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Thursday, March 12

Coronavirus overshadows state lawmakers’ many hits and misses
The 2020 regular legislative session is coming to a close. It didn’t unfold the way anyone thought it would, nor is it ending as any predicted it might. Democrats arrived in January with ambitions of using their majorities in the House and Senate to eliminate the death penalty, ban high-capacity gun magazines and expel rabble-rousing Republican Rep. Matt Shea. They also cautiously hoped to enact a clean fuel standard. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

‘Nothing short of torture’: WA to restrict youth solitary confinement
state House bill to limit the use of youth solitary confinement in juvenile detention facilities has passed both chambers of the Legislature, as the end of the 2020 session draws near. The legislation, sponsored by the Office of the Attorney General, must now be signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee in order to be made law. Spokespersons from Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office testified during public hearings about the necessity of limiting, if not prohibiting, the use of solitary confinement on juveniles. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Bebeto Matthews)

Transportation budget passes, could end ‘pause’ on major highway projects
A $10.3 billion budget designed to resume work on transportation projects on “pause” because of last year’s initiative to reduce fees and taxes for vehicle license tabs passed the Legislature with overwhelming majorities by both chambers on Wednesday. The budget “solves a huge problem” from Initiative 976 but only for a year, Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, said. “It’s a budget that works for this year, but we’ve got a lot of work to do in the coming years,” he warned. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Tyler Tjomsland)

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Associated Press
President Trump is sharply restricting travel from Europe to the U.S. for 30 days to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Dow sinks 8% as a sell-off slamming global markets deepens
WHO declares coronavirus a pandemic, urges aggressive action
Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson in Australian hospital with coronavirus
US ban on European visitors escalates travel industry pain
Lawyers: Chelsea Manning attempts suicide in Va. jail
Many schools closed and gatherings canceled due to virus
Mass gatherings banned in Oregon under governor’s order
Americans snap to attention on virus as big events canceled
The Latest: US advises Americans to reconsider travel abroad
Governor bans large gatherings in greater Seattle area
Scientist links 2 state outbreaks with genetic fingerprints
Washington state residents divided on removal of dams
Mariners, Sounders, XFL shut out in Seattle because of virus
Coronavirus response included in final WA budget plan (Billig, Ormsby, Rolfes)
AP source: MLB prefers teams flip sites if virus shuts parks
Dow plummets again as sell-off over the coronavirus deepens
Boeing shares suffer worst one-day drop since 1974

Aberdeen Daily World
First case of COVID-19 reported in Grays Harbor
Crab, oyster exports to China down as coronavirus impacts trade
Jails limit bookings over coronavirus concerns
Commentary: Covid-19 underscores dangers of Trump’s war on truth
Letter: Safety issue

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Transportation budget approved that protects seniors, disabled (Fey, Hobbs)
Aide to Maria Cantwell tests positive for coronavirus. Senator closes her D.C. office
Whatcom County senior centers announce closings, cancellations due to coronavirus
What health department considers ‘close contact’ with Whatcom’s first COVID-19 patient
Whatcom County health reports Wednesday that 21 residents are being tested for coronavirus
Trump shuts U.S. borders to most of Europe, bans travel to stop coronavirus spread
Whatcom’s tourism industry expected to see more impacts after first coronavirus case
Large gatherings banned in Washington state’s Puget Sound region to stem coronavirus
These are symptoms of coronavirus and when are you healthy again
Large gatherings banned in Washington state’s Puget Sound region to stem coronavirus
Five more deaths reported as coronavirus continues its spread across Washington state
Virus prompts both WSU and EWU to move most classes online
NHL advises teams to not conduct practices, meetings amid coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus briefing: U.S. job losses begin and other updates for Thursday, March 12
How long does coronavirus last, and how long are you contagious?
Coronavirus patients may be contagious for weeks longer than first thought, study says
What is a ‘presumptive positive’ test for coronavirus? Here’s what you should know
What does coronavirus feel like? Here are stories from US survivors of the pandemic
Trump suspends travel from most of Europe. What if you already have tickets?
Trump shuts U.S. borders to most of Europe, bans travel to stop coronavirus spread
Trump warns coronavirus masks cannot meet demand as manufacturers fear lawsuits
How long does coronavirus live on a sink? On an Amazon box? Early test results are in

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Everett, Edmonds, most other schools closing due to virus
Health district: 1,100 already may be infected in 2 counties
2 more coronavirus deaths in Snohomish County
Inslee bans events of 250 or more, to stifle coronavirus
PUD won’t shut off power for late bills due to virus impact
Coronavirus overshadows state lawmakers’ many hits and misses (Sullivan)
Ban on large gatherings forces shakeup to Seattle sports
Editorial: Parents still make call on sexual health lessons

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way couple quarantined on Grand Princess cruise ship confined to room

New York Times
Coronavirus Could Slow Efforts to Cut Airlines’ Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Trump Administration Presses Cities to Evict Homeowners From Flood Zones
Coronavirus Live Updates: Brazilian Official Who Met With Trump Tests Positive
Grasping for a Deal With Trump, House Will Vote on Coronavirus Relief Bill
‘An Eviction Notice’: Chaos After Colleges Tell Students to Stay Away

Peninsula Daily News
Legislature promotes timber industry’s carbon reduction (Van De Wege)

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Inside the day Seattle Public Schools decided to close because of the coronavirus
With crowd restrictions to slow coronavirus, Inslee uses emergency powers in a way rarely seen
Coronavirus daily news update, March 12: What officials’ drastic measures to stem the pandemic mean for us
Without ‘social distancing,’ 400 could die from coronavirus in Western Washington by April 7, study suggests
As ridership drops, should Seattle-area transit agencies trim service amid coronavirus outbreak?
You can’t build a jet while working at home: How Boeing, other manufacturers are fighting coronavirus
Seattle area is in for chillier weather before sunshine returns
NBA suspending season after Wednesday night’s games until further notice because of coronavirus concerns
Coronavirus concerns cancel first two Seattle cruise sailings of 2020
Domestic violence risk assessment tool to be developed, but concerns remain about racial bias
State budget deal shows Washington lawmakers concerned about coronavirus outbreak (Sullivan)
Washington Legislature passes bill aiming to diversify cannabis industry (Pettigrew)
Op-Ed: In triaging coronavirus, prioritize vulnerable, health-care workers
Editorial: Quick, necessary action to slow coronavirus spread
LTE: Coronavirus: Physician’s perspective on testing delay
Unprecedented school closures hinder access to food, instruction for thousands amid coronavirus concerns
Creation of state Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention awaits Inslee’s signature (Dhingra, Leavitt)

Seattle Weekly
Public events in King County to be cancelled or restricted due to outbreak
‘If anyone’s questions should be answered, it’s ours’: Life Care families demand answers
Federal Way couple quarantined on Grand Princess cruise ship confined to room

Sequim Gazette
Legislature OKs $100 million for coronavirus response (Van De Wege)

Spokesman Review
‘It is here’: COVID-19 is in Spokane, just undetected, officials say; protective equipment in short supply
High school seniors could graduate in 2020 even if school shuts down for COVID-19
‘Why do we need to change?’ Concerned parents protest state comprehensive sex ed bill (Wilson)
Transportation budget passes, could end ‘pause’ on major highway projects (Hobbs)
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: Debate over sex ed brings out the worst in bill’s opponents

USA Today
Coronavirus updates: Dow Jones plummets; Ireland shuts down all schools; EU rips Trump travel ban
European Union leaders slam Trump’s sweeping coronavirus travel ban
President Trump says financial markets are going to be ‘just fine’ despite plunge in reaction to coronavirus concerns
Pelosi pushing for swift passage of coronavirus bill despite Republican concerns

Washington Post
U.S. markets plunge; Trump’s travel ban fails to calm investors
European officials blast Trump’s travel ban
The first U.S. layoffs from the pandemic are here
First China, then Italy: What the U.S. can learn from extreme lockdowns
Editorial: Lock down, but don’t shut down
Opinion: Coronavirus is a nightmare. These stories tell us how to survive — and rise above it.
Chelsea Manning recovering after suicide attempt, lawyers say
Top editors leave HuffPost and BuzzFeed amid growing doubts about the future of digital news
‘Italy has abandoned us’: People are being trapped at home with their loved ones’ bodies amid coronavirus lockdown
‘Now we all have someone we love diagnosed’: Why Tom Hanks getting coronavirus hits home
What happens if parades aren’t canceled during pandemics? Philadelphia found out in 1918, with disastrous results.
Coronavirus arrives on Capitol Hill: First Senate staffer diagnosed with covid-19
The Finance 202: Wall Street just gave Trump two thumbs down on handling the coronavirus
Fact-checking Trump’s address to the nation on the coronavirus
Relatives watch as covid-19 tears through Seattle-area senior homes. ‘It’s a very helpless feeling.’
Pence can’t be Trump’s coronavirus fall guy if Trump won’t give up the spotlight
White House asks Silicon Valley for help to combat coronavirus, track its spread and stop misinformation
The Technology 202: Here’s how Silicon Valley is helping Washington respond to coronavirus

Whitman County Gazette
Sex education bill (Wilson

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Real-time updates: 29 coronavirus deaths amid 366 cases in Washington
Parents scramble to find childcare as schools close amid coronavirus outbreak
King County employee in chemotherapy denied telecommuting amid coronavirus outbreak
These Washington schools are closed for coronavirus concerns

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Statewide death toll from coronavirus rises to 30
Starbucks stores may go drive-thru only or limit seating
Staffer at Washington senator’s office tests positive for coronavirus
Boeing shares suffer worst one-day drop since 1974

KNKX FM
Gov. Jay Inslee prohibits large gatherings for King, Snohomish, Pierce counties
Coronavirus updates: What you need to know today
Central Area Senior Center still offering meals and community in wake of coronavirus
Seattle, Lake Washington school districts close for at least two weeks
Paper or plastic? Washington lawmakers pass statewide ban on single-use plastic bags

KUOW FM
TEARS, HUGS, AND GOODBYES. SEATTLE STUDENTS (AND FAMILIES) REACT TO SCHOOL CLOSURES
Dow Drops 2,100 Points: Stocks In Meltdown After Temporary Trading Halt
As Missouri Clinic Awaits Its Legal Fate, Abortions In State Have Virtually Halted
Protecting And Preserving Ancient Sites At Risk From Sea-Level Rise In Florida
How Coronavirus Is Affecting The U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply
Live coverage: Coronavirus in the Seattle area
NBA Suspends Season After Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus
March Madness Will Be A TV Affair
U.S. Supreme Court Allows ‘Remain In Mexico’ Program To Continue
All Seattle Public Schools closed for at least two weeks starting Thursday due to coronavirus outbreak
Large events banned in Seattle area amid efforts to slow COVID-19 spread

NW Public Radio
‘Potentially Devastating’: Washington Arts Orgs Hit, Schools Go Online As COVID-19 Response Ramps Up
The Mountain Wildflowers Are Out (Earlier): How Climate Change May Affect Tourist Season At Rainier
Former Central Washington Judge, Business Owner Fined For Violating Campaign Finance Laws

Q13 TV (Fox)
Gov. Inslee bans large gatherings in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties
Here are the latest school closures in western Washington amid coronavirus concerns
Social distancing strongly urged: ‘Penalty is you might be killing your grandad if you don’t do it’

Web

Crosscut
‘Nothing short of torture’: WA to restrict youth solitary confinement (Peterson)
To stop COVID-19, Washington implements measures not seen since Spanish flu
Opinion: I managed public emergencies for years. Trump is unfit to lead on COVID-19.
Coronavirus and the immunocompromised: Your questions answered

Seattle P.I.
Seattle’s Chinatown restaurants scramble as COVID-19 fears run amok
COVID-19 causes prohibition of gatherings of more than 250 in King County by Washington governor
University of Washington Medicine suspends routine visiting with patients due to COVID-19 concerns
King County school districts start closing after officials urge for ‘contingency plans’

Wednesday, March 11

Bill repealing Boeing tax break clears the state Senate
The state Senate on Tuesday approved a much-worked bill to repeal a tax break for Boeing — but not give it all back in the future. Senate Bill 6690 seeks to resolve an international trade dispute between the U.S. and the European Union and prevent billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs on the aerospace giant’s planes, its suppliers’ products and other Washington exports such as fruit, wine and seafood. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Andy Bronson)

Inslee orders nursing homes to limit visitors, signals mandatory social-distancing measures are next
Warning that the number of coronavirus cases in Washington could double weekly, Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday indicated that mandatory social-distancing measures could be announced this week and, in the meantime, imposed new restrictions on nursing homes. “If we’re going to stop this epidemic, or seriously slow it down, we need to look at what’s coming in Washington state, not just what is here today,” Inslee said at a news conference at the Capitol. Continue reading at KNKX. (Austin Jenkins)

New laws to deal with arrests at courthouses, hairstyles, domestic worker treatment
Several bills poised to become signed into law this session would directly affect many Washington state residents. House Bill 2567, which would outlaw arrests for civil matters at court houses unless there is a warrant issued, passed the house earlier and was approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Continue reading at Peninsula Daily News.

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Associated Press
Flu versus coronavirus: Similar symptoms, different fears
Hanford nuclear waste cleanup efforts could be delayed
Inslee outlines new rules for limiting nursing home visits
Groups: Release immigrant detainees at high coronavirus risk
Seattle small businesses pinched as virus keeps workers home
Washington Legislature OKs ‘tampon tax’ exemption bill
Report: Nuclear waste cleanup efforts could be delayed
Virus impact on US sports grows; more restrictions in Europe
Weinstein sentenced to 23 years for sexual assaults
Pesticide workers walk out over wages, labor conditions
States race to stop virus, as official warns of worse ahead
State Patrol arrests 2 at climate protest in Olympia
Washington state lawmakers pass ban on plastic grocery bags (Das)
Inslee to outline new policies as coronavirus deaths hit 22

Aberdeen Daily World
Ocean Shores hotels dealing with cancellations

Auburn Reporter
Millions of county dollars to help transform Kent motel into an isolation, quarantine facility

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
WWU moves all classes online after Whatcom County’s first COVID-19 diagnosis
Whatcom Community College has canceled all in-person class meetings for March 11
Meridian School District announces closure after staff member exposed to coronavirus
As coronavirus continues to spread across U.S., Whatcom businesses ponder next steps
Power outages, light snow possible as late nor’easter heads to Whatcom
Coronavirus updates: Inslee to ban large gatherings, government to tap strategic stockpile
Gov. Jay Inslee announces temporary restriction on large gatherings
Here’s what we know about the coronavirus outbreak in Whatcom County on Wednesday
First case of novel coronavirus in Whatcom County confirmed by health department
Whatcom’s tourism industry expected to see more impacts after first coronavirus case
Here’s what you can do to reduce the spread of coronavirus
Whatcom County declares public health emergency over coronavirus
Whatcom County health reports Tuesday that 15 residents are being tested for coronavirus
Washington braces for losses from Alaska cruise cancellations, as fear grips travel industry
Coronavirus updates: New directive from Washington governor, closures and hospital screenings
Washington state governor announces restrictions on nursing home visits during coronavirus outbreak

Capital Press
Low-carbon fuel standard alive in Washington (Fitzgibbon)
WSU soil health initiative gains ground in Legislature
Experts encourage Washington vineyard acreage removal to address grape surplus

Centralia Daily Chronicle
Lawmakers Could Give Minorities Assist on Pot Shop Licenses (Saldaña)

Columbian
In Our View: It’s time for Congress to end changing of clocks

The Daily News
No confirmed COVID-19 in Cowlitz County, but officials at the ready
County commissioners approve updated manufactured home park code
State employment commissioner: Use Swiss workforce training model

Everett Herald
Virus pushes colleges online; infection touches Stanwood
3 Stanwood care home residents test positive for COVID-19
Coronavirus casts uncertainty over high school spring sports
Governor reportedly to announce size restrictions on events
Stanwood-Camano schools close as infections spread north
Bill repealing Boeing tax break clears the state Senate (Liias)
Here are the known coronavirus cases in Snohomish County
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Inslee to outline new policies as coronavirus deaths hit 22
Editorial: Paid sick leave an effective tool against Covid-19
Letter: No action from 38th District lawmakers on drunken driving (Robinson, Sells, McCoy)
Letter: Climate legislation in Legislature goes against voters’ wishes
Bloomberg: The coronavirus is ending a 16-year boom for Boeing, Airbus
WaPo: Commentary: Can you work from home? It’s time you started

Islands’ Weekly
State steps up response to coronavirus outbreak

Issaquah Reporter
Low-wage workers will be hardest hit by economic coronavirus impacts
Outbreak – Today’s latest news on COVID-19

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Sanders, Biden virtually tied in Washington state primary election
Coronavirus in Kitsap: Two cases on Bainbridge, county explores options for ‘isolation center’
Washington and Kitsap County Election Results: Primary
Well near Bangor found to have potentially dangerous levels of contamination
Coronavirus live updates: US death toll rises to 31; Seattle may ban events; ‘It’s going to get worse’
Inslee: Time to prepare for large outbreak in the state

The News Tribune
Disabled UP man demanded a sidewalk so he could vote. His video made the difference
Measure repealing Boeing tax break passes state Senate
Stocks Fall as Investor Fears Return: Live Updates
Coronavirus Live Updates
‘It’s just everywhere already’: How delays in testing set back the U.S. coronavirus response
Peninsula couple among those quarantined on a cruise ship in San Francisco
Where is coronavirus? Interactive map shows cases in Washington and beyond
Coronavirus updates: US death toll rises to 27; Italy paralyzed; US markets rise; Life Care Center under siege

Nisqually Valley News
JT Wilcox Announces Committee to Oppose Sex-Ed Legislation (Wilson)
Thurston Board of Health appoints Dr. Diana Yu to focus on local coronavirus response
Special Olympics Washington cancels all training and events amid COVID-19 outbreak
Coronavirus updates: Inslee to ban large gatherings, government to tap strategic stockpile
These events around Washington state have been canceled or postponed by coronavirus
Coronavirus updates: New directive from Washington governor, closures and hospital screenings
Thurston County monitoring coronavirus spread, preparing for first confirmed case
Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden fight for the lead in Washington’s presidential primary

Peninsula Daily News
Satanists conduct ritual, draw praying protests at state Capitol
New laws to deal with arrests at courthouses, hairstyles, domestic worker treatment (Pedersen, Saldaña)

Skagit Valley Herald
Coronavirus outbreak affects Skagit events, businesses, nonprofits
Schools changing plans amid COVID-19 fears
Skagit County’s first case of COVID-19 confirmed
Hospitals, schools prepare as COVID-19 spreads
Oregon governor takes sweeping action to cut global warming
Pesticide workers walk out over wages, labor conditions
Over GOP nays, Oregon funds move to cut greenhouse gases
AP source: Washington governor to ban events in Seattle area of more than 250 people to fight new coronavirus.
Economic toll of virus goes global and hits close to home
Seattle small businesses pinched as virus keeps workers home
Groups: Release immigrant detainees at high coronavirus risk

Snoqualmie Valley Record
House bill 2230 passes the state Legislature
Outbreak – Today’s latest news on COVID-19
Snoqualmie Valley Hospital opens testing center for coronavirus

Spokesman Review
Inslee announces strict visitation rules for nursing homes as COVID is found at nearly a dozen facilities
AP source: Inslee to ban large gatherings in Seattle area
Avista to ask employees to work from home to prevent infections
Report: White nationalist group given grant through Spokane-based Innovia Foundation

Tri-City Herald
Cleaning up Hanford’s ‘greatest risk’ and other radioactive waste could be shelved for 10 years
Guest Opinion: Tri-Citians must stand up to wind turbine plan Senate Democrats to ask Trump to declare a national emergency on coronavirus

Vancouver Business Journal
Port of Vancouver USA postpones public events in response to COVID-19
Gov. Inslee announces support for workers, businesses impacted by COVID-19

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Editorial: Media should not be the exception in date-of-birth records access
WHO declares coronavirus a global pandemic
I’ve been working from home for eight days. The Netflix-and-quarantine life is not that chill.
White House asks Silicon Valley for help on coronavirus
Another big U.S. bank is being accused of opening fake accounts

Trump Floats Economic Stimulus in Response to Coronavirus
Coronavirus Outbreak Has America’s Homeless at Risk of ‘Disaster’
Coronavirus Live Updates: Governments Struggle to Cope as Anxiety Rises
Coronavirus cancels public bill signings by Gov. Jay Inslee
Providence cancels public meetings at St. Peter, Centralia hospitals; asks visitors to limit visits

Yakima Herald Republic
Coronavirus update: No Yakima cases, health insurance options, school meals
The latest on what we know about the virus outbreak
Local schools weigh options for coronavirus; most won’t go to online learning
Editorial: Good news on the local health fron

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Gov. Inslee to ban crowds of 250 or more in Seattle amid coronavirus outbreak
Report: Scientists were close to coronavirus vaccine 4 years ago, but lacked funding
Food banks seek hygiene supplies amid Washington coronavirus outbreak
Washington nurses concerned for health as hospitals face mask shortages
Airline, cruise industry feeling impacts of coronavirus outbreak
Washington-based company awaiting approval to test coronavirus treatment drug

KNKX
Coronavirus updates: What you need to know today
‘I foresee a hardship’: Seattle-area businesses reckon with economic impacts of coronavirus
Washington state’s only doctor in Congress talks coronavirus, policy
Inslee orders nursing homes to limit visitors, signals mandatory social-distancing measures are next

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Gov. Inslee to ban gatherings, events of more than 250 amid coronavirus outbreak, AP reports
Local businesses struggling over fears of coronavirus
Airlines cut back flights because of coronavirus
More than $11 million in grants available for small business, nonprofits impacted by COVID-19

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Report: Inslee to announce ban on events of more than 250 people around Seattle
UW Doc: Coronavirus ‘like a natural disaster happening in slow motion’
State health exchange offers special enrollment period due to virus
UW Medicine hospitals to ban guest visits due to coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus throws curveball into political campaigning
State Patrol arrests 2 at climate protest in Olympia

KNKX FM
Coronavirus updates: What you need to know today
As spring gray whale migration begins, scientists watchful for another die-off
Washington state’s only doctor in Congress talks coronavirus, policy
Inslee orders nursing homes to limit visitors, signals mandatory social-distancing measures are next

KUOW FM
Gov. Inslee says there may already be more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases in Washington
Coronavirus Outbreak Leads To Empty Sports Stadiums
Seattle Now: Testing 123
Uber and Lyft drivers struggle to stay safe from coronavirus
Gov. Inslee says there may already be more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases in Washington
Coronavirus Outbreak Leads To Empty Sports Stadiums
2 Seattle schools closed amid district’s first confirmed COVID-19 case
Live coverage: Coronavirus in the Seattle area
Here We Go Again: Dow Drops 800 Points As Stock Market Turmoil Continues
As Coronavirus In China Wanes, Italy, South Korea See Brunt Of Epidemic
State benefits could cover Washington workers affected by COVID-19 illness
Seattle won’t interrupt public utility services for those impacted by COVID-19 outbreak
Life During Coronavirus: What Different Countries Are Doing To Stop The Spread
How The Painstaking Work Of Contact Tracing Can Slow The Spread Of An Outbreak
Dow Bounces Back, Jumping More Than 1,100 Points After Market’s Terrible Day
Coronavirus: New York Creates ‘Containment Area’ Around Cluster In New Rochelle
Federal Court Sides With House In Fight Over Mueller Grand Jury Materials
Coronavirus: Sacramento County Gives Up On Automatic 14-Day Quarantines
How A South Korean City Is Changing Tactics To Tamp Down Its COVID-19 Surge
Is The Economy Coming Down With Something?

NBC Right Now
Bill reclassifies some fish, wildlife crimes (Van De Wege)

NW Public Radio
Jay Inslee Orders Nursing Homes To Limit Visitors, Signals Social-Distancing Measures Are Next

Q13 TV (Fox)
Seattle area’s largest companies chip in $2.5 million to help people impacted by coronavirus
Mandatory sex education bill headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk for signature (Dhingra)
Stanwood Camano School District to close Wednesday; Snohomish SD will reopen
Patient visitation suspended at all UW Medicine hospitals over coronavirus concerns
Two more coronavirus deaths in King County as 10 nursing homes report positive tests
Washington state lawmakers pass ban on plastic grocery bags
State issues new rules for nursing homes, assisted living facilities amid coronavirus outbreak
State expands unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19 outbreak

Web

SBC Americas
Washington’s ‘tribal-only’ sports betting bill continues to fuel debate (Keiser)
Seattle workers lose jobs and worry about rent as coronavirus slows business
Coronavirus fears in Pacific NW lead to rise in anti-Asian racism
WA lawmakers pave the way for electric cars, but activists want more (Fitzgibbon)
Opinion: COVID-19 should force Seattle to close schools
Opinion: King County’s COVID-19 quarantine plan disrespects communities of color
Lawmakers must continue to support people’s economic security during this public health crisis

Seattle P.I.
Washington state set to ban single-use plastic bags (Das, Jinkins, Chopp)

Slog
Seattle Healthcare Workers Say They Aren’t Getting What They Need to Protect Them from Coronavirus
Senate Passes Bill Allowing Big Business to Exploit Massive Insurance Tax Loophole (Mullet)Going Viral
Council Members Failed to Block White Center Quarantine Site
Coronavirus Updates: Inslee to Announce “New Community Strategies and Social Distancing Plans” Tomorrow
Mayor’s Office Announces Plan To Help Local Businesses Affected by Coronavirus
More Than 100 New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Washington, Statewide Total Now at 267
COVID-19 Infections Spread to More Than 10 Seattle Area Nursing Homes
What to Expect When You’re Expecting Coronavirus
Who Should Scan Our Faces at the Airport?

Tuesday, March 10

Bill approved to let Seattle ticket bus lane, other violators
Seattle may soon get the green light to install automated traffic cameras to ticket drivers who block crosswalks and use bus-only lanes. The state Legislature approved a bill this week to allow the cameras for limited new uses, The Seattle Times reported. House Bill 1793 next heads to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. Continue reading at Seattle P-I. (Jordan Stead)

Real-time updates: 22 coronavirus deaths among more than 160 cases in Washington
t least 22 people have died and a total of 162 others have tested positive for coronavirus in Washington state, according to King County health officials. Washington state has the most reported cases in the U.S. Continue reading at King5 News.

Legislature OKs carve out for media on birth date disclosure
The Washington Legislature has passed a bill that exempts birth dates of state and local government employees from disclosure under the state’s public records law, but allows the media to continue to have access to them. On a 91-5 vote Monday, the House concurred on changes made by the Senate to the measure. The bill now heads to the governor for his signature. Continue reading at The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

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Associated Press
Seattle small businesses pinched as virus keeps workers home
Bill OK’d to let Seattle ticket bus lane, other violators (Fitzgibbon)
Grant County pair to pay $250,000 in campaign finance case
Coronavirus fears end public bill signings at Capitol
Legislature OKs carve out for media on birth date disclosure
Lawmakers approve ‘block the box’ bill allowing Seattle to ticket drivers for blocking crosswalks, bus lanes (Fitzgibbon)
Stocks give up an early surge following worst day since 2008
Bill approved to let Seattle ticket bus lane, other violators
Asian stocks steady after plunge on virus, oil crash

Aberdeen Daily World
Public Health: ‘Social distancing’ not a bad idea
County extends moratorium blocking new overnight rental properties
Council to consider homeless camp extension, Michigan Street move
Stocks climb on Wall Street following worst day since 2008
Virus upends life in Italy as China vows to defeat epidemic

Auburn Reporter
Blood supply hits emergency level due to coronavirus concerns
Low-wage workers will be hardest hit by economic coronavirus impacts
As the deadline nears, state lawmakers face a few challenges (Fitzgibbon, Carlyle, Hobbs, Robinson, Van De Wege, Jinkins, Hudgins)

Bloomberg Law
Washington State Privacy Bill Hits Senate Roadblock (Carlyle, Hudgins)

Columbian
Washington closer to exempting menstrual products from sales tax

The Daily News
Business as usual for most local business during coronavirus spread

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Legislature promotes timber industry as carbon-negative (Van De Wege)

New York Times
Open Windows. Don’t Share Food. Here’s the Government’s Coronavirus Advice.

Peninsula Daily News
Peninsula health officials still seeing testing delays
Pence walks fine line on coronavirus response
Letter to the Editor: Legislature should help state conserve fish, wildlife

Seattle Times (subscription required)
What life is like for people who choose to self-isolate to protect against coronavirus
Boeing employee in Everett tests positive for COVID-19
Amazon to grant $5 million to small businesses near its headquarters struggling due to coronavirus
Coronavirus crackdown? Seattle-area official outlines possible next steps
Gates Foundation spearheads $125 million drive to develop a coronavirus drug
Boeing engineering union splits over contract extension, producing two divergent contracts
Seattle-area events that have been canceled, postponed or rescheduled due to novel coronavirus concerns
Even before coronavirus, more people turned to telecommuting in Seattle
Seattle man’s death linked to novel coronavirus, son says
Here’s where the Seattle area’s ugliest commutes are as region slips in the worst-traffic rankings
Washington lawmakers ban plastic grocery bags, add fee to paper ones (Das, Peterson)
How autonomous freight trains powered by artificial intelligence could come to a railroad near you
Will Seattle at last take action on buildings that can kill when earthquakes hit? A new push is afoot
Automakers required to sell more electric vehicles under new legislation in Washington state (Fitzgibbon, Nyugen)
Editorial: U.S. should not restrict Chinese press
LTE: Coronavirus: Message in images

Seattle Weekly
Coronavirus: Live Coverage for Puget Sound

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Low-wage workers will be hardest hit by economic coronavirus impacts
Eastside cities seeing widespread event, meeting cancellations

Spokesman Review
Lawmakers could give minorities assist on pot shop licenses (Saldaña)
Market takes a record dive but remains full of opportunity, local analysts say
Opinion: Brian Estes: Soil health is economic and environmental health

Tri-City Herald
Fight to keep Snake River dams is not over. Supporters told to send comments to feds
This company turns plastic bottles into new roads. They’re looking for a Tri-Cities site
State steps up fight against coronavirus as death toll hits 16. Second case in Eastern WA
Editorial: Picking a party demands too much. Presidential primary needs revamping

USA Today
Donald Trump floats payroll tax cut, other financial relief for businesses and workers as coronavirus spreads
‘Should have been a sense of urgency’: Former FDA chief warns of spike in US coronavirus cases

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Editorial: No reason to keep twice-yearly clock switching (Riccelli)
Editorial: Vulnerable student borrowers left in the dark

Washington Post
Harvard moves classes online, advises students to stay home after spring break in response to covid-19
Trump says he will seek payroll tax cut, relief for hourly workers as part of coronavirus response
Wall Street bounces back after sell-off
Italy expands travel restrictions to entire country, locking down 60 million people
In Texas, frustration and anxiety mount with more cruise ship evacuees scheduled to arrive
A common artificial sweetener might be making you fatter and sicker, a new study says
If horsemen care so much about animals, why does it take the feds to stop doping?
A lawmaker tried to cover up illegal gifts, including a Las Vegas escort, feds say. His plan backfired

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Real-time updates: 22 coronavirus deaths among more than 160 cases in Washington
Delta announces hiring freeze, capacity reduction over coronavirus
Port of Seattle says coronavirus travel warning could impact upcoming cruise season
UW sets up drive-thru clinic for coronavirus testing
Bill mandating sex education in Washington schools passes Senate (Walen, Ortiz-Self)

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Coronavirus shapes Washington presidential primary
Tacoma school shuts down after staff member tests positive for coronavirus
Delta Air Lines reducing flights, announcing other changes amid coronavirus outbreak
Bill OK’d to let Seattle ticket bus lane, other violators
Microsoft, Amazon chip in to help those hurt by coronavirus
Bloodworks: Local blood supply at ‘risk of collapse’ due to coronavirus concerns

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle small businesses pinched as virus keeps workers home
King County: Snarky comments on your primary ballot can invalidate your vote
Coronavirus death toll rises to 23 in Washington state
Help limited for small businesses struggling during outbreak
‘Exploring all of our options’: COVID-19 threatens Seattle cruise season
Local blood supply emergency declared in wake of COVID-19 outbreak

NW Public Radio
Tri-Cities Couple Share Their Experience With Self-Quarantine
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Promises Executive Action On Climate After GOP Legislative Walkout

Q13 TV (Fox)
Coronavirus: New test results find 31 positive cases at Life Care Center in Kirkland
Drive-through COVID-19 tests available for UW Medicine employees
Snohomish, Meridian school districts, several Tacoma schools closing after positive coronavirus tests
Seattle area’s largest companies chip in $2.5 million to help people impacted by coronavirus

Web

Seattle P.I.

COVID-19 cases in King County reaches 116, health officials say; 20 deaths included
How has Seattle rent changed over the past four years? Studio rents have gone down, study finds

Monday, March 9

10 bills the 2020 Legislature approved that could affect you
Friday was the deadline for the House to consider Senate bills, and vice versa (except for bills needed to approve the budget and a few other categories). Here are 10 bills that could affect your life or your community that lawmakers approved Friday. They’re close to the finishing line, which is Gov. Jay Inslee signing them into law. The 60-day legislative session ends March 12. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Ted S. Warren)

Sex ed bill sent to Governor after moving speech by Sen. Mona Das
A controversial bill to require Washington’s 295 school districts to teach comprehensive sexual health education in grades K-12 is on its way to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. By a 27-21 vote on Saturday, the state Senate agreed with House amendments to SB 5395. The roll call followed a moving floor speech by Sen. Mona Das, D-Kent. The bill would be phased in over two years, with the mandate to teach all students in grades six through 12 beginning with the 2021-2022 school year and to all students a year later. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Ted S. Warren)

Bill boosting accountability for facial recognition technology passes the House
Agencies using facial recognition technology would be required to test it for accuracy and bias to make sure it’s accountable, under a bill that passed Friday in the House. The bill will provide moral guardrails on the use of facial recognition software, said Rep. Debra Entenman, D-Kent. The technology needs to improve and be held to higher standards. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review.

Print

Associated Press
Senate OKs bill exempting menstrual products from sales tax
Dow drops 1,500 points as oil price plunge shocks markets
A third state moves to cap insulin prices. This one at $50 — the lowest in the US
Stock trading briefly halted after plunge over coronavirus fears. What does it mean?
Nursing homes face unique challenge with coronavirus
Washington virus deaths hit 18 with 2 more from nursing home
Gates Foundation to help with coronavirus testing in Seattle
Washington virus deaths hit 16; 1/3 of Life Care staff sick
Homeless at ‘double risk’ of getting, spreading coronavirus
AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s rosy take on govt’s handling of virus
Yakima Basin water forecast predicts 100% supply for farmers
‘Germ-fest’ party preceded deadly outbreak in Kirkland
Thousands prepare to get off ship hit by virus in California
Ethiopia jet crash report likely to blame Boeing and pilots
Report from Ethiopia expected this week in Boeing Max crash
She thought had health insurance, but was left owing $40,000
Nursing home showed few signs it prepared for virus outbreak
Idaho faces another lawsuit over lethal injection secrecy
Pence walks fine line on coronavirus response
21 positive for coronavirus on cruise ship off California
FAA seeks $19.7 million penalty against Boeing over sensors
Oregon Legislature crashes over climate, leaving acrimony
Washington virus deaths hit 18 with 2 more from nursing home
Gates Foundation to help with coronavirus testing in Seattle
Senate OKs bill exempting menstrual products from sales tax
Pence walks fine line on coronavirus response
Washington state bans ‘gay panic’ defense of homicide
UW to teach classes online due to virus concerns
California prepares to dock cruise ship with 21 virus cases

Aberdeen Daily World
The important test is how you’re feeling
Senate passes bill to align timber industry with state carbon goals (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Takko, Chapman)
Most guns banned from child care centers
Child care benefit legislation headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk for approval (Wilson)

Auburn Reporter
House passes Wilson bill to improve timetable for childcare subsidies (Wilson)
Senate passes bill to legalize sports gambling in Washington (Saldaña)
Kent Mayor Ralph stands up to King County over coronavirus facility

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Statewide coronavirus deaths grow to 18
Washington state coronavirus deaths rise to 18; cases increase to 136, including 4 in Pierce County
Here’s how many Whatcom County jobs offer annual salaries of $100,000 or more
Whatcom County health reports Sunday 16 residents are being tested for coronavirus
Bellingham City Council begins discussion of single-use plastic ban
Whatcom senior groups detail what they’re doing to prevent coronavirus transmission
Coronavirus risk prompts CBP, CDC to deny travelers at border in Whatcom County
Bellingham hospital limits visitors to ‘essential support’ due to coronavirus spread
Washington governor says ‘mandatory measures’ may be needed to fight coronavirus
6 Washington counties have now reported coronavirus cases; statewide deaths up to 16
10 bills the 2020 Legislature approved that could affect you
Dozens of passengers on cruise ship linked to coronavirus to be quarantined in Georgia
Rumors of a second, deadlier strain of coronavirus are off the mark, experts say
Coronavirus briefing: Five updates for Monday, March 9
GOP lawmakers in self-quarantine after coronavirus tied to conservative conference

Capital Press
Washington House rewrites Senate chlorpyrifos bill (Rolfes, Blake)
Washington Senate adopts carbon-neutral mandate (Carlyle)
WSU takes precautions against coronavirus

Centralia Chronicle
Washington House Approves Animal Cruelty Bill (Cleveland, Stonier, Wylie, Orwall)

Columbian
Washington House approves Sen. Ann Rivers’ animal cruelty bill (Orwall
Cheers & Jeers: Tribute to Nikki; salmon suffer (Stanford, salmon fisheries)

The Daily News
Capitol Dispatch: Local lawmakers prepare for final week of session (Blake, Takko)
Clock ticking for Longview homeless site, but many campers want to stay
Shortage of homes for sale driving up prices, frustrating Cowlitz buyers
Ecology reissues permit for ‘low toxicity’ Japanese eelgrass herbicide
Coronavirus prompts PUD to urge customers to do business by phone and online

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Confusion, frustration as people at risk seek COVID-19 tests
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Washington reaches 18 coronavirus deaths and cases grow
Environmental cleanup beginning at waterfront mill property
EvCC to go online with some classes in response to COVID-19
Cornfield Report: Boeing tax-break repeal is still pending as clock ticks down (Jinkins)
Muhlstein: Fishing for trash on the Skykomish, anglers reeled in plenty
Bloomberg: Trump official: Don’t overreact, but avoid Seattle for now
Comment: Low pay losing us good childcare, preschool teachers
WaPo: Commentary: Cutting payroll tax could find bipartisan support
WaPo: Viewpoints: Four mistakes that made epidemics deadlier

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way School District cancels March field trips to protect students from COVID-19 exposure

Kent Reporter
Judge denies city of Kent temporary restraining order to stop quarantine facility

Islands’ Weekly
Stewardship plate on track with sales

Issaquah Reporter
Life Care Center of Kirkland breaks silence at Saturday press conference
Coronavirus: Live Coverage for Puget Sound
Eastside cities seeing widespread event, meeting cancellations

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
First ‘presumptive positive’ coronavirus case reported in Kitsap County
Kitsap County sees seven negative coronavirus tests while 14 await results
Is your driver’s license compliant? Washington’s deadline for REAL ID compliance is Oct. 1.
Military defendants will be sent to other states while new prison at JBLM is built
Sewage spill spurs no-contact advisory for Chico Creek, bay

News Tribune (subscription required)
Sex ed bill sent to Governor after moving speech by Sen. Mona Das (Dhingra, Das)

New York Times
U.S. Health Experts Say Stricter Measures Are Required to Limit Coronavirus’s Spread
Surge of Virus Misinformation Stumps Facebook and Twitter
Forfeited Games and Virtual Learning: Coronavirus Shuts Down Schools
U.S. Health Experts Say Stricter Measures Are Required to Limit Coronavirus’s Spread
Coronavirus Highlights the Pitfalls of Health Deductibles

Olympian (subscription required)
Providence cancels public meetings at St. Peter, Centralia hospitals; asks visitors to limit visits
Washington state coronavirus deaths rise to 18; cases increase to 136, including 4 in Pierce County
6 Washington counties have now reported coronavirus cases; statewide deaths up to 16
Dow loses 1,200 points, bond yields tumble as oil crashes
Stocks, oil plunge over global fight for crude production

Puget Sound Business Journal
US stocks plunge 7% as oil crash shakes financial markets
Surge of virus misinformation stumps Facebook and Twitter
Oil crash: why Saudi Arabia has started a global crude price war
Veterans are working, but not in jobs that match their advanced training
U.S. health experts say stricter measures are required to limit coronavirus’ spread
Microsoft, Expedia will maintain wages for vendors despite reduced hours
Murray proposes emergency legislation to give workers paid sick leave
Seattle mayor urges Pence to help small businesses get through crisis
Opinion: Is out-of-state property subject to Washington estate tax?

Redmond Reporter
Eastside cities seeing widespread event, meeting cancellations

Seattle Times (subscription required)
More residents, employees of Kirkland nursing home hospitalized with coronavirus symptoms
Ishisaka: Gig workers fall through the public-health safety net as coronavirus spreads in Washington
$2M fund started to help gig workers, vulnerable populations affected by coronavirus in Seattle area
Gov. Inslee says ‘mandatory measures’ under consideration to combat coronavirus in Washington
Here’s where the region’s ugliest commutes are as Seattle slips in the worst-traffic rankings
Will Seattle at last take action on buildings that can kill when earthquakes hit? A new push is afoot
What if coronavirus hits Seattle’s homeless shelters? Aging, ill population is particularly vulnerable
Mothers in Juárez, Mexico, seek justice for daughters lost to femicide
Mourning losses and unsure of what’s to come, Seattle area watches warily as coronavirus spreads
Gates-funded program will soon offer home-testing kits for new coronavirus
Bill requiring comprehensive sex ed in schools passes state Senate, awaits governor’s signature (Dhingra, Das)
The Census is coming. Here’s what you need to do, when — and why it really matters
Coronavirus is taking a toll on the Puget Sound-area economy, but how bad could it get?
Editorial: State should help save Washington’s National Archives access
Op-Ed: Protect the rights of working people during coronavirus crisis
Editorial: Seattle’s critical coronavirus test

Seattle Weekly
‘If anyone’s questions should be answered, it’s ours’: Life Care families demand answers

Skagit Valley Herald
PeaceHealth limiting visitor access during coronavirus outbreak
Larsen talks about virus with county staff

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Life Care Center of Kirkland breaks silence at Saturday press conference
State Route 18 closed westbound between March 6 and 10 on Tiger Mountain Summit

Spokesman Review
Comprehensive sex education bill passes, goes to governor for signature (Wilson)
Bill to remove sales tax on menstrual products passes Senate (Cleveland)
Bill boosting accountability for facial recognition technology passes the House (Entenman)
Senate approves sports gambling at tribal casinos (Billig, Keiser)
Report showing disproportionate traffic stops by Washington State Patrol prompts renewed call for study (Valdez)
Trump calls Inslee ‘a snake,’ disputes administration’s satisfaction with coronavirus control
Coronavirus spreads in Washington, but local officials confirm no cases in Spokane County
Spokane-area hospitals prepare for COVID-19’s arrival
University of Washington moves classes online over virus fears; EWU moves finals online, up
Getting There: With work about to begin on city’s first greenway, active transportation advocate pushes for more
Opinion: Glen Nenema and Carol Evans: Sports betting in Washington state should be carefully limited and regulated

The Suburban Times
Senate passes nation’s first statewide Office of Equity (Gregerson, Morgan, Dhingra, Saldaña)

USA Today
Dow plummets 1,400 points, oil prices drop as global recession concerns mount
Midwest farmers face a crisis. Hundreds are dying by suicide.

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Health Care district gets staff member, looks for permanent superintendent (Cody)

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Water rights trades go digital

Washington Post
White House advisers to offer policy options, including paid sick leave, for coronavirus response
The markets are sending a message about coronavirus: The recession risk is real
U.S. markets crater, forcing temporary halt to trading
Editorial: Trump is hiking up the price to become an American. It’s callous harassment.
Wells Fargo board members resign after scathing House report

Yakima Herald Republic
Recycling experts say reducing and reusing needs to be the new normal
UPDATE: Possible coronavirus exposure at Moxee square dance club, health district says
Editorial: US Senate should set aside partisanship and OK ag workforce bil

Broadcast

KATU
Bill requiring comprehensive sex ed starting in kindergarten passes Wash. House and Senate (Wilson)

KING5 TV (NBC)
These Washington schools are closed for coronavirus concerns
Real-time updates: 19 coronavirus deaths among 136 total cases in Washington state
Report: Software pushed Boeing 737 MAX jet’s nose down 4 times before Ethiopian Airlines crash
Gov. Inslee considering ‘mandatory measures’ to fight spread of coronavirus
Coronavirus claims the lives of more than a dozen Life Care Center residents
Small businesses in Seattle feeling big impact from coronavirus concerns
Bill mandating sex education in Washington schools passes Senate (Walen, Ortiz-Self)

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Washington coronavirus deaths hit 19 among 136 total cases
Gates Foundation to help with coronavirus testing in Seattle
Gov. Inslee considers ‘stronger measures’ to stop spread of coronavirus
Behind the scenes, scientists prep for COVID-19 vaccine test

KNKX FM
More colleges move to remote instruction as COVID-19 cases climb to 136 statewide
Washington governor hints mandatory orders may be coming to stem spread of coronavirus
UW shifts to online classes to protect students and staff from the novel coronavirus

KUOW FM
Dow Dives 1,900 Points, NYSE Halts Trading As Stock Indexes Plummet
Live coverage: Coronavirus in the Seattle area
Coronavirus: U.S. Has 566 Cases; Stricken Cruise Ship To Dock In California
Seattle Health Care System Offers Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing For Workers
Oil Prices, Stocks Plunge After Saudi Arabia Stuns World With Massive Discounts
Coronavirus: Italy Orders Massive Shutdown; Cruise Ship Gets OK To Dock In California
Mandatory orders may be ahead to slow spread of coronavirus in WA state, Gov. Inslee hints
WHO Official Says Coronavirus Containment Remains Possible
PHOTOS: In A Coronavirus Crisis, Delivery Workers Can Be A Lifeline
‘We need improvement’ in federal response to COVID-19, Durkan stresses
Diary of a maybe-coronavirus patient in Seattle who tried to get tested
Daylight Saving Time Is Here Again. So Is The Debate About Changing The Clocks
Seattle schools remain open amid COVID-19 outbreak, absentee rate goes up
‘Volatile and unpredictable’: Life Care speaks publicly for the first time since COVID-19 outbreak
Coronavirus forces Seattle area cultural groups to cancel or postpone events
Person with COVID-19 visited ‘multiple’ King County buildings in downtown Seattle
Coronavirus: Florida Reports 1st Deaths On East Coast; Event Cancellations Mount
Opinion: 1 Unfathomable Toll Of The Coronavirus Outbreak — Dying Alone
A 90-Second Video On How To Master The 20-Second Hand-Wash
Mick Mulvaney Out, Mark Meadows In As White House Chief Of Staff

NW Public Radio
Grant County Case First COVID-19 Death In Eastern Washington; Inslee Hints At Crowd Restrictions

Q13 TV (Fox)
Three more coronavirus deaths reported Sunday, bringing statewide total to 19
Mandatory sex education bill headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk for signature (Dhingra)
S&P 500 index drops 7%, triggering a 15-minute trading halt
Heartbreaking wait continues for families with loved ones inside Kirkland nursing facility
Gates Foundation to soon offer home-testing kits for coronavirus in Seattle area
Here’s a list of disinfectants you can use against coronavirus
The Divide: Misinformation & Disinformation
Senate OKs bill exempting menstrual products from sales tax

Web

Crosscut
WA ranchers are losing land to solar farms and wine — but help is on the way
It’s white parents responsibility to integrate Seattle schools, some parents say
Opinion: Your vote won’t count in Washington’s primary if you don’t declare a party. That’s wrong
As coronavirus spreads, a Seattle politician with MS feels vulnerable

My Ballard
UW suspends in-person classes for the rest of the quarter as coronavirus spreads

MyNorthwest.com
Inslee weighs ‘mandatory measures’ to curb coronavirus spread
Herman: Silence of The Seattle Times on the sexxx-ed bill: cowardly, complicit or bought off?
Herman: You think the Satanists in Olympia are a joke? They don’t
Controversial sex ed bill passed by Washington state lawmakers (Wilson)

Seattle P.I.
136 cases of novel coronavirus now confirmed statewide by Washington health officials

Slog
The Senate’s Data Privacy Bill Would Be Disastrous for Washingtonians (Walen, Carlyle)
Coronavirus Updates: Two New Deaths in King County, Inslee Discusses “Mandatory Measures for Social Distancing”
Bellevue Has a Skeleton in Its Carefully Organized Closet
Trump Just Called Jay Inslee a “Snake”
COVID-19 Has Already Taken a Toll on the Entertainment Industry
Seattle University Cancels In-Person Classes in Light of Coronavirus
Emerald City Comic Con Finally Announces Postponement Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
After UW Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Classes Move Online

Suburban Times
Senate passes nation’s first statewide Office of Equity (Gregerson, Morgan, Dhingra, Saldaña)

Washington State Wire
AARP applauds passage of bills aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs (Keiser)

Western Front
Legislature addresses high cost of insulin (Keiser)

Friday, March 6

Racial bias study for WA State Patrol could resume after 13 years
Revelations that Washington State Patrol troopers are searching people of color at rates much higher than whites have prompted the Washington House of Representatives to propose restarting bias studies that the Patrol quietly discontinued 13 years ago. The House’s proposed budget would also launch a campaign to beef up efforts to recruit people of color to join the ranks of troopers, whose numbers are overwhelmingly white and male. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Jason Buch)

Coronavirus kills 11 in Washington; school district closes
A school district north of Seattle with 22,000 students will close for up to two weeks because of coronavirus concerns, and state officials issued an order to waive fees for virus testing as the number of deaths in the state rose to 11. Authorities said Thursday there are at least 70 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, a number that includes those who have died of the disease. That number is up from 39 on Wednesday. Continue reading at The Peninsula Daily News. (Rachel La Corte)

Legislature approves law to create office focused on reducing gun violence
Washington will be the first state to create an office focused on reducing firearm violence through data analysis and a grant program to help communities and Indian tribes. “We don’t need to wait until shots have been fired,” said Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, in a statement. “We need to intervene to prevent violence before it happens.” The bill passed the House on a 53-44 vote and was sent to Gov. Jay Inslee to sign. The office will be known as the Washington Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Elaine Thompson)