News

Ahead of the midterms, Republican-led states and counties are imposing new voting restrictions, from stricter ID requirements to closed polling places and reduced drop boxes. Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa and Kansas face changes that could suppress turnout among Black, Latino and young voters in critical Senate and House races, despite scant evidence of voter fraud.

Leoma James-Sarr's journey to homeownership, supported by Young Black Homeowners founder Anzhane Slaughter, provided stability for three generations of her family. Despite challenges with savings and self-doubt, James-Sarr secured a home in Washington state, now paying less than rent while building generational wealth and inspiring other Black families to pursue homeownership.

Making A Difference Foundation has launched the Barbara Laners, Esquire Scholarship, honoring the late civil rights attorney and founding general counsel who shaped the organization for over two decades. The scholarship supports Juris Doctor students, particularly those of color, pursuing legal careers rooted in advocacy, leadership and community service, continuing Laners' legacy of justice and mentorship.

Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans launched Connection Court, a diversion program offering social services to low-level misdemeanor defendants, alongside HiPRO, a stricter policy targeting repeat offenders. The reforms also add specialized prosecutors for human trafficking and firearm violence, expanding cooperation with King County and reflecting a broader public safety strategy balancing rehabilitation with accountability.

The US Treasury Department has imposed a more than $1.2 billion fine on Bank of America, accusing it of violating anti-money laundering and sanctions laws.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan’s firing squad execution will not be livestreamed, reversing an announcement from the Pentagon last week.

King County Council approved a 0.01% sales and use tax to fund child care, shelter, rental assistance and family support services starting Jan. 1, 2027. Despite Councilmember Reagan Dunn's objections over taxing without voter approval amid ongoing fraud oversight concerns, sponsors cited rising family homelessness as justification, with allocation decisions to be determined through the county's budget process.

Seattle is advancing safety improvements along Beacon Avenue South, a high-injury corridor with 242 crashes since 2021, by designing central and southern segment upgrades including protected bike lanes. SDOT invites Beacon Hill residents to share input through an online survey, pop-up event, open house and virtual meeting throughout October.

Walter Washington, owner of Wally's NW Soul Experience in Seattle's Central District, starts each day with prayer before cooking scratch-made soul food like smoked turkey, red beans and rice, and candied yams. Beyond the kitchen, he mentors youth through academic incentives and community programs, making his restaurant a gathering place featured in the Pack the House campaign.

A Center for American Progress analysis warns that the Trump administration's use of the federal SAVE system to flag noncitizens on voter rolls has produced numerous false matches in Nevada, Missouri and Texas, wrongly identifying eligible citizens. Researchers urge election officials to verify discrepancies before removing voters ahead of November's midterms.