While the federal government is purchasing 500 million rapid tests to distribute free to the public in response to the rise of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, governments in the Pacific Northwest have decided to acquire their own supply.
Monthly Archives: December 2021
Nevada’s Harry Reid, a lion of the U.S. Senate and a conservation champion, passes on
Harry Reid served thirty years in the Senate. His biggest achievement for his state was arguably killing the U.S. Department of Energy’s plans to use Yucca Mountain as a repository for “spent” but highly radioactive fuel rods from the nation’s nuclear power plants — which he did almost single-handedly.
Justice Mary Fairhurst: 1957–2021
One of Washington State’s best, most distinguished jurists has passed on. Read NPI’s appreciation of Justice Mary Fairhurst, who served the people of Washington for decades on the Supreme Court.
Need a fresh supply of good masks or COVID-19 at-home tests? Here’s where to get them
With community spread up and the risk of infection growing, now is a good time to stock up on essential protective supplies as well as reviewing safety protocols and reconsidering travel and gathering plans. Here are some recommendations.
COVID-19 Update: Governments ramp up testing as omicron looms over holiday season
Ahead of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, the Biden-Harris administration announced new steps to address the omicron variant, which is rapidly accounting for an increasing percentage of new coronavirus cases.
Judge Marc Barreca approves conversion of Tim Eyman’s bankruptcy case to Chapter 7
Tim Eyman’s bankruptcy is now a Chapter 7 case, or “straight bankruptcy,” rather than the reorganization type. A trustee will now attempt to sell Tim Eyman’s nonexempt assets to satisfy his debts.
The United States needs a strategy to bring Vladimir Putin’s Russia back from the edge
“How we shape policy to advance a more stable, secure future for our people is on the line right now,” NPI’s Gael Tarleton writes. “It is the right time to re-evaluate and evolve the security structures and relationships designed during the Cold War.”
Second set of Seattle tree protection poll findings affirms voters value urban forests
Respondents to NPI’s October 2021 general election survey of the Seattle electorate are in strong agreement that the city should update its tree ordinance to strengthen tree protection policies, with more than seven in ten voters backing a majority of ideas tested.
Last Week In Congress: How Cascadia’s U.S. lawmakers voted (December 13th-17th)
The week’s major votes included House and Senate passage of legislation to raise the debt ceiling, a House contempt referral to the Justice Department concerning Mark Meadows, and Senate confirmation of several Biden nominees, including two to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Republican State Senator Doug Ericksen has died after contracting COVID-19 last month
Ericksen, fifty-two, represented the 42nd Legislative District, which currently encompasses much of Whatcom County, including portions of the City of Bellingham.
Right wing media unloads on Liz Cheney for insisting on accountability for January 6th
Liz Cheney is a fierce partisan: Unlike her Republican House colleagues, however, she has no truck or trade with public fabrication of falsehoods.
John Lovick moves over to the State Senate; Brandy Donaghy joins Washington’s House
With less than one month to go until the beginning of the 2022 legislative session, the Snohomish County Council on December 15th made two legislative appointments to bring the 44th Legislative District’s delegation to Olympia back up to full strength following Steve Hobbs’ departure.
Governor Jay Inslee unveils new salmon protection and recovery plan for 2022 session
“We are on a mission. Protecting and restoring our salmon is personal to me — it’s a legacy left to us by previous generations and we should do the same for our grandchildren,” Inslee said from underneath a large Swinomish Cedar Hat.
Last Week In Congress: How Cascadia’s U.S. lawmakers voted (December 6th-10th)
The week’s major votes included House and Senate passage of the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act, House passage of the Protecting our Democracy Act and 2022 NDAA, and Senate confirmation of Jessica Rosenworcel to be FCC Chair.