Washingtonians receiving unemployment benefits could see a big cut to their next checks as it appears unlikely Congress and the White House will reach a swift agreement on extending the extra $600 in weekly federal assistance provided since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD), the average person on unemployment receives weekly checks of $974, which includes the federal boost. Those checks will likely drop to $474 after the next round of claims is filed at the end of this week.
"Unless Congress acts soon to extend or alter it, the loss of this additional benefit will create hardship for many individuals and families," ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine said in a statement.
A Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday a recall effort against Sheriff John Snaza for not enforcing Washington's face mask mandate can move forward.
"I really felt that by us informing and educating citizens about the importance of wearing a mask was fair enough. And obviously, Mr. West and the judge thought differently," Sheriff Snaza said during an interview with KING 5.
Arthur West lives in Olympia and started the recall effort after the Thurston County Sheriff's Office posted on its Facebook page stating deputies "would not" criminally enforce the face mask mandate put in place by Governor Jay Inslee.
Broken toilets, overcrowded beaches, and no social distancing. Those are all things Snohomish County Parks and Recreation is reporting as tons of people head to parks during the pandemic.
With typical summer activities like pools and movie theaters still closed, Snohomish County officials said its parks are over capacity with three times as many visitors at parks as is typical for this time of year.
“If you want to keep parks open, don’t overcrowd. Crowded parks mean unsafe and unhealthy conditions,” said Rose Smith with the county's Parks and Recreation.
Changes to restrictions at restaurants are now in effect as Washington state tries to curb a recent surge in coronavirus cases.
The new restrictions took effect Thursday and mean that alcohol can’t be served after 10 p.m. at bars and restaurants, and counties in Phase 3 can’t seat more than five people per table and they all have to be from the same household.
Restaurant capacity in Phase 3 will be reduced to 50%, and bar seating is banned. Indoor card rooms are prohibited, and movie theaters can’t open until Phase 3 when they are allowed to open at 25% capacity.
If homeless advocates have their way, a church parking lot will soon be home to about 80 homeless people in Everett.
The homeless already line the streets and sidewalks around Everett's United Church of Christ. It hosts a free food program that many take part in.
The plan is for the camp to stay at the church for 90 days. If there are no problems, the stay could be extended.
Also see: Seattle local forecast
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