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Washington State DSHS Provides Contract Information for Sign Language Interpreter Services

Washington State DSHS Provides Contract Information for Sign Language Interpreter Services

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has released updated contract information for Sign Language interpreter services. This information details direct statewide contracts available for critical appointments, both emergency and non-emergency, which are to be conducted in person. Individuals needing these services are directed to contact one of the listed contractors to arrange a date and time within the next week. For emergency, crucial, or urgent appointments, a specific request form is provided. Additionally, for regular or general requests, DSHS and the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing have a cooperative purchase agreement with the Department of Enterprise Services to provide statewide Sign Language interpreter services. Vendors, contracts, amendments, and current rates for these statewide request contracts can be found on the DES Search Contracts page using specific contract numbers.
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FDA Issues Alert for Listeria Contamination in Walmart's Bettergoods Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine

FDA Issues Alert for Listeria Contamination in Walmart's Bettergoods Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert regarding a potential listeria contamination in Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine, a product sold at Walmart stores nationwide. Gias Foods, Inc. is recalling two specific lots of this frozen pasta due to the possible presence of *Listeria monocytogenes*. The affected product is identified by its 22-ounce yellow plastic packaging, UPC 194346442706, and lot numbers L6079C or L6080C, with expiration dates of 09/19/2027 or 09/20/2027. The potential contamination was discovered through routine sampling conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As of the recall announcement, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers who have purchased this specific product are advised not to consume it and to return it to Walmart for a full refund. Gias Foods has halted distribution of the affected product and is investigating the issue.
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Big 12 football Week 4 picks, predictions for game scores this week

Big 12 football Week 4 picks, predictions for game scores this week

Big 12 football Week 4 score predictions, picks for Arizona at Washington State, Colorado at Baylor, TCU at UCF, Utah at Iowa State, more games.
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Washington State Private Sector Sheds 9,000 Jobs in August 2026 as Government Employment Rises

Washington State Private Sector Sheds 9,000 Jobs in August 2026 as Government Employment Rises

In August 2026, Washington state's private sector experienced a net loss of 9,000 jobs, reversing three consecutive months of growth. This decline was concentrated in several key industries, with professional and business services shedding an estimated 4,500 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector lost 3,700 jobs, including 3,500 in accommodation and food services. Additionally, the information sector, which encompasses many technology-related roles, saw a reduction of 2,300 jobs. In contrast, government employment in the state increased by 8,100 during the same period. This shift resulted in an overall net loss of 900 jobs for the state in August. The state's unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.9%, remaining above the national rate of 4.1%. These figures indicate a cooling labor market in Washington, with business groups expressing growing concerns about the costs of operating and expanding under current state policies.
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Washington DNR Promotes Defensible Space and Firewise USA® to Combat Wildland Fires

Washington DNR Promotes Defensible Space and Firewise USA® to Combat Wildland Fires

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is actively promoting the creation of defensible space around homes and participation in the Firewise USA® program to mitigate the impact of wildland fires. Studies indicate that up to 80% of homes lost to wildland fires could have been saved if adequate brush clearance and defensible space were established. Wildland fires frequently affect the wildland-urban interface, areas where residential properties are situated near or within lands susceptible to such fires. The DNR collaborates with local fire districts, conservation districts, and Washington State University Extension programs to assist residents in utilizing the Firewise USA® program. This initiative, administered by the National Fire Protection Association, encourages homeowners and communities to proactively prepare for wildfires. Additionally, the DNR supports the Ready, Set, Go! Program, managed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, which educates individuals in high-risk wildfire...
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Big 12 football Week 4 schedule, TV channels, how to watch games

Big 12 football Week 4 schedule, TV channels, how to watch games

How to watch Big 12 football Week 4 games on television this week, including schedule, dates, times, matchups, TV channels, streaming for every game.
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Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Washington State, Threatening Pacific Northwest Ash Trees

Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Washington State, Threatening Pacific Northwest Ash Trees

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive metallic green beetle, has been found in Washington State for the first time. This discovery is considered devastating for the ash trees of the Pacific Northwest. The beetle, originally from Asia, was first identified in North America in Michigan in 2002 and has since caused widespread destruction of ash trees across the continent. There are currently no permanent solutions to control the EAB, and even insecticides offer only limited effectiveness. The beetle devastates both wild ash populations and urban street trees, as it lacks natural environmental controls in its introduced range. Trials using biological controls, such as parasitic wasps, have largely been unsuccessful.
USA TodayUSA Today
Pac-12 college football power rankings: Oregon State rising in latest shuffle

Pac-12 college football power rankings: Oregon State rising in latest shuffle

The top and bottom of Pac-12 remains the same, but there's movement in between with Oregon State emerging.
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FDA Announces Recall of Bettergoods Frozen Pasta at Walmart Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

FDA Announces Recall of Bettergoods Frozen Pasta at Walmart Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of two lots of Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine, sold nationwide at Walmart stores. The recall, initiated by Gias Foods of New York, NY, on September 15, is due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Routine sampling by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services identified the possible presence of the bacteria in the product. The affected frozen fettuccine is sold in 22 oz yellow plastic packages with UPC 194346442706 and lot numbers L6079C or L6080C, and expiration dates of 09/19/2027 or 09/20/2027. While Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations, no illnesses linked to this specific recall have been reported to date. Gias Foods has ceased distribution of the product and is collaborating with the FDA on an ongoing investigation into the source of the contamination.
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Virginia Study Reveals Medicaid Pays Doctors Substantially Less Than Other Insurers for Preventive Care

Virginia Study Reveals Medicaid Pays Doctors Substantially Less Than Other Insurers for Preventive Care

A new study from Virginia, led by George Mason University professor Alison Cuellar, has found that Medicaid pays doctors substantially less than other health insurers for routine preventive visits. The research, set to be published in JAMA Health Forum, compared payment rates across different types of insurance, including traditional fee-for-service Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, Medicare plans, employer-sponsored insurance, and marketplace plans. The study revealed a consistent divide: both forms of Medicaid paid significantly less. Specifically, Medicaid private managed care plans paid 25% less than Medicare plans and over 40% less than marketplace plans, even though they generally paid more than the state’s traditional Medicaid program. This study utilized novel Transparency in Coverage and Virginia claims data to provide a more complete picture, especially considering that about 85% of Medicaid members nationwide are enrolled in Medicaid managed care.
SB NationSB Nation
Kansas State Football: Depth Chart Review vs Tulane – Offense

Kansas State Football: Depth Chart Review vs Tulane – Offense

It took a little time, but Avery Johnson’s most complete game as a Kansas State quarterback helped the Wildcats dispatch a tough Tulane squad.
Badgers WireBadgers Wire
Wisconsin's Week 4 opponent cracks Top 15 in US LBM Coaches Poll

Wisconsin's Week 4 opponent cracks Top 15 in US LBM Coaches Poll

Taking on Notre Dame in Week 1 was a tough ask, but now the Wisconsin Badgers have another ranked opponent on the horizon.