West Seattle’s Hope School has been phone-free for 15 years, long before Washington’s new push for classroom cellphone bans. Administrators say the policy boosts focus, social interaction, and learning. #Education #WashingtonSchools #CellphoneBan #StudentWellbeing #Seattle

Washington State unveils interim AI regulatory framework as federal rules lag: recommends transparency in AI, disclosure in workplaces, STEM investment, grants for startups, and high-risk system oversight. #AIRegulation #WashingtonState #TechPolicy #EthicalAI #Innovation #STEM

Amazon launches Amazon Now in Seattle & Philly: groceries & essentials delivered in 30 minutes or less. Prime members pay $3.99 per order, non-Prime $13.99. Pilot could expand if successful. #AmazonNow #FastDelivery #Seattle #GroceryDelivery #Ecommerce #TechNews

Bellevue’s mayor warns a new statewide payroll tax could hurt Washington’s economy, citing job losses in Seattle and gains on the Eastside. Critics say the proposal risks driving more businesses away. #WAPolitics #BusinessClimate #TaxDebate #Economy #Bellevue #Seattle

New Link light rail stations open Saturday in Kent Des Moines, Star Lake & Federal Way, adding up to 23K daily riders and cutting I-5 congestion. #SoundTransit #Seattle #LinkLightRail #FederalWay #Kent #DesMoines

Seattle police shot and killed a man in Othello after he reportedly waved a gun and pointed it at officers near the light rail station. The incident prompted a brief school lockdown and halted 1 Line service. A bystander was hurt by shattered glass. #Seattle #Othello #SPD

Instagram is mandating a full-time return to office for all US-based desk employees starting Feb 2, 2026. Employees will work 5 days/week but can use flexibility as needed. Non-essential recurring meetings will be canceled. #Instagram #ReturnToOffice #TechNews

Barnes & Noble is returning to downtown Seattle! Their new 17,538 sq ft flagship at 520 Pike St opens Q1 2026, marking the largest downtown retail lease since 2020. The store will feature books, gifts, and community events. #Seattle #BarnesAndNoble #RetailNews

University of Washington MLS students get a life-changing gift: an anonymous donor will cover senior-year clinical rotation tuition for decades, projected at $50M, and expand the program from 70 to 100 students. #UWMedicine #MedicalLaboratoryScience #EducationGift

Washington has agreed to a $30M settlement with the family of 13-year-old Michael Weilert, who was killed in 2022 at a Parkland crosswalk where flashing lights were malfunctioning. #Washington #WSDOT #PedestrianSafety #Parkland #TrafficSafety #TargetZero

Seattle police are investigating a fatal shooting inside the Evangadio Hookah Lounge in the Chinatown-International District. A man in his 30s died after being shot following an argument. The suspect fled and remains at large. #Seattle #CID #CrimeNews #PublicSafety #SPD

WA Rep. Shaun Scott proposes a payroll tax modeled on Seattle’s Jumpstart, aiming to raise $2.75B from large employers. Democrats call it essential for housing and services; Republicans say it risks driving businesses out. #WApol #WashingtonLegislature #TaxPolicy #Seattle

Washington ski season is delayed as low snowpack forces Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, and others to postpone openings. Mission Ridge plans to open Thursday with snowmaking, while warmer temps continue to limit snowfall. #WAwx #SkiSeason #WashingtonSkiing #PNW

TSA will charge travelers $45 starting Feb. 1, 2026 if they show up to airport security without REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, a major jump from the originally proposed $18 fee. The charge covers only 10 days of travel. #TSA #REALID #TravelNews #AviationSecurity

Seattle man Aqeel Ibn-Khalid Shareef, already on supervision for a prior child rape conviction, is now federally charged with producing child porn after investigators say he lured and assaulted a 14-year-old he met online. He faces a 25-year mandatory minimum. #Seattle #Crime

Four teens faced a juvenile court judge after allegedly shooting at Seattle police during a high-speed chase on I-5 in a stolen SUV. A driver’s car was hit by gunfire, but no injuries were reported. #Seattle #BreakingNews #I5 #Crime #JuvenileJustice

A 30-year-old California man was arrested at an Edmonds motel after a multi-state investigation located a missing teenage girl. Police say he had warrants from Las Vegas and Oakland for kidnapping, child abuse, and sex trafficking of a minor. #Edmonds #WAnews #Trafficking #Crime

A man detained at SEA Airport is charged with 3rd-degree assault after allegedly spitting in an officer’s face during a Nov. 7 arrest. Police say he was intoxicated, harassing passengers, and had multiple outstanding warrants. #Seattle #SeaTac #WAnews #Crime

Seattle’s marathon reroute caused severe gridlock Sunday, leaving Magnolia with only one usable exit. Residents reported hour-long delays, missed flights, and blocked access for workers. #Seattle #SeattleMarathon #Magnolia #TrafficAlert #WAnews

Seattle police say four teens were arrested after a Nov. 29 high-speed chase on I-5 where suspects fired at an unmarked patrol car, striking a nearby driver’s vehicle. Three girls (15–17) and a 16-year-old boy face assault, firearm, and stolen-vehicle charges. #Seattle #SPD