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Thursday, April 15

Slew of police reform bills headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk
As Washington lawmakers began wrapping up their work on an ambitious package of police accountability legislation in the past week, reminders of the cause were not hard to come by. In Minneapolis, prosecutors were concluding their murder case against former officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, the Black man who died after Chauvin pressed a knee to his neck for about nine minutes. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

Washington state governor OKs bill banning for-profit jails
One of the country’s largest for-profit, privately run immigration jails would be shut down by 2025 under a bill signed Wednesday by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. The measure approved by the Washington Legislature bans for-profit detention centers in the state. The only facility that meets that definition is the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, a 1,575-bed immigration jail operated by the GEO Group under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Continue reading at KXLY.

In view of Billy Frank Jr.’s canoe, Gov. Inslee signs bill to send statue to D.C.
Steps from the Nisqually River where Billy Frank Jr. fished and facing his mounted dugout canoe, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill into law Wednesday to honor Frank, champion of treaty rights and environmental protections, with a statue at the nation’s Capitol. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Steve Bloom)

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Associated Press
Statue of Native American leader step closer to U.S. Capitol (Lekanoff)
Slew of police reform bills headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk (Entenman)
Vaccines open to all as health officials warn of 4th wave
Homeless Americans finally getting a chance at COVID-19 shot
US jobless claims plunge to 576,000, lowest since pandemic
J&J vaccine to remain in limbo while officials seek evidence
Washington state governor OKs bill banning for-profit jails
Inslee OKs bill banning for-profit jails
Washington health officials urge patience as all adults become eligible for vaccine Thursday

Aberdeen Daily World
Still slots open for Friday mass vaccination site first dose clinic
Commentary: I’m a conservative. Here’s why I support the For the People Act

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
In view of Billy Frank Jr.’s canoe, Gov. Inslee signs bill to send statue to D.C. (Lekanoff)
Murder hornets could be attracted to your hummingbird feeder, Washington officials say
Inslee speeds prison release for more than a dozen convicted of simple drug possession
Whatcom County reports four more fully vaccinated residents test positive for COVID-19
Whatcom expecting 600 more vaccine doses from state, sees 29 new COVID cases Tuesday
Over 200 vaccinated Washingtonians test positive for COVID. That’s not unexpected
Tax Day becomes Vax Day on Thursday when all WA residents 16 and older qualify for shots
Adults vaccinated for COVID can gather safely, but can kids join in? What experts say
If you’ve had COVID, your first vaccine dose may cause worse side effects. Here’s why
COVID vaccines should last nine months, FDA says, amid debate over booster shots

Capital Press
USDA cancels Farmers to Families Food Box Program
Tom Vilsack: Secretary of Agriculture talks about issues facing farmers and his plans for USDA
Ex-Weyerhaeuser manager gets prison in $4.5M fraud scheme

Columbian
Clark County Public Health chief urges vaccinations as case counts climb
Tower Mall COVID-19 vaccination appointments open in Vancouver
Clark County reports 76 new COVID-19 cases as total passes 20,000
COVID-19 tests provide crucial clues about how to fight coronavirus, but they’ve fallen in Washington state
In Our View: Biden should make Hanford cleanup a priority
Letter: Restrictions are needed

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Food demand continues to rise in central Washington
Yakima Valley College to Continue Online Learning in Fall
COVID-19 vaccines to be administered in Granger on Wednesday

Everett Herald (subscription required)
‘One in a million’ side effect halts Johnson & Johnson vaccine
U.S. 2 trestle rebuild part of Senate transportation package (Hobbs, Fitzgibbon, Fey)
Package funding U.S. 2 trestle, Monroe bypass on the move (Hobbs)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance

High Country News
Will COVID-19 vaccinations mean more prison overcrowding deaths?

The Inlander
Developer says the U.S. should follow Washington state’s lead to maximize clean building in its national infrastructure plan
Abolish the Police: In their absence, build a more just society

News Tribune (subscription required)
Inslee says no to Pierce County’s request for more COVID-19 vaccine doses
COVID-19 cases confirmed Wednesday in Pierce County climb above 100
Sunny days here to stay in Tacoma, and temps could reach 80 this weekend
Tax Day becomes Vax Day on Thursday when all WA residents 16 and older qualify for shots
An infamous Tacoma motel will soon become a shelter for homeless moms. Will it work?
Editorial: New Black history holiday good for Washington. But don’t slight this minority group

New York Times
Covid-19 Live Updates: Johnson & Johnson ‘Pause’ Shakes Vaccinations Worldwide
Retail Sales Jump and Jobless Claims Drop in New Signs of Recovery: Live Updates
House Panel Advances Bill to Study Reparations in Historic Vote
As the Senate advances a bill addressing hate crimes targeting Asian-Americans, Biden names a liaison to the community.
Biden Takes On Sagging Safety Net With Plan to Fix Long-Term Care

Olympian (subscription required)
Family of Black man killed by police will be paid $4.4 million by Washington city
Thurston County reports 28 new COVID-19 cases, increasing overall total to 8,156
Olympia’s Police Chief search postponed until late 2021
Any Thurston County adult can get a COVID-19 vaccine at these weekend events
In view of Billy Frank Jr.’s canoe, Gov. Inslee signs bill to send statue to D.C. (Lekanoff)
Blaze destroys Port of Shelton commercial building Tuesday night

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Everyone 16 and older now eligible for COVID vaccine

Port Townsend Leader
Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinics canceled in Washington
Four new COVID-19 cases reported in Jefferson County

Seattle Medium
Families And Educators Are Optimistic About SPS’ Return To In-Person Learning

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Inslee signs into law bill to put statue honoring Billy Frank Jr. in U.S. Capitol (Lekanoff)
Seattle teachers union approves deal for middle- and high-school return
Standardized tests for Washington state students delayed until fall 2021
As thousands get vaccinated against COVID, joy, relief and gratitude spread in Seattle
Kent to pay $4.4 million to family of Black man killed by police
Editorial: Get grants moving to help entertainment venues survive
Western State Hospital CEO who led Washington’s psychiatric facility through turbulence to step down
Seattle really is ‘CRAZYTOWN’ — and it will be our salvation after a rough year

Skagit Valley Herald
Officials, residents celebrate completion of Maddox Creek project

South Seattle Emerald
Vaccination path forward temporarily unclear for thousands of King County residents
SPS educators confront issues of race and disability as students return to schools
Durkan revisits push to move parking enforcement from police to SDOT

Spokesman Review
Woman’s Club of Spokane wants homeless shelter out of its building
Law and Justice Council members push back against proposal to dissolve their group
All Washington residents ages 16 and older eligible for vaccines starting Thursday
Each state honors two residents with statues in the U.S. Capitol. Washington will replace pioneer Marcus Whitman’s.
Students in Washington won’t have to take two standardized tests this spring, OSPI says

Washington Post
Chauvin declines to testify, invoking his Fifth Amendment right as defense rests its case
D.C. Guard misused helicopters in low-flying confrontation with George Floyd protesters, Army concludes
40 acres and a mule: How the first reparations for slavery ended in betrayal
Opinion: A coronavirus-infected Republican’s anger at Trump signals turbulence ahead

Yakima Herald Republic
All Washingtonians 16 and up now eligible for COVID vaccine
Decision on controversial Yakima health board rules tabled again
Sunnyside School District to return to full-time in person by end of April
Yakima Valley College to continue remote learning through the fall
Investigation finds nearly 200 cops with credibility issues still working in Washington state

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility opens to everyone 16 and older in Washington, but supply still lags demand
Pierce County executive, Inslee disagree over COVID-19 vaccine supply demands

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Vaccines opening to general public; new appointment alert tool launched by CovidWA.com
Worries of a fourth wave as vaccine eligibility about to expand
WA: 217 COVID-19 cases found among 1.7M fully vaccinated
Kent to pay $4.4 million to family of man killed by police
Two major homeless camps in Tacoma will get toilets, trash bins as part of city pilot

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Software developers, volunteers helping Washingtonians track down vaccine appointments
After union fight, Jeff Bezos to focus on Amazon workers
State health officials fear Washington is entering 4th wave in coronavirus pandemic
Some challenging disparities in arrests during Seattle protests

KNKX FM
Meet Rena Priest, Washington’s first Indigenous poet laureate
Billy Frank Jr. in, Marcus Whitman out as part of U.S. Capitol statue swap
Hate Crimes Task Force proposed by King County councilman and prosecutor
Inslee signs bill banning private prisons, including Tacoma ICE facility

KUOW FM
Washington’s state-run vaccination sites to extend hours to improve access
Signs Of Economic Boom Emerge As Retail Sales Surge, Jobless Claims Hit Pandemic Low
As Auto Industry Goes Electric, Can It Avoid A Battery Bottleneck?
Blog: Pandemic updates for Washington
Washington state auditor’s report details unemployment fraud
Billy Frank Jr. in, Marcus Whitman out as part of U.S. Capitol statue swap
April 14th | How do we manage Covid anxiety?
Washington state halts Johnson & Johnson vaccinations amid blood clot investigation

KXLY (ABC)
Vaccine eligibility expands in Washington Thursday. Here’s how to book an appointment

NW Public Radio
It’s Official: Statue Honoring Billy Frank Jr. To Replace Marcus Whitman At U.S. Capitol
Washington Auditor Says State Unemployment Fraud Likely Much Higher Than $647 Million

Q13 TV (Fox)
Vaccine eligibility opens up for Washingtonians while health experts worry about fourth surge
Vaccine ‘breakthrough’ cases double in Washington, but still .01 percent of all vaccinations
Vaccine fairy works magic for hundreds across Western Washington
City of Kent to pay $4.4 million to family of unarmed Black man shot and killed by police
Washington students will not have to take state exams this spring

Web

Crosscut
Centralia pot lab may be the first in WA to lose its license
After COVID, brain fog lingers. UW researchers are finding out why

Slog
The House Wants to Lift the Eviction Moratorium Before Tenant Protections Kick into Gear (Macri, Paul, Chapman, Rule, Kuderer, Peterson)
Meanwhile, in Portland: The Portland Police Union Headquarters in Flames on Second Night of Daunte Wright Protests

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit has questions for you. Plus – see early property-acquisition estimates

Wednesday, April 14

WA Senate passes bill to lower unemployment insurance tax hit next year
The Washington State Senate unanimously passed a bill to lower the unemployment insurance tax hike for small businesses next year. Unemployment insurance is paid solely by taxes on business owners. The taxes are set to skyrocket in the next few years to refill the Unemployment Trust Fund, which has been all but depleted from the record number of people on jobless benefits this past year. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (David Zalubowski)

Bill on equity training moves past House
School personnel in Washington state may be required to go through equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism training if a bill is signed into law during this year’s state legislative session. Senate Bill [5044], which passed in the House Sunday in a 57-40 vote, would include equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism standards in existing cultural competency training school board directors, district and school staff must undergo, according to the bill’s text. Continue reading at The Columbia Basin Herald.

After A Turbulent Year, Washington State Poised To Ban Guns At Protests, Capitol Grounds
After a summer of armed, mostly white “patrols” at racial justice protests and the winter insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Washington lawmakers are ready to ban guns at demonstrations and the statehouse. Continue reading at InvestigateWest. (Emily McCarty)

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Associated Press
Gray whale could be sick from tracking tag
Audit: Unemployment fraud likely higher than $647 million
Washington follows feds in halting use of J&J vaccine
Biden to detail pullout plans for last troops in Afghanistan

Aberdeen Daily World
Clean fuel standard, ‘cap-and-trade’ proposals pass state Senate
Commentary: Voter suppression will be the lasting effect of Trump’s Big Lie

Auburn Reporter
Johnson & Johnson vaccine halted in Washington over side effect
High court ruling spurs effort to retool state’s drug laws

Bainbridge Island Review
Kitsap to start diversion, equity, inclusion committee

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here’s how many Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses have been administered in Washington state
A revision to Washington state’s Death with Dignity Act stalls in the Senate
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
While two Whatcom regions see dramatic drops in COVID rates, three others see increases
As J&J vaccine use is put on hold, here’s how many doses were sent to Whatcom providers
Here’s how to get one of 1,200 first doses of Moderna COVID vaccine at Whatcom clinics
Whatcom surpasses vaccination milestone, as county sees 13 new COVID cases Monday
Fentanyl: A Hidden Danger
Tri-Cities river listed as nation’s most endangered
‘Slave chains’ lesson leads Washington school district to address racial blind spots
WA officials expect ‘minimal disruption’ to vaccine efforts amid Johnson & Johnson pause
FDA and CDC leaders explain why Johnson & Johnson vaccinations are pausing

Capital Press
Officials seek new tools to combat invasive giant hornets

Columbia Basin Herald
Bill on equity training moves past House (Ortiz-Self, Santos, Dolan)

Columbian
Lawmakers Kraft, Wilson say Inslee’s emergency powers need a check (Valdez, Rolfes)
Clark County reports 76 new COVID-19 cases as total passes 20,000
In Our View: Legislature should act to balance government

Covington-Maple Valley Reporter
Guest column: Asian women and racial violence in the aftermath of Atlanta

The Daily News
Return to full in-person classes again postponed for Longview middle, high schoolers as COVID cases climb

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Cornfield Report: Things are heating up in Olympia — and not just the weather (Fitzgibbon, Berg, Jinkins, Mullet, Cleveland, Van De Wege, Hasegawa, Conway)
Bloomberg Comment: Build-to-rent could be affordable housing solution
WaPo Comment: Media again key to ending voting rights filibuster
Editorial: Vaccine passports can nudge more toward immunity

High Country News
Tribal nations adapt to being at ‘ground zero’ of the climate crisis

Journal of the San Juan Islands
House passes $6 billion capital works budget (Frockt)
Senate passes carbon cap after debate (Carlyle, Salomon)

News Tribune (subscription required)
Two major homeless camps in Tacoma will get toilets, trash bins as part of city pilot
Business affected by Phase 2 rollback? Pierce County has grants available

New York Times
Pause in Vaccinations Leads to Canceled Appointments Across States
Capitol Police Told to Hold Back on Riot Response on Jan. 6, Report Finds
Covid-19 Live Updates: Pause on Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine Fuels New Concerns
Hundreds of Companies Unite to Oppose Voting Limits, but Others Abstain
Biden Wants Leaders to Make Climate Commitments for Earth Day
Executives Call for Deep Emission Cuts to Combat Climate Change

North American Post
Asian Art Museum Reopening

Olympian (subscription required)
Olympia to require grocery stores provide hazard pay
JBLM Air Force leader says less than half of wing has been vaccinated against COVID-19
Thurston County reports 26 COVID-19 cases Tuesday
Lines at SeaTac stretch into garage as TSA grapples with staff shortage, airport says
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Thurston County mass vaccination events unaffected by pause in J&J vaccine use
Ferry at Port of Olympia to be replaced by 680-foot Matson ship
WA officials expect ‘minimal disruption’ to vaccine efforts amid Johnson & Johnson pause

Peninsula Daily News
Lummi Nation totem pole making journey to Biden
Officials seek new tools to combat invasive giant hornets
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Puget Sound Business Journal
Tech historian on Alabama union vote: ‘We may look back on this as a loss for Amazon’
Opinion: Data doesn’t support clean fuel standard claims
Washington state pauses distribution of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Study: Most employers say they will allow remote work post-pandemic
How Amazon’s big push into telehealth could shake up heath care delivery

Seattle Medium
Legislature Approves Taylor’s Bill To Increase Access To State Carpool Program (Taylor)
Rod Brandon Named New Executive Director Of The Seattle Housing Authority

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Getting a COVID test is easier than last year and still important
3 arrested in Seattle protest; fire set at Portland police union building
Seattle and Atlanta theaters team up to connect Black theaters, nurture Black playwrights
Lawmakers divided on Washington education bill that eliminates state testing requirement for some student teachers (Mullet)
Inslee commutes 15 prison sentences after Washington Supreme Court overturns drug-possession law
Seattle launches second firefighter-social worker team to cover U District, Ballard

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County providers adjust to pause in use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Skagit Regional Health to close COVID testing clinic

South Seattle Emerald
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in South Seattle and South King County
News Gleams: Vaccines for the masses, three libraries to open, a reparations fund, & more!
Daunte Wright and another Seattle shooting — the cycle of trauma continues
Counterprotesters far outnumber those in support at Seattle ‘white lives matter’ rally
Breaking: King County Executive Dow Constantine has ‘urged’ Sheriff Johanknecht to retire ‘immediately’
Photo Essay: Filipino American ‘die-in’ demands justice for activists killed in the Philippines
Local workers and labor leaders react to Alabama vote to reject Amazon union

Spokesman Review
Pullman businesses disappointed by return to Phase 2: ‘It’s wearing on everybody’
Washington pauses Johnson & Johnson vaccine administration while federal agencies study ‘very rare’ blood clots
Longtime conservation leader abruptly fired by Lands Council board of directors
Despite move to Phase 2, Whitman County, WSU optimistic ‘things are headed in good direction’
Washington’s COVID-19 unemployment fraud is likely higher than first thought, a new report says
As decision looms, Spokane Public Schools’ online survey shows widespread support for downtown stadium

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities area new COVID cases keep trending up this week
Tri-Cities river listed as nation’s most endangered
Kennewick police dog finds burglar under the laundry. It’s his 2nd ‘arrest’ this week
Thousands received J&J COVID vaccine in Tri-Cities — what to do if you got it or plan to
Franklin County administrator keeps his job after calls to fire him
Half the grades at one high school were F’s last fall. How Tri-Cities teachers are turning it around

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Walla Walla driver’s license office will open ‘by appointment only’ next week
Walla Walla County sheriff reports increase in pistol permits in 2020 report
COVID-19 test positivity rate low in Walla Walla, Umatilla counties
Walla Walla County vaccine clinic Wednesday will offer Pfizer vaccines instead of Johnson & Johnson
Walla Walla, Columbia counties still safe in Phase 3 of COVID-19 regulations
Walla Walla police warn of phony cop phone scam
Toss old drugs, needles, tires, electronics and more on ‘Take Back’ weekend in Walla Walla, College Place
Columbia County leaders approve more funding for flood work in Touchet River
Man in stolen car case pleads guilty to lesser crime in Walla Walla County
Walla Walla man takes plea deal for assault conviction in motel burglary case
Wa-Hi grad leads P1FCU effort to serve increasing number of local Hispanic-owned businesses

Washington Post
Underserved communities bear brunt of paused Johnson & Johnson rollout
Kenosha officer who shot Jacob Blake returns to work after internal probe finds ‘he acted within the law’

Yakima Herald Republic
Johnson & Johnson makes up small portion of Yakima County’s COVID vaccine supply
‘The trifecta:’ CWU child care programs support parents, kids and students
Child care providers grapple with new tax questions during pandemic
Yakima County District Court offers program for people to resolve warrants
Opinion: Column: No shoes, no shot, no service. Why vaccine “passports” are a good idea
Opinion: Other Views: Legislature must bolster trust in law enforcement

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Pause in Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine means ‘system is working’
King County executive urges sheriff to retire after internal email on Tommy Le case
Proposed law would test Washington school faucets for lead, notify parents of exposure (Pollet)

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Seattle suddenly cancels 1,200 Lumen Field vaccine appointments
State auditor: More than $1.1B may be missing from Employment Security
DOH pausing Johnson & Johnson doses in Washington while FDA conducts review
Washington state prisoners released after drug law is voided

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Ex-federal attorney to investigate Pierce County Sheriff’s run-in with Black man
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan speak out about destructive street protests
‘It looks like garbage town:’ Graffiti vandals targeting Seattle downtown businesses
King and Snohomish counties fret about falling back to a lower phase amid COVID
Audit: Wash. state unemployment fraud may top $1 billion

KNKX FM
Health officials pause use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine in WA
Federal scientists keep an eye on tagged gray whale after possible infection
COVID, budget, big bills keeping Legislature busy as session winds down

KUOW FM
Washington state halts Johnson & Johnson vaccinations amid blood clot investigation
Climate advocates go to court to block Tacoma gas plant
Blog: Pandemic updates for Washington
Biden Administration Moves To Undo Trump Abortion Rules For Title X
Bill To Create Commission On Reparations Nears Historic House Vote
Tacoma struggles with rollback to Phase 2 of reopening

Q13 TV (Fox)
More than 2,000 J&J appointments postponed in Everett following vaccine pause
Pierce County Council approves $4 million in Phase 2 rollback relief for businesses
Washington state follows feds in halting use of J&J vaccine

Web

Crosscut
After COVID, brain fog lingers. UW researchers are finding out why
Opinion: Good takes and bad takes on the Amazon union vote in Bessemer

Investigate West
After A Turbulent Year, Washington State Poised To Ban Guns At Protests, Capitol Grounds (Kuderer, Senn)

MyNorthwest
Police investigating explosion at Everett apartment building
Three arrested in Seattle for graffiti, obstruction during vigil
With ‘murder hornets’ emerging from hibernation, state lays out new rules to curb spread
WA Senate passes bill to lower unemployment insurance tax hit next year
King County Executive joins growing calls for sheriff’s resignation
Gov. Inslee commutes over a dozen drug sentences after state court decision
Pierce County Exec calls on Inslee to expand vaccine eligibility early after Phase 2 rollback
New audit reports find that Employment Security Department failed to protect against fraud
Seattle officially changes neighborhood name from Lower Queen Anne to Uptown
Washington to pause use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine over ‘very rare side effect’
Hospitalization rates rising in Washington as COVID vaccination effort lags
State Secretary of Health: Must ‘act fast’ in counties with rising COVID cases
Safety measures to expect at Lumen Field for early season Sounders games

Slog
Seattle Senator Joins Conservative Democrats in Threat to Gut Clean Fuels Bill (Fitzgibbon, Mullet, Conway, Hasegawa, Cleveland, Hobbs, Van de Wege)

Tuesday, April 13

Juneteenth set to become an official Washington state holiday
Juneteenth is going to become an official Washington state holiday, as soon as the governor signs legislation that has now passed both the state Senate and House. “Observing June 19th as Juneteenth will recognize the significance of America’s history of slavery, the vestiges of which continue in the oppression from institutional racism that remain today,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Karen Ducey)

Bill curbing lead in school drinking water heads to governor
Washington’s public and private schools will soon need to take new steps to curb children’s exposure to lead in drinking water. The Seattle Times reports House Bill 1139 cleared a final hurdle in the state Senate on a 48-0 vote on Sunday. It’s designed to address gaps in school-safety requirements by mandating schools fix or replace fixtures that leach the toxin into water sources. Continue reading at KOMO News.

Legislature approves ban on Native American school mascots
The Washington Legislature has approved a measure to ban the use of Native American names, symbols and images as school mascots, logos and team names at most public schools in Washington. On a 90-8 vote, the House concurred with changes made in the Senate. Once the measure is signed by Gov. Jay Inslee, the ban would take effect Jan. 1. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

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Associated Press
Legislature approves ban on Native American school mascots
Officials seek new tools to combat invasive giant hornets
Washington state proposal targets Boeing plant’s pollution
Lummi Nation totem pole making journey to Biden
3 Washington counties face tighter coronavirus restrictions
Stocks are mixed as regulators ‘pause’ J&J vaccine rollout
Defense begins case against ex-cop in George Floyd’s death
State Senate approves expansion of low-income tax credit (Nguyen)
Bill curbing lead in school drinking water heads to governor

Aberdeen Daily World
Van De Wege bill to prohibit seabed mining passes Legislature
How local legislators voted in Olympia (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
These 64,000 Whatcom County residents will be eligible for the COVID vaccine this week
Three Washington counties to fall back to Phase 2 of COVID-19 reopening on Friday
This gift to Biden is a reminder of the obligation to honor the rights of Indigenous people
White House says supply of other COVID vaccines is enough as new J&J guidance weighed
Antibody cocktail ‘rapidly’ prevents and treats COVID, study finds. Here’s how
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Federal agencies call for pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine after 1 person dies

Capital Press
Idaho lawmakers hear pitch to absorb three-fourths of Oregon
Washington farm groups embrace OT bill, for this season

Columbian
In Our View: Legislature must bolster trust in law enforcement
Vancouver more than doubles cleaning service contract, citing COVID-19
Letter: How much is truly needed?

The Daily News
Cowlitz County will move back to Phase 2 of Inslee’s reopening plan Friday as COVID cases, hospitalizations rise
Confederated Tribes Of The Umatilla Reservation Open Vaccines To Anyone In 11 Counties

The Daily World
Van De Wege bill to prohibit seabed mining passes Legislature (Van De Wege)

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Washington State Patrol Resumes Highway Patrol Within Yakama Nation

Everett Herald (subscription required)
How employers can help defeat this pandemic through vaccination
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Op-ed by Sen. Liias: State can lead the switch to electric vehicles
Harrop: We built roads for Henry Ford; do the same for EVs
WaPo Comment: Right-wing media’s ‘no angel’ narrative needs to end
Bloomberg Comment: Biden’s two-track economy addresses work divide

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
FDA, CDC recommend pausing use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports of rare but severe blood clots
COVID-19 cases increasing in Washington state, down slightly in Kitsap

News Tribune (subscription required)
Pierce County seeks more COVID-19 vaccines in battle to get back to Phase 3
The fight over Tacoma’s liquified-natural gas plant continues. Will permits be upheld?
More in-person days for Puyallup students with new social distancing requirements
Did Troyer’s decision to follow newspaper carrier violate Sheriff’s Department policy?
Slain deputy’s family can’t sue Pierce County for wrongful death, judge decides
Pierce County gets ‘gut punch’ rollback to Phase 2, seeking options to help businesses
A refresher on what you can and can’t do at a Pierce County restaurant or bar in Phase 2
City of Tacoma to clear homeless encampment along East 72nd Street
Vaccination clinic for grocery/retail workers another step toward herd immunity
More than 400 new COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend in Pierce County
Editorial: OK to be angry about Pierce County slipping to Phase 2. It’s part of grief process

New York Times
Covid-19 Live Updates: U.S. Calls for Pause on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine, Complicating Rollout
Inflation Rate Rises as the Economy Reawakens: Live Updates
N.C.A.A. Responds, Tentatively, to Transgender Athlete Bans
Biden to announce full withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan by Sept. 11.
China poses the biggest threat to the U.S., a new intelligence report says.

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County median home price rises 20 percent compared to March 2020
Federal agencies call for pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine after 1 person dies
Ferry will have to move after Port of Olympia approves deal for 680-foot ship
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Thurston County adds 67 COVID-19 cases over weekend
Three Washington counties to fall back to Phase 2 of COVID-19 reopening on Friday
State Patrol seeks information on person accused of assault at Capitol Campus

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Clallam County returns to high-risk category; Jefferson County up to moderate

Puget Sound Business Journal
Pierce, 2 other counties will move back a phase; King County remains in Phase 3
Investment analysts see little cause for alarm over new 737 Max issue

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Boeing wins orders and resumes 787 deliveries as March hints at positive momentum
Proposal to address homelessness in Seattle city charter met with intrigue, skepticism
Seattle man wonders if his childhood friend is the leader of Q-Anon
King County Executive Dow Constantine urges Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht to retire
Opinion: National Archives scare shows why Congress needs to act

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County remains in Phase 3 of reopening

Spokesman Review
Charge your engines: Spokane could lease electric Hyundai Konas
Spokane County will stay in Phase 3 for now; Whitman County among those moving back
El Mercadito is a market and more for Spokane’s Latino community
Despite move to Phase 2, Whitman County, WSU optimistic ‘things are headed in good direction’
Bill to restructure public health gets big changes in Legislature after passing state Senate (Riccelli)
US recommends ‘pause’ for J&J vaccine over clot reports

Tri-City Herald
Baby goats help raise money for Wishing Star, Tri-Cities kids
Commercial plane hits bird taking off at Tri-Cities Airport, forcing emergency landing
40-mph gusts, blinding dust expected to make Tri-Cities highways treacherous
Kennewick arrest got wild. Police car rammed, officer thrown, Taser didn’t slow him
Three Washington counties to fall back to Phase 2 of COVID-19 reopening on Friday
Fire gutted a historic Richland house 9 months ago. Why is it still standing?
Firing administrator could cost Franklin County thousands. It’s back on the agenda
40-mph gusts, blinding dust expected to make Tri-Cities highways treacherous
Ex-Hanford contractors to pay $6M to settle fraud lawsuit — but still come out ahead
WSU Pullman COVID spike forces drop to Phase 2. Franklin County fares better
Half the grades at one high school were F’s last fall. How Tri-Cities teachers are turning it around
Tri-Cities area COVID cases top 27,000 after jump in new cases over the weekend
Commercial plane hits bird taking off at Tri-Cities Airport, forcing emergency landing
Kennewick arrest got wild. Police car rammed, officer thrown, Taser didn’t slow him
‘Living on.’ Tri-Cities mom’s COVID scare renews memories of her lost son’s last gift
Community rallies around Tri-Cities restaurant owner after bitter cancer diagnosis
Hundreds of Tri-Cities food processing, farm workers turn out for COVID vaccines
Tri-Cities man used fraud to get around insurance policy limits. Now he must pay $18,000
Tri-City Herald death notices April 12, 2021
Baby goats help raise money for Wishing Star, Tri-Cities kids
Tri-Cities students still struggling with distance learning

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

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Gardening season blooms at Frog Hollow Farm
COVID-19 test positivity rate low in Walla Walla, Umatilla counties
Toss old drugs, needles, tires, electronics and more on ‘Take Back’ weekend in Walla Walla, College Place
COVID-19 test positivity rate low in Walla Walla, Umatilla counties
Walla Walla, Columbia counties still safe in Phase 3 of COVID-19 regulations
Vaccine availability lower this week as COVID-19 cases stay steady in Umatilla, Walla Walla counties
Inslee to announce possible new COVID restrictions Monday
Man in stolen car case pleads guilty to lesser crime in Walla Walla County
Columbia County leaders approve more funding for flood work in Touchet River
Walla Walla man takes plea deal for assault conviction in motel burglary case
Wa-Hi grad leads P1FCU effort to serve increasing number of local Hispanic-owned businesses
Walla Walla man pleads not guilty in jail staff assault, seeks release to Spokane
Milton-Freewater and Athena-Weston schools make the jump to full days

Washington Post
Biden will withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021
FDA, CDC call for pause in use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after ‘extremely rare’ cases of rare blood clots
Opinion: Republicans bear some responsibility for right-wing terrorism
What AOC’s and FKA twigs’ stories teach us about surviving sexual assault
Officer Kim Potter fatally shot Daunte Wright, police said. She’s a 26-year vet, served as union president.

Yakima Herald Republic
Child care providers face new tax questions because of pandemic
Yakima County to remain in Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan
Tax filing deadline not postponed for everyone. What quarterly taxpayers need to know
Washington state proposal targets Boeing plant’s pollution
Council changes indecent exposure law to OK breastfeeding

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Pierce County one of three moving back to Phase 2 of Washington’s reopening plan
Officials in King, Snohomish counties warn of joining Pierce County in Phase 2 rollback
With COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expanding, finding an appointment remains a challenge
Bellevue city leaders consider police use-of-force reform recommendations
Washington considers new rules to help eradicate invasive Asian giant hornets

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Gov. Inslee announces rollback to Phase 2 for Pierce, Cowlitz, Whitman counties
US health agencies call for pause in use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Minnesota police shooting of Daunte Wright sparks Seattle demonstration
New help for families of Covid-19 victims as FEMA launches funeral reimbursement program

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Downtown Seattle businesses vandalized during protests of Daunte Wright’s death
Health officials advise against skipping 2nd COVID-19 shot

KUOW FM
One-third of COVID cases are ‘variants of concern’ in Washington state
Washington State Patrol sexual misconduct case tests state oversight as police reforms near passage
U.S. Recommends Pausing Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Over Blood Clot Concerns
Blog: Pandemic updates for Washington
Social distancing to retighten in Pierce, Cowlitz, and Whitman counties amid rising Covid cases
April 12th | The financial penalties of our criminal justice system

Q13 TV (Fox)
State health secretary says Washington ‘absolutely’ pausing J&J vaccine
Bill to ensure legal counsel to low-income Washingtonians facing eviction advances through Legislature
Pierce, Cowlitz and Whitman counties moving back to Phase 2 of reopening plan
‘Devastating:’ Pierce County employees react to Phase 2 rollback

Web

Crosscut
Seattle Asian community answers hate with love and support
How public records gave us a window into WA police misconduct
Opinion: Notes on being useful after dying in Washington state

MyNorthwest
State Secretary of Health: Must ‘act fast’ in counties with rising COVID cases
Safety measures to expect at Lumen Field for early season Sounders games
Minnesota police shooting of Daunte Wright sparks Seattle demonstration
TSA lines stretch into parking garage at Sea-Tac Airport
‘This is a gut-punch’: Local leaders react with three counties rolled back to Phase 2
Seattle area set for first 70-degree day of the year by the end of the week
Gov. Inslee announces rollback to Phase 2 for Cowlitz, Pierce, and Whitman counties
Business organizations urge Gov. Inslee to delay rollback decision
Local union votes to authorize strike if deal can’t be met with Boeing
Juneteenth set to become an official Washington state holiday
COVID updates: US recommends ‘pause’ of J&J vaccine for investigation
Toddler, three others injured in Central District shooting

Monday, April 12

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

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

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

Print

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skagit Valley Herald
House passes bill allowing overtime pay for farmworkers

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

Slog
Seattle Public Utilities Wants to Turn Us All into Waterbenders

Friday, April 9

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

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

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