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Friday, Feb. 25

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

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

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

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

Bainbridge Island Review
Inslee easing some mask requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skagit Valley Herald
Deadline for FEMA disaster assistance fast approaching

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

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

Thursday, Feb. 24

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

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

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

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Associated Press
Proposed tax on Washington state fuel exports angers neighboring states (Liias)

Aberdeen Daily World
SBA providing Grays Harbor County with flood aid
Editorial: City leaders face tough decisions on Regional Fire Authority

Bellingham Herald
What’s next for the waterfront after WWU, Port scrap development project?
WWU requests funding from Whatcom County Council for Longhouse
Whatcom property tax would fund child care, early childhood education

The Daily News
Port of Longview set record last year with $14.6 million in income
Public comment opens for county Solid Waste Management Plan
Cowlitz County commissioners approve resolution opposing income tax
Woodland considers reversing course on marijuana retail ban

Everett Herald
Reform, penalties settle lawsuits over state redistricting
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Housing Hope to build affordable housing near Edmonds church
By the numbers: Largest taxpayers in Snohomish County
Bloomberg Comment: Trump shouldn’t escape prosecution as Nixon did
WaPo Comment: The clarifying anger of a grieving Black mother
Editorial: State’s redistricting panel needs more than tweaks (Pedersen)

The Inlander
In ancient Athens and the Roman Republic, citizens willingly traded representative government for authoritarian rule; could America repeat their mistake?

New York Times
Stocks fall and oil prices jump as markets reel from Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County count of homeless starts Thursday
Two more COVID-19 deaths reported in Clallam County
Jefferson County homeless count begins Thursday

Port Townsend Leader
Jefferson County Public Health has free COVID test kits, masks

Puget Sound Business Journal
Report: State’s space industry has more than doubled in last 4 years
Many women remain out of the workforce. How can employers get them back?
University endowments soar in fiscal 2021 with 31% average returns

Seattle Medium
CWU Board Of Trustees To Pursue More Equitable Practices By Adopting Executive Order
Washington State’s Secretary Of State Addresses Racial Disparities In Voting Ballot Rejections
Strickland Lobbies For More Emergency Funding For HBCUs
New Resource For Renters And Landlords As Eviction Moratoria Concludes

Seattle Times
State regulators seek $364,000 in fines from Seattle’s school bus carrier for years of safety violations
WA redistricting commission to pay fines, make reforms after violating open-meetings law
As peak moss season begins in WA, here’s what you need to know
Seattle suburbs like Kenmore eye tenant protections as homelessness threat looms
Opinion: Community planning for climate resiliency needs to start now
Opinion: WA Democrats, you’re proving your tax critics right (Kuderer, Das)

Skagit Valley Herald
Sedro-Woolley mayor names salary commission members
Proposals to change planning policy make their way to Skagit County commissioners

South Seattle Emerald
Cold Weather Shelters, Recovery Fund For Rainier Valley Businesses, & More
State Considers Clean Energy Equity Program
Washington State Zine Contest Adds Community Voice to Library Collections

Tri-City Herald
Attempt to oust Richland School Board president over COVID mask rule ‘nitpicking’ fails
Gov. Inslee supports wind farms ahead of Horse Heaven decision during Tri-Cities visit
1,500 demand ‘immediate resignation’ of 3 Richland school leaders in wake of mask vote
Boiler explosion guts Hermiston potato chip plant
Richland school board may be heading for another shakeup

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Taxes for residents in the Walla Walla School District decrease in 2022, College Place to follow next year
COVID-19 case numbers ‘dropping like a rock,’ Walla Walla Valley health official says
Finalists for Walla Walla High School principal job introduced to community

Washington Post
Russia launches attacks across Ukraine; Biden vows ‘consequences’
Ukraine’s Zelensky to Russians: ‘What are you fighting for and with whom?’
Catching up on the Russia-Ukraine crisis? Here’s the background you need to know.
Now is the time to remember what Fox’s own lawyers said about Tucker Carlson

Yakima Herald-Republic
Letter: Legislators should invest in early childhood learning
Letter: Stories about the Yakama Nation are local news

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Animal sanctuary applauds state court’s ruling that animal cruelty can be domestic violence
Racial slur graffitied on Parkland woman’s home

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Russia attacks Ukraine: Zalensky says Russia trying to seize Chernobyl
Local Ukrainians anxious about families, fate of homeland
Noose found hanging at North Seattle fire station
Seattle extends outdoor dining program through 2023
Biden denounces attack, says ‘Russia alone is responsible’
Proposed tax on WA fuel exports angers neighboring states

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Some King County communities will have much larger property tax bills this year
What’s being done to shelter Seattle’s homeless during cold weather?
Seattle Fire investigating after noose found inside Bitter Lake fire station
Washington state to pay $3.75M after inmate dies of cancer
Fewest Americans collecting unemployment aid since 1970

KUOW Public Radio
Can’t We Just Eat Those Invasive Crabs Until They’re Gone? (Probably Not)
Pandemic updates for Seattle: City Council could extend eviction moratorium past February
The U.S. looks to replace a derogatory name used hundreds of times on federal lands

KXLY (ABC)
Senate to discuss healthcare safe staffing standards bill on Thursday (Riccelli)
Sen. Murray to speak with Spokane restaurant owners on relief for small businesses
‘It’s a problem nationwide’: New proposed Washington house bill aims to stop catalytic converter thefts

NW Public Radio
Visitors React To Palouse Falls Closure
Richland Student Directs Film Debuting On Amazon Prime
Point In Time Counts In Columbia Basin
WA Dems Ignore Complaints About Out-Of-State Gas Tax
Tri-Cities Prepare For Homeless Count

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington armed with funding, federal support to combat worsening wildfires

Web

Crosscut
WA prison officials push back on bill to limit solitary confinement (Peterson)

MyNorthwest
Light snow falls overnight across Seattle area as cold snap winds to a close
Seattle continues to struggle with police staffing, increase in crime
Republicans threaten to walk away from Columbia River Bridge project in fuel tax dispute
Concrete strike negotiations resume with federal mediator Thursday
State Department of Agriculture makes plans to eradicate invasive Japanese beetles
Interim Bellevue police chief tagged to fill role in full-time capacity
UW Medicine residents stage walkout at Seattle hospitals Wednesday
‘We’re here to stay’: Activists continue to block removal of Seattle homeless camp

West Seattle Blog
FOLLOWUP: More Lowman Beach shore-restoration progress
WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: More late-night light snow
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: One month away from two years of closure

Wednesday, Feb. 23

WA to pay $3.75M after death of man whose cancer went untreated in prison
Washington state will pay $3.75 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the family of a man who died at Monroe Correctional Complex after his cancer went untreated despite repeated pleas. Kenny Williams, 63, died in June 2019 of breast cancer that had spread to his bones. If he’d received chemotherapy, as recommended by an oncologist, he’d likely have lived to his release date last fall, according to the lawsuit. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Courtesy of Julie Gobble)

Interest in seaweed farming across Puget Sound is ‘booming’
In winter, when the water is cold and clear, the conditions in Puget Sound are ideal for shellfish, Marine biologist Joth Davis says it’s also great for kelp. “It’s got a kind of nutty flavor, and it’s firm and crisp. So, it’s not at all what you’d expect,” Davis said. Kelp thrives in the Hood Canal. It’s what geographers call a fjord: deep in the center, shallower on the edges and perfect for seaweed production, according to Davis. Continue reading at KING 5.

Is omicron leading us closer to herd immunity against COVID?
Is omicron leading us closer to herd immunity against COVID-19? Experts say it’s not likely that the highly transmissible variant — or any other variant — will lead to herd immunity. “Herd immunity is an elusive concept and doesn’t apply to coronavirus,” says Dr. Don Milton at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

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Associated Press
Public to be allowed back in Washington Senate gallery
Is omicron leading us closer to herd immunity against COVID?
Proposal to nix derogatory term referring to Native Americans targets hundreds of U.S. sites

Bellingham Herald
WWU closes Viking Union Tuesday after receiving emailed threat
Bellingham hospital reports treating its fewest COVID-related patients since delta’s onset
Whatcom’s truck crossing closed for 2nd straight weekend by Canadian protesters at border

Capital Press
USDA releases first National Hemp Report

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Insulin price debate highlights health care’s ills

Everett Herald
Save salmon, create jobs: A new plan for Snohomish watershed
Cornfield Report: A review of meaty budgets and the return of Potato Day
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Senate votes to ban high-capacity magazines (Liias, Frockt)

Kent Reporter
King County Wastemobile coming to Kent March 4-6

Kitsap Sun
Point-in-time count will survey homeless individuals across Kitsap.

News Tribune
It’s not always easy to build apartments in Tacoma, despite heavy demand. Here’s why
COVID cases and deaths for Pierce County continue to decline as Omicron wave fades
Tacoma changed tax breaks for apartment developers. How will they help affordability?
You may not know this historical home is a public park. It’s set for $1 million update

New York Times
Who’s Requiring Their Workers to Be Vaccinated?
Climate Scientists Warn of a ‘Global Wildfire Crisis’
U.S. and Allies Impose Sanctions on Russia as Biden Condemns ‘Invasion’ of Ukraine
Biden Interviews 3 Supreme Court Candidates as His Search Narrows
Climate Fears on Back Burner as Fuel Costs Soar and Russia Crisis Deepens

Olympian
Public will be allowed in WA State Senate chambers again starting Friday
Thurston County’s homeless count starts Thursday. Here’s what’s different this year

Peninsula Daily News
COVID omicron sub-variant raising concern nationally

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft began Activision deal talks after harassment report, regulatory filing reveals
Legislation focused on pot shop robberies nears final hurdle

Runta News
New Resources as COVID Eviction Moratoria Concludes

Seattle Times
WA to pay $3.75M after death of man whose cancer went untreated in prison
With freezing temps in forecast, cold-weather shelters open in King County
Seattle City Council effort to extend moratorium fails; residential evictions to resume next week
Cannabis sales increased across WA during the pandemic. Here’s where sales soared
Proposed tax on WA fuel exports scorned by neighboring states (Liias)
WA Senate to reopen viewing space for the public as COVID wanes
Editorial: Ports keep region’s economic engine roaring
Opinion: Oregon Gov. Brown to Inslee: Put the idea of a fuel tax ‘back on the shelf’

South Seattle Emerald
Cold Weather Shelter Plan Illustrates Challenges With Encampment Elimination Proposals
Dr. Dorothy Cordova Celebrates 90 Years of Building Beloved Community in Seattle
Councilmember’s Homelessness Plan Could Include 10 New Mass Encampment Sites
‘Chino Y Chicano’ Podcast Centers POC Stories in Seattle

Tri-City Herald
Gov. Inslee supports wind farms ahead of Horse Heaven decision during Tri-Cities visit
1,400+ demand ‘immediate resignation’ of 3 Richland school leaders in wake of mask vote
Boiler explosion ignites Hermiston potato chip plant. Injuries reported
Richland school board may be heading for another shakeup
February a bad month for COVID deaths in Tri-Cities, even as new case rates fall
Inslee’s Tri-Cities visit prioritizes housing, climate issues

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla County Commissioner Greg Tompkins will not seek reelection

Washington Post
Utah bucked alcohol industry with its tougher DUI law. A new study shows it made roads safer.
Ukraine prepares state of emergency; Russia vows to resist U.S. sanctions
Masks come off in blue states. Residents wonder: Is it too soon, or long overdue?
Former Minneapolis officers ‘chose to do nothing’ as Chauvin knelt on Floyd, prosecutor says in closing
African Americans say the teaching of Black history is under threat
Five months post-covid, Nicole Murphy’s heart rate is still doing strange things

Yakima Herald-Republic
Letter: Are you sure your kids are that upset about masks?

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington winemakers struggle to save their crops as extreme weather becomes the norm
Interest in seaweed farming across Puget Sound is ‘booming’
Here’s why 30 loads of concrete are so important to the West Seattle Bridge

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle City Council rejects proposal to extend city’s eviction moratorium
UTC files complaint against bus company First Student for safety violations

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Seattle City Council votes to block open-ended extension of eviction moratorium
Financial experts say consumer goods are costing more in 2022
Seattle pauses effort to remove encampment outside City Hall, for now
Proposal in Tacoma to deploy mental health crisis team instead of police gets boost
Seattle police release report to City Council showing troubling crime trends

KNKX Public Radio
School support, pay raises, a tax-free day: What’s in WA supplemental budget proposals?
Legislature considers proposals to ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ from cosmetics, firefighter gear

KUOW Public Radio
Democrats in Olympia Undeterred by Anger From Oregon, Idaho and Alaska Over Targeted Fuel Tax (Wylie)
Pandemic updates for Seattle: City Council could extend eviction moratorium past February
Ukraine moves to declare a national state of emergency and calls up reservists
Corporate opioid payouts now being finalized would top $32 billion

Web

Crosscut
New UW research explores a way to fight off invasive green crabs

MyNorthwest
Record low temperatures set in across Puget Sound region with more snow showers on tap
With Washington traffic deaths on the rise, Democrats mull expanded ‘complete street’ design (Liias)
Seattle council upholds eviction moratorium expiration set for Feb. 28
Local Ukrainian-Americans scared for loved ones amidst Ukraine invasion
Bill to create pathway to early release for aggravated murder offenders dies in the House (Dhingra, Goodman)
Snohomish County issues warning for possible measles exposure at Sea-Tac Airport
Alaska lawmaker proposes taxes on fish, boats in retaliation for Washington fuel export tax
Snow moves down into King, Pierce counties as temperatures plummet
New lawsuit opens old wounds over the ‘Missing Link’ of the Burke-Gilman Trail
‘We need reform’: Seattle councilmember highlights need for cannabis equity
Seattle council set for vote on resolution to override eviction moratorium end date
Activists block weekend homeless camp removal outside Seattle City Hall
With four Seattle Starbucks pushing to unionize, one greenlights election date
Eight new Seattle cameras will automatically ticket drivers starting in March
Hundreds still homeless from November floods in Whatcom County

The Stranger
The Seattle City Council Let the Eviction Moratorium End

West Seattle Blog
CITY COUNCIL: Eviction moratorium won’t be extended; free street-café permits will
FOLLOWUP: Why the Roxbury spill took all day to clean up
PREVENTING POLLUTION: HPAC gets lowdown on million-gallon-tank project Wednesday

Tuesday, Feb. 22

WA Democrats introduce operating budgets to fund K-12, transportation and homelessness
With three weeks left to go in the 2022 legislative session, House and Senate Democratic budget leaders released their proposed supplemental operating budgets on Monday. Both proposals include large investments in transportation, housing and homelessness, and K-12 public schools. Senators are proposing a $63.4 billion operating budget plan, while House Representatives have proposed $65 billion for their supplemental operating budget plan. Democratic Rep. Pat Sullivan from Covington, who helped craft the House proposal, said that while the House budget reflects their caucus’ priorities, they did consult with the Senate on some of the bigger items. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Ted S. Warren)

Overwhelmed by chaos and uncertainty, families with kids under 5 are on a vaccine roller coaster
They’ve wrestled with child-care crises. They’ve missed work and paychecks. Some have even changed careers when day-care closures forced them to work remotely. Parents of children younger than 5 say they feel forgotten and left behind, watching others reclaim normalcy while they stay home with kids who are too young to be vaccinated and have to quarantine when there is an exposure to the coronavirus at day care or school. “The rest of the world has moved on, and they are not able to do so safely,” said Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Megan Jelinger)

4 ways we can boost Washington’s mental health workforce, from people in the industry
Washington’s mental health workers are leaving their jobs in droves. “We need to be able to keep staff and retain and recruit them. Without doing that, we won’t be able to serve the community that we do,” said Jose Lopez, director of inpatient services at Comprehensive Healthcare in Eastern Washington. The biggest challenges to recruiting and retaining mental health care workers are low wages and feelings of exhaustion and stress, providers say. Salaries are not keeping pace with the cost of living and the high-pressure needs of the job. Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

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Associated Press
Washington Senate, House release supplemental budget plans (Rolfes, Frame)

Capital Press
UW scientists foresee wolves in S. Cascades, Olympic Peninsula

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Strong legislation needed to curb governor power

Everett Herald
‘They are safe here.’ Snohomish County welcomes hundreds of Afghans (Robinson)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Comment: Transportation bill moves us ahead to greener future (Liias, Fey)
Bloomberg Comment: Covid’s variants changing what we know about vaccines
WaPo Comment: How a vaxxed doctor judged his covid risk at a party
WaPo Comment: Why I’m keeping my mask on when indoors
Editorial: Students best use of state’s unexpected revenue (Rolfes)
Editorial: Those caring for disabled need better compensation

The Facts Newspaper
King County ending vaccination verification policy on March 1

New York Times
The Treasury is asked to investigate its hiring of lawyers from big accounting firms.

North American Post
Oral Health is Essential for Everyone at Every Age

Olympian
WA Democrats introduce operating budgets to fund K-12, transportation and homelessness (Sullivan, Rolfes)
Health care advocate Deborah Senn, Washington’s first female insurance commissioner, dies at 72

Peninsula Daily News
Highway 112 work outside Neah Bay begins Tuesday

Puget Sound Business Journal
FAA leadership transition puts troubled Boeing programs in the spotlight

Seattle Times
Why the concrete driver strike will delay fixes to the West Seattle Bridge
MacKenzie Scott donates millions to nonprofit that works inside schools, filling gaps left by overstretched staff
4 ways we can boost Washington’s mental health workforce, from people in the industry
Seattle area unlikely to see much more snow this week, but record cold is possible
Flush with taxpayer dollars, Washington Democratic lawmakers release new budget proposals (Rolfes)
Editorial: Build state’s transportation plans on a bipartisan foundation (Liias, Fey, Saldana, Ramos)

Skagit Valley Herald
Concrete resident shot by Sedro-Woolley police dies from injuries

South Seattle Emerald
A Duwamish Valley Truck Electrification Program Looks To Reduce Air Pollution
Do No Harm: King County Board Of Health Repeals Inequitably Enforced Bicycle Helmet Law
Stalled Bill Would Have Protected Reproductive Health When Hospitals Merge
Di’andre Campbell, Using His Gifts In True Service

Spokesman Review
Spokane’s housing crunch gets national spotlight
Spokane’s annual homeless count kicks off this week. Here’s why this year’s tally is crucial
Spokane mayor expands emergency homeless shelter during cold
Washington Democrats announce state budget plans to spend excess tax revenue (Ormsby)
Delayed procedures resume in Spokane hospitals as COVID-19 cases continue to decline

Washington Post
Russia expands Ukraine claims; Germany halts Russian gas pipeline
Three White men guilty of hate crimes charges in connection with Ahmaud Arbery murder
Overwhelmed by chaos and uncertainty, families with kids under 5 are on a vaccine roller coaster
Colombia court decriminalizes abortion, adding to regional momentum
U.S. faces extreme cold blast, stormy weather in week ahead

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley broadband provider hopes private companies part of internet access solution
Letter: Keeping Girls in School Act deserves support

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Fatal crashes on the rise in Pierce County
‘Representation totally matters’: Tri-Cities winemaker shares lack of diversity in the industry

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Tacoma man attacked by suspect with hammer asks for Tacoma leaders to address crime
Homeless encampment outside Seattle City Hall remains — for now
‘It’s quite disappointing:’ West Seattle residents react to bridge project delay

KNDO/KNDU
State senate to consider language access equity bill (Orwall, Ortiz-Self)

KXLY (ABC)
Should magic mushrooms be legal? Advocates say they are a life-changing treatment (Salomon)
Traffic deaths are up nationwide. It’s happening in Spokane, too

NW Public Radio
Call For Book Bans In 2 WA School Districts
Families Of Washington Inmates Fear For Their Health
Company Wants To Expand Flow Of Natural Gas Through PNW

Web

The Stranger
Op-Ed: Repealing the Capital Gains Tax Is a Long Shot

Monday, Feb. 21

For homeless parents, search for housing is long and traumatic
Melinda Parke is tired of heating chicken nuggets in a microwave. Living in a motel isn’t ideal, but at least the last one had a little kitchen. Parke and her son Elijah, 8, are on multiple waiting lists for some type of permanent housing. Elijah, who has severe autism, isn’t handling the disruptions well. It’s noisy at the south Everett motel and strangers knock on their door late at night. “This has been such a gut-wrenching thing to go through,” Parke said. “I’m watching my son get worse and worse every day.” Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ryan Berry)

Abandoned in the ER: When kids are left at hospitals, the state is no longer taking charge of their care
In 2021, emergency room social workers at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma called Child Protective Services 11 times asking for assistance. Each time, a child had been left in the ER — abandoned, as far as the hospital was concerned — by their parent or guardian. And each time, when asked to help find the child someone to care for them, the agency said no. The experience at Mary Bridge is an example of what hospital staff describe as a new and concerning trend across the state’s pediatric emergency rooms. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)

Thousands of elective surgeries set to continue in Washington as moratorium is lifted
Despite all the full hospital beds, the ban on elective and non-urgent surgeries in Washington has been lifted. And now, the big question is how will hospitals begin to clear away the backlog of tens of thousands of cases? Since the beginning of the pandemic, the UW Medicine system has had about 18,000 backlogged procedures. Health care experts agree it’s going to take time to clear it all. Cassie Johnson ended up in the ER and having emergency surgery last summer after her tonsillectomy was postponed twice. Continue reading at KOMO News.