University of Washington Atmospheric Science Professor Cliff Mass has created a stir in the local academic circles with his description of recent events on campus.   To squelch his views, Mass states that techniques employed by staff and students were reminiscent of the McCarthy era. (ShiftWA)

The left-wing Washington State Budget and Policy Center states in a new report that a capital gains tax is necessary due to “deep history of racism and oppression that continues to harm residents of color across the state.”  It is the latest attempt by liberals to cloak their tax proposals as either cures to racism or climate change when in reality they are measures to make government larger and more powerful.  (Schmudget Blog)

Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Fairhurst announced her retirement from the court effective January 4, 2020.  Judge Fairhurst was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer earlier this year.  Governor Inslee will appoint her replacement who will then have to face election next year.  (KING News)

To settle a class-action lawsuit, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) agreed to pay $3.25 million for illegally deducting wages from individual provider home care aides (IPs). “Although it represents just a fraction of the money illegally seized from the wages of thousands of IPs, the settlement agreement in Routh v. SEIU 775 is one of the biggest losses yet for a union that has grown powerful because of legally questionable practices.” (Freedom Foundation)

Al Franken’s appearance at Seattle’s Paramount Theater will go on as planned, but ticket holders can obtain a refund if they wish not to attend.  Despite attempts by local Democrat elected officials to have the show cancelled due to recent allegations of sexual misconduct by the former Democrat U.S. Senator, the theater announced that the show will occur as scheduled on Friday evening. (Seattle Times)

Retailer Uwajimaya’s CEO states her frustration with Seattle policies that allow criminals to be released soon after they are arrested.  Denise Moriguchi said, “We do see run-ins with people that are stealing or have had confrontations with employees, have been disruptive in the store. And the SPD is called and they’re great. But the next day or the next afternoon that person is back in the store, so it’s difficult to see how when we do report things, how it’s actually contributing to making things better.” (My Northwest)

Spokane supports Boise’s attempt to overturn a Federal Court ruling on the homeless which restricts cities’ options.  In 2018 the 9^th Circuit Court ruled in the Martin v. Boise case that cities cannot enforce laws against public camping if they do not also provide shelter for those without homes.  Boise is appealing that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Spokane has filed briefs in support of Boise’s motions. (Spokesman Review)

Strong differences were revealed in interviews conducted in the hot race for Spokane’s District 3 council seat.  Marijuana farmer and council incumbent Karen Stratton once again stated “I support our (city) employees very strongly.” Air Force veteran Andy Rathbun says that from doorbelling 4,000 homes he leaned that, “people’s concerns are property crime and traffic.”  (Inlander)

Yakima City Council approved funds to support its no camping laws.  According to a city spokesman, “The idea is to go to these camps and say to the folks that are there, one you can’t be here, two there’s a place for you to go — Camp Hope, Union Gospel Mission, there are services we can connect you with.” (YakTriNews)

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