How Democrats will try to block workers from leaving government unions

With government union membership about to decline – and the coffers that fund Democrats about to take a hit – what’s a union-subservient politician to do? Why, just have taxpayers pay the unions directly to exist! (Shift WA)

The National Transportation Safety Board revealed new details about last year’s deadly Amtrak derailment at a curve in the tracks near DuPont. At an investigative hearing this week, the board noted that numerous red flags were raised about the curve before the incident. “A lot of people had the chance, so nobody stood up to say, that is not a good design?” asked Earl Weener a NTSB board member and aerospace engineer. “So this is an issue of diffusion of responsibility.” (Seattle Times)

A local mom is suing Gov. Jay Inslee over what she deems to be unconstitutional restrictions on cannabis, preventing her from getting medication for her daughter. Meagan Holt’s lawsuit contends that advertising restrictions for marijuana sales have unconstitutionally prevented her from hearing about marijuana-based medical options. (KIRO 7)

Could the Seattle City Council be Sawant-less? Rumors are rampant around City Hall that Kshama Sawant may not seek re-election. Some speculate she could step aside to take on a national role in promoting Socialist policies. Sawant has so successfully pulled the city council to the far left, her departure may hardly be noticeable. (My Northwest)

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist is getting some strange looks from Tacoma police detectives: Lindquist’s claims of starting an in-house cold-case unit in the Prosecutor’s Office are raising eyebrows. Lindquist is horning in on the kudos for recent police breakthroughs in long-unsolved murders. When the News Tribune asked Tacoma Police if the department was part of a cold-case unit within the Prosecutor’s Office, police spokeswoman Loretta Cool replied simply, “No.” (Tacoma News Tribune)

Some Spokane Valley progressives criticized the city council after it ousted Councilmember Ben Wick from his spot on the Spokane Regional Transportation Council Board without public notice. “No reason was given except the mayor thought it was best,” said Carol Allen, a member of the Valley Indivisible Progressives. “I want them to know they can’t work in the dark anymore.” (The Spokesman-Review)

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