WA's public records problem, Spokane's new talk show, and morning headlines

ON INLANDER.COM

Full(ish) access
Washington's public records law does not apply to the state legislature the same way it does to a city council or a mayor. Despite the fact that the Public Records Act ensures "full access to public records," the legislature essentially gave themselves an exemption. That could change.

You need gifts, let us guide you
The Inlander's annual Gift Guide is here. On this year's list: The Marching Mom, the Screen Obsessed Kid, the Indecisive Millennial, the Russian Hacker, the Beer Snob and more.

Talk about Spokane
The city's new talk show, Lilac City Live!, will debut on the Community Lens (in the downtown library) stage Dec. 14, hosted by Ryan Dean Tucker and Sean Glasow. The first show will feature guests Marshall McLean, comedian Ryan McComb, artist Amber Hoit and author Sharma Shields.

IN OTHER NEWS

Homeless coast
King County has the third-largest homeless population, according to a new federal report. The number of people living without a permanent shelter is rising all along the West Coast. (Seattle Times)

Class action asshole
Six women who've accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault are also trying to file a class action lawsuit against the abusive and manipulative movie producer and his former companies. The suit likens Weinstein's predatory behavior, as well as the system that allowed that behavior to continue, to organized crime. The New York Times has referred to that system as "The Complicity Machine." (Variety, New York Times)

Victims turned out
A recovery house for victims of sex trafficking in Portland has been shut down due to funding cuts and possible mismanagement. That means the teenagers living there were turned out to the streets. But was the shelter any better? (Willamette Week)