Big cities look to masks again in preparation for winter threat of COVID, flu, RSV

With the beginning of winter roughly a week away, major cities across the U.S. are looking to mask up once again for the purpose of combating not just COVID-19, but the flu and the respiratory illness RSV.

Washington DOH gives update on respiratory virus season ahead of holidays

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) delivered an update on respiratory virus season and other health topics on Tuesday. 

Flu season claims 26 lives in WA, local health officials now recommend masks indoors

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Friday that 26 people across the state have died from the flu this year. Some local health officials in Western Washington are now recommending people wear masks inside. 

Congress set to rescind COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military members

The COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military would be rescinded under the annual defense bill heading for a vote this week in Congress, ending a directive that helped ensure the vast majority of troops were vaccinated but also raised concerns that it harmed recruitment and retention.

DoorDash to cut 1,250 corporate jobs after COVID-19 pandemic hiring surge

Delivery company DoorDash is eliminating more than 1,200 corporate jobs, about 6% of its total workforce, saying it hired too many people when demand for its services increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rolovich sues WSU, Gov. Inslee over firing for refusing vaccine

Former Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich has sued the university and Gov. Jay Inslee after he was fired last year for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Washington's COVID-19 state of emergency ends Monday

Washington state's COVID-19 state of emergency and remaining emergency proclamations will end Oct. 31.

Washington's health leaders urge caution this winter as respiratory viruses spread

On Thursday during a media briefing, state health officials said the public should still be mindful of COVID-19 and cautious of other respiratory viruses emerging throughout the state that could challenge hospitals in a way that hasn’t been seen before.

AG: Center for COVID Control owners barred from doing business in Washington

The Center for COVID Control—a coronavirus testing company lambasted by the Attorney General as a ‘scam’—is now permanently barred from doing business in Washington.

2 friends walking to Mariners playoff game from Mill Creek after losing bet

Two friends will be embarking on a journey they once joked about but didn't think would come to fruition– walking over 20 miles to To-Mobile Park from Mill Creek to watch the Seattle Mariners in the playoffs. 

Fall COVID-19 surge could happen in Pacific Northwest

The top health officer in Washington state’s most populous county said Thursday that a fall and winter COVID surge is likely headed to the Pacific Northwest after months of relatively low case levels.

Tacoma firefighter/paramedic creates documentary highlighting need for mental health support

A firefighter/paramedic for the City of Tacoma has spent the last year working with his crew to create a documentary highlighting the need for mental health attention for all firefighters.

23 former Seattle firefighters sue city, chief over firings due to vaccine mandate

The city of Seattle and Chief Harold Scoggins are facing a lawsuit from a group of 23 former Seattle firefighters for religious discrimination and wage theft. The suit is tied to the firefighters’ decision to not get vaccinated.