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Tuesday, March 15

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

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

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

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

Auburn Reporter
Inquests into police shootings to resume in King County

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitsap Sun
Legislature sends funding to Kitsap-area projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

Monday, March 14

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

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

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

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

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

Bainbridge Island Review
Law returns to police more power

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North American Post
Farewell Pike Street Cherry Trees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, March 10

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

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

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

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Associated Press
Panel opts against new COVID vaccine requirement for WA schools
Washington lawmakers reach budget agreements as adjournment nears (Macri)
US inflation soared 7.9% in past year, a fresh 40-year high

Auburn Reporter
Rep. Jesse Johnson announces he is not seeking re-election (Johnson)
Opinion: A closer look at gun violence in King County and beyond

Bainbridge Island Review
Police get back some pursuit, force abilities

Bellingham Herald
With gas prices giving folks sticker shock, what will it do to Whatcom’s economy?
After public outcry, Whatcom Council rethinking its closure of this popular beach

Capital Press
Investment firm eyes Yakima County solar complex

The Daily News
Washington Legislature passes bill Tuesday to curb catalytic converter thefts after pandemic-fueled rise in crime (Ryu)

Everett Herald
Dems push through sweeping $17B state transportation package (Liias, Fey)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Editorial: Nursing home residents need volunteer advocates

High Country News
What’s missing in California’s solar debate
Congress meets with Native leaders to discuss co-management of federal lands

News Tribune
No criminal charges to be filed against Lakewood officer who fatally shot Said Joquin
There has been a significant jump in police shootings in Pierce County so far this year
Not all Tacoma kids are ready to ditch masks in school. The reasons might surprise you

New York Times
Ukraine Live Updates: Top Envoys Fail to Make Progress Toward Ending War
Inflation climbs to 7.9 percent, a new four-decade high.
Russia’s War Is Raising Gas Prices and Roiling Financial Markets
House Passes $1.5 Trillion Spending Bill as Democrats Drop Covid Aid
The Unseen Toll of a Warming World

Olympian
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Thurston County replaces rent and utility assistance provider after auditor’s report
Olympia Starbucks joins nationwide union push, citing ‘abysmal working conditions’
‘Stealth’ omicron cases are doubling in US, data shows. Is it a cause for concern?

Peninsula Daily News
Case rates dropping on Olympic Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
Homebuilders’ stock-market values soar since Covid onset, but see muted start in 2022
Rep. Jayapal among lawmakers referring Amazon to DOJ for investigation
Several South Sound motels to be converted to affordable housing
Report: Seattle area still gaining tech jobs even as hubs grow elsewhere
Covid-19 relief for small businesses left out of $1.5T spending bill

Seattle Medium
Washington Bill To Regain Governor’s Emergency Powers At A Halt (Jinkins, Sullivan)
Seattle Pharmacies Looking Ahead
Amazon Fresh Workers Unionize
Shoreline Moves Ahead With Highway Expansion
Seattle Fentanyl Distribution Crackdown

Seattle Times
Get ready to ‘spring forward’ into daylight saving time and longer days (Riccelli)
UW survey of drug users shows fentanyl surge as King County sets record for overdose deaths
Meet 2 Washingtonians stepping up to help people in Ukraine
Budget deal reached in Olympia pays for renter relief, mental health, student loan program (Macri, Rolfes)
WA Democrats agree on funding for $17B transportation package (Liias, Saldana)
Homeless camp removal outside Seattle City Hall draws strong, divided reactions

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County to open COVID-19 test site at Cascade Mall
Bottom fish management the topic of two public Fish and Wildlife meetings

Sol De Yakima
FOTOS: Nuestra Casa conmemoran Día Internacional de la Mujer

South Seattle Emerald
Surprise Sweep Displaces Encampment, Scattering Unsheltered People Throughout Downtown
Jam Session in South Seattle Next Week Aims to Improve Gender Parity in Jazz
Seattle Asian American Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Spokesman Review
Spokane County median home price hits record-breaking $400,000 in February
Nurse staffing standards, Spokane sewer tax limit are among proposals that won’t become state law this year (Jinkins, Frockt)
Washington’s mask mandate is ending Saturday, but the choice will remain for schools
Legislature passes capital budget with funding for new housing and behavioral health resources in Spokane (Frockt)
Bus rapid transit, possible acceleration of North Spokane Corridor funded in legislative transportation package (Fey, Riccelli)

Washington Post
‘No off-ramps’: U.S. and European officials don’t see a clear endgame in Ukraine
Pro-Russia rebels are still using Facebook to recruit fighters, spread propaganda

Yakima Herald-Republic
How to apply for rental assistance using Yakima County’s new online portal
Political push to limit the price of insulin could affect thousands with diabetes in the Yakima Valley
Salmon forecasts show promise along with challenges

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Commuter study indicates pandemic patterns likely won’t change quickly in the Seattle metro area
Granite Falls representative investigated for swearing, yelling at security officer

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
‘Night and day’: downtown business owners hope Seattle police mobile precinct will stay
Seattle Public Schools to lift mask mandate Monday
Crews clear homeless camp outside Seattle City Hall
Use of deadly force ‘justified’ in shooting of Said Joquin, prosecutor says
Providers see a spike in eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle Public Schools to lift mask requirement Monday
WA senator pushes bill that would cut gas tax
Project delays in Seattle area mount as concrete strike enters fourth month

KNKX Public Radio
Right to repair scorecard ranks laptops, smartphones for ease of reuse and repair
Washington Legislature gets religion on earthquake retrofits for older school buildings (Frockt)
Listen: What needs to get done before legislative session ends?
Did Amazon violate federal laws? Lawmakers ask for DOJ investigation

KUOW Public Radio
Inflation hits another 40-year high. The war in Ukraine could make it worse
House advances $13.6 billion in Ukraine aid along with government funding
How concerned should you be about nuclear radiation from Ukraine?
Amazon accused by Congress of ‘potentially criminal’ lies about data use
Biden ban on Russian oil hits Anacortes, Washington refinery

KXLY (ABC)
UW survey finds ‘stunning’ surge in fentanyl use, leads state in overdoses
What’s changing for schools when Washington’s mask mandate lifts?

NW Public Radio
Democrats In WA Legislature Seal Deal For Big New Transportation Package (Liias)
Washington Legislature Gets Serious On School Earthquake Retrofits

Q13 TV (FOX)
Catalytic converter theft bill heads to Gov. Inslee’s desk (Ryu)

Web

Crosscut
Ukraine invasion severs decades of WA business ties with Russia
Students close to getting voting power on WA education board (Wilson)
Return to in-person class at UW raises mental health issues for some

MyNorthwest
Washington Legislature passes bill to limit catalytic converter theft (Ryu)

The Stranger
Washington State to Shore Up Abortion Protections Ahead of Expected Surge
Seattle Goes Unicorn Hunting for a New OPA Director, but Advocates Say It Might Take Two Unicorns to Keep Cops in Line

Wednesday, March 9

WA advisory group recommends against adding COVID vaccine to school-required immunizations
A state advisory group has decided against recommending a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students in K-12 schools, leaving one more step before a final decision is made on the matter next month. The question of whether Washington students should be required to get a COVID vaccine has divided many school communities over the past year, with some citing a desire to make schools safer and others concerned about a lack of reliable vaccine data for younger kids. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

The hidden billion-dollar cost of repeated police misconduct
[Officer Lynn Christopher] Moore is among the more than 7,600 officers — from Portland, Ore., to Milwaukee to Baltimore — whose alleged misconduct has more than once led to payouts to resolve lawsuits and claims of wrongdoing, according to a Washington Post investigation. The Post collected data on nearly 40,000 payments at 25 of the nation’s largest police and sheriff’s departments within the past decade, documenting more than $3.2 billion spent to settle claims. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Nick Hagen)

State lawmakers pass expanded charity health care bill
The Washington state legislature passed an expanded charity health care bill Tuesday that would make approximately half of Washingtonians eligible for free or discounted healthcare. House Bill 1616 will expand charity care eligibility to an additional 1 million Washingtonians than who qualified before. According to the state attorney general’s office, about two-thirds of people who file for bankruptcy nationwide say medical bills are the biggest reason why, and more than half of collection items on credit reports are for medical debt. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

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Aberdeen Daily World
The cost of defiance in Cosmopolis

Bellevue Reporter
Local officials and organizations looking to reinstate greenhouse gas emission reduction targets

Bellingham Herald
These are the top-paying state jobs available now in Whatcom County
See where 68 townhomes may be built in Bellingham
Gas is suddenly very expensive, this is the reason why
Gas prices are through the roof in WA. Here are five things you can do to use less fuel

Capital Press
Washington lawmakers nix forced buffers, embrace conservation
Farm Bureau: Drought impacts stretch beyond West

Everett Herald
Rep. Sutherland investigated after argument with security chief
Rental assistance applications closed for now
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Supply chain problems further slow Boeing deliveries

News Tribune
Name of Tacoma police officer who shot homicide suspect is released
Op-Ed: WA immigrant communities deserve strong data privacy laws — not half measures

New York Times
Live Updates: Costs of War Mount for Russia, and for Civilians in Ukraine
How Air Pollution Across America Reflects Racist Policy From the 1930s
A House panel calls for a criminal investigation into Amazon.
Biden Takes Step Toward Regulating Cryptocurrencies

Olympian
What’s changing — and what’s not — after WA schools go mask optional next we
17 more Thurston County residents die of COVID-19 as case counts plummet to July levels

Peninsula Daily News
Health officer: Vaccines, masking offer protection

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing keeps up order activity in February as jet deliveries lag
Nurse staffing bill dies in state Legislature as session winds down
Amazon ‘unlikely’ to make major announcements about returns to office
Starbucks suspends operations at 130 stores in Russia
Businesses see a labor shortage. For workers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Seattle Times
Boeing may ask Congress to extend MAX 10 exemption from safety rule
WA advisory group recommends against adding COVID vaccine to school-required immunizations
Unlicensed teachers taught in 3 WA charter schools, audit finds
WA redistricting commission chair resigns after Democrats refuse to defend new maps (Jinkins, Billig)

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County commissioners get update from state lobbyists
Farmers express their frustration with Gov. Inslee

Spokesman Review
Local businesses feel the pinch as gas soars above $4 per gallon, with consumers expected to see higher prices as a result
Congress passes bipartisan Postal Service reform bill, dividing Northwest Republicans
White supremacists pick Hayden Lake for meeting this weekend, leading human rights group to organize counter-events
Official overseeing VA records system that crashed last week in Spokane says she’s confident problem won’t repeat

Washington Post
The hidden billion-dollar cost of repeated police misconduct
Chernobyl plant disconnected from power grid; Ukraine demands cease-fire for urgent repairs
Lawmakers release $1.5 trillion spending package that provisions emergency aid to Ukraine
Redlining means 45 million Americans are breathing dirtier air, 50 years after it ended
A new iron curtain descends on Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima County deputy prosecutor arraigned on sex-crime charge in Kittitas County court
Yakima County on track to beat record high for average price of gas, according to AAA
Two of Yakima County’s top cops say bills fix flaws in police-reform package, increase safety
Yakima School District refinances bonds, saving millions for taxpayers

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Rising gas prices hurting small Seattle businesses
Washington’s rising gas prices may push some to pursue electric vehicles
Washington’s gas tax will remain in place as prices at the pump soar
Bellevue PD filed extreme risk protection order against man killed outside Seattle federal building
Advocates creating alternative approach to address homelessness in Tacoma

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle police release bodycam footage from Saturday’s fatal shooting
Gas prices on the rise in Washington
Fentanyl use in Washington continues rise to ‘stunning’ levels, warns UW survey
Starbucks suspends all business in Russia
Everett police warn of rise in gas theft
Seattle extends outdoor dining program through 2023
Russia attacks Ukraine: Chernobyl plant disconnected from power
State lawmakers pass expanded charity health care bill

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Businesses, drivers brace for soaring gas prices; costs of goods and services go up
Time is running out on bill designed to rein in Washington governor’s emergency powers (Jinkins, Sullivan)

KNKX Public Radio
U.S. looks to boost cooperation with tribes on land management

KUOW Public Radio
Masks work. But do mask mandates work in schools? That’s debatable
Sick veterans demand medical coverage for illnesses caused by burn pits
‘Defending freedom is gonna cost’ at the gas pump: Today So Far
Stalled and frustrated, Putin will likely double-down in the coming weeks, CIA says

KXLY (ABC)
Hit the trails in Washington for free Wednesday

Web

Crosscut
Climate Pledge Arena bumps free medical clinic to host concerts
Tacoma methane storage stirs conflict over climate, health and tribal rights

The Stranger
The Mayor’s “Holistic” Approach to Crime Does Not Yet Include Social Services

Tuesday, March 8

Covid long-haulers face grueling fights for disability benefits
[Deepa] Singh, who worked as a project manager for a Fortune 100 company, is among a cohort of long covid patients who have been denied disability benefits, either by private insurance companies, which operate benefit plans offered by employers, or by the Social Security Administration, which manages government disability benefits. Tasked with sorting legitimate health claims from fraudulent or marginal ones, these gatekeepers now face a novel challenge as the coronavirus pandemic drags on: a flood of claims citing a post-infection syndrome that is poorly understood by the medical community and difficult to measure. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Jeff Swensen)

Washington residents face sticker shock at the pump as prices skyrocket
On Monday, Washington state’s average gas price hit $4.449 per gallon, the highest it has ever been. Monday’s average beat the record set in 2008 by nearly 10 cents, according to AAA, and the price will likely continue to increase for some time to come. In just one week, the average Washington gas price has soared more than 40 cents and is currently well above the national average of $4.065 per gallon. Experts point to the war in Ukraine, which has caused the price of crude oil to skyrocket, as the main reason why gas prices have risen so drastically and at a dizzying pace in recent weeks. Continue reading at KING 5.

Washington lawmakers pass bill to weaken the reach of employer NDAs
A bill championed by tech workers that targets employer nondisclosure agreements is headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk after passing through the Washington state Legislature last week. House Bill 1795, introduced as the Silenced No More Act, mimics a California law that prevents employers from using NDAs to block employees from talking about harassment, discrimination and retaliation. Tech whistleblowers, including former Google manager Chelsey Glasson and former Apple software engineer Cher Scarlett, have led the support for the bill, which was introduced by state Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal.