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Thursday, Jan. 13

Washington logs 1M coronavirus cases
The number of coronavirus cases in Washington state has surpassed 1 million, with a new surge in cases largely driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant. The state Department of Health confirmed the number on Wednesday, just nine days shy of two years since the first case in the country was confirmed in Washington on Jan. 21, 2020. Washington surpassed 500,000 total coronavirus cases in August, the wave at that time fueled by the delta variant. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)

WA troopers still more likely to pull over Native American drivers
Two years after InvestigateWest reported that the Washington State Patrol was searching some racial and ethnic groups at a rate one researcher called “disturbing,” the agency has released a new analysis of its stop-and-search data. The headline: “No systematic agency bias.” The State Patrol and Washington State University researchers who released the study this month, however, acknowledge the problem InvestigateWest uncovered in 2019 persists. State troopers are still more likely to search Black, Latino, Native American and Pacific Islander drivers, even though the troopers are more likely to find contraband like drugs or weapons when they search white drivers. Continue reading at InvestigateWest. (Jason Buch)

No, Washington state isn’t forcing people into quarantine camps
A routine meeting of the Washington State Board of Health on Wednesday became the topic of a nationwide misinformation campaign this week as social media users, political hopefuls and conservative pundits spun bogus claims that the meeting would include a vote to force unvaccinated residents into COVID-19 quarantine camps. A communication manager for the board said it had been inundated with more than 30,000 public comments, some threatening, related to the false theory, which misrepresented the board’s scheduled discussion on HIV as a proposed change to COVID-19 policy. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

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Associated Press
No, Washington state isn’t forcing people into quarantine camps
Card-room operator files lawsuit over sports betting at WA tribal casinos
In State of the State, Inslee calls on lawmakers for ‘bold’ action
Charges filed against Electron Hydro over Puyallup River pollution
State senate OKs bigger penalty for election worker harassment (Frockt)
Biden highlighting federal ‘surge’ to help weather omicron
Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in US and Britain
WA Senate approves bill further penalizing election worker harassment (Frockt)

Bainbridge Island Review
BISD makes plans if COVID keeps rising

Bellingham Herald
Magnitude of Whatcom’s COVID testing demand ‘far beyond anything we have ever seen before’
Whatcom’s 3 ‘Murder Hornet’ nests eradicated in 2021 genetically related to 2020 nest
One in 77 Whatcom residents tested positive for COVID-19 during first 10 days of 2022
With Whatcom’s emergency care system ‘stretched to its limits,’ residents asked to help
Whatcom’s record COVID rate continues, WWU extends online, Bellingham schools update rules

Capital Press
Washington Farm Bureau fears ‘bad outcome’ with CD election bill

Columbian
COVID-19 cases soar in Clark County schools
Opinion: In Our View: Police reform done right takes time, diligence

Everett Herald
No march, but many ways to celebrate MLK Day in Everett
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
The state of the state and the mind of the governor (Carlyle)
Bloomberg Comment: If not to sway votes, why speak on voting rights?
WaPo Comment: Our certainly in our own beliefs may be our downfall
WaPo Comment: Our response to covid must change with each variant
Editorial: Keep guard up against covid’s omicron variant

The Inlander
As contagious omicron hits Spokane, focus on testing intensifies as hospitals fear being overwhelmed

Kitsap Sun
State senators propose making pickleball Washington’s official sport (Lovick, Hunt, Lovelett, Pedersen, Randall, Rolfes, Wellman)
Bill to reduce catalytic converter thefts introduced

News Tribune
Pierce County schools change quarantine, isolation guidelines amid COVID-19 case surge
State passes 1 million COVID pandemic cases as WA adds 17,000 more Wednesday
Opinion: Using Growth Management Act, WA lawmakers can create resilient climate future. Here’s how

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Biden Announces 500 Million More Tests and Military Help for Hospitals
Is Omicron Peaking?
Democrats Plan to Fast-Track Voting Rights Bill, Speeding a Showdown

Olympian
State passes 1 million COVID pandemic cases as WA adds 17,000 more Wednesday
Washington Tribes face sports betting, gaming challenge in new lawsuit
‘We need action’ Gov. Inslee says in annual State of the State address

Peninsula Daily News
Four more deaths reported on Peninsula

Port Townsend Leader
Number of COVID-19 deaths in Jefferson County climbs to 21
19 new COVID-19 infections reported Tuesday in Jefferson County

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing needs to hand off hundreds of jets in inventory, setting up a big year ahead
Insurers will cover 8 at-home Covid-19 tests a month. Here’s why it won’t solve employers’ testing dilemma.
Mayor Harrell extends Seattle eviction moratorium for 30 days
A new $1B loan program aims to boost the food supply chain. Here’s who qualifies.
Campus mental health crisis adds to burdens on community colleges

Seattle Medium
House Democrats Introduce Bills To Provide Clarity To Police Accountability Laws (Johnson, Rule, Bronoske, Goodman)
Nobles Sponsors Bill To Support Economic Well-Being For Foster Youth (Nobles)
Inslee To Rescind Gubernatorial Directive That Fueled Disparate Impacts Of I-200
Mayor Harrell Appoints New Department Leaders And Hires Director Of Public Safety

Seattle Times
Protesters descend on WA Board of Health after misinformation about vaccine plans goes viral
Washington Democrats and Republicans want to spend more on transportation. But what will the Legislature get done? (Liias, Nguyen, Mullet, Fey)
Seattle police officer involved in 2020 Proud Boys hoax has been rehired
Has streetside dining overstayed its welcome in Edmonds?
A visual guide to protective masking against COVID
Seattle students demand masks and COVID tests, plan sickout as school closures climb
Washington logs 1M coronavirus cases

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit Valley hospitals swamped due to omicron variant
Dakota Creek apprenticeship program getting going

Tri-City Herald
Fired Kennewick fire chief sues, saying racial discrimination cost him his job

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Vashon is hit with mudslides, flooding, high tides

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla tightens visitor restrictions
Whitman College names physicist, Ohio college head Sarah Bolton as 15th president

Washington Post
The past seven years have been the hottest in recorded history, new data shows
Navient reaches $1.85 billion settlement over student loan practices
Colleges lost 465,000 students this fall. The continued erosion of enrollment is raising alarms.
Which mask? What test? Covid’s latest surge spreads an epidemic of confusion.

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Investigation launched into company operating COVID-19 testing in Washington
Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe files 3rd lawsuit over Seattle City Light’s dams
Teachers frustrated with Seattle Public Schools’ handling of COVID-19 case spike

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
After moving massive amounts of snow and ice, crews set to reopen Stevens Pass
Seattle mayor vows change on police ruses after police use fake radio chatter
Your trash service could be delayed even longer thanks to an out-of-state strike
Kittitas County: State DOT refused help in clearing roads
Bill hardening penalties for election worker harassment OK’d (Frockt)
New Seattle mayor issues executive order about evictions, uncertainty during pandemic

KNKX Public Radio
Local calls for blood donors grow urgent as shortage persists
Election offices and school board meetings could become weapons-free zones in Washington (Berg, Hansen)
Fact check: Washington state isn’t putting people in quarantine camps
Listen: What we can expect from Inslee, Legislature in 2022 session

KUOW Public Radio
Wa Lawmakers Outline 2 Quick Fixes to New Policing Laws (Goodman, Johnson)
Why 2021 was a whale of a year for orca sightings
Covid updates for today: The myth that coronavirus strains get milder
Sen. Patty Murray on her push for voting rights and the future of democracy
What are we willing to do to protect Southern Resident orcas?
Washington state lawmakers propose year-round standard time to get around Congress (Hunt)

KXLY (ABC)
Fires, drought, and heat cost the Northwest billions in 2021
FACT FOCUS: Washington state isn’t changing quarantine rules

NW Public Radio
5 Things To Know About Washington’s 2022 Legislative Session (Johnson, Carlyle)
A Paid Holiday In March? It’d Be Women’s Suffrage Day If Washington State Lawmakers Vote Yea (Lekanoff)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Mayor Harrell extends Seattle eviction moratorium
Kittitas County says WSDOT refused county’s snow removal assistance for not mandating vaccine

Web

Crosscut
WA troopers still more likely to pull over Native American drivers (Valdez)

MyNorthwest
State Board of Health will not yet make a decision to require COVID vaccine for students
Seattle-area trash service could be delayed longer due to out-of-state strike
Kittitas County says WSDOT refused help for clearing snow over lack of vaccine mandate
COVID cases in Seattle schools skyrocket, as cancellations, remote learning shifts mount
Mayor Harrell extends Seattle eviction moratorium another 30 days

The Stranger
As Harrell Extends Seattle’s Eviction Moratorium, Cracks Begin to Show in the Statewide Eviction Prevention Programs

Wednesday, Jan. 12

Gov. Inslee calls on lawmakers for ‘big’ and ‘bold’ action
Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday called on state lawmakers to take action on a multitude of issues during their 60-day legislative session, including addressing the homelessness crisis, helping children affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and taking more steps to address climate change. In his annual State of the State speech, the Democratic governor said that “this may be a ‘short session,’ but it is unlike any in our history.” Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)

Facing blood shortage, Bloodworks Northwest has less than a day’s supply
The critical blood shortage that started with the pandemic shows no signs of letting up, according to Bloodworks Northwest. The local nonprofit said the shortage has left it in dire straits. Bloodworks said it has less than a full day’s supply for the Northwest, with most blood types at emergency levels. Hospitals are canceling elective surgeries because of the shortage, said spokesperson John Yeager. The weather, an increase in COVID-19 cases and staff shortages that closed some donation centers all contributed to the crisis, he said. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Why Coronavirus Testing Is Falling Short in Many Schools Across the U.S.
In California, storms over the winter break destroyed a million coronavirus test kits that were meant to help schools screen returning students. In Seattle schools, children waited for hours for virus testing, some in a driving rain. In Florida this month, an attempt to supply tests to teachers in Broward County turned up expired kits. Continue reading at The New York Times. (Allison Zaucha)

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Associated Press
Gov. Inslee calls on lawmakers for ‘big’ and ‘bold’ action
Card-room operator files lawsuit over WA sports betting
Sim Sefzik to replace late Sen. Doug Ericksen in Senate
Biden sending more COVID tests to schools to keep them open

Aberdeen Daily World
Homeless man tells about lifestyle in Aberdeen

Auburn Reporter
Will omicron’s wave usher a new round of boosters?
Widespread burnout among healthcare workers prompts change at hospitals (Riccelli, Berry, Fitzgibbon, Shewmake, Robinson, Keiser)

Bellingham Herald
With a strong finish in 2021, here’s what Bellingham International Airport expects for 2022
With Whatcom’s emergency care system ‘stretched to its limits,’ residents asked to help
Whatcom County Council names replacement for Sen. Ericksen
Neo-Nazi gets 7 years in Seattle court for threats to reporters, activists
CDC advises against travel to Canada due to COVID, as lawmakers plead for no border closure
Whatcom’s record COVID rate continues, WWU extends online, Bellingham schools update rules
New forecasts show Nooksack rising higher as atmospheric river nears Whatcom

Capital Press
Uncertainty over latest WOTUS regs may require Supreme Court to sort out issue, Farm Bureau speakers say
Vilsack vows ‘voluntary and incentive-based’ climate strategy for farms

Columbian
Vancouver City Council approves $402K for modular shelters for homeless
Blood supply critical in Northwest, nationwide as COVID stems donations
Opinion: In Our View: Schools must strive to keep in-person learning

Everett Herald
If not for Tulalip Healing Lodge, ‘I wouldn’t be here right now’
Prediction: 33%-50% of Snohomish County could catch omicron
Mukilteo School Board plans vote on the fate of ‘Mockingbird’
Businesses and nonprofits plan to push through COVID in 2022
Federal lawsuit challenges ‘tribal monopoly’ on sports betting
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Economic Alliance launches new diversity and equity program
Bloomberg Comment: Going to take more than laws to defend democracy
WaPo Comment: Time to make N95 masks the standard for covid fight

High Country News
Building equity into the renewable energy transition

The Inlander
Consistent Inland Northwest blood donors needed as supplies reach crisis level nationally

Islands’ Weekly
COVID-19 booster recommendation expands to everyone age 12 and older

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap County commissioners approve sales tax increase for affordable housing

News Tribune
It’s taking Pierce County 911 operators longer to answer your calls for help. Here’s why
New terms for sale of Auburn federal campus. Government hopes to close next month
Pierce County nears 1,000 COVID-19 deaths since the start of pandemic as cases balloon
Criminal charges filed in Puyallup River pollution case. Dam operator faces jail time, fines
New JROTC program is a first for Peninsula School District. Here’s what they’re doing

New York Times
Consumer prices popped again in December as policymakers await an elusive peak.
A Voting Rights Push, as States Make Voting Harder
Why Coronavirus Testing Is Falling Short in Many Schools Across the U.S.

Olympian
County extends hotel stays for those displaced by Deschutes Parkway homeless camp sweep
Six more die due to COVID-19 in Thurston County as case count breaks record again
MultiCare submits plans to launch emergency medical center in Lacey
Washington Tribes face sports betting, gaming challenge in new lawsuit
‘We need action’ Gov. Inslee says in annual State of the State address
Thurston County 911 services hit with outage Tuesday evening

Puget Sound Business Journal
With Washington state hospitals pushed to the brink by Omicron, some recovered patients can’t leave
Inslee urges action on housing, climate in State of the State speech

Seattle Times
Facing blood shortage, Bloodworks Northwest has less than a day’s supply
I-90 eastbound closed near Ellensburg due to jackknifed semis
Purported leader of violent neo-Nazi group sentenced to prison for Seattle-area threats, intimidation
Growing list of Seattle-area schools switch to remote learning, cancel classes
Gov. Inslee gives State of the State speech calling for action from lawmakers (Frockt)
Simon Sefzik to replace late Sen. Doug Ericksen in Senate
Opinion: Lawmakers’ neglect of school seismic safety risks children’s lives

Skagit Valley Herald
Mount Vernon schools plan for possible return to online learning
Demand for COVID-19 testing exceeding capacity at county-run site

Tri-City Herald
Federal judge refuses to overturn Hanford, PNNL COVID vaccine mandate
Richland schools websites back up after ransomware discovered

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
City of Walla Walla to consider request to remove Marcus Whitman statue
Walla Walla County’s health leader on COVID-19: ‘We’re seeing numbers we’ve never seen before’

Washington Post
Omicron will infect ‘just about everybody,’ Fauci says
In America, a child is shot every hour, and hundreds die. Here are 13 young lives lost in 2021.
Americans visited IRS refund website 632 million times last year as challenges swamp tax agency ‘in crisis’
Senate Democrats, with White House backing, unveil Russia sanctions bill
December prices rise 7 percent, compared to a year ago, as 2021 inflation reaches highest in 40 years

Yakima Herald-Republic
Tiny homes project near Milroy Park in Yakima continues to gain ground

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Inslee calls on lawmakers to address safe housing, clean transportation
What it could take for Seattle Public Schools to opt for remote learning
Independent journalist reflects on uncovering undocumented ruse by Seattle police
Landslide closes more than 2 miles of Newport Way NW in Issaquah
Washington neo-Nazi leader convicted in intimidation plot sentenced to 7 years in prison

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Massive boulder complicates reopening of White Pass
Moderate flooding expected from Tolt, Snoqualmie rivers
How to clean and reuse your KN95, N95 mask as prices surge
Inslee calls for bold action in State of State address
Some Seattle schools move to remote learning during omicron surge
Washington Neo-Nazi group leader sentenced to 7 years in prison for intimidation plot
Scientists say 2021 was great year for whales in Salish Sea, except for endangered orcas
Senators grill Biden administration about confusion over CDC guidance, testing shortages

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Top health officials sound alarm again about rise of COVID-19 cases
Rep. Klippert calls out Gov. Inslee on freedom of speech
Issaquah landslide shuts down Newport Way NW
Experts estimate high number of unreported COVID-19 cases in Washington
Neo-Nazi group leader sentenced to 7 years in prison

KXLY (ABC)
‘Last resort option’: Local school districts exhaust resources to keep kids in class
Lack of COVID-19 tests forces Mead School District to cancel sporting events, practices and ‘test-to-stay’ program

Q13 TV (FOX)
State board of health, group to discuss considering COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students
WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee’s emergency powers (Jinkins)

Web

Crosscut
In WA and beyond, students question the value of college degrees
WA legislators prepare for long list of climate change bills

MyNorthwest
‘We need action’: Gov. Inslee’s State of the State address highlights lengthy to-do list in 2022
New lawsuit challenges tribal exclusive sports betting in Washington state
Seattle Mayor Harrell appoints director of housing office, public safety
SPD ‘misinformation campaign’ has council, mayor’s office demanding answers
Freeway, mountain pass closures hit Puget Sound region grocery stores with shortages
Fired SPD officer who punched handcuffed suspect to sue city over termination
Southern Resident orcas hit Puget Sound absence record in 2021
Washington Neo-Nazi group leader sentenced to 7 years in prison for intimidation plot

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Community Task Force will continue, mayor decides
WATER TAXI: Want to take your dog or cat on board? Finally you can

Tuesday, Jan. 11

Washington lawmakers kick off mostly remote session
Lawmakers in Washington state have started a new legislative session amid the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and much of their work will be done remotely as leaders try to limit the possibility of exposure. Since Friday, three Democratic senators — Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig and Sens. John Lovick and Mark Mullet — announced they had tested positive for the coronavirus. Billig said he had no symptoms and Lovick described his symptoms as mild. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Rachel La Corte)

Sunday saw record COVID cases in Washington state. Rate of COVID patients in ICU rising
COVID-19 continued its record-breaking pace through Washington over the weekend, based on data released by the state Department of Health on Monday. The state recorded 13,689 new cases Monday and 24 new deaths since Friday. The state reported 14,871 cases on Saturday and 19,150 cases on Sunday — a record high. As of Monday, statewide totals from the illness caused by the coronavirus were 978,680 cases and 10,028 deaths. Continue reading at The News Tribune.

Gov. Inslee to give State of the State address Tuesday
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is set to give his State of the State address to the state Legislature Tuesday at noon. Inslee is expected to discuss the state’s COVID-19 response and what he hopes the state Legislature will accomplish in this session…Washington’s 60-day legislative session began Monday. Lawmakers will convene and pass new laws or change old ones before the session adjourns on March 10. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
Snoqualmie Pass open; White Pass closes again in Washington
Washington lawmakers kick off mostly remote session (Billig, Bronoske, Jinkins, Lovick, Mullet, Trudeau)

Auburn Reporter
Washington Democrats introduce bills clarifying police reforms (Johnson, Rule, Bronoske)

Bainbridge Island Review
Legislature: Priorities are COVID, economy, climate, social services (Jinkins, Dhingra)

Bellingham Herald
With COVID cases on rise, Whatcom health department to open second isolation facility
Bellingham hospital reports 45% increase in COVID patients with record number over weekend
Strong wind, heavy rain forecast for Whatcom, raising threat of flooding
SSC proposing this change to its curbside recycling program in Bellingham
Bellingham hospital sees omicron’s ‘severity is very similar to what delta was causing’
COVID omicron variant will impact Bellingham meetings, remote workers

Columbian
House Democrats introduce bills to clarify police reform measures (Johnson, Rule, Stonier, Goodman, Bronoske)
Washington schools chief: School closures likely in coming weeks
Opinion: In Our View: Criminalizing election falsehoods misguided

Everett Herald
They’re off and legislating, and doing it remotely again (Donaghy, Jinkins, Billig, Lovick, Mullet, Trudeau)
County’s reported infections surpass earlier grim estimates
Schools in Marysville and elsewhere pivot as COVID spreads
60-day sprint: State lawmakers plan to fix what’s broken (Billig, Lovick)
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: Danger of ignoring claims accusing Jews of genocide
Harrop Column: Vaccinated left to cope with impacts of unvaxxed
Editorial: Add your voice to Legislature’s 60-day session (Wicks, Robinson)

News Tribune
Sunday saw record COVID cases in Washington state. Rate of COVID patients in ICU rising

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Over Half of Europe Could Be Infected in Next 2 Months, W.H.O. Says
Economists Pin More Blame on Tech for Rising Inequality
Biden Will Endorse Changing Senate Rules to Pass Voting Rights Legislation
2021 Outpaced Years Past in Breaking All-Time Temperature Records
Covid Test Misinformation Spikes Along With Spread of Omicron

Olympian
As omicron surges, Washington legislators convene for the first day of the session
Thurston County Superior Court extends jury trial suspension at least a month
Some Thurston County roads still closed Monday due to flooding
WA’s 2021 climate laws made history. What will happen in this year’s legislative session?

Peninsula Daily News
Health workers concerned about strain from oncoming COVID-19 surge of infections

Puget Sound Business Journal
Omicron wave expected to trigger large-scale absenteeism, delays and cancellations

Seattle Times
Leavenworth is running out of places to put its record-breaking snowfall
Seattle officials face questions about police lies, investigation into faked radio chatter
Washington state’s White Pass, Stevens Pass remain closed to travelers
Seattle schools could return to remote learning if high number of absences continues
Seattle has struggled to care for sick and homeless people since the 1800s; now programs are trying something different
Washington Legislature begins another session; now 5 senators test positive for COVID (Lovick, Billig, Mullet, Trudeau, Jinkins)
Editorial: COVID-19 exposure app is a tool worth using
Rep. Simmons: Redemption is possible, if our laws allow it

Skagit Valley Herald
COVID numbers continue to rise

Sol De Yakima
Pasos Snoqualmie, Blewett reabrieron el domingo; Paso White abre el lunes en la tarde
Cierra de nuevo el Paso White sobre la carretera US 12

Spokesman Review
Mead School Board votes to oppose efforts to mandate COVID-19 vaccine for students
School leaders struggle to keep doors open as absences mount among students and staff
City of Spokane adopts law protecting tenants from eviction while awaiting rental assistance

Tribal Tribune
Salmon Redds Show Promise in the Upper Columbia River

Tri-City Herald
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review WA state law that helps ill Hanford workers
Omicron hits Tri-Cities schools, sickening nearly 700 kids. Hundreds more in quarantine

Washington Post
Fauci, Walensky testify at Senate hearing on federal response to omicron
U.S. breaks record with more than 145,000 covid-19 hospitalizations
Private insurers to cover some at-home coronavirus tests, Biden administration says amid omicron surge
Biden to call for changing the filibuster in major voting rights speech
Moderna vaccines the best — and Sinovac least effective — at stopping covid deaths, Singapore data suggests
Ocean warmth sets record high in 2021 as a result of greenhouse gas emissions

Yakima Herald-Republic
Wintry weather could affect travel Tuesday in Eastern Washington; White Pass closes again
Here’s where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster in Yakima County
Seattle Times: Washington state lawmakers eye lowering minimum school age to 5 years old (Wellman)
Letter: Insurance industry is on the wrong side this time

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Whatcom County Republicans urge council to fill legislative seat left vacant by late Sen. Ericksen
Gov. Inslee to give State of the State address Tuesday
Research finds lungs may be resistant to omicron variant
No, Washington won’t forcibly quarantine those who have COVID-19 or are unvaccinated
Kent leaders work to regain community trust after assistant police chief displayed Nazi insignia
Debris on private property may be the culprit of downtown Issaquah flooding

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Double diagnosis worries doctors across the Sound
Omicron surge has some schools moving toward remote learning
Western Washington University continuing remote learning for two more weeks
Snoqualmie, Blewett passes reopen; Stevens Pass remains closed until Wednesday
Search for second Grays Harbor man swept away in Chehalis River flood
Robocalls target consumers as millions add phone numbers to national do not call list

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
New legislative session begins at state Capitol with COVID still lurking (Jinkins, Billig, Mullet, Trudeau)
Travel through the state’s mountain passes remains challenging for drivers
As floodwaters recede, Western Washington residents take stock, begin clean-up effort

KNKX Public Radio
Seattle immigrant rights group headed to the U.S. Supreme Court

KUOW Public Radio
Pandemic blog: Washington hospitals strained under Covid surge
As carbon removal gains traction, economists imagine a new market to save the planet
U.S. COVID hospitalizations hit new record high, raising risks for patients
So you got Covid. What do you do now?
Here’s what could send Seattle Public Schools back to remote learning
A paid holiday in March? It’d be Women’s Suffrage Day if Washington state lawmakers vote yea (Lekanoff)
Can salmon eggs survive Washington’s heavy floods?

KXLY (ABC)
‘That’s the dream’: New ideas to help the housing crisis in the 2022 legislative session
Washington Blood Coalition says there is a critical need for blood donations

Q13 TV (FOX)
Schools shift to temporary remote learning model due to substantial staffing shortages
WA lawmakers eye ‘tweaking’ police reform laws as 2022 legislative session opens (Jinkins)

Web

Crosscut
WA legislators prepare for long list of climate change bills (Fitzgibbon, Lekanoff, Carlyle, Liias)
10 job opportunities in a zero-emission future

MyNorthwest
Another atmospheric river, heavy rain hits Puget Sound region
Whatcom County Council to appoint replacement for late Sen. Ericksen
Legislative session kicks off with packed agenda, virtual testimony, and multiple lawmakers with COVID (Billig, Jinkins, Mullet, Lovick, Trudeau)
‘Temporary workforce challenge’ suspends handful of King County Metro bus routes
Race for King County prosecutor heats up as field of candidates quickly takes shape
Puget Sound schools feel strain of omicron surge, as some mull return to remote learning
National Guard arrives in Leavenworth to offer aid after emergency declaration
Snoqualmie, Blewett passes reopen; White, Stevens passes remain closed

Monday, Jan. 10

More than plots on a chart: The 10,000 lost to COVID in Washington state
10,000 lives. The number of Washingtonians lost to COVID-19 is still hard to comprehend. At the beginning of the pandemic, when the Seattle area was briefly the U.S.’ sole epicenter, each death was its own headline. Rarely now do individual names of those who died of COVID make it into news reports. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Courtesy of Linda Casey)

7 things WA Legislature is expected to address in 2022
As Washington’s Legislature begins a new session Monday, the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues its rampage through the state, scuttling lawmakers’ plans to conduct more of their operations in person. Even so, the 60-day session is likely to be jampacked. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee has proposed new measures aimed at combating climate change. Top legislators want to revisit some of the police accountability bills they passed last year. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Ted S. Warren)

WA’s 2021 climate laws made history. What will happen in this year’s legislative session?
Washington’s climate-minded lawmakers have big shoes to fill during this year’s legislative session, after last year’s yielded the most aggressive suite of climate laws the state has ever seen. The stakes are high as the Legislature prepares to meet Monday, Jan. 10, kicking off a 60-day session: Climate change-fueled events such as wildfires, floods and heat waves have ravaged communities statewide in the past year, claiming lives and causing millions of dollars in damage. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald.

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Associated Press
Flooding persists after Pacific Northwest storms
Pandemic still backdrop as WA lawmakers start new session
Washington Supreme Court rejects redistricting lawsuits
Inslee rescinds state government affirmative action ban

Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor legislators address local concerns in annual ‘Send-Off’ (Tharinger, Chapman)
Record rainfall leads to flooding in Aberdeen and Hoquiam

Auburn Reporter
King County health expert is ‘mind-boggled’ by spread of Omicron variant
Health care leaders declare statewide crisis, request action

Bainbridge Island Review
BI to look at legislative, climate priorities
Drive-through COVID testing now available 6 days a week in Kitsap

Bellevue Reporter
Postal workers concerned about USPS consolidation, impact on region’s mail delivery

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham hospital sees omicron’s ‘severity is very similar to what delta was causing’
WA’s 2021 climate laws made history. What will happen in this year’s legislative session? (Ramel, Duerr, Billig)
Here’s why Bellingham businesses face a tight building market, increasing rent prices
Washington Supreme Court rejects redistricting lawsuits
Snow turned to rain, but PNW deluge caused flooding, landslides, avalanche danger
Watch: A king tide is causing flooding in Birch Bay
Big numbers continue to roll in for Whatcom with 370 new COVID cases and 2 more deaths
Whatcom health officials ask for help as omicron driving record COVID surge in county

Capital Press
‘Exports are on fire:’ U.S. farmers set records
THE BIG SQUEEZE: Inflation is near a 40-year high. Here’s what it looks like on one farm.
A billion-dollar battle over more than timber
Flooding closes 20-mile stretch of I-5 in SW Washington
Washington lawmaker files seasonal farmworker pay bill
Washington high court shuts door on veto appeal
Wetland projects accused of infringing on irrigation water rights
Easterday sentencing pushed back to June
Washington lawmakers file Inslee’s mandatory buffer bill (Rolfes)

Columbian
Washington lawmakers discuss top priorities for 60-day legislative session starting Monday (Cleveland, Wylie, Stonier)
Washington voters split on handling the pandemic and the economy, poll finds
Opinion: In Our View: Combating COVID-19 still requires vigilance

The Daily News
Capitol Dispatch: Local reps prep for largely virtual start to legislative session (Fitzgibbon)

Everett Herald
8 things to watch during the 2022 legislative session (Liias, Berg, Senn, Lovick)
How to contact Snohomish County’s state lawmakers in 2022
Record number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in county (Lovick)
‘Mockingbird’ could be cut from Mukilteo school curriculum
Live-music flyers are taken down again as omicron surges
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: Biden’s vision of democracy holds truth as foundation
WaPo Comment: Busting five myths about the Senate filibuster
WaPo Comment: Closing schools won’t halt omicron; it will hurt kids
WaPo Comment: More news outlets putting focus on ‘democracy beat’
Comment: Viewpoint: Watching for the coup by a thousand cuts
Comment: Ineffective waste of land, stream buffers are back
Editorial: Proposed law against election lies the wrong tool

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way rent prices jumped 16.7% in 2021

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Inslee announces additional resources for Omicron variant

Kent Reporter
Kent Sen. Das sponsors affordable homes legislation (Bateman, Das)

Kitsap Sun
Bremerton lawmaker gets death threats after filing bill regarding drive-by shootings (Simmons)

News Tribune
Man suspected of homicide is shot and killed by Pierce deputy, Sheriff’s Department says
Tacoma Creates: Where did millions in taxpayer funding go amid pandemic?
Walmart temporarily closing prominent Pierce County store amid high number of COVID cases
Op-Ed: Using Growth Management Act, WA lawmakers can create resilient climate future. Here’s how
Op-Ed: The Jan. 6 Capitol attack proved America’s democracy is fragile. Here’s how to protect it

New York Times
U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bounced Back Sharply in 2021
2021 Was Earth’s Fifth-Hottest Year, Scientists Say
Disruption, Dismay, Dissent: Americans Grapple With Omicron’s Rise
Covid Test Misinformation Spikes Along With Spread of Omicron

Olympian
Abolishing single-family zoning had no effect on Olympia housing development in 2021
Western Washington set to dry out, start recovering from week’s bursts of rain, flooding, wind
WA Senate Majority Leader tests positive for COVID-19 (Billig)
The biggest challenge for schools in new year is staffing, Reykdal says

Peninsula Daily News
Health order lawsuit hearing postponed
In-person access limited to legislative session
Floods, emergency help reported across Washington state
Inslee rescinds affirmative action ban in state hiring
Clallam County reports 82nd COVID death
Legislative session opens Monday (Van De Wege, Tharinger, Chapman, Bateman, Das)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Alaska Airlines and other carriers expected to continue canceling flights as Omicron hits employees
How will the labor market evolve in 2022? Here’s what experts predict.
Will 2022 bring another round of small-business relief funding? Congress is working on a deal

Seattle Times
The Washington Legislature will tackle some of the biggest issues in residents’ lives starting Monday (Jinkins, Billig, Lovick, Johnson, Goodman, Macri, Rolfes)
Kent badly underestimated outrage over assistant police chief’s Nazi insignia, mayor says
Snoqualmie Pass is open with two narrow lanes to freight travel after more than three days of closure
‘Deaths of despair’ spiked in Washington in 2020, exceeding deaths from COVID
The New York Times called Seattle one of the most affordable cities for single renters; here’s why that doesn’t add up
King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg will not seek reelection
Kids in Washington don’t have to start school until third grade. Lawmakers want to change that (Wellman)
More than plots on a chart: The 10,000 lost to COVID in Washington state
Sen. Liias: Washingtonians deserve a life free of mass shootings
Editorial: Legislature’s opportunity in election-year session (Liias, Sullivan, Chopp, Wellman)

Skagit Valley Herald
Studies show how the pandemic pushed the state’s food system to the brink
Legislators look ahead to 2022 session (Lovelett, Ramel, Paul)

Sol De Yakima
Conductores de camiones, viajeros se quedan varados en Ellensburg por cierre de pasos
Propuesta pretende crear sistema de alerta para indígenas desaparecidos en Washington
¿Necesita hacerse una prueba de COVID en el condado de Yakima?

Spokesman Review
Together again: Spokane County Public Works, Environmental Services departments merge
Washington Senate Majority Leader tests positive for COVID-19 (Billig)
East Valley School District cancels classes Monday after COVID-19 outbreak
Spokane City Council hesitatingly approves new deal with pipeline operator

Tri-City Herald
Record numbers of new Tri-Cities COVID cases. A surge of sick patients, deaths feared
‘Masters of a lawless mob.’ Lawsuit details how accused Pendleton man helped extremists breach Capitol
Inslee says ‘stop the steal’ election lies from WA lawmakers should be a crime

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Valley life coaches help locals deal with stress, uncertainties of COVID-19 pandemic
Walla Walla Police Department hosts another Bridging the Gap class

Washington Post
More than 1,700 congressmen once enslaved Black people. This is who they were, and how they shaped the nation.
Rapid tests are crucial despite reduced sensitivity to omicron, experts say
U.S. emissions surged in 2021, putting the nation further off track from its climate targets
White House allies split over inflation plan as Biden trains attacks on corporate greed
Rep. Jim Jordan refuses to cooperate with Jan. 6 committee investigating Capitol attack

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Valley lawmakers take aim at emergency powers again in 2022 legislative session
Snoqualmie and Blewett passes reopened for freight Sunday, but general travel not advised
Homicides were down in 2021 in Yakima County. Gangs, domestic violence were significant factors, officials say

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Here are some of the bills Washington legislators are hoping to pass next session
Drivers express frustration, confusion over Snoqualmie Pass reopening timeline
Lake Washington High School temporarily shifts to remote learning due to staffing shortages

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Snoqualmie and Blewett passes reopen; Stevens and White passes remain closed
Metro suspends several routes through Jan. 21
National Guard to assist Leavenworth after state of emergency declared
Lake Washington High School to temporarily shift to remote learning Monday
Call for blood donations in WA as levels dip to lowest in years
State Senate Majority Leader Billig tests positive for COVID-19 (Billig)
Lewis County hard hit by flooding

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Omicron variant creating worries among restaurant workers
Thurston County to hold COVID testing site at fairgrounds
Southwest Washington saw its worst flooding in a decade with recent storms
Snoqualmie Pass reopens Sunday after nearly 60-hour closure
Wash. State Senator Andy Billig tests positive for COVID-19 (Billig)

KNKX Public Radio
1 missing in Pacific Northwest flooding, slides

KUOW Public Radio
Sea level on steroids: Record tides flood Washington coastlines
Five things to know about Washington’s 2022 legislative session (Sullivan, Johnson, Jinkins, Carlyle)
Jan. 6 panel chair says committee will ask Mike Pence to voluntarily appear
Covid blog: Omicron dominates Washington state

KXLY (ABC)
City of Spokane in search for new temporary homeless shelter
Sen. Billig tests positive for COVID-19 (Billig)

NW Public Radio
Lethal Removal, Range Rider Concerns Raised At Washington Wolf Advisory Group Meeting

Q13 TV (FOX)
King County declares emergency over flooding, ongoing snowstorm problems
WA legislator Andy Billig contracts COVID-19 (Billig)

Web

Crosscut
7 things WA Legislature is expected to address in 2022 (Jinkins, Billig, Pedersen)

Fresh Toast
New Bill Introduced In Washington State Would Legalize Psilocybin, Magic Mushrooms (Salomon)

Marijuana Moment
Psilocybin Services Would Be Legalized In Washington State Under New Bill (Salomon)

MyNorthwest
National Guard to help in Leavenworth after emergency declaration
Snoqualmie, Blewett passes reopen; White, Stevens passes to remain closed
Lake Washington High School to temporarily shift to remote learning Monday
Kshama Sawant calls on mayor to extend Seattle’s eviction moratorium
Washington crests 10,000 total COVID-19 deaths since start of pandemic
King County omicron surge ‘likely to get more difficult’ before situation improves
Record-shattering rain drenches Western Washington to close out week
Dan Satterberg to say goodbye as King County Prosecutor after nearly 16 years
Wet weather, potholes in Washington make grocery deliveries challenging

The Stranger
A Big List of Bills to Track During Washington’s 2022 Legislative Session
It’s up to Harrell to Save Renters in Peril

West Seattle Blog
Sound Transit’s West Seattle advisory group meets Tuesday
First West Seattle Bridge work platform installed

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)