In the News

“What I want to do more than anything is roll up my sleeves and help the newly elected leadership decide what kind of Police Department it wants,” he said. … Read More

Tuesday morning, Holmes announced his bid for a fourth term serving the city saying his leadership can help Seattle through its “Great Reset” as it recovers from the COVID-19 crisis and responds to the demands of an “overdue racial reckoning” … Read More

Leader in police reform and criminal justice innovation looks to continue working for a just, livable city as Seattle addresses immediate challenges and ongoing turnover in City Hall  

SEATTLE – City Attorney Pete Holmes announced … Read More

A federal judge has rejected an attempt by Seattle landlords to suspend a temporary ban on evictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The ruling means the city and state bans can stay in place while the legal fight plays out. Several landlords represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation sued in September, seeking an injunction to stop the moratoriums. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Jones denied the request Friday. … Read More

In recent years, Washington state courts have started rethinking their approach to domestic violence cases. In Seattle, the municipal court is piloting an alternative to criminal prosecution. It provides more customized treatment for perpetrators, and incorporates the input of their victims. … Read More

Their ranks include ex-federal prosecutors, a retired judge, a one-time assistant police chief, even a former priest. But a group of prominent Catholics say they still can’t get an audience with Seattle’s new archbishop in their push to address the fallout of a lingering scandal. Members of Heal Our Church, a Seattle-based alliance of practicing Catholics who seek a public review of how the Roman Catholic Church’s worldwide sexual abuse scandal secretly festered within the parishes of Western Washington, contend they’re being stonewalled by Archbishop Paul Etienne. … Read More

Seattle, Portland and New York City are suing the Trump administration over the president’s threats to withhold federal funds from so-called “anarchist jurisdictions.” The cities say the administration lacks the authority to unilaterally add conditions to congressionally appropriated funds. They also say U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s designation of the cities as anarchist last month, based on any factors he deemed appropriate, was arbitrary and capricious. … Read More

An alarming increase in animal cruelty cases in Seattle are being reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Seattle Animal Shelter said the number of severe animal cruelty cases so far in 2020 has doubled compared to previous years combined. … Read More

I-976, the $30 car tab measure approved by voters in 2019 has been struck down by the Washington State Supreme Court. It was found to be unconstitutional for violating the single subject rule and inaccurate ballot title. … Read More

The Trump administration is asking about racial justice training sessions held for Seattle city employees and about potential civil rights violations related to the trainings. Seattle officials say the training broke no laws. Instead, they see the detailed questions as an attempt to defend the status quo. … Read More