Washington lawmakers set to kick off mostly remote session

Lawmakers in Washington state are preparing to kick off 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.

WA legislator Andy Billig contracts COVID-19

Washington lawmaker Andy Billig tested positive for COVID-19, Senate Democrats announced Saturday.

Pandemic still backdrop as WA lawmakers start new session

The 2022 legislative session in Washington will look much like the one a year ago: a limited number of lawmakers on site at the Capitol, and committee hearings being fully remote due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

I-5 in Lewis County reopens after closure due to flooding

Interstate 5 in Lewis County has reopened after it was shut down for several hours because of area flooding Friday morning. 

Major flooding expected along south Thurston County rivers

Thurston County Emergency Management (TCEM) is telling residents to expect major flooding along several south county rivers, some residents being told to be prepared for evacuation. 

Washington orders 5.5 million at-home tests for public

Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday the state has ordered 5.5 million at-home tests to distribute to the public and will improve booster vaccine access and supply about 10 million free protective masks amid a steep increase in COVID-19 cases due to the more contagious omicron variant.

Washington’s new secretary of state mandates vaccines

In one of his first acts as Washington Secretary of State, Democrat Steve Hobbs has told his some 300 staff to become vaccinated against COVID-19 by Feb. 25, or face losing their jobs.

Washington lawmakers file bill to delay long-term care tax

Washington state lawmakers have filed a bill to be introduced that would delay the implementation of the mandatory long-term care payroll tax. 

Visitation restrictions in effect at Olympia, Centralia hospitals

Providence Southwest Hospitals announced that it was updating its visitation policy in response to help control the spread of the omicron variant, and to protect caregivers and patients. 

Department of Corrections fined $60K for COVID rule lapses

The Washington Department of Corrections has been fined $60,000 for failing to enforce COVID-19 protective measures at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen.

Fire destroys multiple businesses in Yelm strip mall
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A raging fire destroyed three businesses at a strip mall in Yelm. The flames sparked overnight and quickly grew out of control.

200 COVID-19 cases linked to high school wrestling tourneys; new safety guidance for indoor sports released

The Washington State Department of Health announced on Friday that it updated its health and safety guidance in response to the COVID-19 outbreaks linked to the high school wrestling tournaments this month. 

Five-story building in Olympia destroyed by a fire
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A large fire ripped through a five-story building in Olympia. The flames sparked inside an empty building that was under construction?which is now a total loss.