Week in Review: Politics, viruses, and corporate giants

Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with freelance journalist Jane C. Hu, political analyst and contributing columnist Joni Balter, and former publisher of Washington State Wire DJ Wilson.

Democrats are trying to maintain their narrow lead in the Washington House and Senate this year. Could the GOP take a state legislative majority?

On Tuesday, an ordinance was approved by the Edmonds City Council that makes camping overnight on public property illegal if shelter is refused. How is the public defining “public space” and “criminalizing homelessness” now and why?

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Washington and across the country. But that’s not the only virus making news this week. Over the past two weeks, nine flocks in seven counties have confirmed a bird flu outbreak. Also, a rare case of the viral illness monkeypox was confirmed in Massachusetts. How concerned do we need to be?

To cope with inflation, Microsoft is dramatically increasing its salary increase budget and stock option compensation. Also, Amazon passed Microsoft as the state corporate philanthropy leader after giving away millions more this year. What impact do these two stories have?