Category Archives: In The News

A contentious bill that passed the state Senate late Thursday could transform Washington’s police oversight agency from an anemic watchdog into a formidable instrument for police accountability. While other reform efforts in Olympia focus on high-profile police tactics, such as ...

The Washington Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would require police officers to intervene and report when they see another officer use excessive force, part of Democrats’ sweeping police accountability package. The bill passed on party lines, despite Republican opposition ...

For those who have dedicated their lives to heal and protect the planet, how do you honor that sacrifice after death? This is a question that has been on the minds of environmental activists for decades. Both cremations and traditional ...

If you attend a first appearance or bail hearing at almost any court in King County, you are most likely will hear these words from the judge: ‘I’m going to release you on your promise to appear.” It means the ...

If you’ve been in Seattle for any length of time recently, you’ve probably seen a land acknowledgement on a building, at an event, or in artwork created here: “We are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, ...

Democrat Governor Jay Inslee signed legislation in 2019 making Washington the first state in the country to approve composting as an alternative to burying or cremating human remains. Though the new law took effect in 2020, it has been a ...

When Washington state’s part-time lawmakers kick off the 105-day 2021 legislative session in a mostly remote environment, it’ll be amid a storm of challenges. Some, such as the ongoing pandemic, are unique to the moment. Others — systemic inequity, overwhelming ...

Senator Jamie Pedersen, Chair of Washington Senate Democratic Campaign (WSDC) was optimistic on election night that his caucus would expand it’s majority. Speaking to Wire publisher DJ Wilson on election night, he said that the WSDC targeted five districts this ...

As police reform advocates look to sustain this summer’s public outrage, the state Legislature is taking a second look at overhauling Washington’s peace officer decertification system. That certification is required to be an officer in Washington, and revoking it can ...

Sen. Jamie Pedersen represents the 43rd District in the Legislature and serves as the chair of the Law & Justice Committee. He also serves on the Ways & Means Committee, the Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, and the Rules Committee. I called Sen. ...