Former State Auditor Convicted of Nine Felonies: A federal jury found Troy Kelley guilty of tax fraud, making false declarations in court and possessing stolen property. He was acquitted of five counts of money laundering. Prosecutors say the former state auditor ran a business that pocketed millions of dollars in closing fees that should’ve gone to homebuyers. Kelley, who served one term under pressure to resign, faces up to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
Spend, Spend, Spend! City expenses have increased across the board. Flush with revenue from property levies and the Seattle construction boom, the Ed Murray administration bumped up salaries, went on hiring sprees and vastly expanded city services, the Seattle Times reports. But will revenue keep up with costs? The question is for Mayor Jenny Durkan.
Bob Ferguson Sues Thrift Shop: Value Village markets itself as a good samaritan that lifts up local nonprofits, but the Washington State AG claims in a lawsuit that the thrift store company donates a pittance of its $1 billion in revenue to charities. Value Village, meanwhile, has already sued Ferguson for allegedly demanding to settle with the company for $3.2 million.
The GOP’s Tax Bill Will Hit Central Washington Hard: Rich Smith breaks down which voters from the Republican-held 8th congressional district will lose out.
City Light Is Investigating Sexual Harassment Allegations: Last month, Sydney Brownstone reported on a petition circulated by 42 City Light employees claiming a culture of sexism and sexual harassment at the utility. That petition included some anecdotes. Now, the department is conducting an internal investigation.
I-5 Southbound Is Open Again: Two days after the deadly Amtrak derailment blocked traffic on the highway, all lanes on the highway are open again.
Verdict Expected Soon For J20 Trump Protesters: Six of 194 defendants who were arrested during protests in D.C. over Trump’s inauguration are expected to hear verdicts today. They face charges carrying up to 50 years in prison, including property destruction, rioting and conspiracy to riot. The case raises a key First Amendment question. Can someone be punished for wearing black and being adjacent to property damage, even if they did not partake in said destruction themselves? Some Seattleites probably would like to know.
Another reminder: none of these 6 defendants are alleged to have personally engaged in property destruction. #J20
— Sam Adler-Bell (@SamAdlerBell) December 21, 2017
2 Million Children Stand to Lose Health Insurance: If Congress fails to renew funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by Friday.
U.S. Gymnast Claims She Was Paid Hush Money to Keep Quiet About Sexual Abuse: McKayla Maroney sued USA Gymnastics, claiming the organization made her sign a nondisclosure agreement as part of a settlement over claims against team doctor Dr. Larry Nasser, who was convicted of molesting girls.
It’s the Shortest Day of the Year: And the worst day of the year?
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