x
Breaking News
More () »

5 things you need to know this Thursday

Atmospheric river flood risk; Seattle special education cuts; Skagit County COVID-19 rates; Starbucks raising minimum wage; Federal Way haunted attraction.
Credit: Washington State Patrol
Water covers SR 109 at milepost 18 near Ocean City in Grays Harbor County on Jan. 12, 2021.

Atmospheric river brings flood risk to western Washington

More wet weather is in store for western Washington as an atmospheric river moves into the area.

Atmospheric rivers are bands of atmospheric moisture that transport large amounts of water from the tropics and subtropics northward. They are the largest "freshwater" rivers in the world and can lead to major flooding when they stall over an area for several days.

Heavy rain will spread across western Washington by Thursday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch from noon Thursday through late Thursday night for portions of northwest Washington and west-central Washington. Read more

Parents protest Seattle Public Schools' proposed special education staff swap

Staffing changes are on the way for the 2021-2022 school year at Seattle Public Schools, and a group of parents fear special education students will be impacted the most.

In a written statement, a spokesperson said the district has experienced two years of declining enrolment, and they are now serving “3,440 fewer students in 2021/22 than 2019/20. This includes students who receive special education services.”

District officials said they now have more special education personnel than is required to meet the student need. Therefore 14 educators are being reassigned within the district – others may be moved but are staying within the same school building. Read more

Skagit County's rising COVID-19 cases a 'recipe for disaster'

COVID-19 cases are steadily rising again in Skagit County with just 58% of the population fully vaccinated against the virus.

Skagit Regional Health is experiencing full ICUs and having to resort to treating patients in waiting rooms and hallways.

The latest numbers show 553 people have tested positive for the virus out of every 100,000 people in the population, an indication of a potential sixth wave.

That news prompted health officials to issue a warning to the public: "For our children's sake we are pleading with people to get vaccinated today." Read more

Starbucks raising pay up to $23 per hour

Starbucks said Wednesday it is raising its U.S. employees’ pay and making other changes to improve working conditions in its stores.

The Seattle-based coffee giant said all of its U.S. workers will earn at least $15 — and up to $23 — per hour by next summer. In late January, employees with two or more years of service will get a 5% raise, while those with five or more years of service could receive up to a 10% raise. Workers can also get a $200 recruitment bonus to help attract new employees.

In a letter to employees, Starbucks' North America President Rossann Williams said the pay raises not only support workers but will enhance recruitment efforts in a challenging labor market. Starbucks said it’s the third time in 24 months that it has raised workers’ pay. Read more

Federal Way family celebrates Halloween all year long with this haunted attraction

Halloween is observed on Oct. 31 every year, but that hasn't stopped a Federal Way family from celebrating it all year long.

Brian Hartbeat said his "haunted garage" is more than a few props and lights. In fact, it was never a garage at all and the 1,500 square foot structure is used exclusively for his homemade haunted attraction.

"In its 18 years of existence, it's only been filled with my attraction and that's why we've had Halloween gatherings in the middle of summer," said Hartbeat. Read more

Also see: Seattle local forecast

Have the "5 things you need to know" delivered to your inbox. Sign up for the daily morning email here.

Download KING 5's Roku and Amazon Fire apps for live newscasts and video on demand.

Before You Leave, Check This Out