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Tuesday, Dec. 14

Omicron variant surging rapidly in Washington state, UW testing indicates
Researchers testing coronavirus samples in Washington state have recorded a rapid rise in cases with a mutation that is characteristic of the omicron variant, mirroring trends that have emerged in countries like South Africa, Britain and Denmark. Researchers at the University of Washington found that 13% of 217 positive coronavirus case specimens collected Wednesday had the mutation. That was up from about 7% of samples they had tested from the day before, and 3% from the day before that — in a region that had its first identified cases only two weeks ago. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ted S. Warren)

‘Bursting at the seams.’ WA hospitals feel the pinch of long-term care shortages
It’s been an ongoing problem, amplified by the pandemic: hospitals in Washington state are overrun and overwhelmed. But right now, it’s not because of Covid patients. “Our hospitals are bursting at the seams,” said Taya Briley, vice president and general counsel for the Washington State Hospital Association during a press conference Monday morning. “Several major hospitals and health systems are at or near 120% occupancy levels.” Continue reading at KUOW. (PhotoCredit)

Pfizer says its COVID pills are effective against the Omicron variant
Pfizer said Tuesday that its experimental COVID-19 pill appears effective against the omicron variant. The company also said full results of its 2,250-person study confirmed the pill’s promising early results against the virus: The drug reduced combined hospitalizations and deaths by about 89% among high-risk adults when taken shortly after initial COVID-19 symptoms. Continue reading at KING 5.

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Associated Press
Inslee unveils climate proposals ahead of budget plan
Largest traditional grocer in US ending some COVID benefits for unvaccinated
Pfizer says its COVID pills are effective against the Omicron variant
Data from South Africa indicate omicron is milder, better at evading vaccines

Auburn Reporter
King County adopts amended districting plan

Bellingham Herald
Whatcom sees another COVID-related death Monday, but there was some encouraging news, too
More than 20 paddlers need rescue when wind kicks up during Deception Pass Challenge
Everything you need to know about Gov. Inslee’s $626 million climate proposals

Capital Press
Washington governor rolls out $626 million climate agenda

Courier-Herald
Healthcare workers facing widespread burnout amid pandemic, say multiple unions

Everett Herald
Electric-auto rebates: Governor unveils climate proposals (Liias)
You can now place your sports bets at this local tribal casino
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: Texas abortion providers court ‘win’ precedes losses
Bloomberg Comment: Overturning Roe would restore court’s proper role
Editorial: Renewed shot to resolve dispute over Growler jets

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

High Country News
Winter without snow is coming

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap County public hearing to discuss a 0.1% sales tax increase for affordable housing

News Tribune
State Rep: I was homeless once. The time for Pierce County to take action is now (Morgan)
Tacoma considers allowing electric fences in more parts of the city. Here’s the reason
Future of Gig Harbor’s tiny public radio station KGHP-FM may be up in the air
Gig Harbor’s police chief has a wish list for state legislators. Here’s what he’d like

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Pfizer Pill Protects Against Severe Disease, Including From Omicron, Study Says
Rising From the Antarctic, a Climate Alarm
Firms Push to Make Birth-Control Pills Available Without Prescriptions
Democrats Set Debt Limit Increase at $2.5 Trillion Ahead of Senate Vote
The Fed Meets Amid Faster Inflation and Prepares to React

North American Post
Minidoka Site Seeks Honor Roll Names

Olympian
Icy roads result in Thurston wrecks; Olympia, North Thurston schools say no out of district transportation
Collisions on southbound I-5 lead to traffic delays; WSDOT warns drivers of icy roads
Thurston County adds 4 more COVID-19 deaths, 385 cases as transmission declines
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Former Kent commander Hollis is named Lacey deputy police chief
Overloaded WA hospitals no longer struggling with COVID, face other issues affecting care

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Three die from COVID-19 in Clallam County
Vaccine challenge moves to Kitsap County

Port Townsend Leader
State public works board approves $44.6 million broadband project

Puget Sound Business Journal
Chicago-based bike-share company will introduce 1,500 e-bikes to Seattle
OSHA opens investigation into Amazon warehouse collapse
Companies eyeing biggest raises in more than a decade as salary budgets rise

Seattle Times
Omicron variant surging rapidly in Washington state, UW testing indicates
Seattle Mayor-elect Harrell names niece deputy mayor, lists other appointments
Making Pike Place Market car-free gains traction but worries vendors
Town home developers lobby for changes to Seattle housing fee
COVID cases continue to decline in Washington state, but hospitals remain stretched thin
Having trouble finding a therapist in the Seattle area? Here are some tips
Opinion: 3 key steps for legislators to address the crisis of youth mental health
Editorial: As abortion roils states, focus should also be on child well-being

The Skanner
Inslee Unveils Climate Proposals Ahead of Budget Plan

South Seattle Emerald
Cascadia’s climate champions learn they can win at the local level
New report shows uptick in gun violence primarily impacts communities of color
All those ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ comparisons ignore the reality of anti-abortion laws

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities judge rejects moving Latino voter discrimination case to Olympia
Airlines launches flights to Spokane. And it’s now booking trips into spring 2022
Tumbleweeds, trampolines, tree branches. Tri-Citians cleaning up after high-wind storm
$33M Pasco water park vote delayed. What it means for the project’s future
Tri-Cities hospitals treating fewest COVID patients since June, but death toll rising

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Whitman College faculty raise $5,000 for independent financial review; school officials remain firm about necessity of cuts
Unique in the world, Touchet’s alkali bee populations plummeting in Southeast Washington

Washington Post
‘I know my parents love me, but they don’t love my people’: Adoptees of color with White parents struggle to talk with their families about race
D.C. attorney general sues Proud Boys, Oath Keepers over Jan. 6 attack
Climate change has destabilized the Earth’s poles, putting the rest of the planet in peril
Omicron variant more resistant to vaccine but causes less severe covid, major South African study concludes
Documents link Huawei to China’s surveillance programs
Congressional Democrats release measure to raise debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion
The radical power of ordinary Black life

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Burnout urgently needs to be addressed, Washington healthcare workers warn (Berry, Sells)
State watchdog confirms KING 5 investigation that foster care agency punished hard-to-place youth
Students and teachers protest over alleged racism in Monroe School District
Seattle’s UW Medicine to study effects of psilocybin on stressed-out healthcare workers
Condition, location of Washington state Senator Doug Ericksen unknown
RV camp expands near Seattle’s Jefferson Golf Course

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Growing calls among teachers, students for Monroe school superintendent to resign
Hospitals and unions both seek solutions to staffing crisis
Local volunteers headed to southeast after devastating tornadoes
Jan. 6 panel votes for contempt charges against Mark Meadows
Chauvin expected to plead guilty in Floyd civil rights case
Coast Guard rescues more than 20 people from water in Deception Pass
Illinois tornado: OSHA investigating Amazon warehouse collapse

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Facing ‘healthcare staffing crisis,’ nurses unions turn to state lawmakers for help
Monroe school district under fire for ‘pervasive’ culture of racism, harassment

KUOW Public Radio
‘Bursting at the seams.’ WA hospitals feel the pinch of long-term care shortages
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Pfizer data shows that its COVID-19 pill is effective against severe disease
Supreme Court again leaves state vaccine mandate in place for healthcare workers
Fatal police encounters in Washington fall to 5-year low

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council approves 2022 Annual Budget
Spokane City Council unanimously approves new Office of Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion

Q13 TV (FOX)
King Co. Metro Transit awarded $396M in grant funding from FTA
Monroe school union president calls on superintendent to step down over district’s racism allegations

Web

Crosscut
How deaf-blind Seattle transit riders shared their stories with Crosscut
A year later, Seattle Children’s remains troubled by racism issues

MyNorthwest
State’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women task force starts with emotional stories
Tensions escalate in Monroe School District over claims of ‘hostile,’ racist culture
Seattle mayor-elect announces new administration, including niece
Washington hospitals full as patients aren’t able to get into nursing homes
Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s lead grows in recall effort
Wednesday deadline for 2022 health care coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder
Seattle’s newest bikeshare provider expected to hit the streets in 2022
Chance of light snow to start week in Puget Sound region as temperatures dip
Washington Rep. Newhouse among lawmakers pushing to standardize food date labels
Teacher uses racist language speaking to Seattle school student
Seattle City Attorney-elect slams council’s ‘rushed’ effort to change diversion rules
Republicans push for term limits with Dems now in control of all state elected positions

Monday, December 13

Fatal police encounters in Washington fall to 5-year low
In the wake of 2020’s protests against police violence, Washington state passed a series of new police reform laws. They restrict how and when police can use force, and expand the penalties they can face for misconduct. Now there’s intriguing new data about police interactions in Washington state. The number of people who died in police encounters in the first 11 months of 2021 declined more than 60% from the year before. Continue reading at KUOW. (Martina Morris/Next Steps WA)

Longtime reporter Essex Porter retires from KIRO, but his influence persists
A young Essex Porter watched in 1963 as trusted broadcaster Walter Cronkite told a troubled nation that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. Looking back, Porter says that’s the day he was drawn to journalism. Porter retired late last month from Seattle’s KIRO-TV and is learning to appreciate a new way of life after 43 busy and successful years in broadcast journalism, 39 of them at KIRO. Throughout the years, colleagues’ descriptions of Porter have remained steady and are reminiscent of Cronkite — honest, direct and fair. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Alan Berner/SeattleTimes)

No word on condition of Whatcom state Sen. Doug Ericksen after COVID treatment
No information has been available for three weeks about the location or condition of Republican state Sen. Doug Ericksen of Ferndale, who was reportedly being treated for COVID-19 at a Florida hospital after testing positive for the virus in El Salvador. Calls to Ericksen have not been returned recently, leading to public speculation about his condition. Continue reading at Bellingham Herald. (Ted S. Warren/AP)

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Associated Press
Lawsuit: Redistricting commission violated open-meetings law

Aberdeen Daily World
North Beach eyes brand new school

Bainbridge Island Review
Opinion: After COVID lull, school shootings return

Bellingham Herald
No word on condition of Whatcom state Sen. Doug Ericksen after COVID treatment (Rule, Shewmake)
New Whatcom company sells this ‘trashy’ service to fund ocean plastics cleanup
Pedestrians, bikes can coexist in the absence of sidewalks. Here are the steps to take
Tensions rise as Whatcom contemplates this flood prevention strategy
November storms took enormous toll on levees, state highways and county roads
Student arrested after airdrop threats at Bellingham’s Sehome high school last week
Restaurant roundup: Fairhaven eatery is closing next year; another reopens downtown

Capital Press
Normal winter precipitation will lead into cold, dry spring, meteorologist predicts

Columbian
In Our View: Transportation issues highlighted by traffic jam

Everett Herald
Community Transit asks what current, potential riders want in 2024
Snohomish County recognizes soldiers wounded, killed in war
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Report: Snohomish County lost more manufacturing jobs in October
Comment: Housing need too great not to approve county tax
Comment: Put sales tax increase for housing before voters
Comment: A closer look at inflation and what to watch for
Comment: Absent stricter gun laws, how do we protect kids?
Bloomberg comment: Subpoena fight shouldn’t distract from Jan. 6 crimes
Bloomberg comment: Why you should worry about Amazon’s opaque cloud
WaPo comment: Why Post and peers aren’t jumping all over ‘that’ leak
Editorial: Put county tax for affordable housing to voters
Letter: County’s affordable housing tax not affordable for taxpayers
Letter: College educations are necessary to our democracy
Letter: U.S. Supreme Court should be expanded by four justices

Federal Way Mirror
Federal Way to address ‘digital deserts’ for local internet connection
Evergreen Middle School celebrates healing, renaming ceremony

Journal of the San Juan Islands
San Juan County takes the lead in Washington vaccination rates

News Tribune
Online shoppers and their sales taxes help WA local governments weather pandemic
It’ll cost many millions to fix salmon barriers in Gig Harbor. Culvert removal ahead
Op-Ed: Tacoma and Pierce County need more affordable housing. Here are four things worth trying

New York Times
As U.S. Nears 800,000 Virus Deaths, 1 of Every 100 Older Americans Has Perished
Opinion: POSTCARDS FROM A WORLD ON FIRE
America’s Anti-Democratic Movement
With Roe at Risk, Justices Explore a New Way to Question Precedents

North American Post
Seattle Development and Flourishing Japantown

Olympian
Owner of Olympia dry cleaner sentenced to prison for workers’ compensation fraud
Longtime Port of Olympia commissioner, Bob VanSchoorl, dies at 74
Bail set for father, daughter accused of robbing Macy’s with bear mace, eluding police
Growing enrollment is job No. 1 at The Evergreen State College, new leaders say
Editorial: City of Olympia did the best it could in tearing down Deschutes Parkway camp
Avalanche at Crystal Mountain kills 1, temporarily traps 5 others

Peninsula Daily News
COVID-19 case rates rise in Clallam, state

Puget Sound Business Journal
Already challenged, US affordable-housing sector faces new hurdles through pandemic
Startup university founder: Online education is key to global talent pipeline
Alaska Airlines sustainability head aims to make good on net-zero goals
Analysis: Public companies boosted by pandemic surge in homebuilding and renovations see big market-cap jumps
Viewpoint: Facing high-stakes decisions, businesses paying a price for government inaction

Seattle Times
Sheriff’s deputies evict squatters from Hillside Motel on Aurora Avenue North
When Seattle area could see some snow; avalanche danger continues in mountains
Cataract surgery associated with lower risk of dementia, University of Washington study finds
Finding mental health care shouldn’t be this difficult (Orwall)
Essex Porter, veteran political reporter, retires after 39 years at KIRO
Is it time for you to drive a new or used electric car? Here are some incentives in Washington state
‘Demoralizing, enraging’: Readers share their experiences seeking therapy in Washington
Opinion: Allow dental therapists to practice statewide
Editorial: ‘Block-the-box’ crosswalk cameras can improve safety on Seattle streets (Van De Wege, Chapman, Wellman)

Skagit Valley Herald
Skagit County COVID-19 numbers remain relatively low
Anacortes sees increase in construction of multifamily housing

South Seattle Emerald
UW’s Department of Bioengineering names new chair
Citing need for affirmative action, local leaders urge Inslee to rescind old directive
Council changes course, won’t require city attorney to run diversion programs
Black educators closing equity gaps for African American students and teachers
Systemic fault lines for undocumented community revealed by the pandemic, new report shows
Opinion: For South Seattle on Human Rights Day
Opinion: We must collaborate to address violence and safety issues in Mount Baker

Washington Post
Governor says 64 confirmed dead in Kentucky, dozens unaccounted for
Manchin cites a blind trust to justify climate votes. But much income from his family’s coal company isn’t covered.
Boris Johnson reports U.K.’s first known death from the omicron coronavirus variant
House Jan. 6 committee poised to vote on holding Meadows in contempt for defying subpoena
First U.S. vaccine mandate in 1809 launched 200 years of court battles

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Deadly Crystal Mountain avalanche highlights importance of backcountry preparedness
Tacoma library branch closes over suspicion of drug activity
No, not all plastic is recyclable

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Avalanche risk still high after Crystal Mountain fatality
WSU study: cannabis use could increase risk of harmful drug interactions
Seattle sues county over trash cash from recycling centers
Bremerton School District warns of bus driver shortage for Monday
Lakewood police conducting holiday emphasis patrols on shoplifters
16-year-old arrested after making threats against Sehome High School
Tacoma library branch temporarily stops in-building services, citing ‘criminal activity’
Teacher uses racist language speaking to Seattle school student

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
After fatal weekend landslide, local experts warn of ongoing avalanche threat at Cascades
Modest home in San Francisco sells for $1M over ask. Can it happen in Seattle?
Fraud alert: Con artists are pretending to be debt collectors in calls and email
Five more Omicron cases confirmed in King County, health officials say
Washington healthcare unions address burnout, staff shortages

KNKX Public Radio
State to announce name of its first hybrid-electric ferry

KUOW Public Radio
Fatal police encounters in Washington fall to 5-year low
Shoreline nixes natural gas in climate change move, but not all is snuffed out
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Activists wanted Biden to revamp the justice system. Many say they’re still waiting

KXLY (ABC)
The Basic Law Enforcement Academy makes changes to what it teaches incoming officers

Web

Crosscut
Yakima residents aim to boost walkability with new Mile Loop concept
How PNW salmon could benefit from Biden’s infrastructure plan
Watchdogs sue WA redistricting panel over secret deal-making (Pedersen)

The Stranger
Expelled Bellevue Student Leaves Two Days After Returning to School: “It’s Just Very Clear That They’re Not on My Side”
Seattle City Attorney-Elect Ann Davison Comes Out the Gate Opposing a Pretty Standard Transparency Bill

Friday, December 10

Supreme Court says Texas abortion providers may proceed with challenge of six-week ban, leaves law in effect for now
The Supreme Court on Friday said that Texas abortion providers may sue to stop the state’s ban on most abortions after six weeks, but left the law in place for now. The splintered decision allows the providers to return to a district judge who once blocked the law, saying it violated the constitutional right to abortion. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Al Drogo/The Washington Post)

Asian giant hornet season wraps up after no sightings in three months
In snowy Whatcom County, scientists from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) are busy picking up the last of the Asian giant hornet traps before the hornets’ winter hibernation. Public Engagement Specialist Karla Salp told KIRO Radio that it was a successful year, with three giant hornet nests discovered and eradicated in August and September near Blaine. Continue reading at MyNorthwest.com. (Karen Ducey/Getty Images)

Sen. Liias lands key role in state transportation policy
State Sen. Marko Liias was chosen Thursday as the new chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, giving him a central role in deciding how the state spends billions of dollars on transportation each year. Liias, a Democrat from south Everett, was selected in an internal vote by the Senate Democratic Caucus. As a result of the decision, he is expected to give up his post as the majority party’s floor leader. He fills a vacancy created by the departure of the last chairman, former Sen. Steve Hobbs of Lake Stevens, who became secretary of sta Continue reading at Everett Herald. (PhotoCredit)

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Associated Press
911 service faltered in several Washington counties. Here is the latest on what happened

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen High School locked down on Wednesday because of nearby shooting

Auburn Reporter
Surgeon General sounds alarm on mental health in young people during pandemic
King County unemployment is down after COVID-fueled recession

Bainbridge Island Review
BISD explains updated COVID protocols
BI parks requires vaccinations

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham airport gets big boost in activity with the arrival of Southwest
911 service faltered in several Washington counties. Here is the latest on what happened
Whatcom schools investigate threats as other non-school-specific threats circulate
Light snow in Whatcom a preview of the major storm heading toward the region
Whatcom health department still analyzing cause of recent increased COVID rate in county

Capital Press
La Nina arrives, raising hopes for snowpack build-up
Washington wolf killed under state-issued permit

Columbian
In Our View: We are vital component to controlling COVID

Everett Herald
Sen. Liias lands key role in state transportation policy (Liias)
Animal rights group asks for investigation of Everett lab
Tulalip woman is among scores of missing Indigenous people
Mother says son’s beating in Lynnwood school was racist
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg comment: Why the Biden economy is actually pretty good
Bloomberg comment: A cheer for Congress avoiding default, but that’s it

The Facts Newspaper
More children and teenagers struggling with emotional stressors

High Country News
What would a healthy Klamath River look like?

Kent Reporter
Sound Transit picks Federal Way site for light rail vehicle facility

News Tribune
Restaurants in Tacoma’s Lincoln District hit with vandalism, one a hateful phone call
High-ranking Pierce County employee reprimanded for overstepping contract authority
Tacoma library branch temporarily stops in-person services, citing ‘criminal activity’
Op-Ed: Are WA state lawmakers finally ready to limit the governor’s emergency powers?

New York Times
Supreme Court Allows Challenge to Texas Abortion Law but Leaves It in Effect
Consumer prices rose at the fastest pace since 1982.

Olympian
UW men’s basketball trip to Gonzaga canceled due to COVID-19 protocols
Parents of missing 5-year-old girl arrested as search continues, Washington cops say

Puget Sound Business Journal
This popular small-business grant is expiring soon. SBA says to apply ASAP.
WSU lands federal grant to study sustainable jet fuel production
Inflation is rapidly rising, so how should employers approach pay?
How small businesses can protect their supply chains
Opinion: Fill the talent pipeline by investing in education

Seattle Times
From masks to chairlift protocol, here’s what’s new in Western Washington snow country this year
Opponents appeal Seattle’s latest plan for Burke-Gilman Trail’s ‘missing link’
Seattle homeless encampment near public school closes after monthslong effort
Seattle Children’s shares first progress report since releasing anti-racism action plan this fall
Editorial: Dual-credit courses in high school to get a jump on college should be free

Skagit Valley Herald
Port awarded grant to bring broadband to Fir Island

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Snoqualmie releases final Environmental Impact Statement for Mill Site

Tri-City Herald
Mistrial declared in former Pasco officer’s murder trial in Spokane
Pasco councilman resigns mid-term for new job in Walla Walla, had served since 2018

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla water and wastewater rates to increase over next six years
Walla Walla City Council repeals utility fee meant to fund ambulance services

Washington Post
Supreme Court says Texas abortion providers may proceed with challenge of six-week ban, leaves law in effect for now
Prices climbed 6.8% in November compared with last year, largest rise in nearly four decades, as inflation spreads through economy
As scientists race to understand the omicron variant, misinformation has already sprinted ahead
Tropical forests can recover from deforestation remarkably fast and on their own, new study finds
Canada bans LGBTQ ‘conversion therapy’ as France moves to criminalize it
Opinion: In the aftermath of the Michigan school shooting, students plead: Pay attention to our pain

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Mayor Durkan announces nearly $100 million for affordable housing in Seattle
‘I don’t feel honored’: Native mascots at schools are not only offensive; they evoke historical trauma (Lekanoff)
$1,800 from the IRS? Some Americans could be getting it next week
Washington and US expand Pfizer COVID-19 boosters to age 16 and older

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Storm with strong wind, heavy mountain snow expected Friday night and Saturday
Encampment on Seattle Public Schools property cleared
Washington cancels game with No. 5 Gonzaga due to COVID
Court rejects Trump’s efforts to keep records from 1/6 panel
Starbucks workers vote to unionize in Buffalo, New York
Service restored after 911 outage affects region

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Homeless encampment behind Broadview Thomson cleared, outreach volunteer under fire
Another shot: What does the future of COVID-19 boosters look like?
Independent group for western states signs off on COVID boosters for older teens

Web

Crosscut
PNW scientists find ruin and resilience after summer heat wave

MyNorthwest
Lawsuit alleges state redistricting group’s ‘secret negotiations’ defied public meeting laws
State senator proposes bill to repeal Washington’s long-term care tax
Asian giant hornet season wraps up after no sightings in three months
Storm to bring snow to mountains Friday, strong wind to Puget Sound lowlands
911 services restored after a number of Washington counties report outage
Federal cash windfall to Washington state to detect, remove carcinogenic ‘forever chemicals’
Seattle police officer who rolled bicycle over protester’s head suspended for 7 days

The Stranger
Is a Car-Free Pike Place Market Coming Soon? Hahaha, You Must Be New Here

Thursday, December 9

PNW scientists find ruin and resilience after summer heat wave
During the past summer’s stifling heat wave, Robin Fales patrolled the same sweep of shore on Washington’s San Juan Island every day at low tide. The stench of rotting sea life grew as temperatures edged toward triple digits — roughly 30 degrees above average — and Fales watched the beds of kelp that she studies wilt and fade. “They were bleaching more than I had ever seen,” recalled Fales, a Ph.D. candidate and marine ecologist at the University of Washington. She didn’t know whether they would make it. Never in recorded history had the Pacific Northwest experienced anything like the “heat dome” that clamped down on the region in late June 2021. Temperatures reached a withering 116 degrees Fahrenheit in Portland and 121 degrees in Lytton, British Columbia — the highest ever recorded north of the 45th parallel. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Robin Fales)

More than 200 million people in the U.S. are now fully vaccinated, though deaths and cases are still rising
The United States reached a significant milestone late Wednesday, with more than 200 million people now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus — about 60 percent of the population. In the past week, an average of 1.92 million doses per day were administered — a 35 percent increase over the week before — according to data from The Washington Post’s tracker. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (David Goldman/AP)

Former Washington state legislator George Fleming dies at 83
Groundbreaking Seattle legislator and college football star George Fleming has died at age 83, family members said. Fleming died Monday at his Seattle home, according to a statement from Fleming’s family on Wednesday. Fleming was elected to the state House in 1968 and two years later was elected to the state Senate, becoming its second African American member. He was chair of the Senate Democratic caucus between 1980 and 1988. Continue reading at The Olympian.

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Associated Press
Former Washington state legislator George Fleming dies at 83

Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen High School locked down on Wednesday because of nearby shooting

Bellingham Herald
COVID infection rates climb in five Whatcom regions, including big growth in four regions
Parking at Trader Joe’s is a little tougher… here’s an update on border traffic
Bellingham’s Sehome High School locked down Wednesday, closed Thursday
Lowland flurries possible ahead of big storm aiming for Whatcom County
Whatcom may be seeing post-Thanksgiving COVID increase, as state reports 84 new cases

Capital Press
Willamette Egg Farms sold to Iowa-based management company
Environmental group sues Army Corps over pollution from Columbia River dams

Columbian
In Our View: Fossil-fuel moratorium a key step for climate

The Daily News
Cowlitz County COVID-19 cases flatten, hospitalizations increase; Link plans vaccine clinic
Port of Longview’s strong third quarter clears way for record year

Everett Herald
City of Everett outlines light rail priorities for 2037
Family suing over police killing of man near Everett
COVID vaccine is a game-changer for keeping our kids healthy
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Are ‘streateries’ here to stay in Edmonds? Survey says yes
Low income, food insecurity are major factors behind obesity
Bill to reduce catalytic converter thefts introduced in state
Bloomberg comment: Comment: Yes to boosters, but no to mandating them
Bloomberg comment: Comment: As robots replace workers, a crisis of masculinity?
Editorial: Editorial: Brief delay in WA Cares could allow needed fixes
Letter: Getting hard to deny racism’s presence in our schools

The Inlander
Pandemic burnout exacerbates the serious worker shortage at local hospitals
Farm labor was in short supply for decades: The pandemic presented new challenges

Journal of the San Juan Islands
COVID-19 boosters essential for protection as omicron variant spreads across the country

News Tribune
Lakewood mayor decides to step down after nearly a decade
Clover Park High School considers four options to replace its previous Warriors mascot
Public camping ban riles Tacoma City Council. Here’s what happened to the proposal
Preliminary plans filed for possible new medical clinic tied to St. Joseph hospital

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: F.D.A. Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech Boosters for 16- and 17-Year-Olds
Biden Orders Federal Vehicles and Buildings to Use Renewable Energy by 2050

Olympian
Olympia committee denies OSD request to put school at proposed Yelm Highway park
Former Washington state legislator George Fleming dies at 83
Here’s how one state legislator would pay off the Narrows Bridge and remove tolls
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
King County sharing details of its first Omicron case. Pierce, Thurston counties are not
Most residents moved to hotels as city dismantles Deschutes Parkway homeless camp
Tumwater City Council approves mayor’s proposal tied to Port of Olympia property
Nurse’s morphine thefts left Washington patient in ‘excruciating pain,’ feds say

Peninsula Daily News
Olympic National Park chief to leave for Alaska
Reinfections studied to see if omicron is on Peninsula
Port Townsend City Council OKs budget of $45.3 M

Port Townsend Leader
Another COVID-19 death reported in Jefferson County

Puget Sound Business Journal
Infrastructure package will bolster construction industry but inflation, labor will remain challenges in 2022
Tacoma approves historic rezoning plan, clearing path for denser housing
These types of businesses are seeing the highest quit rates
Survey: Most King County residents planning to move want to leave the region
Amazon’s cloud outage showed its immense reach. Here’s why that could be a problem.
Group of 12 academics takes on the controversial issue of freedom of expression on campus
Omicron, flight-to-quality: What’s expected for 2022’s office-market recovery

Seattle Medium
Groundbreaking Metro Transit Updates Passed By King County Council
DEEL Awards Nearly $3M To Child Care Workers For Their Service Throughout The COVID-19 Pandemic

Seattle Times
When the bullying became unbearable, teen reached for help — and found a lifeline in Kent
Seattle area to see strong winds, drenching rain; loads of snow expected in mountains
‘You don’t know how to grieve’: Loved ones of missing Federal Way teen gather 24 years later
Seattle officer who rolled bike over protester’s head gets 7-day suspension
Opinion: Remembering Jolene Unsoeld, Northwest trailblazer

The Skanner
Cop Who Rolled Bike Over Protester’s Head Gets Suspension

Sol De Yakima
Distrito Escolar de Yakima planea abrir cooperativa de salud, remodelar auditorio de Davis
Sigue búsqueda de mujer de Sunnyside que desapareció tras tiroteo, robo de auto en agosto
¿Quiere cubiertos con su comida para llevar? A partir del próximo año, tendrá que pedirlos en Washington

South Seattle Emerald
Black Educators Closing Equity Gaps For African American Students And Teachers
Systemic Fault Lines For Undocumented Community Revealed By The Pandemic, New Report Shows

Spokesman Review
Unvaccinated people still make up the majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Providence
Christmas Bureau gifts offer solace to families struggling to pay rent, groceries, bills
After crowd boos over kneeling during anthem, Gonzaga women stand together to offer message of hope

Tri-City Herald
Richland City Council officially hires its interim city manager for $12,000 more a year
Columbia Riverkeeper sues Army Corps, claims hot water discharge from dams kills fish
Franklin County commissioners raise sales tax to fund mental health, detox services
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
COVID Update: Vashon experts monitoring Omicron situation
Opinion: The absurdity of living with greenhouse gases

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Attempt to revive defunct flood control district in Waitsburg stymied by lack of records

Washington Post
Long covid is destroying careers, leaving economic distress in its wake
Rapid coronavirus tests are still hard to find in many places, despite Biden vows
FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds amid omicron threat
More than 200 million people in the U.S. are now fully vaccinated, though deaths and cases are still rising
Early studies suggest omicron is formidable — but not unstoppable
How can schools detect potentially violent students? Researchers have an answer.
Without access to charging stations, Black and Hispanic communities may be left behind in the era of electric vehicles

Yakima Herald-Republic
White Pass, other ski areas in region shift toward sustainability as temperatures warm
Yakima will designate secure parking lot for people living in vehicles
Vaccine makers racing to update COVID shots, just in case
Proposed expansion to Naches urban growth area faces opposition
King County COVID-19 omicron patient had not traveled

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Omicron case in King County indicates local spread, health officials say
Organized shoplifting on the rise in western Washington
Vaccine makers racing to update COVID shots, just in case
Catalytic converter thefts get attention of Washington state lawmakers
‘I think we have turned a corner’: Seattle unveils new model in dealing with homeless camps
US unemployment claims drop to 184,000, lowest since 1969

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
US to expand COVID-19 booster shots, 16-year-olds eligible
More than 60 earthquakes occur off Oregon Coast
City of Olympia clears encampment at Deschutes Parkway
Former Washington state legislator George Fleming dies at 83
Nonprofit suing Army Corps over pollution in Columbia River

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King Co. omicron patient had not recently traveled, suggesting community spread
Cop who rolled bike over protester’s head gets suspension
Seattle man charged in Chinatown-International District shooting charged in another case

KNKX Public Radio
Why Biden is hosting more than 100 countries to talk about democracy

KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
1 in 10 Americans say the COVID-19 vaccine conflicts with their religious beliefs
For kids grappling with the pandemic’s traumas, art classes can be an oasis

KXLY (ABC)
Stevens Pass reopens in both directions

Q13 TV (FOX)
Former Washington state legislator George Fleming dies at 83
Crews cleaning up oil spill at Colman Dock
Did the system fail Oakley Carlson? 5-year-old Washington girl remains missing

Web

Crosscut
PNW scientists find ruin and resilience after summer heat wave
25 Climate actions Cascadia could take in 2022

MyNorthwest
Seattle police officer who rolled bicycle over protester’s head suspended for 7 days
Drivers frustrated as they wait for Snoqualmie Pass to reopen
King County omicron patient did not report recent travel, suggesting local spread

The Vancougar
Groundbreaking Sciences Building Set To Appear On Campus (Wylie, Frockt)

West Seattle Blog
Earthquake readiness beyond your disaster kit, and what else District 1 Community Network heard about this month

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.