Pandemic decision-making is difficult and exhausting – here’s the psychology that explains why

Art Shotwell 6 minutes read
You want to sit down for an indoor dinner with friends. A couple of years ago, this was a simple enough activity that required minimal planning. However, that is not the case in today’s world. Many people now face a stream of further considerations about benefits and risks.

Police Blotter, April 8 - 15, 2022

Anacortes Police 6 minutes read
A reported fuel spill this week drew a response from the Anacortes Fire Department, but it turned out tht it was the scene of a fuel theft.

Washington State Retools First-in-the-Nation Long-Term Care Benefit

Art Shotwell 7 minutes read
The WA Cares Fund program, which would provide workers in the state a lifetime benefit of $36,500, was set to begin collecting money through a payroll tax in January, but it was delayed while lawmakers made adjustments to address equity problems. Now the payroll deductions will begin in July 2023, and benefits will become available in 2026.

April 13, 2022: COVID-19 Updates from Skagit County

Art Shotwell 2 minutes read
Skagit County’s 7-day case rate has increased by 24 percent since last week, and the county-wide 7-day hospitalization rate has increased by 35 percent.

Conservatives feel blamed, shamed and ostracized by the media

Art Shotwell 6 minutes read
Polling shows that trust in the media among conservatives is low and dropping. Much of the American right is hostile toward the press, but there’s not much research seeking to understand why, or what it means.

When are book bans unconstitutional? A First Amendment scholar explains

Art Shotwell 6 minutes read
The United States has become a nation divided over important issues in K-12 education, including which books students should be able to read in public school.