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Monday, May 17

Keep up with the hundreds of bills Gov. Inslee has signed
In the past week, Gov. Inslee signed 113 bills into state law. Some of those were partially vetoed, but only 11. The types of legislation recently adopted runs a wide range, from noxious weeds and fertilizer fees to juvenile rehabilitation and improving involuntary commitment laws. While 113 sounds like a lot, it’s not even half. He’s signed 310 bills into law since Feb. 8. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (The Office of the Governor)

Decision expected by May 27 on whether officers will be charged in Manuel Ellis’ death
It’s been more than a year since Manuel Ellis was killed by Tacoma police and six months since the Washington State Patrol concluded its investigation into his death. Now, a highly anticipated charging decision is expected to come out of the state Attorney General’s Office in the coming weeks. Continue reading at KNKX. (Parker MIles Blohm)

Washington state expands ‘good Samaritan’ law to protect volunteers in emergencies, disasters
Washington state has expanded its “good Samaritan” law to protect volunteers who help others during emergencies or natural disasters. House Bill 1209, sponsored by Rep. Dan Bronoske, D-Lakewood, passed both chambers of the Legislature this session with unanimous bipartisan support. Gov. Jay Inslee signed it into law April 16. It will take effect July 25. Continue reading at The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin. (Ted S. Warren)

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Associated Press
Vancouver principal resigns amid racist language accusations
Inslee sets June 30 target for Washington to fully reopen
Numbers of stoned drivers increase, law enforcement responds
Coast Guard looks to expand Seattle base
Call center in Vancouver shuttered due to COVID-19 outbreak
CDC director says mask turnaround based solely on science
State again removing tons of toxic debris from Camano Island
Second Amendment sanctuaries facing 1st court test in Oregon
Supreme Court to weigh rollback of abortion rights
Nigerian arrested in Washington unemployment fraud case
6th Washington state man charged in U.S. Capitol breach case

Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor County total COVID-19 case count surpasses 4,000
GH Transit wants to boost service, but is in need of drivers
Walsh-sponsored funding will bring $900,000 for transitional housing

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Whatcom doctor says those choosing not to get vaccinated ‘playing with fire’
U.S.-Canada border reopening soon? Trudeau says ‘there is hope’ for a ‘better summer’
Whatcom’s numbers remain high with 56 new COVID cases, 5 hospitalizations Friday
Whatcom Health monitors COVID outbreak in which 21 residents, employees test positive
Whatcom sees 2 COVID-related deaths on same day positive news comes from CDC and state
Welcome back to Phase 3 of COVID reopening. What it means for WA bars and restaurants
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Friday in Washington state

Capital Press
Judges dismiss Cow Palace suit against EPA
Farm groups ask Inslee to repeal housing rules
Inslee, Murray on Simpson plan: More work necessary

Everett Herald (subscription required)
1. Buried danger: A slumbering geologic fault beneath us
2. Built on pudding: Can modern quake engineering prevail?
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Fueled by vaccines, a return to normal is getting closer
Riverfront construction could start soon — without a cinema
Students lead charge as Langley council takes climate action
E-bikes are booming, whether or not we’re ready
Viewpoints: Nature priceless, but it should have a price
Comment: Medicare for All could have saved lives during covid
Comment: Covid is refuting the case for Medicare for All
Muhlstein: Vaccine approval for kids a reminder of 2009 H1N1 outbreak
Bloomberg Comment: Pandemic relief hasn’t reach everyone who needs it
Bloomberg Comment: $6 trillion’s a lot of money; here’s why it’s a bargain
Bloomberg Comment: Cheney’s fate meant as a warning to others in GOP
WaPo Comment: It’s not jobless benefits that keep workers at home
WaPo Comment: Cyberattacks affect more than just big corporations
Wapo Comment: In ousting Cheney, meaning of ‘RINO’ has flipped
WaPo Comment: Anti-trans laws using tested ‘save the kids’ rhetoric
Editorial: Get shovels ready for Biden’s transportation plans
Editorial: Parents have decision to make on vaccinating kids
Editorial: For 75 years a safe place to hang out and more
Letter: Support for 988 suicide hotline needed in state
Letter: Does GOP require belief in Trump’s lies?

High Country News
A parched West heads into fire season
Where land use and landscape photography converge

International Examiner
Activists demand hate crime charge for murder of Asian man in Bothell

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Letter to Editor: Renters should be part of economic recovery plans

News Tribune (subscription required)
Here’s the proposed new name for Jason Lee Middle School in Tacoma
Tiny home village for homeless veterans opens in Pierce County
4.3-mile trail is ‘transformational’ for Tacoma’s Eastside — and it’s finally complete
Want to increase vaccination rates in Tacoma and Pierce County? Two words: free stuff
Inmate lawsuit claims vaccine rollout at Purdy and other prisons is too slow
Editorial: Bicyclist-driver friction persists on Tacoma-Seattle roads. Here’s how to relieve it

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Where Virus Surged in Northeast U.S., Cases Fall as Shots Rise
Rural Areas Are Looking for Workers. They Need Broadband to Get Them.
Federal Mask Retreat Sets Off Confusing Scramble for States and Cities
The Biden administration will begin making monthly child tax credit payments in July.

Olympian (subscription required)
Tumwater and Old Highway 99 farmer square off over roosters and a $9,800 fine for crowing
Olympia homeless camp residents set to receive vaccine doses
Jury trials have resumed in Thurston County. Here’s what to expect if you’re summoned
Olympia would like to hear your thoughts on race and equity

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Olympic Peninsula health officers worry about mask directive
COVID aid for Peninsula education
Maskless on the Peninsula
Letter: Carbon sequestration

Puget Sound Business Journal
Report: Seattle’s average tech salary dipped in 2020
The Gateses’ public split spotlights a secretive fortune
Costco will not require fully vaccinated customers to wear masks
Opinion: Family governance can help you navigate tough decisions
Washington state to lift Covid-19 restrictions by June 30
Amazon offers bonuses and incentives as it looks to add 75K logistics jobs
SBA tells lenders to withdraw unapproved PPP loans ahead of deadline
The SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund can only fund half its applications
Expert View: Why the focus on free community college misses the mark
Seattle chamber teams up with Dick’s to entice UW students to get vaccinated
SBA’s abrupt PPP shutdown strands millions of businesses — and spurs calls for more funding

Skagit Valley Herald
Overdoses, drug deaths increased in Skagit County in 2020

Tri-City Herald
Yogurt linked to WA state E. coli outbreak, including Tri-Cities
Update: Tri-Cities woman was working as highway flagger when killed by suspected drunk driver
Easterdays sued for defaulting on loans on Tri-Cities onion, potato facilities
Pete Carroll: Seahawks have talked to Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner on restructuring deals
Richland’s virtual school is here to stay. And it’s now open to students statewide
City councils, school boards among 100 seats up for election in Benton, Franklin counties

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Pure Eire Dairy yogurt linked to E. coli outbreak; one case identified Walla Walla County
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation report school age COVID-19 outbreak
City of Walla Walla wins public works award for Isaacs Avenue construction project
Washington state expands ‘good Samaritan’ law to protect volunteers in emergencies, disasters
COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Wa-Hi serves over 300 students; middle schools will host clinics in the coming week
Back to buildings: All Washington districts will open schools this fall, state says

Yakima Herald Republic
More names, more stories behind historic Irwin Nash photos coming out as people recognize relatives, friends
Yakima Valley companies making gradual return to the office
Yakima County prosecutor says no-bail holds are ‘a powerful tool’ that could be used in future cases
Agriculture groups ask Inslee to ease emergency rules on farmworker housing
Solving homeless issues in Yakima: Work defining new Care Campus to begin this fall
Commentary: Why my children are getting the COVID-19 vaccine
Commentary: Help the people fielding death threats to Congress
Opinion: Easing of COVID guidelines proves science was right

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington restaurants face staffing shortages as they plan for reopening
Target drops mask mandate for fully vaccinated customers, employees
Some fully vaccinated Washington residents aren’t ready to go maskless
Child tax credit update: Families to receive monthly payments starting July 15
VERIFY: Yes, private businesses can ask you if you are vaccinated or not

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Businesses split on mask-wearing requirements
King County man arrested, charged in connection with U.S. Capitol breach
2 rescues in 2 days on Snoqualmie River

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
To wear or not to wear? New CDC mask guidance causing confusion
Some businesses thinking twice about new ‘no mask’ guidelines issued by CDC
Changes during pandemic, new mask guidance means roller coaster of feelings for many
Officials: invasive green crabs spreading along coast

KNKX FM
Invasive green crabs continue to spread in Washington, especially in coastal estuaries
Decision expected by May 27 on whether officers will be charged in Manuel Ellis’ death
Overwork Killed More Than 745,000 People In A Year, WHO Study Finds

KUOW FM
Avoiding ‘political firestorm,’ Seattle police and fire don’t track employees’ COVID vaccinations
Supreme Court To Review Mississippi Abortion Law

KXLY (ABC)
Full reopening means bigger events and business boost for Spokane
Businesses continue to require masks despite new guidance

Q13 TV (Fox)
Store mask policies: Target, Starbucks, Costco, Walmart say masks optional for vaccinated customers
All counties in Washington move to Phase 3 on Tuesday

Web

Crosscut
Two bills aim to expand public broadband in WA, but there’s a hitch (Hansen, Wellman)
The PNW is a leader on forage fish management — but it needs better data

MyNorthwest
Suspected car prowler shot; car owner arrested in Tacoma
COVID Updates: Chance US reaches 70% vaccination by ‘middle of July’
King County health officer: Fully vaccinated should consider masking up in some settings
King County man arrested, charged in connection with U.S. Capitol breach
Mother-in-law of Council President M. Lorena González dies from injuries sustained in condo fire
Keep up with the hundreds of bills Gov. Inslee has signed
Sen. Murray, Gov. Inslee rebut proposal to remove Snake River dams
Washington representatives, senators push to reopen state before June 30

Friday, May 14

Washington state plans to fully reopen by June 30. All counties go Phase 3 on Tuesday
All of Washington state will be in Phase 3 of reopening on Tuesday, with the state on track for a total reopening of its economy by June 30, Gov. Jay Inslee said at a news conference Thursday. The plateau in the state’s fourth wave of new COVID-19 cases has turned into a decline, allowing all of the state to have restaurants, bars, fitness centers, movie theaters, bowling alleys and more open at 50% capacity as of Tuesday, he announced at a news conference. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Bob Brawdy/Tri City Herald File)

USDA, Interior Department gear up for ‘dangerous’ wildfire year
USDA and the Department of the Interior are gearing up for what’s expected to be one of the most intense fire years in recent history. “May is wildfire awareness month, but these days, it seems as if the fire season is the entire year,” Deb Haaland, secretary of the Interior, told reporters in a press call Thursday. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, predicts 2021 will be another above-average year for wildfire potential in the West. Continue reading at Capital Press. (CalFire)

New Washington state law makes drug possession a misdemeanor
The jeans were from American Eagle, via Goodwill, and they were too short for their new owner, 6-foot Shannon Bowman. So Bowman stitched a couple inches of denim onto the bottom of the legs and put them on for the first time two days after her friend had given them to her. She didn’t notice the tiny, nearly empty baggie of methamphetamine in the coin pocket. That fact more than four years later would lead to a Washington state Supreme Court decision striking down Washington’s drug possession law; the expected vacation of tens of thousands of criminal convictions dating back decades; and the overhaul of the state’s approach to drug possession signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday. Continue reading at Bellingham Herald. (Shannon Bowman)

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Associated Press
Washington governor: State on track to fully reopen June 30
Fire officials aim to douse blazes fast, avoid megafires
Ferry fire will cause Puget Sound summer travel delays
New Washington state law makes drug possession a misdemeanor
Washington schools to open full time in fall, masks required
Juneteenth to be a state holiday in Washington state in 2022

Auburn Reporter
Council to vote on Auburn’s first B&O tax
Inslee sets June 30 target for Washington to fully reopen
State Department of Health releases updated K-12 school guidance
As rates of stoned drivers increase, law enforcement face challenges

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Fully vaccinated people no longer need masks in most places, CDC says. What to know
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Watch live: Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee to give COVID update at 2:30 p.m. Thursday
Washington state plans to fully reopen by June 30. All counties go Phase 3 on Tuesday
Whatcom sees 22 new COVID cases, fewer hospitalizations and a new variant appear Wednesday
Welcome back to Phase 3 of COVID reopening. What it means for WA bars and restaurants
Tolls at Narrows Bridge, SR 520 bridge and SR 99 tunnel may increase. What to know
Ferndale manufacturer gets state economic grant to continue expansion, hire more workers
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Pfizer for kids, mask guidance, free Ubers & more
Fully vaccinated people no longer need masks in most places, CDC says. What to know
What can happen if kids want a COVID vaccine — but parents refuse? Experts weigh in

Capital Press
Bill makes Washington DOT fund county weed control
Washington to lift COVID restrictions June 30
La Nina gone, but may return next winter
Delays create logistics ‘nightmare’ for hay exporters
Inslee names overtime bill for farmworker advocate
USDA, Interior Department gear up for ‘dangerous’ wildfire year
Port bottlenecks pinch potato exports

The Daily News
Cowlitz County, state moving to Phase 3 Tuesday ahead of plan to fully reopen June 30; mask restrictions eased

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Washington to lift COVID-19 restrictions on June 30

The Facts Newspaper
King County Remains in Phase 3

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma judge ordered to remove himself from ‘entangled’ case that caused rift in court
Here are the COVID-19 case reported Thursday in Pierce County
Tacoma bar’s liquor license suspended after year of COVID complaints
Hotel Murano reopens downtown after 13 shuttered months
Going camping or hiking? It soon may cost more to enjoy some Washington outdoor areas

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Vaccinated Americans Can Go Maskless, C.D.C. Says
The Racial Gap in U.S. Vaccinations Is Shrinking, but Work Remains
The Gateses’ Public Split Spotlights a Secretive Fortune
Colonial Pipeline Paid Roughly $5 Million in Ransom to Hackers
Many Unvaccinated Latinos in the U.S. Want the Shot, New Survey Finds
‘I Just Got My Vaccine’: U.S. Rollout Expands to Children Ages 12 to 15
House Democrats press forward with a bipartisan proposal to create a Jan. 6 commission.

Olympian (subscription required)
Washington state plans to fully reopen by June 30. All counties go Phase 3 on Tuesday
What if Lacey was in charge of permitting its urban growth area and not the county?
Welcome back to Phase 3 of COVID reopening. What it means for WA bars and restaurants
Thurston County adds 42 COVID-19 cases, overall total grows to 9,338
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Thurston County reports 90th COVID-19 death and 45 more cases on Wednesday

Redmond Reporter
Open-carry of weapons now illegal at state Capitol, rallies (Kuderer)

Seattle Medium
Inslee Signs Law Expanding Eligibility For College Bound Scholarship (Nobles)
Inslee Sets June 30 As Re-opening Date For The State Of Washington
City Of Seattle Begins Administering Pfizer Vaccine To 12 – 15 Year-Olds
Inslee Signs Legislation To End License Suspension For Failure To Pay Fines And Fees (Salomon)

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Gov. Inslee, Washington state’s U.S. senators reject GOP congressman’s pitch on Lower Snake River dam removal
Inslee: Washington to lift COVID restrictions by June 30; right now, mask rules eased for vaccinated people
New Washington state law makes drug possession a misdemeanor
Optimism, uncertainty at Seattle-area businesses as reopening plans take shape
‘Any business with a web presence is a potential target’: State sues ‘patent troll’ targeting Washington firms
Washington state diesel truck shop accused of tampering with hundreds of pickups to thwart emission controls
Opinion: Parents, get your children vaccinated for COVID-19 ASAP

South Seattle Emerald
Washington’s vaccination efforts enough to fully reopen state by end of June, Inslee says
SPD Chief Diaz overturns OPA decision, declines to specify discipline

Spokesman Review
Parents must file taxes by Monday deadline to receive correct monthly payments up to $300 per child starting in July
Inslee: Washington could fully reopen by June 30
Supreme Court considers challenge to speed cameras in Spokane school zone
Change of name, mascots approved at three Spokane schools in light of concerns
Former Spokane County Health Officer Bob Lutz was fired illegally, preliminary state investigation concludes

Tri-City Herald
WA state E. coli outbreak spreads to Tri-Cities, Walla Walla
7 deputies demand $22M, claiming county failed to protect them from Benton sheriff
2nd person dies after trying to cross highway during Franklin deputy chase
Local company with 40+ years in Tri-Cities bought by national corporation
Some Richland parents raise concerns about the teaching of social justice and race issues
Hottest days of the year coming to Tri-Cities. But not for long
State gives final OK for ages 12+ to get COVID vaccine. Find out where in Tri-Cities
Prosser back online after devastating fire. Search for new ‘city hall’ continues
Police searching for Kennewick gunman who robbed Domino’s Pizza

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Umatilla County health official wary as Oregon echoes CDC masking lift
Back to buildings: All Washington districts will open schools this fall, state says
Inslee: Washington to lift COVID-19 restrictions by June 30, sooner if vaccination goal reached

Washington Post
Many retailers will still require masks — at least for now — even with new CDC guidance
Israeli forces hit Hamas tunnels in Gaza as all-out war looms; more rockets rain down
Opinion: The CDC shouldn’t have removed restrictions without requiring proof of vaccination
Opinion: German Catholic priests blessing same-sex marriages may be on to something divine
House Democrats and Republicans reach deal on commission to investigate Jan. 6 attack on Capitol

Yakima Herald Republic
Washington state lifts mask requirements for people who are fully vaccinated, following CDC guidance

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Inslee: All counties will move to phase 3 on Tuesday, state ‘on track’ for full reopening June 30
CDC eases mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated Americans
Seattle Public Schools will return to full-time in-person learning this fall
Juneteenth to be a state holiday in Washington state in 2022
Vaccinated-only sections open at Mariners games at T-Mobile Park

KNKX FM
Fully Vaccinated People Can Stop Wearing Masks Indoors And Outdoors, CDC Says
Counties work with local school districts to administer COVID vaccines to young people

KUOW FM
KUOW’s pandemic blog: Updates for the NW
Mask Or No Mask? That Depends Where You Live
More Cities Are Handing People Cash With No Strings Attached: Here’s Why
Seattle students to return full time, in person this fall. Remote option available

Web

Crosscut
Washington state plans to drop all COVID restrictions June 30
Opinion: Native tribes need Biden’s bold plan to fix infrastructure
Opinion: The Gates divorce and the risks of billionaire philanthropy (Frame)

MyNorthwest
New bill could help cruises out of Seattle get around limitations, resume routes to Alaska
Gov. Inslee vetoes measure to end sale of new gas-powered cars by 2030
Gov. Inslee: Washington to follow CDC’s lead on relaxing mask rules for fully vaccinated
Hospitality, business community reacts to Gov. Inslee’s reopening date
Juneteenth officially a state holiday in Washington
Amazon hiring for 2K jobs, offering signing bonus for vaccine proof
Governor Inslee signs bill to reform state’s unemployment system
Gov. Inslee: Washington state on track for full reopening by June 30
Kent City Council considers banning roosters after noise complaints
UW planning for return to campus life, in-person classes this fall

Slog
Should Mayor Jenny Durkan Resign Over Those Missing Texts?
Washington Will Fully Reopen by June 30, Inslee Announces
Chief Diaz Refuses to Discipline Cop Who Started a Riot Over a Pink Umbrella, and His Reasoning Is Fucking Ahistorical
Portland Also Isn’t Dying

West Seattle Blog
After 10 months, Alki Beach fire rings have returned

Thursday, May 13

Open carry of weapons now prohibited at rallies, Capitol
Openly carrying guns and other weapons are now prohibited at the Washington state Capitol and public protests statewide, under a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jay Inslee. The new law, which had an emergency clause and took effect immediately upon Inslee’s signature, bars people from carrying weapons, either on their person or in their vehicle, while attending a permitted demonstration at a public place or while being within 250 feet of the perimeter of a permitted demonstration. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

Deported for drug charge, one man seeks U.S. reentry after Blake decision
Before he was deported to Korea, John had visited there only once. He could understand some of the language from listening to his parents while growing up, but he wasn’t fluent or even conversational. He has lived in Korea now for more than 20 years, not once returning to Washington state, where much of his family remains. He missed his father’s death and funeral. He missed his daughter’s wedding and still hasn’t met her husband in person. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jovelle Tamayo)

As DNR awaits new wildfire prevention funds from Legislature, officials warn people of record-breaking wildfire season to come
After several years of devastating wildfires across Washington, lawmakers this year agreed to make a major investment in wildfire prevention and forest health. It was a fight Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz had been fighting since she first came into office in 2017. And the money – $500 million over the next five years – can’t come soon enough. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Colin Mulvany)

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Associated Press
Open carry of weapons now prohibited at rallies, Capitol
State moving forward with plans to allow sports gambling
Consumer prices shot up 0.8% in April as worries escalate
US jobless claims sink to 473K as more GOP governors bar aid

Aberdeen Daily World
Raymond’s Willapa Center will include 30 affordable housing units, licensed child care
Positive COVID tests return Ocosta schools to remote learning
Fatal drug ODs surged in state as pandemic upended lives
Commentary: At least 123 people were shot dead over 72 hours. Did America notice?
Commentary: Pipeline cyberattack: Can we ‘take a sad song and make it better?’
Letter: TVW brought government to us

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
With 46 COVID cases, 15 hospitalizations and a death, Whatcom falling further from Phase 3
CDC panel recommends Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids aged 12-15. Here’s what that means

Columbian
In Our View: Light rail on new I-5 Bridge: To be or not to be? (Cleveland)
Grants help small businesses in Fourth Plain corridor survive COVID-19
Pandemic labor shortage hits Clark County hospitality industry hard
Clark County Board of Health mulls vaccine incentives
In Our View: Land-use laws causing high-tech stagnation

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Board of Health recommends that health officer remove use of mask; the state mandate remains in force
Inslee signs farmworker overtime law in Yakima

High Country News
The Gila River Indian Community innovates for a drought-ridden future

The Inlander
95 Reasons to Please, Please, Please get Vaccinated

News Tribune (subscription required)
Rural folks key to re-opening Pierce County. Can we convince them to get vaccinated?
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Here are the COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday for Pierce County
Puget Sound VA now has walk-in COVID-19 vaccine availability
Editorial: Spit-on, screamed-at Pierce County grocery workers face hazard deeper than COVID-19

New York Times
‘A Perpetual Motion Machine’: How Disinformation Drives Voting Laws
Covid Live Updates: Drive to Vaccinate Children Gathers Speed in U.S.
Biden Administration to Repeal Trump Rule Aimed at Curbing E.P.A.’s Power
Scientists warn U.S. lawmakers about the continued threat of coronavirus variants.

Olympian (subscription required)
Olympia will soon hire new homeless response coordinator
Providence’s mental health hospital proposal comes before Lacey hearings examiner May 18
Brown is named general counsel at Port of Olympia
Armed man found dead in Spanaway after shooting at Pierce County deputy
State asks K-12 schools to plan for return to full-time, in-person instruction next fall
3 more Thurston residents have died of COVID-19. County reports 23 more cases Tuesday

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Teens can get vaccine Thursday

Port Townsend Leader
Jefferson County passes 50 percent vaccinated mark

Runta News
Seattle Fire Department Mobile Teams Offer Vaccinations Without an Appointment

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Engine fire in state ferry Wenatchee will reduce capacity across Puget Sound
Open carry of weapons now prohibited at rallies, Capitol
Seattle police chief overturns watchdog’s discipline recommendation in ‘pink umbrella’ protest clash
Amazon seeks to hire 75,000; offers $100 to vaccinated hires
What does ‘party’ mean again? The do’s and don’ts of vaccinated gathering etiquette
When can 12- to 15-year-olds get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in Washington state? Here’s what we know

Skagit Valley Herald
State, federal funds may benefit Skagit County’s fiber internet network
Residents express concerns at Skagit County shoreline hearing
Opening of Burlington homeless shelter delayed
Stakeholders: Proposed Skagit River dam studies “inadequate”

South Seattle Emerald
Seattle and King County 12-15-year-olds become vaccine-eligible
Council vote leaves cuts to Seattle Police Department budget unresolved
County purchases first hotel to provide shelter to those without it
Opinion: Kinship care can help transform the child welfare system
Washington law enforcement will soon be required to learn the history of race and policing, will it be enough to spark change?
Homeless outreach providers say new rules would put them at city’s ‘beck and call’
Inslee’s signature on bill could reduce or add to Washington’s most charged crime (Saldaña)
Black Nurses Matter march highlights need to address medical racism
After success on minimum wage and Amazon tax, Sawant makes a push for rent control
Homeless advocates challenge ‘Compassion Seattle’ initiative

Spokesman Review
Sen. Patty Murray calls lack of affordable child care ‘silent epidemic’ during virtual Northwest Passages forum
Open carry at capitol, demonstrations now prohibited after Inslee signs bill into law (Kuderer)
As DNR awaits new wildfire prevention funds from Legislature, officials warn people of record-breaking wildfire season to come

Tri-City Herald
WA state E. coli outbreak spreads to Tri-Cities, Walla Walla
2nd person dies after trying to cross highway during Franklin deputy chase
More Tri-Citians hospitalized for COVID treatment, days before WA state reopening check
New deadline would delay sending plutonium-contaminated waste off Hanford for 20 years
Local company with 40+ years in Tri-Cities bought by national corporation

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Controversial Touchet Valley Trail protested Wednesday as commissioners discuss plans
Gustavo Reyna announces run for Walla Walla City Council at-large seat
Walla Walla County named in statewide E. coli outbreak
Another COVID-19 death in Walla Walla County
Gustavo Reyna announces run for Walla Walla City Council at-large seat

Washington Post
Police shootings of children spark new outcry, calls for training to deal with adolescents in crisis
Roughly 900,000 people could see severe cuts in unemployment aid as Republicans seek to curb assistance
Gas stations await relief from panic-buyers while Colonial Pipeline restores service
Derek Chauvin qualifies for a longer sentence in George Floyd’s murder, judge rules

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima health board recommends health officer lift county’s mask mandate; state rules still apply
New state law will change composition of Yakima County health board, but just how remains unclear (Riccelli)
New hours for State Fair Park vaccine site; vaccine clinics planned around Yakima County

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Open carry ban at state Capitol, near demonstrations signed into law in Washington (Kuderer)
People in western Washington traveling shorter distances for COVID-19 vaccines
Youth-led group ‘Worth a Shot’ is helping teens get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
Everyone 12 and older now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Washington
Elective surgeries postponed at Bellingham hospital amid capacity concerns
FAA chief defends Boeing 737 MAX, calls new electrical fix ‘straightforward’
E. coli outbreak expands to statewide investigation in Washington
Washington lawmaker planning legislation to curb robocalls

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Seattle mayor’s office scrambling to retrieve months of deleted text messages
Deadline near to file for enhanced child credit
Summer camp is back; vaccine for 12-15 year-olds will help
State approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds
UW economics professor explains statewide inflation, how long it could last
Whatcom County leaders anticipating rollbacks to phase 2
Washington gas prices are rising, but it’s not because of Colonial Pipeline attack

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Wash. state approves Pfizer vaccine for adolescents as young as 12 years old
Overtime for farmworkers could be a painful adjustment, Wash. growers say
Washington students expected to return to the classroom this fall
Open carry of weapons now prohibited at demonstrations, Capitol building
Dangerous street races, takeovers a growing headache for police amid pandemic
Toxic E. coli outbreak spreads to four counties in Wash. state
Amazon seeks to hire 75,000; offers $100 bonus to vaccinated hires
Cyber attack on Colonial Pipeline raises security questions about Olympic Pipeline in PNW
King County taxpayers will have to cover costs for drug possession cases that were tossed

KUOW FM
Seattle Children’s Hospital is gearing up to vaccinate kids as young as 12. And even younger kids could soon follow
KUOW’s pandemic blog: Updates for the NW
Poll Finds Public Health Has A Trust Problem
Drug overdose deaths increased by over 30% during pandemic
CDC Advisers Say Kids As Young As 12 Can Get The Covid-19 Vaccine

KXLY (ABC)
Western States review group unanimously finds Pfizer COVID vaccine is safe, effective for 12-15 year-olds
Everyone 12 and older eligible to receive Pfizer vaccine in WA state
SPS unanimously votes to change Native American symbols and names of local schools

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington state expands use of Pfizer vaccine for anyone 12 years old and older

Web

Crosscut
Deported for drug charge, one man seeks U.S. reentry after Blake decision
Solar power becomes ‘nightmare’ for some Klickitat County residents
Oregon Democrats try to learn from British Columbia’s carbon tax

Wednesday, May 12

Alternative to prison to be allowed in Washington for some who have mental illness
The state of Washington will soon offer an alternative to prison for people with a serious mental illness who commit a crime. Gov. Jay Inslee signed the bill into law Monday. Under the new Mental Health Sentencing Alternative, judges will have the option to sentence a person to community supervision and treatment in lieu of prison. The program will be open to individuals who are convicted of a felony crime that is not a serious violent offense or a sex offense. Continue reading at KNKX. (Washington State Department of Corrections)

Fair Start for Kids Act is just that — a start
Give the pandemic credit for one thing, at least. As schools began shutting down last year, a harsh realization began to sink in across the state: The child care crisis was real, and it wasn’t just for parents anymore. Businesses had already been feeling the squeeze, too, but the pandemic made it all that much tighter. Continue reading at The Yakima Herald. (Amanda Ray)

Governor Inslee signs farm worker overtime law in Yakima
(Available in English via Google Translate) Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5172, now called the Tomás Villanueva Overtime Protection Act, on Tuesday in honor of the late Yakima Valley farmworker activist, the Yakima Herald-Republic reported. “Under this law, all agricultural workers will begin to receive overtime pay in 2022 and will have a 40-hour work week in early 2024,” the newspaper published. The law was passed in both houses of state Congress with bipartisan support, the newspaper reported. Continue reading at El Sol de Yakima. (Amanda Ray)

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Associated Press
New law offers prison alternatives for mentally ill
Washington not yet weighing school COVID vaccine mandate
Washington governor signs agriculture worker overtime bill

Aberdeen Daily World
State grant will help fund improvements at south Aberdeen Little League field
Aberdeen, Hoquiam lobbyists working to have levee, rail projects construction-ready by 2023
Big changes coming for statewide public health system and local boards (Riccelli)
Point: Once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment is needed
Counterpoint: 4 big problems with Biden’s ‘infrastructure’ plan

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
COVID infection rates drop in 4 Whatcom regions, but one sees highest mark since February
New Bellingham ordinance passed Monday ‘is going to affect generations to come’
One group of residents has Whatcom ‘teetering on the edge of moving back to Phase 2’
Whatcom still missing both goals for Phase 3, as county sees 53 new COVID cases Monday
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Some Americans can now apply for help paying internet bills. Here’s what to know
Will kids get the same Pfizer COVID vaccine dose as adults? Here’s what to know
Men with obesity may be more likely to die from COVID than women, study finds. Why?
Most unvaccinated Americans say they’ll refuse to get a COVID shot, poll finds

Capital Press
Inslee signs slate of pesticide fee hikes
State fairs are back — but get ready for changes

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Governor Inslee signs farm worker overtime law in Yakima
COVID-19 outbreak at Casino Caribbean in Yakima leaves 12 positive cases

High Country News
The everyday violence of Indian Country’s ‘bordertowns’

News Tribune (subscription required)
Here are Tuesday’s COVID-19 case numbers for Pierce County
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Another Pierce County school district announces in-person graduation ceremonies
Vaccines for youth ages 12-15 in Pierce County coming soon, health officials say
Puyallup council expands city limits by approving controversial annexation
More than $14,000 raised for father, son stabbed at Tacoma corner store
Mortgage assistance up to $6K for homeowners impacted by pandemic opens in Tacoma
How local athletic directors, businesses, community members and the Fair made high school basketball during COVID-19 a reality in Pierce County

Olympian (subscription required)
Ex-student’s threats close SPSCC Olympia campus to classes and vaccine clinics
Thurston County adds three deaths, 23 COVID-19 cases Tuesday

Peninsula Daily News
Blanket project to combat sex trafficking
Clallam County approves $1.15 million in state housing funds
EPA awards grants for beach water monitoring, notifications
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
LETTER: Snake River dams

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Coast Guard could triple base size on Seattle waterfront as U.S. ramps up Arctic presence
King County plans to buy hotels to permanently house 1,600 homeless people
IRS will send long-delayed stimulus checks to homeless filers in Washington
Washington state won’t yet consider a COVID vaccine mandate in schools

Skagit Valley Herald
Sedro-Woolley School District receives grant to take closer look at equity
County commissioners OK further study on fully contained communities

Spokesman Review
Pride Prep hopes ‘to be held accountable’ by Spokane Public Schools as its charter renewal looms
Local undocumented students eligible for federal pandemic assistance, Biden administration rules
Opinion: Colin Quinn-Hurst and Pablo Monsivais: Spokane is investing now for more travel options and a safer, healthier future

Tri-City Herald
Trump wants revenge against Republicans over impeachment. Is Rep. Newhouse in trouble?
Tri-Cities farmers markets offering more than just fresh produce this summer
Franklin County still above WA state reopening levels with a week to go
Getting free COVID vaccines in Tri-Cities with no appointment is easier than ever this week
Drive-thru hot meals for Tri-Cities seniors expanded to 5 days a week
Downtown fire leaves Prosser police, city hall homeless — for now
Tri-Cities COVID trends moving in the right direction ahead of WA state reopening check
Update: Truck driver was trapped upside down in twisted wreckage for hours north of Pasco
Tri-Cities Hispanics lag in COVID vaccinations. It’s not because they don’t want it

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Walla Walla Bread Co. baker towers over competition in ‘Best Baker in America’ Episode 2
Adult, baby receive minor injuries in rollover near Starbuck
Walla Walla School District to take over Juvenile Justice Center classroom
Pasco crash leaves 1 dead, 1 injured in car that collided with semi driven by M-F man
Walla Walla Public Library reopens for in-person visits
Local bars, restaurants welcome extension on serving to-go cocktails
Man takes plea deal in Walla Walla La Quinta car casing case
Kennewick woman sentenced for October high-speed chase in Walla Walla County

Washington Post
House Republicans oust Cheney from leadership for calling out Trump’s false election claims
Death toll climbs and Arab-Israeli protests intensify as Israel and Gaza slip toward war
Gas shortages intensify in Southeast, with 71 percent of Charlotte stations now dry

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County’s falling COVID-19 transmission rate means reduced distancing for middle and high school students
Inslee signs agricultural worker overtime bill into law in Yakima
Opinion: Fair Start for Kids Act is just that — a start (Wilson)

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Seattle partners with businesses to offer COVID-19 vaccine incentives
Washington health leaders urge patience as they await Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to be OK’d for teens
Overall, traffic remains lower than pre-pandemic levels in western Washington
Robocalls in Washington state traced back to inmates in Florida
Seattle film industry begins to rebound to pre-pandemic levels
Toll rate proposals likely calling for 15% increases on State Route 520 Bridge

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Man allegedly stabbed by customer upset about mask-wearing policy
Multiple groups protest appreciation dinner for Seattle officers in Bellevue
Under new law, unpaid tickets will no longer lead to suspended licenses
Washington AG urges Facebook to abandon plans to build Instagram for kids under 13
Seattle Sounders FC announce vaccinated-only sections starting May 23
Mortgage assistance up to $6K for homeowners impacted by pandemic opens in Tacoma
Seattle partnering with local businesses to offer vaccine incentives
Rare grouping of whales spotted near Friday Harbor over Mother’s Day weekend
Senate panel weighs proposed regulations for ‘ghost guns’

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Latest 737 Max problem sets back Boeing airplane deliveries
Washington teens could get Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as early as Thursday if CDC approves
More nurses face burnout as COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates nursing shortage

KNDO
Governor Inslee signs workforce rights bills

KNKX FM
Alternative to prison to be allowed in Washington for some who have mental illness
Inslee signs off on driver’s license suspension law, but controversy persists (Salomon)

KUOW FM
KUOW’s pandemic blog: Updates for the NW
4th Wave Of COVID-19 Hospitalizations Hits Washington State
Alternative to prison to be allowed in Washington for some who have mental illness

KXLY (ABC)
Preliminary report finds health officer broke law in firing Bob Lutz

Q13 TV (Fox)
Tacoma invests $1.43M to help keep working families impacted by COVID-19 from losing their homes
Convenience store owner’s message for maskless customer who stabbed him: ‘Wear your mask’
Washington parents eagerly await final approval of Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds
Washington not yet weighing school COVID-19 vaccine mandate
Hospitality industry faces labor shortage as COVID-19 fears linger

Web

MyNorthwest
Snohomish County COVID rates appear to be stabilizing as vaccines ramp up
Crews battle fire at Issaquah restaurant for second time in as many days
Two more tribes reach tentative agreement with state on sports betting
Seattle’s street dining might be here to stay — at least for a while
Two cases of toxin-producing E. coli in Snohomish County
Exec says King County will buy more hotels to house homeless population
Gov. Inslee signs agriculture worker overtime bill
Protest moves through Bellevue Tuesday night
Washington GOP Rep. Herrera Beutler expected to vote against removing Liz Cheney
International Space Station, train of SpaceX satellites cut through Western Washington skies

Slog
Tammy Morales Wants to Finally Close Seattle’s Just Cause Loophole
Constantine Announces Purchase of Queen Anne Hotel to House Homeless, Return of Bus Service to the Mountains, and $150 Million in Rental Assistance

Washington State Wire
Governor signs entire “Cascade Care 2.0” bill into law (Frockt)

West Seattle Blog
VACCINATION: Clinics planned for students, now that eligibility is earlier

Tuesday, May 11

Insurers in WA must cover transgender health care under new bill
At 19, Venus Aoki left Mexico because of the discrimination she experienced there as a transgender woman. She came to the United States seeking medical care to aid her transition — a process that would require additional procedures and therapy. Yet, even since arriving in Washington state five years ago, Aoki, now 24, has still been unable to access some of the gender-affirming treatments prescribed by her doctor. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Dorothy Edwards)

‘A dramatic shift’: Inslee signs legislation to address child care shortages into law
A bill that supporters say expands access to child care and early learning was signed Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee in a virtual celebration for providers. The bill, which Spokane providers say was desperately needed after the COVID-19 pandemic, provides new funding for child care and early learning. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Ted S. Warren)

Spokane Tribe says ‘no’ to Native American mascots
Washington has a new law that bans schools from using Native American imagery without a tribe’s consent. The Spokane Tribe says it won’t be endorsing any such proposals. The Reardan-Edwall, Wellpinit and Spokane school districts all currently use Native American themed mascots. North Central High School in Spokane and Reardan-Edwall, which is spread between Lincoln and Spokane Counties and has many students from the tribe, both use Indians. Wellpinit uses a slur as its mascot. Continue reading at KUOW. (Rebecca White)