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    Articles by Joseph Thompson
    Gov. Jay Inslee waves during his Thursday morning press conference on extending protections for renters. (TVW)
    Governor extends some protections for Washington renters
    By Joseph Thompson • June 24, 2021 1:00 pm

    Under a new order, landlords can only evict a tenant if they refuse to seek help through a relief program.

    Read Story

    Courtesy image
    As vax rates ease in WA, here come...
    By Joseph Thompson • June 3, 2021 2:50 pm

    Incentives range from big cash drawings to sports tickets and tuition. Drawings start next week.

    Read Story

    Jackie Hoernor winces as she gets her Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination during a Walgreen’s Vaccine Clinic at South Pointe on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Everett, Washington. (Sound Publishing file photo)
    Washington no longer on pace to beat June...
    By Joseph Thompson • June 2, 2021 4:50 pm

    Reaching 70% of adults with at least one shot would trigger the state to drop most COVID-19 restrictions.

    Read Story

    Photo courtesy of Johnson and Johnson (jnj.com)
    Johnson & Johnson vaccine halted in Washington over...
    By Joseph Thompson • April 13, 2021 4:40 pm

    Following federal guidance, Washington health care providers are temporarily pausing Johnson & Johnson shots while experts educate hospital systems on…

    Read Story

    Mercer Island School District first-graders returned to in-person classes on Jan. 19, 2021. Here, Northwood Elementary School students head into the building. Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District
    Governor: Educators are now eligible for coronavirus vaccine
    By Joseph Thompson • March 3, 2021 12:30 pm

    “This should give educators more confidence,” Jay Inslee said. Other frontline workers could soon be next.

    Read Story

    In Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan, which was announced Jan. 28, restaurants can reopen at a maximum 25% capacity and a limit of six people per table. Inslee recently announced all counties will be staying in Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan for the next several weeks. Pictured: People enjoy outdoor dining last summer in downtown Kent. Courtesy photo
    Inslee: All of Washington to stay in Phase...
    By Joseph Thompson • February 26, 2021 2:30 pm

    The governor issued a weekslong pause on regions moving backward, but has yet to outline a Phase 3.

    Read Story

    A CVS pharmacist prepares a COVID-19 vaccine at Village Green Retirement Campus in Federal Way on Jan. 26. Olivia Sullivan/Sound Publishing
    State health leader: We have a plan, we...
    By Joseph Thompson • February 21, 2021 11:00 am

    Two months after the COVID vaccine landed in Washington, many still struggle to secure their shots.

    Read Story

    Gov. Jay Inslee talks about schools reopening during a Tuesday news conference. (TVW)
    Inslee offers school districts state-funded COVID testing
    By Joseph Thompson • February 17, 2021 10:15 am

    The ‘Learn to Return’ plan is intended to speed school reopenings with an added layer of confidence.

    Read Story

    Remi Frederick, a Village Green employee receives her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Jan. 26 in Federal Way. Olivia Sullivan/Sound Publishing
    Inslee: We have vaccine capacity, we just need...
    By Joseph Thompson • February 7, 2021 3:10 pm

    Despite continued frustration from those seeking a shot, the state is making progress, he said.

    Read Story

    A “closed” sign at Jackson’s restaurant on Cole Street in downtown Enumclaw. Sound Publishing file photo
    Governor extends restrictions on businesses and gatherings
    By Joseph Thompson • December 8, 2020 1:15 pm

    It’s been a month since the governor imposed the new rules. And the pandemic has only gotten worse.

    Read Story

    Screenshot from the state Employment Security Department’s website at esd.wa.gov.
    State still sifting through thousands of unemployment claims
    By Joseph Thompson • October 8, 2020 4:40 pm

    The recent Lost Wages Assistance program pumped an extra $625 million to Washington’s unemployed.

    Read Story

    Gov. Jay Inslee during his Oct. 6 news conference. (Screenshot)
    Gov. Inslee loosens rules for bars, libraries and...
    By Joseph Thompson • October 6, 2020 5:45 pm

    New rules come as coronavirus cases are on the rise statewide.

    Read Story

    Screenshot from the state Employment Security Department’s website at esd.wa.gov.
    Workers may qualify for an extra $1,500 in...
    By Joseph Thompson • September 8, 2020 3:40 pm

    A federal program will give some of the state’s unemployed a $300 weekly bump for the past five weeks.

    Read Story

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