It has already passed the House of Representatives, 65-30, so now the bill heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for signature. Thank you to all the legislators who voted for it and all of the people who contacted them urging their support!

By The Associated Press The Associated Press DENVER (AP) — Amtrak says the Southwest Chief train route connecting Chicago to Los Angeles with stops in Colorado will stay in operation as is for at least another year. Read more here.

By The Associated Press The Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The family of light-rail train stabbing victim Taliesin Namkai-Meche has filed a $10.1 million lawsuit against TriMet and the Portland Police Bureau for failing to arrest and ban Jeremy Christian from the system before Namkai-Meche and another passenger were killed.Read more here.

Deadly Amtrak train crashes point to a deeper problem with America’s railroad system. By Jon Talton Special to The Seattle Times From the Dec. 18th derailment of Amtrak Cascades 501 to the South Carolina collision between Amtrak’s Silver Star and a standing freight train earlier this month, train safety has assumed a prominent spot in…