Coverage of policing, gun violence, drug policy, emergency response, and public safety reform across Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
The Ferguson police fund was the cornerstone of Bob Ferguson’s 2024 campaign for governor. Specifically, he vowed to secure $100 million to hire more police officers in a state that ranks dead last in officers per capita. Furthermore, he kept that promise — securing the money through House Bill 2015 in 2025. The problem is…
The Sound Transit shortfall has reached $34.5 billion over the next two decades. Specifically, the agency cannot afford to build the full light rail system that Puget Sound voters approved in 2016. Furthermore, a plan headed for a May 28 board vote would defer the Ballard extension and delay other promised projects. The Ballard project…
Mayor Katie Wilson promised 500 shelter units by June 1, 2026 — before Seattle’s World Cup matches begin. Specifically, a Seattle City Council staff memo concluded the earliest operations date is July 14, 2026 — eight days after the final World Cup game. Furthermore, only 75 units have been publicly identified. That puts the Seattle…
The Let’s Go Washington PDC complaint filed May 12, 2026 alleges that Brian Heywood’s political committee failed to report 159 instances of political content by influencer Brandi Kruse as in-kind contributions. Furthermore, the complaint values those contributions between $345,900 and $1.25 million. The complaint was filed by Washingtonians for Ethical Government (WFEG) — a group…
The latest Pierce County Bridge Replacement Needs reveal a critical situation for over 23,000 daily commuters. Local engineers are currently reviewing several aging structures that require immediate structural attention. This major shift in infrastructure priority aims to ensure the safety of our regional transit corridors. If you are a resident or a frequent traveler, staying…
The latest Gig Harbor Parking Updates reveal a surprising new plan for downtown visitors this season. Local officials are currently reviewing a proposal to introduce paid parking at 538 spots in the historic district. This major shift aims to manage the high demand for space near the scenic waterfront. If you are a resident or…
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson agreed to a $4,000 ethics settlement after admitting he violated state ethics law by flying former adviser Mike Webb on a State Patrol aircraft. Furthermore, the same week the settlement was announced, Axios revealed a secret approval policy requiring most state agencies to clear press releases and reporter responses through the…
Seattle data center plans triggered the largest constituent response City Hall has seen in years. 54,000 messages flooded council inboxes after the Seattle Times revealed four tech companies wanted to build five hyperscale data centers consuming 369 megawatts — roughly one-third of Seattle’s average daily power. Two developers have since withdrawn. Three Council members introduced…
The dissolution moved from rhetoric to reality on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski formally introduced legislation to end the county’s participation in the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. Vice Chair Reagan Dunn co-sponsored. A companion Seattle measure from Councilmember Maritza Rivera is moving in parallel. The plan: a formal council vote…
The downgrade announced April 23, 2026 revised Washington State’s bond outlook from stable to negative. Washington still holds its Aaa (Triple-A) rating — for now. However, the state ranks dead last in the nation for financial reserves at just 8.4% of tax revenues. Reserves are projected to crash to 1.4% by 2028. A formal credit…
