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Friday, Feb. 18

Mandatory masking in WA schools is ending, but some are wary of the change
Students and teachers across the state will be able to go to class without masks starting March 21, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday. For some of Washington’s youngest students, it will be their first time experiencing school without wearing a mask. “This is a big moment,” said state schools Superintendent Chris Reykdal, appearing with Inslee at Thursday’s news conference. But Reykdal also cautioned that the step doesn’t mean the end of the global virus outbreak. “It means we have a little bit more flexibility now to take that next step.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

Transportation funding package moves to House
A package that pays for free passes on public transportation for young people and upgrades to major bridges are part of a 16-year funding plan approved by the state Senate. The Senate approved the proposed revenue sources for the $17 billion “Move Ahead Washington” transportation investment package on a 29-20 vote Feb. 15. The bill, sponsored by Transportation Committee chair Sen. Marko Liias, D-Everett, now goes to the House. The plan includes funding for transit programs, replacement of fish passageways and electrification of the state’s ferry fleet. Liias said, “We are on the verge of a new day in transportation.” Continue reading at The Bainbridge Island Review.

King County repeals bike helmet law, but all sides still agree: wear your helmet
King County’s Board of Health voted Thursday to repeal its helmet law that required bike riders to wear helmets or face $30 fine, and additional court fees. Recently, researchers have found that people of color and those living homeless are disproportionately ticketed. That equity concern runs into the worry that a repeal could lead to more head injuries. While the decision to wear a bike helmet is now up to individual riders, all sides of the repeal debate still agree on one thing: wear your helmet. Continue reading at KUOW. (Cascade Bicycle Club)

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Associated Press
Washington justices: Animal abuse can be domestic violence
State to lift indoor mask mandate March 21
King County ending vaccine requirements at bars, restaurants
Seattle-area companies give $10M to fight homelessness
Immigration reform advocates hope Newhouse-backed proposal could spur bipartisan deal

Auburn Reporter
Governor: Masks can come off March 21 in most public settings

Bainbridge Island Review
Transportation funding package moves to House (Saldaña, Liias)

Capital Press
Washington lawmakers consider another path to buffers
Washington sheriffs line up against WDFW cougar bill

Columbian
2 Vancouver long-term care facilities to open non-COVID units
Opinion: In Our View: Federal oversight provides safety, accountability

The Daily News
Weyerhaeuser receives $40,000 water quality fine from Department of Ecology

Everett Herald
Governor: Masks can come off March 21 in most public settings
Alaska launches Boeing 737 service at Paine Field in Everett
State Supreme Court hears Everett case of bus fare checks
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Column: Schwab: How Mukilteo schools avoided a mockery of history
WaPo Comment: Why Jan. 6 defendents’ unusual defense isn’t working

The Facts Newspaper
Inslee says pandemic ‘turning point’ could see mask requirements lifted soon
COVID-19 trends give leaders the confidence to look towards next phase of pandemic response

The Inlander
In bringing back wild lynx, Confederated Colville tribes hope to right historical wrongs and restore balance to wildlife on the landscape

Islands’ Weekly
Statewide COVID-19 restrictions begin to relax

News Tribune
Deaths pile up on Pierce County highways as motorists drive faster and more dangerously
Rep. Fey: The $16 billion transportation package can transform WA — and Pierce County. Here’s how

Olympian
For residents of Olympia’s homeless mitigation site, getting housed is a long shot
Statewide indoor mask mandates to be lifted for most places on March 21, Inslee announces

Peninsula Daily News
Authorities say COVID-19 mitigations should stay in place until March 21
Opinion: POINT OF VIEW: Proposed legislation fails to solve problem of nursing care

Port Townsend Leader
Indoor mask mandate to end March 21 in JeffCo and across Washington State
Transit workers to get COVID hazard pay

Puget Sound Business Journal
Alaska Airlines brings 737 service to Snohomish County’s Paine Field
‘We need to get people back into the office’: Public officials take up Microsoft’s push to reopen workplaces
Seattle region’s construction cost index posts biggest-ever increase
King County may keep indoor mask mandate after statewide order expires
Business-backed group unveils $10M-plus effort to ‘dramatically reduce’ homelessness in downtown Seattle
Inslee sets end date for Washington’s indoor mask requirement

Runta News
What VOT Stands For, Who Does It Serve?

Seattle Medium
Are Seattle Schools In Turmoil?
AG Ferguson: Center For COVID Control Blocked From Operating Testing Centers In Washington While Case Continues
Discriminatory Enforcement Leads To Repeal Of Bicycle Helmet Law By Board Of Health
Seattle Chinese Woman Hit With Bat

Seattle Times
Median net worth of Seattle-area homeowners neared $1 million in 2021
Mandatory masking in WA schools is ending, but some are wary of the change
Demands for answers over Durkan’s, Best’s deleted texts
Family sues Clark County deputies, arguing they escalate stops into police shootings
King County repeals mandatory bicycle helmet law
Opinion: Restore Seattle’s vitality by helping people move easily and affordably

Sol De Yakima
Programa elimina grafiti, suprime comunicación entre pandillas
Yakima Valley College abre despensa para alumnos
Inslee: el 21 de marzo se levanta mandato de mascarilla en escuelas, negocios en WA

South Seattle Emerald
Gov. Inslee Says No Indoor Mask Rule After March 21
Sound Transit Eliminates Design That Made South End Light Rail Most Dangerous Stretch
Federal Monitor Claims FBI Aware of Alleged SPD Sexual Violence
No Proof of Vaccination Required in Bars, Restaurants or Other Businesses as of March 1

Spokesman Review
Technical advisory group approves of some criteria for requiring COVID vaccine for kids
‘The need is still there’: Spokane County sends SNAP another $13 million in federal funds for rental assistance
Washington’s mask mandate will end March 21, Inslee says
New health board composition hits snag over different understandings of tribal component of the law (Riccelli)

Tri-City Herald
Richland workers exposed to radiation at nuclear power plant, says fed agency
Richland students will be returning to class Friday with masks on — for now

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla-area schools prepare for transition when mask mandate ends March 21
Columbia Pulp shuts down ‘most operations’ citing need to better develop customer base for alternative fiber
Mental health among students main concern for Walla Walla County health officials, seek assessment

Washington Post
Facebook whistleblower alleges executives misled investors about climate, covid hoaxes in new SEC complaints
Biden to speak about Ukraine amid unconfirmed reports of evacuations from separatist area
Police begin arrests, escalate efforts to end Canada’s ‘Freedom Convoy’
Former suburban Minneapolis officer Kim Potter faces sentencing for killing Daunte Wright
Africa may have been hit harder by covid-19 than anyone knew

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley schools and health officials plan for end of mask mandate on March 21
Yakima school board approves calendar for next academic year
Selah group acquires site for new food bank, seeks funding help to make it happen
Letter: Don’t be misled — the pandemic still isn’t over

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Councilmember Sawant to propose extension to Seattle eviction moratorium
Tacoma auto shop owner waits hours for police to respond to burglary call
Masks no longer required in most public spaces in Washington beginning March 21

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Charges filed after autistic student attacked in school bathroom
Inslee announces loosening of state mask mandate starting March 21
King County Board of Health repeals helmet law
Despite planned rollback of COVID-19 restrictions, many employees to keep working from home
Ending homelessness? Seattle-area billionaires and businesses help launch new plan
King County to end vaccine verification policy March 1

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Inslee: State mask mandate to end in most places, including schools, next month
Parents react to Washington schools lifting mask mandate in March
Seattle’s ‘Green Book Tour’ revisits sites of Black-owned spaces during segregation era
Woodland Park takes center stage in Seattle’s effort to address homelessness
Seattle Police Department losing officers and struggling to replace them

KNKX Public Radio
Washington indoor mask mandate will lift March 21 with some exceptions

KUOW Public Radio
King County repeals bike helmet law, but all sides still agree: wear your helmet

NW Public Radio
Washington Mask Mandate To End March 21

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington state to end mask mandate March 21 for most places, Inslee announces
Washington mask mandate: Students will no longer have to wear masks as of March 21

Web

Crosscut
WA proposed budget funds stipends to attract low-income board members
Washington state mask mandate ends March 21

MyNorthwest
Washington’s proposed gas export tax is ‘unacceptable,’ says Oregon governor
Lawmakers, reform advocates clash over next phase of state’s policing ‘fix’ bills
Western Washington’s ‘false spring’ fades as temperatures trend toward record lows
Former US Vice President Al Gore touts Washington state as climate policy leader
King County repeals bicycle helmet law over discriminatory enforcement concerns
Washington hospitals allowed to resume non-urgent surgeries after pause
Harrell aims to ‘hit reset’ on strained relationship between Seattle mayor, city council
Coalition of businesses to put $10 million into addressing Seattle homelessness
Washington state to end indoor mask mandate on March 21
Free youth transit access, expanded traffic cameras within transportation budget passed in Senate (Lovelett)

The Stranger
Washington’s Indoor Mask Mandate Will End on March 21
Regional Homelessness Authority Will Try to Solve Homelessness with Philanthrocapitalism
Op-Ed: Stop Expanding Criminalization in Washington State

West Seattle Blog
UPDATE: Governor announces most statewide mask mandates will end March 21
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Barrier removal
DEVELOPMENT: Approvals for 9 houses east of Puget Park

Thursday, Feb. 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capital Press
Grants available for Skagit County farmers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, Feb. 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capital Press
Washington Democrats stick with gas tax on Oregonians

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

Courier-Herald
Shooting, bomb threats closes Enumclaw High

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

Monday, Feb. 14

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

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

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

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Bainbridge Island Review
BI on the move to finalize transportation plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North American Post
Seattle Public Schools Japanese Immersion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, Feb. 11

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

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

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