Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Monday, Jan. 31

‘Few core staff left’: Droves of nurses take high-paying travel jobs
Travel nursing is a field that has boomed in the past two years, with demand up for short-term positions, and those who fill them enjoying significantly higher wages. More nurses are making the same choice. [Cecillia] Hoglund estimated her Providence unit was about 80% travel nurses when she left this month. “There’s very few core staff left,” she said. “Since COVID we’ve been getting droves and droves and droves of travelers.” Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Ryan Berry)

Rents are up more than 30 percent in some cities, forcing millions to find another place to live
Rental prices across the country have been rising for months, but lately the increases have been sharper and more widespread, forcing millions of Americans to reassess their living situations. Average rents rose 14 percent last year, to $1,877 a month, with cities like Austin, New York and Miami notching increases of as much as 40 percent, according to real estate firm Redfin. And Americans expect rents will continue to rise — by about 10 percent this year — according to a report released this month by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Bridget Bennett)

Free N95 face masks now available at some pharmacies in Washington
You can now pick up free N95 face masks at some pharmacies and health centers around western Washington. Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced it would send 400 million non-surgical N95 masks to locations across the country for Americans to pick up for free to help protect them against the COVID-19 omicron variant. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said there will be a limit of three free N95 masks per person through the program, which is set to be up and fully running by early February. Continue reading at KING 5.

Print

Associated Press
Inslee testifies in favor of bill targeting election lies (Frockt)
WA Legislature considers curbing governor’s emergency powers (Randall)
Washington police reform bill backfired on people in crisis (Johnson, Orwall)
Moderna announces full US approval for its COVID-19 vaccine

Bellingham Herald
This new climate change solution could be tested on Whatcom, Skagit farms
New homes are so hot in Bellingham, reservations are set before framing is complete
Bellingham security patrols add ‘eyes on the street’ in advance of new programs
Whatcom County sees 905 new COVID cases, along with 40 hospitalizations and 3 deaths
Whatcom County takes action as environmentalists fight to preserve this century-old forest
State pauses logging of this 130-year-old forest near Nooksack River in Whatcom County

Capital Press
Inslee’s mandatory buffer bill failing to move
Ranchers tout bill to douse Ecology’s stockwater policy
Elk feast on farmers’ haystacks across Pacific Northwest

Columbian
Sen. Annette Cleveland bill seeks hazard pay for health care workers (Cleveland)
Clark County reports 28 new COVID-19 deaths, a record number
Opinion: In Our View: Invest in teachers to aid schools’ COVID rebound
Opinion: In Our View: Public transit warrants rethinking in wake of virus
Opinion: Cheers & Jeers: Defending facts; foolish prank

Everett Herald
‘Few core staff left’: Droves of nurses take high-paying travel jobs
Hospital lost 1% of staff to vax mandate, so why the shortage?
Amid concerns, Everett council puts off traffic camera vote
Lynnwood to send inmates to Kirkland while new jail is built
State Democrats push new round of open-carry gun restrictions (Berg, Kuderer)
State trooper who told off Inslee over vaccine mandate dies from COVID
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Reps. Berg and Slatter: Your digital privacy rights need a stronger shield
Rep. Duerr: Our connected problems require connected solutions
Comment: Supreme Court needs term limits for its own sake
Editorial: Worth of Sno-Isle’s Lake Stevens library now clear

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Free N95 and KN95 masks available

News Tribune
Volunteers spent a night counting the homeless. Is that the best way to collect data?
Tacoma’s Eastside, Hilltop lost libraries a decade ago. Is it time to bring them back?
State trooper who told off Inslee over vaccine mandate dies from COVID
Editorial: WA state House adds a 2nd way to speak on Gov. Inslee’s COVID mandates

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Some U.S. Governors Say It’s Time to Learn to Live With Virus as Omicron Recedes

Olympian
Emails show confusion, frustration after displaced camp residents moved to Lacey hotels
Olympia police chief recruitment restarts with focus on reform, equity
Hospital administration, unions disagree on legislation for safe staffing (Riccelli, Robinson)
False election statements by elected officials could be illegal under proposed WA law (Frockt)
Robbery spike at WA pot shops has owners on ‘high alert.’ Reliance on cash the problem
Washington Senate Democrats introduce legislation to limit the governor’s powers (Randall)
Gov. Inslee signs changes to WA Cares Act into law

Peninsula Daily News
Students push for mask guidance
Lawmakers mull nurse numbers (Tharinger, Van De Wege, Chapman)
Disaster recovery center will serve 3 Clallam County locations

Puget Sound Business Journal
UW launches center as part of software engineering network to aid researchers INNO
Cannabis industry supplier to lay off 150 employees in Washington, shift assembly to California
Seattle area has 2nd-highest average tech salary in US, report finds INNO
Seattle businesses frustrated, angry about escalating crime, new council member says
Chancellor and Biden-administration adviser talks future of free community college (Conway, Keiser)

Seattle Times
Real or not, threats of violence have serious consequences in Seattle schools
As police were abandoning East Precinct, Seattle officials drafted plan to give station to a Black Lives Matter group
Where profits are soaring most for home sellers in Washington (Hint: It’s not Seattle)
Orchestrating social justice: Next steps for classical music in Seattle
78 years after disastrous World War II mission, bombardier Anel B. Shay Jr. comes home to Seattle
WA lawmakers, advocates call for PCB testing in schools in response to Seattle Times story (Pollet, Wellman, Nobles)
New bill in WA Senate targets quotas for warehouse workers (Conway)
‘Those funds are overseas now’: Tens of millions of dollars from state unemployment fraud likely won’t be recovered
Seattle to Bremerton route will be model for new electric foot ferry
Editorial: Expand and improve Washington’s apprenticeship programs (Keiser, Randall)

Skagit Valley Herald
High prices, empty shelves make for miserable shopping trips across U.S.

Sol De Yakima
Davis, IKE, dos primarias tomarán clases en línea; el resto regresa a clases presenciales
Qué necesito saber este año para declarar mis impuestos
Fuertes nevadas continúan en los pasos de monaña Snoqualmie, Stevens

Spokesman Review
Getting There: Several Spokane, Kootenai county bridges in ‘poor’ condition – what does that mean?
Fight over hospital safe-staffing standard continues in Legislature (Cody, Sullivan)
Maggie Yates, the woman leading the region’s criminal justice reform efforts, resigns
Helping neighbors in need: Spokane’s Little Food Pantry sites grow as families juggle pandemic losses, inflation

Tri-City Herald
‘Stretched to their limit.’ Tri-Cities yet to hit COVID peak with hospitals nearly full
Tri-Cities works to fend off another Biden administration snub to pay for schools, roads

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
More schools go remote as COVID-19 cases, staffing shortages plague Walla Walla area
Syphilis rate in Walla Walla, nation and world at record high
Walla Walla-based Organix’s worm solution part of area trend toward restorative business practices

Washington Post
Rents are up more than 30 percent in some cities, forcing millions to find another place to live
White House frustrations grow over health chief Becerra’s handling of pandemic
America’s split-screen pandemic: Many families resume their lives even as hospitals are overwhelmed
Fed tries to thread the needle by raising rates without endangering economy

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Free N95 face masks now available at some pharmacies in Washington
Here are the long-term symptoms of the omicron variant
University of Washington returns to in-person learning Jan. 31
How you can avoid a false negative on an at-home test
Community, lawmakers talk about new vision for Aurora Avenue (Carlyle)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Seattle rabbi believes he’s the target of anti-Semitic graffiti
Two-day protest being held in North Thurston School District
UW and Seattle students returning to in-person classes
One of Tacoma’s largest homeless encampments set for removal after multiple fires, city says
Gov. Inslee hopeful state could reach turning point in pandemic ‘in relatively near term’
Hospital administration, unions disagree on legislation for safe staffing (Riccelli)
Supporters rally for missing Oakley Carlson

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Local pharmacies in Seattle begin distributing free N95 masks
LISTEN: Senator Reuven Carlyle retiring from state legislature
Chinatown International District businesses worried about crime are moving out of Seattle
Survey asks Washington parents if COVID vaccine should be required for students

KNKX Public Radio
Criminal justice reform in WA starts with resentencing push, helping youths (Hackney)
Listen: Why aren’t more wayward orcas reunited with their pods like Springer was?

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic updates: What to know about the second omicron variant
It was a wild week for stocks. Should you worry? Here are 4 things to keep in mind
Why omicron is crushing hospitals — even though cases are often milder than delta
Debating Washington’s renewable energy: Today So Far
A school principal’s blunt warning: We can’t pretend the pandemic is over
After 2 years, growing calls to take masks off children in school

KXLY (ABC)
Track the WA legislature that matters most in 2022
Senator Murray announces more than $60M to go towards improving Washington supply chain
How punishing people for ‘doxxing’ could prove tricky for WA lawmakers (Lovick, Dhingra)

Q13 TV (FOX)
2 bills call for higher penalties for hazing after death of WSU fraternity pledge

Web

Crosscut
Are WA traffic cameras reducing dangerous driving or making it worse?
How punishing people for ‘doxxing’ could prove tricky for WA lawmakers

MyNorthwest
Seattle rabbi says he was target of anti-Semitic graffiti
UW, Seattle University students return to in-person classes
Clark County deputy unintentionally shoots, kills off-duty Vancouver officer
Gov. Inslee hopeful state could reach turning point in pandemic ‘in relatively near term’
2 injured, 13 displaced after fire breaks out at Tacoma apartment building
State trooper who told off Gov. Inslee dies after battle with COVID-19
Woman arrested for string of arsons in Tacoma
Point Roberts business owner says despite border opening, revenue barely up
Would Inslee bill making it illegal to lie about election fraud survive a court challenge?
From Seattle to Atlanta: Starbucks union push builds steam across nation

The Stranger
You Own It. Why Aren’t You Allowed to Fix It? (Gregerson)

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Second repair-work platform raised

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)

Print

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.

Print

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)

Print

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.