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Friday, February 12

Olympia bill would decriminalize certain levels of drug possession, and expand treatment resources
Nearly a decade ago, Washington became one of the very first states to legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use. Now, there is a proposal in the state Legislature that would decriminalize the personal possession of all drugs. Continue reading at KUOW. (Matthew T. Rader)

Senate panel OKs tougher penalties for threatening elections workers
Harassing an elections worker in Washington could result in a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine, under a bill sent to the full state Senate Thursday. The proposal was prompted by reports of threats and harassment around the country in the wake of last November’s presidential election, Sen. David Frockt, the bill’s sponsor, told the Senate Law and Justice Committee recently. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Colin Mulvany)

Most of WA will be in Phase 2 of reopening plan next week
All but six of Washington state’s 39 counties will be in Phase 2 of the state’s economic reopening plan as of Sunday, with five new regions meeting the requirements necessary to join two other regions that have already seen a loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, including limited indoor dining. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

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Associated Press
Northwest sees blast of snow, more expected this weekend
Report: Vaccinations fewer for Hispanic, Black people in WA
Almost all of WA will be in Phase 2 of reopening plan next week
AP: Over 9,000 virus patients sent into NY nursing homes
Judge: Trump’s lifting of mining ban in U.S. West was wrong
Justices block recall effort against Thurston County sheriff
Amazon faces biggest union push in its history

Auburn Reporter
Judge fines Tim Eyman $2.6 million for campaign law violations
Legislature examines restructuring public health in WA (Riccelli, Pollet)

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Whatcom businesses get green light to move to Phase 2 of state’s ‘Roadmap to Recovery’
There were 300 slots. They were snatched up in 5 minutes, and other Whatcom vaccine news
Will Whatcom County move to Phase 2 of the ‘Healthy Washington’ reopening plan Friday?
For second straight day, Whatcom sees three COVID-related deaths and a decrease in cases
COVID vaccination rates lag among Washington’s non-white communities, report says
Most of WA will be in Phase 2 of reopening plan next week
UPDATE: Washington State Parks commission grants parks director authority to issue Navy permits
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Travel fines, breastfeeding, mask updates & more
Still haven’t received your second stimulus check? Filing your taxes ASAP may help
Whatcom’s region moves to Phase 2, $87 million more in relief for state
For second straight day, Whatcom sees three COVID-related deaths and a decrease in cases
Arthritis drug reduces death, length of stay in hospitalized COVID patients, study says
Do vaccinated people need to quarantine after COVID exposure? CDC offers new guidance

Capital Press
Washington wildfire bill needs money to catch on, Franz says

Columbian
B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant discovered in Clark County
Clark County approved for Phase 2 of Inslee’s reopening plan

Columbia Basin Herald
Bill would allow continuity of operations for county offices amid public crises (Orwall)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Emerson kindergartners will start on path to being bilingual
Most counties cleared for Inslee’s Phase 2, joining Snohomish
Everett cold weather shelters at capacity as snow moves in
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Cornfield Report: A GOP budget, Cantwell makes history and a tax-bill revision (Riccelli)
Opinion:: State should have sought local help on vaccines
WaPo Comment: Impeachment video puts Jan. 6 attack into context
WaPo Comment: Rioters’ calls of ‘Oh Nancy’ familiar to many women

International Examiner
Filipino health care workers and their battle against COVID-19

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Inslee announces five regions to progress to Phase 2

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Kitsap County under winter storm warning, with 6-8 inches of snow forecast
Highway 3 blocked after vehicle pursued by law enforcement crashes
Tribes, Navy expand eligibility as vaccination efforts pick up speed
Bainbridge council to revisit some police-court facility cost questions
‘We are already ready’: Eateries, theaters and sports officials welcome move to Phase 2
Kingston man charged in Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot

News Tribune (subscription required)
Next storm to bring heavy snow to Tacoma-Seattle Friday night
Thursday brings lower COVID-19 case total to Pierce County; two new deaths
It’s official: Tacoma’s Woodrow Wilson High School will get a new name
Racist statue in Puyallup ignites calls for action from city by community group
Why are local high school grads struggling in college? Listen and they’ll tell you
$1,400 stimulus checks just got one step closer to reality. Here’s what to know
Editorial: A COVID-19 no-brainer: Don’t leave Washington health workers exposed without benefits
New and more contagious COVID strain found at University of Washington, school says

New York Times
Impeachment Trial Live Updates: Trump’s Team Plans to Use Only 4 Hours to Defend Him
Oath Keepers Plotting Before Capitol Riot Awaited ‘Direction’ From Trump, Prosecutors Say
With More Vaccines Secured, Biden Warns of Hurdles to Come
Maryland Nears Country’s First Tax on Big Tech’s Ad Revenue

Northwest Asian Weekly
Day of Remembrance observance
ICHS fights for vaccines as part of serving community

Olympian (subscription required)
Guardsman, Navy reservist sue WA employers for discrimination based on military service
Here are schools and other entities shut down Friday by the snow
Puget Sound VA COVID-19 vaccine clinics closed Friday due to winter storm
Thurston County reports 28 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, increasing overall total to 6,747
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington
State Supreme Court rejects petition to recall Thurston County Sheriff Snaza
5 regions to move to Phase 2, $87 million more in rental and business relief coming
Ecology says Olympia brewery owner owes it $11.37 million for oil spill cleanup

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Clallam, Jefferson counties to move into Phase 2

Port Townsend Leader
UPDATE | Phase 2 reaction: Jefferson County sees ‘light at the end of the tunnel’
Gov. Inslee announces Jefferson County will move to Phase 2 Monday

Puget Sound Business Journal
With more vaccines secured, Biden warns of hurdles to come
Dip in unemployment claims offers hope as new virus cases ease
Restaurant workers, once deemed essential, will wait months to receive vaccine. Here’s why.
Opinion: Authorizing captive insurance would be a win-win for Washington
How Seattle’s Tableau helped states make sense of Covid data
More regions move to Phase 2 of Inslee’s Covid reopening plan

Runta News
New Data on COVID-19 Vaccination by Race and Ethnicity Highlight Inequities

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Jayapal, DelBene among more than two dozen in Congress asking for national ban on preferential access to COVID-19 vaccine
All but 6 Washington counties can relax some COVID-19 rules, Inslee announces
Police officer partnered in businesses with Auburn-area Proud Boy charged in Capitol siege, records show
Fourth Washington state resident charged in US Capitol breach
Kloba: You can buy it, so why is it still illegal to grow marijuana?

Skagit Valley Herald
Retroactive overtime pay lawsuits worry Skagit County dairy farmers (Shewmake)
User fees coming to Sedro-Woolley athletic fields
Skagit County COVID-19 vaccine clinic to receive no new first doses
Skagit County will move to Phase 2 on Sunday

South Seattle Emerald
Washington bill to decriminalize all drugs will receive first public hearing on Friday
As Seattle gears up for winter weather, officials scramble to secure emergency shelter

Spokesman Review
Waiting for their ‘big day to exhale’: Many Spokane-area teachers going back to class without receiving COVID-19 vaccine
Washington Supreme Court exempts bar association from open meetings law
Senate panel OKs tougher penalties for threatening elections workers
Spokane to move to Phase 2 of reopening plan next week, just in time for Valentine’s Day
Shawn Vestal: Reform will require blocking police unions from impeding accountability (Salomon, Billig)

Tri-City Herald
Registration for 2nd COVID doses at Tri-Cities fairgrounds begins Friday
Tri-Cities gets left behind as most of Washington state moves to Phase 2 reopening
Too many positive COVID tests in Tri-Cities compared to WA state, even as new cases fall

USA Today
House managers say timeline shows Trump’s silence encouraged insurrection
‘Stop killing us’: Attacks on Asian Americans highlight rise in hate incidents amid COVID-19
Live impeachment updates: Trump’s legal team aims to distance him from riot, Biden says GOP needs to ‘stand up’

Vancouver Business Journal
Construction Forecast for 2021

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
City staff: Snow is in the cards for Walla Walla, and plowing crews are ready
Snow day school closures and delays in the Walla Walla Valley
Walla Walla County health officials ask residents to abide by vaccination guidelines
Master’s Ranch outside of Prescott in rural Walla Walla County closed for good
Walla Walla, Columbia county businesses losing patience with Roadmap to Recovery
State rests its case against Waitsburg resident Leslie Moreno, defense begins

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima’s region stuck behind rest of state in COVID reopening
Judge: Trump’s lifting of mining ban in US West was wrong
Report: Vaccinations fewer for Hispanic, Black people in WA
Yakima County health forum combats vaccine misinformation in the Latino community

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
5 more Washington regions advance to Phase 2 of reopening on Sunday
More businesses flee Seattle because of crime and violence
VERIFY: Is it OK if you don’t get a second COVID-19 vaccine dose on time?
4th Washington resident charged in US Capitol breach
KING 5 poll: Inslee approval rating falls as pandemic drags on
Drinks with Daniels: Celebrating Black History Month in western Washington

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Gov. Inslee: More regions will move to Phase 2 of reopening plan on Sunday
‘Do home security cameras really solve crimes?’ KIRO 7 investigates new ‘neighborhood eye’ police portal
Bill introduced in Washington legislature to stop pet stores from selling dogs, cats from animal mills (Walen)

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Inslee: 5 more regions to join Puget Sound, West regions in Phase 2

KNKX FM
Region prepares for wintry blast, with snow expected over next few days

KUOW FM
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE SEATTLE AREA FROM THE SNOWY WEEKEND AHEAD
Pandemic updates for Washington state
Biden Team Unveils New Asylum System To Replace Trump’s ‘Remain In Mexico’
Olympia bill would decriminalize certain levels of drug possession, and expand treatment resources (Davis)
Citing racial inequities, WA insurance commissioner pushes to end use of credit scoring to set rates
Biden Announces Deal For 200 Million More COVID-19 Vaccines
House Impeachment Managers Wrap Their Case
Trump Official Cited Security To Kill Visas For VOA Staffers. Emails Say Otherwise
Federal Budget Deficit Expected To Hit Second Largest Since World War II

NW Public Radio
Assault Survivor Groups Denounce Former State Senator On Washington Redistricting Commission

Q13 TV (Fox)
Most of Washington moving into Phase 2 of reopening next week
New tutoring app helps high school and college students struggling during pandemic
At least one person injured in explosion at Bellingham homeless camp

Web

Crosscut
WA lawmakers consider expanding Medicaid in pandemic’s wake (Randall)
Confronting racial bias in health care
WA jobless benefits lag while unemployment taxes loom (Keiser, Rolfes)

MyNorthwest
Counties moving to Phase 2 reopen indoor dining in time for Valentine’s Day
Last region in Phase 1 looks for ‘glimmer of hope’ as it falls short of benchmarks
Gov. Inslee allows 22 counties to advance into Phase 2 of reopening
WA Supreme Court nixes recall of Thurston sheriff who wouldn’t enforce mask mandate
Redmond vaccination site on Microsoft campus to focus on highest-risk older adults

Slog
Without Vaccine Priority, Sex Workers Are Risking Their Lives to Keep Working

Thursday, February 11

Legislature approves $2.2 billion in coronavirus relief
A bill that allocates $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funding in areas ranging from vaccine administration to schools resuming in-person learning was approved by the Washington Legislature on Wednesday and now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

Washington state House passes three policing-related bills Wednesday
The Washington state House of Representatives passed three bills related to police accountability Wednesday afternoon, chipping away at one of the Legislature’s priority areas this session. Continue reading at The Olympian.

While state COVID-19 numbers improve slightly, vaccination inequities in BIPOC communities are a concern
In an online press conference on Feb. 10, Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said that while 940,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the state, challenges remain as federal supplies remain lower than demand, and inequities in vaccine distribution among communities of color are becoming apparent. Continue reading at The South Seattle Emerald. (Alex Garland)

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Associated Press
Legislature approves $2.2 billion in coronavirus relief (Rolfes)
FEMA rejects Malden fire request for individual assistance
Kent bar owner agrees to comply with state COVID-19 rules
Kent sports bar owner agrees to pay $2,400 fine, comply with COVID rules
Tim Eyman fined $2.6 million, barred from campaign control

Aberdeen Daily World
Vaccine for GH more scarce this week
Corrections announces fifth COVID-related death of Stafford Creek inmate

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Whatcom got a dusting of snow, and more is on the way. When should it arrive?
Don’t want to drive to Lynden for your COVID test? You won’t have to starting Feb. 15
Forecast calls for several inches of snow to the south, but what can Whatcom expect?
One Whatcom region sees its COVID-19 infection rate climb, as decreases slow elsewhere
As frigid weather sets in, Bellingham opens temporary warming site for the homeless
Where to find the COVID-19 vaccine and who can get it in Whatcom County
Watch live: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on COVID-19, rental and business assistance at 2:30
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington
New and more contagious COVID strain found at University of Washington, school says
Washington State Parks Commission to hold a special meeting on Navy training proposal
Cold snap, snow expected in Pacific Northwest
White House looks at domestic travel restrictions as COVID mutation surges in Florida

Capital Press
Washington House member introduces overtime bill, with a twist (Shewmake)

Columbian
In Our View: Are snow days needed in the age of COVID?

The Daily News
Port of Longview to bid on Millennium Bulk Terminal land

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Judge fines Eyman $2.6 million for campaign law violations
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Marysville nursing home cited for ‘squalid’ conditions
Oak Harbor pharmacy receives extra vaccine doses in mistake
Pack to the future: Will more wolves come to King County?
Bloomberg Comment: Jobs recovery leaving workers 55 and older behind
Bloomberg Comment: Trump’s lawyers have it wrong on First Amendment, too
Editorial: Schools need to retire Native American mascots (Lekanoff, Lovick, Berg, Davis)

The Inlander
Washington teachers want their vaccines. Should Inslee let them cut the line?
With its penchant for self-improvement and renewal, Spokane can exit the pandemic bound for better days

International Examiner
Filipino health care workers and their battle against COVID-19
Chinatowns across North America share challenges and stories of resilience during COVID-19

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Central Kitsap School District using COVID-19 tracker
Out of jail without bail, man accused again of assaulting police officer
Mask policy altered for high school cross-country runners
UPDATE: Portions of Kitsap County face winter storm watch
USS Nimitz, Theodore Roosevelt train in the South China Sea
CARES Act funding equips Kitsap EMTs with new ventilators

News Tribune (subscription required)
Winter arrives with one-two punch of snow — 6 inches? — and gusty winds through weekend
Data paint stark picture of who’s getting vaccinated and who’s not in Pierce County
Editorial: Tacoma’s new Congresswoman Strickland must seize moment to help heal Puget Sound

New York Times
Impeachment Trial Live Updates: Prosecutors to Highlight Trump’s Lack of Remorse
Reddit Is America’s Unofficial Unemployment Hotline
Jobless Claims Fall as Pandemic Restrictions Ease: Live Updates
The Biden Team Wants to Transform the Economy. Really.

Olympian (subscription required)
Judge fines Eyman $2.6 million, bars him from managing political committee finances
Shelters work to expand capacity for snowy weekend, but many will remain outside
Senators react to ‘distressing’ riot footage at impeachment trial. Did votes change?
Washington state House passes three policing-related bills Wednesday (Goodman, Lovick)
Here’s how much snow may fall in Thurston County by Saturday
Overnight standoff in Thurston County ends peacefully

Peninsula Daily News
Suicides up for those 30-39
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Eyman fined $2.6 million, barred from campaign control

Port Townsend Leader
Port Townsend youth tests positive for COVID-19
More than one cluster blamed for increase in JeffCo COVID numbers

Puget Sound Business Journal
With vaccines in more drugstores, pharmacies go on hiring sprees
Port of Seattle buys land to expand Des Moines Creek industrial park
State official: ‘Significant’ work needed to ensure equitable vaccine distribution
The Fed chair is worried about getting people back to work
Study identifies 7 potential foot-ferry routes for Puget Sound area
SBA rolls out PPP loan fixes after industry groups’ outcry

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Relief is on the way to Washington’s strapped COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Tim Eyman violated campaign finance law, judge rules, is barred from controlling political committees
Exonerated after 23 years in prison, man sues Bothell, Bothell police, King County and county sheriff’s deputies
Opinion: End the cruel, racist practice of prosecuting children in adult court
Seattle police release body-camera footage of fatal Central District shooting

Seattle Weekly
Pack to the future: Will more wolves come to King County?

Skagit Valley Herald
County Planning Commission preserves censure on Commissioner Lundsten
Shell pays $191,000 fine for 2015 refinery incident

South Seattle Emerald
While state COVID-19 number improve slightly, vaccination inequities in BIPOC communities are a concern
Opinion: Washington’s children shouldn’t have to relive our past mistakes
‘Just drive them around for a bit’: WSP officers may have violated protestors’ First Amendment rights on MLK day
Seattle police shoot and kill a man near Northwest African American Museum
Opportunity center and affordable housing near Othello Station in flux over cleanup concerns
Opinion: Satterberg’s appeal to the Supreme Court harms youth, undermines science, and exacerbates racial injustice

Spokesman Review
Breastfeeding with COVID-19 doesn’t infect babies — it might even protect them, study finds
Eyman fined $2.6 million, barred from campaign control
After FEMA denial, Small Business Administration loans offer new avenue for Whitman County fire recovery
Vaccine dose allocations to Washington providers will increase incrementally this month
Pandemic or politics? Spokane-area school levies were less successful in conservative districts
State Senate sends $2.2 billion COVID-19 relief bill to governor for signature

Tri-City Herald
More cases of serious illness linked to COVID-19 in children in Washington
Exclusive: Christian school near Tri-Cities ordered closed. Owner faces sex abuse lawsuit
Editorial: We ran a letter against the COVID-19 vaccine and this is what happened

USA Today
US Marshals act like local police, but with more violence and less accountability
Roughly 40% of the USA’s coronavirus deaths could have been prevented, new study says
Live impeachment updates: Biden says videos shown at Trump impeachment trial may have changed some minds
Chicago leaders attempt to help communities of color get COVID-19 vaccines

Vancouver Business Journal
Clark County Public Health opens COVID-19 call center

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Murder trial in Walla Walla begins to explore relationship of Marcus Allessio, Leslie Moreno
12 new cases of COVID-19 in Walla Walla County Tuesday, no new death
Fifth Avenue bridge over Mill Creek in Walla Walla up for removal after public feedback

Yakima Herald Republic
State secretary of health talks vaccine supply during stop in Yakima on Wednesday
Washington State Legislature approves $2.2 billion in COVID relief
Kent bar owner agrees to comply with state COVID-19 rules
Washington Legislature approves $2.2 billion in COVID relief
Government investigating massive counterfeit N95 mask scam
CDC study finds two masks are better than one vs. COVID-19

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Wintry forecast disrupts COVID-19 vaccine clinics and testing sites around Puget Sound
KING 5 poll: Half of Washingtonians say state could do more to vaccinate public

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
SPD releases new video of fatal shooting in Central District
COVID-19 vaccination sites monitor, adjust to snow forecast
UK COVID-19 strain detected at the University of Washington
Bill to end use of credit scoring in insurance rates may get a vote – with major changes (Mullet)
Honoring the stories of African heritage in the Northwest
Washington Legislature approves $2.2 billion in COVID relief (Rolfes)
WSP asking for help identifying man who helped breach grounds of governor’s mansion
Middle, high school students in Arlington to return to classroom starting March
Judge orders anti-tax activist Tim Eyman to pay $2.6 million, bars him from financial control of
political committees

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Washington Senate passes $2.2 billion COVID-19 relief package
Forecasted winter storms prompt changes to some COVID-19 vaccination events, testing
State’s COVID-19 metrics are declining but fears of variant, fourth wave rise
WSP looking to identify man allegedly involved in breach on Governor’s Mansion grounds

KNKX FM
Region prepares for wintry blast, with snow expected over next few days
State lawmakers consider backfilling school district budgets after enrollment declines (Dolan)
CDC Says Double-Masking Offers More Protection Against The Coronavirus

KUOW FM
WATCH LIVE: Trump impeachment trial
Pandemic updates for Washington state
Voices of the Pandemic: Your stories from a dangerous year
‘I feel like there’s hope down the line.’ How being vaccinated changed this nurse’s pandemic outlook
Pregnant women weren’t included in the Covid vaccine studies. So how do they decide about the shot?
FDA Aims To Be ‘Nimble’ On COVID-19 Vaccine Changes For Variants
Biden Holds 1st Call As President With China’s Xi As Trade, Security Issues Loom
Kent postal workers struggle with Covid-19 outbreak
UW researchers look to the sewer to track Covid-19
Electronic Health Records May Be Delaying COVID-19 Vaccinations

NW Public Radio
Washington Lawmakers Pass $2.2 Billion COVID Relief Bill, Now Heads To Governor’s Desk (Billig)
Impeachment Trial Day 2: Democrats Highlight How Close Rioters Came To Encountering Senators
Washington Initiative Promoter Tim Eyman Fined $2.6M, Barred From Political Committees In Lawsuit

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington Legislature approves $2.2 billion in COVID relief (Rolfes)
Vaccination events in several counties change plans ahead of winter weather in Puget Sound
Washington Hispanics struggle to get vaccines despite higher risk of contracting COVID-19

Web

Crosscut
New GOP leader in Washington’s state Senate wears a lot of hats
Denise Juneau talks reopening Seattle schools and moving on

MyNorthwest
House bill seeks reforms for Washington Employment Security Department
Tim Eyman fined $2.6 million for ‘numerous, egregious’ violations of campaign finance laws
At its current pace, King County wouldn’t meet vaccine goal until 2022
King County Councilmembers condemn special access to COVID vaccine
Burien joins Seattle in enacting hazard pay for grocery store workers
Homicide suspect dead after Seattle police return fire, second victim critically injured
Clean fuel standard bill headed to Washington House floor
Bill in state Legislature would require Uber, Lyft to have more electric vehicles

Seattle P.I.
Here’s where you can get a coronavirus vaccine in the Seattle area

Wednesday, February 10

Emerging racial disparities found in Washington state’s data on early vaccination efforts
The first months of Washington state’s vaccination drive have brought emerging racial disparities among those receiving the small supply of doses, with initial data showing vaccination rates for Black and Hispanic residents lagging beyond white residents. Continue reading at The Kitsap Sun. (Meegan M. Reid)

Washington state data breach prompts calls for new cybersecurity office
After a data breach that may have compromised personal information of more than 1 million residents, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has called for the creation of a state “Office of Cybersecurity.” Continue reading at KING5 TV.

Clean fuel standard bill headed to Washington House floor
Once again, there’s a movement in the state Legislature for a clean fuel standard — and after a narrow pass by the House Appropriations Committee, it’s headed to the House floor. The House passed a clean fuel standard each year for the past two sessions, but it didn’t make it through the Senate. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (AP)

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Associated Press
Spokane synagogue vandalized with painted swastikas
FEMA rejects individual aid for E. Wash. wildfire victims

Aberdeen Daily World
Inslee signs unemployment insurance relief into law, marking first bill signing of session (Keiser)
Democrats push new tax on billionaires (Frame, Sullivan)
Coastal commercial Dungeness crab fishing gets the go-ahead starting Feb. 16
Harbor hospitals treating COVID patients, available beds not currently an issue
How local lawmakers voted in Olympia last week (Tharinger, Chapman, Van De Wege)

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Families can soon apply for funds to cover COVID funeral costs, Democratic lawmakers say
Whatcom County surpasses 6,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 160 reported Monday
One Whatcom region sees its COVID-19 infection rate climb, as decreases slow elsewhere
After receiving 700 COVID vaccine doses last week, how many should Whatcom expect now?
Washington health insurers ordered to open a special 3-month enrollment period
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington
Inslee praises bold thinking in $33 billion proposal to breach 4 Snake River dams
‘It’s not a game,’ as Bellingham council faces profanity, personal attacks online
Whatcom County corrections deputy suspected of smuggling contraband to female inmate
As frigid weather sets in, Bellingham opens temporary warming site for the homeless

Capital Press
Hemp’s potential relies on better regulation, more research, experts say
Court: Conservation commission cut corners in ousting supervisors
Bill criticized for discouraging farmworker housing in Washington (Lovelett)
Washington Senate Democrats champion environmental justice (Saldaña)

Columbian
In Our View: Oregon drug decriminalization provides insight

The Daily News
Port of Kalama, NWIW appeal Ecology’s methanol permit denial
Parents, teachers, students push Longview to begin hybrid learning in secondary schools

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Op-ed by Rep. Lauren Davis: Don’t ignore science on cannabis concentrates’ potency
The county’s vaccine supply is growing, but more is needed
Election workers, vaccine equity and a testy GOP presser (Jinkins, Frockt)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
South Kitsap, Bainbridge Island school levies passing
Submariner from Gig Harbor dies of COVID-19 complications
New Silverdale library to open this year in old Central Kitsap High School wing
A week after opening, Woodward Middle School closes as two COVID-19 cases are identified
Emerging racial disparities found in Washington state’s data on early vaccination efforts
Plan ahead for long days during Agate Pass Bridge work

News Tribune (subscription required)
Puyallup homeless shelter won’t fix everything, but it does provide a reason for hope
Pierce County sees fewer than 80 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday
Families can soon apply for funds to cover COVID funeral costs, Democratic lawmakers say
UPDATE: All spots filled for Tacoma Dome COVID vaccine events this week
Editorial: Thugs harassing Washington state election workers? Unacceptable. Maybe this will help

New York Times
Impeachment Updates: New Chilling Video Expected as Trump’s Trial Begins
Georgia Prosecutors Open Criminal Investigation of Trump Phone Call
The Radically Simple New Approach to Helping Families: Send Parents Money

Olympian (subscription required)
No first-dose COVID-19 vaccine clinics this week as Thurston adds just 15 cases Tuesday
Double masks may offer extra protection against coronavirus infection, CDC study says
Washington health insurers ordered to open a special 3-month enrollment period
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington
Inslee praises bold thinking in $33 billion proposal to breach 4 Snake River dams
‘Terrible’ Trump impeachment defense left Senate Republicans ‘stunned’ and ‘perplexed’
2 inches of snow could fall in the Olympia area this week

Peninsula Daily News
Judge halts Proud Boy’s release in Capitol breach case
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Clallam, Jefferson health officers urge COVID test with respiratory symptoms

Puget Sound Business Journal
Do Fed policies fuel bubbles? Some see GameStop as a red flag
Biden courts business support for aid package and contested minimum-wage increase
Report: Seattle ranked 6th among US metros for residents leaving in 2020
Boeing beats Airbus on monthly deliveries to start 2021

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Seattle ranks 2nd for willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19
A local Republican made the strongest case yet for Trump’s impeachment, but is anybody listening?
‘Piecemealing couch pennies’: Government and nonprofits scramble to keep hotels for homeless open with federal funding unclear
More Puget Sound-area foot ferries could cut travel times, new study says
King County Council rebukes preferential COVID-19 vaccinations, calls on state to take action
Washington state lawmakers want to strengthen cybersecurity in Olympia after massive data breach (Carlyle)
Opinion: Honor Billy Frank Jr.’s legacy in the U.S. Capitol

Seattle Weekly
Legislator’s bill proposes wiping advisory votes from your ballot (Kuderer)

Skagit Valley Herald
Appeals hearing held for Lake Erie Pit gravel mine expansion

Spokesman Review
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: The synagogue vandal grows from an entire ecosystem of hatred
Washington Health Secretary hopes COVID-19 vaccine will be widely available by late spring, early summer
Building permit filed with city of Spokane Valley connects Amazon to Project Fireball
Nearly 200 people vaccinated in Spokane’s homeless shelters

Tri-City Herald
COVID outbreak sidelines Hermiston football players and coaches
Inslee praises bold thinking in $33 billion proposal to breach 4 Snake River dams
Tri-Cities COVID cases are dropping but rate is still higher than for WA
Tri-Cities airport video illustrates flying in the time of COVID

USA Today
They rioted at the Capitol for Trump. Now, many of those arrested say it’s his fault.
Live impeachment updates: Democrats to show previously unseen security video of Capitol riots at trial Wednesday
How much rent relief will I get? You’re more likely to get help if you’re white and live in rural America.

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
A new police station will be on the May ballot for Milton-Freewater voters
Fifth Avenue bridge over Mill Creek in Walla Walla up for removal after public feedback
Walla Walla County reports 14 new cases of COVID-19, no new deaths Tuesday

Washington Post
House managers to lay out case that Trump incited Capitol riot as Senate trial continues
The Jan. 6 images were already disturbing. The impeachment-trial video makes them terrifying.
Senate votes to pursue Trump impeachment trial after declaring the proceedings constitutional

Yakima Herald Republic
Mask numbers remain above 90% in Yakima County
Yakima County sees more booster doses in this week’s COVID vaccine allocation
Amazon ordered to stop selling illegal pesticides online

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
UW Medicine delays some 2nd vaccine doses due to limited supply
Puyallup residents demand action over racist statue displayed on a roof
Washington state data breach prompts calls for new cybersecurity office (Carlyle)

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Suspect dead in officer-involved shooting in Seattle
Mobile vaccine teams received like heroes in King County adult homes
From unemployment to stimulus checks, what to expect out of your 2020 tax season
Local providers improve access to second dose appointments
Trump impeachment: What to expect in the Senate trial

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Toolkit highlights web of surveillance systems in downtown Seattle
Seattle City Council asks for judicial review before approving crowd control rules

KNKX FM
Masks thought to be made by 3M turn out to be fake; lots of questions yet to be answered
Historical society, UW students team up to preserve pandemic stories

KUOW FM
Seattle Now: Seattle’s vaccine snake oil salesman

NW Public Radio
Washington State’s Vaccine Rollout Highlights Difficulty Of Enforcing Eligibility And Line-Jumping

Web

Crosscut
Groups denounce selection of Joe Fain to redistricting commission
Bill Gates is investing big in American farmland
Podcast | What Joe Biden’s opening moves say about America’s future
Podcast | Protecting shrub-steppe, WA’s most overlooked ecosystem
Opinion: The pandemic taught me to stop apologizing for my access needs

MyNorthwest
Burien joins Seattle in enacting hazard pay for grocery store workers
Homicide suspect dead after Seattle police return fire, second victim critically injured
Clean fuel standard bill headed to Washington House floor
Bill in state Legislature would require Uber, Lyft to have more electric vehicles
Washington postal workers push for vaccine after outbreak in Kent facility
Seattle-King County Public Health stresses importance of multi-layered masks
All lanes of NB I-5 reopened in Everett after wrong way driver collision
Data breach at company that sends utility bills for Monroe, Redmond
Seattle council wary of large changes to SPD policies after rebuke from judge

Seattle P.I.
‘Vaccine appointment roulette’: King County residents frustrated over COVID vaccine scheduling

Slog
Washington Clean Fuels Bill Clears Key House Committee (Sullivan, Springer, Fitzgibbon, Hobbs)
WA GOP Senators Flip Out After Journalists Ask Questions About Joe Fain’s Appointment

Tuesday, February 9

Inslee signs bill to raise unemployment benefit, freeze taxes paid by businesses
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed an unemployment insurance bill to help businesses and workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It will increase the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers starting in July and will prevent a dramatic increase in unemployment taxes paid by businesses. Continue reading at KOMO TV.

Legislator’s bill proposes wiping advisory votes from your ballot
Legislators are looking to get rid of the advisory votes that allow voters to give feedback on tax-raising legislation. Senate Bill 5182’s primary sponsor, Sen. Patty Kuderer (D-Bellevue), called advisory votes a “failed experiment” during the bill’s public hearing on Jan. 20. Continue reading at The Auburn Reporter. (File)

Legislative lookahead: Deadline looms for bills unrelated to Washington state budget
The first big deadline of Washington’s Legislative session is coming up, a week from Monday. That’s when non-budget related bills need to pass out of committee if they’re going to survive to see another day. Among those on the agenda this week: bills addressing the harassment of election workers and a proposal to allow school districts to experiment with a year-round schedule. Continue reading at KUOW. (Jim Heising)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
County records its 40th Covid death
Spectators limited at high school sporting events
Aberdeen council, downtown revitalization organization working on new contract
Washington governor signs bill to help workers, businesses

Auburn Reporter
Legislator’s bill proposes wiping advisory votes from your ballot (Kuderer)

Bainbridge Island Review
Violation? Ranking system or secret vote?

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
‘Balance of power.’ Tri-Citians ask WA lawmakers to limit governor’s power to declare emergencies
Phone scammers targeting health care providers, Attorney General’s Office warns
Whatcom County surpasses 6,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 160 reported Monday
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington
There’s help for Whatcom seniors who aren’t tech-savvy and want the COVID-19 vaccine
How much did Bellingham spend on the removal of a downtown homeless encampment?
Stimulus checks would be capped at $100,000 income under Democrat plan. What we know

Capital Press
Simpson’s salmon recovery, dam breaching plan a ‘non-starter,’ ag reps say
House panel backs privatizing rule enforcement (Sells)

The Daily News
Good news from Cowlitz County: COVID-19 cases slowly trending down
Cowlitz County Superior Court Judges end contract with ICE to house youth

Everett Herald (subscription required)
New law averts big spike in unemployment taxes on businesses (Keiser, Sells)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: Vaccinations are going well, as long as you’re white
Bloomberg Commentary: Lies shouldn’t get a free pass on social media
Letter: Pandemic shows importance of rural internet access
Letter: System has to prioritize vaccines for those most at risk

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Man shot at by Kitsap sheriff’s deputy charged with DUI

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma health systems discover suspected counterfeit N95s in supplies amid statewide search
Tacoma schools to expand in-person learning for grades K-2
Editorial: Ban vaccine appointments for privileged VIPs, demand access for all Washingtonians
Can you visit loved ones after getting a COVID vaccine? It depends, experts say
Tacoma club linked with fatal shooting violated ‘cease operations’ order from city

New York Times
Crisis Spurs Congress Toward Big Measures to Lift Families From Poverty
Trump Impeachment Live Updates: 2nd Trial Begins Today

Olympian (subscription required)
Shelton’s ‘Don’ Ricardo Del Bosque dies after 6-month battle with COVID-19
Thurston County adds 34 COVID-19 cases Monday
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington
Here’s what you need to know about noise on JBLM this week
Trump impeachment trial starts in Senate today — you can watch it live here
Plan to bring 2, 600-foot ships to the Port of Olympia is not happening, official says
Washington is home to one of the healthiest cities in the US, report says. Here’s why

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
First COVID-19 doses still delayed

Puget Sound Business Journal
Inslee signs business tax relief package, boosts unemployment benefits (Keiser, Sells)
Attorney deems lawsuit against Seattle’s ‘hazard pay’ ordinance a ‘long shot’
The gig economy dipped again in the fall. But how bad was it?
Minimum wage hike would help poverty but cost jobs, budget office says
$14.4M approved for West Seattle Bridge repairs
Opinion: Economic recovery will depend on adaptation and reinvention of our cities

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Seattle’s disclosure of police records lags as experts question legality of city’s practices, funding
Can a fourth wave of COVID-19 be prevented? Not likely, says Fred Hutch model — but the curve could be flattened
Turmoil surfaces in Seattle City Council’s push to reimagine public safety
Inslee signs unemployment insurance tax cut, boost in jobless benefits to help those hurt by COVID-19 (Keiser, Sells)
Washington’s immigrant and refugee elders face challenges in COVID-19 vaccine access
A handful of Washington schools are rapid testing staff and students for COVID-19. Is it working?
‘Serious concerns’ over Washington state’s proposed ban on registration of new gas passenger cars (Macri, Fey)
Editorial: Interstate compact would help nurses get to work

Skagit Valley Herald
Youngest students return to Mount Vernon campuses
With COVID-19 cases dropping, Skagit County on the way to further reopening

South Seattle Emerald
Black Brilliance Research Project, born from Seattle’s Black Lives Matter protests, moving on without King County Equity Now
Opinion: To heal our collective trauma, we must first face it
Top SPD officials asked King County Jail officials to override COVID restrictions and book nonviolent protestors. They complied.

Spokesman Review
Mask frauds hits Washington hospitals; some workers were using counterfeit N95 respirators
Central Valley STEM class manufactures face shields using 3D printers

Tri-City Herald
62 lose their jobs after massive fire destroys potato processing plant
Richland school leaders are ignoring teacher safety and training concerns, says union
‘Balance of power.’ Tri-Citians ask WA lawmakers to limit governor’s power to declare emergencies
Tri-Cities COVID vaccine site outperforms other WA sites. New cases dropping
These Tri-Citians teamed up to heal a leading cause of local homelessness

Vancouver Business Journal
January windstorm is reminder of value of diverse energy sources

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
New COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Walla Walla County
Health officials: Walla Walla, Umatilla counties continue to vaccinate as fast as possible
Saturday school? Afternoon tutoring? Dayton School District eyes more help for students
Health officials: Walla Walla, Umatilla counties continue to vaccinate as fast as possible
Police: Pendleton man Richard A. Smith arrested after cutting off electronic monitoring anklet
Walla Walla police arrest woman on drug charges while on burglary call

Washington Post
Trump’s second impeachment trial to begin with clash over constitutionality of proceedings
Seeking to combat extremists in ranks, the military struggles to answer a basic question: How many are there?
Trump’s lawyers say he was immediately ‘horrified’ by the Capitol attack. Here’s what his allies and aides said really happened that day.

Yakima Herald Republic
Financial assistance helps Yakima Valley restaurants, but losses remain massive
Yakima County jail to get two rapid COVID-19 testing machines
Special meeting set to discuss legal issues raised by Yakima County Commission’s new health board rules
One month later, Northwest lawmakers reflect on ‘horror and disgust’ of the Capitol siege
Federal and state legislation may provide additional relief for restaurants

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
$3,600 per child: Congress considers COVID-19 payments to families
UW School of Nursing creates Center for Antiracism, tackling healthcare disparities
Mukilteo teachers build desks for students without at-home workspaces
Seattle mayor signs legislation to ban natural gas in some new buildings

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Race, credit scoring, and the most expensive neighborhood for car insurance in Washington
Gov. Inslee signs law with unemployment tax relief
Millions of potentially fake N95 masks pulled from hospital shelves
Facebook launching tools to battle COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, share public health info
Work sites are third most likely place to contract COVID

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Inslee signs bill to raise unemployment benefit, freeze taxes paid by businesses (Keiser)
Will Lumen Field be used as mass COVID-19 vaccination site?
New federal rules on transgender discrimination stirs hope in Washington state
New report shows Hispanic people in WA are getting less than their fair share of vaccine

KNKX FM
Watch Live: Trump Impeachment Trial In The Senate
Masks thought to be made by 3M turn out to be fake; lots of questions yet to be answered
Judge halts WA Proud Boy’s release in Capitol breach case
Inslee signs bill to help unemployed workers, struggling businesses
King County prosecutor says case backlog due to COVID pause must be addressed

KUOW FM
Cowlitz County youth jail moves to end contract with ICE
Here’s What You Need To Know About The Senate Impeachment Trial
Pandemic updates for Washington state
Seattle-area Proud Boy ordered to return to D.C. for Capitol riot hearing
Republican Congressman Ron Wright Of Texas Dies After COVID-19 Hospitalization
Legislative lookahead: Deadline looms for bills unrelated to Washington state budget
Trump Lawyers Reject Impeachment Case, Calling It ‘Political Theater’

NW Public Radio
Washington ‘Cattlegate’ Continues: Bankruptcy Complicates Creditors’ Claims To Easterday Empire

Q13 TV (Fox)
Communities report vaccine deliveries halted across Washington
Advocates in Tacoma rush to provide more resources for homeless as temperatures drop
Judge halts Proud Boy’s release in Capitol breach case

Web

Crosscut
Opinion: On human rights, Amazon is at a crossroads
WA immigration advocates want to do more than erase the Trump years

MyNorthwest
Seattle council debates reworked limits on crowd control weapons, SPD budget cut
Man killed in Kittitas County avalanche identified as WSP trooper
Mayor Durkan signs ban on gas heating in new apartments and buildings into law
Lawmakers aim to have Washington join Oregon in decriminalizing drug possession
Unemployment bill becomes first Washington bill signed into law in 2021
Pretrial release of Seattle-area Proud Boy overturned, will face charges for Capitol siege in DC
Washington AG doubles down on bid to fight pandemic price gouging
WA Rep. Lekanoff: Banning use of Native mascots is ‘how we honor the first Americans’
COVID-19 updates: Gov. Inslee signs bill to help workers, businesses

Slog
Participatory Budget Research Project Cuts Ties with King County Equity Now
We’re Running Low on Blood — But Teenagers Could Save Us (Liias)
Our Next Mayor Needs to Be a Municipal Broadband Champion
Washington State Considers Decriminalizing Small Amounts of Drugs (Davis, Harris-Talley)

Monday, February 8

Bill seeks to ban Native American mascots in WA schools
Ivy Pete is a student at North Central High School in Spokane and a member of the Pyramid Lake-Paiute Tribe of northern Nevada. Pete, 16 and a junior, is working to pass a bill to ban Native American mascots from public schools in Washington. She says such mascots do not actually honor individual tribes. Rather, they dehumanize Native Americans, erase the history of genocide and parody what indigenous people look like, Pete said this week. Continue reading at KNKX. (Rick Bowmer)

Washington’s immigrant and refugee elders face challenges in COVID-19 vaccine access
Still, more than two weeks into the current phase, immigrant and refugee elders continue to face challenges in accessing the vaccine, from language barriers to a lack of transportation and technology, say group members Helping Link and Neighborhood House, two nonprofits that serve immigrant and refugee populations. Their experiences reflect concerns about inequities around the rollout voiced by marginalized communities throughout the state. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Here’s how the state will spend $2.2B in federal pandemic aid
Administer vaccines. Resume classroom instruction. Reopen shuttered businesses. Assist those who can’t make rent. Those are the largest targets of $2.2 billion in federal money lawmakers will soon disperse across the state to fund the ongoing response to the pandemic and to restore a semblance of normalcy to public life. Continue reading at The Everett Herald.