Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has finally decided that crime is worth addressing, issuing an executive order to expand the Downtown Activation Team—a fancy name for what boils down to cleaning up messes and trying to keep people from stabbing each other. Launched in September, the program has reportedly delivered some success, with a 27% drop in violent crime in its initial area, but let’s not pop the champagne just yet. The expansion comes as violent incidents, like a mass stabbing in the Chinatown-International District, have become harder to ignore.

Now, Harrell’s plan will roll out to other crime-ridden areas like Chinatown, Little Saigon, and Capitol Hill, the latter currently winning the city’s violent crime tally with 389 cases this year. The mayor’s move also includes two ordinances to reduce retail theft and protect city workers tasked with untangling Seattle’s problems. While Harrell paints this as bold leadership, it feels more like finally putting out a fire that’s been raging for years.

The executive order dangles the possibility of expanding the program even further if results continue to improve. But after years of residents shouting into the void about crime and decay, the question remains: is this a real fix, or just the latest attempt to make it look like City Hall cares? Time will tell, but don’t blame us for our skepticism. Read more at Center Square.

Spokane County Commissioner Al French secured another victory, cementing a Republican majority on the board and continuing his undefeated streak since 2002. French, who has served on the county board since 2011, earned over 51% of the vote, defeating Democrat Molly Marshall by 1,556 votes. His win not only marks the start of his final term but also preserves Republican leadership in a county where Spokane city politics are leaning increasingly blue. Despite a contested race filled with attack ads and complaints about campaign funding, French’s decisive win reinforces GOP strength in the eastern half of Washington. This victory ensures Spokane County remains a Republican stronghold amidst shifting political dynamics in the region. Read more here.

Boeing’s financial freefall continues, with the company announcing 2,199 layoffs in Washington as part of its broader plan to slash 17,000 jobs—10% of its workforce. Among those affected are 438 engineers, scientists, and technicians from the union SPEEA, making up 2.5% of its membership. The cuts come as Boeing grapples with a $6 billion quarterly loss, billions in debt, and a 777X program that’s years behind schedule. This turmoil follows deadly airliner crashes, a blown-out plane door incident, and a machinists’ strike that ended just last week. Boeing says it’s “adjusting” its workforce to meet financial realities but promises severance pay and career services for those axed. For Washington, home to 66,000 Boeing employees, it’s a harsh reminder that even aerospace giants aren’t immune to crash landings. Read more at the Washington State Standard.

Clark County is bracing for a recount in the tight race for Washington’s 18th Legislative District Senate seat, where Democrat Adrian Cortes leads Republican Brad Benton by just 343 votes. With 450 ballots still uncounted, the outcome is far from final, though a recount seems inevitable given the razor-thin margin. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey noted high voter turnout (80%) but said dealing with last-minute voters and e-ballots has slowed the process. Apparently, printing out your own ballot to vote is all the rage, though it means extra work for election staff to ensure those votes count.

Kimsey reassured voters that signature mismatches are easier to fix now, requiring just a quick call to confirm identity. Meanwhile, Benton reportedly conceded, prompting an icy “no comment” from Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh. Election results must be certified by Nov. 26, with the recount circus starting shortly after. In the meantime, voters can enjoy the slow-motion suspense as Clark County crawls toward a final decision. Read more at Center Square.

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