Jerry Cornfield

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

A handshake, a deal then hospital staffing bill emerges from Senate

Nurses will help decide plans for staffing, meals and rest breaks. Hospitals could face hefty fines if they don’t comply.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and his wife, Jenni Haukio, left, meet Gov. Jay Inslee and Trudi Inslee, during the governor's visit to Finland on Sep. 14, 2022. (Courtesy of the Office of the Governor)

In Olympia, Finnish president makes case for NATO, strong ties with WA

Sauli Niinistö became the first foreign head of state to address a joint session of the state Legislature on Monday.

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and his wife, Jenni Haukio, left, meet Gov. Jay Inslee and Trudi Inslee, during the governor's visit to Finland on Sep. 14, 2022. (Courtesy of the Office of the Governor)
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A presidential visit and a Blake bill passes in the Senate

It’s Day 57. Another key deadline nears. Here’s what’s happening in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature

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Scott Peacock has taken over as superintendent for the Lakewood School District. Since 1993, Peacock worked for the Snohomish School District as an assistant principal, principal and deputy superintendent. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Peacock to step down as Lakewood schools superintendent in June

He said he needs time to recharge. A search for a successor is underway, with the school board hoping to make a hire in April.

Scott Peacock has taken over as superintendent for the Lakewood School District. Since 1993, Peacock worked for the Snohomish School District as an assistant principal, principal and deputy superintendent. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)

State to lift mask mandate for health care facilities April 3

The Department of Health will also end requirement for face coverings in long-term care settings and correctional facilities.

The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)
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Hazing penalties, firearm lawsuits and what happened to home grows

It’s Day 54. An end to the mask mandate is near. Here’s what’s happening in the 2023 legislative session

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NO CAPTION NECESSARY: Logo for the Cornfield Report by Jerry Cornfield. 20200112

Embracing recess, capping insulin costs and targeting street takeovers

It’s Day 52. Here’s what’s happening at the mid-point of the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature

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Ian Saltzman during the student portion of the new Everett Public Schools' superintendent interviews in May. (Olivia Vanni / Herald file)

Everett schools may slash 140 jobs to deal with $28M deficit

The school board on Tuesday adopted a blueprint for potential layoffs and deep program cuts to make ends meet.

Ian Saltzman during the student portion of the new Everett Public Schools' superintendent interviews in May. (Olivia Vanni / Herald file)
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Divisive bills on pursuits, gun purchases edge closer to House votes

And a comprehensive remaking of state’s approach to drug possession advances toward action in the Senate.

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Voteapalooza arrives. These bills could incite verbal fireworks

It’s Day 50. As the focus shifts to floor action, here’s what’s happening in the 2023 legislative session.

NO CAPTION NECESSARY: Logo for the Cornfield Report by Jerry Cornfield. 20200112
NO CAPTION NECESSARY: Logo for the Cornfield Report by Jerry Cornfield. 20200112

Spendy ways, jaywalking rules, right turns survive and nurse staffing levels

It’s Day 47. A deadline arrives for bills that cost money. Here’s what’s happening in the 2023 legislative session

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People wait for the start of the Minnesota Vikings versus the Pittsburgh Steelers football game after placing bets at Angel of the Winds Casino on Dec. 9, 2021 in Arlington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Federal judge tosses suit targeting sports betting in tribal casinos

Maverick Gaming sought to invalidate compacts allowing tribes, including the Tulalip and Stillaguamish, to offer sports wagering.

People wait for the start of the Minnesota Vikings versus the Pittsburgh Steelers football game after placing bets at Angel of the Winds Casino on Dec. 9, 2021 in Arlington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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Debating recess, welcoming a president, awaiting key vote on pursuit

And a tax break for newspapers comes with a poke at the industry. It’s Day 45 of the 2023 legislative session

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April Berg (left) and Ed Orcutt (right)

Voters put a cap on property taxes, but lawmakers may soon erase it

A 2001 initiative set the limit at 1%. A bill raising it to 3% cleared a House panel with only Democratic votes.

April Berg (left) and Ed Orcutt (right)
People cheer during an abortion rights rally at the State Capitol in Olympia, Wash, Tuesday,  Jan. 24, 2023. (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times via AP)

State abortion laws are strong; Democrats want to make them stronger

A suite of legislation aims to make Washington a haven for those seeking and providing reproductive health services.

People cheer during an abortion rights rally at the State Capitol in Olympia, Wash, Tuesday,  Jan. 24, 2023. (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times via AP)
A man led police on a high speed chase through north Snohomish County on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. (Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office)

House committee steers controversial vehicle pursuit bill forward

Revisions will make it easier for officers to engage in a chase. Changes would expire in 2025 under new language.

A man led police on a high speed chase through north Snohomish County on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. (Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office)
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Chasing a pursuit bill and tracking another nurse staffing battle

It’s Day 40. Here’s what’s happening in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature

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NO CAPTION NECESSARY: Logo for the Cornfield Report by Jerry Cornfield. 20200112

Vehicle pursuit, marriage equality, and giving students a say on recess

It’s Day 38. As a key deadline nears, conversations heat up in the 2023 session of the Washington Legislature

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Lunar New Year proposed as Washington’s next state holiday

A bill to make it a legal holiday awaits a key vote. Some Asian American constituents were opposed, saying the chosen date is wrong.

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Push is on to tax the super rich and legalize jaywalking

It’s Day 36. Here’s what’s happening in the 2023 Washington Legislature

NO CAPTION NECESSARY: Logo for the Cornfield Report by Jerry Cornfield. 20200112