Your 411 on the Seattle Mayoral Race: Somebody has to be the Mayor of Seattle (we think), so we’ve done some investigation into the candidates so that you can find out which one is closest to Bernie Sanders, which one has been endorsed by Kshama Sawant, which one hates the confederate flag the most and more. Find out all you need to know, here.

Law enforcement is increasing patrols for intoxicated boaters. Boating under the influence is a misdemeanor. The Parks Boating Program as well as the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have provided assistance to law enforcement agencies to crack down on violators this summer.

Gov. Inslee’s impact on rural Washington is explored by Madilynne Clark of the Washington Policy Center in a piece that questions Olympia’s commitment to meeting needs of our rural towns. “Those who live their lives in small town rural America are accustomed to being told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it by voices that have no experience with rural life,” writes Clark. [Read more here]

Police observations, recordings and even criticism is now legal in Seattle after City Councilmembers voted for increased police oversight on Monday. Bystanders are still not allowed to interfere with legitimate police activity, but the Seattle Municipal Code now legally protects them from retaliation should they record events.

Dow Constantine wants to double the Veterans and Human Services Levy in King County this December. The King County Executive’s proposal would raise $400 million over six years by increasing property taxes. The levy currently in place raised around $18 million a year. “People in this community recognize that serving out veterans, domestic violence victims and seniors is a core responsibility, and I think they are willing to pay a few dollars per year to do that.”

Tacoma city officials have provided portable toilets and a water line to the homeless encampment in the Tacoma Tideflats, as well as providing laundry facilities, shower facilities and a security team. The city plans to use resources for the homeless camps over four to six weeks and set up more transition centers to help people find their way out of homelessness.

Spokane is appealing a $60,000 fine imposed by the Dept. of L&I for “serious” code violations after an incident in October left two employees with severe steam burns. “We really felt strongly that the findings weren’t reflective of the actual event that transpired,” said Public Works Director Scott Simmons.

Spokane Transit Authority bus route expansions began running this week, the result of two sales tax increases approved by voters that – combined with fare increases and both state and federal grants – are expected to bring in over $200 million for funding.

A protective cover has been installed over the hole resulting from a tunnel collapse at Hanford nuclear reservation, as of yesterday. The hole, which contained radioactive waste, has been filled with 50 truckloads of soil and a heavy cover that spans 40,000 square feet.

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