Rainfall of one to five inches over the past three days has increased soil moisture to high levels across western Washington.

Heavy rainfall of one to three inches is expected over the next several days.

This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides.

Two landslides have already been reported in various locations in western Washington including the Leschi neighborhood in Seattle and near Union. More landslides are possible.

For more information about current conditions, visit http://www.weather.gov/seattle, select Hydrology, and then scroll down for the links to the landslide information pages.

For more information on landslides, visit the website for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources landslide geologic hazards at: http://bit.ly/2mtA3wn

ESFSEW

Hydrologic – Outlook

From Sun, Jan 28, 7:49 PM PST To Mon, Jan 29, 10:00 AM PST

Heavy rain fell across much of Western Washington Saturday night into early Sunday morning, which, when combined with snowmelt, pushed several area rivers above flood stage. Additional rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall will be possible through midweek before a cold front finally pushes atmospheric river moisture east of the region late Wednesday into Thursday. With rivers running high, cannot rule out the potential for additional river flooding with additional rounds of rainfall.

This outlook will be updated by 8 PM Monday.

Please monitor the latest river forecasts from the National Weather Service for additional information.

• NWS

Is It Really “FDA Approved”? Maybe you’ve seen these words on a company’s website or in a commercial promoting a product or treatment. Here are some facts about products that are, and aren’t, FDA approved.

Fact #1: Generic medicines work the same as brand-name medicines.

FDA-approved generic medicines provide the same clinical benefit and risks as their brand-name counterparts. A generic medicine is required to be the same as a brand-name medicine in dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, quality, and administration.

Fact #2: Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements are NOT FDA-approved to treat or prevent disease.

If a supplement promises a cure or quick fix for a health problem, it may be too good to be true.

Fact #3: The FDA doesn’t approve compounded drugs.

Compounding is often regarded as a process in which a pharmacist or a physician combines, mixes, or alters ingredients to create medications that meet the needs of individual patients. FDA has observed that some compounders have made false and misleading statements.

Fact #4: The FDA hasn’t approved an e-cigarette as an aid to quit smoking.

While certain e-cigarettes may help adults who smoke to transition completely away from, or significantly reduce their use of more harmful cigarettes, no e-cigarette product has been approved by the FDA as a method to help quit smoking.

Fact #5: The FDA doesn’t approve facilities.

Like medical product companies, or health care providers, including physician offices, or laboratories.

Fact #6: There’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.

Even those labeled “water resistant,” eventually wash off. Water resistance claims, for 40 or 80 minutes, tell you how much time you can expect to get protection while moving in and out of the water. And remember, sunscreen should not be put on infants under six months old, just keep them out of the sun.

Fact #7: The FDA does not approve cosmetics.

The ingredients (except certain colors) and labeling of cosmetics, such as many perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations do not require FDA approval. However, under the law, cosmetics must not be “adulterated” or “misbranded.”

Fact #8: FDA-approved vaccines have undergone a rigorous evaluation by the FDA to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

Making sure all vaccines meet standards for safety and effectiveness is one of FDA’s highest priorities. The FDA’s assessment of vaccines encompasses their entire “lifecycle” of development and use. This includes studies conducted before testing in people occurs, studies conducted during development and continuous assessment after a vaccine is approved and made available in the U.S.

Bonus fact: There is no link between vaccines and autism.

The scientific evidence does not support a link between vaccines and autism. The initial concerns that vaccines may cause autism were related to the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and thimerosal-containing vaccines. Dozens of reputable, peer- reviewed, scientific studies from the U.S. and other countries around the world have supported the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines

Fact #9: Using CBD raises safety concerns, and some CBD products are being sold with unproven claims saying they can treat or prevent diseases or conditions.

Studies have shown the potential for CBD to harm the liver, male reproductive system, and interact with medications.

The FDA has approved only one CBD product, a prescription drug product to treat children’s seizures associated with certain syndromes and disease.

CBD products with unproven claims may delay consumers from getting important medical care, such as proper diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. Talk to a health care professional before using any CBD products.

Fact #10: The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health.

The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary food and drugs, biological and tobacco products, medical devices, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. Advancing the public health means helping to speed medical innovations and informing the public with accurate, science-based information.

The FDA is here to provide the facts and you can help by sharing this information with your community and loved ones. Visit FDA.gov/RumorControl for more information.
 

Here are some of the new laws that will take effect in Washington state starting January 1, 2024 ¹:

1. Minimum wage: The minimum wage in Washington state will increase from $15.74 per hour to $16.28 per hour in 2024, making it the highest minimum wage in the country ¹.
2. Paid sick leave: Washington state is updating its mandatory paid sick leave program to cover construction workers who have previously missed out on the benefit ¹.
3. Employer marijuana testing: Washington employers must now adhere to limitations on drug testing, essentially equating weed use to alcohol use ¹.
4. 10-day waiting periods for gun purchasers: Starting January 1, 2024, gun purchasers in Washington state will have to wait for 10 days before taking possession of their firearm ¹.
5. Regulating the pet insurance market: Senate Bill 5319 is aimed at regulating the pet insurance market through various actions ¹.
6. Voting Rights Act 2.0 : will also be on the books. The new law strengthens the ability of civil rights organizations and indigenous tribes to challenge irregularities in voting systems at the county level House Bill 1048>>
7. Street racing: In attempts to curb street racing, Senate Bill 5606 broadens the definition of racing, saying it’s “unlawful for any person or persons to race any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon any public highway of this state.” Individuals can be charged with other crimes on top of being charged with illegal street racing, and the law establishes procedures for law enforcement to seize vehicles involved in racing.
8. Tenant protections: Voters in Bellingham and Tacoma both approved initiatives aimed at protecting renters at a time when rents throughout Washington have been skyrocketing Bellingham voters approved a proposal that would require landlords to provide 120 days of advance notice of rent increases. If rents go up 8% or more in a 12-month rolling time frame, a landlord could be on the hook to help pay for their tenants to relocate. About 120 miles south of Bellingham, Tacoma voters passed more wide-ranging tenant protections that took effect last month. The new law sets limits on rent increases and evictions. Late fees are capped at $10 a month. Landlords also must give six-months’ notice for a rent increase and pay a renter relocation assistance when rent increases are significant. Landlords also can’t evict tenants during cold weather or evict student tenants during the school year. Opponents of the Tacoma measure told Crosscut before the vote that the new laws put a huge burden on small-scale landlords. But supporters said that it gives tenants leverage in an unequal situation and amid rising rents. The News Tribune reported that Tacoma city officials have said that enforcement of the new law would have to be through the court system, since the measure didn’t specify that the city has authority to apply the law administratively.
9. Agricultural workers in Washington: will see a mandated 40-hour workweek that will ensure a bonus for overtime, starting Jan. 1. The Washington State Legislature passed a law that extended overtime to agricultural workers on a phased-in basis in 2021. As of today, agricultural workers who clock more than 40 hours a week will have to be paid at least time-and-a-half for overtime, or more than that if the overtime rate is negotiated through a contract. The law makes Washington one of the few states to require employers to pay overtime to agricultural workers. Last legislative session, agricultural companies asked lawmakers to carve out 12-week exemptions for the most labor-intensive periods, but the legislation died in committee.
10. Newspaper business tax breaks: To help Washington’s struggling newspaper industry, lawmakers approved a business and operations tax exemption for news organizations that primarily publish in print. The tax exemption replaces a preferential tax rate for newspapers that was set to expire this year. The tax break will cost the state between $1.6 million and $2.4 million per biennium, according to the bill’s fiscal note. Primary sponsor Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, said there was concern over local communities losing the service and civic engagement provided by newspapers as the industry struggles financially and local papers close or cut jobs. According to a 2022 report by the League of Women Voters of Washington, Washington has 20% fewer print newspapers than it did in 2004. Total newsroom staffing in Washington also declined 67%, the report added. Methow Valley News publisher Don Nelson told lawmakers that every dollar counts, especially at small newspapers. “I think more importantly, it benefits our readers and therefore your constituents,” said Nelson, also a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, an organization of community newspapers throughout the state. “They rely on our paper …  for a lot of reasons, mostly for community connections, and we want to be able to continue to deliver that to them.” Additional changes
11. The state’s Working Families Tax Credit, a tax refund for low- and medium-income people also eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, will be expanded to people who file their taxes as “married filing separately.” Tax credits range from $300 for income-eligible single people to $1,200 for eligible persons with three or more qualifying children. 
12. New air quality protections for outdoor workers affected by wildfire smoke will be enforced starting Jan. 15, according to the state’s Department of Labor and Industries. 
13. The process of getting Commercial Driver Licenses will be getting an update in 2024. Those renewing their CDLs may now do so online, and the state is adjusting CDL exam fees. 

Source: Bing AI , crosscut.com