Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What priorities will Redmond’s newest councilmember bring to City Hall?

Spotted on the Redmond calendar: 9 to 5 Artisan Pop-Up at the Holiday Shop

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Hi Redmond! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What priorities will Redmond’s newest councilmember bring to City Hall?
  • How Redmond’s satellite hubs are powering your next in-flight Wi‑Fi upgrade
  • How a new $100K visa fee could hit Redmond’s tech scene

Also on today's calendar: 9 to 5 Artisan Pop-Up at the Holiday Shop and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Redmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Redmond? Post it to Redmond photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Redmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Breezy with rain, with a high of 55 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Wednesday: A couple of showers, temps: high: 47, low: 41.
  • Thursday: Rain, with a high of 50 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Menka Soni takes oath as Redmond City Councillor on Bhagavad Gita (americanbazaaronline.com) — Redmond residents have a new city councilmember, Menka Soni, who took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita and is emphasizing affordable housing, community support, and safety. She also hopes to see Diwali formally recognized in Redmond by next year, reflecting her focus on cultural inclusion alongside long experience with local organizations like One Redmond Foundation.
   

2. Alaska Airlines launches Starlink Wi-Fi systems on Embraer planes (spokesman.com) — Redmond plays a behind-the-scenes role in faster in-flight Wi‑Fi, with both Starlink and Amazon Leo building satellite operations there that power new airline internet services. Alaska Airlines has begun flying with Starlink on select jets and plans a fleetwide rollout, while Amazon’s system is lining up airline partners for launches over the next few years.
   

3. WA sues Trump admin over $100K H-1B visa fee, says it violates U.S. Constitution (thenewstribune.com) — Redmond is highlighted as one of Washington’s top destinations for H-1B visa workers, a program the state says is vital for local tech and research employers. Washington’s attorney general has joined 19 other states in suing the Trump administration over a new $100,000 H-1B petition fee, arguing it’s unconstitutional and would hurt universities, innovation, and high-skill employers statewide.
   

4. Senators Demand Accountability Amid Reports of ICE Questioning Native Americans (nativenewsonline.net) — A Native American actress was questioned by ICE agents while waiting at a Redmond bus stop, after officers refused to accept her tribal ID as proof of citizenship. Washington Sen. Patty Murray and other senators are now pressing Homeland Security to train agents to recognize tribal IDs and explain policies toward tribal citizens, citing concerns about racial profiling and civil rights.
   

📸 Around Redmond

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Recommendations for reliable, reasonably priced electricians who service Redmond?
    All we have ever had out in this area are contractors who charge too much and rarely fix the problem. Thanks in advance! (Nextdoor Abbey)
  • My small dog and I were followed by what sounded like a large number of coyotes on our walk that quickly turned into a run.
    FYI to folks in the neighborhood near St. George church area to keep your fur babies inside if you can’t supervise after dark. Pretty scary jog back… (Nextdoor Willows - Rose Hill)
  • Whole Foods posted a job opening for Sanitation Team Member (Cleaner, Housekeeping, Custodial) - Part Time in Redmond. Apply here.
  • World Market posted a job opening for Seasonal Stock Associate in Redmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Redmond here.

Ok Redmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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