Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Tuesday, December 17

$6.9 million misappropriated from Pierce County Housing Authority by finance director, auditor’s report says
A former finance director misappropriated more than $6.9 million in public funds from the Pierce County Housing Authority, according to a fraud investigation report the State Auditor’s Office released Monday. It’s the biggest case of fraud for a local government in the state, according to Auditor’s Office records of the past 25 years. Continue reading in The News Tribune.

Feds say they’ll grant $790M for Federal Way light-rail extension
The dollars to build light-rail from Angle Lake Station in SeaTac to Federal Way are nearly in the bag, after the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) gave notice of its intent to grant $790 million, plus a $629 million low-interest loan. Both the grant and loan have been negotiated since 2016, when voters approved the Sound Transit 3 tax increase to build eight rail extensions and two bus-rapid transit corridors. Continue reading in The Seattle Times. (Tyler Sipe/The Seattle Times)

Congress votes to compensate Spokane Tribe millions for flooded Grand Coulee lands
Some 70 years after their traditional homelands were flooded as part of the reservoir for the Grand Coulee Dam, Congress approved a new system of paying the Spokane Tribe for the land they lost. The House gave final approval Monday and sent to President Donald Trump a bill that sets up a schedule of yearly payments to the tribe based on a similar system for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, who also lost land when the dam and reservoir were created. Continue reading in The Spokesman Review. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review)

Print

Associated Press
Seattle tunnel contractor will appeal $57M award to state
Washington rain and heavy mountain snow expected this week
Spokane Tribe finally wins compensation for Grand Coulee Dam
Washington House members split on party lines over Trump
State hospital transgender discrimination suit settled
Pope removes shroud of secrecy from clergy sex abuse cases
Ex-Trump campaign official Rick Gates gets 45 days in jail
US, Mexico quickly mend rift over North American trade deal
Washington state school reviews racist incident at ball game
Ripples from Boeing’s 737 Max quagmire begin to spread
School in Kenmore closed Monday following gun rumors
Reeves resigns from state Legislature
Supreme Court won’t revive homeless camping ban in Idaho

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen mayor, mayor-elect weigh in on Supreme Court homeless decision
Settlement likely in Willapa Valley teacher strike Rep. Kilmer hosts Facebook, telephone town halls this week

Auburn Reporter
State awards salmon grant for Middle Green River
Lawmakers aim to act on guns and pot, taxes and apples (Hobbs, Stanford)
Muckleshoots among 30 tribes selected for expansion of program enhancing tribal access to national crime information databases
Boeing Renton plant to halt 737 Max production
King, Pierce county officials want answers on Sound Transit fare enforcement disparities

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Here’s where Whatcom County will see the impacts of rising sea levels
Whatcom County is a child care desert and it’s a problem all over Washington state
Storms line up to strike Whatcom County with wind, rain and snow. Here’s when
Here’s how climate change is causing rising sea levels
100 years of tiny seashells reveal alarming trend threatening West Coast seafood

Capital Press
Wafla chief warns of weaknesses in ag labor bill
Southwest Washington farmers start grain co-op
Change proposed in ag land property taxes
Beef exports contribute to ‘solid’ year ahead for industry

The Daily News
Kelso, Longview schools have high compliance with state vaccine law
CEDC drafts letter to Ecology supporting Kalama methanol project
Cowlitz County awarded $1.2 million in salmon recovery grants

Everett Herald (subscription required)
737 workers are relieved, for now, but much is uncertain
Report: Breakdown in Monroe prison left man to die of cancer
The juicy new starlet of the apple universe is Cosmic Crisp
Editorial: Traffic cameras could limit wrecks in Everett
WaPo Commentary: Don’t let McConnell hold a sham impeachment trial

Kent Reporter
A much-needed east-west connection for Kent
Sound Transit to receive $790 million federal grant, $629 million loan for light rail extension
What can be done to keep Kent schools safe?

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Police officer accused of buying insurance policy while his apartment was on fire
Flu season off to a quick start in Kitsap

News Tribune (subscription required)
The Tax Break for Children, Except the Ones Who Need It Most
How Families Cope with the Hidden Costs of Incarceration for the Holidays
U.N. Climate Talks End With Few Commitments and a ‘Lost’ Opportunity
Puyallup has begun annexation process for farmland, warehouses west of the city
Want marijuana delivered to your door? Yeah, even the trade group says not yet, Washington
Here’s what you need to know about Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program
What’s Congress doing about homelessness in Tacoma? Not enough, advocates say
$6.9 million misappropriated from Pierce County Housing Authority by finance director, auditor’s report says

Nisqually Valley News
A Hero’s Promise: Yelm Ceremony Honors Fallen Veterans With a Focus on Women (Kilduff, Doglio)

Olympian (subscription required)
More local people are living in cars and on sidewalks in Olympia. Is Congress doing enough?
Dancer was hired to strip at Seattle homelessness conference. The video leaked online
Puget Sound is an earthquake hot zone, according to new seismic update

Peninsula Daily News
Jefferson County commissioners approve tax to support affordable housing
Terrorist plot stopped in Port Angeles 20 years ago (Chapman)

Puget Sound Business Journal
HBR: The ethical dilemma at the heart of big tech companies
Liquor taxes could go up 400%, thanks to congressional dysfunction
US tech groups rebuff Trump’s new anti-Huawei push
Pacific Northwest nursing facilities file for bankruptcy with $30M in debt

Renton Reporter
King, Pierce county officials want answers on Sound Transit fare enforcement disparities (Hobbs, Stanford)

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Boeing will halt Renton assembly lines for 737 MAX, but no layoffs for employees
In Renton, local businesses worry about Boeing 737 MAX assembly line stoppage
The Supreme Court won’t hear a case on a ‘constitutional right to camp.’ Here’s what that means for homelessness in Washington
Homeless agency director resigns after dancer strips at Seattle homelessness conference
Monroe inmate died after prison failed to provide him with cancer treatment for over a year, report finds
Amazon cuts off FedEx ground for Prime shipments this holiday
New Sea-Tac program allows non-ticketed visitors to go beyond security checkpoint
Northwest killer whales are shrinking in size — and so are their prey, chinook salmon, new research shows
Highway 99 tunnel contractor will appeal last week’s court loss over Bertha’s breakdown
Feds say they’ll grant $790M for Federal Way light-rail extension
The secret is out: 105-year-old woman left $10M to Washington’s community colleges
How did your neighborhood vote on on $30 car tabs? Check out our precinct-by-precinct map

Seattle Weekly
Boeing Renton plant to halt 737 Max production
Victims, law enforcement speak about King County Courthouse conditions
Despite concerns, homelessness authority moves toward final Seattle vote

Skagit Valley Herald
Fidalgo Forest Stewards document impact of drought conditions

Spokesman Review
Daybreak Youth Services says $500,000 budget gap could force closure of treatment facilities in Spokane, Vancouver
Congress votes to compensate Spokane Tribe millions for flooded Grand Coulee lands
City adopts $1.1 billion budget
Spokane Police Department preparing to update body cameras, Tasers with new $2.8 million contract

Tri-City Herald
$90 million more for Hanford in latest spending plan. Congress likely votes this week
Hanford contractor earns $39M incentive bonus. Workers will see extra in their checks
Guest Opinion: Exempt vets, military and law enforcement from I-1639. They have earned it

Washington Post
House panel to set parameters for historic debate
McConnell rejects Democrats’ call for new witnesses
Mormon Church misled members on $100 billion fund, whistleblower alleges
He was sexually abusing underage girls. Then, police said, one of them killed him.
Southwest will cancel thousands of flights as Boeing 737 Max’s fate remains uncertain
Sackler family transferred $1.36 billion in Purdue Pharma profits overseas, company says in court filing
Another fired Google engineer alleges retaliation for union activity
How the ‘Okay’ hand sign keeps tricking us into looking
Corporations paid 11.3 percent tax rate last year, in steep drop under Trump’s law
Russian disinformation network said to have helped spread smear of U.S. ambassador to Ukraine
The Technology 202: Instagram is going global with its fact-checking program to limit misinformation
What does your car know about you? We hacked a Chevy to find out.
The Technology 202: Businesses should be watching out for deepfakes too, experts warn

Yakima Herald Republic
Tribal leaders gather for summit with Indian Affairs secretary on missing and murdered indigenous women
More of the Story: Export-Import Bank, essential to local businesses, likely to avoid shutdown
Supreme Court decision on homeless case is a blow to cities wanting more policing powers

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Boeing to halt 737 Max production in January, but denies layoffs
Former finance director of Pierce County Housing Authority accused of stealing $6.9 million
Emergency grant approved to save 500 child care slots in Whatcom County
Pacific Northwest colleges could have lower enrollment due to Great Recession

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Boeing suspends 737 MAX production in Renton
Homeless agency director resigns after video of dancer goes viral
State Auditor: Nearly $7 million misappropriated by former Pierce County Housing Authority finance director
Kenmore Middle School closed Monday following gun rumors

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle City Council approves new Regional Homeless Authority
Audit: Ex-employee stole $7 million from housing agency in state’s largest-ever fraud case
Renton locals, businesses anticipate economic impact from 737 MAX production shutdown
Flu activity ‘widespread’ in Wash. state as cases mount
Burien community ‘up in arms’ over city closure of community center

KNKX FM
Audit uncovers $6.9M fraud scheme by former Pierce County Housing Authority employee
Boeing says it will suspend 737 MAX production; Renton businesses and workers react
Northern Resident orcas compete with endangered Southern Residents for largest Chinook
Boeing Will Suspend Production Of 737 Max Jetliners In January

KUOW FM
Young climate protesters push Washington senators to sign onto Green New Deal
Washington Congresswoman to vote against impeachment, calling testimony ‘hearsay’
Boeing suspends 737 MAX production; no layoffs or furlough expected
Boeing Will Suspend Production Of 737 Max Jetliners In January
December 16th | What will change – and what won’t – about how western cities approach homelessness
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Case On Ban Against Homeless Sleeping In Public Spaces
READ: The House Judiciary Committee’s Trump Impeachment Report
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Case On Ban Against Homeless Sleeping In Public Spaces
Schrier will vote to impeach Trump despite political risk
House Slated To Impeach Trump This Week — How It Will Work And What Comes Next

NW Public Radio
Columbia River Treaty Renegotiation Brings Out Crowd And Contention In Tri-Cities
Boeing To Suspend Production Of Grounded 737 Max Jetliners, No Layoffs Expected
Boise Is Trying To Address Homelessness Through Courts. It’s Rippling Across Western Cities

Q13 TV (Fox)
Former Pierce Co. Housing Authority finance director accused of stealing $7 million in public funds
Boeing to suspend 737 Max production in January; no layoffs expected

Web

Crosscut
In Washington’s foster care system, aging out often means ending up in prison

Queen Anne & Magnolia News
Priorities in the 36th (Carlyle, Tarleton, Frame, Jinkins)

Seattle P.I.
Feds come through with $1.4 billion for Federal Way light rail extension

Slog
Seattle Just Voted to Create a Not-So Transformative Regional Homelessness Authority

Monday, December 16

Boeing may halt 737 Max production in Renton as grounding continues
Boeing may temporarily halt production of the 737 Max in Renton as the fleet remains grounded. Renton Mayor Denis Law confirmed Monday that Boeing is looking into several options with regards to its 737 Max program, including temporarily suspending production in Renton. “We are hopeful that any suspension of production would be for a limited time to minimize any negative impact to local businesses,” Law said in a statement. “However any suspension in production will impact local employees, which is very unfortunate, especially during the holiday season.” Continue reading at King5.com.

‘Crazy bad idea’: Top Washington official reacts to ‘alarming’ rise in children in state care sent to hotels
Seventy-seven nights. That’s how many an 11-year-old spent in a hotel in one year’s time — the most by any child in state care. In other respects, the kid was far from an anomaly. More than 280 children spent roughly 1,500 nights in hotels or, in a half-dozen cases, offices of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) during that time period, ending in August. Continue reading in The Seattle Times.

Federal Way legislator Reeves resigns from House seat
Federal Way Rep. Kristine Reeves is resigning from her House seat, she announced on Monday. In a video on her Facebook page, Reeves talked about her accomplishments in helping to make child care more affordable to working families, among other feats, during the past three years in the Legislature. Continue reading in the Federal Way Mirror.

Print

Associated Press
Judge allows Eyman to join car-tab initiative legal case
Washington state wins $57 million in Seattle tunnel lawsuit
Paid parental leave for fed workers could spur wider changes
Washington sees more doctor visits due to flu
Spokane to vote on noise-emitting devices to deter loiterers
Seattle Public Library to eliminate overdue fines in January
Hanford contractor’s rating drops because of investigations
‘Obamacare’ tax repeal added to $1.4T wrap-up spending bill
In reversal, Hallmark will reinstate same-sex marriage ads

Aberdeen Daily World
Hoquiam sets priorities under Commerce Department pilot program
$10 million bequest benefits Grays Harbor College, 16 other institutions
Oped: Legal constraints changed the dynamic in homeless response, but the problem needs long-term solution, anyway
Oped: We need to heal ourselves before we can handle homelessness in a healthy way

Arlington Times
New Arlington school board members sworn
Marysville could start new $50 million civic center next month
Highway 530 roundabout could come around sooner for traffic relief
Marysville considers cost of embedded social worker
Marysville looks at how it spends hotel-motel tax money
Health district helps Marysville, despite no funding help
City Council freezes city property tax collections at 2019 level

Auburn Reporter
County approves $200,000 to fund South King County WaterWorks projects
HUD awards Muckleshoot Tribe $5 million to preserve, expand its affordable housing inventory

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
U.S. Supreme Court will not take up Boise’s controversial homeless camping case
Washington sees more doctor visits due to flu
A dead zone in the Salish Sea would harm Whatcom’s economy. Here’s how
Here’s how ocean acidification threatens one of Whatcom County’s oldest industries
Is it safe or legal to fill jerry cans with gasoline and transport them inside a car?
What is ocean acidification?
When it comes to the economy, Whatcom ranks high in the state despite a sluggish 2018
Bellingham looking for 100% renewable energy by 2035. Here’s the plan
New justice who believes ‘everyone has a story’ adds to her own barrier-breaking tale
Aggressive cleanup of Spokane homeless camps to continue
Man convicted of hate crime for punching transgender woman
State Parks seek volunteers for 2020
‘The president is the smoking gun:’ How Seattle Democrat argued for Trump’s impeachment
Over 50,000 sign Kennewick man’s petition to impeach Inslee, Ferguson over weapons ban
New Hanford cleanup contract worth up to $10 billion awarded

Bothell Reporter
Bothell increases school impact fees

Capital Press
Washington legislator: Let’s double max revenue for cottage foods
Ag labor bill seen as a win for dairy
Washington ag director: Agency monitoring impact statement
Commentary: Why sustainability?

Columbian
Tiffany Hill’s death compels Vancouver lawmakers to act (Wylie, Cleveland, Pedersen)
Lawmakers differ on next steps for voter-approved $30 car tabs (Wylie, Cleveland, Stonier)
In Our View: New state overtime rules sensible, necessary
In Our View: Sex education must come from reliable sources (Stonier)
Call to help may bring a dangerous wait (Cleveland, Doglio)

The Daily News
Kelso School Board will vote on donation, swear in new members Monday
Steelscape employee accuses company of not paying bonuses in lawsuit

Everett Herald (subscription required)
The Forest Service wants you to stop going in the ice caves
Fired deputies land on growing list, alongside cops who lied
Lawmakers aim to act on guns and pot, taxes and apple
Bloomberg: Stock tumbles as Boeing considers halting 737 Max production
McCusker: An important economic consideration
Editorial: How William Ruckelshaus served both Washingtons
Keiser, Constantine applaud expanded overtime protections (Keiser)

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way legislator Reeves resigns from House seat

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
As captain combats harassment, shipyard workers cast doubt on office handling complaints
News coverage: Killer whale grandmothers help their pods endure
Powerful $46 million crane coming to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Kitsap County elected officials to get raises in 2020

News Tribune (subscription required)
Minimum wage laws change in Tacoma for 2020. Here’s what you need to know
Nurse settles transgender discrimination lawsuit against Western State Hospital
Homeless populations are surging in the West – even as federal spending rises
50 mph returns to 60 mph on Interstate 5 through Tacoma. But not all of it
Second Tacoma behavioral health hospital set to clear final land-use permit hurdle
Tech startup Humming moves from Seattle to Tacoma. Is it the start of something big?
Editorial: Bus Rapid Transit promises fast travel without rail. Too bad Pierce County voters don’t want to pay
Editorial: Ho, ho, ho, where’d the magic go? Five signs Christmas wonder is waning in Washington state and America

New York Times
Judiciary Committee Report Argues Trump ‘Betrayed the Nation’

Olympian (subscription required)
In Lacey, a duplex or triplex could be coming to a lot near you
How much money did Tim Eyman make last year? Sharp contrast appears in his own reports
Editorial: Reducing the harm addiction does to addicts, their loved ones — and their community

Peninsula Daily News
SOS: Petition reveals 2600 opposed to MAT clinic (Van De Wege, Chapman, Tharinger)
Jefferson County commissioners open Brinnon Community Center offices to leasing
Port of Port Angeles plans improvements to runway
Report: Black Ball Ferry Line contributes millions to Port Angeles economy
U.S. House passes bill to aid coastal tribes

Puget Sound Business Journal
US retailers hit by ‘worst year since 2008’ for discounting
Airbus captures two more orders as Boeing preoccupied with 737 Max
Check out the new W-4 tax withholding form. Really.
US and China strike ‘phase one’ deal to de-escalate trade war
Jury orders Seattle Tunnel Partners to pay WSDOT for Bertha delays

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, resigns from state Legislature
Flu cases are showing up earlier this year compared to recent years
‘Crazy bad idea’: Top Washington official reacts to ‘alarming’ rise in children in state care sent to hotels
Washington state inspires federal bill to make it easier to help homeless students and their families
Majority of voters paying Sound Transit’s car-tab taxes opposed I-976
Shutdown likely at Boeing Renton as 737 MAX crisis extends
75 years ago they fought the Germans, frostbite and Hitler’s desperate gamble to change the tide of World War II
After senior center closed because of mold, Redmond is without its ‘nice gathering place
Editorial: Derailment report shows how much Sound Transit must improve
Extra! Extra! Pike Place Market newsstand to close after 40 years
A Seattle treatment center closes its doors to foster children, adding to debate over how Washington cares for them
Seattle’s wealth boom and disparity, as told through its public schools
America’s top foundations bankroll attack on big tech
Redmond is growing and Medina is taxing after last month’s Eastside election results
Anti-union group seeks names, birth dates of hundreds of thousands of government workers

Seattle Weekly
Despite concerns, homelessness authority moves toward final Seattle vote
Victims, law enforcement speak about King County Courthouse conditions
King County Council approves controversial winery, brewery ordinance

Skagit Valley Herald
Six candidates seek vacant House seat (Morris)
Parent Academy helps parents help students
Concrete exploring possibilities for airport
State considers land purchase along Samish River
Burlington council approves budget, declines tax increases

Spokesman Review
Washington, Idaho colleges bracing for ‘enrollment cliff’ in 2025
Repelling Mosquito: Law would ban noise machines designed to deter homeless, youth
Shawn Vestal: Stats show crime continues to fall in Spokane, whatever people ‘feel’ about it

Tri-City Herald
18-year-old Pasco teen identified in deadly shooting after stabbing 2 police officers
Millions of state dollars for new Tri-Cities schools now uncertain
Jail impasse must end. Sheriff should concede even if county is not blameless | Editorial
Franklin deputy who killed fleeing driver is back to work. 2nd investigation continues

USA Today
The Cosmic Crisp, Washington’s own long-awaited apple, lands in grocery stores

Washington Post
Democrats accuse Trump of criminal bribery in report on impeachment articles
They built this Chinese boomtown. It left them dying of lung disease with nowhere to turn.
Our roundup of the most outlandish claims of 2019
Ed-Board: Trump’s border wall wouldn’t stop most illegal immigration or drugs. So what is it for?
Corporations paid 11.3 percent tax rate last year, in steep drop under Trump’s tax law, think tank says
U.S. economy shakes free of recession fears in striking turnaround since August
Britain’s troubles to come after Boris Johnson’s landslide win
Alaska climate change: Facing catastrophe, this town can’t quit Big Oil
A judge ordered up to 234,000 people to be tossed from the registered voter list in a swing stat
Opinion: Autistic young people deserve serious respect and attention — not dismissal as the pawns of others.
Net neutrality supporters ask court to reconsider ruling that upheld FCC repeal

Yakima Herald Republic
Task force: Child care centers need more help in Washington state
State to start offering paid family and medical leave in 2020

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Anti-hate group vandalism prompts Lake Stevens peace vigil
King County Courthouse entrance reopens after random attack
Speed limit to return to normal on part of problem stretch of I-5 in Tacoma
Report: Boeing may halt 737 Max production in Renton as grounding continues
‘I feel hopeless’: Washington workers and advocates speak out on cuts to SNAP food benefits

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Main entrance at King County Courthouse reopening after being closed for safety concerns
Information on ethics investigation into King County executive stolen in break-in
Sea-Tac Airport announcing permanent return of program that allows non-ticketed visitors to go beyond security
Speed limits increasing on busy stretch of I-5 after being lowered for months

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Washington alcohol distilleries may soon see tax increase of nearly 400%
Man accused of assaulting 2 people outside Seattle court to appear before judge

KNKX FM
Washington experiments with giving women in prison limited access to the internet (Darnielle)
Craig Egan, a man vexed by anti-vaxers
Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act could help communities on the front line of climate change
House Judiciary Committee Approves 2 Articles Of Impeachment Against Trump

KUOW FM
House Slated To Impeach Trump This Week — How It Will Work And What Comes Next
3 gun laws proposed to curb mass shootings in Washington state
Rice has higher arsenic levels because of climate change, Seattle researchers find
Pramila Jayapal: ‘Every American should be outraged’ at how Senate is treating impeachment
FCC Approves Plan For 3-Digit Suicide Prevention Number Similar To 911
House Judiciary Committee Approves Two Articles Of Impeachment Against Trump
Seattle and King County poised to merge homeless services
Congressional Negotiators Reach Tentative Deal On $1.3 Trillion Spending Package
Senate Passes Armenia Genocide Measure, Ignoring White House Objections
McDonald’s Not Responsible For How Franchisees Treat Workers, U.S. Agency Rules
After Greta Thunberg Wins ‘Time’ Honor, Trump Suggests She ‘Chill’ And Watch A Movie
House Democrats Grill Betsy DeVos Over Denying Student Borrower Relief
A New HIV Vaccine Effort With A Different Kind Of Strategy
How The House Prescription Drug Plan Would Try To Lower Drug Prices

NW Public Radio
Across The West, Communities And Landowners Prepare For Their Own Paradise Wildfire Scenario
Robo Air Taxi Testing Wraps Up At Pendleton Airport, And Airbus Moves On

Q13 TV (Fox)
The Divide: Crisis at the courthouse
Everett considering installing red light cameras

Web

Crosscut
Washington schools don’t have to teach sex education. That could soon change (Stonier, Wilson)
$4K for kids’ hearing aids? Many WA insurers won’t help and now parents want a fix (Kilduff, Cody, Jinkins
Opinion: Is bowing to business decaying our democracy?
Opinion: A regional solution to homelessness is long overdue. Ask those on the front lines
Before the Big One: Geologists dig into smaller fault lines to predict Washington’s future earthquakes

Seattle P.I.
Connelly: Bullying young activists — Trump sneers at Greta Thunberg
Report: Boeing considers cutting production of 737 Max
Dry conditions fuel salmon die-off on Oregon coast

Slog
If Washington Doesn’t Pass Rent Control in 2020, Lawmakers Could Face a Sweeping Ballot Measure (Macri, Chopp, Saldaña, Jinkins, Billig, Ryu, Kuderer)
Task Force to Seattle Schools: Don’t Dismantle Gifted Program

Friday, December 13

House Judiciary panel passes two articles of impeachment against Trump
The House Judiciary Committee quickly approved two articles of impeachment Friday against President Trump on party-line votes accusing him of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Following the panel’s deliberations, which lasted less than 10 minutes, Trump lashed out at Democrats, saying their actions are an “embarrassment to this country.” Continue reading in The Washington Post.

Washington attorney general, legislators pushing for stricter gun control laws
Attorney General Bob Ferguson and a group of Democratic legislators will try for more gun control legislation next year, with a push for pending bills that would ban the sale of high-capacity magazines and semi-automatic rifles and that would tighten rules for the sale of ammunition. Ferguson, who has proposed gun control legislation in the past with some success, called for the state to ban the sale of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and to ban the sale of semi-automatic rifles that were restricted last year by an initiative requiring a more complete background check and a purchaser to be at least 21. Continue reading in The Spokesman Review. (Elaine Thompson/AP)

U.S., China near deal that would suspend planned tariffs
The Trump administration and China are close to finalizing a modest trade agreement that would suspend tariffs that are set to kick in Sunday, de-escalating their 17-month trade war. A “deal is close,” said Myron Brilliant, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s head of international affairs, who has been briefed by both sides. Continue reading in the Capital Press. (Ben Margot/AP File)

Print

Associated Press
Ferguson, Inslee seek ban on sale of assault weapons
FAA concerned over pressure by Boeing for quick return of Max
U.S., China near deal that would suspend planned tariffs
As California thins forests to limit fire risk, some resist
Washington’s Clark County reports 1st vaping-related illness
Crash shines light on immigrants in Christmas tree workforce
New Hanford cleanup contract worth up to $10B awarded
Salmon die-off closes Chinook fishing on Oregon north coast
American Airlines doesn’t see Boeing Max flights until April

Aberdeen Daily World
House passes Kilmer bill to help coastal tribes facing severe weather threats
Willapa District considering injunction to get teachers back on the job

Bainbridge Island Review
Senator Rolfes talks transportation funding in the wake of I-976 (Rolfes)
Bainbridge City Hall reaches agreement on new union contract with employees

Bothell Reporter
Bothell increases school impact fees
Despite concerns, homelessness authority moves toward final Seattle vote
King County approves environmental justice provision

Capital Press
RURAL PULSE: Support for Trump remains steady
Skagit farmers bump up harvest of problem elk

Columbian
Washington finalizes new overtime-exempt salary rules

Everett Herald (subscription required)
County sues state to recoup costs of new ballot drop boxes
Rucker Renewal disruption frustrates downtown businesses
Report: County has longer life expectancy than the nation
Harrop: You don’t have to demonize the wealthy; just tax them
Editorial: Use noise study to get Navy, neighbors to table

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Central Kitsap school officials acknowledge opposition to start-time changes
Stomach flu outbreak terrorizes school in Washington state, sickening over 100 students, staff
Murray secures millions for military construction of child-care facilities

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tax exemptions for apartment developers under scrutiny in Tacoma. Will they change?
New justice who believes ‘everyone has a story’ adds to her own barrier-breaking tale
Could a new I-5 off-ramp onto Tacoma Mall Boulevard help traffic congestion?
Military families can’t sue the government for medical malpractice. That may change.
State Parks seek volunteers for 2020

Puget Sound Business Journal
FTC said to consider injunction against Facebook
A recession hasn’t arrived (yet). Here’s where you’ll see it first.
Bank regulators disagree on changes to rules for poor communities
Russian aircraft leasing firm withdraws 737 Max lawsuit against Boeing
U.S. settles on outline of elusive phase one trade deal

Seattle Times (subscription required)
After dancer strips at Seattle conference on homelessness, agency director suspended
Scooters would be allowed in bike lanes, but not on sidewalks, under Seattle proposal
Seattle Public Library announces start date for eliminating overdue fines
Supreme Court decision, possible today, may set up historic showdown on Trump’s finances
Metro’s Ride2 shuttle service to West Seattle water taxi and Eastgate Park-and-Ride to end this month

Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon works to promote affordable housing
County to expand Board of Health

Spokesman Review
Washington attorney general, legislators pushing for stricter gun control laws (Valdez, Kuderer)
Boundaries being decided for new, existing high schools in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake
Aggressive cleanup of Spokane homeless camps to continue, receive more funding in 2020
‘Hate crimes against Jews are rising’: Locals react to Trump order aimed against anti-Semitism

State of Reform
5 Things Washington: Detailed Agenda, Chris Bandoli, Health Care Climate Alliance (Cody)

Tri-City Herald
Feds sets Richland town hall on Columbia River Treaty. Salmon and hydropower are at stake

USA Today
For 3rd time in US history, full House to vote on impeachment of a president

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
King County approves environmental justice provision

Washington Post
House Judiciary panel passes two articles of impeachment against Trump
Johnson’s victory shakes up Britain and may hit the U.S.
China, U.S. confirm trade deal, but lack of details leave markets confused
Hundreds of anti-vaxxers flood New Jersey capital to protest bill that would end religious exemptions

Yakima Herald Republic
From jail to care campus for the homeless: Service providers say project holds promise
Yakima County food benefit recipients safe from federal cuts

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
More than 100 students, staff at Seattle school sickened by norovirus
Seattle triples healthy food vouchers for low-income families

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Ferguson, Inslee seek ban on sale of assault-weapons
SR 99 tunnel dispute goes to jury

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Seattle council committee moves proposed homeless authority forward
Gun rights advocates to fight proposed Washington gun safety legislation

Q13 TV (Fox)
AG Ferguson pushing for statewide ban on ‘assault weapon,’ high-capacity magazine sales

Web

Slog
Lawmakers Could Face a Sweeping Ballot Measure If They Don’t Stabilize Rents Next Session (Macri, Chopp, Ryu, Saldaña)
We Need Higher Tolls on the Tunnel

Thursday, December 12

Washington state OKs some of the nation’s toughest OT rules
Washington state is adopting some of the nation’s most aggressive overtime rules, restoring protections for hundreds of thousands of salaried workers and taking what supporters say is a crucial step toward rebuilding the middle class. The Department of Labor and Industries finalized the rules Wednesday and will phase them in by 2028. By that time, salaried workers making up to about $83,400 a year will be entitled to time-and-a-half pay if they work more than 40 hours per week. Continue reading in The Seattle Times. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

The Power Past Fracked Gas Coalition meets.

Local groups express disappointment in LNG decision; plans for appeal are in works
One day after Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued its decision on permitting for Puget Sound Energy’s LNG facility on the Tideflats, environmental groups and representatives of the Puyallup Tribe appeared Wednesday for a news conference opposing the decision. Additionally, plans were announced by Todd Hay, president and founder of Advocates for a Cleaner Tacoma, a local environmental group, to file an appeal against the decision. Continue reading in The News Tribune.

Homelessness authority approved by King County, awaits Seattle vote
A regional homelessness authority has taken one step forward after an agreement was approved by the King County Metropolitan Council, but Seattle’s City Council must also vote on the ordinance next week. The homelessness authority would consolidate emergency response resources, budgets, planning and staff into a single entity, which would have a 12-member board. Continue reading in Seattle Weekly.

Print

Associated Press
Washington OKs some of the nation’s toughest overtime rules; hundreds of thousands to be affected
Snow storm to hit Washington state mountains this week
Deadline is approaching for health insurance in Washington
King County approves money to improve courthouse security
Judiciary panel moves steadily toward Trump impeachment vote
Natural gas facility receives permit, opponents to appeal
Farmers bump up harvest of problem elk north of Seattle
Council OKs creating regional homelessness authority
CenturyLink ordered to pay $6.1 million to settle lawsuit
Man charged with hate crime in attack on Sikh Uber driver
Police: 4 teens arrested after assaulting woman (hate crime)
FAA analysis predicted many more 737 Max crashes without a fix

Aberdeen Daily World
Commercial crab season delayed until at least Dec. 31
Walsh will file bill to lower property taxes

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
L&I finds 3 serious violations after Dawson Construction worker dies near Costco
Dangerously high waves headed to California and Oregon beaches, forecasters warn
More Washington workers will qualify for overtime pay under new state rules
Are Republicans ready to tackle immigration legislation? A House vote signals maybe

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Cornfield: Will we feel different when Trump is impeached? Probably not
Bloomberg: Commentary: Online retail growing, but it isn’t creating jobs
Editorial: Time to put one trade war behind us

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Housing, substance use and mental health among top health priorities in Kitsap

News Tribune (subscription required)
Tacoma bars, restaurants to be required to provide TV closed captioning or face fines
Rental subsidies for 145 units made available for seniors and disabled in Tacoma
Editorial: Pierce County joins legal fight to save $30 car tabs; Tacoma doesn’t. Who’s right?
Local groups express disappointment in LNG decision; plans for appeal are in works

New York Times
It’s a Vast, Invisible Climate Menace. We Made It Visible.

Olympian (subscription required)
Thurston County, here are your elected officials’ salaries for 2020
New state rules will make 259,000 workers newly eligible for overtime
Pompeo is being sued for records of Trump’s meetings with Putin. A judge will hear the case.

Peninsula Daily News
Sequim City Council votes down manufactured home park
Clallam County PUD rate increases set for 2020, 2021
Jefferson County PUD adopts opt out policy
Port Townsend High School students push for ban on single-use plastics

Puget Sound Business Journal
Natural gas boom fizzles as a U.S. glut sinks profits
This is what racism sounds like in the banking industry
Report: Business travel dip on U.S. airlines flashes economic warning sign
These school districts pay the highest teacher salaries in the Puget Sound region
Fed keeps interest rates steady and projects little movement ahead

Renton Reporter
King County approves environmental justice provision
Council approves $600,000 to increase security at King County Courthouse

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Heavy snow is about to hit the mountain passes. Here’s what to know before you go.
Need health insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange? Enrollment deadline is this Sunday.
King County approves emergency $600K to boost downtown courthouse security
Testing rape kits is just one step toward justice for victims | Editorial

Seattle Weekly
Homelessness authority approved by King County, awaits Seattle vote

Skagit Valley Herald
Sedro-Woolley School District seeks funds to improve schools
La Conner town budget approved|
Sedro-Woolley, towns pass 2020 budgets
Skagit County commissioners pass county’s 2020 budget

Spokesman Review
More workers to qualify for overtime under new state rules
McMorris Rodgers joins Democrats, region’s Republicans to pass migrant farmworker reform bill
Opinion: The gas tax, not car tabs, fund the North-South Freeway, so why is the project being halted?

Tri-City Herald
School officials say a Kennewick teen was bullied. He’s charged with a shooting threat
Hanford contractor’s rating drops because of criminal and civil investigations
Letter to the Editor: Watch how state spends tax money

Washington Post
House Judiciary panel debates Trump’s conduct
4 takeaways from the impeachment articles markup
Trump says trade deal with China is ‘VERY close’ days before tariff deadline
FAA Administrator Dickson pressed on agency’s prediction of ‘as many as 15’ Max crashes possible
At U.N. climate conference, the divide widens between countries that pollute and those that suffer from it

Yakima Herald Republic
Bipartisan farmworker bill prevails in House
Washington apples license plate could be coming soon

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Grandmother orcas help calves survive, study finds
Everett explores adding red-light cameras to some intersections
King County Council approves emergency funds to secure problematic courthouse entrance
US House approves noise monitoring of Whidbey Island base

KNKX FM
Environmental groups announce appeal after approval of final permit in Tacoma LNG project
WATCH: House Judiciary reviews articles of impeachment
It flew! All-electric seaplane completes milestone first flight near Vancouver
Tacoma City Council unanimously declares climate emergency

KUOW FM
WATCH LIVE: Judiciary Committee Debates Articles Of Impeachment
FAA believed 15 Max planes would crash, but let them fly anyway
How safe are the bridges in the Puget Sound region?
Overtime is now available to more Washington workers. They just had to change a law from the 70s

Q13 TV (Fox)
Grandmother orcas are critical to the survival of their grandkids
Fatally flawed 737 MAX had significantly higher crash risk, FAA concluded

Web

Crosscut
Regional approach to homelessness may require Seattle to give up some control
Yakima looks to get ahead of statewide hepatitis A outbreak

Queen Anne & Magnolia News
King County Council approves emergency funding for courthouse security, social service outreach

Slog
What Washington Can Learn from Rent Control Victories in Oregon and California
The Next City Council Weighs in on Rent Control in Seattle
Bruce Harrell Discusses His Proudest Moments, Amazon’s Electioneering, and a New Council Without a Single Black Person
Northwest HIV/AIDS Organization Calls on Facebook to Remove Misleading Ads
Paul Volcker, a Man You’ve Likely Never Heard Of, but Who Made the World We Live In, Is Dead

Route Fifty
In Two Blue States, Voters Back Democrats, But Show a Wariness Toward Taxes (Fey, Hobbs)
In a Booming State, Lawmakers Face a Looming Transportation Cut (Fey, Hobbs)

Wednesday, December 11

Despite Washington state’s new sanctuary law, some local officials still cooperate with ICE and Border Patrol
Earlier this year, Maria del Rayo Mendoza Garcia was arrested and booked into the Okanogan County jail for fourth degree assault. Two days later, a Border Patrol agent interviewed her at the jail. Later that same day, a state court ordered Mendoza’s immediate release. But instead of releasing her immediately, Okanogan County officials continued to detain Mendoza, even notifying Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of her pending departure, according to a lawsuit involving her case. Continue reading in Crosscut. (Gregory Bull/AP)

‘We ate their lunch’: Democrats claim legislative victories with dealmaker Trump
President Trump’s top trade official clashed with an influential Republican senator during a conference call Tuesday morning as some GOP discontent and resignation about the revised trade deal with Canada and Mexico began to grow. Congressional Democrats and the White House were separately touting a significant victory. Continue reading in The Washington Post.

FAA won’t clear 737 MAX fixes until 2020, agency chief says
U.S. government approvals needed to return Boeing’s 737 MAX to the skies won’t be completed until 2020, the top U.S. aviation regulator said Wednesday, dashing the company’s hopes to complete key milestones this year needed to end the aircraft’s nine-month grounding. “If you do the math, it’s going to extend into 2020,” Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Stephen Dickson told CNBC on Wednesday, hours before he is expected to testify before a congressional panel. Continue reading in The Seattle Times. (David Ryder/Bloomberg)