Audit: Washington clears decades-long backlog of untested sexual assault kits
(The Center Square) – Several years after it was revealed Washington law enforcement agencies had a backlog of more than 10,000 untested sexual assault kits, a new state audit has found that Washington State Patrol has effectively
Spokane Valley population growth outpacing city of Spokane as building permits fall
(The Center Square) – Spokane Valley officials received an economic report on Tuesday, illustrating a booming population compared to its neighbor to the west, even as the Valley’s building permits fall off. The Valley split from the
Olympia City Council to take up minimum wage increase in January
(The Center Square) – The Olympia City Council is moving ahead with discussions on a potential increase in the minimum wage and the adoption of a Workers’ Bill of Rights that could include guarantees of set schedules
Harborview hospital tax to help with near $900M project budget gap
(The Center Square) – A recently-approved tax levy will solely fund King County’s publicly owned hospital, which is already facing significant budget issues. The King County Council approved a property tax of 10 cents per $1,000 of
Tacoma City Council sends street repair levy to April ballot
(The Center Square) – Tacoma voters will decide on tax increases to fund road repairs next spring after the city council approved a new ballot measure. The ballot measure would increase the city’s property tax by 25
Spokane Valley eyes process to forfeit surplus properties for affordable housing
(The Center Square) – Spokane Valley officials discussed legislation on Tuesday that, if approved, would allow the city to donate surplus properties to build affordable housing. State law allows municipalities to adopt the practice, but only after
Northern giant hornets officially eradicated from Washington state
(The Center Square) – It’s official: the invasive northern giant hornet has been declared eradicated from Washington state. “I am absolutely honored to announce that the last trap was removed on Dec. 5th, with no additional findings
PA launches fund for ‘disadvantaged’ businesses based on race, economic status
Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect Rex Heuermann charged in seventh murder
The man accused of a string of serial killings in Gilgo Beach on Long Island, was charged with a seventh murder on Tuesday. According to a superseding indictment unsealed Tuesday, prosecutors charged the suspect, Rex Heuermann, in
Motive of teen girl involved in Wisconsin school shooting remains under investigation
Officials in Madison, Wisconsin are trying to determine why a 15-year-old girl allegedly opened fire at her school, Abundant Life Christian School, on Monday, killing a fellow student and teacher before taking her own life from a