Washington Democratic lawmakers to again propose ban on high-capacity magazines, other gun restrictions
Prohibitions on weapons at ballot-counting places, local government offices and public meetings. Restrictions on high-capacity magazines. A ban on so-called assault weapons. Democratic state lawmakers are proposing a fresh round of firearms restrictions as the Washington Legislature prepares to gather in January for its regularly scheduled session. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)
Omicron spreads faster than any other variant, WHO says. It’s now in 77 countries
If you’re worried about the new omicron coronavirus variant, you’re far from alone: The World Health Organization is warning that omicron is spreading like no other strain of COVID-19 has before. “Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a news briefing. Omicron has been found in 77 countries, less than a month after it was officially reported. Continue reading at KUOW. (Getty Images)
Over 11 million COVID vaccine doses given in WA in past year
Since the first COVID-19 vaccine shipment arrived in Washington state one year ago, more than 11.3 million doses of vaccine have been administered across the state, according to state health officials. The Washington state Department of Health said Tuesday that over 5.4 million Washington residents have received at least one vaccine dose. As of Monday, 81.7% of the population age 12 and older in Washington has received at least one dose and 75.3% is fully vaccinated, according to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. Continue reading at The Associated Press.
Associated Press
Omicron variant spreading fast in Washington state
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Over 11 million COVID vaccine doses given in WA in past year
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Bellingham Herald
Bellingham poised to join electrification movement against climate change
As state celebrates anniversary of first vaccine shipment, Whatcom sees 49 new COVID cases
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Suspect arrested after Whatcom school district reports more threatening graffiti on campus
Capital Press
Longtime WSU dryland research station director to retire
Everett Herald
Tulalip students say change starts with the mascot
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Amid pandemic, Everett council approves an optimistic budget
EvCC taps human resources vice president to serve as acting president
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Omicron variant spreading fast in Washington state
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Bloomberg Comment: Hot economy cools drive for student loan debt relief
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Letter: County housing crisis demands ‘Just do it’ on sales tax
Letter: County sales tax increase would help solve problems
High Country News
Corporations are consolidating water and land rights in the West
Journal of the San Juan Islands
Environmentally friendly tactics for ‘burning smart’ during the winter
Kent Reporter
Kent School District closes two classrooms at Cedar Heights due to COVID-19
News Tribune
Here’s how COVID cases, hospitalizations trended in Pierce County in past week
Puyallup Tribal smoke shops’ owner sentenced for fraud scheme to avoid millions in taxes
It’ll cost many millions to fix salmon barriers in Gig Harbor. Culvert removal ahead
New York Times
The Fed is expected to cut its economic support faster as inflation grows worrisome.
Republicans Who Assailed Biden’s Stimulus Bill Are Embracing the Money
Senate Passes $768 Billion Defense Bill, Sending It to Biden
Olympian
Gov. Inslee unveils new $187 million plan for Washington salmon recovery
Port of Olympia executive director gets raise, will make $191,227 in 2022
Rams try to contain COVID outbreak, Seahawks 1 of only 4 NFL teams with no current cases
Olympia City Council to vote on buying 5.9-acre site for RV safe lot
Everything you need to know about Gov. Inslee’s $626 million climate proposals
Judge tosses WA county lawsuit claiming 2020 voting fraud. Ballots won’t be released
Peninsula Daily News
Authorities warn of omicron surge
Puget Sound Business Journal
Covid-19 relief fatigue has set in. The live events industry feels left behind.
With e-commerce surge, apartment owners, managers look for new parcel-management solutions
Another big year expected for industrial real estate in 2022 — but development may be stymied by supply chain
Low Income Housing Institute opens temporary shelter in former Comfort Inn
Senate committee pressures FAA to provide stricter oversight of Boeing
Insurers will be required to cover at-home Covid tests. What’s it mean for employers?
PPP forgiveness will drag out to 2023. Here’s how lenders are handling delinquent loans.
How Americans feel about the economy and Omicron as 2022 approaches
Seattle Medium
Hamdi Mohamed Eager To Get To Work As First Black Woman Elected To The Seattle Port Commission
Seattle Times
Coronavirus daily news updates, Dec. 15: What to know today about COVID-19
Democratic state lawmakers are proposing a fresh round of firearms restrictions (Kuderer, Valdez, Berg)
Editorial: Keep up the strong start to omicron response
Skagit Valley Herald
Governor announces sweeping salmon strategy
Concrete approves budget for 2022
Amount of flood damage in county estimated at $15M with a few days left to file
Yakima Herald-Republic
Selah schools refinance bonds, expect to save taxpayers millions
‘The talk of the state’: Yakima Valley school districts try out balanced calendars
Seattle Times: Jay Inslee, Washington lawmakers propose electric vehicle rebates and other climate initiatives ahead of legislative session (Carlyle)
Yakima Council to recognize homeless deaths, acknowledge outgoing council members Tuesday
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Omicron variant likely identified in more than 50 COVID-19 cases at UW virology lab
Seattle City Council votes to end hazard pay requirement for grocery employees
Opposition mounts to Snohomish County sales tax hike
Some families are getting a smaller child tax credit payment Wednesday
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Omicron surging in Washington
Community petitioning for ‘Oakley’s Law’ as 5-year-old is still missing
Fatal car crashes are surging – psychologist explains why
Next Washington state ferry will be called Wishkah
Millions more patients in Washington could soon have access to charity care
One year of COVID-19 vaccines in Washington
Gov. Inslee announces salmon recovery proposals
Congress sends Biden $2.5T debt limit hike, avoiding default
Skagit County asking public to submit forms assessing property damage from November floods
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Omnicron variant cases increasing in Washington state at alarming rate
Lawsuit targets Seattle Public Schools over encampment at Broadview-Thompson K-8
Washington State Ferries to debut first hybrid-electric ferry in 2025
Gov. Inslee investing $187M to help save salmon population
KNKX Public Radio
Natural gas furnaces, water heaters in crosshairs of some Northwest policymakers (Ramel)
What should we expect from Inslee’s climate action plans, budget proposal?
KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Omicron spreads faster than any other variant, WHO says. It’s now in 77 countries
Congress votes to raise the debt ceiling, punting the next fight to 2023
The House votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt, sending a criminal referral to DOJ
KXLY (ABC)
Packed In: Here’s what could help with Spokane’s housing crisis
Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington marks one year of COVID-19 vaccinations
Citizens lobby lawmakers for change in light of Oakley Carlson’s disappearance (Senn)
Web
Crosscut
Swinomish Tribe wants to resurrect U.S. clam gardening
Lessons from a year of reporting on climate solutions in the PNW