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Friday, Jan. 7

Editorial: Legislators should return state’s money for election-fraud junket
The three lawmakers who billed Washington taxpayers for a junket to a farcical election fraud-perpetuating conference demonstrated amazing gall. Each deserves a strong rebuke. The legislators on the far, far right of the Republican House caucus must repay their government reimbursements for hotels and flights to join MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell at his South Dakota conference last August. A renowned Trump supporter, Lindell aimed to spin up nonsense fraud claims into national traction. Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

Washington hospitals ‘closer to a crisis situation’ than ever before amid omicron surge
The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting Washington state hospitals harder than it ever has, especially hospitals in the Puget Sound region where the omicron surge is driving case counts to record levels. “We are closer to a crisis situation than we have ever been,” said Dr. John Lynch, medical director of infection control at the University of Washington’s Harborview Medical Center. During the Washington State Hospital Association’s (WSHA) Thursday morning briefing, one that CEO Cassie Sauer described as the “most depressing” briefing of the pandemic, health leaders sounded the alarm even louder on what could be at stake in the coming weeks if current projections hold. Continue reading at KING 5.

NW passes, other roads shut due to snow, slides, flooding
The latest winter storm to hit the Pacific Northwest brought flood warnings, a halt to travel across the mountains, school closures and icy roads Thursday. The major route across Washington’s Cascade mountains — Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass — was closed Thursday due to high avalanche danger, heavy snow and low visibility. Stevens Pass on U.S. 2, White Pass on U.S. 12 and Blewett Pass on U.S. 97 were also closed Thursday. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)

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Associated Press
NW passes, other roads shut due to snow, slides, flooding
State lawmakers return with money to spend, differing goals (Billig, Jinkins)
Vaccine rules affecting 80 million Americans goes before Supreme Court

Aberdeen Daily World
Flooding on Thursday harries Aberdeen drivers
Heavy rain, snowmelt lead to flooding on Grays Harbor County roads

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom, Lummi, Nooksack get federal disaster relief for flooding. Here’s what that allows
Whatcom breaks its pandemic infection rate record — again — as omicron quattuordecuples
Windchill back in the teens as snow closes Whatcom schools, makes roads treacherous

Columbian
Clark County health official warns surging omicron cases may strain hospitals
Oregon Metro Council OKs $36M for Interstate 5 Bridge plan
In Our View: Capitol riot revealed cracks in our democracy

Everett Herald
Drive-up COVID testing line clogs north Everett neighborhood
Marysville Pilchuck mascot decision postponed until spring
Inslee: Officials’ lies about election results should be crime
Supreme Court won’t take up lawsuits challenging redistricting
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: As hospitals are swamped, how to fairly ration care?

New York Times
The U.S. added 199,000 jobs in December as employers struggled to find workers.
Supreme Court Divided in Major Challenge to Biden’s Virus Plan
Former Biden Advisers Urge a Pandemic Strategy for the ‘New Normal’

Peninsula Daily News
Highway 101 reopened between 104 intesection and Hoodsport
Clallam courthouse closes for cleaning as COVID-19 cases rise
School delays due to inclement weather

Puget Sound Business Journal
Alaska Airlines announces deep flight cuts due to Omicron surge
State leaders urged to declare crisis as Covid hospitalizations rise
Why the Supreme Court’s OSHA mandate decision likely won’t end uncertainty for employers
Aerospace supply chain braces for Omicron threat amid workforce shortages

Seattle Times
Torrential rain breaks records across Western Washington; here’s when it will dry out
Seattle-area landlords and tenants still awaiting promised government aid as debt continues to mount
Rep. Pramila Jayapal: Democracy still at risk a year after Jan. 6 attack on Capitol
Pass closures prevent travel between east and west sides of Washington state
Opinion: Vaccines, more test kits and cooperation will get us through
Editorial: Legislators should return state’s money for election-fraud junket

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County working to replace faulty culverts
County residents eligible for federal flood assistance
Sedro-Woolley City Council expresses opposition to fully contained communities

Tri-City Herald
Inslee says ‘stop the steal’ election lies from WA lawmakers should be a crime
Tri-Cities snowed in. All 3 main passes over WA Cascades closed

Washington Post
Supreme Court hears challenges to Biden’s vaccine rules for workers
In the nation’s hospitals, this covid wave is different
Capitol Police officer sues Trump on Jan. 6 anniversary, saying he ‘directed the mob’ to violence
U.S. economy added just 199,000 jobs in December, before labor market confronted omicron surge
White House preparing to ask Congress for more funding for therapeutics, vaccines, other covid health needs
White House, USPS finalizing plans to begin shipping coronavirus test kits to U.S. households
More than 40 percent of Americans live in counties hit by climate disasters in 2021

Yakima Herald-Republic
Jan. 6 attack demonstrates fragility of democracy, Murray says
Former Yakima City Council candidate Garth McKinney charged with assaulting police officer
Yakima airport remains open for passenger, cargo flights

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington hospitals ‘closer to a crisis situation’ than ever before amid omicron surge
‘I remember every detail’: Rep. Jayapal reflects on Capitol riot one year later
Flooding impacts: 20-mile stretch of I-5 in Lewis County closed due to flooding

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Heavy rain, snow melt causes flooding in Issaquah
All major cross-state passes likely to stay closed until Sunday
Flood warnings in effect for some western Washington rivers
Empty grocery stores shelves spotted across Puget Sound
Inslee wants to outlaw officials and candidates lying about election results
‘The attack is continuing’: WA governor warns of future coup attempt on insurrection anniversary
Olympia Jail operations suspended due to COVID-19

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
A year after Jan. 6 riot, Inslee, state GOP leaders condemn it but differ over lie plan (Billig)
Washington recommends coronavirus boosters for everyone 12 and older
Washington state hospitals near ‘crisis’ as COVID cases surge, officials say
Heavy rains raise flooding threat in Issaquah as residents rush to protect homes, property
Washington reports more than 15,000 new COVID-19 cases

KNKX Public Radio
Inslee says lying about elections should be a crime
Green Amendment would add ‘healthy environment’ to constitutional rights in Washington – (Lekanoff, Das)

KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Omicron dominates Washington state
Fake SPD radio transmissions during 2020 protests ‘added fuel to the fire’
President Biden blasts Trump for ‘spreading a web of lies’ in a Jan. 6 speech

KXLY (ABC)
WA lawmaker barred from Capitol by vaccine rules wants to make bans illegal (Taylor)

Web

Crosscut
Staffing shortages on Washington ferries predate the pandemic

MyNorthwest
Wet weather, potholes in Washington make grocery deliveries challenging
Gov. Inslee proposes bill making it illegal for elected leaders, candidates to spread election fraud lies
Washington health leaders ask mild COVID patients not to visit emergency rooms
Gov. Inslee proposes bill making it illegal for elected leaders, candidates to spread election fraud lies
Evacuation notice issued for Skokomish Valley area in Mason County over flooding
Washington medical association urges Gov. Inslee to aid hospitals operating at ‘crisis capacity’
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell: SPD Proud Boys protest hoax was ‘totally unacceptable’

Thursday, Jan. 6

Seattle police faked radio chatter about Proud Boys as CHOP formed in 2020, investigation finds
At a crucial moment during 2020’s racial justice protests, Seattle police exchanged a detailed series of fake radio transmissions about a nonexistent group of menacing right-wing extremists. The radio chatter about members of the Proud Boys marching around downtown Seattle, some possibly carrying guns, and then heading to confront protesters on Capitol Hill was an improper “ruse,” or dishonest ploy, that exacerbated a volatile situation, according to findings released Wednesday by the city’s Office of Police Accountability. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

State to expand COVID-19 testing, push vaccination and offer free masks, governor says
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Wednesday that new steps will be taken to help address the surge in statewide omicron cases. Those steps include expanded testing, mass vaccination and free masks. Inslee’s administration said the Washington state Department of Health acquired 800,000 at-home testing kits this week, with an additional 4.7 million tests expected to arrive next week. Continue reading at The Olympian.

President Biden approves federal disaster funding for flood-hit areas of Washington
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for areas of Washington state hit hardest during the historic flooding in November. Unprecedented flooding in northwest Washington caused widespread damage and left officials across several counties scrambling to document the costs in the hopes of qualifying for federal relief dollars. The declaration makes federal funding available to affected people in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties, including the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Quileute Tribe. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
Seattle police faked right-wing radio talk during Capitol Hill protest, investigation finds
Juarez Elected First Indigenous Seattle City Council Head
Washington orders 5.5 million at-home tests for public

Aberdeen Daily World
Floodwaters wreak havoc in Grays Harbor County

Auburn Reporter
King County opens isolation center at Auburn Clarion Hotel

Bainbridge Island Review
BISD tries to stay open despite omicron

Bellingham Herald
Windchill back in the teens as snow closes Whatcom schools, makes roads treacherous
COVID-19 case numbers keep climbing in Whatcom. These regions have been hardest hit
Bellingham hospital treating record COVID patients, but modeling shows peak still to come
Locals to join virtual candlelight vigil marking Capitol insurrection
A regional manufacturer has purchased the former Safran building in the Barkley district
Broken pipes are a big headache for some Whatcom businesses. Here’s a list of closures

Capital Press
Three states, three sets of priorities
Solar company rejects WDFW’s suggestions on fencing
Nonprofit undertakes study of ‘regenerative’ agriculture
WSU AgWeatherNet to offer first weather school

Columbian
Clark County schools to disregard new CDC guidelines
Opinion: In Our View: We must protect our fragile democracy

Everett Herald
Shellfish war: Judge dismisses Tulalip clam-trafficking case
Monroe father charged with hate crime at high school
On cusp of record surge, Snohomish County exec gets COVID
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: How do we commemorate what happened Jan. 6?
Editorial: Help tell Tales of Two Rivers and their importance

The Inlander
Washington politicians hope to keep climate in focus during 2022 legislature (Carlyle)
After suspected treason during the War of 1812, an entire political party was eliminated; this

News Tribune
Homicide numbers increased in Pierce County last year, and fewer cases were solved
Big transportation projects affecting Pierce County are scheduled to come online in ’22
After nearly a decade, Lakewood names new mayor
Health department to launch new COVID test site as Pierce County tries to meet demand

New York Times
Lifesaving Covid Treatments Face Rationing as Virus Surges Again
Jan. 6 Panel Faces Difficult Questions as Anniversary of Capitol Riot Approaches

Olympian
State Capitol Campus security tightened since Mansion break-in attempt a year ago
COVID-19 numbers set record Wednesday in Washington state
Grants still available for Thurston businesses, nonprofits hit by pandemic
State to expand COVID-19 testing, push vaccination and offer free masks, governor says
Lacey cancels in-person option for Thursday meeting after COVID-19 cases spike

Peninsula Daily News
Kilmer hopes for federal funds for Highway 112 slides
COVID death reported in Clallam County
State Senate joins House in moving to hybrid floor votes (Billig)
State orders 5.5 million at-home tests for public

Port Townsend Leader
US 101 remains closed between Hoodsport, Quilcene
Jefferson County commissioner gets COVID

Puget Sound Business Journal
Universities continue to feel pandemic pain with big declines in 2021 student revenue
Providence Everett delays non-urgent procedures as Omicron rages
Swedish launches program with HBCU to bring Black doctors to the Northwest
Quit rates hit all-time high. White-collar jobs aren’t immune.

Seattle Times
Where the Washington residents charged with breaching the Capitol are now
Rain and snow pose flooding risks, extreme avalanche danger, close Washington’s cross-state passes
Criticism of Kent police Nazi controversy was hidden on social media by chief’s wife
Seattle police improperly faked radio chatter about Proud Boys as CHOP formed in 2020, investigation finds
Washington plans to distribute millions of at-home COVID tests and masks as omicron surges
King County to purchase 400,000 more COVID-19 test kits
Editorial: No business as usual after Jan. 6
Column: After the insurrection, I fought my urge to abandon this country

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County’s COVID-19 testing site to reopen Thursday
Seismic project at Skagit County Courthouse could be delayed

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Valley sees rise in COVID cases with omicron, holiday weekend

South Seattle Emerald
News Gleams: More affordable housing, help for families with young children, and more!
Opinion: Seattle’s curbs and corners

Tri-City Herald
Kennewick has new mayor. 1st controversy on the agenda is ethics complaints
‘Wasted my time.’ Franklin voting map committee frustrated with commissioners

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Vashon’s third spike reaches ‘unprecedented’ levels of disease

Wall Street Journal
Phone-Bill Fees to Fund Suicide Hotline Spark Statehouse Debates (Orwall)

Washington Post
On Jan. 6 anniversary, Biden calls out Trump for ‘web of lies’ about 2020 election
A year after Jan. 6, are the guardrails that protect democracy real or illusory?
Record 4,000 children hospitalized amid U.S. omicron surge
Supreme Court is set to review Biden’s vaccine rules for businesses, health-care workers. Here’s what to know.

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima health officials urge masks, vaccines as COVID cases skyrocket, hospitalizations rise
Former Yakima City Council candidate Garth McKinney charged with assaulting police officer
Yakima County jobless rate hits 31-year low for November

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
These are the Washingtonians facing charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
Jan. 6 one year later: Fact-checking three claims about the insurrection
Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for Jan. 6 Capitol attack
Mason County declares state of emergency over collapsed structures, snow impacts
President Biden approves federal disaster funding for flood-hit areas of Washington
Washington distributing 5.5 million at-home COVID-19 tests, opening new mass vaccination site
Lakewood COVID testing center closes due to high demand, ‘safety concerns’

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Mountain passes closed by heavy snow
OPA report: SPD used fake radio transmissions during 2020 CHOP protests
Road crews working long shifts in Bellingham after another round of snow
Trash woes continue as some neighborhoods start third week with no garbage pickup
Police shoot and kill suspected burglar who killed K-9, injured officer
President approves disaster relief funding for Washington communities ravaged by flooding last year
Inslee announces free at-home testing, masks amid surge in omicron cases
Mayor calls for resignation of Kent police official who displayed Nazi insignia on office door
Seattle expands ways for residents to receive COVID-19 vaccinations
King County purchases 400,000 additional COVID-19 test kits for residents
In wake of legal troubles, failed ballot initiative, Tim Eyman pivots to lawsuit against Gov. Inslee

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
All three major passes closed due to heavy snow, falling trees & poor visibility
President Biden approves Washington Disaster Declaration for historic November floods
Washington to expand access to coronavirus tests, to help contain spread of COVID-19
Getting COVID on purpose still a bad idea, doctor says
Amid big case backlog, new Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison vows to restore law, order

KNKX Public Radio
As omicron soars, Inslee announces expanded testing and mask distribution to keep schools open
With case counts soaring, demand for COVID tests causing long waits

KUOW Public Radio
President Biden blasts Trump for ‘spreading a web of lies’ in a Jan. 6 speech
Covid blog: Omicron dominates Washington state
COVID testing FAQ: When to test, what kind of test to use and what your results mean
One year after the Jan. 6 insurrection, signs of a nation deeper in peril

KXLY (ABC)
Inslee announces plan to expand testing, offer free masks in effort to tackle omicron surge
Some people turn to at-home COVID testing with demand so high. Is it accurate?
Spokane lawmaker pushes for bill that would create scholarships for violent crime survivors, families

Q13 TV (FOX)
Invasive crab species at Lummi sea pond has experts, locals concerned
President Biden issues major disaster declaration for historic November floods

Web

Crosscut
Poll says WA economy is top legislative concern for 2022
WA voters split on handling the pandemic and the economy, poll finds

MyNorthwest
Drive-by shooting bill pre-filed in Washington may never see daylight (Simmons, Hackney, Goodman)
King County district to use one-of-a-kind smartphone voting platform for third straight year
Snohomish County says save testing for those with symptoms, exposures
Watchdog group: SPD ‘added fuel to the fire’ during 2020 protests with fabricated Proud Boys threat
Opting against closures, Gov. Inslee shifts focus to increased COVID testing and boosters
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers tests positive for COVID-19

La Raza del Noroeste
Qué hacer si obtiene un resultado positivo en la prueba de COVID-19

The Stranger
The Cops Just Made Shit Up During CHOP

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)