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Monday, March 1

Here are 5 police reform bills that Washington state families are watching
As state lawmakers debate and vote on law enforcement reforms in Washington state, family members who have lost loved ones to police violence watch with optimism and concern. Legislators who’ve worked with them have listened compassionately, they say. But it’s actions that matter, and the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability is watching those actions carefully. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Steve Bloom)

Two decades after welcoming it, Tacoma fights to close the NW ICE Processing Center
More than 20 years ago, elected leaders in Tacoma gave their full support to a plan to build the privately operated facility that would become the Northwest ICE Processing Center. This week, a legislative effort designed in part to correct that grave mistake took a significant step toward becoming a reality. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Peter Haley)

One year after seeing first COVID-19 death, Washington expected to surpass 5,000 this week
Washington is expected to surpass 5,000 COVID-19 deaths this week — almost exactly a year after the first was announced in the United States. But while the state absorbs that painful milestone, health officials are hopeful that a recent, consistent decline in deaths, combined with a ramp-up of vaccine distribution and continued masking and social distancing, mean better days are ahead. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Emily M. Eng)

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Associated Press
Boeing 777 makes emergency landing in Moscow
Gov. Inslee signs relief bill waiving liquor license fees
Rep. Herrera Beutler censured over Trump impeachment vote
Democratic-led House makes conservation push with lands bill
Biden administration promises focus on environmental justice
Stocks climb more than 2% as investors get back to buying
Tensions over vaccine equity pit rural against urban America

Aberdeen Daily World
How your lawmakers voted this week (Tharinger, Chapman, Van De Wege)
Port of Grays Harbor breaks cargo tonnage record in 2020
Wild Olympics bill passes House
Aberdeen council reviews latest Gateway Center design
Measures to limit executive powers die in Legislature
Commentary: Debate on dam for Chehalis raises questions about where we develop

Auburn Reporter
Do Washington drivers need to learn the zipper merge? (Kloba, Wicks)
Inslee: All of Washington to stay in Phase 2 for a few weeks (Mullet)
Auburn studies first draft of proposed B&O tax
Column: Challenging Gov. Inslee’s emergency powers | Roegner

Bainbridge Island Review
Affordable housing vs. design standards

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are 5 police reform bills that Washington state families are watching (Goodman, Pederson, Johnson)
COVID-19 vaccinations going strong for these Whatcom County residents
Whatcom restaurants, Bellingham waterfront see these signs of COVID-19 recovery
Whatcom County sees 24 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, state reports
2019 Washington state crimes by the numbers
Whatcom County sees one related death, 38 new COVID-19 cases Friday, state reports
FDA emergency use clearance for third COVID-19 vaccine set to boost state’s efforts
Here are Saturday’s COVID-19 case totals for Washington state
Pandemic leaves tribes without US recognition at higher risk
Pfizer COVID vaccine dramatically cuts need for ventilators in older adults, CDC says
Bloomberg: J&J’s COVID vaccine could protect millions – if people take it

Capital Press
Washington senator: Righting agriculture’s history won’t be ‘cheap’ (Saldaña)
Hammond family loses grazing permit for third time

Columbian
Clark County reports 50 new COVID-19 cases, one new death as fall-off in cases ends
In Our View: Felon voting bill good step as rights under attack (Simmons)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Excoriated by judge, prosecutor not punished by boss or bar
Assessor: Typical 2021 homeowner tax bill akin to last year’s
Report shows vaccine inequities in Snohomish County
Justices nix state drug possession law; authorities react (Goodman)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Students to school board: We need more mental health help
Cornfield Report: Clean fuels and police tactics advance, drug law fix arrives (Johnson, Fitzgibbon, Mullet, Hobbs)
Bloomberg: Comment: Mystery — and fear — mounts over SolarWinds hack

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Public hospital district pays $15,000 in public records lawsuit settlement

News Tribune (subscription required)
There were likely fish killed at a Pierce County dam last summer, federal agency says
High school is coming back, with masks, ‘cohorts,’ and high hopes, but no vaccinations
Estuary has new name, honoring tribe; you’ll need to watch a video to pronounce it.
Hazard pay measures for grocery workers approved elsewhere. Is Tacoma next?
Two decades after welcoming it, Tacoma fights to close the NW ICE Processing Center (Ortiz-Self)
Defense secretary ordered stand down to address extremism. JBLM is still figuring out how
Editorial: How to raise Washington taxes during COVID-19 pandemic: very cautiously or not at all (Robinson, Jinkins)
Op-Ed: Some classrooms ready to reopen safe, warm during COVID. Mine in Tacoma, not so much

New York Times
Thousands of Farmworkers Are Prioritized for the Coronavirus Vaccine
How Pro-Trump Forces Pushed a Lie About Antifa at the Capitol Riot
As School Closures Near First Anniversary, a Diverse Parent Movement Demands Action
Before Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, There Was Ahmaud Arbery
Seniors Seeking Vaccines Have a Problem: They Can’t Use the Internet

North American Post
Day of Remembrance in the Washington Legislature (Santos, Stonier, Lovick)

Olympian (subscription required)
Here’s how a new program could help drug offenders and their victims in Thurston County
Gov. Inslee signs relief bill waiving liquor license fees
Thurston County reports 24 COVID-19 cases on Sunday, increasing overall total to 7,250
Ammon Bundy, veteran of armed standoffs, builds militia network on COVID-19 backlash
Here are 5 police reform bills that Washington state families are watching (Goodman, Pedersen, Johnson)
Thurston health official recommends high school students return to in-person classes

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Weekend clinic provides Pfizer vaccinations
Peninsula prosecutors weigh impacts of Supreme Court decision
Op-Ed: Capital gains tax a distraction

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle plans mass vaccination site at Lumen Field Event Center
Seattle prepared to establish mass vaccination sites, Durkan says
Seattle leads other major US cities in containing Covid-19 cases, mayor’s office says
New Washington law aims to make boards more diverse
Opinion: Practical solutions for business immigration to provide meaningful changes

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Seattle to open more permanent vaccination sites in Rainier Beach, West Seattle, Lumen Field Event Center
Seattle’s homeless ‘shelter surge’ unveiled with fewer shelter beds, more questions
One year after seeing first COVID-19 death, Washington expected to surpass 5,000 this week
Notices to go out to 1.3 million Washingtonians affected by unemployment data breach
‘We should have been better prepared’: COVID-19 draws attention to Washington state’s underfunded public health programs (Cody, Robinson)
20 years after the Nisqually earthquake, are we better prepared for the Big One?
Police deadly force probes mostly fall short of Washington’s new accountability law, according to state attorney general
Westneat: A Republican senator has a great idea to save the year for Washington state schools

Seattle Medium
Remote Learning Task Force Addresses Issues Of Race And Equity

Skagit Valley Herald
Friendship House seeks to expand affordable housing program
Estuary restoration planned for Skagit Wildlife Area’s Island Unit
State agency drafting fish passage rules
Skagit PUD moving ahead on new headquarters

South Seattle Emerald
Vaccine inequality and structural racist optics
Opinion: Clean air everywhere, for everyone in Washington
Seattle rejects Biden administration offer to pay full cost of hotel-based shelters
One year after first COVID-19 outbreak, county health officials cautiously optimistic

Spokesman Review
Spokane’s secondary students return to classrooms Monday – here’s what that will look like
With aims for in-person learning this fall, area colleges mull plans for ‘Class of COVID-19’
The pandemic’s silver lining: No flu deaths so far this year in Washington
New website imagines the Snake River without dams

Tri-City Herald
‘Standstill.’ Plans stumble to convert old Tri-Cities hospital to rehab center
Weekly appointments for COVID vaccination open at Tri-Cities fairgrounds
‘Extraordinary concern.’ WA state wants Biden to overturn Trump rule on Hanford nuclear waste
Got questions about COVID? Tri-Cities scientists give answers in free online series
Update: Father arrested after 4-year-old Mid-Columbia boy shot and killed

USA Today
Supreme Court to debate voting rights case that advocates worry will limit access to polls

Vancouver Business Journal
Washington doesn’t need a capital gains tax

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Volunteers take on life-saving work, vaccinating Walla Walla County’s vulnerable population against COVID-19
Pasco man Edgar Chavez Beltran makes case for self-defense in his Walla Walla County murder trial
New eateries join downtown Walla Walla effort toward economic recovery
One person dies as coronavirus trends down in Walla Walla, Umatilla counties

Washington Post
Johnson & Johnson vaccine deepens concerns over racial and geographic inequities (Inslee)

Whidbey News-Times
Vaccination rate will need a booster to meet goal set by state
Study examines Everett-Whidbey passenger ferry service
School sports back, but fans told to go online
Larsen talks vaccines at OH council

Yakima Herald Republic
Astria Health says it’s emerging from bankruptcy financially stronger
Pandemic shows importance and challenges of rural hospitals
Astria Health still has work left to do in bankruptcy
Gov. Inslee signs relief bill waiving liquor license fees

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Alaska Airlines puts new Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft into service
Beautification project at Rainier Beach Safeway seeks to connect community, deter crime

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Seattle to operate mass vaccination site at Lumen Field Event Center
200 vaccinated at clinic for underserved communities
Gov. Inslee signs relief bill waiving liquor license fees
‘We’re so desperate’: South Sound county with far more seniors getting far less vaccine
Zero COVID-19 cases at King County long term care facilities for first time since pandemic
FDA greenlights Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Washington Senate approves police accountability bill (Pedersen)
COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants, bars may have made roads safer
Seattle Public Schools to bring back some students for in-person learning in March
Seattle police, Bellevue, other law enforcement immediately stop arresting people for drug possession (Dhingra)

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle announces mass vaccination site at Lumen Field
March, rally held in honor of year since Manny Ellis’ death in Tacoma
Advisory committee recommends J&J vaccine, Western states workgroup to meet Monday
Alaska Air’s inaugural 737 MAX flight takes to skies over Seattle

KUOW FM
Seattle Schools says many ‘essential’ staff will be called back to classrooms in March
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
Legislative Lookahead: WA lawmakers aren’t afraid of the ‘T-word’ this year (Billig)
Seattle’s vaccine effort just got a major boost with mass vaccination site
WA Democrats push for capital gains tax in a year when ‘tax’ doesn’t seem like a bad word (Das, Nobles, Mullet, Rofles, Billig, Frame, Jinkins)
FDA Panel Votes For Emergency Use Of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 Vaccine
‘A Very Concerning Shift’: CDC Head Warns Of Recent Uptick In COVID-19 Cases
U.S. Coronavirus Cases Dropped Dramatically Since January, But Can We Keep Them Down?
Pandemic side effect: Zero flu deaths in Washington state

KXLY (ABC)
Gov. Inslee signs bill waiving liquor license fees for recovering restaurants
Washington’s mass COVID vaccination sites administer more than 70,000 doses in a month
Spokane Police won’t arrest for drug possession after state Supreme Court strikes law down
Providence opens 1,500 vaccine appointments for upcoming clinic
Washington nearly finished vaccinating people in nursing homes

Q13 TV (Fox)
One year later: King County family remembers their mom, who was the first reported female COVID-19 death
What we can learn from the 6.8 Nisqually earthquake 20 years later
US’ demand for COVID-19 tests plummets, which may leave country exposed

Web

Crosscut
Digital maps show how climate change’s impact in WA isn’t equal

MyNorthwest
State lawmakers scramble to close drug possession loophole created by court ruling
State bill waiving liquor license fees ‘exactly the kind of help bars and restaurants need’
COVID-19 updates: Seattle’s Lumen Field to host mass vaccination site
One year ago, a King County man was the nation’s first known COVID-19 death
King County health officer: Region could see ‘possible return to normalcy in a few months’

West Seattle Blog
Nantes Park plan progress presented to Admiral Neighborhood Association
ANNIVERSARY: 20 years since Nisqually Earthquake; one preparedness step to take right now to prepare for the next quake
LEGISLATURE: Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon’s ‘clean-fuel standard’ bill passes state House (Fitzgibbon)

Friday, February 26

Bill to restore voting rights of Washington felons directly after prison passes state House
HB 1078, sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons, would make it so that a former felon would be eligible to vote the moment they are no longer incarcerated, and would retain that right regardless of whether or not they can pay off post-incarceration expenses. Rep. Simmons — who made history in 2020 after becoming the first former inmate elected to the Washington Legislature — believes that this proposal is integral in helping people reintegrate into society after prison. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Meesh)

Washington Senate approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies
Openly carrying guns and other weapons on the Capitol campus and at or near permitted public demonstrations across Washington would be prohibited under a measure approved by the state Senate Thursday. The measure passed on a 28-20 vote and now heads to the House. Continue reading at KXLY. (Ted S. Warren)

Justices nix state drug possession law; authorities react
Snohomish County’s top law enforcement officials are scrambling to assess the full impacts of a Thursday state Supreme Court ruling striking down the Washington law that makes simple drug possession a crime. Continue reading at The Everett Herald.

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Associated Press
Washington state justices strike down drug possession law
Senate approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies (Kuderer, Salomon)
Inslee announces pause in rollbacks in reopening plan
US consumers rebound to boost spending 2.4% as income jumps

Auburn Reporter
Republican state senators make bid to get children back into classrooms
New state modeling report explores options for safer return to in-person learning

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
New energy secretary confirmed to guide Hanford cleanup, PNNL research
Washington state justices strike down drug possession law
Still no Phase 3, but Washington Gov. Inslee says no regions will backslide in reopening
Whatcom sees a death and 44 new COVID cases, as Bellingham schools report 3 incidents
Latest data shows COVID hitting this segment of Whatcom’s population significantly hard
Washington state Attorney General Ferguson sues Google again
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: J&J vaccine, indoor gyms, mammograms & more
Yes, you still breathe in oxygen while wearing a COVID face mask, study shows
How far would $1,400 stimulus checks go? Struggling Americans and experts weigh in
Are indoor workouts COVID safe? Nearly 70% of people in one class got sick, CDC says

Columbian
In Our View: Body-worn police cameras will bolster trust
Southwest Washington legislators, state to meet over vaccine allocation inequity (Cleveland)

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
There are 200 COVID-19 vaccines available in Toppenish today
Inslee: regions won’t have to backtrack on Washington reopening plan
Virtual talk on emotional well-being in times of COVID
COVID-19 Vaccines Will Be Available This Weekend

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Justices nix state drug possession law; authorities react (Davis, Goodman)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Federal package could drive more than $10B to Washington (Jinkins)
Inslee: All of Washington to stay in Phase 2 for a few weeks
Cornfield Report: Money, drugs, hackers and the wait continues for Phase 3
WaPo Comment: Minimum wage’s history shows link to economic growth
Editorial: Goal or mandate, encourage move to electric cars

High Country News
Wildfires may have unexpected climate impacts
This year’s deadly avalanche season

News Tribune (subscription required)
Pay more sales tax for affordable housing in Tacoma? You might have to, like it or not
Relatives, community leaders call for justice for man who died in Tacoma police custody
Puyallup City Council split on community proposal for race and equity commission
MultiCare plans appeal after urgent care clinic in Puyallup cited for COVID violations
Five high school football games canceled in South Sound due to COVID
Editorial: Washington needs more bicultural, bilingual doctors. This Puyallup doc set a high bar

New York Times
Stimulus Checks Lift Personal Income 10% in January: Live Updates
The Coronavirus Is Plotting a Comeback. Here’s Our Chance to Stop It for Good.
Global Action Is ‘Very Far’ From What’s Needed to Avert Climate Chaos
F.C.C. Approves a $50 Monthly High-Speed Internet Subsidy
Granholm Sworn In as Energy Secretary
Top Senate Official Disqualifies Minimum Wage From Stimulus Plan

Olympian (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
McClatchy agrees to recognize union for journalists in four Washington state newsrooms
New energy secretary confirmed to guide Hanford cleanup, PNNL research
More Olympia school grades set for hybrid learning; county adds 22 COVID-19 cases
Still no Phase 3, but Washington Gov. Inslee says no regions will backslide in reopening
Biden’s COVID relief bill widely popular among swing voters, Democratic poll finds

Peninsula Daily News
Olympic Medical Center’s vaccine supply is steady
Tribute to be for those lost to COVID-19
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
COVID cases confirmed in people in 30s, 40s
Inslee announces pause in rollbacks in reopening plan

Port Townsend Leader
Two Port Townsend residents test positive for COVID-19
Jefferson Healthcare improves scheduling for COVID vaccinations

Puget Sound Business Journal
Top senate official disqualifies minimum wage from stimulus plan
Employment law expert discusses liability concerns for re-opening offices
Washington businesses have received $3.47B in PPP loans so far this year
Costco to raise its minimum wage nationwide to $16 per hour
Let businesses apply for PPP directly with the government — for the program’s success
Powell says better child care policies might lift women in workforce

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Rep. Herrera Beutler censured over Trump impeachment vote
Notices to go out to 1.3 million Washingtonians affected by unemployment data breach
What we know about the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine: Timing, dosage, access in Washington state
Washington Senate approves ban of open carry of guns at protests statewide (Kuderer, Hunt, Hobbs)
Inslee: Washington state regions won’t have to backtrack on COVID-19 reopening for now
Opinion: Why Americans should care about the trial of democracy activists in Hong Kong
Washington Supreme Court strikes down law that makes unintentional possession of drugs a crime

Skagit Valley Herald
Scramble to re-issue permits for area shellfish farms underway following lawsuit
Kinzer to resign from Sedro-Woolley City Council

South Seattle Emerald
OPINION: We must continue lifting the voice of every womxn
King County argued for in-person trial in Le case, despite own COVID-19 precautions
Washington DOH cautiously optimistic about COVID-19, urges vigilance on variants
After learning details, families turn away from in-person learning at Skyway school
OPINION: A mother’s call to action for state lawmakers
Seattle City Council considers cutting SPD by $5.4m in response to 2020 overspending
Environmental justice activists push back on Inslee cap-and-trade proposal (Saldaña)

Spokesman Review
Washington Supreme Court rules state drug possession law unconstitutional after challenge by Spokane woman
Police responded to three times as many shootings in first two months of 2021 compared to past years
Open-carry at public demonstrations, capitol campus one step closer to becoming illegal after state Senate passage
Advocate for Snake River dams says removal would hurt farmers

Tri-City Herald
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Suspected drunk driver crosses Richland’s Highway 240 into oncoming semi
McClatchy agrees to recognize union for journalists in four Washington state newsrooms
8% of Tri-Citians receive 1st COVID shot. When will more be eligible?
Kennewick facilities district illegally spent taxpayer money on campaign, investigator says
Tiny homes swing into place in Kennewick
What you need to know about the Easterday bankruptcy, fraud
New energy secretary confirmed to guide Hanford site cleanup | Tri …

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Mask-related fine of Walla Walla business Hot Mama’s Espresso ‘affirmed’ but reduced
Walla Walla County reports two more deaths in Thursday’s COVID-19 update
Walla Walla County won’t have to backtrack to phase 1 of reopening for now
Whitman College considers cuts to prevent future budget crisis
Walla Walla high schoolers begin in-person learning on March 8
Walla Walla man Michael Tingle allegedly assaults jail staff while incarcerated

Washington Post
Vaccine lotteries and personal appeals: The medically vulnerable find their priority status slipping away
Exchange between GOP senator, transgender nominee draws fire from Democrats

Yakima Herald Republic
Inslee announces “pause” on sending regions back to Phase 1 of Washington reopening plan
Selah pays $45,000 to settle lawsuit over open meetings, public records violation allegations
Rep. Herrera Beutler censured over Trump impeachment vote
Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic vaccinates about 900 people in Toppenish, more sites planned through weekend
Report: State facilities district improperly spent over $20K

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Seattle’s new vaccine waitlists help people find last-minute doses
Inslee pauses reopening plan for Washington state at Phase 2
COVID-19 vaccine supply could get big boost in March, Washington health officials say
Washington state justices strike down drug possession law

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Seattle police, Bellevue, other law enforcement immediately stop arresting people for drug possession
WA plans who will get single-dose vaccine
‘Your time is up’: Family of Manuel Ellis pressure AG for results of death investigation
Washington state justices strike down drug possession law
Coping with ‘Long COVID’ – the mysterious symptoms that won’t go away
Governor speaks out in support of ban on use of credit scores to set insurance rates

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle police won’t arrest for drug possession after state high court strikes law down
Washington officials put pause on phased COVID-19 reopening plan, state remains in Phase 2
COVID-19 vaccine standby list created for Seattle residents 65 and older

KNKX FM
Law enforcement needs ‘culture change,’ says King Co. Council chair
Costco To Raise Minimum Wage To $16 An Hour: ‘This Isn’t Altruism’

KUOW FM
Joy Buolamwini: How Do Biased Algorithms Damage Marginalized Communities?
Brent Leggs: How Can Seeing Black History As American History Begin To Make Amends?
White advantage. Racialized trauma. Paths forward
Zero flu deaths in Washington state this year, a side effect of coronavirus protections
Washington Senate votes to ban open carry of firearms at Capitol and at demonstrations (Kuderer, Senn)

KXLY (ABC)
Washington Senate approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies (Kuderer, Salomon)
Weeks into Phase 2, Inslee says plans for next phase remain undetermined
Inslee: No risk of WA regions moving back to Phase 1, but still no plans for next phase
Vaccine appointment canceled? Here’s what you can do
Washington’s plastic bag ban on hold during COVID-19
Spokane woman’s case prompts state Supreme Court to strike down drug possession law

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington schools find unique ways to adapt to in-person learning
Gov. Inslee announces all regions will remain in Phase 2, puts pause on moving backward
Washington State Supreme Court finds state’s felony drug possession law unconstitutional
Washington Senate approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies (Kuderer, Salomon)

Web

Crosscut
The model minority myth hurts Asian Americans seeking health care
Podcast | Militias, white supremacy and the U.S. Capitol insurrection
Opinion: I’m inheriting an enormous amount of wealth — WA should tax me more (Chopp, Macri, Pederson)

MyNorthwest
Des Moines neighborhood hit with spate of brake-slashing
Seattle launches standby vaccine list to hand out extra doses at end of day
SPD will no longer make arrests for drug possession after state Supreme Court ruling
Gov. Inslee announces all regions will stay in Phase 2 for next ‘several’ weeks
State Capitol monument to honor WA’s first Black pioneer, George Bush
King County looks to shore up treatment plant after 15 wastewater spills in 20 years
Bill to restore voting rights of Washington felons directly after prison passes state House
Costco set to increase minimum wage to $16 nationwide
Seattle Public Schools Board approves interim superintendent
Bill that would shut down Tacoma ICE detention facility passes state House
Biden administration rescinds Seattle’s ‘anarchist jurisdiction’ label
King County judge upholds series of Seattle eviction protections

Slog
Equality Act Passes House, Despite Republican Temper Tantrums

West Seattle Blog
Bald Eagle rescued at Don Armeni Boat Ramp
Seattle is texting alerts about leftover COVID-19 vaccines; here’s who can get on the limited standby list

Thursday, February 25

Washington state owes a big debt to its eviction moratorium. But now the bill is coming due
Almost half of the Washingtonians behind on rent told Census Bureau pollsters that they think they are very or somewhat likely to be evicted in the next two months. This month, the Spokane County Bar Association predicted that Spokane County would have as many as 2,500 eviction filings every month in the period after the moratorium was lifted. Continue reading at The Inlander. (Young Kwak)

Washington state Senate unanimously passes bill introduced in response to data breach
The Washington state Senate unanimously passed a bill on Wednesday that would create an office to consolidate and coordinate the state’s cybersecurity efforts. The bill was proposed in response to a breach announced earlier this month that exposed the personal data of about 1.6 million residents. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Damian Dovarganes)

Western lawmakers lead a movement to protect natural hair
Washington state Democratic Rep. Melanie Morgan, who sponsored Washington’s CROWN Act, praised the law’s insistence that her constituents’ natural hair be accepted, “whether that’s in braids or twists or locs.” Rep. Morgan argues that the use of straightening chemicals should be a choice, particularly for Black women and girls who have had to straighten their hair rather than wear natural hairstyles in order to advance at work or school. Continue reading at High Country News. (Washington State LSS)

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Associated Press
Utility disconnection moratorium extended until July 31
Senate OKs measure creating state Office of Cybersecurity
Bill to ban Native American mascots at WA schools advances in Legislature (Lekanoff)
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US

Aberdeen Daily World
Construction on Hoquiam’s Adams Street waterfront park to begin soon
Letter: Why not here?

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Watch live: Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee to give update on COVID-19 at 3:30 p.m.
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Finding a COVID vaccine in Whatcom is hard, but providers are setting appointments
More fierce wind set to hit Whatcom. Here’s when to expect it
There‘s a new way for Bellingham residents to ask for pothole filling, other quick fixes
Need a pothole fixed? There is a new way to alert the city of Bellingham
Washington state Senate unanimously passes bill introduced in response to data breach (Carlyle)

Blaine Northern Light
Suicide prevention team moves forward (Ortiz-Self)

Capital Press
Court hears challenge to Inslee’s veto pen
WSU economist: Crop insurance choice a ‘crapshoot’

Columbian
Herrera Beutler grills state health secretary over vaccine allocation
Clark County reports 37 new COVID-19 cases and one death Wednesday
In Our View: Caring for mental health also vital in pandemic

The Daily News
More than 500 people get COVID-19 vaccine at Cowlitz County Fairgrounds Wednesday

El Sol de Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
New immigration reform bill offers hope to immigrants
Enthusiastic welcome for the COVID-19 vaccine

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Third-strike offender, sentenced to life in 1996, to go free
Oh, crab! NOAA’s Mukilteo waterfront fish lab won’t be rebuilt
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance

High Country News
Foreign-born doctors fill physician shortages in the West
‘Land-grab universities’ wins Polk Award for Education Reporting
A rural remedy to health care access
The benefits of outdoor education aren’t accessible to all
Western lawmakers lead a movement to protect natural hair (Morgan)

The Inlander
Washington state owes a big debt to its eviction moratorium. But now the bill is coming due

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma light display will honor Pierce County COVID-19 deaths. ‘Each light was someone’
182 complaints lodged against Pierce County church over lack of COVID safety measures
Charging decision on Tacoma officers involved in Manuel Ellis’ death to come by April

New York Times
Nursing Homes, Once Hotspots, Far Outpace U.S. in Covid Declines
A Recall for Newsom in California? Talk Grows as Governors Come Under Attack
Helping People Find Covid-19 Vaccines Is Aim of C.D.C.-Backed Site
Biden Revokes Trump’s Pause on Green Cards
Chief of Cherokee Nation Asks Jeep to Stop Using Tribe’s Name
Haaland, With a Key Vote in Her Column, Appears Headed for Confirmation

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County reports 2 COVID-19 deaths, 28 cases on Wednesday
Washington state Senate unanimously passes bill introduced in response to data breach
Thurston County, local cities formalize Regional Housing Council
Burning the West to save it: Why one solution to our raging wildfires can’t gain traction
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Where does Washington stand with COVID vaccines? It ranks among best in US, report says

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Clallam, Jefferson counties making headway on shots
County signs on to letter regarding public health districts

Port Townsend Leader
No new COVID-19 cases Tuesday in Jefferson County

Puget Sound Business Journal
Covid-19 variant first detected in South Africa found in King County
Seattle council bill would temporarily relax rules for home-based businesses

The Seattle Medium
Mayor’s Council On African American Elders Seeks New Members

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Two new candidates, Brianna Thomas and Mike McQuaid, seek seats on Seattle Council
What Biden’s sweeping immigration changes could mean in Washington state
Court blocks release of records about Seattle officers who attended Trump rally on day of Capitol siege
Seattle School Board selects former administrator to serve as interim superintendent
‘A mass woke-ning’: Seattle’s Gen Zers on the future they want to see
King County homelessness ‘czar’ candidate turns down job
How to improve your mask’s protection against COVID-19: Do’s and don’ts
Biden officially undoes Trump’s designation of Seattle as an ‘anarchist jurisdiction’
Washington AG Bob Ferguson sues Google, again, for alleged violations of political-ad transparency law

Skagit Valley Herald
Community Court arrives in Burlington, Sedro-Woolley
La Conner moves forward with potential Maple Fields sale
Relief available for those behind on utility bills

Spokesman Review
Northside Landfill eyed for solar development
No coronavirus variants detected in Eastern Washington yet, but health officials ask for vigilance
WSU economist: Washington farmers expected to see lower revenue, flat wheat prices in 2021
State House passes bill to exempt certain election security information from public records disclosure (Dolan)

USA Today
Donald Trump’s tax records obtained by New York prosecutors, boosting investigation
‘A reckoning is near’: America has a vast overseas military empire. Does it still need it?
COVID-19 taking a toll: Some doctors see ‘massive pandemic of mentally ill adolescents’
The Equality Act with protections for LGBTQ Americans is up for a vote in the House. What is it?

Washington Post
Many of Biden’s nominees of color run into turbulence in the Senate
New vaccine developments raise hopes even as virus variants proliferate
Scientists see stronger evidence of slowing Atlantic Ocean circulation, an ‘Achilles’ heel’ of the climate
Trump’s tax returns have been turned over to Manhattan district attorney
Biden squeezed on immigration policy, bracing for border crisis

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima area health officials praise efforts to improve COVID-19 metrics, but stress vigilance
Yakima Health District reports 73 new COVID cases; Rite-Aid taking vaccine appointments
Judge upholds Seattle eviction regulations
Senate OKs measure creating state Office of Cybersecurity
Bill to prohibit public schools’ use of Native names, symbols as mascots passes state House

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington insurance commissioner slams Senate’s pullback on proposed credit score ban (Mullet)
No set timeline for when Washington will reach herd immunity to COVID-19
Edmonds students grades 3-12 won’t return to classrooms this school year
Police body cameras not a priority for Washington lawmakers in 2021 session (Goodman)

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Study shows growth of West Coast COVID-19 variant
Charging decision on Tacoma officers involved in Manuel Ellis’ death to come by April
Registration for next COVID-19 vaccine event in Tacoma coming Thursday
Supporters: House Bill 1168 would prevent/stop urban wildfires like Sumner Grade
First-come, first-served vaccination clinics cause happiness for some, confusion for others

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Pregnant women have 70 percent higher chance of contracting COVID-19, study says
Seattle police union president addresses controversial tweet on U.S. Capitol riot
‘Why aren’t we coming together?’ Seattle still reeling from year of violent protests
Clark County receiving ‘significantly’ fewer vaccine doses than other major counties

KNKX FM
State superintendent says he wants a smaller sample of students to take standardized tests
New monument at Washington Capitol will honor Black pioneer George Bush and family

KUOW FM
Biden Reopens Gateway For Green Cards And Work Visas, Reversing Trump COVID-19 Freeze
WA Legislature considering bill to ban for-profit prisons and detention centers (Ortiz-Self)
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
February | Immigrant doctors could help a Covid-19 health worker shortage (Harris-Talley)
The Supreme Court Wrestles With ‘Police Chase’ That Wasn’t
Biden Administration To Deliver 25 Million Masks To Health Centers And Food Banks
What Is A Cold Chain? And Why Do So Many Vaccines Need It?

KXLY
PPP assistance is specifically helping small businesses with less than 20 employees for the next two weeks

NW Public Radio
New Rule Allowing Hound Training For Cougar Tracking Highlights Wildlife-Human Challenges

Q13 TV (Fox)
Some Seattle business owners are at their breaking point over crime
Biden revokes Trump orders on ‘anarchist’ cities like Seattle
Federal watchdog blasts FAA over certification of Boeing jet

Web

Crosscut
Washington’s plastic bag ban on hold during COVID-19 (Peterson, Das, Carlyle)
Opinion: Hazard pay isn’t to blame for Kroger closing two Seattle QFCs

Skanner
New I-5 Bridge Replacement Program Leader to Center Equity in Planning

Slog
Major Worker Protection Bill Narrowly Passes Committee, Will Likely Head to the House Floor (Springer, Tharinger, Hansen, Keiser, Pedersen)
Multiple Virus Variants Have Hit Washington. Now What?
Susan Collins Isn’t Sure Queer People Should Be Allowed to Keep Their Jobs and Homes

Wednesday, February 24

Washington House aims to close Northwest immigration jail
The Washington House of Representatives voted Tuesday to ban for-profit, private detention facilities in the state, in a move aimed at shutting down the Northwest immigration detention center in Tacoma. The 1,575-bed immigration lockup is operated by the GEO Group under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

Bill advanced to ban Native American mascots at Washington state schools
The Washington state House has passed a measure that would ban the use of Native American names, symbols and images from being used as school mascots, logos and team names at most public schools in Washington. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. If approved by the full Legislature and signed by Gov. Jay Inslee, the ban would take effect Jan. 1. Continue reading at KOMO News. (Rick Bowmer)

New Monument At Washington State Capitol Will Honor Black Pioneer George Bush And Family
Washington’s sprawling Capitol campus features war memorials, a granite monument to fallen police officers, a replica of a Roman-style fountain and a brass sundial. But as soon as this summer a new monument will join the collection. It will honor George Bush, Washington’s first Black pioneer, along with his son, William Owen Bush, who was the state’s first Black lawmaker, and their family. Continue reading at Northwest Public Broadcasting. (Washington State Historical Society)

Print

Associated Press
Senate OKs bill making police intervene to stop undue force (Dhingra)
Sugary drinks targeted in new Washington state tax proposal
Utility disconnection moratorium extended until July 31
Washington House aims to close Northwest immigration jail (Ortiz-Self)
Washington Capitol to honor Black pioneer with monument
South African virus variant found in Washington state
Bill advanced to ban Native American mascots at schools (Lekanoff)
Environmental attorney to lead Bureau of Land Management
“Extreme” avalanche danger continues on mountain passes
Bill advanced to ban Native American mascots at Washington state schools
FDA staff releases review of Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID vaccine

Aberdeen Daily World
Second dose vaccinations this week at county mass vaccination site
Here’s how to get on the county’s vaccine list
Van De Wege generic drug bill clears key Senate committee (Van De Wege)
How local lawmakers voted in the Legislature (Tharinger, Chapman, Van De Wege)
Commentary: Know your risk: what the science says about COVID-19 spread
Letter: Vaccine volunteers are heroes
Letter: No time to open borders

Auburn Reporter
Masks are still king in combating new COVID strains

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
COVID variant that could harm vaccination effort is found in Washington, officials say
Whatcom sees 21 new COVID-19 cases, as Lynden schools report six incidents last week
While all 7 Whatcom regions saw COVID infection rates decline last week, 4 had big drops
More contagious U.K. variant of COVID confirmed in first Whatcom County resident
Unmarried couples separated by COVID travel ban seek ‘sweetheart’ exemption from Biden
Whatcom sees 94 new COVID-19 cases Monday, as Bellingham schools report 4 more incidents
Where does Washington stand with COVID vaccines? It ranks among best in US, report says
Washington Gov. Inslee’s ‘clean buildings’ proposal stalled in House committee (Ramel)
InvestigateWest: Cascadia mapping shows climate inequities
US closer to its 3rd COVID vaccine — and this one only needs one shot. What to know

Capital Press
Washington farm settles civil rights complaint for $350,000

Columbia Basin Herald
Bill on greenhouse gas emissions passes (Fitzgibbon, Ramel, Peterson)
Senators approve shoreline armoring bill; Warnick votes against it (Salomon, Lovelett)

Columbian
Clark County Prosecutor’s Office: Get body cameras
Data shows state is shorting Clark County vaccine allocation
In Our View: Superintendent’s severance undermines trust

The Daily News
Cowlitz County opening COVID-19 vaccination site at fairgrounds Wednesday

The Daily World
Van De Wege generic drug bill clears key Senate committee (Van De Wege)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Snohomish County to receive its largest shipment of vaccines
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Cornfield Report: Private prisons, police reform and a Black pioneer’s plaque (Jinkins, Ortiz-Self, Pedersen)
Bloomberg: Boeing’s deepening 787 inspections risk longer delays
Bloomberg: Comment: Inflation is to be expected but controls are ready
WaPo Comment: Global vaccination not enough to stop global spread
Editorial: Adopt protections for internet users’ personal data (Carlyle)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Former Bremerton City Councilman Adam Brockus, known for Manette advocacy, dies at 54
MultiCare opening new urgent care clinic in Poulsbo

News Tribune (subscription required)
Can money stop the smoke, flames that annually ravage WA, now including Pierce County?
Power dispute between two Tacoma judges lands in front of state Supreme Court
Lakewood girl, 11, dies after shooting herself with mother’s gun, police say
Tacoma teacher group plans sick-out over COVID-19 safety concerns for in-person learning
Pierce County’s daily COVID-19 case total dips below 100 on Tuesday

New York Times
For Some Teens, It’s Been a Year of Anxiety and Trips to the E.R.
Biden Readies Executive Order to Bolster Critical Supply Chains
Live Updates: Biden Doesn’t Shy From Early Fights to Move His Agenda Forward
Covid-19 Live Updates: Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Protects Against Severe Illness and May Reduce Transmission, F.D.A. Analyses Find

Olympian (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Thurston County reports 28 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday as transmission rates continue decline
COVID variant that could harm vaccination effort is found in Washington, officials say
COVID-19 outbreak at Thurston County jail improves, status set to change
As House considers Equality Act, more Americans than ever identify as LGBT, poll finds

Peninsula Daily News
County signs on to letter regarding public health districts
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
COVID-19 variants found in Washington state

Puget Sound Business Journal
State, business community come together to assist vaccine rollout
Seattle Times to cut 50 jobs at Yakima Herald-Republic, sell building
FCC broadband plan includes $50 monthly subsidy for millions
Opinion: We need to get through the permit backlog to keep construction industry working
Biden administration’s PPP loan fixes mean more money for these small businesses
Seattle council bill would temporarily relax rules for home-based businesses

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Seattle will use a UW-developed mapping tool to guide equitable vaccine distribution
Police officers who witness excessive force must intervene, Washington state Senate votes (Dhingra)
She went to Seattle thrift shop for crochet supplies and left with a kilogram of cocaine
Federal court says Washington state can require two-person train crews
Opinion: Help shape more equitable redistricting in Washington state
FDA says J&J 1-dose shot prevents COVID; final decision soon
‘We are rolling over’: Inquiry into Bering Sea sinking of Scandies Rose crab boat opens with mayday call

Skagit Valley Herald
PeaceHealth United General Medical Center expands visitors policy
La Conner School Board approves reduced educational plan
Burlington-Edison School District plans for return of high school students
Lake Erie gravel mine expansion sent back to hearing examiner
COVID-19 pandemic pushes Mount Vernon preschool to go online

South Seattle Emerald
State detects first case of new coronavirus variant with higher vaccine resistance

Spokesman Review
Shared emotional experience’: Movie theaters reopen in Spokane with new procedures and ideas
COVID-19 wave hits Spokane Public Schools bus drivers
Gov. Jay Inslee praises Spokane’s in-person classes after visit to Stevens Elementary School
Bill to prohibit public schools’ use of Native names, symbols as mascots passes state House
South African COVID-19 variant confirmed in Washington, Idaho

Tri-City Herald
COVID variant detections double in Washington state, with another new variant found

USA Today
One-dose J&J COVID-19 vaccine meets criteria as safe and effective, FDA report finds
Panels postpone vote on Neera Tanden, Biden’s controversial pick for budget chief
‘It’s a scary time’: Cancer patients are frustrated at states making them wait for the COVID-19 vaccine despite federal guidelines
Young Black men and teens are killed by guns 20 times more than their white counterparts, CDC data shows

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Waitsburg woman Leslie M. Moreno, convicted of manslaughter, requests conditional release pending sentencing
Umatilla County to leave COVID-19 ‘extreme risk’ category on Friday
Walla Walla VA presents COVID-19 town hall, Black History Month events
Umatilla, Walla Walla counties report 77 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday
Vaccine tourism in Walla Walla? Local efficiency getting attention
Dayton schools to extend days for middle and high school students

Washington Post
An American police killing viewed through the eyes of policing experts in three countries
She sued her enslaver for reparations and won. Her descendants never knew.
FDA review confirms safety and efficacy of single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, especially against severe cases
No officers indicted in death of Daniel Prude, a Black man pinned and hooded during mental crisis

Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor High School students back in class

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County locations getting much more COVID vaccine this week; more locations taking appointments
Coroner: Overdose deaths are climbing in Yakima County and fentanyl is the leading cause
Coronavirus variant discovered in South Africa pops up in Washington state for 1st time
Bill advanced to ban Native American mascots at schools

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Monroe pharmacy helping seniors struggling with COVID-19 vaccine appointments
Washington’s COVID-19 vaccine deliveries catch up after weather delays
Ferndale rethinks its future after hundreds lose jobs at aluminum plant
Everett weighs pilot homeless shelter program with crime concerns
Snohomish schools partner with UW for COVID-19 testing and tracing
Seattle educators say aging buildings a concern in COVID-19 safety

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Tacoma teacher group plans sick-out over COVID-19 safety concerns for in-person learning
Physical therapists say work-from-home injuries are up. Here’s how to deal with them.
Seattle to set up homeless shelters in downtown, Belltown hotels
COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa found in King County
Union seeks hazard pay for grocery store workers across Western Washington
11-year-old girl shot herself with mom’s gun while recording a video, police say

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
COVID-19 variant discovered in South Africa now in King County, state health agency says
What were Seattle officers doing in D.C. on day of deadly Capitol siege?
Another business leaving downtown Seattle cites crime, safety concerns
Many high risk people still struggling to get vaccine in Yakima County

KNKX FM
South African variant of coronavirus arrives in King County
States Must Test Student Learning This Spring, Biden Administration Says
State Senate OKs bill requiring police to intervene if they see officer using excessive force (Dhingra)

KUOW FM
‘WHO KNOWS IF I’LL BE MYSELF AGAIN?’ COVID LONG-HAULERS TURN TO SEATTLE REHAB CLINIC
Disparities faced by Native Americans ‘a national disgrace’, Quinault president says
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
New monument at Washington Capitol will honor Black pioneer George Bush and family
China Wants Your Data — And May Already Have It
FDA Analysis Of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Finds It Safe, Effective
Postmaster General DeJoy Faces Questioning About Mail Delays
Interior Nominee Deb Haaland Faces Tough Questions On Climate Goals
Fed Chair Jerome Powell Warns Of Long Road Ahead To Recover Millions Of Lost Jobs
States Must Test Student Learning This Spring, Biden Administration Says
WA Covid testing program could teach us more about the virus in schools

NW Public Radio
New Monument At Washington State Capitol Will Honor Black Pioneer George Bush And Family

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington state, British Columbia border towns in crisis as economy evaporates
Two kids have accessed guns and shot someone in Western Washington over the past month
‘I feel ignored:’ Woman says tents obstructing sidewalks make it a daily obstacle course to get around
Washington Senate OKs bill requiring police to intervene if fellow officers use excessive force (Dhingra)

Web

Crosscut
Unemployment disrupts education for low-income WA college students
Opinion: With many WA students lacking internet, remote learning falls short

MyNorthwest
Majority digs in on new taxes as Legislature nears halfway mark of session
WA lawmakers call on Biden to make reopening US/Canada border ‘immediate priority’
Light snow falls across Puget Sound region
Dash cam video shows dump truck hopping concrete barrier onto I-405
Seattle to set up homeless shelters in downtown, Belltown hotels
Dems, GOP set to spar over future of Washington’s transportation budget
UW doctor on how we can ensure return to normal ‘sooner rather than later’
On two-month anniversary of Custer derailment, site appears unharmed
Second COVID-19 variant detected in Washington state
Another Boeing plane makes emergency landing with potential engine issue
Seattle Public Schools delays in-person start date after negotiations with teachers stall out
Tacoma speeds up body camera rollout in response to incident where officer drove through crowd
After complaint forces ‘heartbreaking’ closure of business, Seattle aims to loosen land use rules
WA Rep. Jayapal confident $15 minimum wage will stay in COVID relief package
Seattle nonprofit launches competition offering kids chance to reflect on COVID, win prizes

Seattle P.I.
As coronavirus vaccinations continue in King County, issues of equity remain

Tuesday, February 23

Tax reform, tenant protection bills still alive in Olympia
Lawmakers in Olympia have spent much of the pandemic trying to write new laws to help people through a difficult time. Monday was an important day, when many bills die and some move closer to becoming law. One important bill that survived the day would create a new capital gains tax. Washington State relies a lot on sales tax, and that tends to put most of the tax burden on people with less money. Continue reading at KUOW. (Ted S. Warren)

Long debate expected on Washington police reforms
It’s been months since tens of thousands of people filled the streets to demand police reform and accountability. Demands that came in the wake of the police killings of Charleena Lyles in Seattle, Manuel Ellis in Tacoma, and others. Democratic state Rep. Melanie Morgan is chair of the Members of Color Caucus. Continue reading at KIRO 7.

US deaths surpass 500K, confirming virus’s tragic reach
The toll, accounting for 1 in 5 deaths reported worldwide, has far exceeded early projections, which assumed that federal and state governments would marshal a comprehensive and sustained response and individual Americans would heed warnings. Instead, a push to reopen the economy last spring and the refusal by many to maintain social distancing and wear face masks fueled the spread. The figures alone do not come close to capturing the heartbreak. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Jae C. Hong)