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Monday, May 2

WA loses ground in bike ranking, despite new state investments
The bike world is determined to reclaim Washington’s title. It’s an achievable goal, they say, as millions of dollars in new spending on bike projects begin to flow from the state into communities in the coming years. The Legislature this year passed nearly $17 billion in new spending on transportation over the next 16 years. It was the fourth major transportation package in the last 20 years and passed mostly along party lines — in part due to Republican opposition to so much spending on bike infrastructure. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Report: Record heat turned Washington’s evergreen trees red
Last summer, it got too hot for Washington’s trees. The needles of ubiquitous evergreens turned reddish hues. No, our famous and much loved conifers weren’t showing off an out-of-character autumnal wardrobe. They got singed, quite literally, during last year’s historic heat wave, when temperatures in Snohomish County reached triple digits. The damage was from something called “desiccation,” or the removal of moisture. Continue reading at The Everett Herald.

Pierce County launches mental health court program
Pierce County is launching its new mental health court on Monday morning. The program is designed to prevent people from going through the justice system with their mental illnesses going undiagnosed and ending up back on the street. Beginning Monday, anyone charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, who also suffers from mood or thought disorders, can be referred into the program. Continue reading at KOMO News.

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Associated Press
Judge clears way for initiative to repeal capital gains tax
Electric utilities spending millions to reduce wildfire risk

Aberdeen Daily World
The uncertain future of downtown Aberdeen and Hoquiam
Grays Harbor labor market in ‘pretty good spot’

Bellingham Herald
Homeless agency rejects Whatcom’s offer of hazard pay for workers in pandemic
Scientists taking this new approach to restore salmon habitat along the railroad in Whatcom
Restoring Squalicum Creek
Restaurant, bar, event space coming to this downtown Bellingham landmark
Bellingham Council promised a more diverse workforce. Here’s how that’s working
Whatcom deputies were shot 80 days ago. Community support for them continues with this gift
Downtown Bellingham restaurant reopens indoor dining; clothing store coming to Fairhaven
These Bellingham grocery stores are looking to hire 28 workers this Saturday

Capital Press
Washington rule to judge ethanol’s ‘carbon intensity’
WSDA proposes to reduce fee to report some cattle sales

Columbian
Opinion: In Our View: Effort to recall Inslee was the wrong approach
Opinion: Cheers & Jeers: Bodycams boost; COVID climbs

Everett Herald
North Creek Trail section near Bothell almost ready
Got ideas? 26-acre Mukilteo waterfront beckons improvement
Snohomish County is hoping to avoid literal dumpster fire
13 unvaccinated firefighters are cleared to return to work
Report: Record heat turned Washington’s evergreen trees red
Outdoor classroom in Everett offers kids lessons ‘in the dirt’

High Country News
Following 14,000-gallon fuel spill, Pacific representatives call for U.N. investigation
Indigenous women say ‘no’ to extraction for sustainable future
Russia’s war reverberates in the West

Indian Country Today
A Lummi matriarch tells her story
California universities, tribe make tuition free for many Indigenous students

News Tribune
Sea Mar Community Health Centers purchases downtown Tacoma site for $6.2 million
Pierce County wants to convert another motel into a homeless shelter. This is where

New York Times
Why the Debate Over Russian Uranium Worries U.S. Tribal Nations
Loss of Pandemic Aid Stresses Hospitals That Treat the Uninsured

Olympian
Thurston commission, auditor defend handling of suspected rent assistance fraud
WA courts mostly not using tracking law to protect people
How did Olympia, Thurston County spend more than $700K on hotel stays for the homeless?
Tumwater superintendent says $4 million in district budget cuts is needed, eyes staffing
Pot stores, lawmakers call on Congress to pass SAFE Banking Act. Here’s what the law would do

Peninsula Daily News
Anderson Lake closed due to high level of toxin
COVID again leading cause of state work-related deaths
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against long-term care tax

Puget Sound Business Journal
Office demand in major US markets rises in March but ‘too early to tell’ long-term picture
Despite GDP decline in Q1, economists remain cautiously optimistic about commercial real estate
Kent Valley aerospace sector gaining jobs but losing employers, report finds
These airports are back to their pre-Covid-19 flight totals
Some small-business funding is in jeopardy. Business groups are urging Congress to act.
Downtown Tacoma office building sells to Seattle nonprofit

Seattle Times
From Bremerton to the Supreme Court: Former high school football coach center of First Amendment debate
Clearing the air is key to battling COVID; King County offers free filters, but more aid is needed
Seattle May Day rally and march tout new union strength
Midtown Square artists aim to connect community to the deep history of the Central District
How South Seattle College is preparing students for today’s restaurant industry
UW students ask for a reckoning with the school’s tainted history
WA loses ground in bike ranking, despite new state investments

Skagit Valley Herald
In these challenging times, businesses finding ways to make lemonade out of lemons

Sol De Yakima
Reconocen labor de trabajadores en el Valle de Yakima
Sunnyside pagará $300.000 anuales a despacho de abogados para servir como fiscal en la corte
Sunnyside festeja el Cinco de Mayo el 6, 7, 8 de mayo

Spokesman Review
Schools in Spokane County fail to crack top 40 in U.S. News state rankings, but 15 of 19 are in the top half
Have you seen the Eastside, Washington, very big bear? Finding him takes on new urgency
‘It’s worth fighting for’: Spokane County neighborhood takes on gravel pit expansion
Getting There: Pedestrian underpass will link East Valley schools when Bigelow Gulch is finished

Tri-City Herald
2 more Tri-Cities COVID deaths. Wastewater shows increase in people infected
Pasco schools offer all students free licensed mental health therapy
Newhouse grills energy, ag secretaries on breaching Snake dams, Hanford and new nuclear
Annual Hispanic scholarship ceremony awards $75,000 to 21 Mid-Columbia students
‘Touched our hearts.’ Pasco district names transportation center after slain bus driver
Meals on Wheels reopens Tri-Cities-area dining centers. Here’s when and where

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Milton-Freewater residents volunteer to beautify and restore Main Street
Milton-Freewater schools plan for new building
Complaint yields deeper look into neurosurgery issues at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla

Washington Post
These are books school systems don’t want you to read, and why
Virus mutations aren’t slowing down. New omicron subvariant proves it
Pharmacies in most states can’t administer covid vaccines to babies and toddlers
After recession, a Black business boom
Russia-Ukraine war live updates: Mariupol evacuees face hard journey; Pelosi meets Polish president Duda

Yakima Herald-Republic
City looks for comment on Yakima development report, zoning text changes
OneAmerica, Fair Work Center combine for May Day event in Yakima
Yakima schools eye additional state funding for staff to support students’ physical and mental health
Walk, special events planned in Toppenish for national day of awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
WA courts mostly not using tracking law to protect people

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Cruise ship leaving Seattle among first to make full comeback amid pandemic
Issaquah School District proposes cuts to athletics, mental health program
Petition pitches proposal to create ‘Social Housing’ in Seattle

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle, King County to crack down on thieves committing repeat retail thefts
Hundreds march peacefully for workers’ rights on May Day
‘Save the Cedar River’ to file appeal this week against new asphalt plant
Dozens living at Redmond hotel being forced to leave
Judge clears way for initiative to repeal capital gains tax
Puget Sound grocery store workers ratify new contract with ‘substantial raises’
Sea Mar Community Health Centers purchases downtown Tacoma site for $6.2 million

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Pierce County launches mental health court program
Puget Sound grocery store workers approve new contract, includes pay increase
It’s AAPI Heritage Month, a local coffee shop wants spread the word on Vietnamese coffee

KNKX Public Radio
Nature rebounds on the Green River after large levee removal
The education culture war is raging. But for most parents, it’s background noise

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates: Covid-19 outbreaks up in King County schools

KXLY (ABC)
Senator Murray, other U.S. Senators speak on International Workers’ Day

Web

Crosscut
How does Seattle feel about crime? It’s complicated

MyNorthwest
Redfin settles lawsuit alleging housing discrimination
Puget Sound grocery store workers ratify new contract with ‘substantial raises’
Signs of PTSD among families with loved ones hospitalized by COVID, study reveals
‘Save the Cedar River’ to file appeal this week against new asphalt plant in Renton
The Stranger
We Want to End the War on Drugs
Hundreds of Seattle Students Walk Out Demanding Better Treatment of Survivors of Sexual Assault

West Seattle Blog
CORONAVIRUS: Our weekly look at West Seattle, King County trends/stats
Vietnamese-American community commemorates somber anniversary, shows support for Ukrainians’ freedom-fighting
FERRIES: Peak-season surcharges start Sunday

Friday, April 29

Washington justices unanimously reject Inslee recall effort
The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously rejected an effort to recall Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The justices upheld a Thurston County Superior Court decision that the charges made against Inslee did not provide factually or legally sufficient grounds to support a recall campaign. Continue reading at OutletName. (Ted S. Warren/AP)

Father of child pepper-sprayed during Seattle BLM protest files federal civil rights lawsuit
The father of a child who was doused with pepper spray during the early days of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests downtown has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging assault and negligence by the involved Seattle police officers. Their use of force sparked national outrage after video and photos showed volunteer medics and other protesters pouring water and milk on the screaming child’s face in an effort to relieve his suffering. Police accountability officials say the highly publicized incident generated nearly 13,000 complaints against the department. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder/Seattle Times)

Covid deaths no longer overwhelmingly among unvaccinated as toll on elderly grows
Unvaccinated people accounted for the overwhelming majority of deaths in the United States throughout much of the coronavirus pandemic. But that has changed in recent months, according to a Washington Post analysis of state and federal data. The pandemic’s toll is no longer falling almost exclusively on those who chose not to get shots, with vaccine protection waning over time and the elderly and immunocompromised — who are at greatest risk of succumbing to covid-19, even if vaccinated — having a harder time dodging increasingly contagious strains. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

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Associated Press
Washington justices unanimously reject Inslee recall effort
COVID again leading cause of WA work-related deaths
Spokane Air Force staff sergeants charged with stealing ammo

Aberdeen Daily World
Legislation provides path for broadband expansion (Tharinger)

Bellingham Herald
$2.8 million secured for roads in Nisqually Indian Tribe’s new housing project
Cherry Point fuel facility responds to allegations of unpermitted expansion

The Daily News
After return to in-person learning, school officials say mental health concerns rose
Longview temporary homeless shelter closes as temperature forecasts heat up
Cowlitz County sees increase in STI rates, health department, health agencies plan response

Everett Herald
Outdoor classroom in Everett offers kids lessons ‘in the dirt’

Kitsap Sun
Great Peninsula Conservancy to celebrate opening of new Misery Point Preserve to the public

News Tribune
Good news: Tacoma median rents cheaper than Bellevue. Bad news: They’re still rising
Tacoma’s ‘Super Block,’ nearby parcel enter real estate market frenzy. What could go there?
Editorial: Will Pierce County buildings ever fly the Pride flag? Not at this rate, and it’s shameful

Olympian
False alarm prompts evacuation at Capitol Campus building Thursday morning
Report of active shooter at JBLM was ‘miscommunication’ during training exercise
Months-long road work to impact US 101 traffic in Olympia, Tumwater
$2.8 million secured for roads in Nisqually Indian Tribe’s new housing project

Peninsula Daily News
Port Angeles man charged after alleged attack on officers

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle saw fewer bidding wars in March, but remains among most competitive homebuying markets

Seattle Medium
Why Biden Is Resisting The Pressure To Cancel $50,000 In Student Loan Debt Per Borrower
Boeing ‘Probably Shouldn’t Have Taken’ Trump-Negotiated Air Force One Deal, CEO Says
Without Support Students Who Are Exposed To Traumatic Experiences Can Fall By The Wayside
King County Designated As Medium COVID-19 Community Level As Cases Gradually Increase

Seattle Times
Have you seen the Eastside’s very big bear? Finding him takes on new urgency
Dick’s Drive-in expands again — here’s where the 9th location will be
Loose anchor damages ferry in San Juan Islands
Homebuyers should ask agents for money back, consumer group says — but that won’t be easy in Seattle area
Scott Morrow, longtime organizer and godfather to Seattle’s tiny-home villages, dies
Father of child pepper-sprayed during Seattle BLM protest files federal civil rights lawsuit
Ongoing transportation issues prompt Seattle Schools to propose new start times
Editorial: Raise the bar for teaching literacy to all WA students

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County health officer optimistic, despite rise in COVID-19 cases
Mount Vernon commits federal funding to community nonprofits

South Seattle Emerald
Coalition for diverse political representation cites structural problems and solutions
Seattle colleges professors protest stagnant salaries while inflation soars
New editors, covid caution, don’t forget mom, & more
Opinion: An open-source Twitter is possible, just not likely
Seedcast: Art, revolution, and Native futurity

Spokesman Review
Inslee tours sustainability projects at Eastern Washington University, Spokane Falls Community College

Washington Post
Brazil is burning down the Amazon so you can eat steak
Cracks emerge in Russian elite as tycoons start to bemoan invasion
The border wall Trump called unclimbable is taking a grim toll
Covid deaths no longer overwhelmingly among unvaccinated as toll on elderly grows
Trump officials muzzled CDC on church covid guidance, emails confirm
Vaccines for young kids could be available in June, FDA official says
Fidalgo Island: Not just a gateway to the San Juans, but a destination

Yakima Herald-Republic
With grand opening of new Health Sciences Building, CWU completes $300 million Science Neighborhood

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Domestic violence linked to rising homicide rate in Pierce County
WSP falls short on processing DNA tests before deadline, blames pandemic
Washington justices unanimously reject Inslee recall effort
Family of man killed by Auburn officer files lawsuit alleging unconstitutional force
Seattle city attorney asks to exclude frequent offenders from Community Court
WSU was aware of hazing problems on Greek Row before freshman’s death, parents allege

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Ferry service to the San Juans severely reduced after vessel ‘Yakima’ damaged
As COVID cases rise in schools, some return to mask requirements or online learning

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
As cops leave and crime rate rises, Seattle police Chief Diaz eyes plan to turn the tide
Father of boy pepper sprayed at BLM protest files lawsuit
Treatment to eradicate invasive Japanese beetle to start

KNKX Public Radio
Salmon Summit teaches kids about conservation, science
Electric utilities in Northwest spending millions on upgrades to reduce risk of wildfire ignitions

KUOW Public Radio
Seattle rent shot up how much?!: Today So Far
Vietnamese diaspora in Seattle are tackling misinformation at home

KXLY (ABC)
‘Keep the community safe’: Violent Crimes Task Force targets repeat offenders

Q13 TV (FOX)
For second year in a row, COVID is the leading cause of work-related deaths in WA

Web

Crosscut
Human Elements: What we can learn from the canopy soils of the Olympic rainforest
Transit users 18 and younger ride free under new WA program (Liias)
Chinatown-International District leaders criticize Link expansion plans

The Stranger
Rigorous Survey Finds King County Wants Police Alternatives
Shooting Death of 18-Year-Old Raises Questions About Washington’s Use of Force Law

Thursday, April 28

Moderna asks FDA to authorize first COVID-19 vaccine for very young children
Moderna announced Thursday that the company has asked the Food and Drug Administration to authorize a low-dose version of its COVID-19 vaccine as the first vaccine for children younger than age 5. In a study involving about 6,700 children, the company said two-doses of the vaccine administered 28 days apart to children ages 6 months to less than 6 years triggered levels of antibodies equivalent to what has protected older children and adults. “We are proud to share that we have submitted for authorization for our COVID-19 vaccine for young children,” said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s chief executive officer, in a statement. Continue reading at KUOW. (Dpa Picture Alliance)

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against long-term care tax
A federal judge has dismissed a class action lawsuit that was filed by opponents of a mandatory payroll premium to fund Washington state’s recently delayed long-term care program, saying the court did not have jurisdiction since it was a state tax. The ruling, filed Monday by Judge Thomas Zilly of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, is in response to the November lawsuit filed on behalf of three businesses in the state and six individuals who claimed that the program — known as the WA Cares Fund — violates a federal law that forbids the state from passing any law that requires employees to participate in a plan that provides sickness or medical benefits. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

Redmond reaches $7.5 million settlement with family of woman killed in police shooting
The City of Redmond announced Wednesday it reached a $7.5 million settlement with the family of a woman who was shot and killed by a police officer in September 2020. Andrea Thomas Churna, 39, was shot and killed on September 20, 2020 at the Modera Redmond apartment complex in the 8700 block of 161st Avenue Northeast. Redmond Police initially reported the woman “confronted officers with a handgun, multiple shots were fired and the suspect was struck several times.” On Wednesday, Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe explained that the information in that press release was inaccurate, and the woman was unarmed when she was shot and killed by the officer. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit against long-term care tax
Moderna looks to be 1st with COVID shots available for kids under age 6

Bellingham Herald
WA working families eligible for $6.49 million in energy bill assistance. Here’s how
Bellingham boat manufacturer lands contract to build this offshore wind survey vessel

Capital Press
Wildlife officials warn of invasive frogs in Washington state
Washington to spray for Japanese beetles
Ranch benefits from enrolling acres in conservation program
Columbia Grain CEO: Market volatility to continue

Columbian
Ridgefield bond gains votes; Evergreen levy still passing

The Daily News
Another nine days of razor clam digging start Friday along Southwest Washington coast

Everett Herald
Edmonds proposal would criminalize camping on public property
Electric scooters set to return to Everett as soon as May
Boeing delays Everett 777X production after ‘dreadful’ quarter
Former Shoreline schools chief named interim Edmonds superintendent
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance

High Country News
‘This is what reconciliation work can look like’
Free, prior and informed consent is the gold standard of Indigenous rights. Why isn’t it followed?

The Inlander
Washington is the first state offering lawyers to tenants in hopes of better outcomes for all

News Tribune
Crime stats: At 36 homicides, Pierce County on track for a record year of violence
What to do about Lakewood’s dilapidated library branches? You can help decide
These top high schools in Washington state earned high rankings in national report

Olympian
Thurston County homeless census counts fewer people in 2022
COVID was the primary cause of WA job-related deaths in 2021. Memorial set for Thursday
Boeing posts $1.2 billion loss in Q1, worse than expected

Puget Sound Business Journal
These Washington counties are the healthiest, study finds
Support Financial Literacy Education for Washington Students
Small businesses are growing more pessimistic about the economy — and want the feds to do more to help.

Runta News
DEEL Announces Up To $1.5M in Grant Funding for Cultural Education and Leadership Opportunities Supporting Historically Underserved Youth

Seattle Medium
Strickland Introduces Legislation To Increase Military Access To Affordable Housing

Seattle Times
Sound Transit’s light-rail project to the Eastside is running late
Seattle city attorney pushes to prosecute repeat offenders
‘You sweep, we strike’: Seattle Parks building vandalized in apparent response to encampment removals
WA, other states sue U.S. Postal Service over new gas-powered delivery fleet
King County tore out a levee near Auburn. Now the salmon are returning
Washington’s long-term care program, WA Cares, survives another challenge
Biden administration moves ahead with proposed Oregon offshore wind power
Opinion: In 2020, 83 workers in WA lost their lives on the job — we must do better

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit Public Utility District lays replacement section for main water line

South Seattle Emerald
Regional peacekeepers seek to keep community members — and hope — alive
Coalition for diverse political representation cites structural problems and solutions

Tri-City Herald
‘So sad.’ Unruly crowd, hecklers force Richland School Board president to recess meeting

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
VA official visits Walla Walla to hear frustrations, victories with new electronic health record system
Parents of students given tools to help during mental health crises in Walla Walla schools pilot program

Washington Post
Economy shrinks 1.4% in first 3 months of year, raising recession fear
Biden seeks $33 billion for Ukraine, powers to liquidate Russian assets
Moderna seeks authorization of coronavirus vaccine for youngest children
Talk of martial law, Insurrection Act draws notice of Jan. 6 committee

Yakima Herald-Republic
Construction dispute at Apple Valley Elementary resolved by agreement between school district, city
Third phase of PFAS testing near Yakima Training Center starts this summer, health officials say

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Small landlord says he’s leaving Seattle over the city’s rental laws
Invasive African clawed frogs pose threat to native species in Washington
Redmond reaches $7.5 million settlement with family of woman killed in police shooting
New pandemic-era law caps rental backpay installments to 1/3 of rent in Seattle

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
‘You sweep, we strike’: Vandals smash Seattle parks building windows, cars
Deputies’ patrol cars rammed by driver near White Center
Seattle Credit Consulting CEO highlights racial disparities in credit system, shares tips on credit
Masks again required at Renton school due to rise in COVID-19 cases
Redmond to pay $7.5 million after officer fatally shot woman

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Local mother tries to counter surge in fentanyl overdose deaths across Puget Sound
Seattle Parks & Rec building at Denny Park tagged with graffiti: ‘You Sweep We Strike’
Seattle mayor makes appearance at Alliance for Gun Responsibility annual luncheon

KNKX Public Radio
Here’s why Dr. Fauci says the U.S. is ‘out of the pandemic phase’

KUOW Public Radio
Moderna asks FDA to authorize first COVID-19 vaccine for very young children

KXLY (ABC)
Gov. Inslee to visit local colleges to observe environmental sustainability efforts

NW Public Radio
The Fight For Legacy Forests Part Six: What Some Beneficiaries Think About The Fight To End Harvests Of Older Trees

Q13 TV (FOX)
Ending the backlog: How Washington state is working through 10,000 untested sexual assault kits (Orwall)
Kitsap County schools report COVID-19 outbreaks, pivot to remote learning
Moderna asks FDA to approve COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 6
‘This backlog is shameful:’ Seattle City Attorney defends decision to drop nearly 2,000 cases in backlog

Web

MyNorthwest
District eyeing significant demolition, rebuild for Alki Elementary
Seattle police illegally ignored COVID mask rules
Pilots close to striking over poor working conditions with Alaska Airlines
Washington implementing new crisis phone line, 988, to complement 911 services
COVID tops list of leading causes of work-related fatalities in Washington state in 2021
Union concrete workers, suppliers reach truce without scheduling new contract talks

The Stranger
Transformative Transportation (Liias)
Seattle City Council Clashes Over How Much Money to Let SPD Use on an Unproven Strategy to Hire More Cops

West Seattle Blog
SHELTER SHIFT: Why one RapidRide stop just got reconfigured

Wednesday, April 27

Most Americans have been infected with the Covid-19 virus, the CDC reports
Most people in the United States, including most children, have now been infected with the coronavirus, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At a briefing for reporters on Tuesday, the CDC’s Dr. Kristie Clarke said so many people caught omicron over the winter that almost 60% of everyone in the U.S. now have antibodies to the virus in their blood. That number is even higher for children — almost 75% of children 11 and younger have antibodies to the virus. Continue reading at KUOW. (AFP via Getty Images)

How tribes are harnessing renewable resources for energy — and jobs
From Florida to Alaska, dozens of tribes are working to harness energy from wind, sun and water to generate millions of dollars in revenue, create short- and long-term jobs and reduce utility costs for citizens, while also helping combat climate change and boosting energy independence. Solar energy is leading the way in Indian Country, with projects underway by the Navajo Nation, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in eastern Montana, the Spokane Tribe in Washington, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and others. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Navajo Tribal Utility Authority/Navajo Nation)

Report: Seattle police illegally ignored COVID mask rules
A civilian oversight board says some Seattle police officers routinely — and illegally — ignored state and city mask mandates during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and refused to obey direct orders from the chief to comply. The Seattle Times reports that a recently released review by the Office of Inspector General exposed a “serious cultural issue” within the department. The report states the department was fined $17,500 last year after receiving two notices of “serious violations” of the Washington Administrative Code over officers’ refusal to comply with the mandates after inspections by the state Department of Labor and Industries. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

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Associated Press
Amazon warehouse collapse probe finds worker safety risks
Soldier killed, 2 hurt at Yakima Training Center
Report: Seattle police illegally ignored COVID mask rules

Auburn Reporter
COVID levels rise to ‘medium’ transition risk in King County

Bainbridge Island Review
Funding to bring improvements for Ferries

Bellingham Herald
Will you still be able to call 911 for help? Check your cell service amid 3G shutdown
Bellingham mayor sets budget priorities for next two years

Columbian
Evergreen Public Schools’ levy passing, Ridgefield bond failing
Opinion: In Our View: Religious freedom at core of Constitution
Opinion: In Our View: Strict limitations on water pollution warranted

Everett Herald
School levies failing in Marysville, Stanwood-Camano, Lakewood
Thousands in county qualify for housing help — but don’t get it
Panel OKs naming marsh near Granite Falls for Everett teacher
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance

High Country News
Biden’s broken promise on climate?

International Examiner
Opinion: Real safety means caring for each other and standing against displacement

News Tribune
Who decides which ‘special flags’ should fly over County-City Building? A debate rages
This Pierce County food bank sees 150 families a day. City Council is dedicating funds

New York Times
Trump Officials Awarded $700 Million Pandemic Loan Despite Objections
Cities Want to Return to Prepandemic Life. One Obstacle: Transit Crime.
Protesters Amass at White House, Demanding Action on Climate

Olympian
Inspire Olympia sales tax increase appears headed for voter approval
130 acres near Olympia airport does not allow distribution warehouses, port official says
2 more Thurston residents die of COVID amid ‘substantial’ COVID activity

Peninsula Daily News
State representative tests positive for COVID-19 (Chapman, Tharinger, Van De Wege)
Youth transit free in summer

Port Townsend Leader
Quilcene voters saying no to $12.3 million bond for new school

Puget Sound Business Journal
Microsoft’s cloud division is getting more profitable; company beats earnings estimates
Still searching for Covid-19 relief funding? Here’s what to know about the ERC.
King County reaches ‘medium’ community level of Covid. Here’s what that means.
Big companies are announcing huge pay hikes. Small businesses are struggling to keep pace.

Seattle Times
Seattle has its coldest April in years. What does that mean for May?
Amid U.S. culture wars, classrooms become brave spaces for honest conversations
Seattle area ranks second for percentage of adults on Twitter — will that change with Elon Musk in charge?
Seattle police ignored orders to mask up, exposing ‘serious cultural issue,’ report says
Redmond City Council approves $7.5M settlement to family of woman killed by police in 2020
The expiration date on your COVID rapid tests may have been extended. Here’s how to look up the new one
Column: More fallout from Seattle’s stumbles on homelessness
Opinion: Join the Port of Seattle as we invest in youth for a resilient maritime future
Editorial: Thank you to Harriet Stimson Bullitt and a family’s noble legacy of giving

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County looking for its ‘North Star’ on homelessness, behavioral health

South Seattle Emerald
Affordable homeownership housing development completed in Central District
Local leaders, activists react to what they need in new King County sheriff

Tri-City Herald
Kennewick, Finley and Prosser school levies failing. Here are the results

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla will spend $52,000 to see if glass recycling is too expensive

Washington Post
Russia cuts off gas to Poland, Bulgaria, stoking tensions with E.U. over Ukraine
Elon Musk’s ‘free speech’ takeover part of new corporate activism wave
Trump officials overruled Pentagon to approve pandemic loan, emails show
A man defaced an LGBTQ mural. He must write an essay on the Pulse shooting.
Coronavirus has infected majority of Americans, blood tests indicate
U.S. no longer in ‘full-blown’ pandemic phase, Fauci says
Biden signals he’s open to canceling student loans

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley schools say they are ready for new state law that solidifies language access
Canada lynx protections deal sealed by US, environmentalists
Opinion: Declining college enrollments are a troublesome trend
Letter: School-choice decision is an inequitable error

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Company with questionable history loses its contract for COVID-19 testing in Pierce County
Centralia police chief ‘frustrated’ officers couldn’t chase suspect (Pedersen)
Renton’s Dimmitt Middle School bringing back mask requirement due to rise in COVID-19 cases
Seattle considering proposals to address significant police staffing shortage

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Edmonds City Council considers fining and jailing houseless people who refuse help
City Attorney dropping nearly 2,000 old cases; cites priorities
Administration expands availability of COVID antiviral pill
More affordable housing coming to Seattle’s Central District
Bremerton High School making temporary switch to remote learning due to staffing shortage
Rising COVID cases push King County to “medium” levels, sparking renewed warnings

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Redmond to pay $7.5 million after officer fatally shot woman
Seattle tenants now have more time to repay back rent, under plan OK’d by City Council
Seattle City Council mulls plan to use financial incentives to hire more police officers
Antisemitic incidents in 2021 reach all time high, new audit by ADL says

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates: UW Medicine develops ‘second-generation’ Covid vaccine
Shares continue to slump as fears about the economy and earnings grip Wall Street
Most Americans have been infected with the Covid-19 virus, the CDC reports

KXLY (ABC)
Washington lawmakers want to suspend the state gas tax, economists say it’s not so simple

Q13 TV (FOX)
Renton middle school brings back mask requirement due to increase of COVID-19 cases
Bremerton HS switching to remote learning later this week due to staffing shortages, some out from COVID

Web

Crosscut
How tribes are harnessing renewable resources for energy — and jobs
Podcast | Meet the students pushing for more equity in public schools

MyNorthwest
Union concrete workers, suppliers reach truce without scheduling new contract talks
How possible radiation from Ukraine War could impact Washington
Against backdrop of deepening SPD officer exodus, council debates dueling public safety plans
University of Washington creates new COVID-19 vaccine

West Seattle Blog
VIDEO: ‘Are we happy with the status quo?’ asks newest councilmember as committee discusses Seattle Police’s shrinking staff

Tuesday, April 26

Substitute teachers vanished, so WA schools turned to new ideas
[Nathan] Roberts represents one example of how the recent coronavirus wave prompted school districts to reconsider their relationship with — and reliance on — substitute teachers. Much like bus drivers and custodians, substitutes have long been among the lowest-paid workers in education but remain critical to keeping schools open day to day. And they have a significant impact on student learning: Studies have linked teacher absences and uncertified, less trained subs to declines in student achievement. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Nathan Roberts)

Microplastics. It’s what’s for dinner
Microplastics seem to be in everything, everywhere, all at once. The tiny pieces of plastic are two-tenths of an inch or smaller and have been found in the ocean and our bodies. That’s right, microplastics have been found in poop and even our blood. But how do we fix that? Lawmakers here in Washington are moving to reduce the overall amount of plastic in our packaging. Of course, laws take time to enact, especially complicated regulations. So in the meantime, what should we be doing and thinking about now? Continue reading at KUOW. (Flickr/Chesapeake Bay Program)

Record inflation puts crunch on Snohomish County farms
Hay farmer Andrew Albert is paying twice as much for fertilizer as he did last year. It’s just one example of steep price increases farmers in Snohomish County are facing as they get ready for spring planting. The cost of farm equipment, animal feed and gas are also up significantly. “I’m considering what’s coming a survival year,” said Albert, a third-generation farmer in Arlington. “Already in farming, you don’t make money every year. This is definitely one of those bad years.” Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ryan Berry)