Seattle Now Wednesday Evening Headlines
Jan 15, 2026
Four school districts in Washington are under federal investigation over their policies for trans athletes, while Governor Ferguson proposes cutting climate spending to address budget issues. The Seattle Ethics Commission fines Mayor Katie Wilson for not reporting an in-kind contribution. A report reveals safety measures were overlooked in the rebuilding of Rainier Beach High School. Meanwhile, teens are reported to spend over an hour daily on smartphones at school, mostly for social media. All this drama unfolds as the Seahawks gear up for a playoff game!
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Trans Athlete Investigations In WA Schools
- The U.S. Department of Education is investigating four Washington school districts for alleged Title IX violations over policies allowing students to play sports based on gender identity rather than biological sex.
- The investigations claim those policies risk the safety and equal opportunities of women in educational programs and activities.
Fractures Between GOP And Governor
- Washington Republicans are cooling toward Gov. Bob Ferguson after he backed a millionaires' income tax and other moves they oppose.
- GOP leaders say bipartisan cooperation promised at inauguration has given way to sharp policy disagreements this session.
Face-Visibility Bill For Law Enforcement
- A bill would require police and federal agents to show their faces when interacting with the public, prompting opposition from the state's sheriffs and police chiefs.
- Law enforcement groups argue current law already requires officers be reasonably identifiable.