“God’s Will Is Being Thwarted.” Even in Solid Republican Counties, Hard-Liners Seek More Partisan Control of Elections.

21 minutes read
The political battle in one Texas county where Trump got 81% of the vote offers a rare view into the virulent distrust and unyielding pressure facing elections administrators.

Covid Is Killing Rural Americans at Twice the Rate of Urbanites

6 minutes read
The pandemic is devastating rural America, where lower vaccination rates are compounding the already limited medical care.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for 2022 – Frequently Asked Questions

Art Shotwell 3 minutes read
This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which begins October 15, is critical to ensure Washington’s 1.4 millionMedicare beneficiaries have access to affordable care.

SNAP benefits are rising for millions of Americans, thanks to a long-overdue ‘Thrifty Food Plan’ update

Art Shotwell 6 minutes read
The average number of people in the U.S. enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program over the course of a year declined for several years, but that changed after 2019. It grew in 2020 and 2021 to nearly 42 million due to economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

These Schools Use Weekly Testing to Keep Kids in Class — And Covid Out

7 minutes read
Coronavirus outbreaks have shuttered K-12 classrooms across the U.S., affecting tens of thousands of K-12 students. To avoid the same fate, some school districts are tapping federal dollars to set up testing programs and step up their vigilance against the virus.

Police Blotter, September 18 - 23, 2021

Anacortes Police 7 minutes read
Issues with motorhomes parked for long periods on Anacortes streets prompted a check on two motorhomes by police.