1. The Tacoma News Tribune 's Political Buzz has a political story you're probably unfamiliar with: Endorsements are flying back and forth over the hotly contested Pierce County Council election in the 7th district.

2. The Spokesman-Review covers the flurry of Republican activity in the U.S. Senate race recently, including a link to Clint Didier's anti-Rossi vid.

3. Tom Fucoloro at seattlecrime.com reprints the lengthy instructions that the Seattle City Council gave new police chief John Diaz—along with information about his confirmation by the city council this afternoon.

4. Seattle Bike Blog riffs off Erica's post about the terrible bike lanes on Second Ave. downtown, and suggests ways to make them better.