Ex-Washington state employee pleads guilty to pandemic fraud
A former employee of Washington state’s Employment Security Department pleaded guilty to three federal felonies for exploiting his employment for personal enrichment and fraudulently distributing at least $360,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits, prosecutors said.
WA Insurance Commissioner extends COVID-19 orders on co-pays, surprise billing to June 27
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has once again extended his two emergency orders involving insurance protocols surrounding COVID-19.
Federal reserve raises interest rates by 0.75%
It's an effort to tamp down inflation, but will it push the economy into a recession?
CDC lifts final COVID-19 travel restriction Sunday
The last COVID-19 travel restriction has been lifted for air travelers overseas. As of Sunday, you no longer need a negative COVID test to get into the U.S. as you return from abroad.
Massive backlog of appeals from Employment Security Department affecting about 22,000 Washingtonians
After historic jobless claims in Washington State during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is now working on a massive backlog of appeals from the Employment Security Department (ESD).
Dr. Fauci says the ‘US is out of the pandemic phase’
Dr. Anthony Fauci said COVID-19 infections and deaths are at a lower level in the U.S., but people should still get 'intermittently' vaccinated.
Beijing enforces lockdowns, expands COVID-19 mass testing amid outbreak
Residents lined up for throat swabs across Beijing as mass testing was expanded to 11 city districts. Beijing has a total of 92 virus cases since an outbreak was discovered five days ago.
Pilot shortage: 'When there is demand for pilots, that demand can’t get filled instantly'
To fly for an airline, usually, a minimum of 1,500 hours are required. It’s also not unreasonable to see total costs soar up to $100,000 to $200,000 to pay for all the required certificates and ratings.
Democratic, Republican Senate bargainers reach $10B COVID agreement
President Joe Biden settled for much less in the package despite warnings that the government was running out of money to keep pace with the continued spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.
CDC drops COVID-19 health warning for cruise ship travelers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that they will leave it up to vacationers to decide whether they feel safe getting on a ship. The cruise-line industry is happy about the move.
'His balance is gone now,' Family confused after ESD clears overpayment balance with no communication
There are still many left fighting for a waiver from ESD after they were notified of being overpaid in pandemic unemployment benefits.
Seattle program helps small businesses apply for recovery loans as COVID enters next phase
As the state moves to put the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview mirror, Seattle’s economic office has prepared $8 million in loans for businesses to start getting back on their feet.
Seattle City Council extends outdoor dining permits through January
Eating outdoors in Seattle will continue after city council voted to extend the free street dining permit program through next year.
Elysian Fields to reopen for first time after closing due to pandemic
Fans will have another place to go to before heading into Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park as Elysian Fields Pub reopens for the first time since 2020.
Canada to ease travel restrictions at U.S. border starting Feb. 28
Canada is loosening restrictions on the U.S. border as COVID-19 cases decrease across the country.
Microsoft to reopen Redmond campus on Feb. 28, adjust hybrid work
After a long two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft is reopening its campus and welcoming employees back to the office—if they choose to return.
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.”
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.
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.
US economy showed 5.7% growth last year, rebounding from 2020 recession
The American economy bounced back last year with resilience from 2020′s brief but devastating coronavirus recession.