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Friday, Jan. 28

Delay of Washington’s long-term-care program signed into law
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday signed into law an 18-month delay of the state’s new long-term-care program, which creates a defined benefit to help offset the costs of such care. His signature comes a day after lawmakers gave final approval to the move amid concerns about the program’s solvency and criticism about elements of the underlying law, including the fact people close to retirement would pay in but not receive the benefit. “We do have to get this right because this is so important to so many people,” Inslee said at a news conference. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)

With fares depressed, Sound Transit grapples with ‘financially unsustainable’ trajectory
Revenue from fares on Sound Transit buses and trains has cratered in recent years as operating costs climb, creating a “financially unsustainable” trajectory for the regional transit agency, CEO Peter Rogoff told board members Thursday. Depressed ridership because of COVID-19 underpins much of the drop in revenue. But Rogoff also blamed an increase in passengers who ride without paying, which comes as Sound Transit’s enforcement presence is significantly scaled back. “When you’ve got a situation with a 98% chance of being out on the system and not being contacted by anybody to have any conversation, that just lends itself to further noncompliance,” he said. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Washington State Patrol, criticized for lack of diversity, removes psychologist from hiring decision
The Washington State Patrol permanently stripped its staff psychologist of his power to approve or reject trooper candidates, a role that for nearly 30 years shaped the agency’s ranks. Under criticism for a lack of progress to diversify the force, WSP Chief John Batiste recently made the long-term shift to an outside contractor for psychological evaluations of candidates. Lawmakers, frustrated at the lack of progress, are considering legislation, released last week, that would step up oversight of the WSP’s diversity efforts. Today, 86% of troopers are white, a number that has barely budged in two decades even as the state has become more diverse. Continue reading at KUOW. (Washington State Patrol)

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Associated Press
Delay of Washington’s long-term-care program signed into law

Aberdeen Daily World
Mayor praises Aberdeen resident’s cleanup effort
Vaccine ‘obstinance’ is fueling Delta variant’s spread across America
Biden says social media ‘killing people’ with virus falsehoods
CDC: U.S. had most drug overdose deaths on record in 2020
Appeals court: Age-based handgun purchase ban unconstitutional

Bellingham Herald
Investment firm in talks with BPA for power contract that could reopen Whatcom’s Intalco
Here’s where to get free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests Whatcom County is distributing
Whatcom sees 1,206 new COVID cases, 6 deaths reported, as 5 more classrooms go remote
State Senate to offer this tribute to Whatcom’s late Sen. Doug Ericksen
COVID test shortage from state forces Bellingham school district to adjust prioritization

Capital Press
Ranchers tout bill to douse Ecology stockwater policy
Washington’s ag director recommends expansion of Columbia River Office
Federal vaccine mandate could delay H-2A workers at border
U.S. apple growers see dramatic drop in exports to SE Asia, China

The Daily News
Local legislators will host upcoming virtual town halls, briefings

Everett Herald
COVID cases prompt Community Transit to cut 36 bus trips
Hundreds seek housing in Snohomish County — but are on hold
High court: State must pay for some, not all, ballot boxes
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance

The Inlander
Lesley Haskell, wife of Spokane County Prosecutor, calls herself ‘White nationalist,’ uses N-word as slur

News Tribune
Pierce County reports 50 school-related COVID outbreaks, most happening in classrooms
Homeless encampment in southeast Tacoma to be cleared early next month, city says
Fed up with crime, hundreds of business owners gather in Tacoma to demand city action
Biden promises a Black woman on SCOTUS. Here’s what WA’s first Black female justice says
Will Pierce County see economic gains in 2022? Here are some key indicators to watch

Olympian
Lacey gun purchases soared in 2020, police data show
Gov. Inslee signs changes to WA Cares Act into law

Peninsula Daily News
Forks to receive $2.4 million for wastewater treatment plant
Grant to install solar at PUD
COVID case rates decreasing, but flu cases are here
Online open house seeks input on Simdars interchange design
State approves pause to long-term care program and tax (Billig)
Three flu-related deaths amid moderate flu activity, state reports

Puget Sound Business Journal
The Omicron variant disrupted return-to-office plans. Here’s how employers can prepare for the next variant.
Amazon settles with Washington state AG over price-fixing allegations

Seattle Medium
King County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Public Health To Locate Escapee
King County Awards $2 Million To Develop At Resource Center For Skyway
Eviction Suicide-Homicide In Graham
Black Lives Matter At School Look To Defeat Bill That Would Prohibit Teaching CRT In Public Schools
Constantine Announces $23.4 Million In Affordable Housing Funding

Seattle Times
With fares depressed, Sound Transit grapples with ‘financially unsustainable’ trajectory
Triple-deck $287M Kirkland interchange gets Sound Transit’s green light
3 teens who escaped from juvenile facility near Snoqualmie caught; 28 have fled in a decade
MyShake earthquake warning app now available in WA
Gov. Inslee signs bills to delay, expand exemptions in WA Cares long-term care program
Editorial: Make homegrown pickleball official sport of WA state

Skagit Valley Herald
La Conner School District unveils new logo

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Snoqualmie Tribe to open child care center, teach indigenous culture

South Seattle Emerald
40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. March Demands Truth in Education Now

Tri-City Herald
Kennewick schools may voice opinion on WA governor’s emergency powers
New solar farm planned as Tri-Cities officials back WA bill to halt energy projects

Washington Post
Lack of Medicare coverage for at-home coronavirus tests sparks outcry
They were sentenced to life in prison. Who should decide if they get a second chance?
Dow falls almost 300 points as January sell-off continues

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Gov. Inslee signs bill to delay long-term care tax until 2023 (Paul, Macri)
Worker alleges understaffing led to detainees’ escape in Snoqualmie
West Seattle salon ‘bombarded’ with financial loss due to omicron surge
Verify: Is your mask a counterfeit?

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Jeff Bezos opening a second free preschool for low-income families in Everett

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Tuning in or tuning out: making sense of growing WA State COVID numbers

KUOW Public Radio
Two Washington bills, two different approaches to renewable energy projects (Fitzgibbon)
WA police may regain authority to use force to stop people fleeing crime scene (Goodman, Johnson)
With his signature, Inslee pauses WA Cares program for 18 months
A second version of omicron is spreading. Here’s why scientists are on alert
Seattle police won’t pull you over for this: Today So Far
Washington State Patrol, criticized for lack of diversity, removes psychologist from hiring decision (Lovick, Van De Wege, Valdez)

KXLY (ABC)
Whitman County Public Health says hospitals are at or above capacity

NW Public Radio
Latino Voters Challenge Yakima Redistricting Map
What Does It Mean To Produce Sustainable Wine?
Public Provides Varied Testimony On Keep Washington Evergreen Bill (Harris-Talley)

Q13 TV (FOX)
State-commissioned survey uncovers ongoing safety, staffing problems at youth detention centers

Web

Crosscut
New King County homelessness authority kicks off with $170M budget
How punishing people for ‘doxxing’ could prove tricky for WA lawmakers (Lovick, Dhingra)
WA Bill tracker 2022

MyNorthwest
Washington residents can soon pick up free N95 masks
Cool ocean waters, abundant nutrients provide rosy outlook for Washington salmon
Dramatic rise in car thefts blamed on new Washington state law
Echo Glen youth detention center, site of recent escape, understaffed, underfunded, report says
Competing proposals for catalytic converter theft crackdown up for Thursday vote
Gov. Inslee approves 18-month delay on long-term care tax
Rideshare companies pour millions into PAC ahead of push for Washington ballot initiative
Earthquake early warning app now available in Washington

The Stranger
Rep. Berry: It’s Time for a Guaranteed Basic Income in Washington State

West Seattle Blog
Here’s what HPAC heard from SPD and SDOT at 2022’s first meeting
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Platform-raising Saturday; testing closures Sunday; party-planning postscript
West Seattle Transportation Coalition talks buses and ferries, and what else is up for the rest of your Thursday

Thursday, Jan. 27

State Senate approves delay of WA Cares, sending long-term care bills to Inslee’s desk
The Washington Senate Wednesday passed a pair of bills to delay the payroll tax for WA Cares by 18 months and change other parts of the fledgling long-term care program, sending the legislation to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. The passage of bills to address criticisms and concerns over a major Democratic priority comes just three weeks into the 2022 legislative session. The House voted on both pieces of legislation last week. Speed appears to remain the order of the day, with Inslee expected to sign the bills Friday, according to a spokesperson for the governor. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)

The flu is reemerging in Washington amid Omicron wave
The Washington Department of Health reports that influenza activity in the state has reached “moderate” levels for the first time in two years. Three people, all over the age of 65, recently passed away from the flu. The last time a person died from the flu in Washington was in the 2019-20 season — there were 114 reported flu deaths during that time. Comparing 2020 to 2022, there were 36 flu deaths by the end of January. The Covid-19 pandemic had driven flu cases to a “historically low” level in Washington, according to the DOH. Continue reading at KUOW. (Elaine Thompson)

South Sound region’s blood supply at crisis levels. Centers plead for donations
The people who collect blood and those who use it — blood banks and hospitals — are calling the current shortage in the South Sound unprecedented, historic and a crisis. Bloodworks Northwest declared a “Code Red” this month — the highest level of need the agency has. Normally, blood collection establishments try to have four to five days of blood on hand. On Tuesday, Bloodworks had a one-day supply, said Vicki Finson, vice president for blood services. Still, that’s an improvement from earlier in January when they were measuring their supplies in hours. Continue reading at The Olympian.

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Associated Press
Washington’s paid family leave program running short on cash (Keiser)
WA Legislature OKs pause to long-term care program and tax (Billig)
Washington: 3 flu-related deaths amid moderate flu activity
WA High Court to Hear Case About Transit Fare Enforcement

Aberdeen Daily World
Regional Fire Authority ballots arrive on doorsteps again
Editorial: Flooding heightens need for North Shore Levee Project

Auburn Reporter
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office testifies on behalf of catalytic converter theft bill, suggests additional measures

Bellingham Herald
State Senate to offer this tribute to Whatcom’s late Sen. Doug Ericksen
COVID test shortage from state forces Bellingham school district to adjust prioritization

Bothell-Kenmore Reporter
U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene writes letter to Postmaster General urging to reconsider closing Eastside mail distribution facility

Capital Press
A MANY-HEADED MONSTER: Illegal marijuana’s devastating impacts on agriculture
Inslee seeks to speed-up green projects; lawmaker says ‘slow down’

Columbian
Clark County schools’ COVID-19 cases continue to rise
Opinion: In Our View: Forest management key to preventing fires

Everett Herald
Council approves lease for Bezos Academy at Everett Station
Cornfield Report: Guv will testify; a dinosaur is revived; GOP is resurgent (Morgan)
After 1,200 positive cases, Tulalip Tribes face ‘deepest fear’
Auburn cop’s story conflicts with witness account of killing
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Lake Stevens council OKs separation with public works director
Bloomberg Comment: Investors, employees should know what workers make
WaPo Comment: At this point, rapid antigen tests better than PCR
Editorial: Catalytic converters thefts call for tighter rules

International Examiner
Photo essay: 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. march demands truth in education now

Kitsap Sun
Opinion: Washington’s long-term care program needs more than a short-term delay

Mercer Island Reporter
City launches Climate Action Plan community survey

News Tribune
Will Pierce County see economic gains in 2022? Here are some key indicators to watch
Police now investigating 12 fires from overnight in Tacoma, Ruston as arson

New York Times
U.S. Economy Grew 1.7% in 4th Quarter, Capping a Strong Year
Yes, Omicron Is Loosening Its Hold. But the Pandemic Has Not Ended.
Breyer’s Retirement Gives Democrats a Dose of (Cautious) Optimism
Transportation Dept. Outlines Plan to Address Rising Traffic Deaths

Newsweek
Washington State Bill Would Force Retailers to Let Truckers Use Restrooms (Sells)

Olympian
House bill would prevent landlords from denying housing based on criminal records (Davis)
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
South Sound region’s blood supply at crisis levels. Centers plead for donations
State Senate to offer this tribute to Whatcom’s late Sen. Doug Ericksen

Omack-Okanogan Chronicle
Courts would be subject to Open Records Act (Van De Wege)

Peninsula Daily News
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center project gets $8M
Clallam case rate back over 2,000
Lawsuit against mandate delayed
Three die from COVID-19 in Clallam County
Peninsula reaches peak of omicron, but risk factors remain
State high court to hear case about transit fare enforcement
Clallam, Jefferson counties win grants for broadband
Miller Peninsula State Park planning update presented Thursday
DOT sets overnight closures of Hood Canal Bridge

Port Townsend Leader
County health officer says falling COVID case rate will prompt repeal of rule

Puget Sound Business Journal
Puget Sound-area hospitals still under strain as Omicron cases plateau
SBA launches small-business cybersecurity grant program
Boeing posts $4.3B annual loss as Dreamliner woes continue
Monthly indices show Omicron variant slowed office demand again at end of 2021
The Great Resignation is changing how higher education approaches employee flexibility

Seattle Times
5 incarcerated teens attack staff, escape from juvenile facility near Snoqualmie
In a tough quarter for airlines, Alaska Air ekes out a profit
Washington State Patrol, criticized for lack of diversity, removes psychologist from hiring decisions (Lovick, Van De Wege)
Seattle’s post-5 p.m. sunsets are here
State Senate approves delay of WA Cares, sending long-term care bills to Inslee’s desk (Billig)
Cost of Highway 520 rebuild rises $406 million for stretch near Capitol Hill (Fey)
Two Seattle school levies would pay for education programs, upgrades to Memorial Stadium
Opinion: Weather disasters can teach us how to prepare for the future

Skagit Valley Herald
Federal infrastructure law could fund maintenance of Skagit County bridges

Sol De Yakima
Comisionado Ron Anderson anuncia que dejará su cargo en diciembre
¿Cómo obtengo pruebas de coronavirus caseras, mascarillas gratis en Washington?
Grupo de trabajo estatal sobre indígenas desaparecidos, asesinados se reunirá el miércoles

Spokesman Review
Delay to long-term care tax awaits Inslee’s signature as Legislature agrees to ‘make this bill better’ (Billig, Kaiser)
New COVID-19 community testing sites will open this week in downtown Spokane and Mead
Spokane School Board temporarily raises substitute pay to $200 daily in unanimous vote
Where’s my stuff? Mail could be delayed as Spokane’s postal services wrestles with staffing shortages, weather
Spokane City Councilman Jonathan Bingle refuses to wear masks at City Hall; officials unsure how to enforce mandate

Tri-City Herald
Tensions rise as Richland debates school mask mandate, vaccine rules and survey results
Tri-Cities port hires lawyer after WA state auditors claim $49,000 payment broke the law
Angler paid $61,000 reward for fishing the Columbia and Snake rivers
Ex-Pasco councilman remembered for his passion and what he brought to CBC’s campus
Tri-Cities port refuses to sell Clover Island land. But hotel may still be sold
2,200+ new COVID cases in 1 day in Tri-Cities. National Guard arrives to help
New Kennewick location for Benton County ballot drop box
‘Pretty dire.’ Tri-Cities restaurant owners join Cantwell in plea for COVID relief
Richland police chief is out after less than 3 years with the city

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla takes step toward police body cameras after years of discussion
College Place High School teacher Paul Jessup appointed to City Council
More schools go remote as COVID-19 cases, staffing shortages plague Walla Walla area
Waitsburg School District shuttering schools in COVID-19 wave
Dayton secondary school students return to distance learning with spike in COVID-19 cases

Washington Post
U.S. economy grew 5.7 percent in 2021, fastest full-year clip since 1984, despite ongoing pandemic
Biden outpaces Trump in issuing drilling permits on public lands
Democrats rejoice, Republicans cast any new Supreme Court nominee as radical as election-year fight begins
Sign-ups in Affordable Care Act marketplaces reach record 14.5 million

Yakima Herald-Republic
Letter: So we enforce gun laws, but not mask mandates?
Yakima County jobless rate hits another 31-year low in December
Omicron not on the decline yet in Yakima County, local health officials say
Sunnyside has a new judge, but questions linger over hiring process
Selah council authorizes mayor to settle lawsuit with equality group over sign removal

Broadcast

CNN
State lawmakers move to confront threats against election workers (Frockt)

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Washington Senate passes bill to pause new long-term care tax (Paul, Macri)
Washington pot shops call on the state to improve protection from violent robberies
UW doctor fights COVID misinformation targeting pregnant women

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Marysville police respond to altercation between students
WA high court to hear case about transit fare enforcement
DOH: 3 flu-related deaths reported in WA thus far
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer retiring, reports say
South Sound region’s blood supply at crisis levels. Centers plead for donation
Boeing posts $4 billion loss tied to problems with 787 jet
MyShake earthquake warning app launches in Washington

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Sneaker City moving out of Downtown Seattle after repeat break-ins and massive rent hike
Protester struck by hit-and-run driver in Tacoma, police say
‘This is just getting worse:’ Kirkland store goes cashless after robbery
Should Pierce County businesses require proof of COVID vaccination?

KNKX Public Radio
Longview lawmaker proposes bill to curb skyrocketing catalytic converter thefts (Ryu)
Legislature looking at tax cuts, diversifying State Patrol, emergency powers and more (Nguyen, Randall, Billig, Jinkins, Dingra, Valdez)

KUOW Public Radio
Believe it or not, the economy grew last year at the fastest pace since 1984
Pandemic updates: The flu is reemerging in Washington amid Omicron wave
Gas stoves leak climate-warming methane even when they’re off
The FDA limits the use of some monoclonal antibodies treatments
Hospitals remain under strain as omicron surges in eastern Washington, Idaho
As lawmakers and police debated new law, young father with mental illness languished in Vancouver (Goodman)
Free N95 masks are arriving at pharmacies and grocery stores. Here’s how to get yours
Omicron’s stealthy subvariant: Today So Far

KXLY (ABC)
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee set to hold press conference Thursday
What do you know about pickleball? It could become Washington’s official state sport

Web

Crosscut
New King County homelessness authority kicks off with $170M budget

MyNorthwest
State lawmaker: Bill moving Washington elections to even years is a ‘common sense’ shift (Gregerson)
Competing proposals for catalytic converter theft crackdown up for Thursday vote
Long-term care tax delay inches closer to passage after approval from state Senate
Earthquake early warning app now available in Washington
Pickleball, dinosaurs, and a state nickname: Lawmakers weigh trio of lighthearted bills
One of five teens who escaped from youth detention center taken into custody
Police now investigating more than a dozen Tacoma-area arsons
Hospitalizations plateauing in Western WA, peaking in Eastern WA
With divisive vote, Seattle council upholds grocery worker hazard pay ordinance

The Stranger
Slog: Let Truckers Use the Bathroom for the Love of God (Sells)
Seattle City Council Reverses Decision to End Hazard Pay

West Seattle Blog
Play pickleball or tennis? Seattle Parks has a few questions for you

Wednesday, Jan. 26

COVID cases decline in Seattle area, surge moves east
Cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 are decreasing in the Seattle metro area, but hospital leaders are warning that the variant is gaining steam in eastern Washington and could further stress health care facilities. In King County, data shows the rise in omicron infections peaked on Jan. 10 with 7,563 daily cases, The Seattle Times reported. Since then, the county has charted a significant decline, dropping at least 43% in the past week. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Karen Ducey)

Here’s how Washingtonians can get free at-home coronavirus tests and masks
The always evolving COVID-19 news cycle can make it hard to keep track of what resources are available and how to seek them. In the last few weeks, federal and local officials have made a frenzy of announcements of free rapid at-home tests and masks, as coronavirus cases caused by the omicron variant have surged. In December, President Joe Biden announced the federal government would buy and distribute free coronavirus rapid test kits. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Slow internet? Effort aims to boost broadband in Yakima Valley with help from infrastructure bill
A lack of broadband infrastructure has hindered education, economic development and public services to rural Yakima County residents for several years, local officials say. And the past two years of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and increased online communication have only amplified the problem. In search of a solution, public officials from various health, education and government organizations met last week for a Connectivity Summit organized by the Yakima Valley Broadband Action Team. Continue reading at The Yakima Herald-Republic. (Emree Weaver)

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Associated Press
WA high court to hear case about transit fare enforcement
COVID cases decline in Seattle area, surge moves east
Weekly COVID cases hit record high, but deaths remain stable, WHO reports

Auburn Reporter
How to curb demand for catalytic converters and reduce theft

Bellingham Herald
Sen. Cantwell talks federal aid for public works repairs, flood prevention in Whatcom County
Bellingham raises parking rates, changes hours and adds paid parking in new areas
Alaska/Horizon cancel all flights at WA’s Paine Field Monday as 5G bars regional jets
Another Whatcom school returns to remote learning, as county surpasses 30,000 COVID cases

Capital Press
U.S. Supreme Court to revisit Clean Water Act wetlands authority
WSDA: Farmers in one county would lose 11,000 acres to mandatory buffers
How Western water markets are changing under pressure
WSU narrowing field of candidates for ag dean

Columbian
Staffing shortages affect Vancouver Public Schools’ COVID-19 test site
Vancouver council steps up timeline for I-5 Bridge planning
Opinion: In Our View: I-5 Bridge drawings help span public divide

The Daily News
Cowlitz County commissioners OK rent assistance contract with CAP; give direction on Board of Health changes

Everett Herald
More 5G-related cancellations as Paine Field fog persists
Sentenced to life as a teen, Monroe prisoner to be released
Past the omicron peak? Snohomish County’s COVID cases declining
$16M grant to speed up broadband to north Snohomish County
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: Financial illiteracy isn’t why most people struggle
WaPo Comment: What ‘The Janes’ hope to remind women under 50
Editorial: Keep ‘Mockingbird’ on Mukilteo ninth-graders’ list

High Country News
Humble suckers: Pacific lamprey have survived 5 mass extinctions but are now under threat

News Tribune
Pierce County reports 46 deaths from COVID in weekly totals but says surge is waning
No rule coming, but Pierce health officials to support businesses that require vaccinations
Sunset won’t be until 5 p.m. today. Should WA finally get off time change roller coaster?
Op-Ed: WA weed industry should be safe, equitable. To do it, modernize Liquor and Cannabis Board

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Vaccination Gap Could Let Another Dangerous Variant Emerge, Experts Say
New Research Hints at 4 Factors That May Increase Chances of Long Covid
E.P.A. Chief Vows to ‘Do Better’ to Protect Poor Communities
Three New Faces to Help Steer the Gates Foundation

Olympian
More funding for low-income housing on the way. Thurston commission approves home fund
State fines developer $72,000 for water quality violations at Lacey townhomes site

Port Townsend Leader
Employment test for marijuana use questioned | 2022 Legislative Session (Keiser)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Effort to end mandated hazard pay for grocery store workers fails in Seattle City Council vote
OSHA scraps mandate-or-testing emergency rule for large employers. Here’s what businesses need to know.
Two more Seattle Starbucks stores file for union elections
King County awards $23M for affordable housing projects
Port of Seattle appoints interim labor relations director
Hotel construction dips in 2021 as industry continues Covid-19 recovery

Seattle Times
Here’s how Washingtonians can get free at-home coronavirus tests and masks
King County schools ask voters to fund billions in levy and bond measures
WA lawmakers consider bills to crack down on theft of catalytic converters (Ryu)
Washington state Supreme Court to hear case arguing fare enforcement is unconstitutional
King County omicron cases decline as ‘second chapter’ of surge gains steam in Eastern Washington
Washington attorney general sues Google over location tracking
Seattle City Council votes to keep hazard pay for grocery workers
Employees at 2 more Seattle Starbucks locations plan to unionize

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County Public Health to offer more vaccine options at Mount Vernon offices
Skagit County sees success in rental assistance programs

Sol De Yakima
Guardia Nacional llega para asistir al Hospital Memorial de Yakima
Escuelas de Wapato, ocho de Yakima anuncian segunda semana de enseñanza a distancia
Cabañas ayudarán a museo a compartir la historia de campesinos del Valle de Yakima

South Whidbey Record
While unemployment rates are low, hiring struggle continues in Island County

Spokesman Review
Schools COVID-19 update: Numbers of cases dropping in Spokane area
SPS to consider raising substitute teachers’ pay to $200 daily as shortage vexes district
Having fake COVID-19 vaccine card could become crime in Washington if bill passes Legislature (Salomon)
Washington restaurant owners testify about omicron’s toll as Cantwell tells them she’s fighting for more aid money

Washington Post
Black and Latino voters have been shortchanged in redistricting, advocates and some judges say
Talks in Paris aim to resolve Ukraine crisis as Russia warns the West
U.S. stocks climb as investors wait on Fed decision
Omicron wave is wake-up call about need to vaccinate the world, say Hill Democrats, experts
Two senators have a bipartisan plan to tackle future pandemics

Yakima Herald-Republic
Slow internet? Effort aims to boost broadband in Yakima Valley with help from infrastructure bill
Yakima County Commissioner Ron Anderson says he’s stepping down in December
Public can weigh in on proposed communication tower near Rimrock Lake
Letter: Why would anyone oppose requiring voter ID?

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Police, prosecutors would receive ‘victim-centered’ training if bill in Olympia passes (Orwall)
King County officials hope to curb carjackings in 2022
Scrap industry pushes back on legislation intended to curb catalytic converter theft in Washington
Washington state sees average of 800-850 new COVID cases among health care staff per day
Washington restaurateurs make pitch for another round of federal funding

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Hazard pay continuing for Seattle grocery workers
New omicron sub-variant part of ‘big family of viruses”
Magnolia phone and internet outage could last three weeks
Mukilteo school board votes to remove ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ from required reading list
WA lawmakers target catalytic converter theft during legislative session
Movement to unionize Starbucks hits Seattle
Seattle University returning to in-person classes next week

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘I’m very concerned:’ Washington hospitals worried about unprecedented blood shortage
Effort to unionize Starbucks workers comes to Seattle, coffee giant’s home office location
Cantwell pushes $60B restaurant revitalization fund as many eateries struggle to survive
In unincorporated King County, an encampment stirs concern about crime, trash debris

KXLY (ABC)
Report: Washington leads the nation in potholes
Washington restaurant owners ask for more pandemic relief funding
Wash. schools, libraries get internet funding through American Rescue Plan

NW Public Radio
Money From Timber Sales A Drop In The Bucket For School Budgets

Web

The Hill
Legislatures move to limit governor powers after pandemic (Randall, Chapman, Jinkins, Van De Wege)

The Stranger
Washington Lawmakers Throw a Bunch of Data Privacy Bills at the Wall to See What Sticks (Kloba, Carlyle, Slatter)
Washington Could Get European-Style Recycling. Lobbyists Are Mad About It (Das, Stanford)
Sawant Wants the Council to at Least Pretend to Care About Starbucks Workers
As Omicron Eases, Health Equity Issues in Latino Community Persist

West Seattle Blog
CRIME: Another catalytic-converter theft interrupted. Here’s what’s up with crackdown legislation (Fitzgibbon)

Tuesday, Jan. 25

Long-term care takes a toll on caregivers. Will the WA Cares Fund help?
Angela Petersen always imagined spending her retirement traveling with her husband of over 30 years. But that changed nearly three years ago, when Chris Petersen had two strokes and was diagnosed with dementia. Now, the Tukwila resident’s life revolves around caring for her 63-year-old husband — from brushing his teeth, to putting on his sneakers, to making sure he drinks water and swallows his pills. It’s an extraordinary change for the couple, who met in high school, exercised daily and raised two college athletes. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Free N95 masks now available at some U.S. pharmacies; wider rollout expected soon
Free N95 masks are now available at some U.S. stores as part of the White House’s plan to hand out 400 million of them from the Strategic National Stockpile. Midwest grocer Meijer said Monday that it has received some 3 million N95 masks from the Health and Human Services Department and will hand out boxed sets of three to customers who want them. Another Midwest supermarket chain, Hy-Vee, said in a tweet that its pharmacies are now offering free N95 masks, as well. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Brendan McDermid)

New COVID-19 omicron subvariant BA.2 cases found in Washington state
A subvariant of the COVID-19 omicron variant was detected in two cases in Washington state earlier this month. BA.2 is a descendent of omicron, according to information from the World Health Organization. Recent evidence shows BA.2, which differs in some mutations, including the spike protein, is increasing in “many countries.” The difference between BA.1 and BA.2 is greater than that of the original variant and Alpha variant, according to research done by Statens Serum Institut in Denmark. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
University of Washington to return to in-person learning
SAT going digital in shifting college admissions landscape

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen students heading back to classrooms

Auburn Reporter
American Rescue Plan Act funding approved for broadband investments in WA schools

Bellevue Reporter
King County Executive announces million in affordable housing funding for construction and preservation

Bellingham Herald
A busy year for Bellingham apartment construction, but will it help renters?
Whatcom’s foggy weather having an impact on travel at Bellingham International Airport
COVID infection rates drop among Whatcom’s fully vaccinated, but climbs among unvaccinated

Everett Herald
‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ is no longer required reading in Mukilteo
$16M grant to speed up broadband to north Snohomish County
Everett council, mayor pick districting commission nominees
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Island County jail slammed with first COVID outbreak
Bloomberg Comment: Very few soon will have no covid immunity
Editorial: Nurses, health care workers need better support (Robinson)
Letter: Biden successfully addressed covid’s economic impacts

News Tribune
Homicide suspect found dead in Pierce County Jail
Fox Island residents call for more than just studies on failing bridge. ‘We want action’
Op-Ed: After last year’s noise, WA lawmakers go quiet on addressing racial disparity in prisons

New York Times
Anti-Abortion Marchers Gather With an Eye on the Supreme Court
U.S. Readies 8,500 Troops for Possible Deployment to Europe

Olympian
Who is Debbie Sullivan? The former ranked poker player is first female mayor of Tumwater
Thurston County confirms 10 deaths, record number of COVID-19 cases over past week
Port votes to investigate conflict of interest claims against Evans with outside help
Judge dismisses cases against 4 of 5 defendants charged in wind farm worker’s death
Fake COVID-19 vaccination cards would lead to hefty penalties under proposed WA law (Salomon)
Most Thurston County roads have reopened after floods, but some work still ahead

Peninsula Daily News
Peninsula reaches peak of omicron, but risk factors remain

Puget Sound Business Journal
Women-owned businesses caught between Omicron, labor shortage
Business travel’s comeback was gaining steam. Then Omicron hit.

Seattle Medium
Seattle Legalizes Psychedelics

Seattle Times
Research shows psychedelic mushrooms can help treat depression. Is legalization on the horizon for Washington? (Lovelett, Salomon)
Bills addressing college hazing in Washington moving through state Legislature
Washington state Sen. Reuven Carlyle will not seek reelection in 2022 (Carlyle, Frockt, Frame, Berry, Dhingra)
Redmond officer who killed woman had been fired from another agency for poor performance
Flight cancellations continue Tuesday at Paine Field as 5G restrictions, foggy weather persist
Long-term care takes a toll on caregivers. Will the WA Cares Fund help?
Opinion: Invest in the ferry service our communities need and deserve

Skagit Valley Herald
Hospitality industry affected by omicron surge
Skagit County’s COVID-19 rate takes a slight dip

Tri-City Herald
‘Struggling for relief.’ Tri-City schools scrambling as COVID surge knocks out staff
This test saved a Tri-Cities woman’s life. WA lawmakers may force insurance to pay for it
Connell prison sees spike in COVID cases. Benton jail ‘turning the corner’

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla police extend classes to address rift between public and law enforcement
Education levies on Walla Walla County special election ballots headed to voters

Washington Post
Free N95 masks now available at some U.S. pharmacies; wider rollout expected soon
Russia conducts new military exercises as Biden, Europeans intensify diplomacy on Ukraine
U.S. stocks slide as market volatility continues
Lab study shows omicron-blocking antibodies persist four months after a Pfizer-BioNTech booster
Supreme Court takes EPA case that could narrow Clean Water Act

Yakima Herald-Republic
Strained amid COVID surge, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital welcomes National Guard

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Bill to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use introduced in Washington (Salomon)
Does a breakthrough COVID infection offer ‘super immunity?’
New COVID-19 omicron subvariant BA.2 cases found in Washington state
‘Out of our control’: 5G, weather blamed for potential flight cancellations out of Everett’s Paine Field

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Fog and 5G cancel air travel at Paine Field
3 Mason County schools closed for threats
‘Brutal,’ ‘crazy’ housing market has Seattle-area homes selling half-million over asking price
‘This is the year to do it’: Bill to reduce Washington sales tax garners bipartisan support (Das, Kuderer)
King County hospitals issue plea to public during ‘worst situation yet’
UW returning to in-person learning Jan. 31
“We can’t invent educators out of thin air” Teachers say staffing shortages remain high
US orders 8,500 troops on heightened alert amid Russia worry

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
State bill seeks to criminalize use or sale of fake COVID vaccine cards in Washington (Salomon)
Catalytic converter bill to get public hearing in Legislature
FEMA disaster recovery center opens in Whatcom County for people affected by flooding
Washingtonians hope for more at-home COVID tests after state supply quickly runs out
UW researchers invent cheaper, more accurate and faster COVID-19 test

KNKX Public Radio
Homeless camps are often blamed for crime but experts say it’s not so simple
Firefighters hope Washington bill will help remove toxic chemicals from protective gear (Berry)

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates: Washington already ran out of free Covid tests
Pandemic updates: January 25, 2022
Pedestrian deaths climb in Seattle, despite city’s pledge to eliminate them
Smell that? Air stagnation advisory for western Washington
Students, staff became ill as this Monroe school let toxic chemicals go unchecked
Turmeric poisoned their kids. Four Seattle-area cases show gaps in lead testing
Pfizer and BioNTech begin testing an omicron-specific Covid-19 vaccine

KXLY (ABC)
WA bill that would require kids to start school at 5 years old strikes nerve with homeschool families (Wellman)

NW Public Radio
Washington Commission To Reconsider 2022 Spring Bear Hunt
Showing Or Selling A Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Card Could Become A Crime In Washington (Salomon)

Q13 TV (FOX)
New Omicron subvariant BA.2 detected in Washington
UW researchers develop fast, highly-accurate COVID-19 test

Web

Crosscut
WA farmers markets may get displaced by obscure tax break expiring (Rolfes)
Why immigrant experiences were central to the latest Crosscut project

MyNorthwest
Washington hospitals likely too full to help COVID patients from Idaho
Washington ferry cancellations go ‘beyond COVID’: Report highlights systemic staffing issues
University of Washington returns to in-person learning Jan. 31
‘This is the year to do it’: Bill to reduce Washington sales tax garners bipartisan support
King County hospitals issue plea to public during ‘worst situation yet’
State Sen. Reuven Carlyle to step aside after 13 years in office
New bill has Washington tribes, farmers divided over salmon protective zones
Washington AG claims Google illegally tracks users in ‘dark’ pattern of behavior
Could be 3 weeks before Magnolia internet is restored after vandals undo repairs
Air Stagnation Advisory in effect for Western Washington to start the week
International coalition purchases mining rights to ‘ecologically sensitive’ Skagit River headwaters

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: When it reopens – how best to celebrate?
CORONAVIRUS: New Seattle Public Schools cases this week down a third from last week

Monday, Jan. 24

State offers free home tests; National Guard arrives in Everett
As the Washington National Guard arrived Friday in Everett to help hospital workers, the state also launched an online portal for Washingtonians to get free at-home COVID tests. Both state initiatives aim to combat the recent omicron surge that has increased demand for hospital resources and testing. A National Guard team of about 10 will help with non-clinical tasks at Providence Regional Medical Center, freeing up staff for critical care. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Providence)

Legislators look to make cannabis laws more equitable, again
It’s been seven years since Duane Dunn opened his cannabis dispensary in Tacoma and he still remembers the feeling of joy he had when it first opened. “It was exciting because it was a new industry, it was challenging because it was constantly evolving and changing, and I was happy that I could do something else other than IT,” said Dunn, who had left the IT field after nearly 20 years in the industry. In 2014, he was able to secure a cannabis license after an intense application process and paying a large sum for the application fee. Continue reading at The Olympian.

Omicron’s economic toll: Missing workers, more uncertainty and higher inflation (maybe)
The Omicron wave of the coronavirus appears to be cresting in much of the country. But its economic disruptions have made a post-pandemic normal ever more elusive. Forecasters have slashed their estimates for economic growth in the first three months of 2022. Some expect January to show the first monthly decline in employment in more than a year. And retail sales and manufacturing production fell in December, suggesting that the impact began well before cases hit their peak. Continue reading at The New York Times.