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Wednesday, March 31

Bill to ban private prisons in Washington state heads to Inslee’s desk
A bill that would ban private detention facilities in Washington state — outlawing the renewal of a contract between ICE and a private company that runs a controversial detention center in Tacoma — is headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

Every WA state prisoner should get a COVID-19 vaccine immediately, lawsuit demands
Three people incarcerated in Washington prisons, including someone at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, filed the lawsuit Monday in Thurston County Superior Court. They are seeking certification of their petition as a class action, with the class being everyone in the state Department of Correction’s custody. Continue reading at The Olympian. (AP)

Is Washington State Taking Too Many Children From Their Parents? Movement Seeks to Overhaul Foster Care Esther Taylor remembers everyone tensing up. She was 8, and didn’t understand everything going on. But she knew a social worker had confronted her mom about the way Taylor and her siblings were living, in a house with faulty wiring and a rat problem, ostensibly home-schooled but not taught frequently of late. And she could see her mom getting upset. Continue reading at The Centralia Chronicle.

Print

Associated Press
Newest vaccine tier in Washington takes effect Wednesday
Cases of vaccinated people getting COVID-19 confirmed in WA
Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine protects younger teens
Bill in Washington state would ban private immigration jail
Lawsuit seeks COVID-19 vaccines for Washington state inmates

Aberdeen Daily World
Rep. Walsh refuses to vote as House approves firearms ban at Capitol grounds (Senn)
Commentary: Sacred right; sacred duty
Commentary: Ocean conditions, lost habitat drive salmon concerns
Letter: Intrinsic value in Wild Olympics

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Every WA state prisoner should get a COVID-19 vaccine immediately, lawsuit demands
Bill to ban private prisons in Washington state heads to Inslee’s desk (Ortiz-Self)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
WWU economists look ahead to Whatcom’s post-pandemic economy. Here’s what they see
With oil refineries in the background, Gov. Inslee urges action on these climate change bills (Ramel)
First cases of post-vaccine COVID-19 confirmed in WA state. 2 deaths being investigated
This is when you can sign up for one of Whatcom’s 700 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Those seeking COVID-19 vaccine no longer have to prove eligibility with Phase Finder
Elusive orca called Chainsaw spotted near Washington islands. How did he get his name?
Don’t worry if you catch coronavirus when fully vaccinated — it can happen. Here’s why
Pfizer COVID vaccine protects children — even more than adults, trial study finds

Capital Press
Farmworkers are getting vaccinated across the West
High psyllid pressure expected for potatoes this year

Centralia Chronicle
Is Washington State Taking Too Many Children From Their Parents? Movement Seeks to Overhaul Foster Care (Ortiz-Self)

Columbian
In Our View: New rule brings schools closer to reopening

The Daily News
Rainier schools will ‘stay the course’ with hybrid classrooms as COVID-19 cases increase following spring break

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
Community Vaccination Center opens today with FEMA

Everett Herald (subscription required)
State transpo package arrives, clean fuel standard motors on (Jinkins, Billig, Hobbs)
COVID-19 cases rising again in Snohomish County
Inmates sue state to gain immediate access to vaccinations
Editorial:Vigilance, masks, still needed in covid marathon
Letter: Carbon dividend would return money to U.S. residents

High Country News
Study finds wildfire caused massive bird die-off

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
COVID-19 virus variant confirmed in Kitsap
Newest vaccine tier in Washington takes effect Wednesday
Seniors thankful for efforts addressing COVID-19

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma approves new sales tax for affordable housing. Here’s when it will start
First body cameras in use by Gig Harbor police, but glitch is draining car batteries
Four mass vaccine events in Pierce County will open for registration Wednesday morning
Is this the end of Tacoma’s immigrant detention center? Local officials declare victory (Ortiz-Self, Darneille, Jinkins, Fey)
After learning mayor won’t run, City Council shelves idea of consultant on morale

New York Times
Biden Details $2 Trillion Plan to Rebuild Infrastructure and Reshape the Economy
How Food Banks Succeeded and What They Need Now
Supreme Court Arguments May Be Turning Point for N.C.A.A.
Black Executives Call on Corporations to Fight Restrictive Voting Laws

Northwest Asian Weekly
Op-ed by Sen. Saldaña: Your Climate and Air Depend on Clean Fuels (Saldaña)

Olympian (subscription required)
These neighborhoods still have racially restrictive covenants. Here’s how to fix them
Thurston County adds 12 COVID-19 cases Tuesday, as health officer notes rise in cases
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Bill to ban private prisons in Washington state heads to Inslee’s desk (Ortiz-Self)
Those seeking COVID-19 vaccine no longer have to prove eligibility with Phase Finder
Olympia approves three-year contract with Police Sergeants union
Delayed $1,400 stimulus checks: Non-filers will get payments by April 7, IRS says

Peninsula Daily News
Jobless rate rises slightly on Peninsula
Sequim rally supports Asian American community
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle, Tacoma lure shipping lines escaping congestion at other West Coast ports
State’s Phase Finder will no longer be required to verify Covid-19 vaccine eligibility
Washington’s unemployment rate decreases, but so has the workforce

Seattle Times (subscription required)
2 million more Washingtonians are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines
Washington Legislature passes bill that will close Northwest detention center in Tacoma (Ortiz-Self)
Washington Republicans call on Gov. Inslee to end coronavirus state of emergency
Lawsuit demands immediate COVID-19 vaccinations for people incarcerated at Washington prisons
For Seattle-area residents with COVID vaccines, ‘re-entry anxiety’ is real
Editorial: Washington’s culvert challenge deserves federal funding
Opinion: Whatever your opinion about a state capital-gains tax, it’s constitutional

Seattle Medium
Taylor’s Budget Provision Allocates $3 Million For Workforce Housing In Federal Way (Taylor)
Zahilay, King County Council Invest $2 Million Into Gun Violence Prevention
Dunn Introduces Legislation To Address Crimes Of Hate And Bias

Skagit Valley Herald
Governor pushes for passage of climate change bills (Lovelett, Lekanoff)
Gov. Inslee visits Mount Vernon elementary school
Mobile clinics providing COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable groups

South Seattle Emerald
Seattle City Council passes Sawant plan to fund lawyers for tenants facing eviction

Spokesman Review
Spokane-area school districts are seeing more COVID-19 quarantines and cases after returning
Baumgartner suggests borrowing to conserve Pilcher property in Latah Valley
Spokane Public Schools board will get a first look at boundary proposal Wednesday
Eastern Washington colleges contend with changing COVID-19 landscape on commencement plan
Residents 60 and older, those with underlying health conditions eligible for vaccine starting Wednesday
Spokane Public Schools may reduce punishment for sexting

Washington Post
Top Trump adviser warned then-president on virus supply shortage, then pursued controversial deals
Rep. Matt Gaetz faces Justice Dept. investigation over alleged relationship with teen girl
After emotional day, Chauvin trial resumes with Cup Foods clerk and firefighter ‘desperate’ to help George Floyd
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine safe and effective in children as young as 12, say companies
In former Klan country, one Black woman decides she’s had enough

Yakima Herald Republic
Why child care can be hard to find in Central Washington
Yakima County receives 10K state vaccine doses this week, not including new federal supply
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff plans visit to Yakima shortly after mass vaccination center expands
Bill in Washington state would ban private immigration jail (Ortiz-Self)
McAllister Museum of Aviation reopening Friday
Yakima parks reopening as part of Phase 3, but Franklin Park Pool is still a question mark

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Another 2 million people in Washington now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine
Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine protects younger teens
COVID-19 cases expected to rise next winter with fewer deaths, UW doctor says
Gen Z will have to save for 18 years to afford a Seattle home, study says
Washington confirms ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases after vaccination
Woman considered a ‘lifer’ released from prison, could be first of many in Washington (Darneille)
Pierce County faces spikes in food insecurity, people in need

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
2 million more Washingtonians now eligible for vaccine in tiers 3, 4
Dozens of Washingtonians test positive for COVID-19 after full vaccination, DOH says
Four mass vaccine events in Pierce County will open for registration Wednesday
Rapid COVID-19 testing starts in 8 school districts
COVID-19 variant found in Kitsap County
Bill in Washington state would ban private immigration jail
WSU researchers advance research to block common food poisoning in humans
Seattle council approves bill guaranteeing lawyer for tenants facing eviction
COVID cases climb in WA, CDC director warns of ‘impending doom’
‘I can’t wait:’ Washington state expands vaccine eligibility for 2 million Washingtonians
Over 100 Washingtonians became ill with coronavirus despite vaccinations, DOH says

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
‘It’s frustrating’: Growing homeless camp on Seattle school property concerns neighbors
As pregnant women become eligible for COVID vaccine, doctors combat vaccine hesitancy
Lawsuit demands immediate access to COVID vaccines for all Wash. state inmates
Gov. Inslee: State would expand COVID vaccine eligibility if supply increases
Zero flu deaths reported in Washington for first time
Seattle teachers worried if it will be safe to return to classroom for their students
Bill in Washington state would ban private immigration jail

KNKX FM
WA state Senate passes bill to ban private, for-profit prisons (Ortiz-Self)
British Columbia shutting down again as COVID cases rise
Long-term effects of COVID keep UW clinic busy

KUOW FM
Seattle renters: You have the right to an attorney
Franklin High School teachers protest return to classroom, citing inadequate coronavirus ventilation
Pandemic blog: Covid-19 news for the NW
Pfizer Says COVID-19 Vaccine Shows ‘100% Efficacy’ In Adolescents
When It Comes To Email, Some Prisoners Say Attorney-Client Privilege Has Been Erased
The end of for-profit prisons in Washington state is in sight (Darnielle)

KXLY (ABC)
Newest vaccine tier in Washington takes effect Wednesday
Lawsuit seeks COVID-19 vaccines for Washington state inmates

NW Public Radio
Interest In Hydrogen Fuel Grows Across The Northwest – And Tax Dollars Follow
Cut And Fried: Northwest Spud Farmers Take A Deep Hit On Their Contracts
Hazardous Waste Landfill Near Columbia River Seeks To Expand

Q13 TV (Fox)
New Tacoma program will pay people experiencing homelessness to clean up trash
Nearly 5 million Washingtonians eligible for COVID vaccine starting Wednesday
Biden to reveal $2.25T infrastructure plan Wednesday afternoon
Taxpayers to decide fate of Everett Transit
Inslee makes big push for new climate legislation from Skagit County
Several uninsured people in Snohomish County wrongly billed for COVID-19 vaccine

Web

Civic Skunkworks
A Roadmap to a Better Washington

Crosscut
Washington’s razor clam season shut down by hazardous algal blooms
Podcast | Dr. Ben Danielson on racism and resigning from Seattle Children’s
Opinion: Rejecting anti-Asian hate, in Atlanta and in Washington state

Slog
Harrell Reveals Another Key Aspect of His Police Reform Plan
Low-Income Seattle Tenants Facing Eviction Will Receive Free Legal Representation

West Seattle Blog
From White Center Now: King County Executive proposes pandemic-relief jobs program

Tuesday, March 30

Investigation finds more deadly delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment at Washington state prisons
The cracked, bleeding lesion on Michael Boswell’s back started out the size of the end of a Q-tip, his sister recalls, but rapidly grew to the size of a half dollar, and then a silver dollar coin. Incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, Boswell filed grievances and pleaded for treatment back in May 2019, but was rebuffed for months by prison medical staff, who said the growth was benign. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Alan Berner)

Legislation would ensure doctors at Catholic hospitals could offer medically necessary abortions when emergencies arise
aitlin Lombardi knows firsthand how important a full range of medical options can be when a pregnancy goes all wrong — as hers did six years ago. Lombardi was four months pregnant when her water broke. Tragically in her case, this meant the girl inside her would never breathe outside the womb — and the unviable pregnancy could kill Lombardi or leave her infertile. Her Seattle doctor swiftly terminated the pregnancy. Continue reading at InvestigateWest. (Dorothy Edwards)

Regional Health Districts Bill Garners More Support in Legislature
A bill to create four regional public health districts across Washington and pump significant funding into foundational public health services is making progress in the state Legislature. And after several revisions, what opponents critiqued as a swipe at local control is now gaining more support. Continue reading at The Chronicle. (Jared Wenzelburger)

Print

Associated Press
House approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies (Berg, Senn)
These 38,000 Whatcom County residents will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines this week
Council OKs right to free lawyer for people facing eviction
Western Washington University reports COVID-19 outbreak
US stocks slip in mixed trading as rate pressure ratchets up
Suez Canal reopens after stuck cargo ship is freed
Senators weigh suggestions for U.S. judgeships in Washington

Aberdeen Daily World
Y expanding child care into Crown Drug building
Guy Capoeman is new Quinault Nation president
Walsh proposes to use federal stimulus package on fish passage

Auburn Reporter
King County looks at forming hate crime unit in Sheriff’s Office

Bainbridge Island Review
How local state leaders voted (Rolfes, Hansen, Simmons)

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
WWU reports COVID outbreak in residence halls, as students return from Spring Break
Substance use disorders added to CDC list of health conditions that raise COVID risks
Face masks and hand sanitizer are tax deductible, IRS says. Here’s what to know
How well are COVID vaccines working in Americans who got them? CDC reveals new data
Millions could see lower health care costs under COVID stimulus package. What to know

Capital Press
Washington senator’s cap-and-trade claim mystifies farm groups (Carlyle)
Demand has remained high at WSU creamery despite COVID

The Chronicle
Regional Health Districts Bill Garners More Support in Legislature (Billig, Liias, Riccelli)
Our Views: Inslee Deserves Credit for Focus on Flooding, Fish in the Chehalis Basin (Van De Wege, Tharinger)

Columbian
Clark County COVID-19 cases show uptick over weekend, one new death reported

El Sol De Yakima (available in English via Google Translate)
DOL does not plan more extensions to renew licenses, driving permits in Washington

Everett Herald (subscription required)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Comment: Failure to pay traffic ticket shouldn’t cost license
Bloomberg Comment: Democrats know gun bills don’t win them votes
Letter: Restore voting rights for those after time served

High Country News
As the country reckons with race, will tribal nations lead the way?

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Diverse panel recommends US judge candidates in Washington
COVID-19 cases surge 18.2% in Washington state
Bainbridge woman launches PairTree, a startup that makes adoption matches

News Tribune (subscription required)
Turn your remains into potting soil? See how this business aims to alter funeral industry
Aerospace giant lists 300 acres in Pierce County on the commercial real estate market

New York Times
Covid-19 Live Updates: U.S. Races to Vaccinate as Variants Threaten to Produce Surge in Cases
Biden Pushes Mask Mandate as C.D.C. Director Warns of ‘Impending Doom’
As Mask Mandates Lift, Retail Workers Again Feel Vulnerable
Biden Names Diverse Nominees for the Federal Bench

Olympian (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Thurston County adds 17 new COVID-19 cases Monday
All veterans, spouses can now get their COVID-19 vaccine from the VA
Bail set at $150,000 for 2 JBLM soldiers accused of kidnapping Domino’s worker

Peninsula Daily News
Region needs services, study says
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Health officials caution against declaring pandemic over

Puget Sound Business Journal
Inslee loosens indoor dining restrictions, but it’s too soon for some restaurateurs
Amazon call center workers help Washingtonians find Covid shots instead of packages
SBA already tripled the size of its disaster loans. Now it’s aiming to make them even bigger.
Opinion: Small businesses will play a big role in recovery

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Newhouse renews plea for special federal office in Yakima to focus on missing, murdered Indigenous women
Students, teachers, parents thrilled as Seattle schools start welcoming kids back
Coronavirus testing to continue at two Seattle testing sites
Seattle City Council passes right to a free lawyer for those facing eviction
Is Washington state taking too many children from their parents? Movement seeks to overhaul foster care
Investigation finds more deadly delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment at Washington state prisons
Opinion: The struggle to share a shrinking resource — Northwest salmon

Skagit Valley Herald
Mobile clinics providing COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable groups

South Seattle Emerald
Democrats include capital gains tax in state budget proposals
Filipino American group demands workplace, police reforms from Biden administration
Opinion: Seattle needs to ‘Start Asian Love’ in the face of hate
King County may be skating on thin COVID ice, public health officer says
In Tacoma, an ICE detainee’s hunger strike tops 100 days

Spokesman Review
State House passes open carry ban at capitol, demonstrations; bill heads back to Senate for final passage
Reardan-Edwall School District moving to virtual learning this week for fifth- through 12th-graders
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office will start using body cameras this year and Spokane Valley police may as well
‘There’s so much at stake’: Clock running out on effort to conserve 48-acre Latah Valley farmland from development, owner says
Wrong-way elderly driver pulled over after going 7 miles on I-82 in Richland

Tri-City Herald
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Dust storm sandblasts Benton deputy and his patrol car in the Horse Heaven Hills
Wrong-way elderly driver pulled over after going 7 miles on I-82 in Richland
Energy company withdraws fast-track review request for huge Tri-Cities wind farm

Vancouver Business Journal
Becoming an entrepreneur: Five critical strategies for strengthening your business

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Legal drugs? Walla Walla, Columbia county authorities find ‘Blake’ decision no balking matter
High winds tear through Walla Walla Valley Sunday
State Route 902 renamed Gold Star Memorial Highway

Washington Post
Chauvin trial witness says he could see George Floyd ‘going through tremendous pain’
New U.S. coronavirus cases rise by 12 percent; nation braces for fourth pandemic wave

Yakima Herald Republic
Cleanup underway after high winds knock down trees, halt traffic in Yakima and region
Data limited on how many first responders, health care workers got the COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
COVID-19 long-haulers suffer lingering symptoms long after getting sick

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington universities report uptick in COVID-19 cases among student body
How accurate were UW’s COVID-19 predictions?
‘Lighting a fuse’: Amazon vote may spark more union pushes
King County council member pitches hate crime unit due to increasing cases
Zero flu deaths reported during this season in Washington
Skyrocketing lumber prices drive up homebuilding costs in Washington
President Biden says 90% of adults eligible for COVID vaccine by April 19

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
COVID cases climb in WA, CDC director warns of ‘impending doom’
U-District, Wallingford latest COVID-19 hot spots
King County to consider creating Hate Crime Unit
Western Washington University reports COVID-19 outbreak
Seattle cancels plans to close testing sites as cases surge
Some students return to classrooms at Seattle schools

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle City Council OKs plan to provide free legal counsel to those facing eviction
COVID cases surging again in Seattle; city cancels plan to reduce testing

KNKX FM
A law to reduce plastic waste, ban Styrofoam statewide is advancing in Legislature (Berry, Das)

KUOW FM
Janitors and security guards worry they are left behind by vaccination efforts
King County Prosecutor’s new dashboard shows pandemic impacts
Pandemic blog: Covid-19 news for the NW

KXLY (ABC)
Two million more Washingtonians will soon be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

Q13 TV (Fox)
T-Mobile Park welcoming back thousands of fans, new safety protocols in place at ball park
Bellevue school district, teachers’ union reach agreement for in-person learning
King County Council considering specialized hate crime unit within Sheriff’s Dept

Web

Crosscut
WA Indigenous leaders tackle vaccine distribution with community in mind

GeekWire
Dueling public broadband bills make their way through Washington state legislature (Hansen, Das, Frame, Liias)

InvestigateWest
Allowing Doctors To Act When Pregnancies Go Wrong (Kuderer, Dhingra, Randall)

Slog
Guest Editorial: Passing Policing Reform Is a Moral Imperative (Nguyen)
Oregon’s in Uncharted Territory with Therapeutic Psilocybin Use

West Seattle Blog
Testing extended at city-run West Seattle site

Monday, March 29

House approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies
The Washington state House on Sunday approved a measure to prohibit the open carrying of guns and other weapons at the Capitol and surrounding grounds and at or near permitted public demonstrations statewide. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (AP)

House Democrats’ $58 billion budget plan aims to balance out uneven economic recovery
Majority Democrats in the Washington state House of Representatives proposed a roughly $58 billion two-year operating budget Friday, on the heels of a roughly $59 billion proposal issued Thursday by their Senate colleagues. Continue reading at The Olympian.

State utilities commission OKs $40M for customer bill relief
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has approved $40 million in new energy bill assistance for people struggling financially due to the pandemic, including Puget Sound Energy gas and electricity customers. Continue reading at The Puget Sound Business Journal. (Puget Sound Energy)

Print

Associated Press
Some green groups oppose lower Snake River dam removal plan
Washington House approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies
Southwest Airlines orders 100 Boeing 737 Max planes
AP Exclusive: Pandemic means far fewer eyes on kids’ welfare
US stocks slip in early trading, weighed down by banks
The Latest: Biden extends federal moratorium on evictions
Former officer’s trial in George Floyd’s death gets underway
Giant container ship that blocked Suez Canal finally free
Issaquah schools agree to $4.25M sexual assault settlement
Conservationists sue to save spotted owl logging protections
Ban on renter evictions during COVID-19 pandemic is extended
Seattle teachers’ union OKs agreement for return to in-person learning April 5

Aberdeen Daily World
Commissioners still pondering $1 million grant for shelter
Aberdeen council unanimously supports proposed overnight homeless shelter
More vaccines headed to the county, first dose clinics starting April 9
Application deadline extended for federal relief funding to fishing industries
Corps of Engineers to begin Grays Harbor maintenance dredging April 5
Commentary: The question every Asian American hates to be asked: ‘Where are you from?’

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Washington state’s studded tire removal deadline is nearly here
Without a countywide taxing district, this will help replace the aging Lummi Island ferry
Preach safety as your kids ride in the back. In practice, you’ll enjoy a better commute
Whatcom grapples with the impact of ruling on those with past drug possession convictions
Whatcom sees 26 new confirmed COVID cases Saturday
Whatcom sees 17 new confirmed COVID cases Friday, Bellingham schools report incident
WA to decide if Tri-Cities wind farm is ‘colossal impact’ on landscape or a lifesaver
House Democrats’ $58 billion budget plan aims to balance out uneven economic recovery (Sullivan, Ormsby, Macri, Frame)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Friday in Washington state
Pregnant women gain COVID antibodies from vaccine — and pass them to baby, study finds
Why do some people with COVID lose taste, smell? Your mouth may be to blame, study says
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Vaccine side effects, schools, COVID variants & more
Delayed stimulus checks for 30 million Social Security recipients could go out soon
U.S. nuclear weapons are aging quickly. With few spare parts, how long can they last?

Capital Press
Washington House panel rejects key OT bill amendment (Ortiz-Self)
Tribes call on Biden, Congress to remove Snake River dams

Columbian
In Our View: State should expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Farmers market springs to life

Everett Herald (subscription required)
In places like Stanwood, Phase 3 gives reason for optimism
Judge David Kurtz to step down from Superior Court in May
Budgets, school re-openings and data privacy
More than 100 protest Asian-American hate in Edmonds
Public outcry halts Brier-area road extension plan
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Vaccination anxiety: Officials urge people wait their turn
Opinion: If you can’t beat ‘em in elections, supress ‘em at polls
WaPo Comment: Voting restrictions, their effects have long roots
Editorial: Lawmakers testing public’s patience on gun laws
Letter: Everett’s no-sit, no-lie law just moves problem elsewhere
Letter: Offshore wind project should be considered for our state

International Examiner
Youth-led protests in Hing Hay Park and King County against anti-Asian hate start and continue a movement

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Western State Hospital settles lawsuit with disabled Kitsap County Jail inmate
Kitsap school districts won’t rush to adopt new 3-feet social-distancing standards
Senate Democrats present spending proposal to Legislature
Sheriff should reconsider his stance, and come alongside the community

News Tribune (subscription required)
‘We can’t keep taking these tiny morsels.’ Why Tacoma condemning Asian hate isn’t enough
Op-Ed: Let’s lay vaccine hesitancy to rest in Washington state, Tacoma ER doctor says

New York Times
Derek Chauvin Trial Live Updates: Lawyers Present Case in George Floyd Killing
The Vaccination Gap Among Hispanic Communities Reflects Barriers to Access
Transgender Girls in Sports: G.O.P. Pushes New Front in Culture War
Contentious Union Vote at Amazon Heads to a Count

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County adds 27 COVID-19 cases on Sunday, weekly total grows to 4-week high
How Olympia’s plans for an RV safe lot fell apart
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls set to reopen with new trail, hatchery and more
Undiscovered use of force complaint upends Olympia’s search for a new police chief
North Thurston says Black Student Union meeting ‘zoom bombed’ with hate speech, racial slurs

Peninsula Daily News
Three Clallam County public libraries offering computer access
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Peninsula clinics give 1,200 shots
Jefferson County to open campgrounds

Puget Sound Business Journal
State utilities commission OKs $40M for customer bill relief
Editor’s notebook: On the long road to recovery, we should aspire to greatness, not normalcy
Light rail contractor fined more than $800K for unpaid wages and penalties
SBA flagged 190,000 PPP loans with ‘hold’ codes — and is deploying new tech to address them

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Why the ‘walk’ signals at some Seattle crosswalks seem a little longer now
Washington state seeks federal waiver to do much less K-12 standardized testing this spring
Ban on renter evictions during COVID-19 pandemic is extended
Washington state’s COVID-19 case count flattening, increasing in some counties
For the first time in 10 months, there’s optimism among most Washington state small businesses
To honor the next 7 generations, Samish Indian Nation preserves culture, language by moving online during pandemic times
More calls for King County sheriff to resign after email about settlement in fatal Le shooting
Washington House Democrats propose state budget aimed at easing housing crisis after COVID-19 pandemic (Macri)
Republicans in Washington state still pushing the election conspiracy that won’t die
Mysterious Seattle-area mailer slams lawmakers for trying to change Washington state’s estate tax. Who sent it? (Orwall, Pollet, Macri)
Opinion: Mom to mom: The ‘R’ word hurts
Editorial: Legislature, enact sensible gun control now

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County taking comment on stormwater management plan
Pop-up clinic vaccinates 200 Skagit farmworkers
Local nonprofits partner to preserve small piece of Skagit watershed

The Skanner
King County Councilmember McDermott Calls for Sheriff to Resign

Spokesman Review
Getting There: ‘The world is made for people who drive.’ But does it have to be?
‘Light years ahead’: Spokane police address dizzying number of mental health crises with unique team
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: Our ‘red-hot’ housing market is freezing cold at the bottom
Heavy winds knock out power to thousands in Inland Northwest, dust closes I90 near Moses Lake
City of Spokane, Lime, eye two-year contract extension

Tri-City Herald
60+ mph Tri-Cities winds cause 7-car chain-reaction crash, crumple trees and power lines
WA to decide if Tri-Cities wind farm is ‘colossal impact’ on landscape or a lifesaver
Columbia Park campground shut down nearly 20 years ago. Will it ever reopen?
2 years after she was murdered, Tri-Cities grandmother’s body has never been found
Richland specialty kitchen storefront closes after nearly 45 years
Kennewick K9 corners domestic violence suspect after 5-hour standoff
Thousands of vaccine appointments open in Tri-Cities. Thousands more eligible next week
Kidnapping suspect arrested at Mexico border 12 years after taking Kennewick girl
High winds, blowing dust to pound Tri-Cities region. Visibility could be near zero

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Legal drugs? Walla Walla, Columbia county authorities find ‘Blake’ decision no balking matter
Edison Elementary School students recreate classic art
Amy Ford to take over leadership of Walla Walla Online
Walla Walla, Umatilla county vaccination clinics continue to expand eligibility

Washington Post
Prosecution makes opening arguments in trial of Derek Chauvin, officer charged with murdering George Floyd
Pfizer, Moderna vaccines 90 percent effective in preventing coronavirus infections in U.S. study of essential workers, CDC says
Feuds, fibs and finger-pointing: Trump officials say coronavirus response was worse than known
As Myanmar’s security forces crush anti-coup protests, more and more children are dying
Giant ship blocking Suez Canal is freed; incident on key trade route cost the global economy billions of dollars

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima growers say apricots, cherries, asparagus appear to be on schedule
Newhouse renews plea for cold case task office in Yakima focused on missing and murdered Indigenous women
House approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies
Some green groups oppose lower Snake River dam removal plan
Yakima School District high schools to have outdoor, in-person graduation ceremonies
Yakima prosecutor, police chief say juvenile reform bill will expose more kids to gang activity (Darneille)
Opinion: Other views: Keep mom-and-pop landlords in business

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington House approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies
Monday marks deadline for Amazon workers in Alabama to vote on unionizing
Vaccine clinic in Seattle’s Central District helps Asian immigrants get their shots
Vaccine hesitancy is the next big issue in Washington’s fight against COVID-19
Do COVID-19 vaccines prevent transmission? A new study aims to find out
Bill would allow microenterprise home kitchens around Washington (Frame)

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
House approves open carry ban at Capitol, permitted rallies
King County councilman calls for sheriff to resign over timing, contents of internal email
State’s Phase Finder tool no longer needed to verify vaccine eligibility starting Wednesday
Anti-Asian hate rallies, show of support on National Day of Action
More than 1 million fully vaccinated in Washington

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Armed protesters, counter-protesters gather at Capitol in Salem, police say

KGMI
Proposal to allow ag employers increased flexibility on overtime pay fails (Ortiz-Self)

KNKX FM
Fourth wave of COVID still a concern, says King County health official
House Democrats hope to head off mass evictions with more than $1B spending in next state budget (Macri, Gregerson)

KUOW FM
Updates on the coronavirus pandemic in Seattle and Washington state
Washington state Democrats lay out their budget priorities
Immunocompromised And Concerned About The Vaccine? Here’s What You Need To Know
Vaccination eligibility will soon expand big time. Will Washington state have a supply issue?
‘Phase Finder’ no longer needed to verify vaccine eligibility in Washington state
Seattle students to start returning to schools: 58% families say they will go back

NW Public Radio
Why Nearly All Mass Shooters Are Men
How To File Your Taxes For Free, Get Help And Avoid Traps Trying To Get You To Pay
Small Ship Cruising Getting Ready To Resume In Pacific Northwest And Alaska
Whitman County Warns Residents To Reconsider Activity As COVID-19 Case Rates Climb

Q13 TV (Fox)
‘We are Americans’: Large Seattle rally calls to end hate against Asian Americans
‘It’s become too confusing’: Seattle mayor says all adults should be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Seattle teachers’ union OKs agreement for return to in-person learning April 5
Disposable face masks, gloves polluting Puget Sound streets and shores
Man charged in King County hate crime accused of targeting Asian women
The Divide: Dems & Gun Control Debate
Brandi Kruse: Beware of these so-called homeless ‘advocates’

Web

Crosscut
Seattle could guarantee lawyers for renters facing eviction
Opinion: In Seattle and Atlanta, anti-Asian hate sparks unspeakable grief

MyNorthwest
Seattle council to vote on bill guaranteeing lawyer for tenants facing eviction
Tenino, Washington brings back wooden money for another round in 2021
COVID updates: Seattle students begin returning to classrooms
Washington state House passes bill banning open carry at protests, state Capitol
Sun returns to Puget Sound region after wild weekend weather
Community pushes to build memorial to remember those lost in Oso slide
King County health officer: 12s know ‘not to celebrate before we’re in the end zone’
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputy, man injured in Yelm shooting
House Democrats release $58 billion two-year budget proposal
Crews prep boring machine for new sewage tunnel from Ballard to Wallingford
State Department of Health open to flexibility with mass vaccination sites
Fife street racers risk getting their cars impounded for two weeks
Seattle teachers, district agree to maintain 6-feet of distance for students
Washington Sen. Murray says she’s ‘all in’ on move to permanent Daylight Saving Time
State passes bill restoring voting rights to Washington felons directly after prison
23 people in Washington being monitored for Ebola

Slog
House Committee Shuns Strong Privacy Bill, Passes Weakened Version Instead (Kloba, Hansen, Carlyle)

West Seattle Blog
New ferry you’ll see off West Seattle starting today
Seattle Public Schools changes elementary, K-8 schedules, starts in-person-learning return

Friday, March 26

Washington Senate Democrats roll out state budget boost
Senate Democrats on Thursday proposed a two-year $58.9 billion spending plan that would increase the operating budget by more than 13%. The budget includes a new 7% tax on capital gains and would allocate $125 million to prevent catastrophic wildfires. Continue reading at The Capital Press. (Don Jenkins)

Washington state OKs bill to give voting rights to parolees
Washington state lawmakers have voted to automatically restore voting rights to people who have been released from prison after committing felonies, even if they’re still on parole. With the support of majority Democrats, the state Senate passed the measure 27-22 Wednesday night, following earlier approval by the House. It now heads to Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who is expected to sign it. The main sponsor was Democratic Rep. Tarra Simmons of Bremerton, who was incarcerated before becoming a lawyer. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

State launches new Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention
The newly-created Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention at the Department of Commerce will lead a statewide effort to coordinate evidence-based intervention and prevention strategies to address community gun violence. The office’s work will be directed at the highest risk populations of perpetrators and victims in the highest risk communities. The office is among a handful in the nation and was formed under legislation sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, in 2020. Continue reading at The Auburn Reporter. (Shalisa Hayes/State Department of Commerce)

Print

Associated Press
New problems arise for crop storage as planet gets warmer
Washington state OKs bill to give voting rights to parolees (Simmons, Kuderer)
WA Senate Democrats’ budget includes state capital gains tax (Rolfes)
Inslee: K-12 schools can reduce COVID-19 social distancing requirements
Over 50 infected in COVID-19 outbreak at King County Jail
23 people in Washington being monitored for Ebola
Pacific Northwest tribal leaders call on Biden, Congress to remove Snake River dams

Auburn Reporter
State launches new Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention
First large-scale, human composting facility in the world will open in Auburn

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Watch live: Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee to give COVID-19, schools update Thursday (Rolfes)
Washington Gov. Inslee announces distancing can be 3 feet in schools, aligning with CDC
Second COVID-19 variant detected in Whatcom County ‘cause for concern, but not alarm’
Clearing the confusion: When can you get vaccinated in Washington state?
Whatcom sees a death and 19 COVID cases Wednesday, as WWU examines potential ‘surge’
Inslee: COVID-19 distancing can now be 3 feet in schools
Tribes call on Biden, Congress to remove Snake River dams
Coronavirus weekly need-to-know: Vaccine side effects, schools, COVID variants & more
Do COVID vaccines work against the new coronavirus variants? Here’s what the data says

Capital Press
‘Environmental justice’ bill advances in House (Fitzgibbon)
Washington Senate Democrats roll out state budget boost (Rolfes)
Stakeholders send letter opposing Simpson dam plan to NW political leaders

Columbian
In Our View: We can learn from Oregon’s drug experience

Covington-Maple Valley Reporter
Comment: Transportation plan puts a focus on equity for all (Ramos, Valdez)

The Daily News
Inslee: K-12 schools can reduce COVID social distancing

Everett Herald (subscription required)
State Senate Democrats unveil ambitious $59.2B spending plan (Rolfes, Robinson, Ortiz-Self)
Senate Democrats go big with budget. Will House go bigger? (Robinson, Ortiz-Self, Kuderer)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: Why cities can no longer have their own gun laws
WaPo Comment: McConnell wrong on filibuster’s ‘racial history’
WaPo Fact check: Is Biden’s tax ceiling for individuals or families?
Letter: Legislation is a chance to help children, families (Berg)
Letter: Sheriff should keep quiet on Constitution, masks

International Examiner
Opinion: The time to Stop AAPI Hate is NOW
Letter to the Editor: Lawmakers should support the Working Families Tax Credit

Issaquah Reporter
Op-ed by Reps. Ramos and Valdez: Comment: Transportation plan puts a focus on equity for all

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Inslee: K-12 schools can reduce COVID-19 social distancing requirements
Washington state OKs bill to give voting rights to parolees

News Tribune (subscription required)
Lakewood gains yet another multimillion-dollar warehouse, distribution development
Tacoma school board moves quickly to elect new superintendent
More than 100 new COVID-19 cases reported in Pierce County on Thursday

New York Times
For Biden, a New Virus Dilemma: How to Handle a Looming Glut of Vaccine
Covid-19 Live News: States Expand Vaccine Eligibility Amid a Stubborn U.S. Caseload
Why the Georgia G.O.P.’s Voting Rollbacks Will Hit Black People Hard
Biden Assails Republicans Over Voting Rights and Defends Record on Border
Riders Are Abandoning Buses and Trains. That’s a Problem for Climate Change.

Olympian (subscription required)
What were those lights Washington state saw streaking across the night sky?
Who will be Olympia’s next Police Chief? Jelcick among four finalists
Here are the latest COVID-19 case numbers confirmed Thursday in Washington state
Thurston County reports 16 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday
Washington Gov. Inslee announces distancing can be 3 feet in schools, aligning with CDC
Senate Democrats unveil plan for $59.2 billion budget and $7 billion in federal funds
Chehalis tribe, Lacey police looking for missing people
Vacation property now Native American excavation site after bones found in Washington

Peninsula Daily News
Conservationists sue for spotted owl protections
Some students to return to full-time in classrooms
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Port Townsend Leader
No new COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday in JeffCo

Puget Sound Business Journal
Brick-and-mortar retail challenges amplified by pandemic
State narrows social distancing rule for K-12 schools
The PPP deadline is poised to be extended to this new date
Inslee ends ban on state worker travel to North Carolina
Experts: Mental health needs among professionals, children expected to rise

Skagit Valley Herald
Lots of ideas, few decisions — yet — at La Conner parks meeting
Local hired as new Skagit Community Foundation director
Mount Vernon commits funding to Burlington homeless shelter, hotel vouchers
Skagit PUD looking at helping farmers with crop irrigation
Sedro-Woolley Police Department adds more officers

South Seattle Emerald
COVID-19 cases rise as state announces people 16+ to qualify for vaccine May 1
In the face of hate, Asian Americans call for solidarity with all people of color
Pandemic year pushes a daughter of custodians to fight for her mom’s profession

Spokesman Review
Washington state Senate Democrats unveil $59.2 billion two-year budget they say ‘hits all four corners of the state’
Spokane City Council calls for urgency in filling civil rights position
Spokane Public Schools board meetings are open to the public again, but the hybrid model may be here to stay
Inslee: Schools can loosen social-distancing to 3 feet
Spokane Public Schools survey shows public division on stadium issue
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: Again and again, Ferguson puts forth assault-weapon ban and the Democratic Legislature ignores it

Tri-City Herald
Kennewick board members fined $1,000 each for breaking campaign laws
Small, rare tornado spotted near Tri-Cities on Thursday
Tri-Cities new COVID case rate is getting closer to matching WA state rate
2020 ‘Tumbleweed avalanche’ trapped cars, closed roads near Tri-Cities. New report out
Invasive beetles that destroy lawns, roses and crops now found in Mid-Columbia region

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
The Kids Are Not Alright, Part 2: Student Support Services

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Change in CDC guidelines could result in longer school days in Walla Walla Valley
Walla Walla County’s top health official eager for vaccine eligibility to open up
‘Paraffin pestilence’ shows up again at Walla Walla’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Walla Walla man pleads guilty to having illegal gun, delivering drugs
Walla Walla man reportedly fled courthouse while awaiting sentencing
Washington schools move to 3-feet social distancing for students
Walla Walla police arrest alleged car casing Clarkston couple

Yakima Herald Republic
Federal stimulus could help fund Yakima’s fire and police fleet upgrades
Governor: K-12 schools can reduce COVID social distancing
Yakima School District will wait on social distancing change, superintendent says
New problems arise for crop storage as planet gets warmer
Oregon Senate votes in favor of bill banning guns in Capitol
23 people in Washington being monitored for Ebola
Tribes call on Biden, Congress to remove Snake River dams
Washingtonians 16 and up will be eligible for COVID vaccines by May 1, state says; here’s how we get there

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington state OKs bill to give voting rights to parolees (Simmons, Kuderer)
Washington health officials monitoring 23 people for Ebola
‘Loophole’ allowed ineligible people to get COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
Former Seattle restaurant owners reflect on their pandemic pivot
Washington adopts 3-foot distance rule in schools in line with CDC guidance

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris lights up PNW sky
Governor’s office issues guidelines for social distancing in schools
Tacoma moves to crack down on street racing. Violators face jail time, fines
Drug possession bills emerge to address wide-reaching state Supreme Court ruling
Pierce County will begin to collect behavioral health tax this summer
Washingtonians 16 and up to be eligible for vaccines by May 1

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Washington to follow CDC guidance, reduce social distancing in schools to 3 feet
Police: Carjacking suspect drives into group of protesters in downtown Seattle
Welfare check at man’s Seattle home ends in him being cuffed, lawsuit
Pacific Northwest tribal leaders call on Biden, Congress to remove Snake River dams
Homeless encampments at some Seattle parks puts little league sports in bind

KNKX FM
Northwest tribes call for removal of Lower Snake River dams
WA Senate Democrats unveil budget proposal; includes big boost in spending, capital gains tax (Rolfes)

KUOW FM
Washington state loosens classroom distancing rules to speed up school reopening
More than 50 test Covid-positive in King County jails within two weeks
Updates on the pandemic in the Northwest
‘Walk One Day In Our Shoes’: Life Near Minimum Wage
WA Senate Democrats unveil budget proposal; includes big boost in spending, capital gains tax (Rolfes)

KXLY (ABC)
Washington state OKs bill to give voting rights to parolees (Kuderer, Simmons)
Gov. Inslee relaxes social distancing guidelines in schools to 3 feet apart

NW Public Radio
Washington Legislature Passes Bill Granting Voting Rights To Felony Parolees (Simmons)
Washington State Senate Democrats Unveil Budget Proposal: Big Boost In Spending, Capital Gains Tax (Rolfes)
Once Imperiled, America’s Bald Eagle Populations Are Soaring
‘Blue Tides’ Of Sailor Jellies On Northwest Coast Correlate With Warmer Seas In Winter

Q13 TV (Fox)
Washington changes social distancing minimum requirement in schools to 3 feet apart
Biden doubles COVID-19 vaccination goal, addresses border crisis in 1st White House press conference
Saluting African American WWII veteran who broke barriers and lifted up others
Tacoma Police: 75% of catalytic converter thefts this year taken from hybrid cars
King County Metro unveils ‘Black Lives Matter’ buses
Puyallup mom takes action against street racing after death of her sister

Web

Crosscut
Court’s legalization of drug possession has WA lawmakers scrambling (Davis, Harris-Talley, Dhingra, Mullet)
WA may regulate medically necessary abortions at religious hospitals (Kuderer, Dhingra, Randall)
Washington’s vaccinated navigate socializing after a year in lockdown
How racism directly threatens our public health

MyNorthwest
State leaders ‘disappointed’ to see assault weapons ban stall out again in 2021 (Kuderer)
State passes bill restoring voting rights to Washington felons directly after prison
23 people in Washington being monitored for Ebola
Carjacker hits multiple vehicles, speeds through group of Seattle protesters
Washington is ‘so close to the end,’ but still needs to take COVID precautions
Debris from SpaceX rocket streaks across night sky over Washington
Senate Democrats unveil historic $59B two-year budget proposal
New bill promises help for Washington businesses still feeling unemployment tax pain
Washington moves distance requirements from 6 to 3 feet in schools
Chance of snow Monday as opportunity ‘quickly running out toward April’
Washington solidifies vaccine roadmap ahead of open eligibility on May 1

Slog
Amazon Just Cut Off Warehouse Workers from a Companywide Directory
Washington Proposes One Bill to End the Drug War and Several Bills to Fire It Back Up Again (Dhingra, Mullet)
Washington Republicans: Maybe Mass Shooters Just Got Lonely During Quarantine?

Thursday, March 25

Drug possession bills emerge to address wide-reaching state Supreme Court ruling
About a month has passed since the Washington state Supreme Court ruled the state’s simple drug possession law unconstitutional in its State v. Blake decision. Justices found the law was unconstitutional because it didn’t require prosecutors to prove an accused person knowingly or intentionally had drugs. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (The Olympian)

No hug for eight months, isolation-driven depression, & no chance to grieve: Inside the pandemic’s disproportionate impacts
Nearly everyone has struggled somehow over the last year as the COVID-19 pandemic halted daily routines, kept relatives and friends from visiting one another, and prompted a system of temporary restrictions, many of which remain in place a year later. But some groups have been disproportionately impacted. Students struggled to learn remotely as their families had to navigate working and schooling from home. Virus outbreaks in some factories and essential industries had an outsized effect on minorities. Continue reading at The Inlander. (Young Kwak)

Environmental justice moves to mainstream as governments embrace cause
Washington state’s five oil refineries all sit near, or on, Indian reservations. Environmental justice advocates say that fact reflects a national pattern of air pollution disproportionately hitting people of color. The Swinomish Reservation is next to two refineries: the Shell Puget Sound refinery and the neighboring Marathon Oil plant in Anacortes. Continue reading at KUOW. (John Ryan)