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Wednesday, Jan. 5

Small businesses grapple with COVID-19 omicron variant surge in western Washington
The small business community is feeling the strain of an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases as the omicron variant continues to take hold in western Washington. In King County, there were 3,371 new COVID-19 cases since Monday, according to the latest available data from Public Health Seattle & King County. County health officials have determined omicron has become the dominant variant in the region in recent weeks. Businesses are beginning to feel the pinch as they grapple with labor shortages and other factors. Continue reading at KING 5.

Looking for at-home COVID tests? Take these steps to ensure you don’t get scammed online
People across the country have found scheduling an appointment to be tested for COVID-19 difficult due to the recent holidays, winter weather and higher demand spurred by a record increase in cases. Some have turned to purchasing at-home test kits online, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that demand has led to a number of fake and unauthorized test kits popping up online as scammers look to take advantage of this new market. Continue reading at The Olympian.

Washington’s new secretary of state mandates vaccines
In one of his first acts as Washington secretary of state, Democrat Steve Hobbs, of Lake Stevens, has told his some 300 staff to become vaccinated against COVID-19 by Feb. 25, or face losing their jobs. Under the previous secretary of state, Republican Kim Wyman, her office was the only statewide office that did not impose a vaccine requirement after Gov. Jay Inslee announced his mandate for state employees, health care workers and educators last summer. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)

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Associated Press
Washington’s new secretary of state mandates vaccines
Bruce Harrell sworn in, promises ‘one Seattle’ as new mayor
Mass Seattle Schools COVID tests show 4% positive rate
WA Senate moves to hybrid floor votes due to COVID-19 (Billig)
‘Put on the gas mask’ | Lawmakers remember terror during Jan. 6 capitol riot
A look at why so many vaccinated people are getting COVID-19 recently

Bellingham Herald
Icy roads delay, close Whatcom schools Wednesday. More snow on the way
Whatcom home prices hit new highs in 2021 as low inventory continues to be an issue
Whatcom County Council delays appointing new senator to replace Ericksen. Here’s why
Here’s the list of Whatcom businesses closing during COVID case spike
Whatcom’s COVID case count jumps 5% with record 947 cases reported over New Year’s weekend
How big an impact did COVID restrictions have on bookings into Whatcom’s jail last year?
Bellingham hospital sets COVID record high and asks Whatcom residents to get booster shots

Capital Press
Panel rules against Canada in U.S. dairy dispute
Hay expo to help farmers weather shipping problems
Tree tappers: Researcher envisions commercial maple syrup industry in NW

Everett Herald
Providence pauses non-emergency procedures and visitation
Speak up and listen up at virtual ferry community meetings
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Kent mayor wants resignation of assistant police chief over Nazi symbol
Bloomberg Comment: Jan. 6 hearings are for the benefit of democracy
WaPo Comment: What media must now do to ensure democracy’s survival
WaPo Comment: 1918 flu trying to tell us something about omicron

International Examiner
Minecraft is an innovative tool to educate youth on COVID-19, vaccinations

Journal of the San Juan Islands
COVID-19 cases spike significantly in the past week

Kent Reporter
Kent Mayor Ralph calls for resignation of assistant police chief
Jewish Federation ‘horrified’ at actions of Kent Police assistant chief

Kitsap Sun
COVID-19 testing becomes scarce in Kitsap as omicron cases surge

News Tribune
For the first time ever, women will make up a majority of Tacoma’s City Council
Pierce County Superior Court suspends jury trials, citing rising COVID-19 case numbers
These three rural Pierce County intersections will soon become roundabouts, WSDOT says
Thousands infected with COVID-19 in Pierce County in the last week, report shows
Opinion: It shouldn’t be this hard to get tested for COVID-19. Blame goes straight to the top

New York Times
This Vast Wildfire Lab Is Helping Foresters Prepare for a Hotter Planet
Why Isn’t Biden’s Expanded Child Tax Credit More Popular?
Biden ‘Over-Promised and Under-Delivered’ on Climate. Now, Trouble Looms in 2022.

Olympian
Thurston County logs record high COVID-19 cases this past week as Omicron takes over
Lacey cancels in-person option for Thursday meeting after COVID-19 cases spike
Whatcom County Council delays appointing new senator to replace Ericksen. Here’s why
Looking for at-home COVID tests? Take these steps to ensure you don’t get scammed online
Entire fire department resigns over dispute with mayor in Washington city

Peninsula Daily News
COVID-19 cases rise; lack of in-person meetings questioned
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Puget Sound Business Journal
Washington lawmakers propose more bills to alter long-term care tax (Sullivan, Chopp, Paul, Macri)
Payroll data shows the toll of Omicron variant on the service sector

Seattle Medium
Harrell Takes Office Full Of Optimism For Seattle To Thrive Under His Administration
Announcing Preservation Of Squire Park Plaza
Applicants Sought For The Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board
Dr. Yoshiko Harden Appointed As Interim President Of Seattle Central

Seattle Times
Disturbing allegations emerge about nonprofit hired to end Bitter Lake encampment in Seattle
Another round of snow and rain is headed to Puget Sound region
Seattle Public Schools reports 4% positivity rate in rapid COVID-19 tests of staff and students
Kent mayor seeks resignation of assistant police chief who posted Nazi insignia, joked about the Holocaust
To fight opioid crisis, UW researchers take new shot at developing vaccine against addictive drugs
Bruce Harrell promises ‘one Seattle’ as he takes reins as mayor
Washington state Democrats propose delaying WA Cares payroll tax until 2023 (Sullivan, Chopp, Paul)
Opinion: Advanced RN practitioners deserve equitable reimbursement
Editorial: Legislators should return state’s money for election-fraud junket

Skagit Valley Herald
COVID data no longer available on Skagit County website

South Whidbey Record
Omicron sweeps ferry system staff
Teen COVID cases see severe increase

Tri-City Herald
Tri-City area schools close or open late after freezing rain. Hanford, PNNL delay work
900+ new Tri-Cities COVID cases. Hospitalized patients climbing too

Vancouver Business Journal
Opinion: State Should Seize Opportunity to Champion the Economy

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Valley health officials say omicron mutation worrisome for hospitalization rates

Washington Post
Lawmakers begin early talks about another round of coronavirus relief targeting businesses
What is ‘flurona?’ Coronavirus and influenza co-infections reported as omicron surges.
1,400 flights canceled Wednesday as airlines’ troubles persist
Biden promised more coronavirus tests but the surge is now
‘No pictures, no pictures’: The enduring images from Jan. 6

Yakima Herald-Republic
Janice Deccio chosen as mayor by new Yakima City Council
Proposal would create alert system for missing Indigenous people in Washington (Lekanoff, Goodman)

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Kent mayor asks for assistant police chief’s resignation for displaying Nazi insignia
588 COVID-19 tests come back positive from Seattle Public Schools’ two-day testing blitz
Small businesses grapple with COVID-19 omicron variant surge in western Washington
COVID-19 omicron variant less severe in children than the delta, according to Seattle Children’s

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
More lowland snow on the way Wednesday, especially for North Sound, foothills
Bill proposes alert system to help locate missing Indigenous people
4% of Seattle students & staff test positive in 2-day mass testing effort
State lawmakers seek to close crucial loophole in pause of long-term care tax (Sullivan, Chopp)
New Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell calls for unity in inaugural speech
Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass sees most snowfall in 20 years
Seattle University extends remote instruction as omicron variant continues to spread

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington schools chief weighs in on chance of return to remote learning amid COVID surge
Citing COVID case rise, Seattle Public Schools suspends middle school basketball season
New state law proposal aims to stop catalytic converter thiefs cold
Mayor Bruce Harrell vows ‘one Seattle’ as city copes with COVID, crime, homelessness
Children make up over two-thirds of COVID-19 cases in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties
Seattle University will stay in virtual learning through January
Passes reach highest snow total in 20 years, more incoming
WA state sees highest number of deadly crashes in a decade

KNKX Public Radio
Rising COVID cases take toll on Legislature, health departments, testing sites
Reversing predecessor, Washington’s new secretary of state mandates vaccines

KUOW Public Radio
The CDC says a test to get out of COVID isolation is not needed, resisting pushback
House Jan. 6 committee seeks to question Fox News’ Sean Hannity about the Capitol riot
The CDC now recommends Pfizer boosters after 5 months, down from 6

KXLY (ABC)
Lawmakers want to push back Washington Cares Fund to July 2023

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington lawmakers file bill to delay long-term care tax

Web

Crosscut
Why child care in the U.S. lags behind much of the world
WA lawmaker barred from Capitol by vaccine rules wants to make bans illegal (Taylor)

MyNorthwest
Seattle Public Schools reports 4% COVID positivity rate from two days of testing
Edmonds City Council votes to reduce extension fee for ‘streateries’
In wake of legal troubles, failed ballot initiative, Tim Eyman pivots to lawsuit against Gov. Inslee
Washington Secretary of State’s office ends holdout, will implement COVID vaccine mandate
City Attorney Davison swears in, pledges advocacy for ‘powerless’ crime victims
Debora Juarez unanimously elected to be next Seattle City Council president
Interim SPD Chief Adrian Diaz could get chance to take over role in permanent capacity
State lawmakers seek to close crucial loophole in pause of long-term care tax
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell outlines vision for ‘one Seattle’ in inaugural address
Washington House will start session mostly remote as COVID cases surge

The Stranger
Say Goodbye to Seattle’s Violent Antifa Socialist Hellscape and Hello to “One Seattle”

Tuesday, Jan. 4

3 WA lawmakers attended election conspiracy conference on taxpayer dime
Documents show three Republican lawmakers from Washington used taxpayer dollars to attend MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell’s election fraud symposium in South Dakota in August. Public records released to The Seattle Times last week show state Reps. Robert Sutherland of Granite Falls, Vicki Kraft of Vancouver, and Brad Klippert of Kennewick requested and received expense reimbursements from the Legislature for the symposium. The state paid $4,361 in all for their hotels and flights. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Manuel Balce Ceneta)

More than 103,000 Americans hospitalized with covid, matching worst of summer surge
More than 103,000 Americans were hospitalized with covid-19 on Monday, according to Washington Post figures, the highest number since late summer, when the delta variant of the coronavirus triggered a nationwide surge in cases. The figure reflects a 27 percent rise in covid-19 hospitalizations in the United States in the past week, while the daily average of new cases during the same period more than doubled. Average daily new deaths from covid-19 declined by 8 percent. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Jenn Ackerman)

Country’s first alert system for missing and murdered Indigenous people proposed in WA
A new bill to create the country’s first-ever alert system to help identify and locate missing Indigenous women and people will be proposed in Washington state’s next legislative session, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Monday, Jan. 3. Similar to “silver alerts” for missing vulnerable adults, the system created by House Bill 1725 would broadcast information about missing Indigenous people on message signs and highway advisory radio messages as well as through press releases to local and regional media. Continue reading at The Olympian.

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Associated Press
3 WA lawmakers attended election conspiracy conference on taxpayer dime
Heavy snow closes some passes, highways in Washington and Oregon
Starbucks says employees must get vaccine or test weekly
CDC approves Pfizer extra dose measures to increase access
State House returns to mostly remote session amid COVID spike (Jinkins, Sullivan, Ortiz-Self, Stonier)

Auburn Reporter
New laws bring changes to minimum wage, plastic silverware, voting rights for felons
Opinion: Jan. 6, 2021: A date that will live in infamy

Bellingham Herald
This longtime Whatcom County gravel supplier was sold to an international firm
Whatcom sets new weekly record for COVID-19 cases, as another death reported by state
Bellingham hospital sets COVID record high and asks Whatcom residents to get booster shots
Snow still in the forecast; these Whatcom schools resume classes late after winter break
Whatcom officials in ‘uncharted territory’ after facility accused of unpermitted expansion
Whatcom’s gross domestic product dipped, but Safran, Intalco show this promise

Capital Press
Biden sets agenda for boosting meat processing competition
Heavy snow closes highways in Washington and Oregon

Everett Herald
Everett swears in first City Council with women in majority
Overnight snow, rain close many Snohomish County schools
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: America’s hunger pandemic is getting worse
Bloomberg Comment: Medicare needs to conduct own Alzheimer’s drug trial
Comment: In cutting health care costs don’t limit patient care
Editorial: Too few have internet access; that’s set to change

Federal Way Mirror
Kent Police assistant chief suspended for displaying Nazi insignia

High Country News
‘Cultural resources are not a renewable thing for us.’

News Tribune
You’ll soon need to ask if you want plastic cutlery with your takeout in WA. Here’s why
COVID test demand in Pierce County soars as sites overrun following holidays
Crews cut through fence to reach fatal train-strike victim on new route through Lakewood

New York Times
In the Capitol’s Shadow, the Jan. 6 Panel Quietly Ramps Up Its Inquiry
‘Insurmountable’: Parents Grapple With Omicron’s Upending Force in Schools

Olympian
An Olympia nonprofit took a stand against anti-camping laws. It cost them $1,700
South Sound school districts announce delays, closures for Tuesday, Jan. 4
COVID-19 case numbers explode in WA, according to data released Monday by DOH
Country’s first alert system for missing and murdered Indigenous people proposed in WA (Lekanoff)

Peninsula Daily News
Port of Port Angeles agrees to pay $67,000 fine
Clallam County’s COVID-19 case rate jumps, likely due to omicron variant
COVID in the house for the holidays
Washington reports record number of new COVID cases in one day
Broadband to expand west of Port Angeles

Puget Sound Business Journal
Playbook for 2022: How businesses can approach PPP forgiveness, appeals
Starbucks explains how it will enforce the federal workplace vaccine mandate
UW Medicine delays elective surgeries as Covid cases surge
Y2K22? Microsoft issues customer fix for bug causing emails to go missing
SBA’s EIDL program is closed to new applicants. Here are other options for small-business owners

Seattle Times
Hoping for recovery, Boeing bosses look to the future, deflect questions on the MAX crashes
Jailed for 9 years, man acquitted of 2008 slaying sues King County, Redmond for ‘malicious prosecution’
Kent assistant police chief disciplined for posting Nazi insignia, joking about Holocaust
Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson takes office, looking for improvements for businesses, public safety
Washington House to hold remote legislative sessions as COVID’s omicron surge continues
When utilities spark wildfires in Washington, they can ‘burn down your house and get away with it’
Editorials: Ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County approves higher rates for ambulance service
Program set up to reimburse legal fees in voided drug cases
New COVID-19 cases in Skagit County again climb above 300 for the week
Mental health professional partners with east county deputies

Tri-City Herald
Taxpayers paid for Tri-Cities lawmaker’s trip to controversial ‘stop the steal’ conference

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla open to emergency, essential services only

Washington Post
Facebook groups topped 10,000 daily attacks on election before Jan. 6, analysis shows
More than 103,000 Americans hospitalized with covid, matching worst of summer surge
A record 4.5 million workers quit or changed jobs in November
The Jan. 6 committee: What it has done and where it is headed

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
King County jail system faces largest COVID-19 outbreak of pandemic
State fines Ellensburg doctor for COVID-19 mask violations after KING 5 investigation
Tell first responders your medical condition with new symbols on your state ID

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Icy conditions on roads causing crashes, concerns
Snoqualmie Pass reopens after being closed for heavy snow, avalanche danger
Latest snow brings power outages to thousands
Urban flooding possible as rain returns, thaw underway
Capital gains tax, minimum wage increase among new laws taking effect in 2022

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Passes reach highest snow total in 20 years, more incoming
Parents, students concerned Omicron surge will affect in-person learning
Hundreds line up for Pierce County’s new temporary COVID-19 test site
Catalytic converter thieves open fire when car owner confronts them

KNKX Public Radio
Omicron scrambles plans for start of Washington’s legislative session

KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Omicron dominates Washington state
WA taxpayers paid for three state lawmakers to attend election conspiracy event
Congress’ doctor urges lawmakers to work remotely and upgrade masks as omicron rages
Officials are determined to keep schools open, despite omicron

Q13 TV (FOX)
Some COVID testing sites close Monday due to full capacity

Web

Crosscut
The Snoqualmie Tribe asks for support to protect their most sacred site

MyNorthwest
Washington AG Bob Ferguson says it’s been a ‘slow recovery’ from COVID
Missing Indigenous women ‘crisis’ the target of new alert system proposal
‘Schools should be the last to close’: local lawmaker advocates for rapid tests rather than K-12 closures
UW Medicine postpones non-urgent surgeries over rise in COVID cases

The Stranger
UW Researchers Begin the Fight to Organize

Monday, Jan. 3

New year brings new laws for Washington state residents
The arrival of 2022 also brings with it a raft of new laws set to take effect in Washington state, including legislation that aims to restore voting rights and ban the use of Native American images and names as school mascots. Customers who take food orders to go will now have to ask for single-use eating utensils and condiments because a new law that starts Saturday prohibits establishments from providing them without being asked to do so. In other instances, the new legislation was personal for its sponsors. Continue reading at KOMO News.

The F.D.A. clears booster shots for 12- to 15-year-olds
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, a group that became eligible for initial shots in May. Regulators also shortened by a month the amount of time that adults and adolescents should wait between second and third doses, allowing them to seek booster shots five months after second injections. And they allowed some immunocompromised children aged 5 to 11 to seek a third shot, including those who have undergone solid organ transplants or have conditions that amount to “an equivalent level of immunocompromise,” the F.D.A. said in a statement. Continue reading at The New York Times. (Rachel Woolf)

Washington state minimum wage to increase 80 cents Saturday
The Washington State minimum wage increases Saturday, reflecting inflation over the past year. The new hourly minimum, which applies to employees 16 years and older, will increase 80 cents per hour to $14.49 from the current $13,69, according to the state Department of Labor & Industries. Employees aged 14-15 will earn $12.32 per hour. L&I is required to make adjustments to the minimum wage every year based on cost-of-living expenses. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Getty Images)

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Associated Press
FDA expands Pfizer boosters for more teens as omicron surges

Aberdeen Daily World
Cosmopolis Volunteer Fire Department notifies of walkout
Pandemic housing market hits Grays Harbor

Auburn Reporter
Registration now open for Auburn mobile vaccination clinic
King County scientists work to save chinook salmon
Opinion: Don’t fool yourself: COVID’s tentacles are long enough to reach even you

Bainbridge Island Review
Medical office: Get COVID vaccine
Sign up for booster shot starting Dec. 30

Capital Press
Senators target Washington sheriff’s cougar policy (Van De Wege, Rolfes)
PORT GRIDLOCK: Global shipping crisis snarls agricultural exports, increasing costs and delays
Washington builders ask high court to rule on veto
Easterday seeks third postponement of sentencing
Biden to meet with farmers as he seeks to cut meat prices
Applications sought for Western water, power maintenance projects
Snow, rain brighten 2022 Western water outlook, but not for everyone
Solar project OK’d over Yakima Farm Bureau’s objection

Columbian
Clark County Council looks back on 2021
Opinion: In Our View: Equitable school funding again builds concern
Opinion: In Our View: Plenty of reasons to be optimistic about 2022
Opinion: Cheers & Cheers: A positive start to New Year
Opinion: In Our View: New laws taking effect Saturday will have impact
Opinion: In Our View: Close digital divide to enhance equity
Opinion: In Our View: Washington homeless crisis demands attention
Opinion: In Our View: Inslee’s climate proposals put state on right path
Opinion: In Our View: Legislature needs to address insurance issues

Everett Herald
New laws bring changes at takeout counter, OT for farm workers
After Oso disaster, landslide prediction remains vexing, necessary
Legal fight on redistricting returning to the Supreme Court
Authorities did little to help displaced low-income tenants
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Snohomish County reports record spike in COVID-19 cases
‘Life-changing’ program expanding, offering services instead of arrest
Light rail’s effects lead 2022’s transportation outlook
Bloomberg Comment: Use testing to head off a return to virtual learning
Comment: Allowing dental therapists would improve kids’ care
Comment: In cutting health care costs don’t limit patient care
Comment: What 2022 holds for misinformation and social media
Editorial: Make a resolution that brings a more perfect union
Letter: If BBB can’t be adopted, pass a carbon fee dividend

The Inlander
Washington’s long-term care tax delayed so lawmakers can address issues (Billig)

Kent Reporter
Kent Police assistant chief suspended for displaying Nazi insignia

News Tribune
Gig Harbor’s new mayor sees herself as a peacemaker. Here are her plans for the city
Departing Tacoma City Council members offer advice for tackling major issues ahead
Bitter cold, snow on its way out as temps rise across region in coming days

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Vaccines Return to Focus as Omicron Wave Proves Milder
Live Updates: Omicron Disrupts Schools Across the U.S.
The F.D.A. clears booster shots for 12- to 15-year-olds.
A Tribe’s Bitter Purge Brings an Unusual Request: Federal Intervention
Child Tax Credit’s Extra Help Ends, Just as Covid Surges Anew
With Omicron’s Rise, Americans Brace for Returning to School and Work

North American Post
History of “The North American Times”

Olympian
Thousands without power in Tumwater on Monday morning
Charges against missing Oakville 5-year-old’s parents elevated to felonies
Thurston County courts suspend jury trials as COVID-19 cases rise again
CDC considers updating COVID isolation rules following pushback on testing, Fauci says
What impact the 2021 legislature had, and what’s on the docket for 2022 (Simmons, Fitzgibbon, Carlyle)
Top 10 stories of 2021 in Thurston County
Washington state minimum wage to increase 80 cents Saturday
Former Chief Justice of Washington Supreme Court has died of cancer at 64
WA senator who battled COVID is mourned as father, friend, legislator in funeral

Puget Sound Business Journal
Surge in Omicron cases squeezes capacity at UW Medicine testing sites
Seattle University delays in-person return as Omicron surges
Opinion: Community colleges and apprentice programs can bridge skills gap

Seattle Times
Three WA Republican legislators used taxpayer money to attend Mike Lindell’s election conspiracy conference
Seattle-area school districts delayed or closed as rain adds to bad road conditions
Seattle Public Schools begins mass testing effort for coronavirus before school resumes
Why it’s often hard for people to recognize their own mental illness
The history — and destiny — of Seattle’s relationship with Bellevue is marked by connection and competition
‘They are supposed to protect us’: Community wants more from EPA for Duwamish Superfund cleanup
2021 was the deadliest on Washington roads in 15 years, puzzling experts
Opinion: Congress can help families with Child Tax Credit

South Seattle Emerald
Holidays bring a diversity of celebration on the South End
Opinion: Here’s what could happen in Washington if Roe v. Wade is overturned

Tri-City Herald
‘Policy leaders … take note.’ Survey finds NW residents support keeping Snake dams
Steep rise in Tri-Cities COVID cases as omicron variant spreads. More deaths reported
Franklin commissioners clash in contentious redrawing of voting districts

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Omicron overtakes delta as most dominant variant in US as COVID-19 cases spike
Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla open to emergency, essential services only
Walla Walla motels planned for conversion to apartments may include affordable units

Washington Post
Since Jan. 6, the pro-Trump Internet has descended into infighting over money and followers
FDA authorizes coronavirus vaccine boosters for 12- to 15-year-olds as schools reopen amid omicron surge
In latest effort to combat rising prices, White House to offer $1 billion in aid for smaller meat-industry producers
If American democracy is going to survive, the media must make this crucial shift
Much has changed since the start of the pandemic. But the nation’s public health system remains fractured.

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Minimum wage for hospitality, transportation workers in SeaTac surpasses Seattle wages
These new Washington laws went into effect on Jan. 1 (Lekanoff, Simmons)
Interest in testing Seattle students for COVID-19 spikes ahead of first day back
Pierce County opens COVID-19 testing site at Washington State Fairgrounds
Yes, CDC exposure guidelines are the same for the unboosted and unvaccinated

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Pierce County to open temporary COVID testing site to help with high demand
New year brings new laws for Washington state residents (Lekanoff, Simmons)
Seattle Police investigating string of shootings just hours into the new year

Web

Crosscut
What we learned this year about human waste and Puget Sound
How Crosscut’s Brady List stories impacted WA police accountability
Already-endangered WA salmon may take a hit from flooding
What you need to know about omicron and COVID in Washington
Washington hospitals are struggling to keep ahead of nursing shortages

MyNorthwest
Seattle’s new city attorney envisions future of office as balanced, collaborative, and accountable
Washington state Senator Doug Ericksen dies
Cold temperatures ‘could open the door’ to Christmas snow across Seattle area
Mental toll of COVID pandemic could push health care workers to leave
Entire fire department in Grays Harbor town resigns in protest
Seattle Children’s says severity of omicron seems less than delta
Capital gains tax, minimum wage increase among new laws taking effect in 2022
Latest ballot initiative from Tim Eyman misses signature deadline for 2022 ballot
State ferries on reduced schedules, short staffed heading into weekend
Seattle Public Schools announces Monday school closure citing COVID-19 testing effort

News Nation USA
Washington leaders react as Supreme Court weighs challenge to abortion laws – News Nation USA (Cleveland)

The Stranger
Seattle Mutual Aid Groups Try to Keep Unhoused Neighbors Alive in the Snow

West Seattle Blog
This may finally be the year for long-delayed Don Armeni Boat Ramp project

Friday, Dec. 17

Governor Jay Inslee stands at a podium with the Washington state seal on it. There is a video screen that says "2022 Budget Proposal" on it. A blue Washington state flag is behind him.

Inslee releases nearly $62 billion supplemental budget plan
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday released a nearly $62 billion supplemental state budget plan that looks to increase spending on efforts related to homelessness, climate change and salmon recovery. The Democratic governor spent most of the week unveiling his priorities, which include a plan to offer rebates for new and used electric vehicles, setting new standards for salmon habitat protection and conservation efforts, and increasing permanent supporting housing and permanent affordable housing units to serve a variety of unhoused populations. Continue reading at KNKX. (Rachel La Corte/The Associated Press)

Inslee announces $187M plan for salmon recovery
Gov. Jay Inslee has proposed investing $187 million in salmon recovery as part of his 2022 budget and policy proposals. Inslee announced his salmon proposals Tuesday at the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community reservation’s Swadabs Park, The Bellingham Herald reported. The legislation would set new standards for salmon habitat protection and conservation efforts. The Lorraine Loomis Act was named in honor of the Swinomish tribal elder and salmon advocate who died this summer. Continue reading at the Peninsula Daily News.

Inslee: COVID hospital capacity a key measure as state prepares for omicron variant
Washington’s hospital capacity is a key measure to watch as the state prepares for a surge in the omicron variant, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday. “I don’t think the goal at the moment is to eradicate COVID from planet Earth,” Inslee said during a news conference to unveil his 2022 state supplemental budget. “To me, the salient criteria is hospital capacity.” Inslee said the state must continue to drive down new cases. And he expressed hope that declining cases in combination with antiviral medications to fight COVID-19, currently under federal review, could bring the pandemic to a more manageable situation. Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

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Associated Press
Inslee announces $187M plan for salmon recovery
Inslee releases nearly $62 billion supplemental budget plan
Governor Inslee Unveils Plan to Address Homelessness

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom County sees another COVID-related death but no new omicron variant cases reported
Shaken awake early Friday? You may have felt a small quake that struck west of Whatcom

Columbian
Clark County reports 18 new COVID-19 deaths as disease activity begins to increase
In Our View: U.S. must focus on being pro-child, not pro-life

Everett Herald
Police: Student, 15, brought gun to Lynnwood high school
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
At this newly-built Arlington stream, the coho have arrived
Mukilteo’s next ferry, a hybrid-electric, will be called Wishkah
Column: Schwab: Anti-vax and anti-mask physicians, heal thyselves
WaPo comment: State lawmakers threaten colleges’ academic freedom
Editorial: Covid recedes in hospitals, exposing other worries
Letter: We need housing a county sales tax increase would provide

Mercer Island Reporter
Legislators participate in discussions on local and regional issues (Senn, Thai, Wellman)

New York Times
Doctors and Nurses Are ‘Living in a Constant Crisis’ as Covid Fills Hospitals and Omicron Looms
Examining the Role of Climate Change in a Week of Wild Weather
Climate Change an ‘Emerging Threat’ to U.S. Financial Stability, Regulators Say

Olympian
Pierce County state representative decides to retire after 21 years in the Legislature
Will Washington be the next state to end single-family zoning?

Peninsula Daily News
Over 11 million COVID vaccine doses given in Washington state in past year
Sequencing tests underway for wrestling teams

Port Townsend Leader
Washington State Parks offers free day

Puget Sound Business Journal
The end of a return-to-office date
T-Mobile raises minimum wage to $20 an hour amid labor crunch
Study finds more health care workers may quit over pandemic burnout
FAA official calls Boeing test pilot a ‘scapegoat’ in 737 Max case

Seattle Times
‘Liquid sunshine’ is coming to the Seattle area! But that’s just another way to say rain
Cleveland, Bothell high schools abruptly close Friday; Franklin High School reopens after 2 days
Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant defeats recall effort
In Seattle schools, the cost of buses climb as transportation falters. Is there another choice?
Spurning old way of counting homeless people, King County says number is much higher than previously reported
Inslee: COVID hospital capacity a key measure as state prepares for omicron variant
Concrete driver strike could slow light-rail construction, says Sound Transit CEO
1 in 5 nurses say they’ll quit their careers as pandemic takes steep toll on mental health, WA study shows
Opinion: Embrace long-needed countywide collaboration to end homelessness

Skagit Valley Herald
Ground broken on homeless housing project

South Seattle Emerald
Community Land Conservancy sees a green future for communities of color
New community birth center expands access in the South Sound
Opinion: #stopasianhate and International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

Tri-City Herald
First Omicron COVID variant cases found in Tri-Cities
Tri-Citian couldn’t reach 911 after icy rollover. AG blames CenturyLink for WA outage

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Giving Tree presents donated by residents stolen from local office in Walla Walla

Washington Post
Pfizer to test a third dose of coronavirus vaccine in young children after two-dose regimen falls short
Hot economy collides with huge virus surge in pandemic’s latest twist
Children exposed to covid can safely stay in class with in-school testing, CDC says
After decades, some of America’s most toxic sites will finally get cleaned up

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Gov. Inslee calls for increased spending thanks to improving economy, federal aid
Most Washington health care workers with COVID-19 allegations aren’t disciplined (Stonier)
Police, western Washington schools on alert after social media threats
Tacoma business owner, city council member look at electric fences as crime deterrents
‘Devastation’: One month after floods, Sumas slow to return to normal

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Viral social media post puts Western Washington schools on alert
Schools beefing up security in response to threats on TikTok
A different 911 response: Health One expanding to South Seattle
Tacoma Public Schools will be in lockdown Friday following national TikTok threat
Ferguson calls for maximum penalty after 2018 911 outage
Flu season making resurgence while COVID-19 raging
Bothell High School to close Friday due to threatening graffiti found on campus
President Biden awards Medal of Honor to JBLM sergeant

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘Threatening’ graffiti found at Bothell High School, class to be held remotely
Gov. Inslee unveils nearly $62B supplemental budget plan for 2022 (Rolfes)
Parents brainstorm for solutions after shooting at Garfield High in Seattle
Lynnwood student arrested for reportedly bringing gun, ammunition to school
Kennedy Catholic High School cancels class due to multiple COVID-19 cases
Tacoma School District to operate on modified lockdown because of TikTok post

KNKX Public Radio
He’s 13 years old, autistic and stuck in the hospital for the holidays. He’s not the only one

KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Lead pipes have contaminated water for decades. Biden’s new plan will replace them

Web

Crosscut
Washington launches program to cut underwater noise in Puget Sound
Podcast | Pramila Jayapal on Build Back Better and Sen. Joe Manchin

MyNorthwest
Omicron likely to drive up King County COVID cases ‘suddenly and rapidly’ over next week
Schools across Puget Sound region on high alert over threat from viral TikTok post
Attempt to recall Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant fails
Gov. Inslee lays out his $62 billion supplemental budget proposal for 2022
Washington airports to receive $77.5 million in infrastructure funding
911-alternate response Health One builds momentum with South Seattle arrival
Voices behind Compassion Seattle, ‘Seattle is Dying’ series score new roles in city hall
Year-long Tacoma universal basic income pilot program kicks off

Thursday, Dec. 16

New omicron cases confirmed in Washington state indicate spread, health officials say
Public health officials on Wednesday announced the discovery of more coronavirus cases involving the omicron variant in Washington state, indicating substantial community spread of the variant across the region. The news comes as researchers are rushing to find out the implications of omicron, which was first identified in South Africa and has spread “explosively fast” in other places, such as the U.K., health officials said. Earlier this week, top U.S. officials warned an omicron surge could peak with a wave of infections as soon as January — and health experts are renewing a push for vaccinations and booster shots. Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

Tacoma’s universal basic income pilot program starts with 110 families
Researchers are hoping to have a better understanding of the impact of universal basic income by this time next year. Starting Wednesday, $500 will be given to 110 families in Tacoma over the next 12 months. Dona Ponepinto, president and CEO of United Way of Pierce County, said researchers will be following the chosen families during that time to see how the money is being spent. The program will hopefully demonstrate how impactful guaranteed income can be for families who need extra help and provide lawmakers with more context to, Ponepinto said. Continue reading at KING 5.

Inslee rolls out $815 million plan to address homelessness
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday proposed a host of efforts to address homelessness in the state, including a plan to help people stay in their homes, increasing emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing and expanding services for addiction or mental health issues. Inslee’s plan looks to spend about $815 million, with more than two-thirds covered by federal coronavirus funding the state has received. His proposal looks to build on nearly $2 billion of state and federal money that was approved by the Legislature earlier this year for housing and homelessness programs. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)