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Wednesday, February 26

Washington state lawmakers pitch transportation budgets, warn big effects of car-tab cut are still to come
After dire warnings about the devastation of Initiative 976, dramatic pain may not be felt in Washington state transportation plans after all. At least not yet. State lawmakers this week released their proposed transportation budgets, which don’t feature severe cuts to offset the nearly $500 million in lost revenue during this budget cycle from I-976. Instead, lawmakers suggest shifting around some costs and revenue for now. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times file)

High-capacity magazine issue brought back to life by state House
The Washington House of Representatives is trying to pass a new bill that would ban high-capacity magazines. HB 2240 died when the House missed a Feb. 19 deadline to approve bills in the chamber where they originated. But the sponsor, state Rep. Javier Valdez, filed a new bill, HB 2947, and added a fiscal provision that allows the Legislature to consider it. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Ted S. Warren / AP photo)

State lawmakers aim to protect immigrants from warrantless arrests at court
Undocumented immigrants in Washington state may no longer need to fear unexpected arrests thanks to the protection that legislation currently under consideration in Washington state promises to provide them. House bill 2567, and its companion Senate bill 6522, would prohibit civil arrests without a court order or arrest warrant within one mile of a court facility. Continue reading at The Islands’ Weekly.

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Associated Press
Court sides with Trump in ‘sanctuary cities’ grant fight
Sea lion wanders far from water in Washington state
3 structures at high risk of collapsing at Hanford site
Brazil confirms first coronavirus case in Latin America
Seattle mayor permits winter eviction ban to become law
Report expected to decide fate of Snake River electric dams
New effort to limit high-capacity magazines in Washington (Valdez)
3 structures at high risk of collapsing at Hanford site
‘No way out’: Demographics drive GOP nosedive on West Coast
Federal court rules Trump administration can withhold grants to NYC, seven states over cooperation on immigration policy
Oregon climate battle: GOP walkout reveals sharp divisions
Expedia to lay off about 500 workers at Seattle headquarters

Aberdeen Daily World
101 paving project starts with sidewalks in Hoquiam
Commentary: Will there ever be a right time for a woman president? Busting the ‘electability’ fears

Arlington Times
39th district lawmakers discuss state issues at mid-session town hall talk
Legislative briefly (Thai, Dhingra, Keiser, Das, Doglio)

Auburn Reporter
Democratic lawmakers roll out spending plans for climate change, homelessness (Rolfes, Ormsby, Frockt)
Republican leadership doubts effectiveness of homelessness spending (Ormsby)
King County approves low-income Metro fare waivers
Council unsatisfied with Sheriff’s response to use of deadly force report
Voters could vote to affirm subpoena powers for civilian KCSO oversight agency

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
High-capacity magazine issue brought back to life by state House (Jinkins, Kuderer)
How much did the value of your Whatcom County home appreciate in 2019?
Ecology fines BP Cherry Point Refinery for these environmental violations
GOP lawmakers say Democrats’ proposed budget increases can’t survive next recession
Judge who handled Tribune Co. bankruptcy appointed to mediate in McClatchy case

The Daily News
Medical, mental health costs for Cowlitz County inmates increase

Everett Herald
Repealing Boeing’s big tax break could be a bumpy ride
Lawmakers find many patches to cover hole in road budgets (Hobbs, Fey)
Cornfield Report: Will the Boeing repeal push lawmakers into overtime? (Sullivan)

Federal Way Mirror
Council unsatisfied with Sheriff’s response to use of deadly force report
Charter amendments could allow King County Council to remove elected officials

Islands’ Weekly
Samish Indian Nation receives $760,000 federal grant to improve roads and safety
State lawmakers aim to protect immigrants from warrantless arrests at court (Thai)
Economic growth adds money to state coffers, and Democratic lawmakers have uses for it (Rolfes, Ormsby, Frockt)

Issaquah Reporter
Republican leadership doubts effectiveness of homelessness spending (Ormsby)
Voters could vote to affirm subpoena powers for civilian KCSO oversight agency

Journal of the San Juan Islands
State lawmakers aim to protect immigrants from warrantless arrests at court (Thai)
Economic growth adds money to state coffers, and Democratic lawmakers have uses for it (Rolfes, Ormsby, Frockt)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
State parks to consider allowing Navy SEALs to train at 29 lands across Puget Sound
High-capacity magazine issue brought back to life by state House (Kuderer, Jinkins)
GOP lawmakers say Democrats’ proposed budget increases can’t survive next recession
Editorial: ADUs Can Create More Affordable Housing in Washington State

New York Times
Coronavirus Live Updates: Europe Prepares for Pandemic as Illness Spreads from Italy
CDC Officials Warn of Coronavirus Outbreaks in the US

Peninsula Daily News
Efforts to expel Rep. Matt Shea from Legislature stymied
Waterfront center gets Opportunity Fund grant
Clallam County refines proposed fireworks regulations

Renton Reporter
Republican leadership doubts effectiveness of homelessness spending (Ormsby)

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Ferguson threatens to sue if feds don’t reverse ‘illegal’ decision to close National Archives at Seattle
Seattle Mayor Durkan allows winter eviction ban to become law, proposes more funding for prevention
Ending Boeing’s tax break could give Washington a windfall. How would it be spent? (Sullivan)
Seattle archbishop puts Kennedy Catholic school president on leave of absence until the end of school year
Earth has temporarily gained another moon
A victim of anti-gay threats himself, a King County senior deputy prosecutor spent decades fighting bias and hate
A year and 1 million passengers later, Everett’s Paine Field airport has become a hit with travelers
King County sheriff denies reforms were left to ‘die on vine’ after shooting
Washington state lawmakers pitch transportation budgets, warn big effects of car-tab cut are still to come (Fey)
Activist shareholders again target Amazon. Here’s what they want.
Editorial: Reasonable rules for ‘captive’ insurance
Op-Ed: Harvey Weinstein’s half-conviction is a full win for prosecutors
Op-ed: Washington’s rivers, salmon and orcas need protection from Canadian mines (Salomon, McCoy, Lekanoff)

Seattle Weekly
Council unsatisfied with Sheriff’s response to use of deadly force report
Charter amendments could allow King County Council to remove elected officials
Investigators release video of Federal Way police fatally shooting black man following public outcry

Sequim Gazette
School board visits Olympia, hears Haller plans (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman)

Skagit Valley Herald
Student health center opens at Sedro-Woolley High School

Spokesman Review
Transportation projects paused by I-976 could restart soon as lawmakers near budget agreement (Hobbs, Fey)
Washington lawmakers consider restrictions on insulin prices (Keiser)
WaPo: Dow suffers third largest point drop in history
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: Bus searches by Border Patrol an example of why we must insist on protecting our rights

Tri-City Herald
Hanford subcontract for 200 employees expires without renewal
Oregon governor who supports breaching Snake River dams invited to see them first-hand
Guest Opinion: Columbia River shoreline should be under local control
The rising panic over coronavirus is likely to make containing it harder

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Editorial: Whether Rep. Shea remains a lawmaker up to voters (Senn)
Behind bars, men seek freedom through education

Washington Post
As White House struggles to contain alarm, Trump claims media stoking fear
Health officials warn of ‘inevitable’ spread of coronavirus in U.S.
ABC News suspends veteran correspondent after Project Veritas sting
Editorial: Trump says America is ‘full.’ Mick Mulvaney lets slip that isn’t true.
The plug-in electric car is having its moment, but Toyota is still trying to make the fuel cell happen
Will that Impossible Burger save a cow? Cutting out milk and cheese might do more.
TSA freezes hiring and overtime pay as spring travel season nears
The Energy 202: Cory Booker says Trump administration argument against shark fin trade ban contradicts its own data
Now being ‘as bad as Harvey Weinstein’ means being a rapist

Wenatchee World
Department of Ecology issues two prohibited burning fines in NCW
About 1 in 5 Washington community-college students were homeless last year

Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor in talks with Anacortes for fiber optics
Winter Chinook run underway in Puget Soun

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Winter floods impacting Washington salmon hatcheries
University of Washington scholars discuss COVID-19 impacts worldwide

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Kennedy Catholic High president on leave following same-sex controversy
Seattle winter eviction ordinance becomes law without mayor’s signature

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Controversial sentence of 75-time offender results in months-long effort to block judge
Seattle mayor permits winter eviction ban to become law
King County Council OKs free bus pass program for low-income riders
WSP Officer hospitalized for possible fentanyl exposure in Kennewick
Respirator masks hard to come by in Portland amid Coronavirus fears
Mark your party preference if you want your vote counted in March primary

KNKX FM
Controversial climate bill stalls as Oregon GOP lawmakers walk out — again
Northwest organizations that work with immigrants say the ‘public charge rule’ is causing fear
The curious case of a big company (Boeing) that wants to give up a tax break
10 week delays stall Washington’s paid family leave program

NW Public Radio
In Oregon, It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again As Republicans Stage Legislative Walkout — Just Like 2019

Q13 TV (Fox)
Seattle’s 100 prolific offenders have collectively been booked into jail 320 times in the last year
Secretary of State shares complaints from voters who don’t want to publicly pick a party
Kennedy Catholic High president on leave amid gay teacher controversy</a
Durkan signs executive order combating rising hate crimes
Seattle City Council passes moratorium on winter evictions

Web

Civic Skunkworks
The astronomical cost of banking while poor

Crosscut
With $30 car tabs in limbo, WA seeks transportation budget fix (Fey, Hobbs, Liias)
Opinion: Washington’s foster care system indicts itself by placing kids in hotels

MyNorthwest.com
Durkan spurns council’s winter eviction ban, claims it ‘provides no relief’
AG Ferguson issues ultimatum over ‘illegal’ decision to move Seattle National Archives
Dori: Record tax revenues, but Dems in Leg still want more of your money
Washington lawmakers OK ending Boeing tax break, not sold on reinstatement (Sullivan, Walen)

Tuesday, February 25

Democratic lawmakers roll out spending plans for climate change, homelessness
Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate rolled out separate spending plans that include hundreds of millions of dollars to address climate change, homelessness and behavioral health. Without imposing new taxes, the proposed expenditures unveiled on Feb. 24 would add $1.5 billion to the existing budget. Lawmakers credit increased revenues the state has enjoyed to strong economic growth, but $318 million comes from one-time sources. The budget proposed by Senate Democrats is a 2.2% increase in spending, bringing the $52.4 billion biennium operating budget approved last year to $53.6 billion. Continue reading at The Bothell-Kenmore Reporter. (File Photo)

Sports gambling legislation is one step closer to becoming law after Senate committee vote — despite opposition to the bill’s fast-tracking
An emergency bill to legalize sports wagering within Washington state’s Native American tribal casinos is now effectively one step from a full Senate vote on sending it to the governor’s office. The Senate’s labor and commerce committee on Monday voted 5-2 to send EHB-2638 onward to a fiscal review, which is expected to pass within a week and be forwarded to a full Senate floor vote before the March 12 end of the current legislative session. If the bill passes a full Senate vote — after it passed in the House in a nighttime vote Feb. 13 — it will move to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for a signature. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Wayne Parry, AP file photo)

Delays increase in Washington’s paid family leave program
Weekly benefits under Washington state’s new paid family leave law are now taking up to 10 weeks to process because of the high number of people applying for the program. Under the law, eligible workers receive 12 weeks paid time off for the birth or adoption of a child or for a serious medical condition of the worker or the worker’s family member, or 16 weeks for a combination of both. An additional two weeks may be used if there is a serious health condition with a pregnancy. Continue reading at Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

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Associated Press
Judge: Tim Eyman concealed $766,000 in campaign donations
Budget proposals look to increase spending on homelessness (Robinson, Rolfes, Ormsby)
Sports gambling bill passes Washington state House (Peterson)
Tribal casino sports betting bill advances in WA Legislature (Peterson, Keiser)
Paid family leave claims are triple what was anticipated
US stocks extend losses following worst drop in 2 years
Drugmaker readies possible coronavirus vaccine for testing Tribal casino sports betting bill advances in Legislature (Peterson, Keiser)
Delays increase in Washington’s paid family leave program
Legislative briefly (Dhingra, Keiser, Doglio, Das)
Sex ed bill in Olympia about health and safety or a ‘clear overreach’? (Wilson)
Democratic lawmakers roll out spending plans for climate change, homelessness (Rolfes, Ormsby, Frockt)
Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County
Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office
PSE files to sell part of Colstrip coal plant
PNW plant-based foods could help in climate fight
Delays increase in Washington’s paid family leave program
US appeals court upholds Trump rules involving abortions

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Lawmakers call for more spending to address homelessness and affordable housing (Sullivan, Robinson, Ormsby)
3 plutonium-tainted Hanford facilities are at high risk of collapse, feds discover
These groups disagree on salmon, dams. They’re calling on NW governors to collaborate

Bothell Reporter
Democratic lawmakers roll out spending plans for climate change, homelessness
Oregon GOP senators boycott session

Columbian
In Our View: Diligent residents required for accurate census

The Daily Chronicle
19th District Lawmakers Sponsor Bill to Restructure Education Funding (Takko, Blake)
Letters: Hats off to Takko (Takko)

Everett Herald (subscription required)
New report on Snake River dams could affect power bills
Snohomish County prosecutor calls for end of death penalty
State Democrats propose increased spending on homelessness (Robinson, Rolfes)
Cornfield Report: Revoking Boeing’s low tax rate would be a revenue windfall
Editorial: Path toward clean fuels and transportation funding (Fey, Hobbs)

Federal Way Mirror
Investigators release video of Federal Way police fatally shooting black man following public outcry

The Inlander
Washington hospitals ask state to expand behavioral health care access Democratic lawmakers roll out spending plans for climate change, homelessness (Rolfes, Ormsby, Frockt)

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Washington’s Presidential Primary has moved to March

Kent Reporter
Keiser releases statement on sports betting bill (Keiser)
Delays increase in Washington’s paid family leave program
In climate change fight, advocates like Bloomberg’s money – but not his plans
Lawmakers call for more spending to address homelessness and affordable housing (Ormsby, Robinson)
UW Tacoma asks border patrol not to attend career fair after complaints
3 plutonium-tainted Hanford facilities are at high risk of collapse, feds discover

New York Times
Trump Demands 2 Liberal Justices Recuse Themselves From His Cases
New Rule Makes It Harder to Challenge Labor Practices
Trump Accuses Schiff of Leaking Intelligence on Russia’s 2020 Interference 3 plutonium-tainted Hanford facilities are at high risk of collapse, feds discover
Lawmakers call for more spending to address homelessness and affordable housing (Sullivan, Robinson)
These groups disagree on salmon, dams. They’re calling on NW governors to collaborate
Budget proposals look to increase spending on homelessness (Robinson, Rolfes)

Peninsula Daily News
Parents express concerns over sex education legislation (Wilson, Van de Wege)
High-capacity gun magazine measure revived
Sequim High School student serves as Legislature page (Tharinger)
NHL Seattle becomes part owner of monorail operations firm (Photos)
Coronavirus stock sell-off eases but sentiment remains fragile
Expedia Group to lay off thousands of employees, including 500 in Seattle

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Expedia will cut 3,000 jobs to simplify ‘bloated’ business
Boeing lands year’s first sales win as Japan’s ANA orders a dozen 787 Dreamliners
Growth in Seattle-area home prices accelerates along with other cities
Free transit passes, monorail improvements aim to entice Seattle hockey fans to leave their cars at home
City could be doing more to tackle homeless encampment trash, auditor’s report says
In Seattle talk, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly tried to distance himself from Trump on family separations, anti-media rhetoric
Sports gambling legislation is one step closer to becoming law after Senate committee vote — despite opposition to the bill’s fast-tracking (Keiser)
Amazon expands its checkout-free store lineup with Seattle opening of first Go Grocery
Seattle Police Department will try to build on record hiring year with $31,000 “This is my neighborhood” billboard campaign
Proposed legislation could fund drug treatment outreach in homeless camps (Davis)
Washington lawmakers propose state budgets to address homelessness crisis (Robinson, Rolfes)
Seattle looks at allowing far more tiny house villages and tent cities
LA Times: Harvey Weinstein verdict: The case now moves to Los Angeles
Editorial: With Washington’s last zoo elephant, a new era
Editorial: Reject Trump’s justice meddling

Seattle Weekly
Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County
Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office
Replica of Vietnam Memorial making Enumclaw stop
No checkout needed: Amazon opens cashier-less grocery store

GOP lawmakers walk out after Oregon climate bill advances
US appeals court upholds Trump rules imposing more hurdles for women seeking abortions

Spokesman Review
Here’s how leaders in Washington’s Legislature want to spend an extra billion in tax revenue (Ormsby, Rolfes, Frockt, Tharinger)
WSU Spokane plans to expand Native American health resources with new center, programs
Four coronavirus patients at Sacred Heart remain in satisfactory condition; Legislature prepares financial response

Tri-City Herald
3 plutonium-tainted Hanford facilities are at high risk of collapse, feds discover
Guest Opinion: Licensed card rooms should be allowed to offer sports betting
Guest Opinion: Limit sports betting to tribal casinos

USA Today
Trump says Coronavirus is ‘under control,’ as cases surge and stocks take a hit
Lawmakers move to lower cost of insulin in state (Keiser)

Washington Post
U.S. companies face crucial test over China’s factory shutdown
On Trump’s second day in India, violence in Delhi and praise for Modi’s efforts on religious freedom
Trump slams Sotomayor and Ginsburg, says they should recuse themselves from ‘Trump-related’ cases
Former Boeing manager suspected of spying for China says he is victim of a flawed national security investigation
U.S. passports offer only ‘M’ or ‘F’ gender categories. A new bill would require a gender-neutral ‘X,’ too.
AI baby monitors attract anxious parents: ‘Fear is the quickest way to get people’s attention’
Apple, TikTok decline to testify at second congressional hearing probing tech’s ties to China
The rising panic over coronavirus is likely to make containing it harder
Opinion: In their words: Wenatchee Police Chief Steve Crown talks about policing homelessness
More of the Story: Backlog at state toxicology lab means delays for local prosecutor, coroner — and families
$800,000 grant will fund additional child care spots at Triumph Treatment Services in Yakima
From huckleberries to aviation: What Yakima-area lawmakers are pushing in Olympia this yea

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
‘A hopeless feeling’: Former Washington foster child spent more than 100 nights in a hotel
Voters must check ‘Democrat’ or ‘Republican’ on Washington Primary ballot
Feds link humidifier to deadly mold issue at Seattle Children’s
Expedia cuts 500 jobs at new Seattle HQ and 12% of overall workforce, GeekWire reports
Washington sees economic effects of coronavirus as global stocks plunge
VERIFY: Can political campaigns text your cell phone?
Washington mother fights to lower threshold of involuntary commitment during mental health crisis (Dhingra)

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Orting cuts car-tab fees, credits voters who approved $30 tabs
Seattle mayor, police chief unveil campaign to recruit more officers
Democrats propose budget without tax hike or tax cut (Ormsby, Fey, Rolfes)

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
‘He’s in danger’: Sister of 75-time repeat offender pleads for city to force treatment
Study: 13% of Seattle-area workers make $100,000 or more
‘We need more people:’ Seattle Police launches hiring campaign
Flood of applications for state’s new family leave creates 10-week delays
Coalition rallies for Republicans’ return in Salem, following cap-and-trade walkout

KNKX FM
As Makah press for new waiver to resume the whale hunt, public is invited to comment
Federal Watchdog Criticizes Energy Dept. For Hanford Cleanup, Tunnel Collapse

KUOW FM
Proposed Washington law would open up empty bedrooms to more roommates
Seattle police face officer shortages amid the city’s growth. But there’s been some progress

KXRO
Pacific Razor Clam one step closer from becoming State Clam (Takko, Blake)

NW Public Radio
In Oregon, It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again As Republicans Stage Legislative Walkout — Just Like 2019

Q13 TV (Fox)
Energy companies call for Columbia, Snake River solution to saving salmon
Bipartisan bills in Olympia would change the way offenders are supervised after prison release (Goodman)
More delays happening with Washington’s paid family leave program
South Sound city moves toward $30 car tabs despite litigation

Web

Crosscut
Death penalty personal for WA lawmaker who lost sister to Green River Killer (Carlyle)
Washington seeks to repair safety net gap and keep people with disabilities housed (Macri)
Opinion: Poor people vie for a ‘golden ticket’ in King County’s absurd housing lottery
Health officials say King County remains safe from coronavirus — for now

MyNorthwest.com
Massive demand has new WA paid leave program struggling to keep up

Seattle P.I.
Coronavirus concerns making lasting economic impact in Seattle

Sports Handle
Washington State Senate Committee Advances Tribal-Only Sports Betting Bill Despite Strong Opposition (Peterson, Keiser, Saldaña)
Community Police Commission: Seattle Mayor Interfered With Board’s Independence
Mayor Will Grant Seattle’s LEAD Program Full Funding Outlined in Budget, After Withholding Full Funding Outlined in Budget

Monday, February 24

Judge: Tim Eyman concealed $766,000 in campaign donations
A judge ruled Friday that initiative promoter Tim Eyman illegally failed to report more than $766,000 in campaign contributions over a six-year period — a finding that could subject him to millions of dollars in penalties. Thurston County Superior Court Judge James Dixon issued his order in a 2017 lawsuit brought by Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The judge found that Eyman failed to register as a political committee, even though he clearly acted as one, and that he failed to file 110 campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission. Continue reading at The Kitsap Sun. (Ted S. Warren, AP)

Where bills stand in state Legislature
State lawmakers are more than halfway through their 60-day legislative session and have cleared a key deadline for policy bills while receiving good news on the revenue front ahead of the release of the House and Senate’s supplemental budget proposals. Continue reading at Peninsula Daily News.

Guns, sex-ed, and death penalty all on the line in Olympia
There are just about three weeks left in the regular 2020 legislative session and lawmakers have a lot to wrap up before March 12. The House and Senate release their supplemental budget proposals Monday, and will hold hearings on those later that afternoon. Continue reading at MyNorthwest. (Ted S. Warren/AP file photo)

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Associated Press
Greyhound to stop allowing immigration checks on buses
Debris found in fuel tanks of 70% of inspected 737 Max jets
Judge: Tim Eyman concealed $766,000 in campaign donations
Chinook returns in Columbia River could be near-record low
Efforts to expel Rep. Shea from Washington Legislature ended (Senn, Jinkins)
Dead or alive? Here’s how policy bills fared in last week’s crucial votes
Bill would ease penalties for HIV exposure in Washington (Macri)
Felons’ voting rights won’t change in Washington state (Kuderer, Dhingra)
Scientists gather to study risk from microplastic pollution
6 arrested at Seattle protest over B.C. pipeline
US pushes changes to Western land plans that judge blocked
Industrial gas company reaches Clean Air Act settlement
Oregon business tax greeted with confusion, consternation
Greyhound says it will stop letting Border Patrol agents conduct routine immigration checks on its buses
Spokane Tribe celebrates compensation from dam construction

Aberdeen Daily World
Final vote is in: Elma stadium fails
Mayors may get to veto syringe exchange sites

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
State may end housing limits aimed at groups of tenants in larger homes (Lovelett)
Here’s how long Washington residents work to pay off taxes – and how other states compare
Whatcom County Council acts to help a nonprofit preserve 532 licensed child care slots
Extreme low spring chinook returns expected again in Columbia River
Republican legislators push for $1 billion tax cut for state’s residents (Jinkins, Dhingra, Billig)

Capital Press
Washington dairy industry takes EPA to court
Dairy farm exits reflect low milk prices in 2019
Seattle judge revives claim by wolf advocates
WSDA lauded for pesticide training

Chinook Observer
Parents, teachers express concerns over mandatory sex ed

Columbian
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Primary matters; Brown off-base (Cleveland)
At session’s midpoint, it’s life or death for bills backed by Clark County legislators (Stonier, Wylie, Cleveland)
Bill would allow Washington State Patrol to destroy confiscated guns (Senn, Wylie)

The Daily News
Medical cost transparency: Helpful or confusing for patients?
Scientists gather to study risk from microplastic pollution
Chinook returns in Columbia River could be near-record low

Everett Herald (subscription required)
New study: State’s trails are more than worth the investment
Editorial: Bit of insurers’ reserves can support public health (Robinson)
Commentary: Crew size is not a factor in safety of oil trains

Federal Way Mirror
Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office
PSE files to sell part of Colstrip coal plant

Islands’ Weekly
A deep dive into the San Juan Islands urchin fishery

Issaquah Reporter
Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County
Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office
ISD gets green light for new middle school
PSE files to sell part of Colstrip coal plant
PNW plant-based foods could help in climate fight

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Opinion: We need reps to stand up for families
Nimitz returns to Bremerton following more than a month at sea
South Kitsap’s capital levy may not fully cover all projects

News Tribune (subscription required)
Orting eliminates local car tab fees in nod to voters who approved Initiative 976

New York Times
U.S. Stocks Plunge as Coronavirus Crisis Spreads
Supreme Court to Hear Case on Gay Rights and Foster Care
As Trump Barricades the Border, Legal Immigration Is Beginning to Plunge

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston election results are official — and all but 1 school-funding measure passed
Editorial: Why we needed a Civil Rights Act 100 years after the Civil War, and other reminders
Bill to reduce the penalty for exposing a partner to HIV triggers concerns (Macri)

Peninsula Daily News
Sequim High School student serves as Legislature page (Tharinger)
Where bills stand in state Legislature
False emergency alerts sent to Jefferson County cable users
Editorial: The state has too much money and it’s a problem (Ormsby, Rolfes)

Puget Sound Business Journal
U.S. stocks plunge as coronavirus crisis spreads
Medicare’s private option is gaining popularity, and critics
DOTs seek leader for I-5 Columbia River Bridge replacement project

Renton Reporter
PSE files to sell part of Colstrip coal plant (Fitzgibbon)

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Washaway Beach: How a community stood together and refused to be swept out to sea (Blake)

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County potato farmers recovering from losses
Crews work on Highway 530 washout
Skagit County election results certified

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County
“How can we make a bigger impact?” Farmers, gardeners and climate activists come together to learn about sustainability
PSE files to sell part of Colstrip coal plant (Fitzgibbon)
Opinion: ‘We can do the right thing’ | Windows and Mirrors

Spokesman Review
Bills aimed at addressing homelessness move forward in Legislature (Doglio, Das, Kuderer, Macri, Santos)
Spin Control: Liberty State rally had no chance of moving legislation
WSDOT to city: Pause development, deal with safety issues on Highway 195, or we’ll restrict local access
Spokane city leaders ask: When shelter isn’t an option, where do the homeless turn?
Opinion: League of Women Voters of Washington: Redistricting update must get done in 2020.

Tri-City Herald
Extreme low spring chinook returns expected again in Columbia River
Report slams DOE efforts to prevent catastrophic failures at Hanford nuclear site
Editorial: Trump budget would raise power rates. Congress must stop this awful plan

USA Today
Supreme Court to decide if foster care agencies can snub gay, lesbian couples due to religious objections
Climate change could be a ‘catastrophic’ national security threat, report warns
The 2020 Census relies on each household to count every person in America
Responding to the 2020 Census can help drive funding to local roads and bridges

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Editorial: Lawmakers should bank unanticipated revenue

Report: Feds need to do more to prevent failures at Hanford
Felons’ voting rights won’t change in Washington state (Kuderer, Dhingra)

Wenatchee World
Bills aimed at addressing homelessness move forward in Legislature (Das, Doglio, Macri, Morgan)
Expulsion vote at the Legislature unlikely for state Rep. Matt Shea, accused of domestic terrorism (Jinkins)
Free community college, anyone? Half of Seattle’s public high school seniors apply.

Yakima Herald Republic
Cosmic Crisp season is wrapping up, but there’s more to come
Editorial: Sports betting legislation throws away chance at tax dollar

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Exclusive: Boeing CEO talks relationship with FAA in recertification of 737 MAX
Olympia considers banning sale of cats, dogs at pet shops
Saving black churches: Seattle group partners with developers to generate funds
Families want Kennedy Catholic leaders to step down after gay teachers resign

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Health officials: First Washington coronavirus patient fully recovered
Hackers target cable TV alert system and send false messages
Law enforcement leaders want dedicated money for community corrections
Lawyer: Teachers were ‘forced to resign’ because they are gay

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
State Senate OKs bill to allow diplomas for deceased students (Wilson)
Scientists gather in Bremerton to study risk from microplastic pollution
Debris found in fuel tanks of 70% of inspected 737 Max jets

KNKX FM
Proposal for statewide plastics ban moves ahead, despite industry opposition
Washington Legislature considers more limits on vaping products

KUOW FM
‘Antarctica Melts,’ NASA Says, Showing Effects Of A Record Warm Spell

NW Public Radio
BLM Director Defends Agency’s Controversial Move From D.C. To Western U.S.

Q13 TV (Fox)
Brandi Kruse: King County wants to tax big business, but can leaders be trusted with new revenue?
The Divide: Preparing for the Primar

Web

Crosscut
Process to prevent gerrymandering in WA needs improving, lawmakers say (Pellicciotti)
Opinion: Washington’s Legislature has the tools — and the mandate — to tackle homelessness
Spokane nurses want strangulation to stop being overlooked in domestic violence cases
With an eye toward public safety, Seattle officials grapple with future of arrest alternatives

My Ballard
Meet 36th District lawmakers this Sunday at Lagunitas (Carlyle, Tarleton, Frame)

MyNorthwest.com
Deadline looms as guns, sex-ed, and death penalty on the line in Olympia (Ormsby, Stokesbary, Rolfes)
AG Ferguson: Greyhound has ‘responsibility’ to keep CBP off buses
Democrats revive proposed ban on high-capacity mags (Jinkins)
Superintendent addresses concerns about sex ed bill
Snohomish County man, first coronavirus patient in US, fully recovered
Senator Steve O’Ban disappointed $30 car tabs bill failed
Judge determines Tim Eyman broke campaign finance rules
Defendants in I-976 lawsuit ask judge to lift pause on $30 car tabs

Slog
Seattle Times Systematically Misinformed Readers About Boeing Until It Was Too Late
Another Study Casts Doubt on Effectiveness of Trigger Warnings

White Center Now
Evergreen High School student serves as State House page (Cody)

Friday, February 21

Bills dead and alive: Where the Legislature stands
Washington lawmakers are more than halfway through their 60-day legislative session, clearing a key deadline for policy bills and receiving good news on the revenue front ahead of the release of the House and Senate’s supplemental budget proposals. A revenue forecast Wednesday showed state revenues will increase by about $606 million more than expected through the middle of the current two-year budget cycle that ends mid-2021, with total revenues topping out at about $52.3 billion. The state is projected to have about $4.1 billion in total reserves in that time frame. Continue reading at The Kitsap Sun. (Rachel La Corte)

Washington state lawmakers introduce new version of plan to let King County tax big businesses
State lawmakers from the Seattle area have restarted their push for a tax on big businesses in King County, using a technical change to buy more time. On Thursday, they unveiled a new version of their closely watched plan to let the county impose a tax to fund affordable housing and homeless services, and the updated bill could raise more money than previously proposed – nearly $152 million a year. That means talks will continue in Olympia about whether and how much to tax large corporations, including tech titans like Amazon. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Rachel la Corte)

High-capacity magazine ban dies, replacement filed
A proposal to ban the sale of high-capacity gun magazines in Washington died after not receiving a vote by a key deadline Wednesday evening, but gun-control advocates quickly reloaded with a new proposal. House Democrats failed to put a bill up for debate that would have banned magazines holding more than 15 rounds. It needed to pass the House by Wednesday to continue being considered in the 2020 session. The bill was pulled from consideration by the full House after Republicans filed 120 amendments to be debated before a final vote on the bill could be taken, Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma said. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review.

Print

Associated Press
Homeless measures, carbon cap alive, most gun measures fail
Intel officials say Russia boosting Trump candidacy
For-profit firm seeking to run .org names makes concessions
Tokyo delays Olympic volunteer training because of virus
Bills dead and alive: Where the Legislature stands
Bills to limit size of firearm magazines fail in Legislature
Efforts to expel Rep. Shea from Washington Legislature ended
Washington State U to hire lawyer to review provost case
US panel delays vote on Oregon pipeline amid process issues
Authorities prepare mudslide emergency response amid fears
Washington Supreme Court reverses appeal win in murder case
Appeals court sends murder case back to court
States step up funding for Planned Parenthood clinics
Homeless measures, carbon cap alive, most gun measures fail
Virus patients to be treated at Washington state hospital
State Patrol settles with anti-Trump protester for $105,000

Aberdeen Daily World
Stevens School: Aberdeen will try again, if need be
Grays Harbor Emergency Management switches alerting systems, users must re-register
Local lawmakers sponsor bill to restructure education funding (Takko, Blake)

Arlington Times
Opinion: Breakdown of where your taxes go

Auburn Examiner
Senate Passes Wilson Bill to Improve Chances of Successful Reentry (Wilson)

Auburn Reporter
Proposed House bill would be bad for business

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Republican legislators push for $1 billion tax cut for state’s residents (Jinkins, Dinghra, Billig)

Capital Press
Washington lands chief presents climate-change plan
Washington Senate guts, then passes farm labor bill (Saldana)
Weatherman predicts dry March in E. Washington
Idaho Senate panel endorses hemp-authorization bill

Columbian
Legislator suspended from Republican caucus to emcee local GOP event (Jinkins, Senn, Tarleton)
In Our View: Boeing wanted those tax breaks until it didn’t

The Daily News
US panel delays vote on Oregon pipeline amid process issues

Eatonville Dispatch
Washington State Moves to Eliminate Youth Solitary Confinement (Wilson)

Edmonds Beacon
Healthy kids, healthy drinks

Everett Herald (subscription required)
High-capacity gun bill foiled by last-minute GOP tactics (Jinkins, Sullivan)
Bill would curtail solitary confinement for detained kids (Peterson)
Bloomberg: Commentary: Job market could slow growth of student loan debt
WaPo: Commentary: Intel hire shows Trump values loyalty over resume
Editorial: Avoid damaging trade war over Boeing tax break

Island’s Weekly
Census worker information meetings

Issaquah Reporter
Not a single fish died in the flooding

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Lovelett bill to boost fresh fruits and vegetables program passes Senate (Lovelett)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
What state law requires when transporting firearms
An unforeseen result of Trump’s trade war? More food for Washington food banks

Lynnwood Today
21st District legislative town hall set for Feb. 22 (Liias, Peterson, Ortiz-Self)

Moscow-Pullman Daily News
Bill related to Pullman flood fines fails in committee (Sells)

News Tribune (subscription required)
The kids keep coming. Where’s the money to educate them coming from? Check the mirror
Boeing’s tax-break giveback to Washington state is smart, proactive – but not heroic

New York Times
Warmest January Ever Puts 2020 on Track to Be One of Top 10 Hottest Years
Oil and Gas May Be a Far Bigger Climate Threat Than We Knew
Novel coronavirus has Amazon sweating

Olympian (subscription required)
Need a place to live? As many as 1,700 residences pitched for property in Tumwater
Republican legislators push for $1 billion tax cut for state’s residents (Jinkins, Billig)
Olympia woman who was stuck on Diamond Princess cruise ship contracts coronavirus

Peninsula Daily News
Bills to limit size of firearm magazines fail in Legislature

Seattle Times (subscription required)
False warning of ‘radiological hazard’ invades TV screens on Olympic Peninsula
Anti-Trump protester arrested on ‘blatantly false’ charge reaches $105,000 settlement with WSP
Lawmakers have new plan to let King County tax big businesses; here’s how it would work (Springer, Macri)
A reporter was in a homeless camp when someone overdosed. He left his recorder on
Seattle police arrest more than two dozen protesters at downtown bank
Bills to control insulin prices inch closer to Washington’s governor’s desk (Cody)
Washington state agency releases climate-change plan, with calls for more renewable projects

Sequim Gazette
Narrow Senate vote approves collection of gun violence data (Dhingra)

Skagit Valley Herald
Navy proposes special operations training in area State Parks
Lekanoff to host town hall meetings
High school students visit Skagit Valley College for Try-A-Trade Day
Fire departments consider merger

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Snoqualmie mayor, tribal chairman spar over House bill (Lekanoff, Gregerson)

Spokesman Review
High-capacity magazine ban dies, replacement filed (Jinkins)
Effort to remove Shea likely over after no Republicans sign House letter calling for expulsion (Senn, Jinkins, Tarleton)
Spokane Tribe celebrates federal compensation for damage caused by Grand Coulee Dam
WSU hiring lawyer to review allegations of sexism against former provost
Opinion: Reducing premature death from heart disease requires a broad approach

USA Today
Climate Point: Moms. vs. cement, and composting human remains

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Editorial: Should release of college transcripts be tied to debt? (Slatter)

Wenatchee World
Grant PUD to purchase $4.5 million portable transformer
Lawmakers flinch on proposed ban of for-profit detention facilities (Ortiz-Self, Saldaña)

Yakima Herald Republic
Changes are needed to the state’s child care system. Several bills in Olympia could help

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Former Kennedy Catholic students reflect on teachers who ‘voluntarily resigned’
Washington lawmakers try again to limit gun magazine capacity after bill initially failed (Senn, Jinkins)
WSDOT pinpoints source of leak in Seattle’s SR 99 tunnel

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Democrats revive high-capacity magazine ban bill (Jinkins)
4 coronavirus patients transferred to Spokane hospital for treatment
Zero fares boost bus ridership by 20% in Thurston County
North Bend facility no longer coronavirus quarantine site

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
From sports betting to flavored vape ban, state lawmakers scramble to pass bills (Kuderer, Peterson, Pollet, Macri)
Bill taxing big businesses in King County to address homelessness revived at State Capitol (Springer, Macri)

KNKX FM
Immigrants applying for citizenship can still get fee waived while lawsuit moves forward

KUOW FM
The art of harassing birds: Why King County officials want to scare eagles with pyrotechnics
How easy is it to commit election fraud in Washington state?
Trump Administration Targets Your ‘Warrant-Proof’ Encrypted Messages

NW Public Radio
California Lawmakers Expected To Apologize For U.S. Internment Of Japanese Americans
Spokane Hospital Treating Out-Of-Area Coronavirus Patients In Specialized Unit
How Warming Winters Are Affecting Everything

Q13 TV (Fox)
New gun control legislation filed after bills fail to advance in Olympia (Valdez)

Web

Crosscut
Tribes worry a Canadian mine could poison Washington salmon
Closing Seattle’s National Archives is a ‘paper genocide’ for some Natives
‘Never again is now’: Japanese Americans driven by history in immigration fight

My Edmonds News
21st District legislative town hall set for Feb. 22 (Liias, Peterson, Ortiz-Self)

Seattle P.I.
States step up funding for Planned Parenthood clinics

Slog
Seattle’s LEAD Diversion Program Still Doesn’t Have 2020 Funding—Or a Contract

Thursday, February 20

Washington Senate passes bill to regulate governments’ use of facial-recognition technology
Washington state senators Wednesday approved a bill that would begin regulating the use of facial-recognition programs by local and state governments. Sponsored by Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center, Senate Bill 6280 is one of a series of legislative proposals this year to counter technology that is evolving fast, regulated little and all but opaque to most residents. Facial recognition has been a particular concern, with worries that its use by law enforcement comes before the programs even can accurately identify people. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ted S. Warren/AP)

Boeing asks Washington lawmakers to suspend preferential tax rate
Washington state lawmakers announced Wednesday they will introduce bills, at The Boeing Co.’s request, to suspend the aerospace giant’s preferential business and occupation tax rate until the United States and European Union resolve their long-running international trade dispute. Democratic Sen. Marko Liias and Democratic House Majority Leader Rep. Pat Sullivan are the sponsors of the companion bills in the Senate and House. The legislation will suspend the 40% tax break that the Legislature adopted for the aerospace industry in 2003 and was expanded in 2013. Continue reading at Kitsap Sun. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

Affordable housing bills remain alive in Legislature
Cities would have to allow up to two accessory dwelling units on all lots with a single-family house, duplex, triplex, fourplex, rowhouse, townhome, or apartment building under a bill that the Washington state Senate approved Wednesday. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, also would bar cities from requiring off-street parking for ADUs within half a mile of a major transit stop. Wednesday was the deadline for the Senate and House to pass non-fiscal policy bills that originated in their respective chambers. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Elaine Thompson)