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Tuesday, February 9

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

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

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

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

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

Bainbridge Island Review
Violation? Ranking system or secret vote?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

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

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

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

Monday, February 8

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

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

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

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Associated Press
6th Seattle officer investigated over DC presence amid riot
Coronavirus cases drop at US homes for elderly and infirm
Wildfire smoke’s economic damage lingers after the flames
Stocks move higher on Wall Street, continuing strong streak
Asian shares rise as optimism grows over global recovery
Bill seeks to ban Native American mascots in WA schools (Lekanoff)

Aberdeen Daily World
Five new COVID-19-related deaths reported in Grays Harbor County
Short allotment kills vaccination momentum in Pacific County
Van De Wege sponsors bill aimed at lowering prescription drug costs (Van De Wege)
Commentary: The pandemic relief challenge ahead: Ending it
Letter: Vaccine team came through

Auburn Reporter
Inslee: We have vaccine capacity, we just need the doses

Bainbridge Island Review
Carbon tax may doom recyclers
Inslee defends changes in reopening plan
Kilmer at the Capitol: Surviving an insurrection and preparing for impeachment

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Measure to ban Native American school mascots gets state House hearing (Lekanoff)
Update: Snoqualmie Pass reopens after snowy crashes and heavy traffic
How does Whatcom’s COVID-19 vaccine supply compare to what other Washington counties get?
Whatcom County sees 27 new COVID-19 cases, state reports Saturday
Yielding to pedestrians is smart move, even if the law says a car has the right of way
Whatcom County sees another COVID-related death and 48 new cases, state reports Friday
It’ll be unseasonably cold next week, but does that mean lowland snow for Whatcom?
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Friday in Washington state
Bill in Washington state House would eliminate retirement age for State Guard (Lovick)
Simpson plan for Snake River dams, salmon restoration shows promise with supporters, critics
Tri-Cities legislators part of push to put a check on WA governor’s emergency powers
After data breach, bill introduced to create ‘state office of cybersecurity’ in Washington (Carlyle, Nguyen)
Here’s the Whatcom County COVID-19 vaccination town hall
Whatcom questions state’s vaccine allocation
COVID-19 vaccine transparency: ‘It’s not a destination, it’s a journey‘
Why do gas prices keep rising? Here’s what to know about increases at the pump

Capital Press
Aerial applicator fined for drift that made farmworkers ill
Washington Democrats push for ‘net ecological gain’

Columbian
Press Talk: It could have all been avoided (Wylie)
In Our View: Auditor’s Office data breach adds insult to injury
Cheers & Jeers: Sports good, cutting in line bad (Cleveland, Wylie)

The Daily News
More than 200 Longview students are homeless, according to district report
‘I just want normal’: As students return to school, they experience a different world
Cowlitz COVID-19 vaccine providers administered 90% of doses received; Cowlitz site could open this week

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Small fish, big barriers: A county confronts climate change
Got a ferry question or comment? Have your say this week
Good news: There’s been almost no flu in Snohomish County
Cornfield Report: COVID bills to be signed, Eyman’s fate to be decided
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Here’s how the state will spend $2.2B in federal pandemic aid (Wilson, Sullivan, Ormsby)
Viewpoints: What a rubber duck has to do with covid vaccines
Editorial: Indian rights leader’s statue should stand in D.C.
Letter: BLM protests and Capitol riot are not same thing

The Inlander
Union Gospel Mission men’s shelter hit with COVID-19 outbreak — but vaccinations have begun
How many vaccine doses are being sent to each clinic? WA state won’t tell us
Unemployment costs spiked for employers hit hard by shutdowns, but Washington lawmakers have approved help (Billig, Keiser)

Island’s Weekly
Agree with frustration over local vaccination access
Elementary school class wants Suciasaurus named state dinosaur
Bill would ban open-carry weapons at peaceful state capitol protests
Lawmakers push competing COVID-19 packages

San Juan Islander
Senate Bill 5330 would undermine Vessel Impacts Law that protects J, K, L pods

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
State says to keep your bird feeders down, salmonellosis still spreading
Detectives investigate officer who fired gun at car in Poulsbo
Shipyard’s ‘Building on a Proud Tradition’ home needs millions in safety upgrades
22-unit apartment building planned for Fifth Street in Bremerton
Bill would make Washington state the second in the nation to decriminalize drug possession (Nguyen, Davis, Harris-Talley)

News Tribune (subscription required)
Brace yourself, Pierce County — winter is coming again, and maybe some snow, too
Hospitals in Washington state send N95 masks to 3M for testing and discover many are knockoffs
Tacoma’s John Davenport was a coach and a mentor. He died from COVID-19 on his birthday
These nine local teens are among nation’s inaugural class of girl Eagle Scouts
Patrice Porter was the matriarch of the family BBQ business. COVID-19 took her away
Puyallup mobile home park to be redeveloped. Residents feel out of options
52% of Americans say Trump should be convicted in impeachment trial, poll shows
Peninsula school board member faces criticism for social media posts on race, Capitol riot
Stimulus check eligibility could be capped at individual income of $60,000, Yellen says

New York Times
Got Climate Anxiety? These People Are Doing Something About It
‘We Are Forgotten’: Grocery Workers Hope for Higher Pay and Vaccinations

Olympian (subscription required)
Biden to review deportations of veterans, military family that occurred under Trump
LuLaRoe to pay $4.75 million to Washington state to settle consumer protection lawsuit
Tri-Cities legislators part of push to put a check on WA governor’s emergency powers
Thurston County adds 35 COVID-19 cases on Sunday; weekly case total set to fall to new low
Cinemark to reopen movie theaters in Puget Sound area on Friday

Peninsula Daily News
New COVID positives slowing, but official concerned about misinformation
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Sequim City Council member to bring up question of town’s ‘negative light’
Legislators, police critical of proposed bills (Chapman, Tharinger, Van de Wege)
Subminimum wage for disabled workers called ‘unjust’ (Randall)
Health officers: Peninsula leads state in per capita vaccinations

Port Townsend Leader
New COVID infection reported in JeffCo
Inslee defends regional reopening plan | 2021 Legislative Session
COVID-19 case count in Jefferson County rises by 7
Back up, Gov. Inslee | Editorial (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Colleges remain in holding pattern as international students stay grounded abroad
Boeing expands 737 parts production in India after Chinese supplier blacklisted
‘We are forgotten’: Grocery workers hope for higher pay and vaccinations
Where do vaccine doses go, and who gets them? The algorithms decide
Battle looms over subprime lending regulation under Biden

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Vaccine may be in short supply, but lip service to equity isn’t
Washington Supreme Court conveys approval to resentence three-strikes prisoner, but declines wider review
A handful of Washington schools are rapid testing staff and students for COVID-19. Is it working?
After years of problems at Washington’s facilities for developmentally disabled people, lawmakers seek changes (Keiser)
Washington’s immigrant and refugee elders face challenges COVID-19 vaccine access
Bill allowing homegrown marijuana gains momentum in Washington state Legislature (Kloba)
Editorial: Government officials should take a break before becoming lobbyists (Carlyle)
Opinion: Pro: The Washington Privacy Act empowers consumers to retake control of their identity online in our data-fueled economy (Carlyle)
Opinion: Con: The People’s Privacy Act, not the Washington Privacy Act, is the better bill to protect consumers’ civil rights and civil liberties (Kloba)

Seattle Weekly
Inslee: We have vaccine capacity, we just need the doses
Abandoned boats in waterways are a ‘regional challenge,’ says King County Sheriff’s Office

Skagit Valley Herald
Frustration continues over COVID-19 vaccine shortage

South Seattle Emerald
King County Regional Homelessness Authority finally has a leader
Opinion: A youth’s perspective on gentrification
weekend reads: fluoride is the word
Federal judge concerned about future of Seattle’s consent decree
Case rates remain highest in South King County, two vaccination sites open
Opinion: The terrifying reality behind the Black Muslim experience in Amerikkka

Spokesman Review
New reopening plan, same frustrations: Spokane, rural leaders still want more flexibility fighting virus
Most students in Spokane County are back in school, at least part time
Democrats hope to change Washington’s regressive tax structure with new taxes on wealthy (Frame, Sullivan, Billig)
The long-term care offered out of plain sight: How home health caregivers have weathered the pandemic
Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson releases plan calling for breaching of Snake River dams after 2030

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities legislators part of push to put a check on WA governor’s emergency powers
‘Risky proposition.’ Can $33 billion make up for loss of Snake River dams? Tri-Cities groups
Leery
This GOP congressman wants to remove 4 dams to save Idaho’s salmon. It’ll cost billions.
Registration opens for hundreds of COVID vaccine appointments in Tri-Cities
5 more Tri-Cities deaths linked to COVID-19, as vaccine supply falls far below demand
Fewer Tri-Citians are flying but TSA keeps finding guns in Pasco carry-on bags
Editorial: $33 billion Idaho plan to breach Snake River dams got one thing right

USA Today
Joe Biden calls women out of work, kids out of school a ‘national emergency’ in interview
Schools reopening in US face challenges of safe in-person learning

Vancouver Business Journal
Opinion: Washington can’t afford low-carbon fuel standard mandate

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Blue Mountain Action Council Food Bank expands capacity for food distribution services
Another 77 COVID-19 cases in Walla Walla and Umatilla counties but no new deaths Friday, Saturday
Murder trial testimony turns to death of Waitsburg’s Marcus Allessio
Milton-Freewater vaccine clinic coming for eligible residents
Walla Walla Regional Airport has big projects on deck for 2021 and beyond

Washington Post
On cusp of impeachment trial, court documents point to how Trump’s rhetoric fueled rioters who attacked Capitol
Remote school is stressing parents out. Here’s how to tame the anxiety.
Most Arab Spring revolutions ended in failure. Only in Tunisia has a fragile democracy endured.
He became the nation’s ninth vice president. She was his enslaved wife.
Way more women are reporting ‘long-haul’ covid symptoms. Doctors aren’t sure why.
Senior Democrats to unveil $3,000-per-child benefit as Biden stimulus gains steam
Biden faces border challenge as migrant families arrive in greater numbers and large groups

Yakima Herald Republic
A $34 billion plan to breach Lower Snake River dams in new vision for Northwest
Bill allowing homegrown marijuana gains momentum in Legislature
Washington hospitals bought hundreds of thousands of potentially fraudulent N95 masks

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Some Washington hospitals purchased fake N95 masks
Reports: Democrats to introduce $3,000-per-child tax benefit Monday
Educators can deduct COVID protective equipment from taxes

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Millions of potentially fake N95 masks pulled from hospital shelves
Antibody treatments going unused in Washington state
Maverick Gaming pushes for expansion of sports betting beyond tribal casinos (Liias)
Who pays more for car insurance – men or women?
King County Council chair calls for more transparency on availability of vaccines
Whatcom County officials question COVID vaccine shortage
State Rep. Lekanoff backing bill to ban Native American mascots in schools (Lekanoff)
Homeless encampment in Bellingham faces new threat to move
Moses Lake schools able to keep classrooms open
Confronting racism while elevating Black voices in science

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
WSHA: Hundreds of thousands of counterfeit N95 masks purchased by Washington hospitals
Local bars, restaurants brace themselves for pandemic losses on Super Bowl Sunday
COVID-19 vaccine supply in Washington to slowly increase
More than 25,000 vaccinated at state’s mass COVID-19 vaccination sites

KNKX FM
Health officer: ‘We’re in the eye of a hurricane,’ COVID-19 cases likely to rise again
Team updates investigation into Tacoma police car incident, including number of people hit
Whale watch companies say licensing system should be voluntary because of COVID-19
Inslee defends reopening plan in face of growing frustration, including from fellow Democrats (Chapman, Mullet, Billig, Sullivan)

KUOW FM
Pandemic updates for Washington state
Biden Orders U.S. To Reengage With U.N. Human Rights Council ‘Immediately’
My Mother Got Vaccinated. Is It Now Safe To Go Visit?
Biden Moves To End Trump-Era Asylum Agreements With Central American Countries
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Signs Military ‘Stand Down’ Memo To Address Extremism
Supreme Court Rules Against Calif., Doubles Down On Religious Rights Amid Pandemic
U.S. Judge Grants Accused Rioter’s Request To Vacation In Mexico
Biden Doesn’t Think $15 Federal Minimum Wage Hike Will Survive COVID-19 Relief Bill
Coronavirus FAQ: I’m Afraid Of Needles. Does The COVID-19 Vaccine Hurt?
Education Dept. Launches First Federal Effort To Track School Reopening
Should Schools Reopen If Teachers Aren’t Yet Vaccinated? CDC Will Soon Weigh In
Teachers Union Head: Examples Of Success And Trust Key To Reopening Schools
Senate Says No To $15 Minimum Wage For Now, But Democrats Vow To Push On

NW Public Radio
Washington State Lawmakers Consider Banning Native-Themed Mascots In Schools (Lekanoff)
Study: Economic Effects Of Wildfire Smoke Linger Long After Flames Subside

Q13 TV (Fox)
Idaho congressman unveils plan to breach dams, save PNW salmon
Brandi Kruse: Kshama Sawant has the power to help crime victims
First major event since moving to Phase 2 set at Tacoma convention center

Web

Crosscut
Podcast | When defunding the police meets Seattle’s political reality
Opinion: On human rights, Amazon is at a crossroads
Left on their own in the PNW, immigrant youth fight ICE together
Solos en el PNW, jóvenes inmigrantes se organizan para luchar contra ICE

MyEdmonds News
Liias-sponsored bill would expand blood donations to 16- and 17-year-olds (Liias)

MyNorthwest
COVID-19 updates: Work sites are third most likely place to contract COVID
Millions of potentially fake N95 masks pulled from local hospital shelves
Mountain snow overnight, chance of lowland snow for Puget Sound region remains
King County Council chair calls for more transparency on availability of vaccines
Sound Transit hits ‘exciting’ milestone as it wraps up work on Northgate light rail stations
King County Health Officer: Drop in COVID cases the ‘eye of the hurricane’
Investigation into Tacoma officer who drove through crowd expected to take ‘several more weeks’
Survivors reflect on their trauma as they push for changes to WA gun laws
Fentanyl overdoses in Washington see ‘stunning’ increase in 2020
Biden administration approves major disaster declaration, wildfire aid for Washington
Federal judge rebukes Seattle council for running afoul of SPD consent decree in 2020
Washington now has capacity to administer 45,000 vaccines a day
Cold air brings ‘some potential for snow’ next week across Puget Sound region

Slog
Washington Considers Bill to Stop Karens and Kens (Das)

Friday, February 5

WA scrambles to avoid mass evictions as moratorium nears end
Expanding tenant rights is necessary, said Rep. Nicole Macri, D-Seattle, because current state law is inadequate in the current moment. “Our residential landlord-tenant act never imagined — ever — that there’d be a circumstance where nearly 200,000 renters couldn’t pay rent at the same time,” she said. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Dorothy Edwards)

‘A basic requirement for modern life’: Hansen bill seeks to bolster broadband rollout
[Aline] Holmstrom was heartened to hear about the Public Broadband Act, a proposal in the Legislature this session, House Bill 1336, that aims to boost broadband rollout to get to homes like hers. The latest version of the measure, sponsored by Rep. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island, would allow municipalities like public utility districts, ports, some cities, towns and counties the ability to retail internet access directly to customers. Continue reading at The Kitsap Sun. (Meegan M. Reid)

Legislators introduce drug decriminalization bill
The new push to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs like cocaine and heroin on Thursday came to Washington. Advocates and legislators announced the Pathways to Recovery Act, which would expand treatment systems and approach drug abuse as a public health problem instead of a crime. “No one has fallen too far to recover if only we give them a chance,” said Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline), a sponsor of the bill. Continue reading at KIRO7 TV.

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Associated Press
Washington averaging 28,000 COVID-19 vaccinations a day
Boeing to outsource IT work to Dell, eliminate 600 jobs
Grocery industry suing Seattle over new hazard-pay law
US employers add just 49K jobs, underscoring virus’ damage
U.S. trade deficit rises to 12-year high $679 billion
Biden approves federal disaster aid for Malden and Pine City
Grocery industry suing Seattle over new hazard-pay law
Johnson & Johnson asks FDA to authorize its 1-dose COVID-19 vaccine
Surprise tax forms reveal extent of unemployment fraud in US
US coronavirus deaths surpass 455,000; daily toll is stubbornly high

Auburn Reporter
Pay freeze for Inslee and state lawmakers this year
WA Democrats consider new tax on billionaires (Frame, Sullivan)

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
WA state health officials want you to cancel Super Bowl parties as a COVID-19 precaution
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington
Watch Live: Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee’s update on Legislature, COVID-19 at 2:30
4 Republican Washington state senators announce formation of ‘Freedom Caucus’
Concerned about inconsistent COVID-19 vaccine supply, Whatcom asks state for details
Whatcom sees one death, 105 new COVID-19 cases, as vaccine supply remains short
Gov. Inslee: ‘These are not random decisions’
Side effects after your second dose of COVID vaccine may be more intense. Here’s why
Here’s how Inslee reacted to Whatcom criticism about Roadmap plan to relax COVID-19 limits
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Double masks, variants, second vaccine doses & more
Will Americans get more financial relief from Biden or GOP COVID plan? Study compares
Dealing with the vaccine supply challenge
Inslee: Pierce, Thurston among counties moving to Phase 2 as reopening plan shifts
Majority of Americans approve of Biden’s pandemic response, new poll finds

Capital Press
Researchers: State funds for soil health initiative could be in question
Aerial applicator fined for drift that made farmworkers ill
Washington Democrats push for ‘net ecological gain’ (Lekanoff)
U.S. potato industry looks to regain overseas market share

Centralia Chronicle
Inslee Touts Vaccine Progress and Defends Criticism From Democratic Lawmakers (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Data-driven farming: New tech ‘changes agriculture’
Inslee: We have vaccine capacity, we just need the doses
‘Pallet’ village for Everett’s homeless could open in June
CORNFIELD REPORT Reopening gripes, fence frustrations and a wage freeze
Everett considers revenue-generating leases of city property
Pandemic slows growth of the clean-tech sector — for now
WaPo Comment: Local newspapers take Google, Facebook to court
Editorial: Maintain investment in higher ed and its students

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Frustration sets in for older residents searching for vaccine appointments
‘A basic requirement for modern life’: Hansen bill seeks to bolster broadband rollout (Hansen)

News Tribune (subscription required)
Puyallup School District looks to buy $2 million property for new junior high
Pierce County metrics need to hold or improve to maintain Phase 2; vaccine clinics ramping up
Pop-up donation centers keep the blood flowing in wake of COVID-19 shutdowns

New York Times
Live Updates: Biden Forges Ahead on $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Over Republican Objections
Covid-19 Live Updates: AstraZeneca Shot Found to Be Protective Against Variant First Seen in U.K.
Muddled Intelligence Hampered Response to Capitol Riot

Olympian (subscription required)
WA state health officials want you to cancel Super Bowl parties as a COVID-19 precaution
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington
Thurston County adds 24 COVID-19 cases; North Thurston announces more grades for hybrid learning
Appointments filled within 20 minutes for Providence vaccine clinic Saturday at the RAC
Bill in Washington state House would make tampons, pads free in school bathrooms (Berg)
4 Republican Washington state senators announce formation of ‘Freedom Caucus’

Peninsula Daily News
Bill mandating homeless shelters draws criticism
Bill proposes suicide review team
Feds: Member of Proud Boys arrested in Washington state
Washington Democrats push new tax on billionaires
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Washington averaging 28,000 COVID-19 vaccinations a day
COVID-19 cluster in Jefferson County swells to 22 cases

Port Townsend Leader
COVID-19 case count in Jefferson County rises by 7
Editorial: Back up, Gov. Inslee (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)
Residential care facility is source of new JeffCo COVID cluster (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Why new taxes may not be enough to close Seattle’s economic divide
Despite progress, Inslee warns ‘vaccine supplies are very limited’
Amazon opens Everett distribution center, with 4 more planned for Puget Sound region
Why are there so few Black economists at the Fed?
Federal aid for closed cultural venues will be a race for cash
As prices soar, some brokers ‘very nervous’ over housing market’s direction
SBA relaunches cash grant program for these types of small businesses
Opinion: Take steps now to address the affordable housing crisis

Seattle Times (subscription required)
With COVID-19 vaccine in short supply, confusion abounds over second shots
Washington’s 3 GOP representatives vote against removing Rep. Greene from committee assignments
Gov. Inslee touts vaccine progress and defends criticism from Democratic lawmakers on his reopening plan
Biden administration OKs Washington state counties for disaster-relief aid for wildfires
Opinion: As we aim for less reliance on cars, learn from those who don’t drive
Federal judge to Seattle City Council: Tread carefully with efforts to defund police or risk violating consent decree

Seattle Weekly
Pay freeze for Inslee and state lawmakers this year

Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon City Council approves design contract for fire station upgrades

South Seattle Emerald
Community Police Commission appoints permanent director
OPINION: Skirting death by implicit bias at the doctor’s office

Spokesman Review
While experts advise staying home for Super Bowl LV, some Spokane bars and restaurants will be open
After months of Trump’s indifference, inaction, Biden approves disaster assistance for Washington wildfires, including Malden
Washington has the capacity to vaccinate way more people than the number of doses received
Shawn Vestal: Matt Shea, the Redoubt rock star, keeps riling up his followers for ‘total war’
Northwest Republicans oppose House vote to punish Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

Tri-City Herald
What are the chances someone at your Tri-Cities Super Bowl party will have COVID?
Fire up your computers. Registration could open Friday for more Tri-Cities COVID vaccinations
56-acre Tri-Cities park nearly ready for hikers, with just one piece missing

USA Today
Politics live updates: Senate clears way to pass COVID relief, Biden to speak on economy

Vancouver Business Journal
January windstorm is reminder of value of diverse energy sources
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announces record year of giving

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Coronavirus update: Two new deaths in Umatilla County, 21 new cases in Walla Walla County
About 600 Walla Walla County residents vaccinated for COVID-19 Wednesday
Jurors selected; Leslie Moreno trial moves forward Thursday at Walla Walla County Fairgrounds
Michael A. Cavagna’s sentencing for eluding, gun possession delayed to ‘unknown’ date, time
Jurors selected; Leslie Moreno trial moves forward Thursday at Walla Walla County Fairgrounds
Walla Walla police officers nab couple on suspicion of burglary, drugs in early morning arrest
Walla Walla man Timothy L. Palmer, accused of child rape, gets bail reduction
State withdraws charges against Walla Walla nursing assistant

Washington Post
House set to advance budget plan as President Biden calls for swift action on economic relief
The economy gained just 49,000 jobs in January, as recover sputters amid pressure from virus

Yakima Herald Republic
Washington averaging 28,000 COVID-19 vaccinations a day
Not enough supply for mass vaccine clinic in Yakima yet; 18 other locations have received doses
Grocery industry suing Seattle over new hazard-pay law
Bill in Washington state House would make tampons, pads free in school bathrooms
Supporters say expanded sports betting in WA would add jobs
FEMA approves wildfire disaster declaration for Yakima, Kittitas counties

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Senate approves budget bill to pass Biden’s $1.9T COVID-19 relief plan
Washington state shifts COVID-19 vaccine strategy to boost access
Counties plead with Washington state to rethink reopening plan
Up to 32,000 homes in Bellevue affected by CenturyLink 911 outage
Seattle faces deep financial impacts from Canada’s ban on cruise ships until 2022

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Whatcom County calls out state over allocation of vaccine doses
Legislators introduce drug decriminalization bill (Davis)
Health officials worry about ‘super spreader’ events ahead of Sunday’s big game
Tax forms – the latest unpleasant surprise in the mail for victims of unemployment impostor fraud
Seattle cruise season in jeopardy after Canada extends cruise ship ban
Central area seniors rejoice after receiving COVID vaccine
After airlift, coma, and months in ICU, COVID-19 survivor is about to leave UW Medicine
Local congresswomen respond to House action on Greene
SPS return to in-person learning at start of March likely delayed
‘I don’t have a computer’: Seniors share hardships competing for online vaccine spots
Friends of disabled stabbing victim believe he was the victim of a hate crime
Washington ranks in Top 10 of safest states during pandemic, study finds

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
‘Historic level’ of court backlogs leaves criminals on the King Co. streets
Seattle planning mass COVID-19 vaccination sites by spring
Inslee sticking with regional phased COVID-19 approach despite growing criticism
Biden OKs disaster aid for Wash. towns destroyed by wildfire
Tension in Republican Party at U.S. Capitol impacts GOP future in Washington state
Rape cases increasing at alarming rate in King County this year

KNKX FM
Washington Town Wiped Out By Wildfire Will Get Delayed Federal Aid

KUOW FM
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
U.S. Adds Just 49,000 Jobs In January, ‘Not Anywhere Close’ To Recovering Lost Jobs
Senate Passes Budget Resolution; Vice President Harris Breaks Tie
One Thing Millennials Aren’t Killing? Public Transportation
Return to school expected to be delayed for Seattle students pre-K to grade 1
Johnson & Johnson Applies For Emergency Use Authorization for Anti-COVID-19 Vaccine
Federal Aid is Finally Coming To Washington Town Decimated By Wildfire
Washington billionaire tax proposal tries to find equity, includes ‘escape’ loopholes

Q13 TV (Fox)
Southwest Washington man charged with entering Capitol during siege

Web

Crosscut
The persistent disparities in accessing WA health care
WA scrambles to avoid mass evictions as moratorium nears end (Macri, Rolfes, Das)
Opinion: If you’re under 65, don’t hesitate to vaccinate against COVID-19
Billy Frank Jr. could replace Washington’s statue of Marcus Whitman (Lekanoff, Carlyle)
Podcast | Defund, then what? Seattle activists’ ideas for police dollars
Opinion: COVID-19 and the overwhelming demand for basic needs
Washington could become the second state to decriminalize drugs (Davis, Nguyen)

MyNorthwest
Federal judge rebukes Seattle council for running afoul of SPD consent decree in 2020
Washington now has capacity to administer 45,000 vaccines a day
Cold air brings ‘some potential for snow’ next week across Puget Sound region
Sawant claims police slowed investigation into threats, City and SPD tell different story
Grocery associations file lawsuit against Seattle to stop hazard pay
Advocates believe latest effort to expand WA sports betting has ‘a lot of momentum’

Slog
Cancel Your Fucking Super Bowl Plans
Brian Eno Knows Why Reopening Indoor Dining and Gyms in King County Is a Very Bad Idea

Thursday, February 4

First bill from state Sen. T’wina Nobles passes unanimously off floor
The first bill sponsored by state Sen. T’wina Nobles — who flipped a longtime-Republican 28th Legislative District seat to Democrat in November — passed off the floor in a unanimous vote Wednesday. Nobles is the first Black person to serve in Washington’s Senate in a decade, and represents Lakewood, University Place, DuPont and parts of Tacoma. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

Bill in Washington state House would make tampons, pads free in school bathrooms
Students at schools, colleges, and universities in Washington state could soon gain access to free menstrual hygiene products, such as tampons and pads, in their school bathrooms starting in 2022, if a bill up for consideration in the Legislature passes into law. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Abel Uribe)

Unemployment costs spiked for employers hit hard by shutdowns, but Washington lawmakers have approved help
Washington lawmakers, recognizing the massive strain on businesses already teetering on the edge of collapse, passed a bill last week to eliminate $1.7 billion in tax increases that over the next four years would have been automatically charged to employers whose workers went on unemployment. Continue reading at The Inlander. (Young Kwak)

Print

Associated Press
Grocery industry suing Seattle over new hazard-pay law
US unemployment claims fall to 779,000 but job cuts grind on
CDC says schools can reopen without teachers getting COVID-19 vaccine

Aberdeen Daily World
Mass vaccination site adds additional date Friday
SR 109 open again after state crews find ‘no significant damage that would indicate future slope concerns’
Commentary: How shocking that the GOP now has a QAnon problem in their ranks

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here’s what Whatcom’s elected officials are saying about Inslee’s COVID ‘Roadmap’
Whatcom’s latest COVID-19 location data shows positive results throughout the county
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Coronavirus updates: State passes 314k cases
First bill from state Sen. T’wina Nobles passes unanimously off floor (Nobles)
One mask or two? What’s one to do?
Dealing with the vaccine supply challenge
Time to mandate medical-grade or double masks? Experts debate as COVID variants spread
Pentagon reviewing how to better screen recruits for extremism after Capitol attack
About 29 million people would lose out on stimulus checks under GOP plan, experts say

Capital Press
Biden’s EPA nominee outlines his agenda
Raising radicchio’s profile worldwide
Washington lawmakers look at consensus bee bill
Potato industry survives huge backlog caused by COVID shutdowns

Columbian
Rep. Sharon Wylie of Vancouver will wait to see on billionaire tax (Wylie, Frame)
Declining COVID-19 cases move Clark County into ‘moderate’ activity range
In Our View: Billy Frank Jr. deserves place in Statuary Hall (Lekanoff)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Pay freeze for Inslee, lawmakers this year; pay hike in 2022
Snohomish County’s boosted vaccine supply still isn’t enough
Indoor vaccination commences at Boeing Activity Center
Democrats repel GOP push to go bigger on pandemic aid plan (Ormsby)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo: Comment: Our youths have been left too long in the wasteland
Letter: That’s a no to a gas tax increase by Legislature

The Inlander
How computer glitches and server overloads for the Spokane Arena’s mass vaccination site actually resulted in more people getting vaccinated faster
Unemployment costs spiked for employers hit hard by shutdowns, but Washington lawmakers have approved help (Keiser, Billig)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Plans for Ridgetop forest parcel moving slowly while COVID-19 has county’s attention
Kitsap has capacity for more vaccinations but not enough doses, health officials say
Graham: High school football games in jeopardy?

News Tribune (subscription required)
Two new vaccine events for Buckley, Gig Harbor. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Thursday
Sumner’s new council member to donate half his city salary to charity
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Here are Wednesday’s COVID-19 case totals for Pierce County
Firm proposes 64 recommendations to Tacoma police policy, including use of force rules
WA Proud Boys member charged in connection to Capitol riots has Puget Sound ties
Editorial: Unemployment data breach is bad, but Pierce County legislator places false blame

New York Times
Covid-19 Live Updates: As U.S. Vaccinations Speed Up, Cautious Optimism Grows
A Parallel Pandemic Hits Health Care Workers: Trauma and Exhaustion
Where Are U.S. Teachers Ineligible to Be Vaccinated?
Jobless Claims Decline for Third Straight Week: Live Updates

Olympian (subscription required)
First bill from state Sen. T’wina Nobles passes unanimously off floor (Nobles)
Thurston County COVID-19 cases trend lower as county announces 28 on Wednesday
Renata Rollins says she will step down when her term ends
Bill in Washington state House would make tampons, pads free in school bathrooms (Berg)
State Patrol looks for man connected to Jan. 6 Governor’s Mansion breach
Olympia building code change relaxes rules on ‘tiny homes’
Thurston County judge sets bail for 4 people in connection with Olympia hotel takeover

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Seventh COVID-19 death confirmed on Peninsula

Puget Sound Business Journal
Democrats press ahead on stimulus as Biden signals openness to changes
Amazon to pay $62M for stiffing drivers on tips

Seattle Times (subscription required)
To heal our collective trauma, we must first face it
Auburn-area man, a prominent Proud Boy, charged in Capitol insurrection
After nearly 50 days in a Seattle hospital far from family, COVID-19 patient to go home to Alaska
Grocery industry sues Seattle over new $4 hazard-pay law
Lawsuit filed against California firm over Washington state auditor data breach
Opinion: To heal our collective trauma, we must first face it
Editorial: Shameful vaccine favoritism worsens rollout’s inequities

Seattle Weekly
Proud Boys member with local ties charged for role in Jan. 6 riots

Skagit Valley Herald
Swinomish tribe vaccinates La Conner school staff
Sedro-Woolley announces reopening date for middle school
Burlington police, fire departments receive grant
National Guard assistance extended at Helping Hands Solution Center

South Seattle Emerald
OPINION: Does Amazon minus Bezos equal greater civic engagement?
Black Lives Matter at School Week: A list of picture books
VOICES: Seattle Children’s Hospital’s version of accountability fails to prioritize healing of Odessa Brown families

Spokesman Review
Some major health systems in Spokane County got no new vaccine doses this week
Spokane VA Medical Center ramps up vaccination of veterans 75 and older
Bill to expand state’s reentry program for prisoners passes Washington Senate
Spokane hospitals: No VIP vaccine access for donors, volunteers

Tri-City Herald
Hospitals see spike in COVID patients, but new Tri-Cities cases continue to drop
Help for Tri-Cities seniors registering for COVID vaccine
Editorial: WA Gov. Jay Inslee has too much power over COVID. Lawmakers must fix the law

USA Today
Young adults drive infections, but far back in line for shots; schools can reopen even without vaccinating teachers: Live COVID-19 news

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Walla Walla to welcome middle school students to hybrid in-person schedule on Feb. 16
Vaccine’s arrival at Walla Walla grocery store pharmacies unknown
Jury selection Tuesday for Leslie Moreno murder trial reveals COVID-19 hardships
Walla Walla police officers nab couple on suspicion of burglary, drugs in early morning arrest
Walla Walla man Timothy L. Palmer, accused of child rape, gets bail reduction
Police: Pendleton man Richard A. Smith is on the run and may be in the area
State withdraws charges against Walla Walla nursing assistant
Michael A. Cavagna takes plea deal in case of police chase, Walla Walla crash

Washington Post
McCarthy moves to keep splintering GOP intact, with protection for both Cheney and Greene
U.S. infection rates are dropping; global vaccine trust is on the rise, survey says

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima School District will bring back grades for in-person learning in March
“High schools are unique.” Yakima County administrators share their plans for bringing students back to campus
How Yakima-area businesses can qualify for Paycheck Protection Program funding
Opinion: Data breach prompts conflicting information
Washington Legislature takes up excessive force by law enforcement

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Demand for vaccine ‘greatly’ outweighs supply in Washington
Washington lags other states in reporting COVID-19 vaccine equity
Like everything else 2020, taxes will be like no other year
Lawsuit over Seattle grocery hazard pay comes as some stores embrace it
Seattle member of Proud Boys arrested in Washington state after US Capitol breach
Inside look at successful mass vaccine site in Wenatchee

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Second dose vaccine appointments in short supply
Rapid COVID-19 testing pilot study shows few positives in three school districts
Vaccine sites feel ripple effects of second dose scheduling troubles
Local ‘Proud Boy’ charged in Capitol riots
Vaccine shortages cause pent up demand in Snohomish County
Microsoft opening vaccine site at Redmond campus
King Country Metro installing mask dispensers on all buses

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
King County ‘Proud Boys’ member charged in connection to DC riot
Grocery industry suing Seattle over new $4/hr hazard-pay boost
More teachers, prisoners getting vaccine in Oregon; seniors still waiting
SPD to announce new changes to department policies in wake of federal consent decree
Experts say COVID vaccine is critical in getting businesses back up and running
For those who need a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, is there enough supply?

KNKX FM
State lawmakers consider bill to allow school districts to build teacher housing (Salomon)
LISTEN: Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah on vaccine access, some counties reopening

KUOW FM
‘Lay Low And Cool It’: Fauci Warns Against Super Bowl Parties Becoming Superspreaders
Pandemic blog: Updates for the Northwest
Alleged Seattle Proud Boy charged with storming of U.S. Capitol
Can’t get a Covid-19 vaccination appointment? Here are some tips — if you’re eligible
As Overdose Deaths Surge, White House Takes Steps To Build Drug Policy Team
Shark Populations Are Declining Toward ‘Point Of No Return,’ Scientists Say
Education Pick Miguel Cardona’s Message To Lawmakers: ‘En La Unión Está La Fuerza’
5 Hacks To Make Your Face Mask More Protective

Q13 TV (Fox)
New bi-partisan bill proposes expansion of sports betting outside tribal casinos in Washington state
Northwest grocery associations file lawsuit against Seattle over $4 hazard pay law
Lawsuit filed against California company involved in unemployment data breach
Troopers looking to identify man accused of assault during breach of Gov. Inslee’s mansion
King County Metro installing mask dispensers on entire bus fleet

Web

Crosscut
Podcast | An Oregon city’s decades-old alternative to police

MyNorthwest
Advocates believe latest effort to expand WA sports betting has ‘a lot of momentum’
Feds: Member of Proud Boys linked to Capitol siege arrested in Washington state
WA Employment Security Department whistleblower says she was told not to help people
Snohomish County grapples with frustrations surrounding vaccine scheduling, low supplies
WSP report raises questions over officers’ accounts of Manuel Ellis death
Seattle area ‘over a month ahead’ of a typical year’s rainfall to start 2021
WA businesses speak out against proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, curb vaping
‘I am 100% committed’: Mayor Durkan rejects calls to veto grocery store ‘hazard pay’
Jeff Bezos announces decision to step down as Amazon CEO
Washington lawmakers mull proposals to tax big businesses and billionaires
Healthy baby girl gorilla born at Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle council approves ban on gas heating in new apartments, commercial buildings

West Seattle Blog
What’s next for West Seattle’s low bridge, 3+ weeks into camera enforcement

Wednesday, February 3

Proposed ‘billionaire tax’ comes to Olympia, as Washington Democrats seek to revamp tax system
A new idea to flip Washington’s regressive tax system goes straight to the top: it seeks to tax the state’s billionaires. Sponsored by Rep. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, House Bill 1406 would apply a 1% tax on a state resident’s taxable intangible wealth above $1 billion.If passed, the tax, which would impact fewer than 100 people — but would raise a torrent of money. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Bettina Hansen)

In with Billy Frank Jr., out with Whitman. Statues should show Washington diversity
How refreshing that we can now talk about installing the statue of a great Washington leader inside the US Capitol Building. Better yet, it’s a leader who would build up the stature of Black, indigenous and other people of color in our state. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Toni L. Bailey)

Washington plan shows vaccines for general public won’t begin until summer or fall 2021
New information from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has pushed back the timeline for members of the general public to begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, meaning life won’t go back to normal anytime soon. Continue reading at KING5 TV. (WA State Department of Health)