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Thursday, Dec. 16

New omicron cases confirmed in Washington state indicate spread, health officials say
Public health officials on Wednesday announced the discovery of more coronavirus cases involving the omicron variant in Washington state, indicating substantial community spread of the variant across the region. The news comes as researchers are rushing to find out the implications of omicron, which was first identified in South Africa and has spread “explosively fast” in other places, such as the U.K., health officials said. Earlier this week, top U.S. officials warned an omicron surge could peak with a wave of infections as soon as January — and health experts are renewing a push for vaccinations and booster shots. Continue reading at The Seattle Times.

Tacoma’s universal basic income pilot program starts with 110 families
Researchers are hoping to have a better understanding of the impact of universal basic income by this time next year. Starting Wednesday, $500 will be given to 110 families in Tacoma over the next 12 months. Dona Ponepinto, president and CEO of United Way of Pierce County, said researchers will be following the chosen families during that time to see how the money is being spent. The program will hopefully demonstrate how impactful guaranteed income can be for families who need extra help and provide lawmakers with more context to, Ponepinto said. Continue reading at KING 5.

Inslee rolls out $815 million plan to address homelessness
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday proposed a host of efforts to address homelessness in the state, including a plan to help people stay in their homes, increasing emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing and expanding services for addiction or mental health issues. Inslee’s plan looks to spend about $815 million, with more than two-thirds covered by federal coronavirus funding the state has received. His proposal looks to build on nearly $2 billion of state and federal money that was approved by the Legislature earlier this year for housing and homelessness programs. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (Ted S. Warren)

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Associated Press
Prep wrestling tournaments linked to dozens of COVID cases
Inslee rolls out $815 million plan to address homelessness
US jobless claims rise but still historically low at 206,000

Aberdeen Daily World
State Rep. Walsh to address police reform policies in 2022 legislative session
Investigators search home of missing 5-year-old Oakley Carlson

Auburn Reporter
DOH says several outbreaks tied to high school wrestling tournaments on Dec. 4

Bainbridge Island Review
KPHD: Don’t transmit COVID this holiday season

Bellingham Herald
COVID-19 cases more than double during delta’s surge in one Whatcom County region
Bellingham takes ‘another step forward in our collaborative work to expand shelter options’

Capital Press
Inslee to push for mandatory riparian buffers

Columbian
Sen. Murray says child care provisions in Build Back Better Act will benefit Washington families
COVID-19 outbreaks connected with high school wrestling tournaments being investigated by state department of health

The Daily News
Six positive COVID cases in Cowlitz County Jail since Friday
Cowlitz County one of several affected by COVID-19 outbreaks traced to high school wrestling tournaments

Everett Herald
Parents and teachers call for Monroe superintendent’s firing
County Council OKs sales tax for housing, behavioral health
Lovick tapped for Senate, Donaghy to replace him in House (Lovick, Berg, Billig)
Student, 14, arrested after threats aimed at Lynnwood school
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
WaPo Comment: Suing Proud Boys, others aims to stop another Jan. 6
Editorial: Covid recedes in hospitals, exposing other worries

The Facts Newspaper
Mayor-Elect Bruce Harrell Announces First Wave of Administration Leaders

The Inlander
Northeast Washington to plan for tourism as state tries to replicate success of other PNW communities

News Tribune
Ambiguous word sinks project to demolish nearly 100-year-old Gig Harbor pier
COVID-19 outbreak tied to four South Sound wrestling tournaments
Gig Harbor police set trap for reckless driver, use taser after he rams patrol car
New internship program to hire ages 16-24 at Pierce County businesses, pays up to $5,000
Editorial: A year ago, he held a gun to his head. Now ex-JBLM leader stresses military mental health
Op-Ed: There’s a crisis of violence at Western State Hospital. I know. I used to work there

New York Times
Covid Live Updates: Virus Cases Increase Across U.S., Amid Omicron Concerns
Covid deaths in the United States surpass 800,000.

Olympian
Will Washington be the next state to end single-family zoning?
Millions will have to start paying again on student loans. Biden pressured to extend pause
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Omicron detection in wrestling outbreak ‘does not bode well’ for WA, health official says
SPSCC aims to launch its first bachelor’s degree in applied science in 2023

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Puget Sound Business Journal
Experts say employers eyeing return to office face difficult decisions on vaccine rules
Inslee proposes law to increase housing density in cities statewide
Microsoft says it has met goals for investment in Black-owned businesses
QFC, Fred Meyer parent changes Covid policy for unvaccinated employees
Google warns employees could lose their jobs if they aren’t vaccinated by Jan. 18

Seattle Times
Gov. Jay Inslee wants more density in Washington cities, proposes $800 million for homelessness in 2022 (Bateman, Das)
New omicron cases confirmed in Washington state indicate spread, health officials say
Mapping mental health care in Washington: A look at how the system works, and its gaps
Washington state job growth rebounds, but still down from summer surge

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Snoqualmie City Council, police consider body cameras following shooting

South Seattle Emerald
State investigating COVID-19 outbreak linked to wrestling meets, county ramps up vaccine availability
Sound Transit searching for equitable fare enforcement solutions
Too many patients, too few staff members create unsafe conditions, unions announce

South Whidbey Record
Omicron may already be present on Whidbey, according to health officer

Tri-City Herald
NW nuclear plant back online after turbine vibrations force rebalancing
Judge tosses Franklin lawsuit claiming 2020 voting fraud. Ballots won’t be released

Vancouver Business Journal
Demand for pharmacy technicians, staff remains high in Southwest Washington

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
COVID Update: Outbreak at Vashon High School unfolding
Opinion: Trapped in the midst of climate change

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Newly formed committee to review four books causing stir in Walla Walla schools

Washington Post
Senate Democrats renew focus on voting rights as domestic policy bill stalls and filibuster changes are considered
A QAnon con: How the viral Wayfair sex trafficking lie hurt real kids
Omicron spreading rapidly in U.S. and could bring punishing wave as soon as January, CDC warns
Biden administration details push to finally rid the nation of millions of lead pipes

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Community members call for legislative change following the disappearance of Oakley Carlson (Senn, Chapman)
New Harborview program aims to reduce gun violence amid alarming increase in shootings
Tacoma’s universal basic income pilot program starts with 110 families

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Multiple COVID-19 outbreaks in Washington linked to high school wrestling tournaments
Inslee calls on legislators to approve additional $815 million housing investment
Classes at Franklin High School canceled due to staffing shortage
Omicron variant likely detected at UW
Omicron surging in Washington

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Gov. Inslee announces plan to help address homelessness in Wash. state in 2022
Vancouver Housing Authority leader calls Inslee’s homelessness plan bold, comprehensive
Seattle crews remove tents that reappeared in Ballard after camp sweep earlier this month
Doctors worried about Omicron, Delta and flu leading to over capacity at hospitals
Students walk out of class; march together in protest
Federal judge’s says Navy jets impacting Whidbey Island

KNKX Public Radio
At Swinomish ceremony, Inslee proposes $187 million for salmon recovery, urges action on Lorraine Loomis Act
As omicron spreads, health experts push for mask mandates. But few states have one
Omicron is spreading in King County. Health officials expect a ‘rapid increase’ over the holidays
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Health officials pin Covid outbreaks on high school wrestling tourneys
He’s 13-years-old, autistic and stuck in the hospital for the holidays. He’s not the only one

Web

Crosscut
Bellevue student raises awareness of teen dating violence
Swinomish Tribe wants to resurrect U.S. clam gardening

MyNorthwest
Year-long Tacoma universal basic income pilot program kicks off
Gov. Inslee proposes investing $800 million for homelessness solutions
COVID outbreaks traced to Washington high school wrestling tournaments
Judge throws out latest lawsuit levying claims of election fraud in Washington
Washington seeing ‘rapid rise’ of omicron variant cases leading into holiday season
King County Council approves land swap agreement for City Hall Park
Marking one year of COVID-19 vaccines in Washington
Gov. Inslee proposes redress of dwindling salmon jeopardized by rising temperatures, toxic runoff
Icy roads lead to nearly 100 collisions Tuesday morning between Pierce, Thurston counties
Gov. Inslee rolls out 2022 climate proposals with focus on clean energy
Washington state health care reform proposal seeks medical debt write-offs for millions
Seattle council moves to set end date for grocery store hazard pay ordinance

The Stranger
City Council Votes to End Hazard Pay. Grocery Workers Say They Feel “Abandoned”

Wednesday, Dec. 15

Washington Democratic lawmakers to again propose ban on high-capacity magazines, other gun restrictions
Prohibitions on weapons at ballot-counting places, local government offices and public meetings. Restrictions on high-capacity magazines. A ban on so-called assault weapons. Democratic state lawmakers are proposing a fresh round of firearms restrictions as the Washington Legislature prepares to gather in January for its regularly scheduled session. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Omicron spreads faster than any other variant, WHO says. It’s now in 77 countries
If you’re worried about the new omicron coronavirus variant, you’re far from alone: The World Health Organization is warning that omicron is spreading like no other strain of COVID-19 has before. “Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a news briefing. Omicron has been found in 77 countries, less than a month after it was officially reported. Continue reading at KUOW. (Getty Images)

Over 11 million COVID vaccine doses given in WA in past year
Since the first COVID-19 vaccine shipment arrived in Washington state one year ago, more than 11.3 million doses of vaccine have been administered across the state, according to state health officials. The Washington state Department of Health said Tuesday that over 5.4 million Washington residents have received at least one vaccine dose. As of Monday, 81.7% of the population age 12 and older in Washington has received at least one dose and 75.3% is fully vaccinated, according to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. Continue reading at The Associated Press.

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Associated Press
Omicron variant spreading fast in Washington state
Officials warn of continued avalanche danger in Cascades
Republican Sen. Ann Rivers reverses retirement plan
Over 11 million COVID vaccine doses given in WA in past year
Judge: Prison company to pay Washington $4.5M in legal fees
Next Washington state ferry will be called Wishkah
Cities wracked by opioids close to getting $26B settlement
Evictions rise months after ban ends

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham poised to join electrification movement against climate change
As state celebrates anniversary of first vaccine shipment, Whatcom sees 49 new COVID cases
Gov. Inslee unveils new $187 million plan for Washington salmon recovery
Suspect arrested after Whatcom school district reports more threatening graffiti on campus

Capital Press
Longtime WSU dryland research station director to retire

Everett Herald
Tulalip students say change starts with the mascot
Timeline: Debate over Marysville Pilchuck’s Tomahawks nickname
Amid pandemic, Everett council approves an optimistic budget
EvCC taps human resources vice president to serve as acting president
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Omicron variant spreading fast in Washington state
FAA: Boeing pilot charged in 737 Max crash is a ‘scapegoat’
Bloomberg Comment: Hot economy cools drive for student loan debt relief
WaPo Comment: Liz Cheney points to crime Trump, others might face
Letter: County housing crisis demands ‘Just do it’ on sales tax
Letter: County sales tax increase would help solve problems

High Country News
Corporations are consolidating water and land rights in the West

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Environmentally friendly tactics for ‘burning smart’ during the winter

Kent Reporter
Kent School District closes two classrooms at Cedar Heights due to COVID-19

News Tribune
Here’s how COVID cases, hospitalizations trended in Pierce County in past week
Puyallup Tribal smoke shops’ owner sentenced for fraud scheme to avoid millions in taxes
It’ll cost many millions to fix salmon barriers in Gig Harbor. Culvert removal ahead

New York Times
The Fed is expected to cut its economic support faster as inflation grows worrisome.
Republicans Who Assailed Biden’s Stimulus Bill Are Embracing the Money
Senate Passes $768 Billion Defense Bill, Sending It to Biden

Olympian
Gov. Inslee unveils new $187 million plan for Washington salmon recovery
Port of Olympia executive director gets raise, will make $191,227 in 2022
Rams try to contain COVID outbreak, Seahawks 1 of only 4 NFL teams with no current cases
Olympia City Council to vote on buying 5.9-acre site for RV safe lot
Everything you need to know about Gov. Inslee’s $626 million climate proposals
Judge tosses WA county lawsuit claiming 2020 voting fraud. Ballots won’t be released

Peninsula Daily News
Authorities warn of omicron surge

Puget Sound Business Journal
Covid-19 relief fatigue has set in. The live events industry feels left behind.
With e-commerce surge, apartment owners, managers look for new parcel-management solutions
Another big year expected for industrial real estate in 2022 — but development may be stymied by supply chain
Low Income Housing Institute opens temporary shelter in former Comfort Inn
Senate committee pressures FAA to provide stricter oversight of Boeing
Insurers will be required to cover at-home Covid tests. What’s it mean for employers?
PPP forgiveness will drag out to 2023. Here’s how lenders are handling delinquent loans.
How Americans feel about the economy and Omicron as 2022 approaches

Seattle Medium
Hamdi Mohamed Eager To Get To Work As First Black Woman Elected To The Seattle Port Commission

Seattle Times
Coronavirus daily news updates, Dec. 15: What to know today about COVID-19
Democratic state lawmakers are proposing a fresh round of firearms restrictions (Kuderer, Valdez, Berg)
Editorial: Keep up the strong start to omicron response

Skagit Valley Herald
Governor announces sweeping salmon strategy
Concrete approves budget for 2022
Amount of flood damage in county estimated at $15M with a few days left to file

Yakima Herald-Republic
Selah schools refinance bonds, expect to save taxpayers millions
‘The talk of the state’: Yakima Valley school districts try out balanced calendars
Seattle Times: Jay Inslee, Washington lawmakers propose electric vehicle rebates and other climate initiatives ahead of legislative session (Carlyle)
Yakima Council to recognize homeless deaths, acknowledge outgoing council members Tuesday

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Omicron variant likely identified in more than 50 COVID-19 cases at UW virology lab
Seattle City Council votes to end hazard pay requirement for grocery employees
Opposition mounts to Snohomish County sales tax hike
Some families are getting a smaller child tax credit payment Wednesday

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Omicron surging in Washington
Community petitioning for ‘Oakley’s Law’ as 5-year-old is still missing
Fatal car crashes are surging – psychologist explains why
Next Washington state ferry will be called Wishkah
Millions more patients in Washington could soon have access to charity care
One year of COVID-19 vaccines in Washington
Gov. Inslee announces salmon recovery proposals
Congress sends Biden $2.5T debt limit hike, avoiding default
Skagit County asking public to submit forms assessing property damage from November floods

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Omnicron variant cases increasing in Washington state at alarming rate
Lawsuit targets Seattle Public Schools over encampment at Broadview-Thompson K-8
Washington State Ferries to debut first hybrid-electric ferry in 2025
Gov. Inslee investing $187M to help save salmon population

KNKX Public Radio
Natural gas furnaces, water heaters in crosshairs of some Northwest policymakers (Ramel)
What should we expect from Inslee’s climate action plans, budget proposal?

KUOW Public Radio
Covid blog: Updates for Seattle and the Northwest
Omicron spreads faster than any other variant, WHO says. It’s now in 77 countries
Congress votes to raise the debt ceiling, punting the next fight to 2023
The House votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt, sending a criminal referral to DOJ

KXLY (ABC)
Packed In: Here’s what could help with Spokane’s housing crisis

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington marks one year of COVID-19 vaccinations
Citizens lobby lawmakers for change in light of Oakley Carlson’s disappearance (Senn)

Web

Crosscut
Swinomish Tribe wants to resurrect U.S. clam gardening
Lessons from a year of reporting on climate solutions in the PNW

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)