It’s tempting to think of the pandemic as something that occurred in the past, but the reality is that COVID-19 continues to be a significant burden in the United States. As of last November, there were more than 39,000 new cases, 3,000-lus hospitalizations, and about 350 deaths attributable to COVID-19 each day nationwide. Despite relatively low rates of COVID-19 in recent months in Pierce and King counties, serious cases and deaths are still occurring, and health officials urge the general public to keep their guard up and keep testing to help avoid spreading the virus and protect their own health.

In a national survey of hiring managers, four out of every 10 admitted to age bias when reviewing resumes of older job applicants, despite a labor shortage that has prompted many employers to reach out to retirees to expand the pool of possible workers. The survey also revealed age bias on both ends of the chronological spectrum: 80 percent of the managers have concerns about taking on employees who are 60-plus and under 25.

Washington will join California in requiring auto companies to require that, starting with 2035 models, new cars have zero tailpipe emissions. It’s a matter of planetary necessity to reduce carbon emissions, according to advocates of switching from gas to electric. Here’s a Q and A, with the senior climate advisor for Washington Governor Jay Inslee, about impacts on consumers and the environment of going electric.

While the song tells us “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the reality is that the holiday season can be complicated. For some people, they can be incredibly lonely. For others, they bring up old and problematic family dynamics. But take it from experts on handling moods, outlooks and relationships: Through compassion, kindness, and the right choices, there are ways to make the most of this time of the year.