LOCAL NEWS
UW librarians go on strike over insufficient pay
Oct 13, 2022, 2:20 PM
(Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)
The KIRO Newsradio Newsdesk brings you their top stories on Thursday, Oct. 13.
University of Washington librarians and press staff are going on strike Thursday.
97% of the union authorized the walk-off.
The union representing the employees says this is due to contract negotiations, issues about pay, a demand for equal protections for professional staff and academic librarians, and more administrative action on anti-racism goals.
UW staff say they make about $20,000 less per year, on average than staff at peer institutions.
A University spokesperson told The Seattle Times they were surprised by the decision to strike while in “good-faith-negotiations.”
Employees picketed outside the main campus in Seattle at 11:00 a.m. Thursday.
Gov. Inslee meets with West Coast leaders on climate change
King County offers free eye exam clinic
Free eye exams and prescription eyeglasses will be available for those who struggle to afford eye care in Seattle.
For the seventh year, Seattle and King County will be setting up a vision care clinic at the Seattle Center from October 20 through 23.
The clinic has been on hiatus during the pandemic.
700-pound bear attacks Washington man in Montana
A Washington state hunter was injured by a 700-pound grizzly bear in Montana this week.
Montana wildlife officials say the grizzly charged out of thick brush southeast of Glacier National Park, attacking and injuring the man.
He was able to shoot and wound the animal, which headed back into the brush.
The 51-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The injured bear was found and euthanized by wildlife officials.
King County looks to improve access to childcare
King County is making a $160 million investment to expand access to child care.
Dow Constantine announced the program Wednesday which will help around 2,000 children in the region over the next six years.
Families may be eligible for the subsidy if they live in King County and fall below the income cap, about $91,000 for a family of four.
Outdoor dining areas could become permanent
Many outdoor dining areas created during the pandemic could become permanent in Seattle.
Newly-proposed legislation in the Seattle City Council would create regulations for outdoor dining areas city-wide, including standards for structures, design goals, and fees.
Councilmember Dan Strauss proposed the idea alongside the Seattle Department of Transportation.
He says part of the plan was based on a street cafe pilot program along Ballard Avenue which has been well-received by businesses and diners alike.
Kroger could acquire Albertsons as soon as Friday
Kroger could announce a deal to buy Albertsons.
According to CNBC, the all-cash acquisition may be announced as soon as Friday morning.
Kroger is the largest supermarket operator in the country with about two dozen banners, including Fred Meyer.
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