I just felt like we were missing the bigger picture.

Let me offer a little context: The holiday Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Texas announcing more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. While this historical moment was no secret, it was after the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Department officers and the subsequent protests when the government decided to make this a federal holiday. But other than a day off, my life didn’t change because of the holiday. I wasn’t sure how this was going to reduce racism.

Companies issued Black Lives Matter statements and hung banners. I never did hang a banner, but I did join some committees to do the work to make things better. Real work often happens behind the scenes. But that doesn’t mean we should hide behind them.

More from Angela Poe Russell: It’s time to reimagine public restrooms

For someone who has been the target of an attack based on identity, one symbol or declaration can mean everything.

The Pride flag for the LGBTQ+ community feels like welcome, love and support.

For other targeted groups, someone using their voice to speak up has a way of quieting the hateful noise. It’s like lighting one candle in a dark room. Why wouldn’t we want to do that?

The government’s role is to represent the people, while rejecting hate. And the people are diverse. While governments can face some legal risks, those challenges are not insurmountable.

And highlighting one vulnerable group doesn’t mean another doesn’t matter.

And it also doesn’t mean everyone has to like it.

Part of living in the United States is we coexist despite varying religions, political views and ethnicities.

More of Angela Poe Russell’s commentaries: What we can all learn from Harrison Butker’s shocking speech

But here is the key: While public displays are meaningful, the action that follows matters most. Questioning whether someone is homophobic or racist because they don’t raise a flag is just as concerning as assuming that someone who does is putting in the work. And that’s why we can’t get hung up on them.

Flags without followup is nothing more than a sugar high with a crash coming. So on this Juneteenth, I’ll look at this symbol of a holiday as an invitation to not only have gratitude for the gesture, but to keep engaging in actions that ultimately create change.

Angela Poe Russell fills in as a host on KIRO Newsradio and has been around Seattle media in different capacities for a number of years. Read more of Angela’s commentaries here and follow her on X here.

I can’t imagine what it feels like to not be able to live your truth and I hope that Diaz feels like a burden has been lifted now that he’s no longer keeping that secret.

But that’s not his only struggle.

During that same time, Diaz has also been the embattled chief of a police department that is suffering from historically low staffing, poor morale, and scandals. In the past year, Diaz has been hit with lawsuits and claims from women who accuse him of sexual harassment, misconduct, misogyny and gender discrimination.

Report: Seattle mayor hires firm to probe SPD sexual harassment, discrimination claims

In his exclusive interview with “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH, Diaz said he hasn’t had the opportunity to share his side of the story.  And he believes if people knew the truth about him being gay, we would understand how the allegations couldn’t also be true. (Even though he also acknowledged that being gay doesn’t mean you can’t be a misogynist).

What he said in this interview is mind-blowing to me! Diaz wants us to believe that all these women at SPD are making up their allegations because he is gay and wouldn’t have an interest in them. As far as everyone knew, until yesterday, he was married and has three children. What he was feeling internally doesn’t absolve him from what those women were feeling because of his external actions. The disclosure of his sexual orientation changes absolutely nothing about these cases. It also doesn’t explain some of the other issues that have been raised about his leadership style or the actions of others on his leadership team.

Rantz Exclusive: Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz announces he’s gay

So why did he only make this announcement to one talk show host instead of having a news conference? It’s clearly a tactic to control the message and to avoid any follow-up questions that other reporters will have. Diaz said his decision to step down was made together with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who opted not to wait for an independent investigation to be completed. The mayor named former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr as interim chief while Diaz will work on unspecified special assignments.

Rantz asked whether anyone in the mayor’s administration pressured him NOT to come out publicly. Diaz’s answer was vague, saying it’s something that will be discussed at a later time. He then went on to say he’s had an immense amount of support from the community but also predicts there will be people who will try to “de-gay” or “un-gay” him because it doesn’t fit their narrative.  Then he finally admitted that yes, he got pushback from the mayor’s office but he wants to move forward for his and the community’s sake.

More from Ursula Reutin: The outside investigation of SPD can’t come soon enough

Does this mean that Diaz will make a claim against the city or get a payout to leave? I hope not but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s in the pipeline. Seattle taxpayers are already on the hook for so many of SPD’s issues, so just add this to the list.

Diaz is now vying for the police chief job in Austin, Texas. He’s one of more than 30 candidates. Austin better do its homework.

Listen to Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin weekday mornings from 9 a.m.- noon on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Follow @https://twitter.com/UrsulaKIROFM

I recently became a first-time grandfather and love it. But I was alerted to the fact of some striking statistics coming from the U.S. Census.

There are approximately 18.3 million children across America who live without a father in the home. That’s about 1 in 4 children. Fatherless families are four times more likely to raise children in poverty and according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 84% of homeless families are headed by women.

Data from the founder of Mind Positive Parenting says the average school-age boy only spends 30 minutes a week in a one-on-one conversation with their father when dad’s at home – compared to 30 hours a week on video games, TV, and the internet – 60 hours if they’re a teenager.

Markovich: Where’s our ‘inconvenience fee’ for when the president visits and disrupts Seattle?

The Department of Justice said 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes, and 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders are from fatherless homes. With all that grim news – you may be asking yourself, “Matt, what’s the point?”

Jimmy Buffett referred to getting a tattoo as a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling. I think that holds true for some having kids.

So, fathers out there (biological, foster, adopting, non-binary, gay, or other non-traditional means), it really doesn’t matter if you are a father to a child. If you want respect, have respect for the life you are responsible for raising in this world.

We honored Father’s Day for the role dads play in a family circle and a child’s life. We don’t need more fathers believing that temporary feelings mean I can also be a temporary father when it fits me.

The stats are ugly and startling enough without more fathers shirking their responsibilities of what a father’s day is all about.

Matt Markovich often covers the state legislature and public policy for KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Matt Markovich’s stories here. Follow Matt on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email him here.

Follow @https://twitter.com/mattmarkovich

That a conservative court would rule this way was a shock to the pro-life movement, which is even now trying to decide what the next reproductive crusade should be. I was thinking this would be a good time to focus on making sure all children are well-fed, have comprehensive medical coverage and can have affordable daycare.

More KIRO Newsradio opinions: Is it time to put police back in Seattle schools?

But it seems to be moving towards some kind of Christian Nationalism, going into the states to get tougher abortion restrictions. The New York Times quoted the president of a group called “Students for Life” lamenting that many young women no longer want to have children at all, suggesting it’s because their parents weren’t religious and didn’t take their kids to church.

Personally, I think it could also be that young women today know that a positive pregnancy test can instantly make them subject to laws based on religious beliefs they do not share.

But it raises an interesting prospect: If the Christian nationalists are serious about a return to Bible-based values, will they also bring back the rules that used to apply to men?  

Being fruitful and multiplying was job No. 1 in the Old Testament, and God held males responsible for doing their part.

Genesis 38 verses 9 and 10  – this is a little delicate, so I won’t quote it – but let’s just say it was considered a serious sin for a man to “misfire” in any way. In fact, God is on record as summarily severing the brain-body connection of a man named Onan who did just that. Could this be the next reproductive frontier? Could men be next?

More from Dave Ross: Let the rich pay the exorbitant ‘luxury lane’ toll prices

The Supreme Court drew a line last week, saying that just because you hold a sincere moral belief doesn’t allow you to get all up in other peoples’ business. But the zealots are undeterred. They want to bring us back to a time when what happened in your bed was everybody’s business.

I won’t try to predict what might happen, but it’s something to keep in mind as you’re trying to decide which flag to raise over your beach house.

Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News” with Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Follow @http://www.twitter.com/thedaveross

Listen to the John & Jake Show every weekday at 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, or visit MyNorthwest.com to learn more!

Last week, I looked into the hurt and worn down eyes of one senior from Garfield High School who expressed disappointment over losing his school’s old resource officer and wondered what difference his presence might have made.

The truth is we can’t know for sure, but it’s something some in the community are contemplating. It can be a controversial topic. You see, in 2020, after the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed, the Seattle School District removed all resource officers from its schools.

More from Angela Poe Russell: It’s time to reimagine public restrooms

And they weren’t the only ones, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, between May 2020 and June 2022, more than 50 school districts across the country eliminated school officer programs. In all fairness, they were a new phenomenon. Before 1975, police in schools were a rare occurrence.

So, for some, the idea of bringing them back is out of the question. But they can’t afford to take anything off the table, especially when something clearly isn’t working. Some fear welcoming police into specific neighborhoods and schools would create a militarized environment.

Derrick Dotson, author of the children’s Book “The Police and Me,” is admittedly leery of police in schools, but said they can be effective with the right plan.

The history of these programs, issues like inappropriate relationships, failure to keep track of firearms, excessive force; but these programs can be done in a way where students can benefit. Crime prevention education, education about laws, community engagement such as bringing student’s families and teachers together for positive interactions with law enforcement,” Dtoson said. “But for this to be done right, it has to be the right candidate to be an SRO. It’s not as important to know the officers enjoy being around students as it is making sure that students can feel safe and can learn from being around the officers.”

More KIRO Newsradio opinions: Let the rich pay the exorbitant ‘luxury lane’ toll prices

To be clear, police can’t be the only tool, but they can be part of the solution.

Officers who show up only as part of temporary emphasis patrol are a Band-Aid and create a transactional relationship, not one built on community. Officers who care and connect – knowing the neighbors, the students, the parents, the troublemakers and the peacemakers — are an asset and are ones we can’t afford to keep on the sidelines.

Angela Poe Russell fills in as a host on KIRO Newsradio and has been around Seattle media in different capacities for a number of years.

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

And yet, even free-market believers seem to start doubting when they can feel the free market reaching deeper and deeper into their own wallets.

As Chris Sullivan has been documenting every morning, and as Danny Westneat observed in his Seattle Times column Sunday, the new higher tolls for solo drivers in the luxury lane are hitting the $15 maximum every rush hour.

More on local tolls: SR 520 toll rates will increase this summer, here’s how much

He even published a screenshot from the Washington Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) website showing that last week, solo drivers were paying the $15 maximum to save exactly three minutes driving from Renton to Auburn.

Which sounds ridiculous when you put it that way. But who are we to judge how people spend their lawfully-earned money? Have you seen what the airlines charge for the extra three inches of seat width in first class?

There’s this criticism of the luxury lanes as being insensitive to the plight of the people in the slum lanes.

But let’s think this through: In the example of driving from Renton to Auburn last week, where the rich people saved all of three minutes – the flip side to that is everybody else got a bargain! Just for exercising three minutes worth of patience, they saved 15 bucks. That’s the equivalent of making $300 an hour!

I say if rich people are OK with getting ripped off like that – let them pay. And let them pay whatever the state can get away with.

More from Dave Ross: If popularity creates immunity, maybe the ‘Belltown Hellcat Bandit’ should run for president

I know Washington voters have an aversion to imposing special tax burdens on the rich; I know a lot of you can’t wait to repeal the capital gains tax in November. But in the case of the toll lanes – the rich are freely choosing to pay. No one’s forcing them. Why do they need an artificial toll limit of $15 to protect them from their own choices?

The toll lanes have taught highway departments what the airlines learned long ago – people will pay for privileges that make them feel special. And considering the huge gap between tax revenue and what it actually costs to build and maintain these highways – it’s time to give them what they want for whatever they’re willing to pay.

Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News” with Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Follow @http://www.twitter.com/thedaveross

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

As the weather heads into a stretch of warmer and drier than average conditions, could it happen again?

From Feliks Banel: Fires devastated Seattle, Ellensburg, Spokane in 1889

There were no precise weather records taken on June 6, 1889. But it is known that spring had been a warm and dry one. On the day of the Great Seattle Fire, an inadvertent spilled glue pot in a waterfront carpentry shop started the historic blaze. Stiff winds coming off Elliott Bay that warm afternoon helped fan the flames and spread the fire from one wood structure and building to the next with ease. Those interested can visit what’s left on Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour.

Technology may have improved, but these fires can still happen

So far this century, there have been a greater number of warm dry springs and summers, including in 2023. Such dry conditions can elevate the threat of fast-spreading fires, particularly in neighborhoods where homes are quite close to each other.

Fortunately, newer structures have more fire resistant building materials, and a state of the art fire response community can help stop such rapid spreading fires. Yet, these kinds of fires can still happen thanks to warm dry and breezy weather conditions. Already this spring, consider the wildfires that erupted along the interior of Western Canada, and currently in California during an early season heat wave with temperatures soaring into the triple digits.

Despite Western Washington’s reputation to be a wet place, recent summers have actually started earlier and end later, resulting in drier conditions. These environments have made it easier for wildfires to start. Last year, though it is hard to fathom, Western Washington had more wildfire starts than Eastern Washington did according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

MyNorthwest weather: Will a ‘Heat Dome’ be part of the upcoming Seattle summer?

Looking ahead, the latest seasonal weather outlook for Western Washington heading into September, shows good odds of temperatures that will be warmer than average and chances stacked toward precipitation that will leave the area drier than normal. Much of the state is already in abnormally dry or moderate drought status and summer starts on the June 21 solstice. Parts of Western Washington are between two and four inches of rain behind average for the year thus far.

Weather can impact the size, scope of fires

With drier warmer weather in store, grasses will be drying out soon, setting up the possibility for grass fires. It is important to keep burning materials inside vehicles and tighten up tow chains to avoid sparks from dragging lines in order to avoid roadside fire starts.

Neighborhoods also can be at risk to wildfire when warm dry and windy conditions unfold like what happened on the Seattle waterfront in 1889. Recall the Oakland Hills fire in October 1991 when a wind-whipped fire burned close to 3,500 homes and apartments, killing 25 and injuring 150.

More from Ted Buehner: What led to Washington drought as wildfires, rainbows on the horizon

Another example were a number of wind-driven wildfires in Western Oregon during Labor Day Weekend of 2020 near Medford, east of Eugene/Springfield, east of Salem and in the Columbia Gorge, burning thousands of homes. About that same time, the Sumner Grade Fire occurred on a windy day, burning four homes and temporarily displacing hundreds of residents.

Last year in Spokane County, winds blew the Oregon Road and Gray wildfires through several neighborhoods, consuming several hundred homes and resulting in two fatalities. Protecting neighborhoods against wildfires is critical.

2023 Washington wildfires: Gray, Oregon City blazes kill 2, lead to lost structures

Now is the time to prepare and build wildfire defensible space around homes and businesses. Consider this effort a part of spring yard cleaning. Visit firewise.org for all the tips such as moving firewood away from a home, trimming tree limbs up off the ground to above your head, and cleaning roofs and gutters of debris. Help Smokey Bear and consider his motto – Only You Can Prevent Wildfires – whether in urban or rural areas.

Ted Buehner is the KIRO Newsradio meteorologist. You can read more of Ted’s stories here and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Listen to Seattle’s Morning News w/ Dave Ross & Colleen O’Brien Show every weekday at 5am on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM

Listen to the Gee and Ursula Show every weekday at 9am on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM Listen to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to MyNorthwest.com to learn more!

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

D-Day, the June 6, 1944 landing on the northern coast of France with tens of thousands of American, British, Canadian and other Allied troops – along with thousands of pieces of equipment and tons of supplies – is justifiably regarded as the greatest military operation in the history of mankind.

Listen to Seattle’s Morning News w/ Dave Ross & Colleen O’Brien Show every weekday at 5am on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/

Tune in live to The Jack and Spike Show weekdays from noon to 3pm on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. And if that timing, or our location in western Washington is inconvenient for you, we also have a daily podcast of the show.

Find it all, plus our social media, right here:
https://mynorthwest.com/category/jack-and-spike/