Rep. Matt Manweller (R-Ellensburg) responded to past allegations of sexual impropriety, as reported by the Seattle Times. Manweller told 770 KTTH’s Jason Rantz that previous accusations of sexual misconduct are being misconstrued. (770 KTTH) 

Rep. Paul Graves (R-Fall City) wants to end the Legislature’s exemption from the Public Records Act, saying the fight to put lawmakers under the same rules as other public officials “is something that I would love to take on.” (Snoqualmie Valley Record)

An 11-day protest in downtown Olympia ended up costing an estimated $40,000 for police overtime and cleanup. The protest toward the end of November was against oil trains. (The Spokesman-Review)

Seattle and King County have the third-highest homeless population in the nation, according to a study by the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. (MyNorthwest)

The NHL is willing to “consider an expansion application” for a Seattle hockey team and allow a “season-ticket drive” to demonstrate fan interest. A renovated Key Arena is a likely landing spot for a potential 32^nd NHL team. (The Seattle Times)

Food banks and organizations are working hard to collect food for the homeless in the Tri-Cities to last them through the holidays. “We’ve been averaging 100 to 120 people each day,” Tri-Cities Food Bank Director Bill Kitchen said. (The Spokesman-Review)

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