Public Safety Budget Fight: Seattle City Council Budget Committee Chair Dan Strauss says he’ll scrutinize Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed 2027–28 cuts that would hit Seattle Fire overtime and CARE crisis response, as a North Seattle house fire injured eight firefighters and fueled warnings that reduced overtime means slower 9-1-1 response. Local Governance & Policing: Separate reporting shows Seattle police staffing at this year’s Bite of Seattle was lower than 2025 during a deadly gunfight, adding pressure for a more formal review of the response and venue safety planning. State Policy—Forests: Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove scaled back an order protecting older forests from 77,000 to about 55,000 acres, citing financial strain and mapping errors, with more changes possible without added authority and funding. Health Care & Immigration: Federal authorities detained multiple undocumented farmworkers in the Yakima Valley, while advocates warn new federal Medicaid rules will strip coverage from thousands of Washington residents starting next month. Elections & Schools: Washington voters will decide Initiative IL26-001, which would speed up and expand parental access to school records, including health and counseling information. Environment & Economy: Washington announced progress toward linking its carbon market with California and Quebec, aiming to stabilize the program and cut emissions at lower costs. Consumer/Legal: Washington AG Nick Brown urged people to check eligibility for a generic-drug antitrust settlement after alleged price-fixing.