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Monday, April 12

Historic overtime bill for agriculture workers provides a chance at equal labor laws
Washington State has the opportunity to become the second state to provide agriculture workers with overtime compensation. Currently, farmworkers do not receive overtime pay. In 1938, agriculture workers were specifically excluded from the Fair Labor Standards Act and many researchers have noted that New Deal-era legislation was crafted to block Black and other POC agricultural workers from receiving overtime pay. Continue reading at The South Seattle Emerald. (Alexandria Jonas)

‘Right to counsel’ law advancing through Legislature
A “right to counsel” measure that is getting closer to approval by the Legislature would make Washington the first state to ensure that low-income tenants have legal representation when faced with an eviction. The bill has passed both the Senate and the House, and has one final vote before the Senate before heading to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee. Continue reading at KOMO News. (Rachel La Corte)

Senate approves expansion of low-income tax credit
The Washington Senate on Sunday approved a bill that would expand a tax credit for low-income workers and families that would start paying out benefits for the first time in 2023. The bill passed the Democratic-led chamber on a bipartisan 47-2 vote and now heads back to the House, which passed the bill last month but will need to take a final vote on whether or not to concur with changes made in the Senate. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

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Associated Press
Senate approves expansion of low-income tax credit (Nguyen)
Biz groups ask governor not to roll some counties to Phase 2
Senate passes bill to prevent and fight wildfires (Springer)
Gov. Inslee alters criteria for COVID-19 reopening phases
Washington Legislature approves Juneteenth as state holiday
Tweaked COVID vaccines in testing aim to fend off variants
‘Right to counsel’ law advancing through Legislature

Aberdeen Daily World
More mass vaccination clinics announced
East Aberdeen traffic solution in current Senate and House transpo budgets (Tharinger)
New law restores voting rights to Washington felons upon release from prison (Simmons)
Op-ed: How to catch cheaters who don’t shoulder their share of the tax burden
Letter: Beverage tax hurts working families

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
It was a long year for residents, loved ones. But the hugs are back at Mt. Baker Care Center
Pierce County had the first baby court in the state. Now it’s starting elsewhere
Here’s how Whatcom may regulate large marijuana farms and greenhouses
Here’s where you’ll see lane closures, other work on I-5 in Bellingham
Whatcom sees 42 new COVID cases Saturday
Whatcom sees 24 new COVID cases Friday
Governor updates guidance on counties staying in Phase 3. Here’s what that means to Whatcom
Wait until May to evaluate, business groups and county chambers ask in letter to Inslee
Worried about new coronavirus variant? Listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci explain
95% efficacy for COVID vaccines doesn’t mean there’s a 5% infection risk. Here’s why
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Friday in Washington state

Columbian
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Outdoor dining; careless drivers
In Our View: Diligence, virus precautions must prevail
In Our View: Camas must prepare should paper mill close
Letter: Support HB 1310 for de-escalation

The Daily News
Economic development officials say Lower Columbia Region primed for growth as businesses seek to flee urban areas
Inslee loosens reopening criteria; local COVID-19 vaccine appointments available

Everett Herald (subscription required)
State order targets Boeing Everett plant’s polluted history
House transportation package proposes widening Highway 524 (Ortiz-Self)
High court ruling spurs effort to retool state’s drug laws (Dhingra, Rolfes, Davis)
Stilly River bridge work to jam I-5 traffic near Arlington
Cornfield Report: 5 wrinkles for lawmakers to iron out in session’s last days
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
McCoy receives an overdue tribute from Senate colleagues(Robinson, Conway, Hobbs, Rolfes)
Editorial: Court ruling requires focus on addiction treatment (Dhingra, Davis)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Marvin Williams Center hosts vaccine event for marginalized and ‘hard-to-reach’ populations
Kitsap County to roll out additional $18 million in rental assistance and eviction prevention funding
Kitsap County plans to create equity and inclusion committee
Washington state Senate OKs carbon-cap legislation
Gorst fix gains traction, but will lawmakers pass $413 million plan to expand the highway?

News Tribune (subscription required)
Motion Church tells state mask, social distancing guidelines will be followed
16 years of waiting: Here’s everything you’ll find at Edgewood’s new 18-acre park
Pierce County had the first baby court in the state. Now it’s starting elsewhere
TPCHD leader warns of rising COVID cases after some county leaders call for delay in phase metrics
Does Tacoma really want to reduce gun violence? If so, it’s time to bite the bullet
Editorial: A big gamble for Washington: Help non-tribal cardrooms survive or let them die?
Wait until May to evaluate, business groups and county chambers ask in letter to Inslee

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County attorney to lead state Office of Public Defense
Multi-state salmonella outbreak prompts raw ground turkey health alert
Washington Gov. Inslee makes it harder for counties to backslide in COVID-19 reopening
Thurston County will spend up to $1 million to manage Olympia homeless encampments
Internet sensation K9 Arlo retires after recovering from I-5 shooting

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Travel could cause COVID surge
Appointments available for vaccination clinics
Peninsula overdose deaths seem to be on the rise
Port Hadlock’s Community Boat Project addresses affordable housing
EYE ON JEFFERSON: County to consider affordable housing project
Health officers: Get vaccinated for your community

Port Townsend Leader
COVID-19 case count in Jefferson County on the rise again

Puget Sound Business Journal
Inslee: Employers can now seek proof that workers are at high risk for Covid
Opinion: Make a difference. Mask up.
Opinion: Behavioral health professionals are key to addressing crisis
Sound Transit sets opening date for Northgate light rail extension
Microsoft to open public vaccination clinic on its Redmond campus

Seattle Gay News
37th District town hall centers economic, environmental justice (Saldaña, Santos, Harris-Talley)

Seattle Medium
Inslee Signs Bill Restoring Voting Rights To Formerly Incarcerated Individuals (Simmons)

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Cops for $1,000 a day: How Seattle spends millions hiring off-duty police officers but does little to monitor their moonlighting
Gas taxes, food delivery fees and more: Washington lawmakers eye 33 fees, taxes to pay for transportation (Hobbs)
As police reforms near passage, Washington State Patrol sexual misconduct case tests state oversight law
In Seattle, school district rushes to comply with Inslee’s order to reopen schools for secondary students
Opinion: Listen to the science regarding trans or intersex students
Editorial: Ensure high standards in sexual-assault response (Orwall)

Skagit Valley Herald
House passes bill allowing overtime pay for farmworkers

South Seattle Emerald
Historic overtime bill for agriculture workers provides a chance at equal labor laws
How medical racism robs Black families of joyous birth experiences
Amazon eyes site of Rainier Valley Lowe’s for new distribution center
Native communities seek to keep the spirit of the powwow alive during the pandemic
County faces steep decline in available vaccines, youth sports teams see outbreaks
Forum to address air and noise pollution in Beacon Hill, South King County
Opinion: Seattle activists’ continued fight for mutual aid, true equity, and defunding SPD
DAJD could do more to prevent deaths in jails, disciplines with racial bias, report finds
Participatory budgeting committee for unincorporated King county seeks participants
Honoring Yom Hashoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day

Spokesman Review
Getting There: New legislative funds could accelerate North Spokane Corridor construction, but don’t get your hopes up
A COVID-19 ‘vaccine passport’? Local lawmakers urge caution on possibility while also longing for herd immunity
Key leader in Spokane’s homelessness response leaves City Hall
Opinion: Faith and Values: Combatting climate change is a duty of our faith — whatever it may be

Vancouver Business Journal
City of Vancouver awards $6.2 million to local affordable housing, temporary shelter projects, homelessness services

Washington Post
The rise of domestic extremism in America
Police fatally shoot man, 20, in suburban Minneapolis, sparking protests

Yakima Herald Republic
Investigation finds nearly 200 cops with credibility issues still working in Washington state
Yakima Health District calls coronavirus trends ‘concerning;’ urges people to get vaccine and follow recommendations
Biz groups ask governor not to roll some counties to Phase 2
“Right to counsel” law advancing through Legislature (Kuderer)
Senate passes bill to prevent and fight wildfires (Springer)

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Inslee could announce stricter COVID-19 rules for some Washington counties Monday
Washington closing in on law to ensure lawyers for some tenants facing eviction
WSDOT plans to widen I-5 through Seattle to hopefully improve congestion downtown
VERIFY: Are you better off if you get COVID-19 now versus a year ago?

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Gov. Inslee expected to announce which counties may go back to phase 2
Toddler, 3 others injured in Central District shooting
Local union votes to authorize strike if contract cannot be reached with Boeing
Street racers flip over, shoot fireworks at car in the University District
Misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine may be driving a shortage of blood donations
Group of community leaders across state write letter to Gov. Inslee asking for pause on phase rollback
State changes rules, fewer counties to return to Phase 2

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle home to new trial to test updated Moderna vaccine
WSDOT seeking recent high school graduates to join their maintenance team

KNKX FM
As police reforms near passage, Washington State Patrol sexual misconduct case tests state oversight
Washington Lawmakers Move Closer To Passing Clean Fuels Bill; Opponents Say It’s Too Costly (Fitzgibbon)
Inslee alters COVID criteria for counties to reopen — or roll back

KUOW FM
One-third of COVID cases are ‘variants of concern’ in Washington State
As police reforms near passage, Washington State Patrol sexual misconduct case tests state oversight
Northwest ports pledge to stop air pollution (29 years from now)
Coronavirus blog: Updates for Seattle and Washington state
People living outside struggle to get on Seattle’s housing waitlist as homelessness rises
Police accountability, a new charter initiative, and the end of the Amazon union push, this week
Eligible for a vaccine in Seattle but unable to get one? It might be your ZIP code
This week in head scratchers: Bezos supports a rise in the corporate tax rate?

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Arena vaccine site taking walk-ins
Spokane Phase 3 evaluation on Monday

Q13 TV (Fox)
Counties at risk of reopening rollbacks
Inslee: Counties must now fail 2 metrics, not just 1, to move back to Phase 2 in Washington
Washington state businesses call on Gov. Inslee to pause plans to roll back some counties to Phase 2
The Divide: Counties face phase relapse
Online COVID-19 vaccine locators prepare for influx in users once eligibility opens to all adults April 15
Brandi Kruse: Stop punishing kids with your ‘wokeness’

Web

Crosscut
Grocery workers accuse QFC of closing stores as union retaliation
Community science could help us save Washington’s amphibians
Opinion: A better way to plan the post-pandemic Puget Sound

MyNorthwest
Business organizations urge Gov. Inslee to delay rollback decision
Local union votes to authorize strike if deal can’t be met with Boeing
Juneteenth set to become an official Washington state holiday
COVID updates: Some counties could drop back to Phase 2 this week
Toddler, three others injured in Central District shooting
Street racers flip over, shoot fireworks at car in the University District
What to expect with 5 Washington counties now at risk of rollback to Phase 2
Legislature poised to bring sweeping police reforms to Washington
King, Snohomish counties likely to avoid roll back to Phase 2 next week

Slog
Seattle Public Utilities Wants to Turn Us All into Waterbenders

Friday, April 9

WA lawmakers look to keep families together in foster care reform
With tears in her eyes, Karen Osborne recalled the day in 2014 when police showed up to take away her 6-week-old daughter. Osborne hadn’t been accused of abuse or neglect. Instead, social workers were concerned about Osborne’s “mental capacity.” They had already removed seven of Osborne’s previous children and made plans to remove her new baby before the child was even born. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Matt M. McKnight)

Some states work to expand voting rights for people with felony convictions
For Tarra Simmons, a representative in the Washington legislature, Wednesday was a “full-circle moment.” After initially failing in 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee restored voting rights to more than 20,000 people with felony convictions who are out of prison, but still under community supervision. Continue reading at ABC News. (Ted S. Warren)

Law to reduce plastic waste, ban Styrofoam statewide passes House floor vote
It looks increasingly likely that Washington will ban Styrofoam, reduce plastic waste and strengthen recycling markets. A bill to that effect is nearly through the Legislature. E2SSB 5022 passed a house floor vote Wednesday night, 73-24. Rep. Liz Berry, the prime sponsor in the House, spoke before the vote. Continue reading at KNKX. (Koji Sasahara)

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Associated Press
Amazon appears to have enough votes to block union effort
Washington state Senate OKs carbon-cap legislation (Carlyle)
Biden’s ambitious expansion of long-term care sparks debate
Senate approves bill requiring “just cause” eviction
One year since Skagit Valley COVID-19 superspreader event
Washington Legislature revises 3-strikes sentencing law (Darneille)
Inslee to announce possible new COVID restrictions Monday
Biden halts sale of National Archives center in Seattle
Boeing: Possible electrical issue in some 737 MAX aircraft

Auburn Reporter
State Senate OKs restrictions on police tactics and gear (Pedersen, Johnson, Van De Wege)
Formerly incarcerated people regain right to vote in Washington (Simmons, Nguyen)

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Public employees’ pensions to remain whole despite pandemic furloughs
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Watch: Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 update Thursday
Whatcom sees 29 new COVID cases Thursday and is No. 2 county for U.K. variant
134 COVID-19 outbreaks linked to these Washington schools, according to state report
Homeless families with kids overwhelmed agencies. Here’s what Whatcom County is doing to help
Whatcom County sees 29 new COVID cases Wednesday; 1 in 5 residents fully vaccinated
This is how broadband internet gets to your house
What to know as data shows COVID-19 vaccine effective in adolescents
How are Americans using their $1,400 stimulus checks? Here’s what a survey found
Can you donate blood after getting a COVID vaccine? What to know about eligibility
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Vaccine passports, cleaning guidelines, alcohol & more
Army scientists hope their COVID-19 vaccine will be a universal booster shot
Is it OK to drink alcohol before or after COVID vaccination? What to know
Inslee: COVID-19 distancing can now be 3 feet in schools
Worried about new coronavirus variant? Listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci explain
Here’s the CDC’s new guidance on COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting

Capital Press
Washington snowpack deepest in nearly a decade
WDFW head sees need for quicker call on wolf removal
Good water year predicted for Yakima Basin farmers

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Yakima braces for a surge in homelessness

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Renovated Port of Everett terminal gets first cargo customer
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
1,000 jobs: Amazon to open distribution center in Arlington
Inslee to announce possible new COVID restrictions Monday
Cornfield Report: Climate change debate hogs spotlight; Inslee demurs on Blake (Ortiz-Self)
Editorial: Capital budget a bipartisan boost for communities

The Facts Newspaper
DSHS 24/7 facilities to allow indoor visitation
FEMA will reimburse up to $9,000 for COVID-19 related funeral expenses.
Seattle Municipal Court Partners with King County Municipal Courts to Resolve Outstanding Warrants
Court of Appeals Upholds Employment Termination of Former Officer Adley Shepherd

High Country News
What the narwhal can tell us about the climate crisis

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Navy builds new magazines to store missiles from destroyer fleet in Puget Sound

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma police disband violent crime task force as drive-by shootings, homicides skyrocket
Pierce County sees more than 100 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday
‘Technical glitch’ left Pierce County under-ordering COVID-19 vaccines, state says
Pierce County COVID-19 rate means Phase 3 is slipping away
Editorial: Washington needs real police reform, not ‘what if’ hysteria about high-speed chases
Editorial: Washington smokers now get vaccine priority. Our gut doesn’t approve; our head does

New York Times
Live Updates: Biden’s Budget Proposes 16 Percent Increase in Federal Spending on His Domestic Priorities
Biden Creating Commission to Study Expanding the Supreme Court
Amazon Workers Defeat Union Drive at Alabama Warehouse
Vaccine Passports Could Unlock World Travel and Cries of Discrimination
Beyond Pandemic’s Upheaval, a Racial Wealth Gap Endures

Olympian (subscription required)
Public employees’ pensions to remain whole despite pandemic furloughs (Hunt)
Thurston County adds 15 more COVID-19 cases
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state

Peninsula Daily News
Police agencies, prosecutor decline abuse allegations against Sequim couple
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Inslee to announce county rollbacks on Monday
Several COVID-19 outbreaks reported in Clallam County

Puget Sound Business Journal
The vote to unionize an Amazon warehouse appears to be failing
Inslee worries some counties may backtrack on pandemic reopening

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Carbon-cap climate legislation sought by Inslee is OK’d by Washington state Senate (Carlyle, Nobles, Lovelett, Jinkins, Fitzgibbon)
Washingtonians seeking open appointments make long treks to COVID vaccine sites, but health officials discourage it
Inslee to announce possible new COVID restrictions Monday
What vaccinated people can do safely now, and what COVID precautions the rest of us should take
Seattle homeless shelters now have COVID vaccines, but few takers so far
Seattle, King County to receive $26 million in federal COVID relief funds to combat homelessness
Opinion: Reform access to Washington’s behavioral-health services (Simmons)
Opinion: How to handle the ‘Genocide Olympics’ in Beijing

Skagit Valley Herald
County Commissioner Lisa Janicki joins Gov. Inslee in call to fight homelessness
Vaccinations keep pace, but rate of new COVID-19 cases in Skagit County is increasing
Sedro-Woolley City Council fills vacancy

Spokesman Review
Amazon worker union effort in Alabama could spread to Spokane
Spokane parks department outlines plan, seeks volunteers to replace trees lost in January windstorm
City of Spokane outlines plans for 2021 construction season
Biden’s gun control proposals already largely in place in Washington, different story in Idaho
Tribal leaders, lawmakers hail Biden administration decision to halt sale of National Archives facility in Seattle

Vancouver Business Journal
Local businesses to benefit from business license surcharge fee refunds through March 2022

Yakima Herald Republic
A Valley-wide call to from schools to parents: Kindergarten registration is open
Sale of National Archives center in Seattle, housing Yakama Nation records, halted by Biden
Yakima airport to receive $1 million in federal COVID relief funds
Inslee to announce possible new COVID restrictions Monday

Broadcast

ABC News
Some states work to expand voting rights for people with felony convictions (Simmons)

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington’s request to waive some standardized testing met with ‘resistance’
Amazon appears to have enough votes to block union effort
Inslee could announce stricter COVID-19 rules for some counties Monday
COVID-19 infections could drop by June – depending on the vaccine rollout, UW researcher says

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Boeing alerts customers about possible issue with 737 MAX, some jets grounded
Pierce County likely to return to Phase 2
Inslee calls on lawmakers to allocate more money for homeless crisis
Washington Senate approves measure to protect renters
Approval to sell Seattle National Archives building withdrawn after months of backlash
Vote counting to start in Amazon union election
Steep decline in giant sea turtles seen off US West Coast

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Momentum builds for police reform measures in Washington state legislature
How will Seattle respond to its homeless crisis once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides?
Suspect accused of targeting Asian American victims with racial slurs pleads not guilty

KNKX FM
Feds reverse decision to sell historic archives in Seattle
Law to reduce plastic waste, ban Styrofoam statewide passes House floor vote (Berry, Das)
Northwest Apple Exports Are Down As Eastern European Growers Crunch Into U.S. Shipments

KUOW FM
How a little Island drug store became one of the biggest vaccination sites in Washington State
Coronavirus blog: Updates for Seattle and Washington state
Biden Sets Up Commission To Study Supreme Court Reform
Biden Proposes $1.5 Trillion Federal Spending Plan
Seattle-based clinical trial tweaks mRNA vaccines to fight Covid variants
National Archives will stay put in Seattle after feds drop plan to move them
Covid spikes in some WA counties could mean return to Phase 2

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane Sheriff’s Office struggles with recruitment, looking out-of-state
Spokane launches $70 million construction season
WSU nursing students, faculty help administer more than 15,000 vaccine doses
‘The ability to vote is a powerful tool’: Voting rights restored to people with felony convictions (Simmons)
Gov. Inslee to visit Spokane Arena vaccination site Friday

Q13 TV (Fox)
Pierce County businesses prepare for possible rollback into Phase 2
Health officials again warn to not get too lax after getting COVID-19 vaccine

Web

Crosscut
WA lawmakers look to keep families together in foster care reform (Ortiz-Self)
Washington state poised to ban guns at protests, Capitol grounds (Kuderer, Senn)

Slog
Want a Nice Park on Top of I-5? Too Bad, Democrats From the Suburbs Could Block It

West Seattle Blog
WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Friday watch, with first low-bridge change ahead

Thursday, April 8

Voting rights restoration bill’s passage brings hope to our formerly incarcerated communities
As someone who has experienced incarceration, I see voting rights restoration as a mark of good government. It sent me the message that “I matter” instead of reinforcing the stigma and second-class citizenship that are often experienced when people like me reenter our communities. Continue reading at The South Seattle Emerald. (Michael Fleshman)

Washington Senate approves ban on Native American mascots at schools
The Washington Senate has approved a measure to ban the use of Native American names, symbols and images as school mascots, logos and team names at most public schools in Washington. The bill passed the Democratic-led chamber on a bipartisan 40-9 vote Tuesday night and now heads back to the House — which passed the measure in February — for a final vote. Continue reading at KXLY. (Aaron Ontiveroz)

Other Views: Capital budget exemplifies investment in Washington
The biennial capital budget for construction projects does not receive the attention of the two-year operating budget, but wise spending on construction will be essential for helping Washington recover from the pandemic. Capital projects not only provide the infrastructure for a prosperous future, they put people to work in constructing that future. Continue reading at The Yakima Herald. (Rachel La Corte)

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Associated Press
Steep decline in giant sea turtles seen off US West Coast
Students lead US push for fuller Black history education
Snow falling in the Cascades raises avalanche concerns
Senate approves ban on Native American mascots at schools
Lawmaker apologizes for doing video hearing while driving (Saldaña)
Report: State needs to spend almost $15B to maintain roads
State Senate OKs restrictions on police tactics and gear (Pedersen, Johnson, Van De Wege)
Gov. Inslee signs bill to restore voting rights to parolees (Simmons)

Aberdeen Daily World
Sails and sale? Lady Washington plans to make waves, Chieftain may have buyer
About $24 million in relief funds allocated for Grays Harbor County
Commentary: Neglected U.S. infrastructure: Pay now or pay (more) later
COVID-19 vaccine supply smaller after manufacturing mistake

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
CDC has new warning for travelers: Avoid Canada for now, even if you are vaccinated
Felons can vote immediately after release from custody under law signed by Gov. Inslee (Simmons, Kuderer, Dolan)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
COVID-19 variants are here and more transmissible. This is what Whatcom County Health knows
Nooksack and Lummi tribes offer Pfizer COVID vaccines at upcoming clinics in Whatcom
Washington lawmaker apologizes for driving while in virtual transportation meeting (Saldaña)
Is the end of the COVID pandemic on the way? Fauci urges Americans to ‘hang in there’
How soon — and how long — could you feel side effects of COVID vaccines? What to know
Biden gun control actions to be announced as South Carolina reels from mass shooting

Columbian
In Our View: Capital budget exemplifies investment in state
Harrop: Proof of vaccine not overreach
Letter: Demilitarize local police (Johnson)
Clark County’s COVID-19 activity rate continues to climb

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff: Vaccination Efforts in Yakima, Yakama Nation Are Example for the Nation
State House of Representatives Moves to Close Tacoma Detention Center (Ortiz-Self)
Yakima braces for a surge in homelessness
Second Gentleman meets with Yakama tribal leaders on tour of Washington

Everett Herald (subscription required)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
How to get vaccinated in Snohomish County
Commentary: Lawmakers should adopt proposed policing reforms

High Country News
What is the pandemic’s lasting impact on first responders?

The Inlander
An Airway Heights police officer — honored as a leader combating domestic violence — is accused of abusing numerous women

International Examiner
Bob Shimabukuro: Remembering his legacy of community activism, art and creative journalism
Vigil at Hing Hay Park honors victims of Atlanta massage parlor shootings
Opinion: The elephant in my rooms

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
COVID-19 cases again on the rise in Kitsap fueled by South Kitsap ‘hot spot’
UPDATE: No motive offered after suspect’s arrest in fatal shooting of Bremerton man
Medic who shot 2 in Maryland had ties to Bremerton before receiving assignment to medical research center
Opinion: Equity training is a must

New York Times
How Debt and Climate Change Pose ‘Systemic Risk’ to World Economy
Live Updates: Biden Announces Action on Guns, Saying ‘This Is Just a Start’
After Pandemic, Shrinking Need for Office Space Could Crush Landlords

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County reports 14 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Felons can vote immediately after release from custody under law signed by Gov. Inslee (Simmons, Kuderer, Dolan)
Deschutes Parkway encampment gets a cleanup

Peninsula Daily News
Hazard pay measure for grocery workers on precipice
Peninsula College cancels women’s basketball games due to COVID-19
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
COVID-19 variants gain ground in Clallam County

Port Townsend Leader
Inconvenient truth: Forest climate proposal won’t work | Guest Viewpoint (Van De Wege)
Three more COVID-19 cases found in mid-county area
COVID-19 case count rises to 351 in Jefferson County

Puget Sound Business Journal
The $16B SBA venue grant program launches. Here’s who gets to go first.
Sea-Tac Airport plans $6M upgrade to its Wi-Fi network
Business leaders worry recovery could backslide as Covid surges
UW spinout Icosavax raises $100M for vaccine development
Pacific Northwest ports unveil cross-border pact to cut emissions
SBA is forgiving more small PPP loans. But larger ones are trapped in a ‘dark hole.’

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Supply of COVID vaccines smaller than expected after manufacturing mistake with J&J vaccine, Washington state health officials say
Legislature moves to resentence up to 114 people serving life without parole under Washington’s three-strikes law (Darneille)
Sea-Tac Airport traffic up 278% over a year ago, but down 59% from 2019 before COVID
Bill restores voting rights to Washingtonians with felonies upon release from prison (Simmons)
Opinion: Justice delayed: COVID-19’s staggering criminal-case backlog

Sequim Gazette
Guest opinion: Forest climate proposal won’t work (Van De Wege)

Skagit Valley Herald
Report: Skagit County median home price climbs to $485,550
Seattle City Light submits revised dam study plan to regulatory agency

South Seattle Emerald
Opinion: Gun violence is a symptom of poverty
Japanese American redress and African American reparations intertwined
Court upholds firing of SPD officer who punched handcuffed woman
Opinion: Voting rights restoration bill’s passage brings hope to our formerly incarcerated communities
Madison Bus Rapid Transit project secures funding, Metro to modify passenger limits
Opinion: When black men are killed in Seattle’s south end, why does society shrug?
Opinion: Renters must get organized to win ‘just cause’ and other protections against eviction

Spokesman Review
A year into pandemic, Spokane libraries are welcoming patrons back inside
Spokane County’s median home price soars to $341,750 in March
Amid mounting opposition to Rep. Mike Simpson’s plan to save Snake River salmon, supporters of dam removal hope for bipartisan backing in Congress
Gonzaga leaders encourage students to get tested, follow virus protocols following March Madness games

Tri-City Herald
CDC has new warning for travelers: Avoid Canada for now, even if you are vaccinated
Richland favorite restaurant closes its doors permanently after 40+ years
Criminal investigation into Benton sheriff witness tampering reopened by WA State Patrol
New COVID cases jump Wednesday in Tri-Cities ahead of state reopening decision

Vancouver Business Journal
Trust is critical in post-COVID development and construction

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Walla Walla man pleads not guilty in jail staff assault, seeks release to Spokane
Milton-Freewater and Athena-Weston schools make the jump to full days
Man reportedly skateboards from California for Walla Walla court date, three years late
Local man allegedly wields ax, enters properties in Burbank

Washington Post
Tourists and looters descend on Bears Ears as Biden mulls protections
Intelligence forecast sees a post-coronavirus world upended by climate change and splintering societies
Opinion: A GOP governor’s frantic appeal to Trump voters reveals a terrible GOP truth

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County almost certain to be moved back to Phase 2 of Washington’s reopening plan
Report: Yakima County’s crumbling infrastructure underfunded by state
COVID-19 vaccine supply smaller after manufacturing mistake
Students lead US push for fuller Black history education
Opinion: Other Views: Capital budget exemplifies investment in Washington

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
As vaccinations rise, Seattle experts emphasize importance of COVID-19 testing
Recent rise in Washington COVID-19 cases not linked to variant first seen in UK
City of Seattle and health partners set new record at mass vaccination site
Ports of Tacoma, Seattle commit to a goal of zero emissions by 2050
Tacoma plan aims to boost affordability and diversity of housing
Skagit County could slip back to Phase 2 if COVID-19 trends continue rising

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
School board members ask city of Seattle not to clear homeless camps on school property
State Senate passes big steps to police reform
City of Seattle asking residents to preregister for vaccine appointments
Another wave of students headed back to classrooms in Bellevue
Gov. Inslee signs bill to restore voting rights to parolees
Lawsuit filed to overturn emergency ban on use of credit scores to set insurance rates
Northwest seaports announce plan to cut all emissions by 2050
Cleanup of half-mile stretch of homeless encampments underway in Olympia
2 Washington cities ranked among ‘most relaxed’ cities
Seattle gets its largest weekly allotment of COVID vaccine doses to date
New COVID-19 testing facility opens at SEA Airport

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Inslee signs bill restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated Washingtonians (Simmons)
Hate crime suspect took part in Seattle’s racial justice protests
Seattle ramps up efforts at mass vaccination sites
Washington state juggles COVID-19 vaccine supply before all adults are eligible
Olympia cleans up sprawling homeless encampment amid concern over what’s next

KNKX FM
Gov. Inslee signs bill to restore voting rights to parolees (Simmons)
King County residents, workers over 16 can now register for vaccine

KUOW FM
Coronavirus blog: Updates for Seattle and Washington state
Biden To Nominate Gun Control Advocate, Law Enforcement Veteran To Lead ATF
Almost 19,000 Migrant Children Stopped At U.S. Border in March, Most Ever In A Month
Miles de personas acuden en masa al sitio de vacunación masiva de Yakima
Voter rights keep expanding in Washington state, as other states restrict
Heavier rainfall to cost Seattle area billions to avoid sewage spills
Thousands flock to Yakima mass vaccination site

KXLY (ABC)
Small business owners take advantage of grants; deadline to apply for another round Friday
WSDOT showcases the state’s wildlife crossings for National Wildlife Week
Washington Senate approves ban on Native American mascots at schools
Nearly 200 cops with credibility issues still working in Washington state

Q13 TV (Fox)
House OKs bill making police intervene to stop undue force (Johnson)
Biden to announce executive orders Thursday on America’s ‘gun violence public health epidemic’
Businesses concerned over possibility of moving backward in phases
Law enforcement reform bills advance in Olympia
Bellevue stands against racial biases with ‘Hate Has No Home Here’ campaign

Web

Crosscut
How fired cops win their jobs back: arbitration (Salomon)
Nearly 200 cops with credibility issues still working in Washington state
Opinion: After Blake, will Washington state repay victims of the war on drugs?
Getting the story: How we investigated cops’ credibility problems

MyNorthwest
Rep. Walsh introduces bill prohibiting ‘vaccine passports’ in Washington
Cleanup of half-mile stretch of homeless encampments underway in Olympia
King, Pierce counties could be rolled back into Phase 2 next week
King County needle exchange program halted in Federal Way after outcry from city leaders
Group sues to stop Washington ban on using credit scores for insurance rates
Union vows to continue battle over firing of SPD officer who punched handcuffed suspect
State Senate passes bill to ban use of Native American mascots in schools
House, Senate pass set of bills to improve unemployment system

Wednesday, April 1

State Senate passes bill that bans chokeholds, sets standards for police tactics
The Washington state Senate approved a bill Tuesday that would set standards for police tactics and equipment statewide, in part banning chokeholds, neck restraints, and no-knock warrants. The Senate amended the bill, so it will now go back to the House of Representatives so it can consider the amendments. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Tony Overman)

Social equity in Washington state cannabis industry at stake in legislative bills, licensing
Nine years ago, Washington state broke major ground as one of the first two states to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. But left out of the conversation in 2012 was something that’s slowly gaining attention — racial equity in the cannabis industry. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

UW biologist: Herd immunity ‘necessary but not sufficient’ for return to normal
The term “herd immunity” has been thrown around frequently as vaccinations in the United States have ramped up, with many viewing it as the end goal for the COVID-19 pandemic. But as University of Washington biologist Carl Bergstrom detailed in a thread posted to Twitter, it may not be that simple. Continue reading at MyNorthwest.

Print

Associated Press
Decision strikes key parts of Native American adoptions law
Washington Senate OKs restrictions on police tactics, gear (Pederson, Johnson, Van De Wege, Hobbs)
Study: Drought-breaking rains more rare, erratic in US West

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
State Senate passes bill that bans chokeholds, sets standards for police tactics (Hobbs, Van De Wege, Johnson, Pederson)
Whatcom vaccine doses double this week; county sees six new COVID cases Tuesday
Here’s how to get one of 900 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine at Whatcom clinic
Why elder abuse is such a huge problem and what to do about it
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state (Pederson, Johnson, Van De Wege, Hobbs)
What to know about Pfizer, Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines
Latest batch of $1,400 stimulus checks to be deposited Wednesday for many non-filers
Whatcom vaccine doses double this week; county sees six new COVID cases Tuesday
CDC COVID-19 campaign: ‘I wear a mask because’
How soon — and how long — could you feel side effects of COVID vaccines? What to know
Ready to travel outside the US? Passport renewal backlog could delay you for months

Capital Press
Washington potato industry tallies cost of COVID-19 precautions
Washington farm groups: COVID housing rules outdated
WSU accused of misappropriating beef genetics test
Leadpoint pack injures calf in northeast Washington
Forest Service, sheep rancher defend grazing in national forest

Everett Herald (subscription required)
A tall task: Finding common ground in region’s floodplains
Snohomish County shows signs of losing ground on coronavirus
Cornfield Report: Budget talks gain speed; COVID may shift state into reverse (Jinkins, Saldana, Rolfes, Hobbs)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Leadership Snohomish County offers racial equity conference
2nd Gentleman Doug Emhoff hears pleas from Yakama Nation
Bloomberg Comment: What to make of diverse regional approaches to covid
WaPo Comment: Prosecuting misdemeanors may be increasing crime
Editorial: A return to live events if covid’s spell is broken

High Country News
A Colorado county provides a model for saving the West’s open spaces

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Former US Attorney Brian Moran, former Kitsap prosecutor, returns to prior firm

News Tribune (subscription required)
Filmed attack of Asian couple in Tacoma was hateful, regardless of motive. Now what?
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Here are Pierce County’s COVID-19 case numbers for Tuesday
Pierce County names investigator to examine sheriff’s confrontation with newspaper carrier

New York Times
Likely Legal, ‘Vaccine Passports’ Emerge as the Next Coronavirus Divide
How Debt and Climate Change Pose ‘Systemic Risk’ to World Economy
The Biden administration seeks to raise $2.5 trillion through corporate tax increases.

Olympian (subscription required)
State Senate passes bill that bans chokeholds, sets standards for police tactics (Hobbs, Mullet, Johnson, Pedersen)
Thurston County plans daily vaccine events as it reports 16 new COVID-19 cases
Settlement would raise average PSE electricity bill 2.9%. Here’s how you can weigh in
Regional Housing Action Plan offers 52 ideas to ease Thurston’s housing crisis

Peninsula Daily News
Personal computer group seeks those who need the technology
Spiking case numbers worry health officers

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA is forgiving more small PPP loans. But larger ones are trapped in a ‘dark hole.’
Puget Sound region receives $97M for transit projects
Boeing 737 Max supplier files for bankruptcy, seeks sale of Everett plant

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Delayed repairs threaten Washington state bridges and highways. Will lawmakers act this year? (Saldaña)
Social equity in cannabis industry at stake in legislative bills, licensing (Morgan)
Kim Pham, founder, publisher of long-running Seattle Vietnamese newspaper, dies (Nguyen)
Washington State Patrol adds 4 names to list of missing Indigenous people
Pierce County Council wants to hire former U.S. attorney to investigate Sheriff Ed Troyer
Audit of King County jails finds racial disparities in discipline, says ‘double-bunking’ leads to violence
Seattle state senator apologizes for joining a Zoom hearing while driving (Saldaña)

Seattle Medium
Senate Appropriates $250,000 To Fund Car Tab Payment Workgroup (Nobles)
Bill Easing Impact Fees On Early Learning Facilities Heads To Governor’s Desk (Harris-Talley)

Skagit Valley Herald
Anacortes City Council confirms new fire chief
County expects to receive $25 million in American Rescue Plan funds
New Sedro-Woolley fire chief sworn in

Spokesman Review
A year later, visits in long-term care facilities reunite families separated by COVID-19
‘Hope in action’: Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff visits Central Washington communities hardest hit by COVID-19
Spokane Valley creates new housing and homeless coordinator job
UW School of Medicine tops U.S. News ranking of best graduate schools for primary care education
Democrats want to drain the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help pay for COVID costs. Here’s what that might mean. (Ormsby)

Tri-City Herald
Death of devoted volunteer firefighter from COVID mourned in Prosser procession
Truck erupts into flames at gas station fuel pumps
2nd Gentleman Doug Emhoff hears pleas during WA visit to breach Snake River dams
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Tri-Cities
Ki-Be schools try 3rd time to pass levy — or face more budget cuts
It’s back to full-time, in-person Tri-Cities classes. Schools announce return dates
62 more COVID cases confirmed over weekend in Tri-Cities
Easterday CEO’s ghost cattle fraud case was kept secret until his guilty plea
Not eligible for COVID vaccine yet? Not too early to book Tri-Cities appointments

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Walla Walla County business, residential leaders oppose environmental House Bill 1091

Washington Post
Corporate America isn’t welcoming former Trump Cabinet officials with open arms, headhunters say
The union drive at Amazon signals a potential sea change for the labor movement. Will it last?
Chauvin trial resumes with use-of-force expert saying ‘no force should have been used’ on Floyd when he was not resisting

Yakima Herald Republic
Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff points to vaccine efforts in Yakima, Yakama Nation as an example
Board of health gives direction on school distancing; decision up to school districts
As states expand vaccines, prisoners still lack access
Washington Senate OKs restrictions on police tactics, gear (Hobbs, Van De Wege, Johnson, Pederson)
Decision strikes key parts of Native American adoptions law
Study: Drought-breaking rains more rare, erratic in US West
Bezos endorses higher corporate taxes for infrastructure

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Tacoma body camera video shows response after sheriff called 911 on Black newspaper carrier
Man says he is suing Seattle PD to spark change in police behavior
Woman, spat on last May in SPD’s first reported anti-Asian pandemic-related crime, speaks out
Mass vaccination site to open at Lake Sammamish State Park
Seattle gets its largest weekly allotment of COVID vaccine doses to date
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos supports corporate tax hike
Kshama Sawant calls on city to extend moratorium on ‘catastrophic’ 72-hour parking rule
56 orcas, including rare white one, spotted in Salish Sea over weekend
King County jails audit finds racial bias in discipline
Security concerns linger three months after U.S. Capitol insurrection
Starbucks launching trial program where customers can get reusable cups, return them to the store

KNKX FM
Audit demands changes to curb violence, racial disparities at King County jails

KUOW FM
Tacoma’s Hilltop has hope for an equitable recovery
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
Your Weather Forecast Update: Warmer Climate Will Be The New ‘Normal’
After a substantial pandemic dip, Seattle rents inch back up

Web

Crosscut
Opinion: Is it time for Seattle to decriminalize shrooms and psychedelics?

MyNorthwest
Construction underway on first of two new Amazon towers in Bellevue
Washington Senate OKs restrictions on police tactics, gear
Tacoma program is paying city’s homeless to clean up trash and debris
Pierce County Council tags former US attorney to investigate Sheriff Ed Troyer
Kshama Sawant calls on city to extend moratorium on ‘catastrophic’ 72-hour parking rule
UW biologist: Herd immunity ‘necessary but not sufficient’ for return to normal
Five Seattle Starbucks stores test reusable ‘Borrow A Cup’ program
Why the Seattle Fire Department is looking for homes to burn down
Concerns rise as more children contract COVID-19 variant

Slog
Homeless Advocates Find Red Flags in Proposed Charter Amendment
Seattle’s Bike Helmet Law Is a Racist Failure

Tuesday, April 6

Bill to honor Billy Frank Jr. with statue in D.C. heads to Gov. Inslee’s desk
The full Washington state Legislature has now approved a bill to honor the late Billy Frank Jr., a history-making treaty rights advocate and Nisqually tribal member, with a statue in the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Tony Overman)

Tacoma launches program to pay homeless people to pick up trash, debris
Tacoma has launched a pilot program that will pay homeless people to collect trash and debris from public streets, an effort to remove garbage from city streets while providing jobs to the unsheltered. The initiative is the result of an effort by Tacoma City Councilman Robert Thoms, who thinks the effort will play big dividends. Continue reading at KOMO News.

Lawmakers move to outlaw fake ballot collection containers
It could soon be a crime to set up a fake ballot drop box in Washington. A bill making it a gross misdemeanor to misrepresent “an unofficial ballot collection site or device as an official ballot drop box” set up by a county auditor cleared the state House on Monday. A conviction can result in a maximum fine of $5,000 and 364 days in jail, or both. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Sue Misao)