“Parents can breathe a sigh of relief that their younger kids can now be vaccinated against the deadly COVID-19 virus. This gets us a step closer to having the entire population of Washington eligible for the vaccine. And a step closer to finding our way out of this pandemic.

Gov. Jay Inslee has named Leonard Forsman to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Forsman is the first native person to serve as a UW regent. He is chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, where he has served on the tribal council for more than 30 years.

Today U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee issued the following joint statement on next steps as they pursue a joint federal-state process to establish a comprehensive solution for salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin.

Gov. Jay Inslee issued two emergency proclamations today. The first addresses statewide jail transfers to the Department of Corrections, and the second is related to a severely damaged overpass spanning I-5 in Snohomish County. 

Gov. Jay Inslee today named Jilma Meneses secretary of the state Department of Social and Health Services. She replaces Don Clintsman who has been serving as acting secretary since May.

Gov. Jay Inslee today named Dominga Soliz director of the Environmental and Land Use Hearings Office. She replaces Nina Carter, who is retiring. 

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of Adrienne McCoy to the King County Superior Court. She will fill a newly created judicial position on the court.

Since the 1980s, correctional systems have heavily relied on restrictive housing — also known as disciplinary segregation, isolation or solitary confinement. It was originally intended as a way to manage people who commit violence while incarcerated by restricting movement and privileges.

In case you missed it: Gov.