California will end mask mandate on Feb. 15, LA County will not align with state's changes

California's indoor masking requirement will end next week for vaccinated people but masks still are the rule for schoolchildren. However, local health officials can continue their own requirements.

Oregon, California ending mask mandates soon

Both Oregon and California are expected to end their statewide mask mandates at the end of March and by Feb. 15, respectively. 

Lt. Gov. Denny Heck tests positive for COVID-19, working from home

Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck tested positive for COVID-19 and is now working from home, his office announced Monday.

Donors needed: Breast milk in short supply amid COVID-19 surge, winter weather woes

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America said it is in urgent need of donor breast milk which is essential to “saving the most vulnerable babies’ lives.”

VIDEO: Man tries to run back into burning home to save dog, firefighter gets dog out

A Central Pierce firefighter rescued a dog named ‘Kookie’ from a burning home, reuniting her with a tearful owner who tried to go back into the blaze to save his dog. 

US job growth soars past expectations with 467,000 added, shaking off omicron surge

U.S. job growth blew past expectations in January, as the economy brushed off a record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide that threatened to sideline millions of workers and kept many consumers at home.

3 Washington counties rank among worst COVID-19 infection rates in U.S., data shows

Franklin, Benton and Whitman counties have among the worst COVID-19 infection rates in the U.S., according to national data compiled by the New York Times.

Washington state sues Center for COVID Control over 'fake test' allegations

Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit against the Center for COVID Control, alleging the embattled company improperly handled tests and provided fake results.

'Even as a joke, it's not funny'; Lynnwood bar in hot water over viral post

A Lynnwood bar is under fire after a viral post. Vessel Taphouse’s social media called for proof of positive COVID-19 test to give customers a discount.

USPS worker helps save woman’s life after seeing mail pileup

U.S. Postal Service employee Kayla Berridge noticed her customer’s mail was piling up. Officers later found the elderly woman trapped inside her home for at least three days.

Lynnwood bar advertised ‘catch the virus’ show

In the past week, a pirate-themed bar in Lynnwood has lost staff, bands and other customers — over a show with advertised discounted prices for people sick with COVID-19.

Companies allow people to opt-out of Valentine’s Day emails

As interest in celebrating Valentine’s Day gradually declines, companies are giving consumers a chance to opt-out of those marketing emails that seem to bombard your inbox any time a holiday approaches.

Unemployment claims drop for the first time in a month

The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims fell by 30,000 to 260,000 last week, slightly less than the 265,000 analysts were expecting.

Denmark ends most virus restrictions, ready to 'welcome the life we knew before'

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that while the omicron variant is surging in Denmark, it is not placing a heavy burden on the health system and the country has a high vaccination rate. "As of Feb. 1, Denmark will be open."

Navy discharges 1st active-duty sailors for vaccine refusal

The Navy said Tuesday that it has discharged 23 active-duty sailors for refusing the coronavirus vaccine, marking the first time it has thrown currently serving sailors out of the military over the mandatory shots.

Western WA COVID cases trending down, Eastern WA still rising, health officials say

COVID-19 cases in Western Washington are trending down, as cases in Eastern Washington and Idaho have yet to hit their peak, health officials said Tuesday.