Kennewick Man, State Park Potential Shutdown & More News

Kennewick Man found to be Native American, now what? 

The Seattle Times reports that the 9,000 year old skeleton from Eastern Washington named, “Kennewick Man,” is most likely genetically linked to Native Americans. Now the question is, what will happen to his remains? Members of several Northwest tribes spoke at a briefing on Thursday at the Burke Muesum, asking that scientists respect their culture and return Kennewick Man to his rightful place to be put to rest. However, many scientists are reluctant to release his remains to the tribes, claiming there is more research to be done. The DNA match was not determined to be linked to one tribe, and they feel there is more to learn. The battle over his remains will be decided over the next few months.

State shutdown may close parks and cause major layoffs

If the state can’t reach a budget agreement before July 1, this could prompt a shutdown of state parks and layoffs for more than 25,000 employees. King5 reports that if a resolution isn’t reached services the state isn’t obligated to support, such as parks, would not be funded. Nick Brown, general counsel for Governor Jay Inslee says that while state patrol and mental health facilities would remain open, former inmates out on probation wouldn’t have supervision. This also means that there’s the potential for half of the state employees to be laid off. Let’s hope the budget agreement comes quickly.

Anxiety now number 1 mental health issue affecting college students

Anxiety has now overtaken depression as the top mental health diagnosis among college students, MyNorthwest.com reports. The American College Health Association cites one in six college students were treated for anxiety in the last year. College students are under tremendous pressure, but reports of anxiety seems to be going up which could mean the stigma around getting help seems to be lessening. Ellen Taylor, director of UW’s counseling center, says her focus in on teaching students effective coping methods to combat their anxiety. Taylor also believes social media is cause for some of the blame– people are constantly publicizing and flaunting their successes for the world to see. This can make students feel as if everyone is happy except for them.

Rachel Dolezal removed from police commission

The Spokane City Council voted 6-0 to remove Rachel Dolezal from her position on the volunteer police ombudsman commission. The Associated Press reports that Dolezal and two others will step down from the commission due to improper action and violation of government rules. Dolezal also resigned as the NAACP Spoakane chapter President after her parents informed the media that their daughter had been lying about her race.

Seattle’s heat stroke could last through 2016

This warm streak in Seattle doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. For Seattleites who have come to expect drizzly, cold, cloudy months on end, that may not be the case this year. KomoNews reports that this year’s seasonal outlooks predict this warm stretch to last through the winter, and even into next summer. NOAA’s predictions indicate a hot and dry summer as well as another warm and dry winter. So what’s the cause? We’re in an El Nino year, which usually means warmer weather and less-snowy winters. So it’s safe to say that Seattleites who’ve come to look forward to their cool falls and rainy winters may be in for a change.