Seattle Gun Violence Showdown: Seattle City Council members questioned Mayor Katie Wilson’s gun violence plan as they debated a competing “focused deterrence” resolution, while Wilson’s office pushed prevention-first changes centered on the CARE department. Local Crime: Kent police are investigating a fatal shooting near the Kent Des Moines Park and Ride. Homelessness Policy: Wilson scaled back her promise to add shelter beds, cutting the plan in half amid a reported budget deficit. Civil Rights Update: Seattle passed protections for polyamorous, pansexual, and asexual people, expanding the city’s discrimination code. Spokane Fire Recovery: Spokane launched the REBUILD Spokane dashboard to track demolition and rebuilding progress after the Aug. 1 Old Trails fire. Spokane Data Center Fight: Spokane County commissioners faced heated public testimony over a data center moratorium and proposed rules, with residents citing water and noise concerns. Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld mail-in voting, clearing the path for Spokane County’s midterm election preparations. Federal Oversight: House Veterans’ Affairs subpoenas Oracle executives over a VA computer system tested in Spokane whose costs reportedly surged to $27B. Schools Contract: Seattle Public Schools and the teachers union ratified a three-year deal with 8.8% base pay increases and expanded student support.