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Monday, March 2

Nursing homes fight to stay afloat with low Medicaid rates
The five skilled nursing facilities in Skagit County are among those struggling to survive as the state’s Medicaid reimbursements fail to keep up with the rising costs of doing business. “It’s impossible for us to stay afloat at the current funding,” said Serge Newberry, owner of Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon. “We’ve tried as much as we can to cut costs, but just like every other nursing home provider, we’re screaming for more reimbursement.” Continue reading at The Skagit Valley Herald. (Charles Biles)

Washington’s Latinx and Native voters are fighting for their votes to matter
Six years after the Yakima Latinx community successfully sued for better representation in city politics, Washington’s new Voting Rights Act is helping more communities demand their place at the political table. The Colville Tribes in rural Ferry County and Latinx residents in Yakima County are using the new state law to advocate for better representation in county politics, saying their votes have been diluted in the current electoral systems. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Emily McCarty)

Washington state will begin testing for COVID-19, lawmakers allocate $10 million to virus preparations
Testing for the novel coronavirus is now available in Washington state at the public health lab in Shoreline, shortening the turnaround time for results. Previously, tests had to be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratories in Atlanta. Turnaround times varied from three days to a week. Now, results will be as soon as same-day. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Greg Gilbert)

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Associated Press
Authorities announce 2nd coronavirus death in US
Some Washington state schools closed due to coronavirus
Washington city compiles $150M list of repairs over 20 years
Half of world’s sandy beaches at risk from climate change
Supreme Court will decide the fate of Obama health care law
New coronavirus cases of unknown origin found on West Coast
2 new coronavirus cases identified in Washington state
Idaho bill would outlaw abortion if Roe v. Wade is reversed
Washington state health officials say second person has died in US from coronavirus
Wash. state sees 1st virus death in US, declares emergency
New airport in Washington state a hit with travelers
Fire at chlorine plant causes shelter-in-place alert
High school staffer’s family member tests negative for virus
Washington state county settles 3 discrimination lawsuits

Arlington Times
2020 Census a month away: What Arlington residents should know

Auburn Reporter
Opinion: This Boeing deal could have ‘clawbacks’ in the ‘snap-back’

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Coronavirus briefing: Five updates for Monday, March 2
Long lines at Washington Costco locations as coronavirus concerns escalate in US
Here’s how the North Whatcom Poverty Task Force would ease the housing crisis

Capital Press
Feds reject breaching Snake River dams
USDA broadens who can test hemp for THC

Chewelah Independent
Senate Democrats propose $5 million to assist businesses disrupted by coronavirus pandemic fears (Takko)

Chinook Observer
Takko wins Senate earmark to aid virus-impacted businesses (Takko)

The Daily Chronicle
State Senate Operating Budget Adds $5M to Offset Business Losses Due to Coronavirus (Takko)
Washington Will Begin Testing for COVID-19, Lawmakers Allocate $10 Million to Virus Preparations (Rolfes, Takko)
Opinion: Speak Up Now as Legislature Ponders Sexuality Education (Takko, Blake)

The Daily News
Capitol Dispatch: Local projects released in bipartisan transportation budgets (Takko, Blake)
Local officials plan for recession, but aren’t raising alarms

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Another death, two more Snohomish County coronavirus cases
Hey drivers, new law requires 3 feet to pass bicyclists, walkers
King County set to declare emergency in response to coronavirus
Affordable housing idea: Repurpose struggling retail centers
Editorial: We’re going to need a bigger supply of housing Editorial: Lawmakers should adopt ban on firearm magazines (Peterson)
Commentary: A second chance to do right by shooting victims
Commentary: Clean fuels standard too costly and not effective (Hobbs)
Commentary: How to innoculate yourself against disinformation
Bloomberg: Commentary: The sweet spot between panic and complacency
WaPo: Commentary: Why men get benefit of the doubt and women don’t

Federal Way Mirror
Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

Issaquah Reporter
A second person dies from COVID-19 in King County
Coronavirus reaches the Eastside
LWTech students may have been exposed to coronavirus

Kitsap Daily News
Senate Democrats propose $5 million for coronavirus pandemic impact (Takko)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Pregnant and nursing mothers file cases against shipyard after being sent home without pay
A dire phase of the coronavirus outbreak? ‘Boom’ of US cases ‘should be expected’ as global death toll tops 3,000
Discharged to the streets: Harrison dinged for practices involving homeless patients
Coronavirus hasn’t spread to Kitsap. But public health officials are at the ready

News Tribune (subscription required)
2 Puyallup schools closed for cleaning Monday over coronavirus concerns

New York Times
Coronavirus Updates: Global Infections Approach 90,000 as U.S. Scrambles to Slow Spread
How a Trump insider embeds climate denial in scientific research

Olympian (subscription required)
Coronavirus may have spread in Washington state for weeks, gene sequencing suggests
Student athlete org advises the NCAA to hold tournament games without crowds in light of coronavirus
Editorial: We must embrace small ‘missing middle’ changes to address our big housing challenges

Peninsula Daily News
Senate Republicans propose alternative solutions to Washington’s homelessness crisis (Rolfes)
Area stores see demand for sanitizers, masks spike amid coronavirus news
Voters balk at declaring party on ballot
Feds reject removal of Snake River dams in key report
Letter to the editor: Economy, taxing districts lose after timber harvest decision
Coronavirus and the workplace: What if the boss says to stay home?
Wall Street has lost its nerve. What will it take to get it back?
Opinion: To achieve equality, Seattle public schools destroy excellence
Boeing 777X engine tests on hold after late night blasts irk residents
Avoiding coronavirus may be a luxury some workers can’t afford
Amid coronavirus fears, Amazon halts employee travel home and abroad
Amazon bans products claiming to cure coronavirus, shuts down price gouging of face masks
Two coronavirus deaths reported in King County as new cases mount

Renton Reporter
First U.S. coronavirus death confirmed in King County at Kirkland hospital
A second person dies from Covid-19 in King County
Hazen closed Monday as student is tested for COVID-19

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Working to quell fears, Seattle-area officials shift their strategy on coronavirus (Takko)
Should Seattle mandate $16 per hour for workers on delivery apps? Campaign coming to City Hall
FYI Guy: $279,000 per year: Are Seattle tech workers really that rich?
F5 Tower in downtown Seattle closes over coronavirus concerns
A second person in U.S. — and King County — dies of novel coronavirus; more cases likely
Fast-moving weather systems mean the week will start wet and get wetter
As schools announce closures for coronavirus, Seattle-area parents wonder what’s next
Op-Ed: Flawed data-privacy bill does not protect consumers or hold companies accountable
San Diego Union-Tribune: As tech advances, make sure you’re advancing with it
How transit agencies are managing the novel coronavirus
Washington will speed up coronavirus testing by processing samples in-state
Seattle tech repair shop feels strain as coronavirus causes global shortage of parts
Some Seattle merchants see shoplifting on the rise, making business more difficult
Avoiding coronavirus may be a luxury some workers can’t afford
This National Nutrition Month, here’s how to start eating better, bite by bite
Op-Ed: U.S. is uniquely vulnerable to being hit harder by coronavirus than other wealthy countries
Editorial: Fully funding special education remains a work in progress
Op-Ed: Skilled-nursing facilities need more than Senate budget Band-Aid
Editorial: Legislature should take Boeing’s deal and honor its own (Sullivan)
Op-Ed: We owe more to kids with developmental disabilities
First U.S. coronavirus death confirmed in King County at Kirkland hospital
A second person dies from COVID-19 in King County
Coronavirus reaches Federal Way as USPS employee tests positive

Sequim Gazette
Informed consent will soon be a requirement for pelvic exams in Washington state (Liias)

Skagit Valley Herald
Nursing homes fight to stay afloat with low Medicaid rates
Local health officials standing ready for possibility of coronavirus
Renewed push for tourism promotion plan moving forward
Work planned to address Clear Lake flooding

Snoqualmie Valley Record
A second person dies from COVID-19 in King County

Spokesman Review
Second coronavirus patient dies Saturday in King County; officials await test results in Spokane
Coronavirus was probably spreading for six weeks in Washington state, study says
Symptomatic Spokane County resident tested for COVID-19; 5 others under surveillance
EWU trustees decline faculty request for independent analysis of athletics spending
WaPo: Gov. Jay Inslee’s blunt advice to Pence on coronavirus: Stick to the science
Federal report advises against breaching of four Snake River dams
Senate adds $1B in spending, passes budget (Billig, Rolfes, Van de Wege)
Opinion: Lori Otto Punke: Olympia should work to avoid more harmful tariffs
Washington state will begin testing for COVID-19, lawmakers allocate $10 million to virus preparations (Rolfes, Takko)

Tri-City Herald
Stay or go? Court-ordered federal draft report weighs in on Snake River dams

USA Today
Think you have coronavirus? Call first! Here’s what to expect at the doctor’s office.
Supreme Court once again will decide fate of Affordable Care Act
Automakers renew push into fuel-cell cars. But will their adoption rates catch up to electric vehicles?
Jack Welch, corporate America’s ‘manager of the century,’ dies at 84
Global death toll passes 3,000; markets stage cautious recovery
Seattle suburb becomes epicenter of virus response as cases spread
Virus spread undetected for weeks in Washington state
Can people transmit the virus before they have symptoms?
Media outlets help Trump push dangerous, false spin on virus
Op-Ed: The coronavirus could hit the U.S. harder than other wealthy countries
Trump administration orders four Chinese news outlets in U.S. to reduce staffs
Miss Staten Island pulled from St. Patrick’s Day parade after supporting LGBTQ community
This car dealership now allows homeless to park and stay overnight
Many young children are now going without health insurance
Those masks you’re stockpiling — our nurses and construction workers need them more
How the cloud has opened new doors for hackers
Fake cures and other coronavirus conspiracies are flooding WhatsApp, leaving governments and users with a ‘sense of panic’
Disabled, neglected and dead at 16
Rattlesnake Ridge landslides continues to move, albeit slowly
Guest opinion: Affordable housing, cost-effective supports can help reduce homelessness
Guest opinion: It’s time for $30 car tabs and lower property taxe

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Second man in King County with coronavirus dies
Coronavirus: Harborview medical director separates fact from fiction
Coronavirus: Two people test ‘presumptive positive’ in western Washington
Felon on supervision accused of having ‘ghost gun’ arsenal
House committee approves death penalty repeal bill

KNKX FM
Another King County man dies after testing positive for coronavirus; total cases hit 10
Expansion projects aim to keep Sea-Tac Airport from being a ‘bottleneck’ to region’s growth
Coronavirus presents challenges for WA universities with study abroad programs

KUOW FM
Live blog: Coronavirus updates in Seattle area
Coronavirus in WA: A pandemic and the panic button
Buses in the age of Uber: Seattle commuters face transit challenges
The cutest carbon culprits? Your pets
Gov. Jay Inslee declares state of emergency for coronavirus response
Draft federal plan recommends keeping Lower Snake River dams in place
King County health officials say don’t panic about coronavirus, but be prepared

NW Public Radio
With An Election On The Horizon, Older Adults Get Help Spotting Fake News
2nd Seattle-Area Patient Dies Of COVID-19 Coronavirus; Jay Inslee Declares Emergency

Thurston Talk
Local Students Serve as Legislative Pages (Valdez, Lekanoff, Walen, Dolan)

Web

Crosscut
Washington’s Latinx and Native voters are fighting for their votes to matter
For rural Native communities, affordable groceries can be hours away
‘No supervisors, no boss’: Upending farm labor by owning the land

MyNorthwest.com
Bill requiring consent for pelvic exams in Washington gets bipartisan support (Liias)

Seattle P.I.
Connelly: In a galling move, Rep. McMorris Rodgers blames salmon condition on Seattle

Slog
Paul Allen’s Estate Taxes Are Probably Responsible for Washington’s $300 Million Budget Windfall
Dams on Lower Snake River Unlikely to Come Down
King County Just Gave Free Bus Tickets to 54,000 Residents
Turning Up the Heat to #MeltICE
The Latest Move to Repair the Racist War on Drugs

Friday, February 28

Washington agency rejects Facebook settlement, refers campaign ad violation charge to AG’s office
Washington’s campaign finance watchdog on Thursday rejected a settlement that its own staff had negotiated with Facebook over charges the social media giant has repeatedly violated state campaign finance law. Instead of accepting the rather modest settlement — a proposed $75,000 fine for the $550 billion company and no admission of guilt — the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) referred the matter to Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson for further investigation. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Noah Berger)

‘Sexual by birth.’ Comprehensive sex ed mandate passes House committee by 1 vote
By one vote, a House committee on Thursday approved a bill to require public school districts to teach comprehensive sexual health education to K-12 students beginning with the 2022-23 school year. SB 5395 would be phased in over two years, with the topic taught to students in grades six through 12 beginning with the 2021-2022 school year and to all students a year later. Backers of the bill say it’s designed with equity in mind, to ensure all students get the opportunity to learn. Several opponents say sex education should be restricted to grades seven through 12. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Tony Overman)

Senate Dems: $5 million to help businesses disrupted by coronavirus
A last minute amendment to the Senate Democratic Caucus supplemental operating budget has earmarked $5 million to help businesses that have been negatively affected by international responses to the coronavirus outbreak overseas. Businesses like Cosmo Specialty Fibers, a textile producer that does 97 percent of its business with companies in Asia, have been disrupted by port closures intended to stop the spread of the disease. Continue reading at The Bothell-Kenmore Reporter. (Port of Everett)

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Associated Press
Military funds for Washington state can’t go to build border wall, judge rules
Northern California city at epicenter of coronavirus mystery
House committee approves death penalty repeal bill
Washington agency rejects Facebook political ad settlement
2 Washington state teens survive fentanyl overdose
Stocks fall sharply on Wall Street; Dow Jones sinks 3.1%

Aberdeen Daily World
Commissioner of Public Lands visits Hoquiam

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Hand washing can help prevent coronavirus, but you’re probably not doing it right
‘Sexual by birth.’ Comprehensive sex ed mandate passes House committee by 1 vote (Santos, Dolan, Stonier)
Bothell High School closed Thursday in ‘abundance of caution’ over coronavirus fears
State public health officials will be able to get test results for coronavirus faster
As coronavirus outbreak widens, Whatcom public health says to prepare for its spread
CDC shows you how to properly wash your hands
Worried you may have coronavirus? Here are steps to protect yourself and others
Are you more likely to die from coronavirus or the flu? There’s a big difference
Are we any closer to a vaccine? Five facts to know about the coronavirus
Will coronavirus wreck your spring or summer travel plans? 5 things to know

Bothell Reporter
Senate Dems: $5 million to help businesses disrupted by coronavirus (Takko)

Centralia Daily Chronicle
State Senate Operating Budget Adds $5M to Offset Business Losses Due to Coronavirus (Takko, Van De Wege, Blake)

Columbian
Senate Republicans propose alternative solutions to WA’s homelessness crisis (Rolfes)
In Our View: Taxpayers should share in good budget news

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Stewardship plate on track with sales (Lovelett, Lekanoff)
Senate passes bills to ensure health of natural waters (Lovelett)

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Judge: Trump Administration can’t take $89m from Bangor pier project for border wall

New York Times
Unions push FTC to study if Amazon warps the economy

Seattle Times (subscription required)
150 people possibly exposed to TB by Microsoft vendor, public-health officials say
South Seattle residents blasted with late-night jet noise from improper Boeing test
Man dead after exchanging shots with troopers near Gig Harbor, police say
Sound Transit fast-tracks North Seattle’s 130th Street Station
Gray whales are back — and may hold clues to mysterious ‘unusual mortality event’
Seattle to sponsor workshops to educate immigrants on new ‘public charge’ rule on visas
Washington approves ban on ‘gay panic’ defense in homicide cases
Report of ‘animal serial killer’ prompts 10,000 calls, emails to Tacoma Animal Control
Alaska and Boeing shares fall sharply amid coronavirus fears
Washington agency rejects Facebook settlement, refers campaign ad violation charge to AG’s office
Kilmer: U.S. Senate should move to protect our public lands and grow jobs
Editorial: Caution, calm: Keys to coronavirus response

Seattle Weekly
Bothell High School is closed due to caution over potential coronavirus
Inslee gets involved in contract talks between Swedish, SEIU
Senate Republicans propose alternative solutions to WA’s homelessness crisis (Rolfes)

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Inslee gets involved in contract talks between Swedish, SEIU

Spokesman Review
Senate adds $1B in spending, passes budget (Billig, Rolfes, Van De Wege)
Legislature bans ‘surprise’ defense in LGBTQ attacks (Pedersen)
A COVID-19 Q&A: What we know, don’t know and how to prepare
Washington state will begin testing for COVID-19, lawmakers allocate $10 million to virus preparations (Rolfes, Takko)
Opinion: Dr. Craig Smith and Kris Tefft: Take care in changing workers’ compensation medical exams

Vancouver Business Journal
STEM magnet school opens on WSU Vancouver campus

Washington Post
U.S. workers without protective gear assisted coronavirus evacuees, HHS whistleblower says
Gov. Jay Inslee’s blunt advice to Pence on coronavirus: Stick to the scienc

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Washington families claim KeyBank won’t redeem their bank bills
Bothell High School closed again Friday as a precaution for COVID-19 concerns
Lessons from the Nisqually quake that shook Pacific Northwest 19 years ago
Proposal would strengthen Washington state’s derelict vessel removal program
Mandatory sex ed bill gets House committee approval (Stonier)

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
US schools start planning for possible spread of coronavirus
Shoreline laboratory to start testing for coronavirus, speeding up results process
Three Shoreline Public Schools staffers self-quarantined for possible coronavirus
Neighbors next to new coronavirus quarantine site worried about safety

KNKX FM
Washington state on verge of tightening the tap for new bottled water plants (Carlyle)
Whale sanctuary, originally considered for the Pacific Northwest, to open in Nova Scotia

KUOW FM
Washington state health officials are preparing for possible coronavirus spread
Washington state on verge of tightening the tap for new bottled water plants (Carlyle)
Stocks In Free-fall: Dow Plummets Over 1,000 Points As Coronavirus Tightens Grip
What coronavirus’ shape-shifting structure tells us about the disease, and how to fight it
Bothell HS closed for second day over coronavirus concerns

NW Public Radio
Lewis County Pushback Leads Washington Lawmakers To Tighten Tap For New Bottled Water Plants (Carlyle)
Study: Evidence Does Not Support Hunting As A Way To Control Cougar Population

Q13 TV (Fox)
State labs to start testing for coronavirus locally ahead of potential spread
Federal judge in Washington state blocks administration from diverting some funds for border wall
Bothell High School closed again Friday amid coronavirus concerns
State AG’s Office closer to forming cold case unit for sexual assault cases

Web

Crosscut
Child sex trafficking survivors deserve to be protected, not criminalized (Orwall, Dhingra)

MyNorthwest.com
‘Potentially disastrous’ bid to use Kitsap base funds on border wall halted
Rantz: Inslee embarrasses WA with coronavirus insult hurled at VP Pence
Seattle council slams Nav Team on homeless camp sweeps
Thurston County site prepared for possible coronavirus quarantine
Sawant sends message to Olympia ahead of hearing on big business tax (Macri, Springer)
Washington Daylight Saving bill ‘unlikely’ to take effect in 2020 (Riccelli)

Seattle P.I.
Required sex education: One step from passing Washington State Legislature (Dhingra)

Thursday, February 27

Alleged threat: ‘You have been visited by your local Nazis’
Members of a neo-Nazi group, including a former Arlington resident, have been arrested and charged with conspiring to harass journalists, churches and a former Cabinet official, among others, with phony bomb threats and other forms of intimidation. Prosecutors in Seattle announced charges against four alleged members of the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division for cyber-stalking and mailing threatening communications to journalists, including Swastika-laden posters telling them, “You have been visited by your local Nazis.” Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ted S. Warren/AP photo)

Amtrak, Sound Transit and the state all named in derailment lawsuit
A new lawsuit has been filed stemming from the 2017 Amtrak Cascades passenger train derailment near DuPont, Wash., that killed three people and injured dozens. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Timothy Brodigan and his parents. Brodigan was then 16 years old and was paralyzed by the crash. It’s the latest in a string of lawsuits that have forced Amtrak to pay millions. However, this lawsuit further names the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit as defendants. Continue reading at The Auburn Reporter. (Wikipedia photo)

Transportation proposals aim to fill hole left by initiative
House and Senate leaders have unveiled plans to fill a $450 million hole in the state’s transportation budget created by the passage of an initiative that slashes vehicle registration fees. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

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Associated Press
Report expected to decide fate of Snake River electric dams
About 40% of US adults are obese, government survey finds
Trump faces credibility test as he plays down virus threat
Gunman kills 5 at Milwaukee brewery before taking own life
Court sides with Trump in ‘sanctuary cities’ grant fight
Suburban Seattle high school closed over new virus concerns
Man arrested by ICE near his kids’ school bus stop
Court upholds public records case ruling against Millennium
Transportation proposals aim to fill hole left by initiative
Demographics drive GOP nosedive in Washington, Oregon and California
2 Washington state teens survive fentanyl overdose
Democrats: GOP walkout in Oregon is stalling key bills
Delta reduces flights to Korea as virus outbreak spreads
Microsoft says virus hurting supply chain more than expected
Gonzaga suspends all its academic courses in Florence, Italy
$250M homelessness tax measure on Portland-area May ballot
$800K grant to expand child care in Yakima, Washington
Neo-Nazi leaders face conspiracy charges on both coasts
Seattle mayor permits winter eviction ban to become law

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen State Reps give their take on 2020 session so far (Blake)
Prickly discussion at county commission over needle exchange
Washington lawmakers consider restrictions on insulin prices (Keiser)
Oped: Trump’s budget explains Bezos’ monster house deal and L.A’.s homeless crisis

Auburn Reporter
Amtrak, Sound Transit and the state all named in derailment lawsuit

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
The hunt is on in Whatcom for invasive, bee-killing giant hornets with painful stings
Wake up shortly before midnight last night? You may have felt this earthquake
How to identify an Asian giant hornet
Face mask prices are skyrocketing on Amazon. Do they protect you from coronavirus?
First U.S. coronavirus case of unknown origin confirmed in Northern California, CDC says
‘Extremists’ from neo-Nazi group arrested in WA, targeted journalists, feds say
Here are best and worst beards if you’re worried about coronavirus protection, CDC says

Capital Press
Washington Health Board taking comments on manure rule
Washington House chairman hesitates on chlorpyrifos ban (Blake, Rolfes)
Potato industry applauds China’s steps on trade pact
As Republican walkouts continue, both sides dig in their heels

Columbian
Senate OKs Nikki Kuhnhausen Act (Cleveland, Stanford, Wylie, Stonier)
In our View: Being ready for coronavirus a healthy choice
Coal Creek site removed from homeless camp consideration

Everett Herald (subscription required)
Alleged threat: ‘You have been visited by your local Nazis’
This Boeing deal could have ‘clawbacks’ in the ‘snap-back’
Snohomish County prosecutor calls for end of death penalty
Lawmakers find many patches to cover hole in road budgets (Hobbs, Fey)
Bothell High closed and disinfected as a virus precaution
The other virus: Flu is ‘still packing a nasty punch’
GOP senators: Help the private sector tackle homelessness
Repealing Boeing’s big tax break could be a bumpy ride
Editorial: Path toward clean fuels and transportation funding (Hobbs, Fey)

Federal Way Mirror
Commissioner James Fossos resigns from South King Fire board after lengthy absence

The Inlander
Judge rules Tim Eyman concealed political contributions

Islands’ Weekly
Senate passes bills to ensure health of natural waters (Lovelett)
Youtube video focuses on public records in San Juan County

Issaquah Reporter
‘We can do the right thing’ | Windows and Mirrors

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Canadian oil pipeline debate continues
League of Women Voters Celebrates 100 Year Mark

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Examples of ADUs that work
FBI arrests 5 alleged neo-Nazis for intimidating journalists
State parks to consider allowing Navy SEALs to train at 29 lands across Puget Sound

News Tribune (subscription required)
Editorial: Fines for driving with a cellphone in Washington are going up – and that’s a good thing (Lovick)

New York Times
Stocks Continue to Tumble on Coronavirus Concerns
Retired, or Hoping to Be, and Saddled With Student Loans

Olympian (subscription required)
Early data shows sharp increase in Thurston County’s unsheltered population
GOP lawmakers say Democrats’ proposed budget increases can’t survive next recession (Jinkins)
Puddles the mussel-sniffing dog is now on the job
High-capacity magazine issue brought back to life by state House (Valdez, Jinkins, Kuderer)
Olympia City Council unanimously adopts ban on retail sale of dogs and cats

Peninsula Daily News
Jefferson PUD working on broadband plan
Scientists study effects of microplastic pollution

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Bothell High School closed Thursday in ‘abundance of caution’ over coronavirus fears
Enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures in Seattle area — they won’t last long
Bellevue College apologizes after administrator alters mural depicting Japanese American incarceration
BP pulls out of Western States Petroleum Association over differences on carbon pricing, fuel standard
For first time in 20 years, feds take deep look at hydrodam removal on Lower Snake River
KIRO’s Steve Raible retiring after more than three decades
FBI arrests ‘violent extremists’ after threatening posters sent to minorities, journalist in Seattle area
Gov. Jay Inslee steps into Swedish union negotiations, restarts talks
Metro buses off congested First Avenue promise a better ride for 26,000 Seattle commuters
Op-Ed: Lift up new moms and their babies by extending ‘Apple Health for Pregnant Women’ to one year postpartum
Editorial: Where is Seattle leadership’s urgency with downtown safety?
LTE: Homelessness: Community colleges
Editorial: Set reasonable tax and regulation rules for companies covered by ‘captive’ insurance

Seattle Weekly
Eastside man among four arrested, described as violent extremist

Skagit Valley Herald
Extremist group leader with ties to Skagit facing charges

Tri-City Herald
This $6.5 million Richland solar farm will bring 100s of workers to train
12-year-old took a stolen gun to his Prosser math class. He wanted it for ‘protection’

USA Today
President Trump’s immigration crackdown inundates Supreme Court

Wall Street Journal
More States Consider Free Tampons in School Bathrooms (Dhingra)

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Op-ed: Job shadowing in our schools

Washington Post
Northern Californian tests positive for coronavirus in first U.S. case with no link to foreign travel
Scotland moves to become first country to make pads and tampons free
Bodycam video shows 6-year-old crying for help as officers zip-tie her
U.S. markets sink into correction territory
Trump downplays virus risk, taps Pence to lead response
Opinion: Trump just pushed one of his worst conspiracy theories yet
Opinion: Trump’s news conference will intensify panic over coronavirus
Editorial: Russia and China are taking dangerous approaches to coronavirus
Former Baltimore mayor to be sentenced in ‘Healthy Holly’ children’s book case
Justice Department faults Google for turning over evidence too slowly in antitrust probe, hinting at possible legal action
The Technology 202: Microsoft’s warning to investors shows worsening coronavirus impact on tech

Waukiakum County Eagle
Sex education bill creates concerns (Wilson)

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima County has no confirmed or suspected cases of 2019 novel coronavirus
West Valley moves forward on K-5 configuration while innovation program remains up in the air
WSDOT: Be prepared for travel delays Thursday near White Pass
Neo-Nazi leaders face conspiracy charges on both coasts
Rep. Matt Shea tells congregation to prepare for civil wa

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
Seattle research institute preparing for clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine
Woman shot while delivering newspapers in Puyallup
Salvation Army effort to end homelessness outside of Seattle sees surprising success
FBI arrests 4 suspected neo-Nazi members after threats to KING 5 journalist and activists
Seattle teen’s skateboard crash could change state helmet law

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Four ‘racially motivated violent extremists’ arrested on federal charges
Potential coronavirus isolation, quarantine site set up in South Sound
WA health departments already ‘burning’ through money to prepare for COVID-19
Fake meat and a latte? Starbucks adds Beyond Meat in Canada
Controlled burns planned in Eastern Washington to help prevent future wildfires

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Bothell High School closing Thursday for cleaning due to coronavirus concerns
College study abroad programs scaled back, suspended while coronavirus spreads
King County man arrested in FBI raid on extremist hate group
Doctors debunk masks as protection against coronavirus
Committee working to license whale watching companies to ensure orcas are protected
Two Bellevue teens overdosed on fentanyl-laced pills over the weekend
Primary ballot envelope marking requirement stirs voter concern

KNKX FM
Puddles the mussel-sniffing dog helps raise awareness about risks of invasive species
Washington lawmakers ban defenses based on gender identity, sexual orientation

KUOW FM
Bothell High School closed over COVID-19 concerns
CDC Appears To Have Fixed Issue Delaying Coronavirus Testing In U.S.
Researchers Step Up Efforts To Develop A ‘Universal’ Flu Vaccine
Students voice concerns over ethnic studies, racism at Seattle School Board meeting
‘It’s About Time’: House Approves Historic Bill Making Lynching A Federal Crime
Trump Administration Pressed On Coronavirus Preparedness

NW Public Radio
Washington Lawmakers Ban ‘LGBTQ Panic’ Defense Based On Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation
From Allergies To Declining Business, Warming Winters Affect Everyday Life

Q13 TV (Fox)
Bothell High School closed for cleaning Thursday over coronavirus concerns
Sheriff’s Office: Driver shoots newspaper carrier in South Hill for driving too slow
New coronavirus case could be first instance of ‘community spread’ in US, CDC says
2 Bellevue High School teens survive overdoses, fentanyl suspected
Ferguson threatens to sue over decision to close National Archives at Seattle
Feds nab neo-Nazis intimidating local Jews, journalist
A man with 77 criminal cases is one of Seattle’s 100 prolific offenders

Web

Crosscut
5 things Boeing’s tax break money could buy instead (Fey, Liias)
Seattle is looking for ways to save beloved local establishments

Schmudget
Three takeaways from the House and Senate budget proposals

Slog
King County Sheriff Gives Defiant Testimony After Scathing Report
Proposed Settlement Between Facebook and Washington State Is “Dangerous” and “Troubling,” Experts Say
Attorney General Ferguson “Ready” to Take on Facebook Over Charges of Repeated Campaign Finance Violations
Mayor Durkan Doesn’t Sign Winter Evictions Bill, Offers Her Own Proposal

Westside Seattle
Port commission approves acceleration of noise insulation efforts to benefit airport area communities (Orwall)

Woodinville Weekly
Legislators Discuss Major Policies in 45^th District Town Hall (Dhingra, Springer, Goodman)
Josephine Neubauer Serves as Senate Page (Dhingra)

Wednesday, February 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web

Civic Skunkworks
The astronomical cost of banking while poor

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

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

Tuesday, February 25

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

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

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