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Monday, November 18

A slow start for Washington office tasked with probing police violence
In 2021, Washington lawmakers created the nation’s first state-funded office to investigate police killings…providing an extra layer of accountability for deadly use-of-force incidents that disproportionately impact Native Americans but that are rarely prosecuted. [I]n the three years since its inception, the Washington office’s effects have been muted. The agency cites staffing shortages and the difficulty of building the agency up from scratch as the primary challenges. Continue reading at KNKX. (Ashley Ann)

Countries agreed to try to hold global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Is that still possible?
The primary focus of international climate negotiations this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, is how to pay for the costs of cutting global climate pollution and adapt to the impacts of climate change. But there’s another issue lurking: whether climate change has already heated the planet near, or past, 1.5 Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) beyond preindustrial temperatures. That’s one of the major goals laid out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. But several new analyses, scientific studies, and international reports suggest the goal of keeping warming to below 1.5 C is becoming further away from possible. Continue reading at KUOW. (KUOW)

Multilingual programs in Washington schools promote bilingualism and biculturalism
English proficiency has risen among Latinos in the United States while usage of Spanish has declined, according to the Pew Research Center. In Wenatchee, two schools are taking an approach to increase the number of Spanish speakers by introducing a second language early in a child’s education. Currently, Washington state has about 148 dual language schools across 40 school districts. In March, Gov. Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1228. The law provides grants to school districts and state-tribal schools to expand dual language programs statewide. Continue reading at NW Public Radio. (Jacob Ford)

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Axios
Washington natural gas ballot measure to face legal challenge

Bainbridge Island Review
Federal funding to repair parts of Hood Canal Bridge

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham completed its lead pipe audit. Should you be concerned about your drinking water?

Capital Press
Weather expert predicts mild winter, cold blasts possible

The Daily News
1 in 4 motorists in this state’s police chases were innocent. Find out where.
Woodland City Council passes ordinances targeting camping, ‘aggressive begging’

Everett Herald
Marysville unveils 3 options for upcoming school closures
Everett adds ‘no sit, no lie’ zone around children’s museum
With $10B deficit looming, Inslee calls for WA agencies to make cuts (Robinson)
Marysville increases mandatory minimum penalties for repeat offenders
See where state money is funding environmental work in Snohomish County

Kitsap Sun
Sewage spill leads to no-contact advisory at Kitsap Lake
Find a place of respite: A new park is coming to Bainbridge Island

News Tribune
Interstate 5 will get overnight closure this week. Here’s what you need to know
Pierce County warehouse project near popular trail approved; 100s of trees to be removed
Rules of the Road: Should I trust my teen driver? How about my assessment of their skills?

Puget Sound Business Journal
South Lake Union streetcar survives, for now
Harrell shares next moves in campaign to boost downtown Seattle
SBA’s nonbank lenders could see stricter oversight. Here’s what it means for businesses.
Federal court strikes down overtime pay change. Here’s what it means for employers.
Opinion: Seattle industrial land is unique and irreplaceable (Nguyen)

Seattle Medium
Trump Re-Election Sparks Deep Concern Among Black Women
Washington Voters Reject Initiative To Make Long-Term Care Program Voluntary
Washington Prepares For Second Trump Term: Ferguson And Brown Vow To Defend State Rights

Seattle Times
Boeing lays off more than 2,000 Washington workers
Abandoned RVs pile up after WA program is put on pause
The power of a logjam: A vision of the Northwest’s rivers of old
Seattle renters, workers need parking, but its cost can be shocking
Harrell announces new team to address crime, beautify downtown
Bird flu killed more than half of WA tern colony near Port Townsend
Pharmacies are yanking cold medicines from shelves. So what are the options now?

Spokesman Review
Spokane to examine its 32-year partnership with C.O.P.S.
Woman charged with embezzling over $100K from Spokane Tribe of Indians
Whooping cough wave hospitalizing Spokane kids has already surpassed 2015 outbreak
Central Valley School Board to reconsider stance on trans athletes at special meeting Monday
Signature problems spark high ballot challenges in largely Latino-populated and student-populated counties in Eastern Washington

Tri-City Herald
‘Almost unconscionable.’ Tri-Cities families struggle with critical youth mental healthcare

Washington Post
Trump confirms plans to use military for mass deportations
Trump allies eye overhauling Medicaid, food stamps in tax legislation
California’s leading liberals are preparing to ‘Trump-proof’ their state
The owl hunters: The deadly campaign to save an icon of the Pacific Northwest
Climate summit host faces backlash over support for fossil fuels, crackdown on dissent

WA State Standard
Bird flu decimated tern colony in northwest Washington
Race for WA Supreme Court seat still close as final votes are tallied
State panel not ready to scrap building codes targeted by gas initiative

Wenatchee World
State denies Chelan and Douglas counties’ organics exemption, citing Winton’s compost facility readiness

Yakima Herald-Republic
School libraries in Yakima Valley feel the pinch as districts cut back
Yakima County Commissioners raise sheriff’s salary to keep up with higher law enforcement wages
In Indian Country, ‘it’s so important that we work together’ to address domestic violence, prosecutor says

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘$300 for 30 bags’: Belltown business blasts Seattle’s trash fees
8 people in Washington sickened in E. coli outbreak linked to carrots
Why car thefts are a gateway to more serious crimes committed by kids

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Mason County Sheriff’s Office vandalized, robbed
Washington reports 8 cases in multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to bagged carrots
Gun sales resume in Washington after system outage halted background checks statewide
Anheuser-Busch accused of retaliation for Seattle plant closure amid worker contract negotiations

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
More logging is proposed to help curb wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest
Salmon return to lay eggs in habitat after largest dam removal project in US history
Downed wires, equipment failure leave thousands of Seattle residents without power

KNKX Public Radio
A slow start for Washington office tasked with probing police violence (Stonier)
Accused of violating worker rights, SpaceX and Amazon go after labor board

KUOW Public Radio
Boeing is laying off nearly 2,200 Washington employees before Christmas
Countries agreed to try to hold global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Is that still possible?
E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots sickens people in 18 states, including Washington

KXLY (ABC)
Second case of chronic wasting disease confirmed in Spokane County
Washington State Patrol resumes firearm processing after system shutdown
Spokane deputies will not face charges for fatally shooting child rape suspect
Juvenile arrested for threats against Ephrata schools, other threats under investigation

NW Public Radio
Pertussis on the rise in the Northwest
Housing developers file lawsuit against the city of Walla Walla
Multilingual programs in Washington schools promote bilingualism and biculturalism

Web

Cascadia Daily News
For Whatcom families who homeschool, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach
How people in behavioral crisis in Whatcom County can access help by phone
Three households, disenrolled from Nooksack Tribe, receive eviction notices in court order

Crosscut
A guide to WA’s mobile home tenant protections and dispute program

MyNorthwest
Boeing lays off nearly 2,200 people in Washington, state reports

The Urbanist
Council Affirms Support for SLU Streetcar, but Opposes Center City Extension

Washington Observer
Breaking down Democrats’ gains in the Legislature

Friday, November 15

Demand for homelessness services in Pierce County has surged so far this year, data shows
Pierce County Human Services recently reported that the county’s homelessness-response system has served nearly 17,500 people through the first three quarters of 2024. According to the data, the largest service used by more than 7,000 individuals has been the diversion program provided through Coordinated Entry. Diversion can often come in the form of cash assistance to prevent someone from becoming unhoused. Continue reading at The News Tribune. (Tony Overman)

With $10B deficit looming, WA governor calls on state agencies to make cuts
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is warning of a budget deficit in excess of $10 billion and calling on state agencies to pare spending now to deal with it. A Nov. 8 memo from Inslee’s budget director cited rising costs, increasing demand for public services and lower-than-expected tax collections for a projected operating budget shortfall between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four years. Cuts are needed to balance the spending plan Inslee will release next month for the 2025-27 biennium. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Bill Lucia)

WA voter turnout dropped for all ages — especially young people
The 2024 election saw lower turnout across the nation, in every region and in many demographic groups. In Washington, the drop in participation was especially pronounced among young people. About 64% of registered voters 18 to 24 cast ballots this year — a decrease of about 8.5 percentage points from 2020. Younger folks almost always vote in lower numbers than older age groups, but this year’s turnout decline made that even more noticeable. Continue reading at KNKX. (Nate Sanford)

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Axios
Seattle police step up patrols after 10 stabbings
Dan Newhouse, Republican who voted to impeach Trump, wins reelection

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham announces impending cleanup of one encampment, stricter enforcement at another
WSDOT announces Highway 20 will close for winter ahead of snowstorm forecast for the weekend

Capital Press
Odds still favor La Nina, but it’s looking more iffy
On UN stage, Inslee calls cap-and-trade critics back home ‘miscreants’
Commentary: Electronic ear tag mandates for cattle should be scrapped

Everett Herald
After a monthslong lane closure, Highway 529 bridge to reopen Monday
See where state money is funding environmental work in Snohomish County

Federal Way Mirror
FW’s legislative agenda focuses on cameras, transportation (C. Wilson, Taylor, Reeves)

Islands’ Weekly
Progress for reproductive rights will continue in Washington despite Trump’s election

News Tribune
‘It’s heartbreaking’: Tacoma charter school to close, leaving 1 left in Pierce County
Tacoma Public Schools under fire after Native student told to ditch regalia at graduation
Pierce County council member will be new Assessor-Treasurer. What happens to his seat?
Demand for homelessness services in Pierce County has surged so far this year, data shows

New York Times
Biden Cements TSMC Grant Before Trump Takes Over
Three-Quarters of U.S. Adults Are Now Overweight or Obese
Trump Immigration Targets: Ukrainians, Venezuelans, Haitians
Nuclear Power Was Once Shunned at Climate Talks. Now, It’s a Rising Star.

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle council members voice concerns over capital gains tax proposal
Will Covid-era SBA loans be forgiven? Here’s how Trump’s win changes the dynamics

Seattle Times
Oregon whooping cough cases trend toward record as vaccinations dip
Boeing lays off 400-plus members of SPEEA, professional aerospace union

Spokesman Review
Abandoned RVs piling up after Washington’s program put on pause that reimbursed disposal
Colville City Council passes 6-month moratorium after rallies opposing behavioral health facilities
Spokane County Commission partially grants Mayor Brown’s conditions for joining regional 911 system Spokane Public Schools’ new board appointee to prioritize ‘protecting what we have’ as Trump promises education reform

Tri-City Herald
‘Road to the future.’ Deals top $8.6B for this remote Eastern WA clean energy park

Washington Post
‘This is a good fit’: Inside enrollment gains at historically Black colleges
Changes RFK Jr. could make as HHS secretary, from vaccines to raw milk
Checks and balances? Some GOP lawmakers say just do whatever Trump wants.
Drought in the U.S. is so severe, only significant rainfall will help break the trend

WA State Standard
WA agency failed to catch doubled-up benefit payments
With $10B deficit looming, WA governor calls on state agencies to make cuts (Robinson)
Wildfire survivors appeal to Congress to end federal income tax on settlements, lawyer fees

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
‘Crisis mode’ prompts Tacoma Humane to waive dog adoption fees
Gun rights advocates may sue Washington state over computer breach
Hundreds of SPEEA employees included in Boeing layoffs, union confirms
Police arrest suspect accused of vandalizing Bellevue Pride art installation
Power to the people: PSE upgrades electrical grid in vulnerable community
Man killed in Tumwater after being struck by driver fleeing traffic stop, deputies say

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Gun sales on hold with court system down
KIRO 7 investigates a gap in Seattle school safety plan
Bellevue officer severely hurt in fall off overpass suing state
Statewide cyberattack continues to cripple Washington courts
Bellevue police arrest man in connection to vandalization of City’s Pride art installation
Seattle man faces multiple assault charges after Chinatown-International District stabbing spree

KNKX Public Radio
WA voter turnout dropped for all ages — especially young people
As Trump’s GOP takes control, what’s next for Washington’s Democrat-led Legislature? (Pedersen, Fitzgibbon)

KUOW Public Radio
Gov. Inslee in Azerbaijan for global climate talks
Bob Ferguson, chess master and Washington’s next governor, preps for Trump rematch

KXLY (ABC)
Ephrata Schools closed Friday, events canceled due to online threats
WSDOT project aims to make Division Street safer for bikers and pedestrians
Spokane C.O.P.S. program preparing to shut down, will lose city funding December 31st
WA gun retailers frustrated with background check delays due to court system shutdown

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lummi Nation, Port of Anacortes receive millions for pier, dock replacements
More than $279M in federal funds have paid for Whatcom, Skagit transportation projects

Crosscut
What Seattle residents want to see in the $8.3B city budget

MyNorthwest
New motorhomes in WA could be banned in a matter of weeks
‘Blood on your hands:’ UW president Cauce’s home, car vandalized
Leaked email: Unincorporated King County Sheriff’s Office nearly $2M over budget

Thursday, November 14

Transgender people in WA brace for second Trump presidency
In Washington state and across the United States, transgender and gender-diverse people are wrestling with the reality that millions of Americans voted for a presidential candidate who has vowed to strip them of their rights. While Washington offers a number of protections for trans people, advocates note that some parts of the state remain hostile toward gender-diverse people. And those state rights could prove vulnerable against a Trump administration armed with a conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court and a Republican-controlled Congress. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Jennifer Buchanan)

King County grapples with Public Defender crisis
Public defenders are warning that public defense as we know it is on course to collapse in King County and across the state if officials do not intervene. From public hearings at the Washington State Supreme Court to King County Council meetings about the 2025 budget, those most intimately involved with our criminal legal system are discussing new caseload standards for public defenders: what they should look like, why they’re important, how much they’ll cost, and who is going to foot the bill. Across the board, policymakers agree there’s a crisis in public defense, both in King County and statewide. Where they don’t necessarily agree is on what to do about it. Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Evan Didier)

Car thefts down 30% in Washington state in 2024, officials say
The rate of car thefts in Washington state has dropped significantly in 2024, according to new data released by the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATTF). There have been 24,290 vehicles stolen in the state so far this year, which PSATTF says is a 30% reduction from a year ago. Per a chart included in the release showing the trend of statewide car thefts through October in years past, both 2022 and 2023 saw well over 30,000 car thefts in that period. After hitting record highs in each of the last two years, data shows that the numbers are on the decline for car thefts in Washington. Continue reading at King 5.

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Associated Press
Democratic state leaders prepare for a tougher time countering Trump

Axios
Plan to close 4 Seattle schools prompts pushback

Capital Press
Editorial: The good news for U.S. energy
Editorial: AG looks for better treatment under Trump

Everett Herald
Big changes ahead as Community Transit mulls $254M budget
Everett residents voice support, concerns over AquaSox stadium
Audit questions hiring practices in Snohomish County exec’s office

International Examiner
New report confirms that fighting Islamophobia is vital to intersectional liberation

Kitsap Sun
Hood Canal Bridge repair project gets $51M federal grant
Poulsbo shooting highlights slow start for WA office tasked with probing police violence

Mercer Island Reporter
City receives grant for electric vehicle charging plan

News Tribune
‘Extremely rare’ dedication honors Puyallup WWII soldier awarded the Medal of Honor
Opinion: You’ve likely met a nonbinary or transgender person. All they ask is not to be harmed

New York Times
A Big Climate Goal Is Getting Further Out of Reach

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing lands new 737 Max order as machinists return after strike
King County Council passes plan to create $1 billion workforce housing initiative
Opinion: Here’s why Washington is overhauling requirements for bar admissions
Rep. April Berg: Data center tax breaks mean jobs in rural communities

Seattle Times
Many online court services remain inaccessible in WA
Transgender people in WA brace for second Trump presidency
WA’s 2025 legislative session will feature new faces, big budget gap (Pedersen, Billig, Jinkins)
Pink slips arrive for laid-off Boeing workers as company begins 10% cut

Spokesman Review
Spokane Valley sawmill fined $126,000 for workplace safety, health violations
‘My heart is happy’: Indigenous voices are a priority of new Columbia River Basin Treaty
Former Mead football players file lawsuit against school district for alleged assaults, bullying, racial discrimination

Washington Post
Heat pumps used to struggle in the cold. Not anymore.
RFK Jr. faces battles in quest to change America’s food
Trust in science hasn’t fully recovered from pandemic controversies

WA State Standard
Four areas where Trump’s policies and WA’s priorities could clash
WA Supreme Court weighs controversial step to solve public defense crisis

Wenatchee World
Amazon opens 45,000-square-foot ‘last mile’ distribution center in NCW

Yakima Herald-Republic
WA voter turnout appears to be lowest since 2000
Yakima pushes to finish road projects on North 1st; Fruitvale roundabout coming next year

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Car thefts down 30% in Washington state in 2024, officials say
Seattle is among 5 healthiest major cities in US per Forbes study
SPS board president pushing back after group of parents file petition to recall
Companies can’t require employees to attend anti-union meetings, labor board rules
Home developers are flocking to Marysville, but an expert says prices are staying high

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Boeing employees brace for impact amidst first day of layoffs
FBI offers $25K reward to help find culprit in WA, OR ballot box fires
Thurston County corrections deputy in training resigns after making ‘discriminatory remarks’
Misdemeanor booking changes at King County Jail changes how Seattle officers can make arrests

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
King County braces for leadership change as Constantine announces exit
Seattle students demand more mental health resources, funding for schools
Seattle parents work to recall school board leader amid controversial closure plan

KNKX Public Radio
A mysterious, rare bog is full of surprises on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

KUOW Public Radio
As strike ends, layoffs begin at Boeing
‘This is the worst.’ Seattle parents, students react to school closure plans
Seattle area immigration advocates take stock for second Trump administration

KXLY (ABC)
Historic buildings could hold the key to downtown Spokane revitalization
Suspect allegedly threatened to have corrections deputy killed before dying in jail
One month after new safety plan, SPD reports slight decrease in violent crimes downtown

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Levy money could fund child care subsidies for parents and providers

Crosscut
WA voter turnout dropped for all ages — especially young people
King County Executive Dow Constantine won’t run for reelection

MyNorthwest
SPD regains authority to book misdemeanor offenses in King County Jail

The Urbanist
King County Grapples with Public Defender Crisis
Seattle Architects Unveil Designs for Social Housing Ahead of February Vote
South Federal Way’s Neighborhood Plan Takes Shape Around Light Rail Station

Wednesday, November 13

WA voter turnout appears to be lowest since 2000
Fewer than 78% of the state’s 5 million registered voters cast ballots in the Nov. 5 election, the lowest turnout since 2000, when just 75.5% participated. Washington has gone to great lengths to make it easy to vote. Every registered voter is sent a ballot, which can be mailed in postage free or deposited by Election Day in a secure drop box. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

Bob Ferguson continues fight against abortion pill restrictions
Donald Trump’s reelection could bring new energy to a Washington state fight for abortion access begun in the courts last year. Earlier this month, Bob Ferguson — then attorney general, now governor-elect — filed a summary judgment motion requesting that an ongoing case challenging restrictions on the common abortion drug mifepristone be decided without a trial. If the judge sides with Ferguson, the Food and Drug Administration could be obligated to revisit their policies on the drug used in more than half of all abortions. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Charlie Neibergall)

Washington voters stand up for climate action
This election season, Washington voters overwhelmingly rejected an initiative that sought to repeal the state’s landmark climate law. In a landslide victory, 62% of voters elected to save the Climate Commitment Act. The 2021 law established Washington’s cap-and-trade program, the state’s primary tool to slash carbon emissions to 95% below 1990 levels by 2050 and thereby prevent the worst impacts of climate chaos. Continue reading at High Country News. (Stuart Westmorland)

Print

Axios
Blue state resistance builds against Trump
Why Washington was the only state to shift blue in 2024
What happens if Trump eliminates the Department of Education
Seattle biotech aims to cure hep B with breakthrough gene therapy

Bellingham Herald
National Weather Service issues high-wind warning for midweek in Whatcom County lowlands

Capital Press
USDA to begin testing bulk milk for avian flu
Market analysts: No ‘Trump bump’ for wheat prices

Everett Herald
Orca family returns to Penn Cove after 50 years
Big changes ahead as Community Transit mulls $254M budget

High Country News
Washington voters stand up for climate action

New York Times
Trump’s Immigration Plans Could Bring an Economic Toll
Trump’s Middle East Picks Signal Staunch Pro-Israel Policy
Trump Taps Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to Slash Government
Trump Transition Live Updates: President-Elect Visits Biden After Meeting With Republicans

Port Townsend Leader
Jefferson County sees unusually low election turnout
Department of Fish and Wildlife to host steelhead town hall
Inslee says state not going back on climate after 1-2117 defeat

Puget Sound Business Journal
How business owners can prepare for potential tariff hikes in 2025
New overtime rule boosting pay to millions could be ‘moot’ in 2025
Seattle council member proposes retiring South Lake Union streetcar

Seattle Times
WA voter turnout appears to be lowest since 2000
Balance of power in WA Legislature still in question
Trump’s defense choice stuns the Pentagon and raises questions about the Fox News host’s experience

Skagit Valley Herald
Many Skagit County ballots remain challenged
Port of Skagit swears in commissioner, approves budget

Spokesman Review
Central Valley School Board decides not to send letter on transgender students in sports
Colville residents rally against plans to upgrade behavioral health facility, saying ‘small, conservative town’ isn’t the right fit

Washington Post
Oil companies face a new fine for methane. Trump could scrap it.
Trump pledged to close the Education Department. What would that mean?
How to save money with the Inflation Reduction Act before it might disappear

WA State Standard
Newhouse holds onto seat after defeating Trump-backed challenger
With WA courts’ online systems down, thousands of firearm sales on hold
Ferguson names 53-person team to assist with transition into governor’s office

Wenatchee World
Firearm background checks down as part of WA courts outage
WA courts outage prompts emergency changes to Douglas County District Court cases

Yakima Herald-Republic
House race between Manjarrez and Kennedy tightens; Gloria Mendoza wins seat

Broadcast

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Pierce County officials get bigger raises than initially approved
UW Medicine study highlights patient safety risks with late-career doctors
K Pod orca may be dead even as Southern Residents hang out in Puget Sound
Survey: Veteran homelessness at record lows, 48,000 veterans permanently housed
Boeing says it will take several weeks to resume production of planes after the strike
WDFW is holding public comment on 20 proposed land acquisitions across Washington
Old hospital site to be revived as a residential substance use treatment facility in Kennewick

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
SPS parents confront district leaders over potential school closures
Boeing announces 10% workforce layoff amid major financial struggles
King County jail resumes booking for low-level crimes after 4-year hiatus
US inflation rose slightly last month after 2 years of steady cooling but remained low

KXLY (ABC)
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Spokane County
Spokane’s scattered shelter system receives mixed responses
Spokane Valley proposes ordinance to make sleeping in parks a misdemeanor
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown part of Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson’s transition team (Billig)
Man who threatened Spokane City Hall has history of making threats toward city officials and police
Central Valley School District holds off on sending letter urging WIAA to review policy on transgender athletes

Web

Cascadia Daily News
A Bellingham housing program was preparing to shut down — then Opportunity Council stepped up

Crosscut
Bob Ferguson continues fight against abortion pill restrictions

Tuesday, November 12

Seattle police no longer face restrictions for misdemeanor bookings
It’s been a little over a week since jail booking restrictions were lifted, enabling Seattle police to book people into the King County Jail for low-level offenses, like shoplifting or property destruction, for the first time in more than four years. But not much has changed — yet. Officers and sergeants are still adjusting to the shift and, with winter weather in full effect, there’s already a reduction in the number of potential bookings to begin with, said Deputy Chief Eric Barden. But the lifting of restrictions first put in place at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic means officers can again weigh whether there’s a public safety benefit to getting someone off the streets, however briefly. Continue reading a the Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert)

Seattle senator Pedersen to become new WA Senate majority leader
Washington Senate Democrats chose state Sen. Jamie Pedersen as their new majority leader on Monday. His appointment makes Washington the first in the nation to have two LGBTQ+ legislative leaders at the same time. He joins House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, who became the first woman and first lesbian to lead the chamber in 2020. In the 2025 legislative session that begins Jan. 13, lawmakers will be working with a new governor and writing a new two-year state operating budget. Separately and together they will be wrestling with how to plug a potential multi-billion dollar gap between incoming revenue and the costs of maintaining programs and services approved in prior years. Continue reading at the WA State Standard. (LSS)

Removing guns is a key suicide prevention strategy in WA
Statistics show that a significant portion of firearm deaths in Washington are suicides. In 2023, 66% of all firearm deaths were suicides, and just two years ago, in 2021, that number was above 69%, according to figures from the state Department of Health. But despite the propensity of firearm use in completed suicides, such deaths are discussed far less often among the public and in the media compared to other forms of gun violence and firearm injury, such as mass shootings and homicides. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Grant Hindsley)