In the latest “nothing to see here” moment from Washington’s election apparatus, state Republicans say a citizen found hundreds of undelivered ballots sitting next to a dumpster in Renton—spanning multiple election cycles. 

Naturally, the response from Democrat-run offices was exactly what you’d expect: we have no record of that, but also we take it very seriously now that it’s public. King County Elections insists no one ever called, while the Secretary of State’s office says the same—despite claims the concerned citizen reached out multiple times before going public. 

To be clear, even GOP Chair Jim Walsh isn’t calling this outright fraud—but he is pointing to something Democrats would rather not talk about: a pretty glaring chain-of-custody problem when ballots can apparently end up next to a strip mall dumpster. 

Officials, for their part, rushed to reassure everyone that the system is “secure,” emphasizing signature checks and replacement ballots—as if that somehow explains how stacks of ballots wound up discarded in the first place.

Law enforcement is now involved, which is usually what happens after something embarrassing becomes impossible to ignore.

Because in Washington, election integrity concerns aren’t real—until they go viral. Read more at Seattle Red.

Supporters of Washington’s new income tax are already doing their victory lap—promising it will magically “rebalance” the tax code and deliver relief to working families. Critics? They’re pointing out this whole thing might blow up before the checks even go out.

As you know, the new law, signed by Bob Ferguson, slaps a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million starting in 2028. Backers like the Economic Opportunity Institute say it’s a “historic step” toward fixing the state’s so-called regressive system—arguing the wealthy should finally pay more. 

And sure, there’s a shiny talking point: expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, potentially handing out refunds between $335 and $1,330 to more households. Sounds great—until you zoom out.

Because critics, like GOP Rep. Travis Couture, are calling out what this really looks like: massive new taxes dressed up as modest relief. He argues the same tax credit expansion could’ve been funded without creating an entirely new income tax—and without risking economic fallout. 

Then there’s the part Democrats don’t love discussing: small businesses. Supporters insist most won’t feel a thing. Opponents say that’s wildly out of touch, especially for owner-operated businesses that could get caught in the crossfire.

And hanging over all of it? The legal reality.

Even supporters admit the constitutionality question is unresolved—and will ultimately be decided by the courts. Critics are more blunt: Washington’s constitution has treated income as property for nearly a century, which would make this tax… a pretty obvious problem.

But here’s the real kicker: even proponents won’t rule out expanding the tax in the future. Today it’s “just millionaires.” Tomorrow? That line looks a lot less permanent.

So the pitch is simple: trust us, it won’t hurt the economy, won’t hit small businesses, and definitely won’t expand.

Because if there’s one thing voters have learned, it’s that tax promises from Olympia always stay exactly as advertised… right? Read more at Center Square.

If Washington Republicans needed a wake-up call, the latest fundraising numbers are it—and they’re hitting the snooze button.

In the race to replace Dan Newhouse in the 4th District, Amanda McKinney is the only Republican acting like this is a serious campaign—pulling in over $523K and building a real operation. Everyone else in the GOP field? Still fiddling around while the clock ticks.

But the real problem isn’t the safe seat—it’s the one that actually matters.

In the 3rd District, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez just hauled in $1.3 million in a single quarter and is sitting on a $3.5 million war chest. That’s not just strong—that’s “we’re preparing to bury you in ads” strong.

Meanwhile, Republican challenger John Braun brought in $356K. Respectable… until you realize he’s being outraised more than 3-to-1 in a race the GOP has to win.

At some point, Republicans need to decide: are they trying to win these races, or just participate in them?

Because right now, Democrats are doing what wins elections—raising serious money early, locking in advantages, and preparing for a fight. Republicans, on the other hand, are still sorting out endorsements, splitting the base, and hoping things magically come together later.

Spoiler: they don’t.

If the GOP wants to flip seats and not just complain about losing them, it’s time to step it up—fast. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

A Seattle influencer, Alissa Montez, says she was grabbed in broad daylight while jogging near the Olympic Sculpture Park—because apparently even one of the city’s most popular waterfront paths isn’t off-limits anymore.

According to Montez, a man literally emerged from the bushes and grabbed her mid-run around 11 a.m. She managed to break free and even caught part of the suspect on video before he disappeared. She later posted the warning online, where it quickly went viral—prompting a flood of other women sharing similar “welcome to Seattle” safety tips.

Her message was blunt: women aren’t safe, especially when they’re vulnerable, and should consider carrying things like pepper spray or a Taser just to go for a run.

She filed a police report and alerted park security, but the bigger takeaway practically writes itself: in a city run by Democrats who never miss a chance to talk about “equity” and “public spaces,” basic public safety is now apparently optional.

Nothing says “thriving, progressive city” quite like needing self-defense gear for a jog in broad daylight. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.