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Audit Reveals Financial Mismanagement at South King Fire Department

Federal Way, WALocal News

The Washington State Auditor's 2021 audit of South King Fire revealed significant financial oversight failures, resulting in an estimated loss or unclaimed funds totaling $232,178. 25. Investigations implicated former fire chief Allen Church in multiple policy violations, including self-approval of leave slips and mishandling of overtime cashouts. A familial conflict of interest involving a contracted company was also highlighted, leading to further financial losses. Employees expressed fear of retaliation when reporting non-compliance, exacerbating oversight issues.

The district has recognized these vulnerabilities and plans to implement changes to enhance transparency and accountability. The findings underscore the urgent need for robust financial oversight mechanisms to safeguard public resources and restore trust within the community.

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Seven new officers sworn into the Federal Way Police Department

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SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of voters

The SAVE Act, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, mandates in-person proof of U.S. citizenship for voting in federal elections, raising concerns about voter disenfranchisement. Washington's Secretary of State warns that this legislation could disproportionately affect women, servicemembers, and low-income voters, with an estimated 1.6 million women in Washington facing potential barriers due to name discrepancies. As the bill moves to the Senate, critics argue it undermines the democratic process by restricting access to voting.