State capitols step up security amid new safety concerns following violence in DC January 11 Members of the Washington National Guard stand near a fence surrounding the Capitol in anticipation of protests Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Olympia, Wash. (Ted S. Warren/AP) State capitols across the nation stepped up security Monday, deploying National Guard units, SWAT teams and extra police officers as several legislatures convened amid heightened safety concerns following last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee activated hundreds of National Guard troops to help state police keep order at the state Capitol and defend security fencing. At least two people were arrested, including a woman who, according to state police, used a recreational vehicle to block a roadway and refused to comply with orders to move.
Hours after the siege in the nation s Capitol on Wednesday, a group of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Washington state governor’s residence.
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Amid the ongoing pandemic and threats by far-right protesters to occupy the Capitol, Washington lawmakers will convene Monday for what will ultimately be a mostly remote 2021 session with a focus on the ongoing response to COVID-19, police reform, addressing climate change and writing a two-year state budget.
Democrats have solid majorities in both the House and Senate and will set the agenda for the 105-day session. They’re also writing the rules for how the unusual session will unfold.
On day one, members of the House and Senate will gather in person at the Capitol to approve rules to allow for remote lawmaking. [Yes, they have to meet in person to agree to meet remotely.] After that, the 98 member House will shift almost entirely to remote operations. The state Senate, with 49 members, plans to operate in hybrid fashion with some lawmakers at the Capitol and others participating virtually.
Inslee: Virus vaccination could begin Tuesday in Washington
By CHRIS GRYGIELDecember 13, 2020 GMT
SEATTLE (AP) The first COVID-19 vaccinations in Washington state could be administered Tuesday, Gov Jay Inslee said.
“We are ready to go,” Inslee said at a news conference Sunday.
On Sunday the first shipments of a virus vaccine for widespread use in the United States were sent from Michigan to distribution centers. About 3 million doses were expected to be sent out.
The first batches of the vaccine should arrive in the state by Monday, Inslee said, following approval by federal officials and a review board set up by Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Inslee said the Western States Scientific Safety Review committee examined data from federal officials.
Vaccination could begin Tuesday in Washington, Idaho lmtribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lmtribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.