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Wednesday, December 8

Booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be critical against omicron, companies’ study suggests
A booster shot could prove pivotal in helping control the omicron variant of the coronavirus by raising virus-fighting antibodies high enough to block the virus, vaccine makers Pfizer and BioNTech announced in a news release Wednesday. The early data, which is not yet peer reviewed or published, suggests that two shots may not be sufficient to prevent infection from omicron and echoes a finding published Tuesday afternoon by leading scientists in South Africa. Continue reading at Washington Post. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Family of Tulalip man who told deputies ‘I can’t breathe’ during fatal struggle will get $1.75 million in Snohomish County settlement
Snohomish County has agreed to pay $1.75 million to the widow of a Tulalip tribal member who died while struggling with police in 2015, settling a lawsuit over allegations that officers used excessive force on Cecil Lacy Jr. when they held him down, even as he told them he couldn’t breathe. The settlement resolves a suit that at one point was summarily dismissed by a state judge, only to be unanimously reinstated by the Washington Court of Appeals last year Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Galanda Broadman LLC)

How childcare provisions in ‘Build Back Better’ bill could greatly help Washington families
Parents, preschool providers and lawmakers alike say the childcare provisions laid out in a federal spending plan proposal could significantly help families in need of childcare services. Senate Democrats are still negotiating the bill known as “Build Back Better” that, if passed, would expand Medicare, climate change initiatives, and reduce health care and childcare costs. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Aberdeen Daily World
Rent, utility help available for Grays Harbor families

Auburn Reporter
King County Council approves plan for future of housing-first approach to homelessness

Bellingham Herald
A longtime Bellingham oil company has been sold to a Washington state firm
Bellingham city employees get this new paid holiday in 2022
Bellingham mayor shares results of vaccination mandate for city workers
Here’s why recent flooding sent millions of gallons of sewage into Bellingham Bay

Columbian
In Our View: Child care crisis slowing economic recovery

The Daily News
Cowlitz County commissioners pass 2022-2023 budget, swear in new member

Everett Herald
Tulalip elders vote to keep Tomahawks mascot in Marysville
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg comment: There’s no clean energy transition without elimination
WaPo comment: Remembering Pearl Harbor often forgets Pacific’s past

The Inlander
Omicron discovered in Washington as state health officials credit ‘strong’ genomic surveillance
Spokane health district fires two leaders heavily involved in pandemic response

News Tribune
Tacoma has a new police chief. Veteran Dallas cop confirmed by City Council
Tacoma adopts Climate Action Plan to eliminate carbon emissions and save $4 billion by 2050

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Pfizer Says its Booster Offers Significant Protection Against Omicron
The Achilles’ Heel of Biden’s Climate Plan? Coal Miners.
New Covid Pills Offer Hope as Omicron Looms

Olympian
Squaxin Island and Olympia community celebrate ‘Unity’ installation

Peninsula Daily News
Health officer: Thanksgiving surge size could be smaller than expected
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Puget Sound Business Journal
AWS teaming up with Washington state to provide cloud training to K-12 students

Seattle Medium
Community Mourns The Loss of Former State Senator George Fleming
Strickland Introduces Legislation To Help Servicemembers Access Fertility Care And Start A Family
Massive Health Through Housing Measure Approved By King County Council
Washington’s Black Members Caucus Hopes To Carry Momentum Into 2022 Legislative Session

Seattle Times
Two large North Seattle homeless encampments are being removed this week
See how many people received an additional COVID vaccine dose in each Washington state county
Why experts aren’t worried that 10 earthquakes were just recorded off the Oregon coast
After fatal shooting in protest zone, Seattle mayor’s email called situation ‘foreseeable and avoidable’
More than 3,500 Seattle child care workers to receive payments in recognition of work during pandemic
Family of Tulalip man who told deputies ‘I can’t breathe’ during fatal struggle will get $1.75 million in Snohomish County settlement
Seattle student arrested, accused of threatening a shooting at his middle school
Editorial: Address student concerns about sexual assault

Skagit Valley Herald
Anacortes City Council considers salary increase for mayor
Skagit County to offer COVID-19 boosters in downtown Mount Vernon

Sol De Yakima
Funk propondrá opciones de vivienda a bajo costo en la sesión del ayuntamiento de Yakima
Se detectan casos de la variante ómicron en el estado de Washington
Finaliza construcción de la glorieta en la carretera US 97 afuera de Toppenish

Spokesman Review
Christmas tree trouble: Fires, weather, supply chain issues lead to higher prices, shortages at local lots
‘Absolute last resort’: Spokane City Council approves $3.4 million to cover unanticipated firefighter overtime
Five Spokane County commissioner seats are up for grabs in 2022, and here’s who might be running

Tri-City Herald
Fred Meyer grocery workers in Richland vote to unionize in historic campaign
Popular Kennewick restaurant damaged in early morning blaze
A Benton City businessman paid for a recount in City Council race. Here are the results

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Lewiston teenager and alleged kidnapper located in Spokane Valley
COVID-19 case rates up in Washington, Oregon, down in Walla Walla County

Washington Post
Two years into this pandemic, the world is dangerously unprepared for the next one, report says
Booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be critical against omicron, companies’ study suggests
4.2 million Americans quit their jobs in October as workers continued to search for better opportunities
Jan. 6 committee says it will move to hold former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows in criminal contempt
A child with the virus was sent to school. Then 75 classmates had to quarantine.
A youth mental health crisis was already brewing. The pandemic made it worse, surgeon general says.

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
How childcare provisions in ‘Build Back Better’ bill could greatly help Washington families
Avery Moore becomes next Tacoma police chief
UW seismologists raise concern about ShakeAlert earthquake warning system
Pfizer: COVID-19 booster protects against omicron variant
‘Bold’ proposal would eliminate Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls in less than 2 years (Randall, Bronoske)
‘Groundbreaking day’ as King County Council approves future transit plans
King County to skip homelessness count for 2nd straight year

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
What three Seattle experts are saying about Omicron
Church gets threats for offering free breakfasts across from Ballard Commons
Flooding caused millions of gallons of raw sewage to flow into Bellingham Bay
Explosion in Pacific County damages multiple homes, buildings
Senator announces legislation to remove tolls from Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Randall)

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
State senator proposes bill to eliminate toll for drivers using Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Randall)
Biden pushes free at-home COVID tests, but there’s a problem
Seattle Public Schools says homeless camp behind Broadview Thomson will be cleared
Two minors shot, critically injured in Tukwila early Wednesday
State Patrol investigating reports of toaster, other debris tossed at I-5 motorists
Avery Moore confirmed as Tacoma’s next Police Chief
Seattle removes encampment from Ballard Commons after months of complaints

KNKX Public Radio
Omicron variant, flooding among top issues on state’s plate right now
Supreme Court weighs mandating public funds for religious schools in Maine

KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
The House OKs a bipartisan defense policy bill that includes servicemember pay boost

Web

Crosscut
How Cascadia can fight climate change in 2022 — and get back on track
Colville mother’s conviction raises justice issues facing Native women

MyNorthwest
Tacoma approves landmark bill doing away with single-family zoning label
New bill to keep Washington in standard time provides way around need for federal approval
Two minors in critical condition after Tukwila shooting
King County Council approves plan for ‘Health though Housing’ dollars to 2028
Seattle business owners and homeless population grapple over concrete barriers
Seattle police arrest 13-year-old after threat against school
Seattle clears Ballard Commons homeless camp, relocates 66 into shelter options
Seattle plans to finally address over 1,100 buildings at risk of collapse in earthquake
State lawmaker floats proposal to curb recent rise in catalytic converter thefts

The Stranger
“The End of An Era”: The City Closes Ballard Commons, Displacing Unhoused Residents

West Seattle Blog
PORT: Congestion easing, but Northwest Seaport Alliance hopes to get more containers moving

Tuesday, December 7

New King County inquest process delayed amid concerns over ‘integrity’, transparency
The first coroner’s inquest into a deadly shooting by police in King County under a new, greatly expanded process has stalled amid concerns by all involved — the officers, the families of those killed and city officials — over the transparency and integrity of the proceedings. The inquest into the 2017 killing by Seattle police officers of 19-year-old Damarius Butts — the first under a new system upheld this summer by the Washington Supreme Court — was scheduled to begin Dec. 6 and run for 11 days. But it has been postponed until the new year. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Damarius Butts’ family)

Colville mother’s conviction raises justice issues facing Native women
When Maddesyn George of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation stood in court to be sentenced last month, her attorney hoped for two things, but the most important was this: for his client to be heard and believed.“The judge expressed understanding for the plight of Indigenous women,” said Steve Graham, George’s attorney. “We finally felt heard and listened to and understood.” Continue reading at Crosscut. (Free Maddesyn George Goalition)

Attorneys seek to move Latino voting rights case from Pasco to Olympia, fearing bias
Three Tri-Citians looking to change how Franklin County commissioners are elected want to take their case to the state capital. They say a combination of political influence, fear of retaliation and publicity will make it questionable whether they will get a fair hearing. The Franklin County commissioners weighed in last week, unanimously supporting a motion to have Prosecutor Shawn Sant fight the move. Continue reading at The Olympian.

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Auburn Reporter
King County woman among first in state to test positive for Omicron
Black drivers disproportionately pulled over by WSP in King, Pierce counties
Kreidler asks insurers for more information on credit scores

Bellingham Herald
Airsoft pistol found in Sehome High School student’s backpack, causing Friday’s lockout
Whatcom surpasses 17,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases during pandemic and sees another death
Biometrics help CBP stop woman allegedly attempting to illegally cross border into Whatcom

Capital Press
Washington Ecology slows down on requiring water-rights for livestock
Economist: High wheat prices unlikely to last

Columbian
In Our View: All I want for Christmas is improved media literacy
In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Safe Stay; rethink tax plan (long term care tax)

Everett Herald
Chris Spitters, Snohomish County’s chief health officer, to step down
Cold-case murder conviction reversed due to juror’s bias
Police: Student, 13, falsely accused classmate of making threat
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Column: Harrop: Hold parents of school shooters responsible
Bloomberg comment: Bob Dole was partisan, but he knew how to govern
WaPo comment: Fifth Amendment isn’t a blanket stay-out-of-jail card
Editorial: Ruling may not be last word on state redistricting

Journal of the San Juan Islands
San Juan County voters pass one of the strongest anti-discrimination policies in the country

News Tribune
Gig Harbor auto theft suspects play ‘Let’s Make a Deal,’ and police get two for one
Op-Ed: Pierce County doesn’t have enough dentists. Lawmakers must expand access to oral health

North American Post
KODA Joins the Chinatown-International District

Olympian
Thurston County adds 4 more COVID-19 deaths as first Omicron variant detected
WA Employment Security Department audit finds unmonitored claims allowed $315K in fraud
Attorneys seek to move Latino voting rights case from Pasco to Olympia, fearing bias
Thurston County elected officials may get a combined $46,000 in raises in 2022
Seahawks ‘taking care of business’ Monday getting COVID-19 vaccination booster shots

Peninsula Daily News
Port Townsend transit plan draws criticism
Two additional deaths recorded in Clallam County

Port Townsend Leader
‘Proof of vaccination’ mandate for restaurants, bars to stay in place until COVID rate drops
Complaint over ‘proof of vax’ mandate accuses officials of treason

Puget Sound Business Journal
Opponent of Washington’s long-term care act targets tax with series of bills
Why the four-day workweek could be the next front in the talent battle
Many transgender employees feel unsafe at work. Here’s how companies can address it.

Seattle Times
Seattle ended decade with faster growth than suburbs, reversing a 100-year trend
New King County inquest process delayed amid concerns over ‘integrity’, transparency
What happened in Seattle after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941
Seattle-area traffic increasing, but still below pre-pandemic levels
Want utensils with your takeout order? Next year in Washington state, you’ll have to ask for them
Opinion: Honor Chief Seattle by building fish passage through Skagit River dams

Skagit Valley Herald
County again commits to taking a hard look at its budget

The Skanner
Judicial Conduct Commission Files Charges Against Judge

South Seattle Emerald
Investigating OIG complaint in City Council’s court — but SCC isn’t acting
Weekend Long Reads: The link between social media and depression
State supreme court returns redistricting issue back to legislators
In the Duwamish watershed, communities respond as Coho salmon face a new threat
Opinion: The silence is maddening
Opinion: Running while Black forever
Opinion: Jury duty is not the solution to trials like Kyle Rittenhouse’s

Tri-City Herald
A Benton City businessman paid for a recount in City Council race. Here are the results
Attorneys seek to move Latino voting rights case from Pasco to Olympia, fearing bias
COVID nightmare for Tri-Cities family. Rare syndrome causes 7-year-old’s heart to fail
Newly-elected Pasco school official has 2 domestic violence convictions. Can he still serve?
11 more Tri-Cities area deaths due to COVID-19. Vaccination rates are slowing
Tri-Cities psychologist accused of being naked in waiting room
Tri-Citians can earn $75 and get a free COVID check for antibodies
‘The pandemic is over,’ Franklin commissioner tells WA when questioned about no masks
First Omicron variant case reported in Pierce County, 2 other WA counties also see cases
Longtime Tri-Cities doctor picked for elected post on the hospital district board

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Criticizing cuts, Whitman professors launch fundraiser to review college’s finances
As Oregon considers permanent mask rule, Umatilla County health director calls it simple technicality

Washington Post
Biden’s ‘Summit for Democracy’ includes countries that hardly seem to qualify
Advocates push nationwide movement for land return to Blacks after victory in California
Biden calls for sweeping new push to expose and punish financial corruption
How Pearl Harbor forced the world’s first around-the-world commercial flight
Gen Z most stressed by coronavirus, citing pandemic toll on careers, education and relationships, poll says
In pointed snub, no U.S. government official will attend Beijing Winter Olympics
Biden is approving more oil and gas drilling permits on public lands than Trump, analysis finds
CDC issues ‘very high’ risk warning for travel to France and Portugal

Yakima Herald-Republic
Labor a top issue as state agriculture group meets in Yakima this week
Sunnyside school superintendent resigns, effective end of December
Commentary: Editorial came up short by a few inches
If Roe falls, some fear ripple effect on civil rights cases

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Use caution with QR codes – they can lead you right to a scammer
Ballard Commons Park to be cleared of encampment Tuesday
New testing rules in effect for U.S.-bound international passengers
Gov. Inslee asks for FEMA aid for regions affected by recent flooding in Washington
Officials: Snohomish County teen falsely accused classmate of threatening school shooting
Amazon unveils workforce development partnership for Washington high school students
Local businesses install blocks to stop RV parking

KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Why is the Biden administration increasing the cost of building houses?

KXLY (ABC)
Washington law reducing use of single-use utensils, condiments and straws starts January 1

Web

Crosscut
Colville mother’s conviction raises justice issues facing Native women
How a rollback of Roe v. Wade would affect abortion rights in WA

MyNorthwest
State auditor: Unemployment office needed stronger checks to prevent employee fraud
Amazon unveils workforce development partnership for Washington high school students
Extra security at Monroe High School after rumored threat on social media
Election fraud narrative becomes common thread among candidates looking to unseat WA Republicans
Delta variant remains Washington’s ‘biggest concern’ despite arrival of omicron
Vaccine verification to expand to small restaurants, bars in King County
Three cases of omicron variant found in Washington state

Monday, December 6

A lonely death in jail, an abusive guard and a Clallam County mother’s quest for justice
Everyone, even her mother, thought 23-year-old Kimberly Bender would be safe in the Forks City Jail, away and protected from the drugs and past abuse that haunted her and fed her depression. It turned out that everyone was wrong. Bender, a single mother and member of the Quileute Tribe, died by suicide in her jail cell in December 2019, apparently after enduring weeks of torment and abuse at the hands of a corrections officer with an extensive history of abusive behavior, racism and sexual abuse aimed at men and women behind bars and co-workers alike. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Dawn Reid)

First Omicron variant case reported in Pierce County, 2 other WA counties also see cases
The Washington state Department of Health on Saturday announced the detection of the first Omicron variant cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, including one in Pierce County. Continue reading at The Olympian.

State Rep. Lovick gets nod for state Senate
State Rep. John Lovick emerged Sunday as the nearly unanimous choice of local Democrats to fill the Senate seat vacated by Steve Hobbs after his appointment to statewide office. At a special meeting, Lovick received 49 of 50 votes cast by precinct committee officers. They were responsible for nominating three potential successors to Hobbs, now Washington’s secretary of state. The other nominees are Laura Hathaway and Greg Pratt, who both said they support Lovick. Continue reading at Everett Herald.

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Associated Press
State officials confirm first 3 cases of omicron variant

Auburn Reporter
2022 Legislature is on the horizon – here’s what to expect
More than 129,000 kids in state receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
FEMA to send mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit to Western Washington

Bellingham Herald
‘Flood cars’ may be a problem for Whatcom used car buyers; here’s how to avoid being taken
State officials answer questions about Whatcom flood insurance and damage assistance
First Omicron variant case reported in Pierce County, 2 other WA counties also see cases
Where are the Whatcom workers? Data suggests one thing is holding them back
Flooding was ‘all hands on deck,’ Sumas mayor says

Capital Press
Worried about bird flu, health officials say ‘heads up’
No easy answers for crop insurance questions

Everett Herald
State Rep. Lovick gets nod for state Senate
Community Transit, Everett agree to study consolidation
At EvCC, ‘The Wall’ teaches students how to thwart cyber crime
Some Lake Stevens homeowners now must buy flood insurance
Lake Stevens councilmember says he profited off Costco deal
Shooting threat at Mukilteo schools was a joke, student says
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg comment: Some employers might actually benefit from unions
WaPo comment: When newspapers fold, no news is bad news
WaPo comment: Adoption isn’t easy alternative to abortion some say
Editorial: Help pick a route for Everett’s transit future

Federal Way Mirror
Letter: More thoughts on taxing the rich

High Country News
How to solve the rural-urban digital divide

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Anacortes/San Juan Islands service restoration update

Mercer Island Reporter
School district opens new Pathways building for Adult Transition Program

News Tribune
Homeless encampment to be cleared soon from Sound Transit property in Tacoma
You can run the homeless off public property, Tacoma, but it won’t solve our crisis

New York Times
How the Supply Chain Crisis Unfolded
What an America Without Roe Would Look Like
Billions for Climate Protection Fuel New Debate: Who Deserves It Most

Olympian
Olympia area residents worry about state’s plans to cut trees above Summit Lake
Editorial: Parking should not be a priority for Capitol modernization plan
First Omicron variant case reported in Pierce County, 2 other WA counties also see cases
Preliminary Thurston County budget shows strong tax revenue, relief funding
COVID nightmare for WA family. Rare syndrome causes 7-year-old’s heart to fail

Peninsula Daily News
COVID-19 death reported in Jefferson County
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
COVID-19 outbreak stems from Thanksgiving gathering
Lawsuit filed against vaccine proof order
More time given for vaccine mandate challenge
Potential delay of new long-term care payroll tax considered

Puget Sound Business Journal
As OSHA mandate-or-testing rule’s first deadline arrives, court leaves employers in limbo
King County health officer says he hopes to lift some Covid-19 mandates next spring
Gyms push for Covid-19 stimulus aid by end of 2021
Report: Historically Black colleges and universities outperform peers when it comes to social mobility

Seattle Times
‘Grand Poobah of Powder’: This Seattle man’s snow reports have powered winter sports for 25 years
If you block the box in some intersections, cameras will catch you, and Seattle DOT will mail the ticket (Van De Wege, Wellman, Chapman)
Fish passage, dam removal studied as Seattle City Light aims to relicense three Skagit River dams
A beloved Tacoma mother and friend never got around to getting a COVID shot. With her death, her family hopes others will.
Some resolution found in Charleena Lyles and Ahmaud Arbery cases, but that does not equal justice
With Lynnwood on the verge of a metamorphosis, Sound Transit seeks input on development
King County’s smallest restaurants to join others, begin vaccine checks on Monday
A lonely death in jail, an abusive guard and a Clallam County mother’s quest for justice
Washington’s maritime industry is pushing to be more inclusive, welcoming

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County reports 274 new cases of COVID-19 for past week
Skagit County’s homeless to have access to mobile shower trailer

The Skanner
Trial Date Set for Tacoma Sheriff in Confrontation with Black Newspaper Carrier

Washington Post
Senate revs up work on $2 trillion spending proposal, aiming to complete vote on Biden-backed bill before Christmas
A White teacher taught White students about White privilege. It cost him his job.
A Black couple says an appraiser lowballed them. So, they ‘whitewashed’ their home and say the value shot up.
As covid persists, nurses are leaving staff jobs — and tripling their salaries as travelers
The most-vaccinated big counties in America are beating the worst of the coronavirus
Eight wolves have been poisoned in Oregon, stumping police and renewing calls for more protections
Broad overhaul of military justice system being sidelined in favor of narrower focus on sexual assault

Yakima Herald-Republic
Senate leader, presidential candidate Bob Dole dies at 98
Funk to propose low-cost housing options at Yakima City Council meeting
Breaking the silence: Washington task force on missing Indigenous people has big task ahead
Opinion: The Supreme Court can’t pretend that overturning Roe vs. Wade would be anything but political
Commentary: Faith communities have the power to get more Americans vaccinated
It Happened Here: Valley responded to Pearl Harbor with acts of patriotism, along with suspicion of Japanese community
Supreme Court OKs redistricting plan that displaces one Yakima lawmaker
Relatives, friends of missing Indigenous people ask new state task force for action

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Light snow falls in parts of North Sound lowlands with wet snow elsewhere
New COVID-19 rules for international travelers entering US go into effect
5,000 vaccinated at one Seattle site
Small bars and restaurants in King County to require proof of vaccination starting Monday
Ballard Commons Park to be cleared of encampment Tuesday
Omicron variant found in Washington state
King County skipping annual homeless count for second year
Sound Transit CEO explains failure of light rail train after Apple Cup

KNKX Public Radio
Voter redistricting maps by commission can go forth, WA Supreme Court says (Jinkins, BIllig)
Famously soggy Seattle sees its wettest fall on record

KUOW Public Radio
Fentanyl Is a Great Drug for Cartels. But Those Blue Pills Are Killing King County
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Seattleites reported hundreds of bias incidents and hate crimes last year. A small fraction made it to court.
Missing and murdered indigenous women get spotlight: Washington task force to examine data
‘The science isn’t complicated.’ An investigative reporter details the effects of climate change disinformation in public education
Inslee offers support for temporary delay in new payroll tax for long-term care program

KXLY (ABC)
Gov. Jay Inslee reacts to omicron variant in Washington

Q13 TV (FOX)
COVID-19 Omicron variant detected in Washington
Judicial conduct commission files charges against former SW Washington judge

Web

Crosscut
Why transit access can be unsafe for deaf and blind passengers
WA Supreme Court decides not to get involved in redistricting

Friday, December 3

Washington Supreme Court declines to redraw political maps, accepts redistricting commission’s work
The Washington Supreme Court will not exercise its authority to redraw the state’s congressional and legislative district maps, leaving in place the work of the bipartisan redistricting commission. In a unanimous ruling Friday, the court found the commission had substantially met its legal obligations by voting on a map framework just before the midnight Nov. 15 deadline — despite the panel not revealing its maps publicly prior to the vote and acknowledging that final work on completing them continued after the deadline. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner/The Seattle Times)

Gathering set for Islamic Center of Olympia after center targeted by explosive, group says
A gathering of support for the Islamic Center of Olympia is set for Friday morning after the center was allegedly targeted by an explosive last week, a statewide group announced. According to a news release from the Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, security camera footage shows someone in a car dropping an explosive device in front of the center the evening of Nov. 23. Continue reading at The Olympian. (CAIR Washington)

Potential delay of new long-term care payroll tax considered
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday he is talking to lawmakers about a potential delay in the collection of a mandatory payroll tax to fund Washington state’s new long-term care program. On Wednesday, Senate Democratic leadership sent Inslee a letter asking him to delay implementation of the premium assessment — set to start in January — until Jan. 1, 2023, saying that it would allow the Legislature to address concerns about the program. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Washington DSHS)

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Associated Press
Potential delay of new long-term care payroll tax considered
Yakama Nation approves Mattawa school’s use of Warrior image

Auburn Reporter
Washington health officials discuss response to new COVID variant

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom sees 2 deaths, bump in COVID vaccine boosters
As skies clear and river recedes, Whatcom efforts turn to flood recovery

Capital Press
Ranchers join legal battle over race-based USDA loan forgiveness program
WDFW mulling how to control sheriff’s cougar program
NW grain industry leaders share wish lists

Columbian
Clark County reports seven new COVID-19 deaths as disease activity continues to slowly decline
In Our View: Unsoeld left indelible impression on Washington

Everett Herald
‘Distraught,’ another Monroe student leaves school over racism
State Supreme Court declines to draw new redistricting plan
Police: Teen arrested for threats against 3 Mukilteo schools
Snohomish County proposes 0.1% sales tax for affordable housing
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
With omicron likely to appear here, officials urge boosters
Bloomberg comment: Court majority seems poised to overturn Roe v. Wade
WaPo comment: For most of us, price of gas is not a crisis
Letter: Arlington’s land acknowledgement of Stillaguamish welcomed
Letter: Remove of four Snake River dams best for salmon, orcas, us
Letter: Removing dams too drastic a measure to save salmon, orcas

The Facts Newspaper
Washington State and King County announce FEMA mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit coming to Western Wa

High Country News
Wind turbines proposed near a Japanese American incarceration camp prompt outrage

News Tribune
Affordable housing is a top concern for Pierce County. Why has so little been built?
Op-Ed: Cancer disproportionately impacts the AAPI community. Lawmakers must take notice and act

New York Times
Billions for Climate Protection Fuel New Debate: Who Deserves It Most
Prior Infection Is Little Defense Against Virus Variant, Scientists Say
Covid Live Updates: Omicron Variant Found in Several U.S. States
Interior Dept. Report on Drilling Is Mostly Silent on Climate Change

Olympian
About 100 Thurston County residents will soon call Lacey home
Capital Mall robbery suspects use bear mace, flee on I-5, Olympia police say
Olympia has finalized its 2022 budget. Here’s what it contains
Gathering set for Islamic Center of Olympia after center targeted by explosive, group says
Biden wants to remove lead pipes for cleaner drinking water. But does new law spend enough?
Entire wolf pack found poisoned to death in Oregon. Police have ‘exhausted’ all leads

Port Townsend Leader
Local lawmakers give their State of the State (Tharinger, Chapman)

Puget Sound Business Journal
Google delays office return again as Covid-19 Omicron variant surges
Out of SBA options? Check out these small-business loans and grants
Seattle mayor signs 2022 budget despite ‘serious reservations’ about public safety funding

Seattle Times
How trellises are transforming Washington’s apple orchards
Inslee, Washington state Democrats discuss delaying WA Cares long-term care payroll tax (Billig, Saldaña, Dhingra, Sullivan, Jinkins)
Report on Seattle mayor’s missing texts still hasn’t shown up as she prepares to exit City Hall
Audit of SPD discipline offers recommendations to improve accountability, transparency
Shi Shi the sea turtle makes steady improvement after rescue from Washington beach
Washington Supreme Court declines to redraw political maps, accepts redistricting commission’s work
Seattle’s final budget shows tough road ahead for new Regional Homelessness Authority

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Experts urge caution as variant emerges during holiday season

Washington Post
GOP tactics herald a grim new era of governing for Biden and Democrats
U.S. economy adds just 210,000 jobs in November
Omicron coronavirus variant three times more likely to cause reinfection than delta, S. Africa study says
As world focuses on omicron, delta variant overwhelms parts of U.S.

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Explosion rattles Islamic Center of Olympia in apparent act of intimidation
Is Pioneer Square safe? Locals mixed on need for more policing
Avery Moore of Dallas police is top pick for Tacoma’s new chief
Authorities investigate threats at several western Washington schools
Washington task force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People convenes
Seattle mayor signs $7 billion 2022 budget focused on homelessness, public safety

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Explosive set off outside Islamic Center of Olympia
School districts rolling out new COVID-19 testing strategies
Washington to receive more vaccine doses, request more due to omicron concerns
Gov. Inslee announces FEMA mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit
Durkan signs 2022 budget, calls for future of compromise in final days in office
Starbucks fights expanding unionization effort at its stores

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Worshippers believe blast outside Thurston County mosque meant to cause fear
Business owners worry about losing insurance coverage after repeat break-ins
City optimistic about clearing homeless camp at Ballard Commons Park by end of year
Extra law enforcement brought in to three Everett-area schools after reported threats
FEMA to send mobile vaccination units to Western Washington
Biden launching winter COVID-19 booster, testing campaign

Q13 TV (FOX)
Potential delay of new long-term care payroll tax considered (Billig, Dhingra, Hasegawa, Keiser, Liias, Randall, Saldaña, Sullivan)
Pierce County Sheriff’s Department introducing body cams and dash cams
Attorney General’s Office launches Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force

Web

Crosscut
Fixing septic systems is key to protecting Puget Sound shellfish
Student athletes at UW can now earn money. But it’s complicated

Thursday, Dec. 2

Editorial: State House covid rules won’t exclude GOP lawmakers
Not withstanding the refusal of a handful of state Republican lawmakers to get vaccinations — and their lawsuit objecting to the requirements to attend House sessions in person — the show will go on when the Legislature convenes on Jan. 10 for its regular 60-day session. Six Republican members of the state House — including Rep. Robert Sutherland, R-Granite Falls — filed suit last week against Democrats in the House and the body’s chief clerk because of rules set by the Executive Rules Committee that require proof of vaccination for representatives and others to be on the House floor. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Everett Herald)

As COVID crisis continues, new proposals aim to reduce poverty in Washington state
Washington state continues to recover from the economic turbulence of COVID-19, but the recovery hasn’t benefited every segment of society. Now, Washington officials are eyeing fresh steps and approaches to reduce poverty, including finding new ways to measure the economic recovery and disparities, and to boost the voice of communities often excluded from such policymaking. The state Department of Social and Health Services is requesting $630,000 in new funding for four new staffers for an “emerging public-private collaboration to define, measure, and build accountability toward a just and equitable future.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ellen M. Banner)

Coronavirus: First case of omicron variant discovered in US
Officials in California have confirmed the first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in the United States, the nation’s top infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said Wednesday. “The California and San Francisco departments of public health and the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) have confirmed that a recent case of COVID-19 among an individual in California was caused by the omicron variant,” Fauci said during a White House news briefing. The infected person returned to the U.S. from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 29, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said. Continue reading at KIRO 7.