Governor
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Inslee: Spokane ‘right on the verge of a very dire situation’ as COVID-19 cases continue rise
During a visit to Spokane County, Gov. Jay Inslee warned that the hospitalizations in Spokane County due to COVID-19 are projected to double in the next couple weeks.
Masks to become mandatory in Washington
OLYMPIA – Washington residents will be required to wear masks in public starting Friday as a way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Inslee names members of policing and social justice task force
A combination of law enforcement officials, community activists, religious leaders and members of minority groups were named by Gov. Jay Inslee to a task force on policing and social justice.
Seattle will move to dismantle protest zone, mayor says
Faced with growing pressure to crack down on an “occupied” protest zone following two weekend shootings, Seattle’s mayor said Monday that officials will move to wind down the blocks-long span of city streets taken over two weeks ago that President Donald Trump asserted is run by “anarchists.”
State budget faces $4.5 billion hole; special session expected
The state’s budget faces a $4.5 billion hole over the next year as the economy contracts and tax revenues fall from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief: Seattle protest area is not a police-free zone
Police will return to an area of a Seattle neighborhood being occupied by protesters if there are threats to public safety, the chief of police said after a business owner complained that officers didn’t respond when he called 911 to report a break-in and vandalism.
Report: COVID-19 cases, deaths will ‘increase substantially’ unless checked in Eastern Washington
A new state report released by the Washington Department of Health shows that without additional interventions, eastern Washington will see more COVID-19 cases and deaths this summer.
Trump threatens to ‘take back’ Seattle as protesters set up ‘autonomous zone’
Protesters have moved into the area near the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct, proclaiming the area the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone.” Instead of “protesters,” Trump suggested another term for the demonstrators late Wednesday: “Domestic Terrorists.”
Inslee calls for independent investigation into death of Tacoma man in police custody
OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday he was calling for a new investigation into the death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man killed in Tacoma by police while being restrained in March.
Gov. Jay Inslee to create task force to ‘rethink’ policing
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday that he would create an independent statewide task force to address policing across the state of Washington.
Agencies propose cuts in key programs as state looks at budget woes
Washington residents could see dramatic cuts in road projects, care for seniors and college financial aid next year as state agencies try to adjust to a loss of tax dollars from the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
State urges more people to get tested for COVID-19
People who have the symptoms of COVID-19 – including a cough, high fever or shortness of breath –should get tested, Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday.
Inslee’s emergency orders within his authority, court commissioner says
Gov. Jay Inslee was within his authority to issue emergency orders in an attempt to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a state Supreme Court commissioner said Thursday.
Inslee says protest leaders helping prevent violence from ‘hijacking’ message
Gov. Jay Inslee will meet with some leaders of the protests against police violence and racial injustice, whom he credited with helping reduce the violence at recent demonstrations.
State Senate’s top Republican: Special session needed to deal with coming revenue shortfall
The Legislature should meet in special session this month to begin cutting the state budget to adjust for the loss of revenue brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate’s top Republican said Wednesday.
Pandemic-related eviction moratorium extended
Washington is extending a moratorium that prevents renters thrown out of work by the COVID-19 pandemic from being evicted for an inability to pay rent.
Smaller, quieter protests in Spokane on Monday night after mayor enacts curfew, police put on high alert
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee ordered a statewide activation of the National Guard late Sunday as looting and violence spread to Spokane.
Spin Control: One benefit of COVID-19 restrictions: Watching court cases from home
While there are many things we are all giving up because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the “stay home when possible” order has added one thing for the public in general, and reporters in particular: the ability to “attend” court hearings from a distance.
Inslee announces stay-home order will be replaced with new, more flexible plan for reopening
Washington will enter a new phase in the state government’s efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic, replacing a stay-home order with a new program that will allow counties to have different amounts of business and recreational activity.
Court considers request to end Inslee’s COVID-19 emergency orders
The state emergency orders over COVID-19 should be ended and local health districts allowed to decide what steps their communities should take in response to the virus, an attorney for some Chelan County residents argued Thursday in a court in Wenatchee.