Violent crime is on the decline in Washington state and nationwide Preliminary data suggest that rates for violent and property crimes in Washington state fell in 2025, continuing the decline that began two years ago. That was the big takeaway in a briefing for state lawmakers Thursday. Amy Radil
City of SeaTac recenters around Angle Lake light rail station SeaTac's old city hall sits near a freeway onramp. It's hard to reach if you don't drive. Officials say the building is crumbling anyway. So, they're starting over in a better spot. Joshua McNichols
Thousands of Washington state Medicare users could soon have claims denied by AI Starting Jan. 1, traditional Medicare recipients in Washington state will face a new hurdle to get certain procedures covered — private AI companies that get paid based on how many claims they deny. Stephen Howie
What's in Seattle's budget? Mapping the $8.9 billion spending plan Mayor Harrell leaves for Wilson The Seattle City Council last week approved Mayor Bruce Harrell’s $9 billion dollar budget for 2026. That means when Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson takes office in January, she and the new City Council will inherit those funding choices. Here’s what to know in the meantime — explained in pizza terms. Teo Popescu
Sworn in early, Exec Zahilay is ready to shake up King County Surrounded by kids from the audience and holding his baby daughter, Girmay Zahilay was sworn in Tuesday as the 10th King County executive and the youngest ever to hold the position. Scott Greenstone
Can a watershed have legal rights? The Snohomish River debate deepens The tide is turning in a Snohomish County legal battle over whether a river and its watershed have legal rights that can be defended in court. KUOW Staff
Oregon National Guard troops remain under federal control after appeals court order Earlier on Wednesday, Gov. Tina Kotek announced the Oregon guard troops would be demobilized. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals put that on pause just over an hour later. OPB Staff
'No one saw us coming'. Wilson accepts mayoral win in Seattle After a "bruising nine months" campaigning for Seattle mayor, Katie Wilson said "it's time to come together" as she officially accepted her mayoral win Thursday afternoon, hours after Mayor Bruce Harrell conceded. Dyer Oxley
Katie Wilson poised to be Seattle's first Millennial mayor Katie Wilson looks poised to become Seattle’s next mayor. Catharine Smith
Washington state low-income energy aid continues despite federal shutdown The U.S. government shutdown has turned off the spigot of federal aid for people who need help to keep the heat on, but the situation in Washington state is less dire than elsewhere. John Ryan
