Gov. Inslee calls on lawmakers for ‘big’ and ‘bold’ action
Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday called on state lawmakers to take action on a multitude of issues during their 60-day legislative session, including addressing the homelessness crisis, helping children affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and taking more steps to address climate change. In his annual State of the State speech, the Democratic governor said that “this may be a ‘short session,’ but it is unlike any in our history.” Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)
Facing blood shortage, Bloodworks Northwest has less than a day’s supply
The critical blood shortage that started with the pandemic shows no signs of letting up, according to Bloodworks Northwest. The local nonprofit said the shortage has left it in dire straits. Bloodworks said it has less than a full day’s supply for the Northwest, with most blood types at emergency levels. Hospitals are canceling elective surgeries because of the shortage, said spokesperson John Yeager. The weather, an increase in COVID-19 cases and staff shortages that closed some donation centers all contributed to the crisis, he said. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)
Why Coronavirus Testing Is Falling Short in Many Schools Across the U.S.
In California, storms over the winter break destroyed a million coronavirus test kits that were meant to help schools screen returning students. In Seattle schools, children waited for hours for virus testing, some in a driving rain. In Florida this month, an attempt to supply tests to teachers in Broward County turned up expired kits. Continue reading at The New York Times. (Allison Zaucha)
Associated Press
Gov. Inslee calls on lawmakers for ‘big’ and ‘bold’ action
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Sim Sefzik to replace late Sen. Doug Ericksen in Senate
Biden sending more COVID tests to schools to keep them open
Aberdeen Daily World
Homeless man tells about lifestyle in Aberdeen
Auburn Reporter
Will omicron’s wave usher a new round of boosters?
Widespread burnout among healthcare workers prompts change at hospitals (Riccelli, Berry, Fitzgibbon, Shewmake, Robinson, Keiser)
Bellingham Herald
With a strong finish in 2021, here’s what Bellingham International Airport expects for 2022
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Whatcom County Council names replacement for Sen. Ericksen
Neo-Nazi gets 7 years in Seattle court for threats to reporters, activists
CDC advises against travel to Canada due to COVID, as lawmakers plead for no border closure
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New forecasts show Nooksack rising higher as atmospheric river nears Whatcom
Capital Press
Uncertainty over latest WOTUS regs may require Supreme Court to sort out issue, Farm Bureau speakers say
Vilsack vows ‘voluntary and incentive-based’ climate strategy for farms
Columbian
Vancouver City Council approves $402K for modular shelters for homeless
Blood supply critical in Northwest, nationwide as COVID stems donations
Opinion: In Our View: Schools must strive to keep in-person learning
Everett Herald
If not for Tulalip Healing Lodge, ‘I wouldn’t be here right now’
Prediction: 33%-50% of Snohomish County could catch omicron
Mukilteo School Board plans vote on the fate of ‘Mockingbird’
Businesses and nonprofits plan to push through COVID in 2022
Federal lawsuit challenges ‘tribal monopoly’ on sports betting
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Economic Alliance launches new diversity and equity program
Bloomberg Comment: Going to take more than laws to defend democracy
WaPo Comment: Time to make N95 masks the standard for covid fight
High Country News
Building equity into the renewable energy transition
The Inlander
Consistent Inland Northwest blood donors needed as supplies reach crisis level nationally
Islands’ Weekly
COVID-19 booster recommendation expands to everyone age 12 and older
Kitsap Sun
Kitsap County commissioners approve sales tax increase for affordable housing
News Tribune
It’s taking Pierce County 911 operators longer to answer your calls for help. Here’s why
New terms for sale of Auburn federal campus. Government hopes to close next month
Pierce County nears 1,000 COVID-19 deaths since the start of pandemic as cases balloon
Criminal charges filed in Puyallup River pollution case. Dam operator faces jail time, fines
New JROTC program is a first for Peninsula School District. Here’s what they’re doing
New York Times
Consumer prices popped again in December as policymakers await an elusive peak.
A Voting Rights Push, as States Make Voting Harder
Why Coronavirus Testing Is Falling Short in Many Schools Across the U.S.
Olympian
County extends hotel stays for those displaced by Deschutes Parkway homeless camp sweep
Six more die due to COVID-19 in Thurston County as case count breaks record again
MultiCare submits plans to launch emergency medical center in Lacey
Washington Tribes face sports betting, gaming challenge in new lawsuit
‘We need action’ Gov. Inslee says in annual State of the State address
Thurston County 911 services hit with outage Tuesday evening
Puget Sound Business Journal
With Washington state hospitals pushed to the brink by Omicron, some recovered patients can’t leave
Inslee urges action on housing, climate in State of the State speech
Seattle Times
Facing blood shortage, Bloodworks Northwest has less than a day’s supply
I-90 eastbound closed near Ellensburg due to jackknifed semis
Purported leader of violent neo-Nazi group sentenced to prison for Seattle-area threats, intimidation
Growing list of Seattle-area schools switch to remote learning, cancel classes
Gov. Inslee gives State of the State speech calling for action from lawmakers (Frockt)
Simon Sefzik to replace late Sen. Doug Ericksen in Senate
Opinion: Lawmakers’ neglect of school seismic safety risks children’s lives
Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon schools plan for possible return to online learning
Demand for COVID-19 testing exceeding capacity at county-run site
Tri-City Herald
Federal judge refuses to overturn Hanford, PNNL COVID vaccine mandate
Richland schools websites back up after ransomware discovered
Walla Walla Union Bulletin
City of Walla Walla to consider request to remove Marcus Whitman statue
Walla Walla County’s health leader on COVID-19: ‘We’re seeing numbers we’ve never seen before’
Washington Post
Omicron will infect ‘just about everybody,’ Fauci says
In America, a child is shot every hour, and hundreds die. Here are 13 young lives lost in 2021.
Americans visited IRS refund website 632 million times last year as challenges swamp tax agency ‘in crisis’
Senate Democrats, with White House backing, unveil Russia sanctions bill
December prices rise 7 percent, compared to a year ago, as 2021 inflation reaches highest in 40 years
Yakima Herald-Republic
Tiny homes project near Milroy Park in Yakima continues to gain ground
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Inslee calls on lawmakers to address safe housing, clean transportation
What it could take for Seattle Public Schools to opt for remote learning
Independent journalist reflects on uncovering undocumented ruse by Seattle police
Landslide closes more than 2 miles of Newport Way NW in Issaquah
Washington neo-Nazi leader convicted in intimidation plot sentenced to 7 years in prison
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Massive boulder complicates reopening of White Pass
Moderate flooding expected from Tolt, Snoqualmie rivers
How to clean and reuse your KN95, N95 mask as prices surge
Inslee calls for bold action in State of State address
Some Seattle schools move to remote learning during omicron surge
Washington Neo-Nazi group leader sentenced to 7 years in prison for intimidation plot
Scientists say 2021 was great year for whales in Salish Sea, except for endangered orcas
Senators grill Biden administration about confusion over CDC guidance, testing shortages
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Top health officials sound alarm again about rise of COVID-19 cases
Rep. Klippert calls out Gov. Inslee on freedom of speech
Issaquah landslide shuts down Newport Way NW
Experts estimate high number of unreported COVID-19 cases in Washington
Neo-Nazi group leader sentenced to 7 years in prison
KXLY (ABC)
‘Last resort option’: Local school districts exhaust resources to keep kids in class
Lack of COVID-19 tests forces Mead School District to cancel sporting events, practices and ‘test-to-stay’ program
Q13 TV (FOX)
State board of health, group to discuss considering COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students
WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee’s emergency powers (Jinkins)
Web
Crosscut
In WA and beyond, students question the value of college degrees
WA legislators prepare for long list of climate change bills
MyNorthwest
‘We need action’: Gov. Inslee’s State of the State address highlights lengthy to-do list in 2022
New lawsuit challenges tribal exclusive sports betting in Washington state
Seattle Mayor Harrell appoints director of housing office, public safety
SPD ‘misinformation campaign’ has council, mayor’s office demanding answers
Freeway, mountain pass closures hit Puget Sound region grocery stores with shortages
Fired SPD officer who punched handcuffed suspect to sue city over termination
Southern Resident orcas hit Puget Sound absence record in 2021
Washington Neo-Nazi group leader sentenced to 7 years in prison for intimidation plot
West Seattle Blog
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