Wednesday, August 31
US clears updated COVID boosters targeting newest variants
The U.S. on Wednesday authorized its first update to COVID-19 vaccines, booster doses that target today’s most common omicron strain. Shots could begin within days. The move by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna that already have saved millions of lives. The hope is that the modified boosters will blunt yet another winter surge. Until now, COVID-19 vaccines have targeted the original coronavirus strain, even as wildly different mutants emerged. The new U.S. boosters are combination, or “bivalent,” shots. They contain half that original vaccine recipe and half protection against the newest omicron versions, called BA.4 and BA.5, that are considered the most contagious yet. Continue reading at The Associated Press. (AP)
Seattle employee is found to hold racist beliefs; then city pays him $125K in settlement
A longtime employee of the Seattle Department of Transportation who sent a Black woman racist and threatening messages at the height of the protests over the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 is still working with the city agency, despite concerns over his problematic history with the department and continued interaction with the public. Department investigators who looked into the matter concluded that [Kirk] Calkins holds “deeply racist beliefs regarding Black people and displayed a willingness to threaten violence in furtherance of those beliefs.” Despite the outcome of the investigation, Calkins was not fired. Instead, he received a 30-day suspension last year. In addition, the City of Seattle reached a settlement with Calkins at the beginning of this year, paying him $125,000. Continue reading at KNKX. (Alex Savini)
‘Guys only’: Regional staffing agency sued for alleged sex discrimination
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleges that a Puget Sound-area staffing company, SmartTalent, repeatedly refused to assign female workers to certain temporary jobs. SmartTalent is based in Gig Harbor and operates five branches between Lacey and Lynnwood. In a civil complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Aug. 5, the EEOC claims that since at least the start of 2015, SmartTalent received emails from clients specifically seeking “strong dudes” and “guys only” for work assignments. A recruiter witnessed a branch manager tell another recruiter who raised concerns about complying with discriminatory requests to “shut up and do her job,” and “stop complaining,” states the lawsuit. Continue reading at Puget Sound Business Journal. (JacobStudio)
Associated Press
US clears updated COVID boosters targeting newest variants
Bainbridge Island Review
Kitsap resident takes proper steps after encountering bat with rabies
Column: Schools can never have too many bus drivers
Bellingham Herald
Yes, Whatcom. That haze you’re seeing is wildfire smoke
Capital Press
Washington agencies fall far short of biodiesel mandate
Washington wolf pack crosses threshold; Fish and Wildlife mulls lethal control
Columbian
Editorial: In Our View: Lawmakers must support mental health care
The Daily News
New superintendent, principals kick off a new school year at Toutle Lake
What Cowlitz County students, parents need to know about COVID rules
Cowlitz County commissioners OK contracts for disability services
Everett Herald
Editorial: Follow Tulalips’ lead on opening methadone clinics
Federal Way Mirror
Department of Commerce awards $350K to Federal Way Public Schools for upgrades
News Tribune
Motels no more: Influx of affordable housing planned on troubled Tacoma corridor
Olympian
Plans to convert Thurston County hotel into homeless shelter start to take shape
Peninsula Daily News
UPDATE: PASD Late night bargaining session ends without resolution of possible strike
Jefferson County schools staffing sufficient amid workforce strains
Crews swap culverts for bridges at three creeks on West End
Puget Sound Business Journal
Waiting on hiring to get easier? There’s more evidence it won’t happen soon.
‘Guys only’: Regional staffing agency sued for alleged sex discrimination
How Covid-19 migration, housing trends will remake the suburbs
Seattle Medium
Police Chief Search Coming to a Close
Fire Department Staff Sleepless in Seattle
Seattle Times
Seattle heat topples records — and it’ll last a bit longer
Seattle program helps homeless people and neighborhoods at the same time
Seattle Schools education union to vote on a strike authorization
Editorial: Give every student access to bilingual education
Skagit Valley Herald
Blood supply falls precariously low
Skagit County hits record low unemployment
South Whidbey Record
County to formalize commitment to climate action
Spokesman Review
Jury convicts former Spokane police officer in rapes of two women; Nash acquitted of other rape charge, unlawful imprisonment
Tri-City Herald
Tri-City schools are still tracking COVID. Where to find class closures and outbreaks
Tri-Cities newest school will serve the fastest growing part of town. Have a look inside
Washington Post
Justice Dept. says Trump team may have hidden, moved classified papers
Coronavirus boosters targeting omicron get FDA blessing for fall push
For U.S. troops who survived Kabul airport disaster, guilt and grief endure
Yakima Herald-Republic
Wapato school support staff picket for higher wages, state case to school board
KING 5 TV (NBC)
Seattle teachers union to vote on strike authorization
Warnings over ‘rainbow fentanyl’ come as it reaches the Pacific Northwest
‘Left in the dark’: Chinatown-International District business owner frustrated over lack of input in shelter expansion
Seattle Children’s nurses would get $10 per hour raise under proposed contract
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Puget Sound youths can ride public transit for free starting Thursday
Seattle teachers on verge of strike; vote to authorize expected this weekend
Wildfire evacuations downgraded for some areas near Chelan
KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Educators from Seattle Public Schools set to vote on strike authorization this weekend
As Kent teachers’ strike rolls on, anxiety mounts for students and their parents
KNKX Public Radio
Seattle employee is found to hold racist beliefs; then city pays him $125K in settlement
Listen: Washington county removes cybersecurity device designed to protect elections
KUOW Public Radio
Suicide and staffing issues at King County Jail, ‘a radioactive subject’
Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan provides more than just debt relief
FDA expected to authorize new omicron-specific Covid boosters this week
NW Public Radio
Legal Agreement To Address Hanford’s Leaking Tanks Finalized
MyNorthwest
Sea-Tac confirms 12th day of 90+ degree weather, tying 2015 record
SPS’ teacher union authorizes strike vote as it ‘actively bargains’ with district
Port Angeles teachers authorize strike ahead of Sept. 1 school start date
The Stranger
Rep. Smith: Airport Service Workers Deserve a Living Wage
West Seattle Blog
SCHOOLS: Seattle Education Association plans demonstrations, strike-authorization vote as contract expires Wednesday
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
![](https://www.einpresswire.com/tracking/article.gif?t=2&a=Fkp696AkwkBioWP9&i=crQLvaIaduiDEELd)