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The ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio Newsdesk brings you their top stories on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Microsoft has laid off nearly 1,000 employees, according to a new

Microsoft’s total workforce stood at around 221,000 at the end of June, with Axios reporting that the layoffs affect less than 1% of the employees.

“Like all companies, we evaluate our business priorities on a regular basis, and make structural adjustments accordingly,” a Microsoft spokesperson said via email. “We will continue to invest in our business and hire in key growth areas in the year ahead.”

The tech industry as a whole is facing cutbacks, with Amazon already implementing a corporate hiring freeze.

Alaska Airlines pilots approve new contract

Alaska Airlines pilots have overwhelmingly approved a new, three-year contract that includes significant wage increases and other benefits.

With 96% of the 3,300 eligible Alaska pilots casting ballots, 82% voted in favor of the new agreement.

Wages will increase up to 23% depending on years of service, with the highest-end airline captains making $306 per hour, which increases to $330 after two years.

Last Spring, Alaska’s pilots voted to strike, but they continued to negotiate and work.

Alaska’s Horizon pilots voted “yes” on their new contract last month.

Tacoma motel converted to affordable apartments

Another motel in an area with heavy crime in Tacoma is converting to affordable apartments.

The reports the Motel 6 on S 76th Street was built in the 1980s.

The last time it was remodeled was in 2016.

It’s located in the South Hosmer Street area, which has seen gun and gang violence increase over the last few years.

Since June of last year, five other motels have also been sold to development companies to turn into permanent housing.

Evacuation from Suiattle Fire in Snohomish County 

Evacuations continue in Snohomish County because of a wildfire in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest.

People in the Suiattle River Valley north of the river were told to clear out Sunday.

Roads, trails, and campgrounds in that area and near Boulder Lake are closed until further notice because of the danger.

King County confirms new Public Health Director

The King County Council has confirmed the nomination of Dr. Faisal Khan as the new Director of Public Health in King County.

He will replace Dr. Jeff Duchin, who is stepping down.

I am thrilled to officially welcome Dr. Faisal Khan as our new director of . After several years of critical emergency public health response, Dr. Khan will help us lay the foundation to build a healthy future for everyone in our region.

— Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle)

Khan has worked in Public Health at the local, state, and global levels.

Pacific Northwest Ballet names first Black principal dancer

For the first time in its 50-year history, the Pacific Northwest Ballet has named a Black man to the esteemed position of “principal dancer.”

The dancer, Jonathan Batista, hails from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and joined the PNB last year as a soloist.

He says moving to the highest rank as a ballet dancer means the world, not only to him, but also to the Black dance community.

There are 46 dancers in The Pacific Northwest Ballet, nine identify as Black.

MacKenzie Scott donates $84 million to Girl Scouts

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated over $84 million to the Girl Scouts.

The CEO of the Girls Scouts, Sofia Chang, said it’s the largest donation they have ever received.

The money will go to the central operation and 29 local branches. Chang says that Scott’s “support of our organization honestly means just as much as the donation.”

Scott has given around $12 billion to various organizations since 2019.

Tree removal services now register with city

New rules go into effect in November to protect trees in Seattle.

Private tree service companies will now be required to register with the city and post public notices before doing major tree pruning or removal.

This is a temporary measure while legislatures work on a larger tree protection program.

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