Gun Tax, Seahawks Safety Earl Thomas is Back & More

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Reducing gun violence is no easy task, but Seattle may be one vote away from a new gun tax to raise money for gun violence research and prevention, says KOMO News. With the new tax, dealers would pay $25 for every firearm sold, $.02 for every .22 caliber round and $.05 for other ammunition. Although the city estimates the tax will raise between $300,000 and $500,000 a year, gun dealers worry it will put them out of business. “It’s obvious what they’re trying to do–damage and hurt the local businesses under the guise of doing something to protect or raise money to fight gun violence,” gun owner Ian Birmingham told KOMO. City council members will vote Monday to put the tax into effect. 

He’s back! The Legion of Boom is almost back intact as the Seahawks activated safety Earl Thomas off the physically unable to perform list, meaning he is free to begin practicing with the team after seperating his shoulder during December’s NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, ESPN reports. Many feared Thomas would miss the season opener on September 13 against the St. Louis Rams. However, those fears appear to be at ease for now, as Thomas is expected to suit up for the start of the 2015 season. 

Deadliest red light intersections revealed. The Seattle Department of Transportation reports there were 527 injuries and three deaths between 2012 and 2014 from red light running violations, says KING 5 News. Where are you most at danger? The intersecion of Elliot Avenue West and West Prospect Street in Interbay, where two people have been killed as a result of red light violations, according to the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR). The news comes on the heels of a national campaign called “Stop on Red Week” to draw attention to the dangers of running a red light. 

That’s a lot of jellyfish. A recent jellysih boom in the Puget Sound has scientists perplexed and concerned, KING 5 News reports. Biologist with NOAA and the Department of Ecology sunk a large net with a camera attached 35 feet into the Sound near Olympia on Tuesday to investigate the increase and found a sea of yellow jellyfish blanketing the waters below, which is way more than normal. If the jellyfish continue to grow, it could mean less food for other fish and fewer prey for larger fish like salmon.