Transit
Everett Link Reaches Key Federal Approval Milestone
The draft environmental analysis for the Everett light rail extension will be released September 18, Sound Transit said, thanks to a federal greenlight.
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Politics
Democrats Poised to Gain Seats in Washington State Legislature
Democrats could grow their 59-seat majority in the state House to 64 if their leads in races hold this fall. Primary results indicate Democrats will likely flip seats in the 17th, 18th, and 26th Legislative Districts, while holding their current seats.
Transit
Sound Transit Says Train Derailment Was Isolated Incident
The August 1st train derailment was a one-off incident, not likely to be repeated, Sound Transit said, noting "additional testing and inspections across the entire system" to check track switches for issues. Boardmember Claudia Balducci is pushing for tighter protocols during unplanned outages.
Transit
Wilson, Rinck Paint Bus Lane to Speed Up Route 8
On Thursday afternoon, Mayor Katie Wilson and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck made the trip up to Denny Way to put the final touches on a Route 8 bus lane being installed this weekend at a major bottleneck near I-5.
Housing
Wilson Launches Housing Task Force, Pledging to Streamline Permitting
A new Seattle task force was born Wednesday. Mayor Katie Wilson chartered the group to advise her housing agenda, looking for ways to streamline permitting and boost housing production over the long term.
Link light rail
West Seattle Link Opening Slips to 2035, Sound Transit OKs Property Acquisitions
Sound Transit's expected opening date for West Seattle light rail has slipped three years to 2035, agency top brass confirmed Thursday. The board is set to allocate $765 million later this month to advance property acquisitions along the route.
Housing
Seattle Council Passes Wilson's Junk Fee Ban, Aiding Renters
In a 8-0 vote Tuesday, the Seattle City Council approved a ban on rental junk fees like pet rent. Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated passage as part of her affordability agenda.
2026 Election
Library Levies Up Big in Early Primary Results, Mixed Bag for Progressive Challengers
Seattle and Sno-Isle library levies are both cruising to victory based on election night returns. Urbanists appear likely to flip a Seattle Council seat, but several centrist lawmakers fended off challenges from the left.
Police and Public Safety
Wilson Ousts Police Chief Amid Criticisms of Missteps, Frequent Absences
Mayor Katie Wilson ousted Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes on Wednesday, according to numerous reports, but allies are fighting to save his job. Barnes' missteps and frequent absences have worn thin his welcome in the Wilson administration.
Editorial
Seattle Should Kick the Ball Forward After Successful World Cup
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson wisely put a stake in the ground for using World Cup hosting success as a springboard for further cityscape improvements, such as pedestrian zones and transit investments. Policymakers should heed the call and make it happen.