Local News: What You're Not Told

"The news is so depressing."

C'mon we have all heard it, maybe even said it.

But if only you heard ALL of what goes on in your town...depressing might not do it justice. It definitely doesn't do it justice in Yakima,Washington.

Once a week I check police reports at the county courthouse. I walk into the county prosecutor's office where there is a stack of affidavits waiting. The reports from around the county only include incidents from last night.

Side Note: Yakima has one of the highest crime rates per capita in the entire country.

-Gang on gang fights. Shots fired. Windows shattered. Stolen cars. Tires slashed. Assaults. Arrests.
-Men patrolling a drug farm with guns. Pounds of drugs confiscated. Illegal possession of firearms. Illegal immigrants. Fake IDs. Arrests.
-Spouses dragging each other by their hair in streets. Assault with power tools.
-Teenage DUI on Meth. Police chase. Passengers throwing items at cop cars out the sunroof. Disabling a cop car. Arrests.


Some News Station Protocols:
Gang on gang fights might not be covered.
Drug busts need to be substantial
Domestic violence is a private matter

*Could be a story if you can relate the crime to a trend in recent months/year.
*If the domestic altercation involved the city mayor, flame throwers, and a bazooka.

But you can't forget about police scanners.

Common Police Scanner phrases:
1. "Attempted suicide..."
2. "Possible drug overdose..."
3.  "Report of a stolen vehicle..."

It bothers me a little bit that these reports don't faze me anymore.What's even worse is consciously  SEARCHING the affidavits for what makes this story stand out.

I guess as long as I don't lose my compassion/sympathy for people in person, my heart won't be considered a black hole, right?

Peace and blessings,


Molly