The more contagious BA.2 version of omicron is now the most common in the U.S.
A subvariant of omicron that’s even more contagious than the original is now the most common COVID-19 strain in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC estimates that the BA.2 strain now accounts for more than half – 54.9% – of all coronavirus infections nationwide, according to new data. It’s even more prevalent in certain parts of the country. For example, over 70% of COVID-19 cases in the Northeast are BA.2, the CDC estimates. Continue reading at KUOW. (Getty Images)
WA launches new way to report illegal robocalls
Robocalls aren’t just annoying — some are actually illegal. As of Tuesday, there’s a new way for Washingtonians to report them. In a continuation of the office’s work to stop illegal robocalls, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson launched a new form for people to report illegal, harassing calls. Certain types of robocalls — phone calls that come from an automated system and play a recorded message — are legal. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Elaine Thompson)
Cascadia bullet train on track for big bucks to get rolling, but big uncertainty remains
For more than five years, Washington state, Oregon and British Columbia have collaborated on studies of a possible Cascadia bullet train to run between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, Canada. This winter, the Washington Legislature approved money for yet more studies. But state lawmakers also set aside a much bigger sum to attract federal support that could advance the bullet train dream toward being shovel-ready. Project supporters envision a train with a top speed of at least 250 mph operating on a dedicated track. Continue reading at Northwest News Network. (Tom Banse)
Associated Press
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The Daily News
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Seattle Times
King County lost population last year for the first time in almost 50 years
WA launches new way to report illegal robocalls
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Walla Walla Union Bulletin
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Yakima Herald-Republic
Seattle Times: WA launches new way to report illegal robocalls
Spokesman-Review: Inslee signs transportation package into law with funding for new electric ferries
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Victims say Seattle-based charity bail group should stop freeing people charged with violent crimes
Edmonds School District welcomes Afghan refugees
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KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
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Federal, local lawmakers working to make marijuana business safer
When an online deal looks too good to be true, it probably is
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As number of freeway shootings rise, Washington State Patrol urges victims to come forward
FBI uses online records to catch Mount Vernon men who smoked weed during Capitol riots
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Washingtonians react to FDA authorizing another booster shot for people over 50
KNKX Public Radio
Cascadia bullet train on track for big bucks to get rolling, but big uncertainty remains (Liias)
The FDA authorized 4th vaccine dose for Americans over 50. What do we know about whether it works?
KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates: Covid cases tick up in King County
The more contagious BA.2 version of omicron is now the most common in the U.S.
There’s never been such a severe shortage of homes in the U.S. Here’s why
KXLY (ABC)
Washington, Idaho Attorney General seek to combat robocalls
NW Public Radio
FOLLOW UP: After 5 Months Stuck In The Hospital, Washington Teen With Autism Sent To South Carolina Facility (Rolfes)
Rising Freight, Fuel Prices Impacting Washington Cannabis Industry — But Will Consumers See Their Dispensary Costs Rise?
Web
MyNorthwest
Chance aurora borealis makes appearance in Western Washington skies Thursday
Water main break causes flooding, power outages in Tukwila
As Seattle continues to lose police, new report finds mixed results for hiring bonus program
Ukrainian Association of WA looking toward second aid flight to Ukraine
In first state-led operation in years, Okanogan County imminently slated for prescribed burn
With suspension of jury trials, Whatcom among ‘top places in state for property crime,’ says prosecutor
New Seattle ballot initiative would look to tackle homelessness with ‘social housing’ model
West Seattle Bridge repair on track to finish in ‘mid-2022’ with concrete drivers’ limited return
‘Medical airlift’ for Ukraine with $3.5 million of medical supplies set to fly out of Sea-Tac
The Stranger
Here’s What Amazon Did to Get Rejected from This Year’s Pride March
West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Concrete update; six more ‘progress reports’ obtained; celebration planning