Law And Courts

570 Stories

Crime

'In deep': Seattle area man sentenced for stealing $70K-plus in green card scam

The new year has brought a sense of justice for three undocumented immigrant couples who were collectively defrauded of more than $70,000 by a man who said he would help them gain legal status. He took their money and never delivered, and is now serving time in state prison.
Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Government

Natural gas, opioids and DUIs: Highlights from week 3 of Washington's legislative session

Preventing more deaths on Washington roads and responding to the opioid crisis were top of mind for many in Olympia this week, with lawmakers about a third of the way through the year's legislative session.
Jeanie Lindsay
Environment

Taming speed on the Speedway (and other Washington roads)

Many American roadways are built for speed. One road north of Seattle is even named for it: the Mukilteo Speedway.
John Ryan
Crime

WA lawmakers consider whether to tweak or repeal laws governing police chases

Regulating police vehicle pursuits emerged as a highly charged issue at the state Legislature in recent years. Lawmakers enacted strict regulations in 2021 in the wake of widespread anti-police protests, then loosened those restrictions slightly last year amidst reports of suspects brazenly fleeing police stops. The issue is back on the agenda during this session, in the form of an initiative and other legislative proposals.
Amy Radil
DOJ now reviewing case against Tacoma PD officers acquitted in Manny Ellis' death

DOJ to review case against Tacoma PD officers acquitted in Manuel Ellis' death
Amy Radil
People experiencing homelessness in Burien sue city over camping ban

Three people experiencing homelessness in the city of Burien are suing the city for its ordinance that prohibits public camping. The complaint alleges Burien is criminalizing homelessness and infringing on peoples’ right to due process.
Casey Martin
Government

Seattle Police faces reckoning over 'culture' in 2024 as federal oversight winds down

The coming year could be a big one for the Seattle Police Department. City leaders are eager to regain local control of policing after years of federal oversight. Oversight partners and rank-and-file officers say a lot is riding on the contract the city is negotiating with the Seattle Police Officers Guild. But after a scandal that made global headlines in 2023, SPD is still responding to criticism and questions about its internal culture.
Amy Radil
Law & Courts

Supporters of Manuel Ellis dismayed as Tacoma police case goes to jury

Jury deliberations are scheduled to continue Monday in the trial of three Tacoma police officers. Some supporters of Manuel Ellis’ family say observing the criminal trial has left them with doubts.
Amy Radil
Is Seattle's new drug law working?

It's been about six weeks since Seattle's new law against public drug use and possession went into effect. The ordinance was written to bring the city in line with a new state law that treats things like having or using fentanyl in public as a gross misdemeanor. One of the directives handed down to Seattle Police is to emphasize diversion when enforcing the law. So how does that work? And how is the effort going?
Libby Denkmann

Kate Walters

Sarah Leibovitz
Crime

Anti-Asian hate is underreported in King County. New community gatherings aim to change that

Federal and local prosecutors and advocates for the Asian American community are encouraging crime victims to come forward and file reports, with the goal of reducing hate crimes.
Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez

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