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Hesitancy or convenience? When the COVID-19 vaccine rolled into Fairfield this month, demand was strong

UPDATED: Thu., May 20, 2021

Sometimes all it takes to get people vaccinated is to bring doses right to their doorstep. This work is being done by community advocates, health departments and the Range Health mobile clinic.

News >  Business

More mask guidance on the way for businesses in Washington

UPDATED: Wed., May 19, 2021

State health officials found out about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “masks off” guidance for fully vaccinated people last week at the same time as everyone else.

News >  Health

Spokane MultiCare hospital workers rally as contract negotiations stall

UPDATED: Wed., May 19, 2021

Union members at Deaconess and Valley Hospitals rallied on Wednesday, raising awareness for their ongoing contract negotiations with MultiCare.

News >  Health

Trust, organization crucial in getting farmworkers vaccinated against COVID-19

Wed., May 19, 2021

The effort to get vaccines out to farmworkers in Washington state will continue throughout the summer.

News

All Washington counties now in Phase 3

UPDATED: Fri., May 21, 2021

All counties, including Ferry and Whitman which were previously in Phase 2, are now in Phase 3 of the governor’s reopening plan.

News

Inslee signs major climate bills, but not without partial vetoes; Legislative leadership threaten lawsuit

UPDATED: Mon., May 17, 2021

After years of fighting for statewide climate policies, Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday signed into law five bills that aim to fight climate change in Washington, but not without vetoing key language tying two bills to a new transportation package.

News

COVID-19 vaccine clinics at local high schools offering Pfizer this week

UPDATED: Mon., May 17, 2021

Kids and teenagers can get the Pfizer vaccine this week at multiple clinics, including some being offered at local high schools. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine available to kids and teenagers ages 12 to 17. Those who are 18 years old and older can get any of the three vaccines available in Spokane County.

News >  WA Government

It’s time to make sure your phone will get Washington’s new ShakeAlert early earthquake warnings

UPDATED: Mon., May 17, 2021

With Washington's launch last week, all three west coast states now use the U.S. Geological Survey's ShakeAlert system for earthquake early warning. 

News >  Local Government

Spokane County, city will have to reach agreement in dispatch feud, according to bill signed by Inslee

Sat., May 15, 2021

The city of Spokane and the county-led Spokane Regional Emergency Communications agency now have until next July to reach an agreement on how to form one emergency communications agency, after a Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill into law this week. 

News

Spokane COVID-19 case counts stay steady

UPDATED: Sat., May 15, 2021

Despite case counts declining elsewhere in the state, case counts in Spokane County still appear to be plateaued.

News

Everyone 12 and older can get vaccinated in Washington; STA offers free rides to appointments

UPDATED: Thu., May 13, 2021

All Washington residents 12 and older are now eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and the Spokane Transit Authority is making it easier to get to appointments.

News

Masks off: Fully vaccinated people can shed masks in Washington, Inslee announces following new CDC rules

UPDATED: Thu., May 13, 2021

If you're fully vaccinated, you can take your mask off and pretend like it's 2019.

News >  Health

Inslee: Washington could fully reopen by June 30

UPDATED: Thu., May 13, 2021

With COVID-19 cases on the decline, Inslee said current projections show most spaces, including restaurants and businesses, could return to full capacity by the end of next month.

News >  WA Government

As DNR awaits new wildfire prevention funds from Legislature, officials warn people of record-breaking wildfire season to come

Thu., May 13, 2021

OLYMPIA – After several years of devastating wildfires across Washington, lawmakers this year agreed to make a major investment in wildfire prevention and forest health.

News >  WA Government

Open carry at capitol, demonstrations now prohibited after Inslee signs bill into law

UPDATED: Wed., May 12, 2021

The new law bans open carry within 250 feet of public permitted demonstrations and at the state capitol. It does not apply to concealed-carry rules in the Capitol, which is allowed with the correct license.

News >  Health

Another 27,000 in Spokane County will be able to get the coronavirus vaccine after CDC approval for ages 12 to 15

UPDATED: Wed., May 12, 2021

Later this week, 12 to 15-year-olds will be authorized to receive the Pfizer vaccine, after the Western States Workgroup approves the vaccine for use in Washington.

News >  Health

Coronavirus cases plateau in Spokane County, while hospitalizations slightly increase

UPDATED: Tue., May 11, 2021

Spokane County’s coronavirus case rate has remained flat in the past few weeks, while hospitalizations have gone up slightly, according to data released by the Spokane Regional Health District on Tuesday.

News

Big changes coming for statewide public health system and local boards

Tue., May 11, 2021

The state's public health system may soon get big chances after Gov. Jay Inslee signed a law Monday that would require local health boards to change their makeup. 

News

Family medicine residency program approved in Pullman

UPDATED: Mon., May 10, 2021

Despite a failed bond measure in 2019 and the pandemic, Pullman Regional Hospital will host a family medicine residency program sponsored by Washington State University starting in July 2022.

News

COVID-19 cases appear to be plateauing, but not yet declining

UPDATED: Mon., May 10, 2021

COVID-19 cases appear to be plateauing statewide and locally.