(The Center Square) – As restrictions on law enforcement pursuing criminals is set to take effect on June 6 after passing in the Legislature, the state is offering police agencies a second funding opportunity to buy equipment capable of pursuing suspects without the use of firearms. A request for proposal put out by the Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention/Community Safety Unit is intended for a law enforcement agency
(The Center Square) – Data from the Seattle Department of Transportation shows that despite its efforts to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries, the number of serious traffic injuries continued to increase to an all-time high in 2023. Fatalities on Seattle streets peaked in 2021 with 31 deaths, but since then has seen a modest drop to 27 deaths in 2023. While traffic deaths have fallen, serious injuries on Seattle streets continue to go up
(The Center Square) – The City of Spokane is joining other municipalities in a lawsuit against chemical manufacturers that are downplaying their part in contaminating waterways nationwide. The lawsuit originated in South Carolina and seeks damages for the effects of PFAS contaminants on natural resources and public health. PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are commonly used in firefighting foam and manufacturing settings. Mayor Lisa Brown announced the coordinated effort just days after the Environmental
(The Center Square) – King County has increased its original grant funding opportunity for four nonprofits in their work to provide temporary housing and services to refugees in Tukwila to $2 million. The county originally announced $1 million for the efforts, but stated in a press release that it increased funding “given the urgency to support these asylees and refugees.” The $2 million will be utilized as part of a larger $5 million funding opportunity
