so it benefits all

Everett Herald
Elderly Oak Harbor woman loses house in mortgage confusion
During the pandemic, roadside trash piled up in Washington
Locked up, but not locked out of the ballot box
Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Snohomish County
‘Heart for service’: City grieves Everett officer slain in shooting
Snohomish County vet follows uneasy ‘call to duty’ into Ukraine
Snohomish County’s fallen officers
Rep. Sutherland reprimanded for berating, swearing at security chief
Everett Housing Authority buys 381 apartments — its biggest purchase yet
Teens charged with hate crime in Islamophobic attack near Lynnwood
With money secured, study underway for I-5, U.S. 2 interchange options
Letter: Changes coming in Snohomish Regional Fire, Rescue service
Comment: State mends a safety net that saved many in pandemic (Robinson)
Editorial: Voters can make call on lawmakers’ success, failure (Jinkins, Billig, Ortiz-Self, Peterson, Liias, Fey)

High Country News
Images from the first-known Native American female photographer

Kent Reporter
Inslee signs Orwall’s language access bill for schools (Orwall)

News Tribune
Closing this vital treatment facility is a crisis for Pierce County. Where’s the concern?
As COVID restrictions fall away, here are five quick B.C. getaways
Pierce County park’s $165,000 upgrade includes basketball, tennis, pickleball courts
Pierce County says goodbye to deputy Dom Calata, who lived to serve and died a hero

New York Times
Investors Are Buying Mobile Home Parks. Residents Are Paying a Price.
Biden’s budget focuses on fighting inflation, but that’s mainly a Fed project.
Biden Aims to Boost Military and Social Spending in 2023 Budget
Opinion: We Study Virus Evolution. Here’s Where We Think the Coronavirus Is Going.

North American Post
Terry Takeuchi of Terry’s Kitchen: For the Love of Food and Community
Densho Founder Tom Ikeda Announces His Retirement

Olympian
Inslee signs transportation and climate bills he calls ‘boldest’ project in WA history (Liias, Fey, Ramel, Duerr, Nguyen, Fitzgibbon)
Inslee guts legislation to look at how wind, solar projects would change Eastern WA
Tacoma workforce roundtable highlights success stories to promote retraining, development
Editorial: Growth in Thurston County’s LEAD program signals big change in criminal justice culture

Peninsula Daily News
Three more Peninsuala deaths as case numbers begin to creep up

Port Townsend Leader
New director hired to lead State Parks

Puget Sound Business Journal
More nurses are leaving hospital systems for these lucrative jobs
Millennials now make up 43% of housing market. But does available inventory reflect changing household arrangements?
University endowments eye more private equity, venture capital and crypto
Montlake Futures designs marketplace for student athletes to cash in on NIL rights
Covid-19 redefined the 9 to 5 workday. Here’s what’s next.
Opinion: Washington can lead the way in health care affordability
Opinion: Generous donation gone to waste on bad homelessness policy

Seattle Times
WA Legislature passes bill giving moviemakers more incentives to film in state (Riccelli)
Jury begins deliberations in inquest into fatal 2017 police shooting
A1 Revisited: The Seattle Times’ coverage of the 1942 removal of 227 Bainbridge residents left a harmful legacy
How open spots at a Bellevue alternative school reflect a broken youth mental health system
Opinion: Continue to offer all students free breakfast and lunch

Skagit Valley Herald
Number of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County takes another dip
The cost of living: ‘It’s kind of terrifying’
Police release video, name of Sedro-Woolley officer involved in shooting

South Seattle Emerald
South Shore K-8 school first in district to launch Kindergarten bike program
County proposal would expand right to counsel before warrantless searches

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities hospital gets 1st accreditation in WA for 1 type of cancer treatment
More mini storage units gutted in morning fire in west Kennewick
New COVID cases double in part of Tri-Cities area. More deaths announced
Newly appointed Tri-Cities judge will not have to reveal spouse’s business clients
Tri-Cities business accused of COVID loan fraud at Hanford site. It will pay $3 million
Ethics violation? Reykdal feels Richland board member’s email went too far
UW Medicine virology lab tracking BA.2 coronavirus variant
Looking for relief of traffic congestion on Highway 240 in Richland

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
New Walla Walla Police Chief Chris Buttice happy to continue to call Valley home
Walla Walla firefighter accused of child molestation officially charged
College Place to install traffic delineators to stop illegal turns into Walmart
Walla Walla Public Schools administrative changes announced

Washington Post
Zelensky offers diplomatic opening as peace talks with Russia to resume in Turkey
Jan. 6 committee to seek interview with Ginni Thomas
U.S., Israel and Arab states to expand cooperation in unprecedented meeting
FDA expected to authorize second coronavirus booster for 50 and older

Yakima Herald-Republic
Highland Food Bank plays a vital role in Tieton. Now it’s getting a new building.
Umatilla woman seeks answers more than 64 years after her mother was murdered on Yakama Reservation
Seattle Times: How big changes at WA’s Western State Hospital fit into Gov. Inslee’s plan to ‘re-imagine’ mental health

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Law enforcement crisis hotline overwhelmed after string of police shootings
Tow truck procession remembers driver killed, demands safety on roads

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Tow truck procession honors operator killed on I-5; operators implore freeway drivers to ‘slow down’
Details released on bomb threat that shut down Leavenworth last week
Amazon tries to stave off union drive on two fronts
Community remembers fallen Pierce County Deputy Dom Calata

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Everett community in ‘complete, utter disbelief’ over officer Dan Rocha’s death
Police searching for suspect of Kent Metro bus shootings

KNKX Public Radio
Second-largest county in WA adopts new regional plan to “end homelessness”

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates: ‘Stealth’ omicron is 25% of Covid tests at UW Medicine

KXLY (ABC)
Providence hospital aims to solve a staffing crisis with ‘earn while you learn’ program

Web

Crosscut
Why six small WA cities left thousands in federal relief unclaimed
PNW tribe brings lawsuit against Seattle on behalf of salmon

MyNorthwest
‘Basic to human dignity’: King County launches mobile shower unit for homeless
Memorial grows for Everett officer killed in line of duty
Seattle to adjust paid street parking rates starting March 28
State Rep. Frank Chopp could face investigation after rerouting funds to nonprofit he co-founded (Chopp)
Everett police officer shot and killed, suspect in custody
Seattle area-concrete companies make return-to-work offer to striking drivers
Group aims to bring Seattle minimum wage push to Tukwila
State cannabis industry asks local leaders for help after deadly robberies
Downtown bus stop closes under Seattle police and mayoral crime initiative
Safety infractions, closed routes: Seattle schools have an ‘open request’ for bus provider
Former Boeing test pilot found not guilty of deceiving FAA
Sen. Murray says Washington will ‘bear the brunt’ of Idaho’s abortion ban
Seattle council looks to bring back SPD hiring incentive program
Omicron subvariant goes from 7% to 25% of local cases within a week
Employers deny claims of collusion, price-fixing as Seattle-area concrete strike nears fifth month

The Stranger
Former KOMO Reporter Says He Didn’t Intend to Blast Out Proud Boys Propaganda, Issues Non-apology

West Seattle Blog
CORONAVIRUS: This week’s update with local trends
LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit’s West Seattle meeting Wednesday
From sound to sightings, here’s what happened at The Whale Trail’s first in-person gathering in 2 years

Friday, March 25

Sending disabled students out of state gains WA lawmakers’ attention
As schools in Washington continue to ship students with disabilities to other communities, state lawmakers say they plan to find a way to keep kids closer to home. Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, the state Senate deputy majority leader, says that after reading an InvestigateWest article last month, she’s requesting a session with multiple Senate committee chairs this summer to discuss the issue. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Dan DeLong/InvestigateWest)

LULAC Reacts To Latino Ballot Rejections
A recent analysis shows Latino ballots are rejected at four times the rate of other voters. Their votes are critical in Washington, says the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, one of the Hispanic and Latino Rights organizations in the United States. LULAC is one of the parties involved in ballot rejection lawsuits in Washington and other states. Ballot rejections come as no surprise to them, considering Latino voting power in political races. Continue reading at Northwest Public Broadcasting.

Ukrainian refugees are coming to Spokane, but it’s not clear how many
Ukrainian refugees are coming to Spokane. It’s unclear when or how many. But once they land in the Inland Northwest, Spokane’s resettlement organizations will welcome them. “We’re more than ready to roll up our sleeves and serve these people,” World Relief Spokane spokesman Justin Li said. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Pawel Kuczynski)

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Associated Press
Tulip, daffodil farmworkers strike over wages, conditions

The Daily News
County survey results show decrease in drug abuse among students, depression remaining high but steady in last year
Cowlitz Tribe donates engine to Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue as department battles delayed responses

Everett Herald
With money secured, study underway for I-5, U.S. 2 interchange options
Teens charged with hate crime in Islamophobic attack near Lynnwood
Everett Housing Authority buys 381 apartments — its biggest purchase yet
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg comment: Doomscrolling’s nonstop stream of news doesn’t help us
WaPo comment: What science says about vaccines and a fourth shot
WaPo comment: U.S. oil industry can boost production, lower prices
Harrop column: News alert: Democrats are just as angry about crime

News Tribune
Kids in Edgewood are honoring Deputy Calata with teddy bears. First one is for his son
MacKenzie Scott pledged millions to Pierce County. It won’t solve our housing crisis alone
See how much rents have increased year over year in Tacoma area by ZIP code

New York Times
Live Updates: Biden Meets With U.S. Soldiers Near Ukrainian-Polish Border
Manchin Backs Jackson as Democrats Unite Behind Confirmation
Germany says it is moving quickly to cut the cord on Russian energy.
Opponents Call It the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill. Here’s What It Says.

Olympian
Off-campus emergency room set to open in 2023 and a popular coffee chain eyes Olympia
Lacey City Council wrestles with changes to tree rules, appears split in one area
Thurston Habitat for Humanity to benefit from billionaire Scott’s new spate of donations
Olympia City Council OKs negotiating to share Yelm Highway park with school district

Peninsula Daily News
Work planned on Highway 101 at Lake Crescent

Puget Sound Business Journal
Details of $67M shelter plan on large development site in Sodo emerge
Here’s how badly remote work hurt Seattle’s transit ridership last year

Seattle Medium
Speculation Grows Over Justice Clarence Thomas’ Health
House Passes CROWN Act To End Discrimination Against Natural Black Hairstyles

Seattle Times
$50M experiment aims to make Aurora Avenue more welcoming for bicyclists, pedestrians (Carlyle)
Third and Pike bus stop to temporarily close amid downtown Seattle safety concerns
Does WA no longer love the idea of permanent daylight saving time? (Riccelli)
New sewage pump station in Ballard will feature 80-foot-tall steel lattice with shimmering lights
New orca listening post installed in deep water of Puget Sound
U.S. Rep Jayapal unveils new ‘climate resilience’ proposals
Opinion: How to stop pot-shop robberies: Allow stores access to banking
Editorial: Soaring gas prices worsen journalism — and democracy — crisis

Sol De Yakima
Nuevos programas en educación agrícola en el Valle de Yakima
“Es valioso apoyarte de tu comunidad”, dice María Elena Álvarez de La Casa Hogar
Nuestra Casa ofrece taller para recién llegados a EE.UU.
Cerrará carretera por Maratón del Cañón del Río Yakima el 2 de abril

South Seattle Emerald
Opinion: Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination is a moment to celebrate
Councilmembers say better rent data could preserve affordable housing
News Gleams: South End’s diverse cuisine, help for Ukraine, & more

Spokesman Review
Ukrainian refugees are coming to Spokane, but it’s not clear how many
Lawmakers call on State Department to let Ukrainian kids awaiting adoption come to U.S. immediately
Here’s a look at Thursday, March 24’s local COVID-19 numbers
Spokane Regional Health District breach may have exposed medical data of more than 1,200 people

Washington Post
Biden arrives in Poland to meet troops, discuss accepting refugees
GOP lawmakers push historic wave of bills targeting rights of LGBTQ teens, children and their families
Virginia Thomas urged White House chief to pursue unrelenting efforts to overturn the 2020 election, texts show

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Gov. Jay Inslee signs three gun safety bills into law

KNKX Public Radio
Research reveals overlooked impact of racial justice protests on public discourse
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings: What happened Thursday

KUOW Public Radio
More gun laws, and more guns, in Washington state: Today So Far

NW Public Radio
WA Tulip Worker Strike Enters Third Day
LULAC Reacts to Latino Ballot Rejections
Proposed Plan Could Cut Millions From Tri-Cities Public Transportation
Pilot Program Looks At Equity In Helping The Homeless

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington Insurance Commissioner extends COVID-19 emergency orders to April 28

Web

Crosscut
Sending disabled students out of state gains WA lawmakers’ attention (Dhingra, Wellman)
Human Elements: Cutting edge science via video game adventures

The Stranger
Seattle Has Less Than a Month to Replace the Six-Month Eviction Defense

Thursday, March 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 23

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

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

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