The Seattle Times delivered a rare dose of reality, pointing out that Washington state’s so-called “budget deficit” is nothing more than political spin. While Governor Inslee’s team cries “$10 to $12 billion shortfall,” state revenues have actually increased—just not as fast as Democrats hoped to spend them. Only in government can a slightly smaller rise in income be labeled a “crisis.”

The real story? Inslee and his Olympia allies have outspent massive tax revenue hikes for over a decade, digging a hole of their own making. With the election over, the new game plan is clear: create panic to justify tax increases, all while hoping voters ignore the billions already added to the budget, including secret union payoffs. Don’t buy the spin—state lawmakers don’t need more of your money; they just need to stop spending like there’s no tomorrow. Read more at Washington Policy Center.

Washington Democrats are wrestling with a 9,000-pound Marcus Whitman statue because their far-left base decided his legacy doesn’t pass their purity test. Whitman, a missionary killed in the 1840s, is being replaced with a statue of Billy Frank Jr., a tribal activist from the 20th century, because apparently, history must be rewritten to meet today’s standards.

Now, officials can’t figure out where to put Whitman—moving him upstairs is too hard, putting him outside is expensive, and leaving him alone would, of course, be too simple. The price tag to relocate the bronze giant? $115,000, because nothing screams “fiscal responsibility” like spending six figures to appease activists. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck admits the logistics are a mess, and no one even knows where the second Frank statue in Olympia will go. Maybe it’s time to admit this statue shuffle is as impractical as it is ridiculous. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

King County Metro has thrown in the towel, suspending bus stops in Seattle’s Little Saigon due to rampant crime making the area unsafe for riders and employees. Stabbings, assaults, and violent crime have turned the neighborhood into a no-go zone, with 250 reports of violent incidents this year alone. Metro admits the “daily environment” makes it impossible for people to safely board or exit buses—translation: crime is so bad, you can’t even wait for public transit without risking your safety.

While officials scramble to coordinate safety efforts, bus riders are left to find alternative stops, because criminals apparently own 12th and Jackson now. At this rate, Seattle might need to start rerouting the entire city. Read more at Center Square.

You can’t make this up: minutes before Auburn City Council member Cheryl Rakes was elected deputy mayor, her car was stolen—right outside City Hall. Auburn Police, using city Flock cameras, tracked the stolen Kia Soul to Kent and back, ultimately recovering it abandoned two miles away. The culprits? Four juveniles seen on video who managed to flee before police could stop them.

While Rakes applauded the APD’s efforts, the incident perfectly illustrates the greater Seattle-area’s crime problem—when even the incoming deputy mayor can’t keep her car safe during a council meeting, it’s clear things are out of hand. Rakes, a vocal police supporter, has her work cut out for her. Read more at KTTH.

Thieves are turning holiday shopping season into their own full-time hustle, with crowded parking lots becoming prime hunting grounds. Police across Western Washington warn shoppers to stay alert, as criminals blend in, wait for unattended cars filled with packages, or snatch valuables in broad daylight. Pierce County’s Lt. Darren Moss, Jr. urges shoppers to plan smart: load big purchases last, avoid leaving items in cars, and always stay aware of your surroundings.

The goal? Look like a less “attractive target” by shopping in daylight, locking up fast, and keeping cash out of sight. Because while you’re spreading cheer, these grinches are just spreading trouble. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

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