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Hundreds of American Red Cross volunteers, including retired truck driver Robert Deacon, have swiftly deployed to Washington State to aid flood relief efforts. With skills like Deacons, theyre transporting meals and supplies, providing crucial support to displaced families. Many volunteers, like Deacon, are prepared to stay for several weeks, even through Christmas. The Red Cross emphasizes that volunteers are often the first friendly faces evacuees encounter, offering comfort and assistance during difficult times. As the situation unfolds, the Red Cross encourages everyone to check their online shelter map for the latest information on open shelters and available services.

Nicholas Denham, convicted of the 2020 murders of Charlene Van Auken and her daughter Zoey Peetz, receives two life sentences without parole following a retrial. Denhams defense attorney, William Starnes, emphasizes the standard appeal process, while Zoeys father, Jordan Peetz, describes the retrial as a traumatic experience. Denham, who stole firearms and cash before the murders, showed no remorse during the trial, prompting Peetz to criticize his behavior. Denhams apology to Peetz and Judge Murphys hope for honoring the victims lives conclude the episode.

Washington States Recovery: Amazon, Red Cross, and Community Efforts Amazon donates $100,000 to KIRO Sevens Day of Giving, benefiting the Salvation Army and Red Cross. The company has already committed $3 million and 50,000 essential items for relief efforts. The Red Cross provides over 1,100 shelter stays and 13,000 meals, while the Salvation Army serves 400 people in Lewis and Skagit counties. In Fall City, volunteers clean up Aldarra Field, removing 1,500 pounds of debris and recovering sports equipment for the upcoming season. Emergency stabling efforts save livestock, and a wastewater operator, Tyler Stiltner, keeps a treatment plant running despite floodwaters.

Former Brown Student Claudio Neves Valente, suspected in a deadly shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor, found deceased in New Hampshire storage facility. Investigators believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A second individuals testimony led authorities to Valentes car and identity. The FBI initially found no links between the incidents, but as the investigation progressed, a connection was established. The motives and circumstances remain unclear.

At Alaska Airlines Network Operations Center, a dedicated team manages holiday travel chaos, monitoring real-time flight, crew, and weather data. Despite challenges like IT outages and safety reviews, they prioritize safety and efficiency, making critical decisions that impact thousands of passengers daily. Their guest protect strategy minimizes disruptions by prioritizing routes with recovery options.

A King County judge sentenced Andrew Ralph Baim to nearly twenty-five years in prison for the murder of Nick Valison, a Ravensdale father killed while stopping illegal dumping. The judge emphasized the escalation from property crime to murder due to selfish decisions. Baim, convicted of second-degree murder, arson, and stolen vehicle possession, was found guilty in September. Valisons family and friends delivered emotional statements, remembering him as a devoted husband, son, brother, and father.

In Pacific, Washington, crews are racing against time to reinforce flood barriers after a section failed, causing neighborhood flooding. The barriers failure was due to prolonged water pressure, not fast-moving waters. Crews are now adding new walls and creating a new outlet to prevent future failures. Evacuation orders remain in place as officials work to complete new containment walls by the upcoming weekend.

Bobs Burgers and Brew in Sumas, Washington, faces a massive rebuilding effort after a recent flood, marking the fifth major flood in thirty years. Owner Tobyn Cochrane, who only took over two years ago, is determined to reopen the bar area and offer to-go food orders, despite extensive damage and uncertain financial impact. The community rallies around the restaurant, with an online fundraiser and volunteers helping in the recovery process.

King Countys Solid Waste Division offers free flood debris disposal from January 1st to 11th at Bow Lake, Shoreline, and Enumclaw Recycling and Transfer Stations. This self-haul service is for residents affected by recent floods, with specific weekend hours and no fees. Regular fees apply during weekdays at all facilities.