Key Facts

• Seattle man receives 27-month federal sentence: Andre Justice Atwater, 26, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 27 months in prison. The sentence follows investigators linking him to a BB-gun shooting that injured two men in the parking area of his International District apartment complex. Police later searched his residence and connected him to the firearms cache that triggered federal charges. [1]
• Cache includes ghost guns and Glock switches: During the search investigators found more than two dozen firearms, including 20 privately made and unregistered ghost guns, along with 103 Glock switch devices that can convert a semi-automatic Glock into a fully automatic weapon. Three of the switches had already been modified for installation. A gun safe, two silencers, and other gunsmithing gear were also recovered. [1]
• Bedroom converted into a firearm workshop with 3D printing: Court documents describe a bedroom converted into a firearm manufacturing workspace, equipped with a 3D printer and gunsmithing equipment. Investigators also located two silencers and a gun safe containing the weapons. [1]
• 103 Glock switches mark largest Western District seizure: Officials said the 103 Glock switches recovered represent the largest such seizure on record in the Western District of Washington. Prosecutors argued the scale suggested an intent to sell the firearms and conversion devices. [1]
• Additional local sentence for BB-gun assaults: In a separate proceeding, Atwater was sentenced to nine months in jail in King County Superior Court for BB-gun assaults, adding to the federal punishment. [1]

Key Facts

• Seattle logs over 20,000 exploitation tips in 2025: Last year, the Seattle Police Department received more than 20,000 reports of suspected online child exploitation. The volume highlights the scale of the problem and the heavy workload on investigators. The tips flow through Washington's ICAC Task Force, which handles referrals and moves them toward criminal investigations. This surge reflects how online grooming can begin with ordinary chats and escalate quickly. [1]
• Washington ICAC channels tips from NCMEC into investigations: Washington’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is a statewide unit led by Seattle Police. It processes tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and converts them into criminal investigations. The arrangement underscores the cooperation between local agencies and national networks to pursue cases. Investigators say many leads originate from these centralized tip lines and databases. [1]
• Detectives opened 156 new cases in 2025: In 2025, detectives opened 156 new cases and distributed nearly 2,500 additional investigations to police agencies around Washington. The ICAC unit also reported more than 50 arrests tied to online exploitation. The numbers illustrate both the breadth of activity and the ongoing enforcement effort across the state. [1]
• Sextortion rises as teens targeted, officials say: Investigators note sextortion is a fast-growing threat, with offenders pressuring teens to share explicit images and then demanding money or more material in return. Officials say teenagers, including boys, are increasingly falling for these scams. The trend points to a need for preventative education and vigilance by parents and schools. [1]
• Predators pose as peers and shift to encrypted platforms: Offenders often present themselves as peers, posing as teenagers or young adults and gradually grooming children online. They steer conversations to private chats and encrypted apps to avoid detection. Investigators describe this as a deliberate strategy to extend outreach beyond public platforms and blur trails. [1]
• Experts urge active parenting as first line of defense: For protection, experts say active parenting is essential. One psychologist notes there is no shortcut or app that replaces talking to children about online safety. Parents are urged to watch for warning signs and to act quickly if concerns arise. [1]

Who Said What

• Lt. Ben Morrison, Lieutenant, Seattle ICAC unit: "It's overwhelming, and predators are finding new ways to reach kids, and the number of tips just keeps climbing." [1]
• Sgt. Shawn Martinell, Sergeant, Seattle ICAC: "We’re seeing a large trend where teenage boys are falling for sextortion scams. They send images and then they’re being extorted for money." [1]
• Dr. Stacy Cecchet, Forensic operational psychologist: "We don’t do a very good job of helping our children understand how to be safe online. It’s kind of the equivalent of sending our child alone through a stadium for one of the FIFA matches." The statement highlights the need for better at-home guidance and education. [1]
• Dr. Stacy Cecchet, Forensic operational psychologist: "Trauma is the gift that keeps on giving. These kids will be impacted for the rest of their lives." [1]
• Dr. Stacy Cecchet, Forensic operational psychologist: "The number one tool that we have at our disposal to protect our kids is at home, us, talking to our children. It’s not an app." [1]

Key Facts

• Fort Worden rentals set to reopen: Ten historic former military homes at Fort Worden State Park are preparing to reopen as vacation rentals after a yearlong closure tied to financial problems with the leasing company. The restart marks a step toward restoring services that tourists and local businesses relied on for decades. The reopening could help revive tourism and bring back jobs in Port Townsend. [1]
• Closure last January hit jobs and tourism: The closure disrupted the town's economy, with dozens of people losing their jobs and many local businesses affected. Vacation and wedding plans for hundreds of families were canceled indefinitely, with refunds not provided due to the leasing company's financial issues. The city of Port Townsend felt the impact of reduced tourist activity during the closure. [1]
• Ten buildings to reopen as rentals: State Parks officials say ten buildings are preparing to reopen as lodging options this season. The plan is part of a broader effort to restore Fort Worden as a functioning vacation destination. Reservations are being taken for lodging from April through October, signaling a measured return to normal operations. [1]
• Local pubs anticipate rebound: Pubs at Fort Worden, including Taps at The Guard House, survived the prior season and expect better business as lodging returns. Business owners emphasize that reopening lodging sends a message that the park and the surrounding area are returning to normal and that demand from visitors is rising. [1]
• Holiday bookings show strong demand: During the holidays, the department conducted a soft opening and reported solid interest, with Christmas weekend sold out and New Year’s Day among the busiest days. This pattern suggests renewed interest from visitors as lodging options come back online. [1]
• Longer-term planning underway: State Parks officials say options for lodging beyond the current season are being considered, with ongoing planning and an emphasis on hearing input from the public. While a firm timetable for full reopening isn’t set, officials expect to learn more as planning continues. [1]

Who Said What

• Brian Curry, co-owner, Taps at The Guard House: "I think psychologically it really helps. People are saying Fort Worden reopened. Just having the lodging open sends a message to the greater Puget Sound area and beyond that we’re back." [1]
• Heidi Haney, co-owner, Taps at The Guard House: "And New Year’s Day was one of our busiest days." [1]
• Sarah Fronk, State Parks Department: "There are a lot of options on the table. As long-term planning continues, we’ll know more, and we’ll begin to hear from people." [1]

Key Facts

• Lumen Field to host 12 Flag ceremony: Pregame flag raising is a two-decade-old ritual at Lumen Field that fires up the crowd. The article calls it a cornerstone of Seahawks lore and notes the moment often defines the atmosphere before kickoff. It emphasizes the ceremony as a familiar, eagerly anticipated tradition. [1]
• Question who will raise the flag at NFC Championship: The piece frames it as a high-stakes guess, with candidates including Jody Allen, other Seahawks icons, and notable local figures. It underscores the ceremony's significance and the breadth of potential honorees. [1]
• Only Paul Allen has raised the flag in NFC titles: The article notes Allen, who died in 2018, raised the flag in 2006, 2014 and 2015, and Seattle won all three games. [1]
• Jody Allen eyed as replacement for Allen: The article suggests it would feel proper for Paul Allen's sister, who chairs the Seahawks, to take his place. [1]
• Doug Baldwin did flag honors before Divisional Round: The piece recalls Baldwin's role in the Divisional Round against the 49ers and notes the electric vibes around his appearance. [1]
• Speculation includes Pete Carroll as potential flag raiser: The article ponders whether former head coach Pete Carroll would return to Seattle to lead the ritual and energize the crowd. [1]

Key Facts

• Vintage shop Red Light Vintage up for sale after 30 years: Tacee Webb founded Red Light Vintage on University Way, known as The Ave, 30 years ago and built it into a Seattle institution. The shop drew thrift shoppers and even gained national attention after being featured in Macklemore’s Thrift Shop video. Webb later sold the shop to open a second Red Light in Portland, and a social post announced the University District location was up for sale again. The current owner plans to close Jan. 31, underscoring the urgency of a lease and funding to keep it open. [1]
• Webb pursues revival through fundraising and loan: Facing a potential closing, Webb decided to pursue revival by buying back the store. She applied for a small business loan, which would not be available for months. To bridge the gap, she launched a GoFundMe seeking about $20,000 to sign a new lease, warning that failure to raise funds could let another buyer take the space. [1][2]
• Naked shopping spree and events planned to revive the area: As part of the revival, Webb plans to bring back Seattle’s naked shopping spree, where six contestants jump from dressing rooms and try on as many items as possible in three minutes, with prizes for the winner who keeps the clothes. She also aims to host bands, design classes, and fashion shows to energize The Ave and restore some shimmer to the University District building. [1]
• Community nostalgia highlighted by staff memories: Employees describe the store as a longstanding Seattle institution. Ursula Drake, a Red Light employee, recalls customers sharing memories of shopping there across generations and calls the revival effort meaningful for families. [1]
• Webb optimistic about a renewed thirty years: Webb expressed hope that if the revival succeeds, Red Light could last another 30 years, describing the potential as magical. [1]

Who Said What

• Tacee Webb, Founder/owner of Red Light Vintage: "Red Light is really part of my heart." This reflects her deep emotional stake in reviving the store. [1]
• Tacee Webb, Founder/owner of Red Light Vintage: "I looked through the comments and I started getting teary-eyed. So many people were saying Red Light is their favorite store." This shows the strong public attachment driving her revival bid. [1][2]
• Tacee Webb, Founder/owner of Red Light Vintage: "I think a very nostalgic thing for people is to return to their old places that feel familiar, especially since so many great Seattle institutions have closed." This explains the motivation to reclaim an old community hub. [1]
• Tacee Webb, Founder/owner of Red Light Vintage: "The naked shopping spree is where six contestants jump out of these dressing rooms buck naked or scantily clad and they put on as many clothing items as they can in three minutes. Whoever puts on the most clothes wins fabulous prizes and gets to keep the clothes." This outlines a centerpiece revival event. [1]
• Ursula Drake, Red Light employee: "It's really sweet." This captures the emotional resonance of the store for families visiting. [1]
• Tacee Webb, Founder/owner of Red Light Vintage: 'I think we could make it another 30 years.' Webb added. 'And I think that would be magic.' This conveys long-term hopes for the shop’s future. [1]

Key Facts

• Reddit post describes $800 charges after $5 donation: A Seattle Reddit user recounted agreeing to donate $5 to a local high school basketball team. They were told their card had declined, but later learned the charges had continued. The poster said multiple $800 charges appeared on their account as they tried to support the kids. The post spread widely, highlighting concerns that small acts of generosity can be exploited. [1]
• AG’s office says scams near Seattle are common: The Washington State Attorney General's Office says the described scenario is alarmingly common and has seen multiple complaints about street donation schemes in busy Seattle areas near the waterfront and downtown. The solicitors are often young, well-dressed men claiming to represent youth organizations or charities and relying on tap-to-pay or card payments from their phones. On Dec. 5, 2025, a downtown Seattle couple donated $5 to three men claiming a local charity, later facing charges totaling $1,500. [1]
• AG consumer alert flags tap-to-pay risks: The AG's office issued a consumer alert warning residents to be cautious with tap-to-pay donations, noting some implicated groups were unregistered charities or for-profit entities with no nonprofit status. [1]
• Resident warns about risk and cash preference: Flavio Kaplan, a Pioneer Square resident, said tap-to-pay scams are easy to fall for. He acknowledged concerns but said his intuition is that tap-to-pay offers some protection, though he would probably still prefer paying with cash. [1]
• Advocates urge careful review and verification: Consumer advocates say the speed and convenience of tap-to-pay can become a liability if donors do not review transaction details or verify charities through official databases before donating. [1]
• Reddit poster urges caution against random solicitations: The Reddit poster urged others not to donate to random individuals offering candy after their experience, underscoring the personal impact of these scams. [1]

Who Said What

• Nick Brown, Attorney General of Washington: "We’ve seen people who thought they were donating twenty dollars to a charity, and it turns out their bank statements were withdrawn for almost five thousand and not for a charity. It’s really important that people stay mindful of these sorts of tactics." [1]
• Flavio Kaplan, Local resident: "It’s probably easy to fall for that." [1]
• Flavio Kaplan, Local resident: "My intuition is that with tap to pay you will have some kind of protection, but probably best to pay with cash." [1]
• Reddit poster, Seattle Reddit user: "Turns out they didn’t decline and they just kept charging me. Ultimately I ended up with multiple $800 charges on my cards for trying to donate $5 to kids playing basketball." [1]

Key Facts

• Arctic cold triggers widespread weather alerts: The report notes millions are under cold weather alerts across the Midwest and Northeast, highlighting risk for pets as well as people. [2]
• No universal cut-off temperature for outdoor time: Tufts University emergency veterinarian says there is no fixed temperature threshold; owners should monitor cues such as shivering or lifting paws and adjust behavior, including the use of jackets or booties as needed. [4]
• Tufts issues breed-based cold-weather guidelines: Tufts University developed guidelines in 2018 that acknowledge differences among dog breeds and tailor recommendations accordingly. [4]
• Temperature thresholds and protections vary: Guidance indicates most dogs are comfortable above 45°F, with smaller or thin-coated dogs needing protective gear below that; frostbite and hypothermia risk rises from 20°F to 32°F, warranting shorter walks and more protection. [7]
• Additional safety tips translate research into practice: Owners are urged to watch for signs of cold stress and keep fur dry; Fetch Pet's chart translates Tufts' research into actionable gear like booties and reflective collars and advises insulated shelters or straw for outdoor pets, and never leaving animals in cars. [4][7]

Who Said What

• Jonathan Babyak, Tufts University emergency veterinarian: "There's really no cut-off temperature for it being too chilly to take your dog outside," Babyak writes in Tufts Now. "However, you should always watch your pet carefully for cues that it's too cold and act accordingly; some pets benefit from a jacket and even snow booties." [4]

Key Facts

• Gov proposes tapping $1B from Budget Stabilization Account: Gov. Ferguson floated withdrawing $1 billion from Washington's Budget Stabilization Account to help cover a $2.3 billion deficit in the current two-year budget. The fund serves as an emergency cushion for shortfalls. The idea has sparked early debate among lawmakers about whether the reserve should be used this session. [1]
• House leader signals cautious support for reserve use: House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon said it is too early to decide on tapping the fund but noted it is being considered as a solution. He said it could be used to avoid significant impacts to essential services such as K-12 and higher education, child care, and health care. [1]
• Senate leader ties access to constitutional criteria: Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen argued the budget stabilization account's constitutional amendment defines when the fund can be used, saying the current conditions meet that threshold. He cited the amendment and the economic context as justification. [1]
• Opposition skeptical about draining reserves: Republicans and some Democrats warned against depleting the Rainy Day Fund. House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary emphasized the fund's role in maintaining the state's AAA bond rating and warned that using it could reduce balances and risk that rating. [1]
• Treasurer cautions about the plan's risks: State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, a Democrat, expressed reservations, describing the move as risky. [1]
• Fund last accessed during pandemic, before that for wildfire: The emergency fund was last accessed in 2021 during the pandemic and previously in 2015 for wildfire coverage. [1]

Who Said What

• Joe Fitzgibbon, House Majority Leader: "I would say it feels like it's for times like this," Fitzgibbon said, adding he would support using the account "to avoid really significant impacts to Washingtonians in K-12 education or higher education, or child care, health care." [1]
• Jamie Pedersen, Senate Majority Leader: "The Constitutional Amendment by which the voters approved the budget stabilization account specifically outlines what it means to be raining, and says that that's when employment growth is less than 1%," Pedersen said, "That's the situation that we're in right now because of the economic conditions that the Trump administration has wrought." [1]
• Jamie Pedersen, Senate Majority Leader: "That's the situation that we're in right now because of the economic conditions that the Trump administration has wrought." [1]
• Drew Stokesbary, House Minority Leader: "The state has a AAA bond rating that is in part because of our Rainy Day Fund. The more we chip away at the rainy day fund and start using it to backfill budget holes, the smaller any fund balances that are left, the more we risk losing that." [1]
• Mike Pellicciotti, Washington State Treasurer: "risky," Pellicciotti said, expressing reservations about the move. [1]

Key Facts

• Knife-wielding intruder breaks into Ravenna home: Police say the break-in occurred about 2:40 a.m. in the 6100 block of Brooklyn Avenue Northeast in the Ravenna neighborhood near Cowen Park. The intruder, a man in his 30s, broke a window pane to unlock the door and enter the residence, which is now covered with duct tape and plastic. The 61-year-old homeowner and his 15-year-old daughter were inside when the intruder entered. [1]
• Father defends home with frying pan as fight erupts: The homeowner grabbed a frying pan to defend himself as the intruder armed with a kitchen knife from the home fought him. The two moved into the front yard where the intruder stabbed the father in the leg; The father fought back and the intruder was stabbed in the front yard as well. [1]
• Daughter texts 911; father transported in stable condition: The 15-year-old daughter texted 911 to report the break-in. Seattle Fire Department paramedics transported the father to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition, where he is expected to recover. [1]
• Suspect hospitalized in serious condition; under arrest: The suspect was taken to Harborview in serious condition with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition under armed police guard. He is under arrest on suspicion of residential burglary and felony assault; investigators say he and the residents did not appear to know each other. [1]
• Neighbor describes incident; local crime context provided: Neighbor Judith Strigen said the intruder was not an aggressive person, but the presence of a daughter in the house made the situation alarming. She described how the girl was shaken and took safety precautions. Residents since have noted the home sits opposite Cowen Park, a location neighbors say has troubled the area; Seattle Police Department statistics show violent crime in the Roosevelt-Ravenna area has declined in recent years. [1]

Who Said What

• Judith Strigen, Neighbor: "He is not an aggressive person by any stretch, but he had his daughter in the house, so that doesn't surprise me." The neighbor's comment emphasizes the defender's protective stance rather than aggression. [1]
• Judith Strigen, Neighbor: "She was shaken," Strigen said. "She just said her dad had fought with the intruder and he had been cut." The remark highlights the daughter's distress and the intensity of the confrontation. [1]

Key Facts

• WASPC weighs expulsion after testimony: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs says it has grave concerns with SB 5974, but Swank’s testimony before a legislative committee on January 15 went beyond reasonable dialogue and could be perceived as threatening. The group intends to begin bylaws proceedings to consider expelling Swank from the association. [1]
• Swank threatens lawmakers in remarks: During a Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing on January 15, Swank challenged lawmakers’ authority and warned that thousands of Pierce County residents would surround city hall to resist removal. WASPC said the comments did not reflect the association’s views and were potentially threatening. [1]
• SB 5974 would raise statewide sheriff standards: The bill would require sheriffs to meet new statewide standards, including minimum age of 25, at least five years of law enforcement experience, and a background check, plus certification and greater oversight by the Criminal Justice Training Commission. [1]
• Executive session scheduled on SB 5974: An executive session on SB 5974 is planned for next week, with no additional public hearing. [1]
• CJTC certification inquiries linked to Swank: KING 5 reported Swank was the subject of three certification inquiries by the Criminal Justice Training Commission, including cases tied to his social media posts; the commission said inquiries could result in losing his certification. [1]
• House version of SB 5974 previously introduced: A similar bill to SB 5974 was introduced in the House last year but did not advance out of committee. [1]

Who Said What

• Keith Swank, Pierce County Sheriff: "I don't recognize your authority to impose these controls over me, and when you try to remove me from office, thousands of Pierce County residents will surround the county city building in downtown Tacoma and will not allow that to happen. I hope it doesn't come to that, but I and they are prepared. Are you prepared?" [1]

Key Facts

• McCaffrey suffers second-quarter stinger: San Francisco's star running back sustained a stinger in the second quarter after colliding with Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV on a pass. He was ruled questionable to return in the third quarter. [2]
• First-half workload shows heavy involvement: McCaffrey totaled nine carries for 29 yards and five receptions for 39 yards in the first half. [2]
• Absent for start of second half: He was not on the field for San Francisco's opening drive of the third quarter as the 49ers pressed on without him. [2]
• Playoff context confirmed: The injury occurred in the NFC divisional playoff game between the 49ers and Seahawks in Seattle. [2]

Key Facts

• Congress approves $3.2B budget for Hanford cleanup: Congress approved the budget for the Hanford Site cleanup in Washington state for the 2026 fiscal year, with funding to flow once the president signs the bill. The move signals federal funding for decades of cleanup work at a site described as highly contaminated and complex. [1]
• Budget up $200M from prior two years: The 2026 appropriation represents a $200 million increase from the budget in the previous two fiscal years, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. [1]
• Cleanup expected to take decades: Officials note that fully cleaning up the Hanford contamination will be a multidecade effort due to the site's scale and complexity. [1]
• Governor Ferguson calls the budget a positive step: Governor Bob Ferguson framed the funding as progress while urging the federal government to maintain momentum on cleanup responsibilities. [1]
• Hanford described as one of the world’s most complex cleanup projects: The Department of Ecology characterizes the Hanford Site as among the most contaminated and complex nuclear cleanup efforts globally. [1]
• Funding contingent on presidential signature: The money for the 2026 fiscal year will be released to the Hanford cleanup only after the president signs the budget into law. [1]

Who Said What

• Bob Ferguson, Washington Governor: "The federal government has a big job to do cleaning up Hanford. This budget is a positive step forward in ensuring they live up to their responsibilities. We have made important progress this year, let's keep up the momentum." [1]

Key Facts

• Coast Guard lowers clearance to 116 feet enabling fixed-span: The U.S. Coast Guard updated its clearance requirement for the replacement Interstate Bridge project, signaling a fixed-span design can move forward. The minimum river clearance is set at 116 feet, a reversal of the previous higher height. The decision is described as a Preliminary Navigation Clearance Determination and is not itself a permit, but it clears the path for IBR to apply for one and proceed toward construction timelines that target September. [1]
• Cantwell frames decision in Friday press release: U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell announced the reduced clearance in a press release, saying the Coast Guard decision had been announced by Adm. Kevin E. Lunday. Cantwell’s statement underscores the political support for the fixed-span path and sets the tone for bipartisan backing of the project. [1]
• PNCD signals permit path and September start: The PNCD confirms the Coast Guard will issue a formal permit for the 116-foot design once IBR applies. It is not a permit itself. IBR officials say they hope to begin construction by September after obtaining the formal permit. [1]
• Avoiding lift-driven drawbridge saves about $1 billion: The fixed-span design eliminates the need for a drawbridge that could lift for river vessels, a configuration that would have added roughly $1 billion to construction costs according to the project’s cost discussions. [3]
• Environmental review remains a major hurdle: The federal environmental review process has dragged on for years and cannot be finished until the project settles on either a fixed crossing or a drawbridge design, delaying final approvals and construction. [1]
• Draft cost documents show large funding gap: Early draft cost documents released through a records request show total costs at 13.6 billion for a fixed-span design and 14.6 billion if a drawbridge is included, leaving a funding gap of at least 7 billion given current funding. Officials caution these numbers are early drafts and not a final estimate, but they deepen concerns about funding. [4]

Who Said What

• Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon: The IBR Program now has the clarity it needs to advance and position us to build a safer, multimodal river crossing and corridor that will serve both states for generations. [1]
• Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington: A fixed span bridge has overwhelming support from the maritime industry, businesses and community groups. This is the right decision for our economy, and for commuters who use this bridge every day. I appreciated meeting with Coast Guard leadership to present our case in person. I look forward to continuing our progress to replace this 108-year-old bridge. [1]
• Greg Johnson, Former IBR leader: Your hedge against inflation and escalation is getting things started. If you keep kicking the can down the road, you will be buried by these inflation and escalation costs. [1]
• Thuy Tran, Oregon State Representative: Oregon needs every single penny it can muster in its general fund and directed to programs that will help Oregonians. And if this project is not viable at this time, we need to know about it so that we can redirect, we can ask for other options, right? It's not written in stone. [5]

Key Facts

• SODO buzz builds ahead of Seahawks playoff return: Seattle’s SODO neighborhood around Lumen Field was buzzing Friday as the city counted down to a divisional-round playoff game. Across the street, Pro Image Sports was unboxing and hanging fresh Seahawks gear. The store displayed more than 50 new hat styles and a range of division-champ merch and jerseys from throwbacks to blackout designs, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba items among the most popular. Managers said they are stocking up now for this weekend and what comes next. [1]
• Pro Image Sports shelves fresh Seahawks gear: Staff unboxed tees, hats and jerseys inside the storefront facing the stadium. The merchandise includes 50-plus new hat designs and division-champ and throwback jerseys, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba gear drawing steady attention. Franchise hats are designed with New Era, and officials say the stock approach is meant to meet demand beyond Saturday. [1]
• Pioneer Tacos & Tequila gears up for weekend rush: Owner Joe Piano said the restaurant was cleaning up and getting ready for the crowds as Seattle anticipated a citywide surge for major events. He compared the moment to the year the team went to the Super Bowl, signaling a high level of anticipation for the weekend. The business also prepared to serve more customers as crowds pour into Hawk Alley and surrounding areas. [1]
• Hawk Alley volunteers prep for game-day cleanup: We Heart Seattle volunteers joined with gloves and bags to pick up trash along South Royal Brougham Way ahead of game day. Captain Seahawk Wallace Watts said the area’s tailgate energy had faded in recent years and that the cleanup is meant to revive it. The effort aims to ensure the neighborhood looks ready for the anticipated turnout. [1]
• Community effort aims to revive tailgate culture around stadium: The coordinated preparations by shops, restaurants and volunteers reflect a broader push to re-energize the area around kickoff. The weekend setup shows how playoff excitement can ripple through the SODO corridor, turning a single game into a neighborhood-wide effort to welcome fans. [1]

Who Said What

• Joe Piano, Owner, Pioneer Tacos & Tequila: "I haven't seen hype like this since what the year we went to the Super Bowl." [1]
• Wallace Watts, Captain Seahawk, Hawk Alley superfan: "The life and blood of a Hawk Alley has been gone for so long. It's time to bring it back." [1]
• Wallace Watts, Captain Seahawk, Hawk Alley superfan: "Either sit on the internet and complain or get your butt here, grab some gloves, grab a tong and start picking stuff up." [1]

Key Facts

• Six UW students launch Seattle Seasoning Co: Six University of Washington students formed Seattle Seasoning Co. as part of the Creating a Company course in the Foster School of Business. The endeavor grew from late-night brainstorming about entrepreneurship and cooking, and the profits are directed back to the program to support future student entrepreneurs. [1]
• Seattle Seasoning Co. now has a website with online orders: The team operates a website with online ordering, maintains an Instagram, and runs in-person pop-up shop sales as part of building the brand and reaching customers. [2]
• Two main products priced at $10: The lineup features Northwest Nooch and Rainy Day Ranch, each priced at ten dollars. Northwest Nooch is described as smoky, and both blends are vegan and gluten-free. [1]
• Nutritional yeast is the star ingredient: Nutritional yeast is highlighted as the star ingredient, noted for its plant-based protein and iron content, aligning with the team’s nutrition-conscious approach for budget-minded meals. [1]
• All profits go back to the UW entrepreneurship program: The founders emphasize that profits support the Foster School of Business entrepreneurship program to fund future student ventures. [1]
• Next pop-up at Green Lake Park on Jan 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m: The next pop-up event is scheduled for Green Lake Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan 17, with online ordering available through the website. [1]

Who Said What

• Hannah Yi, Co-founder, Seattle Seasoning Co: We pitch to investors and we go out and sell. All the profits go back to the program. [1]

Key Facts

• Axe-wielding thief steals $30K in rare Pokémon cards in Everett: Surveillance shows the break-in at MuGu Games on Evergreen Way at 12:49 a.m. on Jan. 8. A masked suspect dressed in black kicks a display case, then uses an axe to smash it and grab items. The thief fled with a backpack full of cards before Everett police responded. [1]
• Prized PSA 10 Pikachu among the loot: Among the stolen items was a PSA 10 Ooyama’s Pikachu from the Vending Machine Series, valued at about $4,000. The store’s vintage and specialty cards in the case ranged from $21 to several thousand dollars. The thief appeared familiar with the store, targeting only that display. [1]
• Store has a history of break-ins, owner says: Owner Mike Doran said MuGu Games has endured four smash-and-grab thefts, including this incident, plus an armed robbery in 2022 and an attempted break-in two years ago. He noted he has owned the business for 15 years. [1]
• Similar thefts reported across western Washington: The Everett case mirrors a regional pattern of card-shop thefts, with other outlets like Meeples Games reporting losses tied to similar incidents. [1]
• Public urged to contact Everett Police: Everett Police asked anyone with information to contact the department as the investigation continues. [1]

Who Said What

• Riley Bushong, MuGu Games cashier and Pokémon expert: "It's just so sad," she said. "People are just trying to make a quick buck off of something that most people just love." Getting it replaced unfortunately isn't really an option, there is no way to replace what has happened. We have to wait to buy it again and just put more money into it. This is, at this point, just a total loss for us. As an employee, obviously it hurts. It hurts the store, it hurts us, it hurts everybody," she said. "But as a collector myself, and someone who's part of the community, it breaks my heart." [1]

Key Facts

• Ben Conklin spotted as Darnold lookalike during Seahawks game: During last month’s Seahawks game against the Carolina Panthers, cameras caught the 27-year-old Ben Conklin in the stands wearing a Sam Darnold jersey. The moment quickly went viral as broadcasters and fans dubbed him 'Stan Darnold'. [1]
• Conklin embraces lookalike, buys a jersey: The moment sparked a personal reaction from Conklin: when he joined the Seahawks, he told his wife they would buy a jersey to lean into the joke. He grew up in Maltby, Washington and now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. He says the resemblance has been a running family gag, and his fantasy football handle has been 'Discount Darnold'. [1]
• Seahawks help send video message to Darnold: The viral moment reached the Seahawks organization, which helped Conklin record a video message addressed to Darnold ahead of the playoffs. In the clip, Conklin introduces himself as 'Stan' and congratulates Darnold on a strong season. [3]
• Darnold replies with signed jersey: Darnold sent a response and included a jersey reading 'To Ben, my ginger brother.' Conklin says he is a fan of redheads in the NFL, noting his Panthers Darnold jersey history as part of the story. [4]
• Conklin to attend next Seahawks game: Conklin plans to be back in the stands this weekend at Lumen Field cheering for the Seahawks. He said he is excited and that his marriage in October last year makes this moment a tough act to top. It stands as a dream moment for a devoted fan. [1]

Who Said What

• Ben Conklin, Seahawks fan: "The minute he joined the Seahawks, the first thing I did was tell my wife, 'We’re getting a jersey, we’re leaning into this. This is fun'." [1]
• Ben Conklin, Seahawks fan: "It’s been a running joke in my family and a lot of my friends that I really look like Sam. My fantasy football name for a long time has been 'Discount Darnold.' So when the broadcast picked up the similarity, it felt perfect — so vindicating." [1]
• Ben Conklin, Seahawks fan: "Hey Sam, it’s Stan here. Congratulations on a fantastic 2025 season and taking down the number one overall seed in the NFC." [3]
• Ben Conklin, Seahawks fan: "Definitely a big fan of him. Honestly, any redheads in the NFL — I’m always a big fan. Before he even joined the Seahawks, I had a Carolina Panthers Sam Darnold jersey just because I gotta rep my redheads." [4]
• Ben Conklin, Seahawks fan: "I’ll be there on Saturday, so I’m pretty excited. I got married in October of last year, so that’s going to be pretty impossible to top. But I think this is going to be a pretty strong second — more than I could ever dream for as a die-hard Seahawks fan." [1]

Key Facts

• Shelter at Rizal Park demolished for safety concerns: Crews tore down the picnic shelter after years of complaints about drug activity, citing rotting wood and fire risks as the primary reasons for demolition. [1]
• Volunteer describes daily misuse of the cabana: Genevieve Courtney, a park steward, said the shelter was taken over and used for drug use, drug dealing, prostitution, and some people were living in it. [1]
• Encampments acknowledged; outreach preceded fencing: Staff worked with the Unified Care Team to conduct outreach before fencing went up in December; the park remains open except for areas fenced off, with removal of the structure beginning last week and fencing slated to come down in February. [1]
• Restroom under construction; opening planned for fall 2026: A new two-stall restroom is being built and is expected to open by fall 2026; the upper park and parking lot will stay closed during the construction. [1]
• Future park upgrades include art, play area and seating: The city plans painting classes, a new play area and enhanced seating to improve accessibility and views; community feedback sessions on the play area are planned for early 2026, with additional funding sought for upper-park upgrades. [1]
• Deeper issues at the park noted in external coverage: Officials note that deeper issues at the park have been well documented, with external reporting referenced to illustrate ongoing safety concerns. [2]

Who Said What

• Genevieve Courtney, Volunteer park steward: "A bunch of folks took over the cabana," Courtney said. "Drug use, drug dealing, prostitution, and some were living in it." [1]
• Larry Miers, Neighbor across the street: "I'm glad they're doing something," he said, adding that he is curious to see what happens and if it makes a difference. [1]

Key Facts

• San Juan County adopts 32-hour work week: The county implemented a four-day, eight-hour schedule and made it official after a two-year pilot. The policy keeps pay unchanged and aims to maintain productivity. It marks San Juan County as the first in the state to adopt the measure. [1]
• Dispatcher Venegas embraces four-day week: Venegas, a county dispatcher, works four eight-hour shifts with Fridays off. She says she feels energized on Mondays and sees this as her normal routine. The arrangement is part of the county's broader shift to a four-day week. [1]
• Work-life balance improves for workers: Officials report 83% of workers improved work-life balance, 18% fewer sick days, and a 216% increase in applicants. The county also cites $2 million in taxpayer savings over two years. The data suggest strong benefits for families and the public purse. [1]
• Nationwide trend grows; more adopt 32 hours: Nationwide interest in the model is rising. About 5% of employers offer the 32-hour week, and another 15% are testing or considering it. The trend has roughly doubled in recent years. [1]
• Policy seen as scalable to larger counties: County manager Jessica Hudson says the policy is here to stay in San Juan County and argues it can work elsewhere where there is less redundancy and more potential for efficiency of scale. The schedule's implementation is intended to show that productivity does not have to shrink when hours are reduced. [1]

Who Said What

• Kelsey Venegas, County Dispatcher: "I'm usually energized on a Monday morning to handle what it's gonna throw at us." [1]
• Kelsey Venegas, County Dispatcher: "This is my normal." [1]
• Kelsey Venegas, County Dispatcher: "It eased the parenting guilt knowing I can still be present for school events on Fridays. I currently volunteer for the PTO on Fridays and I'm just more present in the kids' lives." [1]
• Kelsey Venegas, County Dispatcher: "I would never go back! Honestly, I can only look for more flexibility moving forward. I would never go backwards." [1]
• Jessica Hudson, San Juan County Manager: "The 32-hour work week is here to stay in San Juan County." [1]
• Jessica Hudson, San Juan County Manager: "Because we can do it here where there's not as much redundancy or duplication of efforts across employees. Larger jurisdictions may be even more able to implement this because they have efficiency of scale." [1]

Key Facts

• Huff sidelined 4-8 weeks with knee injury: The left knee injury occurred in practice, and Gonzaga athletics said he will be out 4-8 weeks. The team is hopeful he can return this season. [1]
• Announcement came ahead of Washington State game: Gonzaga athletics confirmed to KREM 2 sports the injury update ahead of Thursday's game against Washington State, signaling the team-wide nature of the news. [1]
• Huff is described as a star forward: The article refers to Huff as a star forward for Gonzaga, underscoring the significance of his absence for the Bulldogs' rotation and plans. [1]

Key Facts

• Wenatchee family files suit over suicide: A Wenatchee family filed a lawsuit against the state alleging recklessness and negligence led to their son Alex Taylor's suicide at Eastern State Hospital in May 2023. The suit accuses the Department of Social and Health Services of reckless disregard. Taylor, 27, had been a patient there and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. [1]
• Unlocked doors let bottle access: The lawsuit says Taylor obtained a glass Starbucks bottle from a room that should have been locked; locks were not working. Staff confiscated the bottle, but four days later he got another bottle through unlocked doors. [1]
• Self-harm in shower led to death: Investigators say Taylor broke the bottle and repeatedly cut himself in the shower, bleeding for two hours before he was found and could not be saved. [1]
• Alleged 15-minute checks not followed: The complaint asserts hospital staff were supposed to check on Taylor every 15 minutes, a standard the suit says was not followed. [1]
• Phone call to family described as abrupt: David Taylor recalled the moment he was told of his son's death, saying it arrived 'out of the blue' in a phone call from Eastern State Hospital. The call described as abrupt underscores concerns about notification practices in crisis moments. [1]
• Family cites longer-term context and reactions: Taylor's father noted his engineering degree and woodworking with his father, while his stepmother said the diagnosis contributed to his wish not to live with it. The family hopes the suit will prompt changes to protect future patients. [1]

Who Said What

• David Taylor, Father of Alex Taylor: "Out of the blue. Then he just says, 'This is so-and-so at Eastern State Hospital, and Alex had a little accident today, and he got cut quite badly, and now he's deceased.'" This account illustrates how suddenly such notifications are delivered and underscores concerns about crisis communication. [1]
• Colleen Taylor, Stepmother of Alex Taylor: "Once Alex found out that he was diagnosed, he just didn’t want to live with it." This remark highlights the impact of schizophrenia diagnosis on the patient’s outlook. [1]
• Colleen Taylor, Stepmother of Alex Taylor: "He was there to be protected and helped, and you didn’t do either one." This statement emphasizes the family's belief that safety measures failed. [1]

Key Facts

• Snohomish family files federal lawsuit against Roblox: The family filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging Roblox allowed manipulation and grooming of their 12-year-old daughter in October 2023. The interaction began on the platform and escalated through grooming tactics described in the complaint. The filing marks a notable dispute over platform safety and accountability. [1]
• Predator targeted child inside Roblox and coerced explicit images: The complaint says an adult man identified the girl in a Roblox game, falsely claiming to be a peer, and used well-documented grooming tactics to build trust and manipulate the child into sending explicit images. He allegedly threatened consequences if she refused. This description underscores the alleged pattern of abuse within the platform. [1]
• Lawsuit situates case within national pattern of abuse on platforms: Attorneys say more than 40 similar cases have been filed nationwide, reflecting a recurring set of grooming tactics on Roblox. The family frames the suit as part of a broader effort to hold platforms accountable for safeguarding children online. [1]
• Roblox defends safety measures and industry collaboration: Roblox said it prioritizes safety with policies that are stricter than many platforms, including limited chat for younger users, no user-to-user image sharing, and filters to block personal information. The company said it is continually improving safety tools and pursuing industry-wide standards, including a facial age estimation policy for communications features, and partnerships with law enforcement and safety groups such as Lantern and ROOST. [1][4][5]
• Legal questions center on platform liability as a product vs neutral platform: Experts say the case could hinge on whether Roblox should be treated as a neutral platform or as a product designed for children, a framing that could affect liability and the safeguards providers are expected to implement. [1]

Who Said What

• Jamie Powers, Attorney with Dolman Law Group representing the family: We have over 40 cases now filed all over the country, and the facts read almost verbatim. You have a predator using Roblox to prey on a young child. [1]
• Steve Tapia, Professor at Seattle University School of Law: The parents and the people that are bringing the lawsuits are trying to claim, no, you’re a product, and as a product you bear liability, like if I was putting out a defective car or a defective drug or any of those kinds of things, you're strictly liable for the results of that. If you’re going to maintain a playground, you have a responsibility to make sure there aren’t flamethrowers or pointed sticks lying around. [1]

Key Facts

• Overnight bus pilot links downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac: Sound Transit will launch a pilot overnight service starting March 28, with buses running about every 30 minutes from midnight to 4 a.m. The plan expands 24-hour access to the region’s main air hub and aims to prepare for an expected influx of visitors for the FIFA World Cup. The route will begin with Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Tukwila International Boulevard before serving downtown in a pattern similar to light rail stations. [1][2]
• World Cup prompts overnight service planning: The external FIFA World Cup link is used to frame the context for adding overnight service this summer to accommodate visitors. [2]
• Stops include Sea-Tac, Tukwila Boulevard, then downtown stations: The pilot will start with Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Tukwila International Boulevard before continuing to downtown in a sequence that includes SODO, Stadium, Chinatown-International District, Pioneer Square, Symphony and Westlake. [1]
• Dow Constantine emphasizes flexibility for World Cup crowds: Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine says the pilot provides expanded flexibility for airport passengers and employees as Seattle prepares to welcome visitors during the FIFA World Cup. [1][2]
• Final stops and schedules to be announced closer to launch: Sound Transit states that more information about final stops and schedules will be released closer to the March 28 start date. [1]

Who Said What

• Dow Constantine, Sound Transit CEO: "While our proposed regional overnight bus network is still in development, adding this pilot now provides expanded flexibility for airport passengers and employees as we prepare to welcome the world during the FIFA World Cup." [1][2]

Key Facts

• Olympia man arrested for unlawful disposal of remains: An Olympia man was arrested on suspicion of unlawful disposal of human remains after a death investigation in southeast Thurston County. Deputies responded to a report of a deceased man near Lindsay Road Southeast and 153rd Avenue Southeast outside of Yelm and found injuries to the head and torso. Investigators say the decedent did not die at the location and may have been pulled from a vehicle and dumped in the area. The investigation continues as detectives pursue how the remains ended up where they were found. [1]
• Deceased man found with head and torso injuries near Yelm: Deputies arrived around 3 p.m. and found the man with injuries to the head and torso. They determined the death did not occur at that location. The sheriff's office said the body likely came from a vehicle and was dumped in the area. [1]
• Detectives link RV-dwelling suspect to death: Detectives learned the decedent may have been living nearby with another man in an RV. Evidence connected the man's home and vehicle to the death investigation, leading to his custody. Investigators say the discovery shaped the path to arrest. [1]
• Gun found; suspect prohibited from owning firearms: Probable cause documents say there was no indication the decedent was killed, but the other man unlawfully disposed of the remains. Detectives also found a gun on the property that the man was legally prohibited from owning because of prior convictions. Investigators are examining whether the gun played a role in the case. [1]
• Custody Jan 13; bail set at $50,000; first appearance: The suspect was taken into custody on Jan. 13. At his first appearance, a judge set bail at $50,000 and ordered pre-trial services supervision. KING 5 has not named the man because charges have not yet been filed. [1]
• Investigation remains active; tips sought via email: Investigation remains active and investigators are seeking information. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact detectives via the email address provided. The case centers on how the remains were disposed and who was involved. Detectives continue gathering evidence at the scene and following leads. [1][2]

Key Facts

• Port Orchard teen located safe after disappearance: Police say the 15-year-old who had been missing for more than a month has been found and is safe. She was last seen getting into a car on Dec. 10, 2025, and investigators believe she may have been heading toward Seattle. Authorities did not immediately release where or how she was located, or whether anyone is in custody. [1]
• Last seen entering a car on Dec. 10, 2025: The 15-year-old was last seen getting into a car on Dec. 10, 2025. Police believe she may have been on her way to Seattle. No details were released about where she was located, how she was found, or whether anyone is in custody. [1]
• Police identified a person of interest in disappearance: Port Orchard police had identified a person of interest in her disappearance. No information about the person’s identity or any potential arrest was released. The status of the investigation remained unclear. [1]
• Details about recovery location and custody not released: There were no immediate details provided about where and how she was found or whether anyone is in custody. The article did not provide further updates. [1]

Key Facts

• Varsity Theater to close after 86-year run in University District: Far Away Entertainment announced the decision on Wednesday, ending the theater's 86-year presence in Seattle's University District. The final shows are scheduled for Jan. 15, with most of the interior to remain intact. The company cited a changing film landscape and rising operating costs as factors in the closure. [1]
• Streaming shifts and rising costs cited as closure drivers: Janet Mulka, Far Away's operations manager, said the industry increasingly favors streaming over traditional releases, which hurts theater revenue. She also pointed to Seattle's minimum wage rules and other cost increases that complicate sustaining dwindling audiences. [1]
• Line forms outside Varsity ahead of closure: As the closure announcement circulated, a small line formed outside the theater during the 6:40 p.m. show on Wednesday. Mulka noted the theater's typical lack of lines while helping behind the counter. [1]
• Varsity was among Far Away's top performing venues that day: Mulka described the Varsity as one of the top performing venues in Far Away Entertainment's portfolio on Wednesday, underscoring a paradox of strong performance amid looming closure. [1]
• Buyer could preserve Varsity's history, if one steps forward: Mulka said there is room for growth in the building and expressed hope that a buyer will come forward to preserve some of the Varsity Theater's history. [1]

Who Said What

• Janet Mulka, operations manager, Far Away Entertainment: "I walk into theaters now and sometimes there's just one or two people in the theater and it breaks my heart." [1]
• Janet Mulka, operations manager, Far Away Entertainment: "There are times we play a movie on opening weekend and by Monday, it's streaming. That's huge for the industry worldwide. We're all suffering from that." [1]
• Janet Mulka, operations manager, Far Away Entertainment: "There's so much room for growth in this building. It would be sad for no one to step forward and say, 'I wanna give it a shot.'" [1]

Key Facts

• Kelowna store hosts 1,500-box Seahawks tribute: Eric Falkenberg, a Save-On-Foods employee for 28 years, built a towering Seahawks-themed installation using roughly 1,500 soda boxes inside the Kelowna store. The project honors the Seattle Seahawks and has attracted curious shoppers and plenty of photos. Falkenberg is locally known for his elaborate, large-scale builds. [1]
• Display draws crowds and Seahawks fans: The installation has drawn crowds of curious shoppers and photos, with many visitors arriving in Seahawks gear. The spectacle has turned the store into a temporary gathering point for local fans. Customers have engaged with the display, helping to amplify its visibility in the community. [1]
• Builder has a history of large-scale builds: Falkenberg has worked at Save-On-Foods for 28 years and is known for elaborate projects. Past efforts include recreations of pop culture icons, as well as a Coca-Cola semi-truck made from about 5,000 soda cases. He often creates these displays at home before transporting them to the store. [1]
• Construction involves folding and assembling at home: All the boxes arrive flat, so Falkenberg folds them into square boxes and assembles the display in sections. Once completed, the pieces are transported from his home to the Save-On-Foods location to be set up. The process requires careful planning and coordination to maintain structural integrity. [1]
• Eight-year planning and timing linked to a win: The Seahawks display had been in the planning stages for nearly eight years. After Seattle secured a dramatic overtime win over the Rams, Falkenberg decided it was time to bring the idea to life. The decision reflects the timing of the team’s momentum and fan enthusiasm. [1]
• Display set to stay through the season with playoff hopes: Falkenberg plans to keep the installation up for the duration of the season, hoping Seattle’s playoff run extends to the Super Bowl. The display serves as a tribute to the team and as a focal point for fans during a potentially deep postseason push. [1]

Who Said What

• Eric Falkenberg, Save-On-Foods Kelowna employee: "It’s been absolutely crazy," he said. "The customers absolutely love it. They’re fully engaged. Lots of pictures taken, lots of people coming in wearing their Seahawks gear." [1]

Key Facts

• Anti-NMDA encephalitis diagnosed in about 1 in 1.5 million annually: The illness is a rare, life-threatening brain inflammation with no widely accepted standard treatment. It affects roughly one person per 1.5 million people each year. Patients can experience intellectual changes, severe memory loss, seizures and, in some cases, death. The rarity helps explain why effective therapies have lagged. [2][1]
• Brain on Fire raises awareness of the disorder: The disorder gained public visibility through the bestselling autobiography Brain on Fire, which the article notes became a Netflix film. The story has helped bring attention to anti-NMDA encephalitis among clinicians and the public. This connection underscores why media coverage matters for rare diseases. [3][1]
• OHSU study targets receptor sites that may reverse progression: Researchers identified neurotransmitter receptor areas in the brain that, if blocked, could reverse the disease’s progression. The work followed postdoctoral fellow Junhoe Kim’s comparison of anti-NMDA receptor autoantibodies in mice and humans. The findings appeared in a study reported by the institution. [4][1]
• Utah-led trial seeks best treatment regimens: University of Utah Health researchers are leading a five-year clinical trial on anti-NMDA encephalitis to determine effective immune-modulating regimens. Current therapies, which suppress the immune system, do not always work and can be followed by relapse. The study aims to clarify optimal approaches amid the absence of FDA-approved treatments. [5][1]
• FDA has not approved treatments yet; discovery could spur drug development: There is no FDA-approved therapy for the disorder as of now. The Oregon researchers’ discovery may open the door for drug companies to develop therapeutics that target the disease’s binding sites. That potential marks a shift from broad immune suppression toward targeted interventions. [1]

Key Facts

• CWU student tests positive for measles: The Central Washington University student was exposed while traveling within the United States and began showing symptoms on Jan 8. They traveled to Spokane and tested positive on Jan 13. The Kittitas County Public Health Department says it is coordinating with partners to trace contacts and limit exposures. [1]
• Exposure traced to CWU locations on Jan 8: Public health officials published exposure windows for Jan 8 at CWU Dining Lion Rock station in the SURC, the Lion Rock dining station in the SURC, and International Aviation Management in the Samuelson Building, with times from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. [1]
• Jan 9 exposure window identified at flight center: On Jan 9, exposure times were 12:08 p.m.–2:08 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. at the CWU flight training center, indicating additional potential contacts. [1]
• Public health urges unvaccinated to call: Kittitas County Public Health Department asks unvaccinated individuals who were at the listed locations during the specified times to call 509-933-8301 to report possible exposure. [1]
• Measles surge nationwide in 2025: Officials note more than 2,100 measles cases were reported across the United States in 2025, the highest level since 1992. [1]
• Two-dose MMR vaccine offers best protection: The health department emphasizes that the best protection against measles is the two-shot MMR vaccine. [1]

Key Facts

• Bainbridge principal arrested for DUI and license suspension: Kristina Rodgers was stopped by Poulsbo police around 9:40 p.m. on Jan. 12 after speeding in a 34 mph zone. An officer reported an obvious odor of alcohol, flushed cheeks, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. A juvenile family member sat in the middle passenger seat. Rodgers refused field sobriety tests and was taken to the Poulsbo Police Department for a breath test; two tests showed BAC below the legal limit, but the officer noted more than an hour had elapsed since the stop. DOL records showed her license was suspended or revoked. [1]
• Charges filed for DUI and license suspension the next day: Rodgers was charged Jan. 13 with DUI and driving while license suspended or revoked. The Bainbridge Island School District said it will implement interim administrative coverage. Superintendent Amii Thompson said it is too early to determine whether the charges breach her contract, and that any next steps will involve district leadership, legal counsel, and established procedures and state law. [1]
• BAC below legal limit but timing cited in probable cause: Probable cause documents note Rodgers’ BAC was below 0.080 on breath tests, but more than an hour had passed since the stop. Authorities cite guidance from Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about typical alcohol dissipation rates, which can affect impairment assessments even when BAC is under the legal limit. [1]

Who Said What

• Amii Thompson, Bainbridge Island School District Superintendent: "it's too early to say if the charges violate Rodgers' contract." [1]
• Amii Thompson, Bainbridge Island School District Superintendent: "When we do determine what next steps need to occur it would be in consultation with district leadership and legal counsel and established procedures and state law," Thompson said. [1]

Key Facts

• Anthony’s buys Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor: Anthony’s Restaurants confirmed it will acquire the waterfront landmark, with the sale expected to close in coming weeks. The parties describe it as an ownership change only and say the restaurant’s name, staff and menu will be preserved as the deal proceeds. [1]
• Owner pledges Tides will remain the Tides: Owner Dylan Stanley said the restaurant will be the same and that staff from the current team are expected to transfer with the business, aiming for continuity for guests who know the place. He emphasized that customers should not notice major changes. [1]
• Patrons line up ahead of change: On a busy afternoon, parking lot was full and customers traveled from nearby and far to enjoy longtime favorites, signaling strong loyalty even as some questioned what the sale might bring. [1]
• Sale framed to preserve landmark and community: Anthony’s said acquiring Tides will help steward a longtime gathering place on Gig Harbor’s waterfront, reinforcing the partnership with a regional seafood brand and promising to keep Tides operating as it is through completion. [1]
• Stanley cites family time as reason to sell: Stanley said ownership has been a nonstop lifestyle and that selling will allow him to focus more on family, while still ensuring the Tides experience remains intact for guests. [1]

Who Said What

• Dylan Stanley, owner: "I think people just need to know that Tides is going to be the Tides." [1]
• Dylan Stanley, owner: "Everybody knows that. Everybody wants that: my management team, hopefully all my staff are coming over, and it's just going to be the same. Nobody should notice a lot of difference." [1]
• Dylan Stanley, owner: "It’s not a white tablecloth, linen-napkin place. We’re a bar." [1]
• Patty Rakes, customer: "We heard that they were switching hands. We also love Anthony’s, but decided go before they change." [1]
• Patty Rakes, customer: "They say nothing’s going to change. I heard that too, but you never know." [1]

Key Facts

• McNeal pleads guilty to manslaughter and assault: James Gregory McNeal, 58, admitted to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault in the death of a 20-year-old Seattle woman, Liliya Guyvoronsky, in 2024. He stated that he strangled her on April 29, 2024, and caused her death by suffocation; the two were intimate partners at the time. He was originally charged with second-degree murder. [1]
• Prosecutors seek high end of sentencing ranges: Under state sentencing guidelines, the standard ranges are 95 to 125 months for manslaughter and 12 to 14 months for the assault. Prosecutors said they intend to seek the high end of both ranges. The plea aims to deliver accountability without a trial. [1]
• Police respond after reporting probable homicide: Police were called to a home near South Orchard Street after McNeal contacted an attorney reporting a likely homicide. He exited the home with blood on his clothing and cuts to his wrists before being taken to Harborview Medical Center. Investigators later found Guyvoronsky dead in her bed, believed to have been dead for at least 24 hours. [1]
• Advocates stress domestic violence prevalence and resources: Judy Chen of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence described Guyvoronsky as a young woman seeking independence and emphasized that domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse are prevalent. She highlighted statewide resources and the availability of help through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. [1]
• McNeal previously served on Bothell City Council: McNeal served two terms on the Bothell City Council and lost his re-election bid in 2023. Sentencing in the case has not yet been scheduled. [1]

Who Said What

• Casey McNerthney, Spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office: "We wanted some clear accountability here that would bring a long sentence, and, ultimately, the low end of the range for murder two for this defendant was 10 years, and, now, the high end that we're asking for for manslaughter is also 10 years," said Casey McNerthney. This saves a family having to go through the trial. [1]
• Judy Chen, Executive Director, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: "She was really just a kid who was trying to become an independent young woman. She didn't deserve to be treated the way that she was. She didn't deserve to be harmed." Chen emphasized the prevalence of domestic violence and noted that resources are available statewide. [1]

Key Facts

• WA bill targets retail nitrous oxide: A new bill filed in the state legislature would ban the retail sale of nitrous oxide. State Sen. Drew Hansen and State Rep. Joe Timmons introduced SB 6169 and its companion HB 2532. Lawmakers argue the measure would curb injuries from trying to get high on nitrous oxide products such as Galaxy Gas. [1]
• Study links rising nitrous oxide deaths: The bill cites a 2025 study showing deaths from nitrous oxide poisoning climbed from 23 in 2010 to 156 in 2023. The rising toll is presented as evidence supporting the policy. The study is linked in the article as source [4]. [4]
• Lawmakers frame safety objective: Hansen notes harm from people attempting to get high on nitrous oxide, while Timmons calls the measure a commonsense step to protect the public from injury. The bill would leave exemptions for medical, dental, culinary and automotive uses. [1]
• NIH highlights health risks: The National Institutes of Health describes risks from abuse of nitrous oxide, including potential vitamin B12 deficiency and related blood disorders, which the article flags as justification for tighter controls. [5]
• FDA advisory underscores regulatory risk: The FDA issued an advisory warning consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products in relation to safety concerns tied to abuse. [6]
• Louisiana prohibition signals policy trend: The article notes that Louisiana banned retail nitrous oxide in 2024, making Washington’s potential ban a step toward a second state adopting such a prohibition. [7]

Who Said What

• Drew Hansen, State Senator, D-Bainbridge Island: "We are seeing real problems with people getting hurt trying to get high on Galaxy Gas and other nitrous oxide products. These aren't safe, and we're going to ban their sale in Washington state." [1]
• Joe Timmons, State Representative, D-Bellingham: "This legislation is a commonsense step to protect people from serious injury and irreversible harm by stopping the sale of products that are being used to get high." [1]

Key Facts

• Hester becomes Washington's first female head coach in all-boys wrestling: Aynslee Hester was named head coach for Eastside Catholic's all-boys wrestling program, making her the first woman to hold that post in Washington. The Mount Si graduate, nationally ranked in high school and a Colorado Mesa University wrestler on scholarship, returned home to revitalize a program that had suffered from poor retention. Her appointment signals a cultural shift as the program seeks to improve its on-mat results and culture. [1]
• Hester emphasizes technical, chess-like coaching: She describes wrestling as a chess game, focusing on technique and smart preparation. Her approach centers on deep film study and precise movements to raise performance. This marks a shift toward a more technical, methodical training culture in the program. [1]
• Being the only girl on a full men's team presents challenges: Hester says gender has not blocked her path; instead, it pushed her to work harder. She has grown up as the only girl on her own high school team, a perspective she draws on to lead male athletes. Her players say her leadership and dedication have begun to reshape the room. [1]
• Wrestlers praise her leadership and film-study routine: Senior Winston Montermoso says she cares about each wrestler and studies film to identify mistakes, not just watching matches. Ryan Murphy adds that the coaches invest in the athletes and that effort motivates the team to perform better. [1]
• Hester aims to recruit more girls next year: She wants to recruit more female wrestlers next year and points to women's wrestling as the fastest-growing sport in America. Hester argues that Washington can lead in expanding women’s roles in coaching and wrestling leadership, signaling broader cultural change. [1]

Who Said What

• Aynslee Hester, Head coach, Eastside Catholic wrestling: "Wrestling is my passion and having the opportunity to give back to the community is just something that I really enjoy doing." [1]
• Aynslee Hester, Head coach, Eastside Catholic wrestling: "Me personally, I just love the technical side of wrestling. I think about it like chess." [1]
• Aynslee Hester, Head coach, Eastside Catholic wrestling: "Being the only girl with a full men's team definitely has its own challenges, but that just pushed me to work harder." [1]
• Winston Montermoso, Senior wrestler: "Aynslee, she definitely really cares about you. She watches our film, right, she doesn't just watch our matches but she watches our film to see what we've done wrong." [1]
• Ryan Murphy, Senior wrestler: "The coaches put a lot of work into us. They care about us. They care about how we perform, so it puts a need to want to do better to help the team." [1]

Key Facts

• Harvey signs extension through 2028: Seattle Reign FC announced a multi-year extension for Laura Harvey through the 2028 NWSL season, keeping the coach who helped build the club. The move signals stability as the team plans for future seasons. Harvey is entering her 11th season with Seattle and 13th overall in the league, underscoring her deep ties to the program. [1]
• Harvey owns 113 regular-season wins: She holds the league record for regular-season victories with 113, a landmark that cements her status as the winningest coach in NWSL history. She is also the first coach to reach 100 wins. The extension reinforces her central role in Seattle's long-term ambitions. [1]
• Harvey is the longest-tenured NWSL coach: Her tenure in Seattle makes her the longest-serving head coach in the league's history, with 11 seasons in Seattle and 13 in the NWSL overall. That continuity has defined the Reign's playing style and culture. [1]
• Reign have three NWSL Shields: Under Harvey's leadership, Seattle has won three Shields (2014, 2015, 2022), tied for the most in league history. The club has reached three championship matches and made the playoffs in six of eight appearances. [1]
• Harvey is a three-time Coach of the Year: She earned NWSL Coach of the Year honors in 2014, 2015, and 2021, the most since the league's inception. During her tenure, 17 Reign players have combined for 34 Best XI selections. [1]
• 2025 season shows 16-point improvement: The Reign improved by 16 points in 2025, integrating new signings and developing young talent, several of whom earned their first international call-ups. [1]

Who Said What

• Lesle Gallimore, General Manager: "Laura sets the competitive standard for our entire program. She elevates players with intention and leads with clarity and consistency." Gallimore said this directly, signaling the program's emphasis on leadership and player development. [1]

Key Facts

• Port cancels Harcourt contract over delays: The Port of Bellingham ended its agreement with Harcourt Development due to delays and missed deadlines. The waterfront plan centers on 19 acres beginning with the Granary building, a century-old anchor property. The cancellation signals a delay of up to three years for a project that has stretched over a decade. The move abruptens the already long and complex redevelopment timeline. [1]
• Granary building sale signals shift in plan: The Granary building, a former chicken and egg co‑op now home to small businesses like Mercado Delle Bonta, is up for sale as Harcourt exits after fulfilling its commitments. Port officials say the contract termination reflects unmet schedule and performance targets in the master development agreement. The broader redevelopment remains on hold, with a potential three-year delay noted by planners. [1]
• Local business owner remains hopeful despite delays: Julia Tzortzatos, who opened Mercado Delle Bonta in the Granary, said she saw the area’s beauty and potential early on. She described the area’s evolution and the sense of opportunity that attracted her to the waterfront. She expressed optimism that the project will come together in the long run despite current setbacks. [1]
• Port official attributes cancellation to contract terms: Port of Bellingham official Mike Hogan said Harcourt built quality buildings but did not meet the schedule and performance requirements in the master development agreement. He framed the contract cancellation as a necessary step to keep the project on track and noted the community’s interest in a refreshed waterfront plan. [1]
• City moves forward with park, hotel and bar plans: Even with the setback, the city plans to open its largest waterfront park in about three years, add a new waterfront hotel, and welcome a whiskey bar at the container village this summer. Planners describe the delay as a kind of unplanned reset that could realign the project with residents’ evolving priorities. [1]
• 2016 bid documented by KING 5 cameras: A linked note in the article recalls that KING 5 cameras were present in 2016 when Harcourt won the bid and showcased early waterfront plans, underscoring how long the project has been under public scrutiny. [2]

Who Said What

• Julia Tzortzatos, Granary tenant and business owner: "We also saw everything that was going on down here and the potential that was coming," [1]
• Julia Tzortzatos, Granary tenant and business owner: "Going into it we imagined we'd be much further ahead at this point with the development of the area. So, obviously that's been a little challenging for us," [1]
• Julia Tzortzatos, Granary tenant and business owner: "It's really worth it even though it's a few years behind what we had originally been told and anticipated. We're in it for the long haul." [1]
• Mike Hogan, Port of Bellingham official: "Harcourt developed high quality buildings but didn't meet the schedule and performance requirements in the master development agreement." [1]
• Mike Hogan, Port of Bellingham official: "People here care strongly about the waterfront and I think they have a better sense of what they'd like to see here in the future now versus when we first started the project." [1]

Key Facts

• Blue Star Café & Pub to close permanently in Wallingford: The family-owned restaurant will serve its final meals next month. The Blue Star has anchored Seattle’s dining scene since the 1970s, with Morales’ father opening the first restaurant about 50 years ago and establishing Blue Star in Wallingford in 1996. Morales took over in 2009 when her father retired, saying it wasn’t a job but a passion. Rising costs for food, utilities, taxes, and other operating obstacles forced the difficult decision to close. [1]
• Morales calls closure emotionally hard and legacy driven: Morales described the closure as a legacy that will never be forgotten and said it is ingrained in people’s hearts, underscoring the personal toll of ending a family business. She presented the closure as a difficult but heartfelt step, reflecting on decades of community ties. [1]
• Community reaction shows shock and nostalgia: Customers expressed disbelief at the news, with one regular saying the restaurant always delivered something good and that they are heartbroken by the closing. The sentiment highlighted how Blue Star’s departure would leave a lasting void for locals. [1]
• Final day set for Feb. 1; replacement for site unclear: Blue Star’s last day of service is scheduled for Feb. 1, and it remains unclear what will replace the North 46th Street location after the restaurant closes. [1]
• Morales thanks staff, family and community: Morales expressed gratitude toward staff, family, and the community for decades of support, saying she will miss everybody but will treasure the memories.". [1]

Who Said What

• Wendy Morales, Owner: "It’s a legacy that will never be forgotten. It’s ingrained in people’s hearts." This shows the deep emotional and communal significance of Blue Star to its supporters. [1]
• Wendy Morales, Owner: "Closing up a legacy is very, very hard," she said, holding back tears. "This is definitely sad. But I’m happy for the memories, and I know they will be too." This reveals the personal toll of ending a family business while valuing the memories. [1]
• Regular customer, Customer: "You know you’re always going to get something good. I’ve never been disappointed here ever, so I’m heartbroken that it’s closing." This captures the community attachment and sense of loss among patrons. [1]

Key Facts

• Consultants warn Seattle OEM understaffed versus peers: A consultant-led assessment found the Office of Emergency Management has about 15 to 20 staffers, far fewer resources than comparable cities, and no direct authority over other departments such as police, fire or utilities. The findings come as emergencies grow more frequent and complex, prompting questions about the city’s preparedness. The assessment frames OEM as a central hub that may be strained by competing priorities. [1]
• OEM lacks direct authority over police, fire and utilities: The Office of Emergency Management does not send officers or firefighters into the field. It coordinates responses among city departments, runs the emergency operations center and educates residents about risks. The lack of direct control can complicate unified action during disasters. [1]
• Councilmember Kettle flags funding and coordination as two main challenges: Kettle highlighted two priority issues: securing sufficient funding for OEM and establishing clear command-and-control relationships between the mayor, departments and OEM. He emphasized the need to build effective partnerships across agencies to manage disasters. [1]
• World Cup crowds heighten risk of disruption, officials warn: Seattle is preparing for the FIFA World Cup, which will bring large crowds into the city. Officials warned that outages or transit failures could affect far more people than usual, stressing the importance of ready emergency coordination. [1]
• Recent weather events highlight Seattle's vulnerability: Officials pointed to a bomb cyclone in 2024 and ongoing weather patterns such as King tides, extreme heat and winter storms as reminders of strain on city systems. These events underscore the need for robust planning and recovery capabilities. [1]
• Experts urge staffing, training boosts and clearer authority; no votes yet: Consultants recommended adding staff, strengthening cross-department training, clarifying authority lines between OEM, the mayor’s office and other agencies, and emphasizing recovery planning. No votes or funding decisions occurred during the Tuesday meeting as leaders consider next steps. [1]

Who Said What

• Brian Murphy, Emergency management consultant who led the assessment: "Emergency management is getting drawn into issues like homelessness or climate adaptation and other things. But right now I think our recommendation would be for OEM to prepare for the World Cup, for the earthquake that might come, the winter storm. The more routine emergencies and challenges." This underscores the push to focus on major disasters while maintaining readiness for everyday risks. [1]
• Bob Kettle, Seattle City Council member and chair of the public safety committee: "There’s two main points. One is the funding piece. The other piece is really establishing the command and control, the relationships between the mayor and the departments and then between OEM and the departments." [1]
• Brian Murphy, Emergency management consultant who led the assessment: "We all want to be prepared. The Seattle Office of Emergency Management plays an important role in helping us understand what the risks are and what we can do at home to be ready." [1]

Key Facts

• Hearing on Senate Bill 5945 considers changing three-strikes law: Lawmakers heard emotional testimony on SB 5945, a measure to change Washington's three-strikes law. Under current law, three serious felony convictions can trigger a life sentence, including crimes committed as a teen. The bill would allow about two dozen inmates to ask a judge to revisit their life sentences. No vote was taken at the hearing, and lawmakers will decide later whether to move the measure forward. [1]
• Grieving granddaughter describes grandmother's death and victims' impact: Melanie Roberts spoke about her grandmother, an 80-year-old Seattle dog walker who was carjacked and killed in 2024, and urged lawmakers to consider victims' rights. She questioned whether changing outcomes would comfort victims if the offender was under 18 and highlighted the perpetrator's lengthy criminal history. [1]
• Supporters frame reform as fairness and equity: Proponents argue the change is a common-sense step toward equity in a justice system shaped by evolving science about youth development. Anthony Powers told the committee the bill is a commonsense measure for equity and fairness. [1]
• Official argues reform would remove mandatory life-without-parole for under-18 offenses: King County special counsel Katie Hurley said SB 5945 would stop judges from imposing mandatory life without parole for crimes committed before turning 18 and noted that Washington has moved to reflect brain development research in its criminal justice system. [1]
• No vote taken; bill status to be decided later: There was no vote on SB 5945 during the hearing, and lawmakers will decide later whether the measure advances. [1]

Who Said What

• Melanie Roberts, Victim’s granddaughter: "First of all I want you guys to think if you’ve ever known anybody who’s been impacted by a violent act?" [1]
• Melanie Roberts, Victim’s granddaughter: "Would it make it okay if the drunk driver, robber or rapist or murderer was under 18? Would the victim be any less violated, traumatized or dead? No, so if the outcome is same for the victims, why is it different for the perpetrators?" [1]
• Melanie Roberts, Victim’s granddaughter: "My grandmother doesn’t have a voice anymore; I’m her voice." [1]
• Anthony Powers, SB 5945 supporter: "I think this is common sense bill for equity and fairness in our system." [1]
• Katie Hurley, King County special counsel: "This bill will stop judges from being forced to sentence people to mandatory sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole due to an offense while the person was under the age of 18... Washington has made significant strides in making its criminal legal system to reflect the research we know about brain development and young peoples cognitive capacities." [1]

Key Facts

• Six 10-week-old puppies rescued after fentanyl overdose: Sky Valley Fire said three unresponsive puppies arrived at Station 54 in critical condition with respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Fire crews performed CPR, oxygen therapy, and naloxone to reverse possible opioid effects. Officials noted symptoms suggested environmental toxin exposure consistent with fentanyl. The puppies responded to treatment and were resuscitated. [1]
• Deputies locate home, find three more puppies: Deputies located the puppies’ home and found three additional animals severely ill. They were transported to Station 54 for emergency care alongside the first group. [1]
• All six puppies taken to Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital: All six were transported to Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital for further treatment. The hospital team provided additional care through the night and reported progress. [1]
• Night shift cared for puppies; vets led care: Dr. Murphy cared for the puppies on arrival and Dr. Amore continued their care overnight. ER nurses Jane F and Haylee B assisted with vitals and caregiving as the team worked. [1]
• Puppies recovering, hospital says: The Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital team reportedly worked through the night, and officials later said all six puppies are recovering as treatment continues. [1]

Key Facts

• Ilwaco volunteer fire chief arrested on child sex crimes: Jeffrey S. Archer, Ilwaco's volunteer fire chief, was arrested Jan. 9 in Pacific County. He faces 21 counts of first-degree child molestation, 10 counts of first-degree child rape, four counts of second-degree child molestation, and charges related to depictions and possession of minors in sexually explicit conduct. Archer was taken into custody and booked into Pacific County Jail. [1]
• Investigation tied to two underage cousins: Pacific County Sheriff's Office detectives began the case after reports of possible child molestation and rape. Investigators say the abuse occurred between 2013 and 2019, with Archer abusing two underage cousins while they were babysat by him. [1]
• Search warrant executed; Archer detained: On Jan. 9, deputies and partner agencies executed a search warrant at a home near Joe Johns Road and K Lane. Archer was taken into custody and booked into Pacific County Jail. [1]

Key Facts

• Express tolling begins on northbound SR 167 in Sumner: Express tolling is now in effect along the northbound SR 167 corridor through Sumner, with toll collection concentrated in the left express lane at SR 410. Tolls are dynamic and will vary from $1 to $15 based on traffic, with prices recalibrated every five minutes to reflect flow. Carpoolers and motorcycles can still use the carpool lane for free, but only if they have a valid Good To Go Pass to avoid charges. [2]
• Tolling begins specifically at SR 410 on Monday in the left express lane: The toll system is being introduced from the SR 410 point in the left express lane as the entry into the express tolling network. The article notes this starting point as the initial tolled segment, setting the pattern for further expansion along SR 167. [1]
• Carpoolers and motorcycles can use the carpool lane for free with a Good To Go Pass: Even as tolls apply in the express lanes, the carpool lane remains free for eligible vehicles. A Good To Go Pass is needed to ensure avoidance of express toll charges for qualifying users. [1]
• Tolls range from $1 to $15, with $2 billed by mail: The toll rate varies by traffic conditions, from a low of $1 to a high of $15. There is an extra $2 charge for customers who receive their bill by mail. [1]
• Rates are updated every five minutes based on traffic: Pricing is reassessed every five minutes to reflect current traffic conditions and maintain dynamic pricing. [1]
• No tolls during overnight hours: There are no tolls from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., per the express tolling schedule. [1]
• WSDOT offers free Flex Passes and Motorcycle Passes; promo code available: The state transportation agency is providing Flex Passes and Motorcycle Passes at no charge for now. A promo code for a free pass can be obtained through the GoodToGo167 site. [1][3]

Key Facts

• Puyallup protest targets Sheriff Swank over ICE stance: More than 100 people gathered Friday night in Puyallup for a peaceful demonstration near a Save Our Sheriffs Rally. The event featured Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank and former national security adviser Michael Flynn, and was hosted by the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and Experience Church. Indivisible Puyallup organized a counter-protest ahead of the rally to express concerns about Swank's immigration enforcement position. [1]
• Swank posts PSA on X about compliance: The article quotes Swank posting a message on X advising people to stop when police tell them to, and that they can sue later if rights were violated. The message argues about being dead right rather than right. [1]
• Indivisible organizer decries national trend as appalling: Erik Showacy, an organizer with Indivisible Puyallup, said the nationwide developments are appalling and helped organize the peaceful counter-protest to coincide with attendees arriving at the church. [1]
• Co-host cites Swank's ICE cooperation concerns: Julie Andrzejewski said Swank's statements about cooperating with ICE and deportations could violate Washington law restricting local law enforcement from assisting federal agencies. [1]
• Swank calls ICE restrictions unconstitutional; independent election: Swank argued that the restrictions are unconstitutional and highlighted that he is independently elected. [1]
• Rally features CSPAO leader and church pastor: Sam Bushman of the CSPAO and Dennis Cummins of Experience Church addressed the crowd, defending law enforcement and arguing for responsible policing. [1]

Who Said What

• Erik Showacy, Indivisible Puyallup organizer: What we are seeing across this nation is appalling to be honest. [1]
• Julie Andrzejewski, Co-host and protest organizer: We are concerned about the sheriff here in Pierce County who has been indicating that he want to cooperate with ICE and the deportations and that is against the law here in the state. [1]
• Julie Andrzejewski, Co-host and protest organizer: We feel strongly that ICE is completely out of control, We don’t want these people to be terrorized and we don’t want to be terrorized ourselves as you can see what happened in Minneapolis and now in Portland. [1]
• Sam Bushman, CEO, Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association: Sheriff Swank answers to the people of Pierce County, not to a governor, not to a bureaucrat in Washington, to the people who elected him in the state of Washington, the sheriff’s office is under threat. [1]
• Dennis Cummins, Senior pastor, Experience Church: We back the blue. We back law enforcement. Responsible policing is a big part of what we we believe in. Without law and order, there's chaos, and our public citizenry need protection. [1]
• Keith Swank, Pierce County Sheriff: Well, I know that’s unconstitutional. I’m independently elected. [1]
• Keith Swank, Pierce County Sheriff: PSA: if law enforcement tells you to stop. STOP. You can always sue later if your rights were violated. Even if you are right, do you want to be dead right? [1]

Key Facts

• WSU Athletics raises over $10 million for first phase of Gesa Field renovations: The funds will pay for a new video board, an upgraded audio system, and on-field lights at Gesa Field, the home of WSU football. The first phase is part of a multi-phase plan that could cost up to $12 million. Donors are funding the project, and the WSU Board of Regents approved the plan on November 14. [1]
• Total project cost capped at about $12 million: The renovations at Gesa Field are planned in multiple phases, with the initial phase accounting for a portion of the total and the full project potentially reaching $12 million. [1]
• Second phase to add turf and encircling video boards: After completing the first phase, the plan calls for a second phase featuring new turf and video display boards that encircle the stadium. [1]
• Second phase targeted for completion before 2027 season: WSU aims to finish the second-phase improvements before the 2027 football season. [1]
• Deadline to reach $10 million benchmark; fundraising ongoing: WSU Athletics had a December 15 deadline to reach the $10 million benchmark, and the department says it has raised over that amount as fundraising continues. [1]

Who Said What

• Jon Haarlow, Interim director of athletics: "We couldn’t be happier with our fan base for stepping up and making this commitment to our student-athletes and coaching staff," Jon Haarlow, interim director of athletics, said. This underscores the department's reliance on donor support and fans to fund improvements and boost game-day energy. [1]

Key Facts

• Marcelo Vargas-Fernandez sentenced to four years: A judge imposed a 48-month prison term for 16 counts tied to hidden cameras at Expedia offices and at his ex-wife's home. The sentence runs concurrently across counts, with 12 months of community custody after release. The plea agreement had proposed 48 months in prison with 36 months of community custody and required no contact with victims, sex offender registration, and a DNA sample. [1]
• Arrested February 1, 2024 after camera spotted in restroom: Marcelo Vargas-Fernandez was arrested outside his Lynnwood apartment on February 1, 2024, after an employee spotted a camera hidden under a toilet seat at Expedia offices. Police later found 15 additional spy cameras, 22 SD cards, and at least six hard drives with more than 20 terabytes of storage during a search. [1]
• Fourteen people secretly filmed by hidden cameras: Court documents state Vargas-Fernandez filmed 14 different people, with most cameras placed in bathrooms or under desks at Expedia. The investigation ties many of the recordings to work locations and private spaces. [1]
• Employee reported camera; security initially dismissed: An Expedia employee noticed a hidden camera in a restroom and alerted security, who initially believed it was a soap battery backup or music device and did not act on it immediately. The device was later deemed part of a pattern of covert recording. [1]
• Ex-wife among victims; violation of protection order and attempted contact: The people filmed included Vargas-Fernandez’s ex-wife, and investigators say he violated a sexual assault protection order by contacting her, including through family members. The case notes this as part of the broader voyeurism charges and domestic-violence context. [1]

Key Facts

• Discovery of mom photos found: Megan Dascher-Watkins found a box of photos while planning her mother Jill Burton-Dascher's memorial. Burton-Dascher died in 2021, deepening Dascher-Watkins' grief. The images include Jill with Stanley Ann Dunham, Obama's mother, from Mercer Island High School in the 1960s. She initially had no idea these pictures existed or their significance. [1]
• Images linked to Mercer Island High School era: The photos show Jill and Obama's mother as students at Mercer Island High School in the 1960s. KING 5 previously introduced viewers to the discovery in 2023. Dascher-Watkins sought to connect the keepsakes to Obama and his family, recognizing the shared experience of losing a mother young. She reached out to KING 5 to explore how to share the photos. [1]
• Obama library reaches out after coverage: After the initial news segment aired, Dascher-Watkins was contacted by people from the Obama library. She said she hoped the photos would reach Obama, his sister, and their children, linking her personal grief to a broader family history. The outreach marked the first direct link between the Stanwood discovery and the Obama family. [1]
• Obama Foundation approves acquisition for museum: A letter from the Obama Foundation stated the photos have been approved for acquisition and will be displayed in the presidential museum. Dascher-Watkins welcomed the decision as a way to honor her mother and connect a personal story to national history. She also expressed interest in attending the Obama Presidential Center grand opening in Chicago. [1]
• Personal significance and emotional bond: Dascher-Watkins described a deep personal link to the Obama family through shared loss and a belief that her mother belongs in history. She recalled feeling elated as she began processing grief, seeing the photos as a bridge to a larger narrative. The recognition of her mom in a national museum brings a sense of validation to her family. [1]
• Plans to attend Chicago opening and hopes to meet Oprah: She plans to travel to Chicago for the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening and joked about sitting next to Oprah, highlighting a personal dream amid the broader significance of the discovery. The story places a Stanwood woman's grief within a wider moment of presidential history. [1]

Who Said What

• Megan Dascher-Watkins, Stanwood resident; daughter of Jill Burton-Dascher: "I miss her so much." [1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][1][significance": "Her grief anchors the motivation to reclaim family memorabilia and seek public part in her mother's memory."}]
• Megan Dascher-Watkins, Stanwood resident; daughter of Jill Burton-Dascher: "Almost immediately after the first story aired on the news, I was contacted by the people from the Obama library." [1]
• Megan Dascher-Watkins, Stanwood resident; daughter of Jill Burton-Dascher: "I really wanted to get them to him and his sister and his kids. I truly had an understanding of Obama losing his mom at such a young age and knew how important the pictures were to me," [1]
• Megan Dascher-Watkins, Stanwood resident; daughter of Jill Burton-Dascher: "My mom would absolutely be over the moon." [1]
• Megan Dascher-Watkins, Stanwood resident; daughter of Jill Burton-Dascher: "I was elated because when I found the photos I had just started to work through my grief, and the thought of my mom being a part of history makes my heart sing," [1]
• Megan Dascher-Watkins, Stanwood resident; daughter of Jill Burton-Dascher: "Got my fingers crossed. I wanna sit next to Oprah," [1]
• Megan Dascher-Watkins, Stanwood resident; daughter of Jill Burton-Dascher: "Not that anybody's going to know who she is or even really care, but I do and that's amazing." [1]
• Obama Foundation, Organization: "approved for acquisition" [1]

Key Facts

• Families sue WSU over ignored predatory behavior: The families say Kohberger exhibited threatening, stalking and predatory behavior and that Washington State University did not act despite 13 formal complaints. They note Kohberger was a WSU criminology graduate student and employee, and say female students at WSU had to rely on security escorts because of fear of him. The suit was filed in Skagit County seeking a jury trial and damages. [1]
• Kohberger pleads guilty to Idaho murders: In July 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the killings of four University of Idaho students and is now serving a life sentence in the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. [2]
• Lawsuit cites university discussions of intervention: The filing says university employees discussed intervening in Kohberger's behavior, with one telling a coworker to email her '911' if she needed help because of him. [1]
• Lawsuit cites 13 formal complaints: The families say Kohberger's history included 13 formal complaints to WSU that the university failed to act on. [1]
• Families seek jury trial and damages: The families are asking for a jury trial and an undetermined amount of monetary damages from WSU. [1]
• Filing occurred in Skagit County, Washington: The lawsuit was filed in Skagit County, Washington. [1]

Who Said What

• Lawsuit, Plaintiffs' attorneys representing the families: "On November 13, 2022, a foreseeable -- and, in fact, predictable -- tragedy occurred when Kohberger entered the bedrooms of four undergraduate students and violently stabbed them to death." The families say the statement underscores the alleged foreseeability of the violence and the need for accountability. [1]

Key Facts

• More than 100 cats rescued Wednesday: Buckley police found the residence unsafe for the animals and three adults living there after a tip; all cats were removed, documented, and evaluated for health. [1]
• 36 kittens and five pregnant cats seized: Among the animals recovered were 36 kittens and five pregnant cats; some younger kittens show signs of malnourishment and respiratory issues, though most cats are in surprisingly good health. [1]
• Not a deliberate breeding operation, authorities say: Deputy Carly Cappeto said the situation involved people who love animals and acted with good intent, but things spiraled out of control. [1]
• Investigation classified as animal cruelty; charges possible: Buckley Police Department says the case is being treated as animal cruelty and will be forwarded to a prosecutor to decide whether charges will be filed. [1]
• Shelter strain as 27 cats receive care: Auburn Valley Humane Society is caring for 27 of the seized cats, causing the shelter to temporarily close to the public and exceed its usual capacity of 50 animals. [1]
• Donations sought to support rescue efforts: Authorities requested donations of large- and medium-sized wire crates, cat food, and cat litter, with delivery to the Buckley Police Department. [1]

Who Said What

• Carly Cappeto, Deputy, Pierce County Sheriff's Office: "When you have 100 cats in a situation like that, it's clear...none of them have been vaccinated, spayed or neutered." [1]
• Carly Cappeto, Deputy, Pierce County Sheriff's Office: "People love animals. They do it with good intent. And then things become out of control." [1]
• Katrina McGrath, CEO of Operations, Auburn Valley Humane Society: "You can tell that they were very well loved and very socialized for having so many cats in one house." [1]

Key Facts

• About 400 dancers compete for scholarships in Edmonds: From several states, dancers are vying before judges from elite schools and companies. The event is organized by Youth America Grand Prix, which calls the Edmonds edition the biggest in its history. The scholarships awarded here could transform many dancers' careers. [1]
• Saveliev calls it the biggest in history: Co-founder Gennadi Saveliev described the Edmonds edition as the largest one yet, highlighting the high stakes and broad participation. He also framed it as a cross between Oscars and Olympics for the ballet kids, underscoring the event’s prestige. [1]
• Judges from top ballet schools evaluate performers: The competition draws judges from leading ballet institutions and companies who assess the young performers. The process centers on opening access to scholarships and school placements that might not be otherwise available. This mix of scrutiny and opportunity frames the stakes for participants. [1]
• 13-year-old Hikari Gorbouleva competes from Shoreline: Among the competitors is Hikari Gorbouleva, who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. She describes ballet as not easy and identifies nerves as a major challenge, emphasizing focus and being "in the zone." The weekend of performances represents a potential turning point in her career. [1]
• Nye emphasizes access to scholarships and placements: Judge Racheal Nye notes the event aims to help provide access to scholarships and school placements that might not otherwise be available to students. This reflects the competition's mission to widen opportunities for aspiring dancers. [1]
• YAGP has awarded $5 million in scholarships over 27 years: Youth America Grand Prix has a 27-year history of funding opportunities for leading dance schools, with $5 million awarded in scholarships to date. The competition remains a key gateway to top schools and companies. [1]

Who Said What

• Gennadi Saveliev, Co-founder of Youth America Grand Prix: the biggest one in our history and a cross between Oscars and Olympics for the ballet kids. [1]
• Gennadi Saveliev, Co-founder of Youth America Grand Prix: You have to have passion to do that. [1]
• Racheal Nye, Judge: the competition aims to help provide access to students with scholarships and school placement that they might not otherwise have. [1]
• Hikari Gorbouleva, Competitor, 13-year-old dancer from Shoreline: Ballet is not easy, and managing nerves is the greatest challenge. You have to focus. You have to be in the zone. For me personally, if not, then it just falls apart a little bit. [1]
• Racheal Nye, Judge: You put so much hard work into potentially one weekend of performances. [1]

Key Facts

• Snohomish High earns state's first skilled trades letter: Officials announce Snohomish High will award a varsity letter for skilled trades, marking the first program of its kind in Washington. The move spotlights students in hands‑on fields like welding and carpentry rather than athletics alone. The district’s decision follows a student‑led push to education officials to recognize non‑athletic achievement with the same distinction. [1]
• Elizabeth Bogen drives letter program: Elizabeth Bogen, a welding student, has long enjoyed hands‑on work and co‑led the push for a varsity letter with classmate Remus Fox‑Bailey. Their effort culminated in Snohomish High becoming the state's first to adopt the program. Bogen says it feels like a milestone and hopes to empower other students. [1]
• Remus Fox‑Bailey helps push initiative: Fox‑Bailey joined Bogen in outlining the lack of a letter for skilled trades to education officials, helping drive the decision to launch the program at Snohomish High. The school becomes the first in Washington to offer this recognition. [1]
• Nationwide skilled trades demand highlighted: The article cites a national need for skilled trade workers, projecting millions will be needed in the coming years and noting the economic costs of the gap. The data underscore why recognizing trades through a varsity letter matters for workforce development. [1]
• Washington firms struggle to hire; Boeing hiring persists: Local industry data show about 80% of Washington construction firms report difficulty filling roles, even as Boeing continues to hire mechanics and technicians. The letter program is described as giving graduates an edge in a tight labor market. [1]
• Graduates gain immediate advantage, including job offers: Manufacturing instructor Matt Johnson says the letter signals work ethic, drive, and the ability to complete tasks on time, framing it as a broader life‑skill credential. Bogen already has a job lined up at Boeing after graduation, illustrating the program’s tangible industry outcomes. [1]

Who Said What

• Elizabeth Bogen, Snohomish High student and welding class participant: "I've always really liked working with my hands since I was really little." [1]
• Elizabeth Bogen, Snohomish High student and welding class participant: "I thought it was interesting and something we should be able to do." [1]
• Elizabeth Bogen, Snohomish High student and welding class participant: "It feels really cool to be the person to bring it in and start this for our state and give other people the opportunity to letter." [1]
• Matt Johnson, Snohomish High manufacturing instructor: "This student should already have a leg up when it comes to work ethic, when it comes to drive, their ability to complete something and complete it on time," [1]
• Matt Johnson, Snohomish High manufacturing instructor: "It's about trade skills, but it's also about life skills." [1]
• Elizabeth Bogen, Snohomish High student and welding class participant: "If you do put in the effort, and you put in the work, you can be rewarded for it." [1]

Key Facts

• 17-year-old Kamario Onacki charged, pleads not guilty Thursday: Kamario Lee Washington Onacki was charged as an adult with first-degree murder, human trafficking and second-degree assault and pleaded not guilty Thursday. He remains in King County Jail on $5 million bail as prosecutors proceed with the case. The charges reflect both the killing and alleged commercial sexual exploitation uncovered during the investigation. [1]
• Victim identified as 15-year-old Azjanae Brooks of Snoqualmie: The girl killed in the June incident has been identified as 15-year-old Azjanae Brooks. She was a Bellevue High School freshman whose death prompted community mourning and a vigil. Her identification and background were detailed in a linked profile of Azjanae. [2]
• Body discovered June 2, 2025, inside Shoreline apartment with cartridge recovered: On June 2, 2025, a Shoreline resident returned to find her door unlocked and deputies discovered Azjanae's body on the apartment floor. Investigators recovered a single bullet under a mattress cover and a 9mm Luger Blazer cartridge near her body as they began a homicide investigation. Charging documents note the resident initially believed someone had forced entry, though the door's latch later appeared to work. [1]
• Witnesses reported early May 31 commotion and threats before loud impact: At least one witness told investigators they heard a loud commotion in the early hours of May 31 that included threats followed by a sound that 'sounded like a hard hit or a smaller caliber firearm,' according to charging documents. That account became one element detectives used to reconstruct the timeline leading up to Azjanae's death. It also prompted detectives to seek other witnesses and corroborating evidence. [1]
• Investigation linked Onacki to victim contacts, trafficking allegations and DNA evidence: Detectives learned the Arizona Department of Child Safety had alerted King County to a runaway teen with an active warrant who might be staying with his biological mother, and later confirmed Onacki communicated with Azjanae via an Instagram account. A separate 15-year-old told detectives she had been sex trafficked in Seattle and Oregon, identified Onacki as her ex-boyfriend known as 'Trey,' and detectives obtained video allegedly showing Onacki assaulting that girl. DNA analysis then connected Onacki to the apartment where Azjanae was found. [1]
• Onacki arrested July 4 in Los Angeles and extradited back to King County July 15: Warrants for human trafficking and promoting commercial sexual abuse were issued during the probe and Onacki was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on July 4. He was extradited to King County on July 15 to face the murder and trafficking charges, completing the cross-jurisdictional investigation that linked him to the Seattle-area case. [1]

Who Said What

• Matt Stokes, Bellevue High School freshman vice-principal: "She was a person who had a profound impact on everybody she knew." He used this memory to convey the depth of loss felt by school staff and classmates and to explain why the community gathered for a vigil after her death. [1]

Key Facts

• Washington acknowledges overstated climate benefits: Weeks after officials admitted that climate-benefit figures from past projects were overstated, the state unveiled a new plan aimed at advancing cleaner aviation. The acknowledgment provides context for a stronger government push into sustainable aviation fuel development. [2]
• Cascadia Sustainable Accelerator launched with funding: At Boeing’s Future of Flight Museum, leaders announced Cascadia Sustainable Accelerator, a nonprofit designed to grow the region’s clean-fuel industry. The accelerator is funded with $10 million in state money and a separate $10 million private donation. [1]
• Governor Ferguson frames accelerator as economic opportunity: The governor described the program as a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity and said the accelerator will realize that potential, signaling strong government backing for this initiative. [1]
• SkyNRG reveals first U.S. SAF project in Washington: The Dutch company SkyNRG announced a 50-million-gallon-a-year sustainable aviation fuel facility planned for Walla Walla County, intended to convert renewable natural gas from landfills, farms and wastewater into jet fuel. [1]
• SAF costs and emissions implications outlined: Port of Seattle officials say SAF can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by about 50 to 80 percent, while the International Council on Clean Transportation notes SAF remains two to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, underscoring cost barriers. [1]
• 2030 start target and regulatory oversight: SkyNRG’s Eastern Washington SAF facility is expected to begin operations in 2030, with oversight by federal and state regulators to ensure compliance and accountability. [1]

Who Said What

• Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington: "We have all the pieces in place to ensure this once in a generation economic opportunity is realized and this accelerator will make that happen." [1]
• John Plaza, Chief executive, SkyNRG: "It’s been less than 20 years since the first airplane flew on something other than jet-fuel powered kerosene." [1]
• John Plaza, Chief executive, SkyNRG: "Aviation has very few solutions to decarbonize." [1]
• John Plaza, Chief executive, SkyNRG: "Everything we do will be overseen and implemented by both federal and state government as required to benefit from policy that helps reduce cost to the consumer." [1]

Key Facts

• Overcrowding drives emergency transfer proposal: Washington state officials push for emergency transfer authority to move select juvenile offenders into adult prisons as a relief valve for overcrowding at Green Hill School, the maximum-security juvenile facility in Lewis County. Under current terms, the proposal would allow transfers of offenders over 21 who have Department of Corrections sentences extending past age 25 and are ineligible for early release or community placement. The idea is to relieve unsafe population levels at Green Hill and prevent operational strain on juvenile facilities. [1]
• Policy would modify 2019 law on teen sentences: The plan would adjust a 2019 law that requires those convicted as teens with long sentences to stay in juvenile facilities until age 25, effectively letting the state move them to adult prisons earlier in certain cases. DCYF officials say the change would provide a tool to manage capacity when facilities exceed safe operating limits. The provision represents a significant shift in how juvenile offenders are handled. [1]
• DCYF secretary frames need as safety measure: Tana Senn, secretary of the DCYF, describes the situation as a bind and says the legislature would need new tools to keep both youth and staff safe while addressing overcrowding. Her remarks frame the proposal as a necessity to manage capacity in state facilities. [1]
• Advocacy groups oppose, urge focus on sentence reduction: Columbia Legal Services and other advocates oppose the plan, arguing that adult prisons are ill-suited for rehabilitating youths and that the state should instead pursue sentence reductions. The group says overcrowding in Green Hill already harms education and counseling opportunities for detained youths. They vow to challenge the proposal when it reaches the legislature. [1]
• Past transfers and ongoing legal fight shape debate: In 2024 the state transferred dozens of offenders from Green Hill to adult prisons before Columbia Legal Services mounted a suit that led to their return. The organization says it will again fight any move to shift youths to adult facilities, keeping the legal battle at the center of this policy debate. [1]

Who Said What

• Tana Senn, Secretary, Department of Children, Youth and Families: "So we're all in a little bit of a bind. So we need those tools from the legislature to be keeping everybody safe and to be addressing overcrowding." This frames the proposal as a safety necessity driven by facility overcrowding. [1]
• Sarah Nagy, Lawyer with Columbia Legal Services: "Adult prison is a whole different world. It's just completely different from the way we handle juvenile rehabilitation," Nagy said. This highlights why advocates say the plan could undermine rehabilitation. [1]

Key Facts

• Laclair pleads guilty to second-degree manslaughter: In Mason County Superior Court, Dale Laclair, 41, pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement tied to the death of Paul William Peterson Jr. Prosecutors had initially charged him with second-degree murder. [1]
• Plea caps sentence at 6.5 years: According to court documents, Laclair faces a possible sentence of up to 6.5 years in prison under the plea agreement, a charge which usually carries up to 10 years. [1]
• Killing occurred June 25, 2024 on Skokomish Reservation: The killing happened June 25, 2024, on the Skokomish Indian Reservation. Deputies received early-morning reports of a man screaming for help near a home in the 90 block of North Salish Court. Responding officers found Peterson in the front yard; medics attempted life-saving measures, but he died at the scene. [1]
• Witnesses saw Laclair bloodied and admit death: Witnesses told investigators they saw Laclair outside his residence covered in blood following an altercation. One witness reported that Laclair admitted Peterson was dead. Laclair was taken into custody at the scene, and deputies observed abrasions on his body while investigators collected DNA swabs from his knuckles and fingernails. [1]
• Bloodied cinder block recovered at scene: During a search of the property, investigators recovered a pointed piece of cinder block that was completely covered in blood near Peterson’s body. [1]
• Sentencing date has not yet been announced: A sentencing date has not yet been announced as the case moves toward resolution under the plea agreement. [1]

Key Facts

• Sound Transit 1 Line disruptions planned for January: Sound Transit says the 1 Line will have disruptions in January due to scheduled maintenance. Buses will replace trains on several weekends and during late-night hours between key stations. Riders should plan for longer travel times during these periods. The measures are part of ongoing maintenance as crews prepare for the 2 Line extensions. [2]
• Jan 9-11: Bus replacements between Capitol Hill and SODO: Buses will replace trains between Capitol Hill and SODO from 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, to noon Saturday, Jan. 10, and again from 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, to noon Sunday, Jan. 11. The changes affect service on this segment during those late-night windows. [1]
• Jan 13-15: Late-night buses Stadium to Mount Baker: Late-night service will see buses replace trains between Stadium and Mount Baker from Jan. 13 through Jan. 15. The last trains to Lynnwood City Center and Federal Way Downtown depart at 9:54 p.m., while service continues on remaining segments. [1]
• Jan 16-18: Capitol Hill–SODO disruption continues: Buses will replace trains between Capitol Hill and SODO from 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, to noon Saturday, Jan. 17, and again from 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, to noon Sunday, Jan. 18. [1]
• Jan 23-26: Extended Capitol Hill–SODO disruption; up to 30 minutes extra: From 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, through the start of service Monday, Jan. 26, buses will replace trains between Capitol Hill and SODO. Riders should expect up to 30 minutes of additional travel time due to advanced signal system testing. [1]
• Additional closures tied to 2 Line and World Cup demand: Sound Transit says additional closures are expected in the coming weeks as crews work on 2 Line extensions connecting East King County to Seattle and prepare for increased demand during the FIFA World Cup this summer. [1]

Key Facts

• Anderson Island resident Katherine Sims went into labor Dec. 23 and called 911: On the evening of Dec. 23, Katherine Sims suddenly went into labor at her Anderson Island home and dialed 911. Volunteers from Anderson Island Fire and Rescue were dispatched immediately to respond to the emergency. The call set in motion an overnight rescue that would bypass the island's usual ferry route. [1]
• Last ferry had left, so crew chose the fire boat to reach the mainland hospital: With the island's final ferry for the night already gone, responders decided the fastest way to get Sims to a mainland hospital was by fire boat. Crew members moved quickly to prepare a gurney and transfer her to the vessel as labor accelerated. The decision reflected the limited overnight transport options from the island. [1]
• Difficult transfer and rough ride increased urgency during the crossing: Sims described a challenging process getting onto the boat and a rough ride once the boat hit open water, with wakes intensifying contractions and pain. It took about 10 minutes for the crew to reach the dock on the mainland, but Sims' condition worsened en route. Those conditions made it clear she would not reach the hospital in time. [1]
• Volunteer EMTs delivered a baby aboard the fire boat at 12:01 a.m. Dec. 24: After Sims' water broke once the crew reached land, she said she would not make it to a hospital and then delivered her daughter aboard the fire boat at 12:01 a.m. Dec. 24. Volunteer EMTs on the vessel assisted with the delivery, and Sims named the baby Halle. The birth happened before hospital transfer could be completed. [1]
• Delivery was a rare, emotional call for the department and crew: EMS Captain Megan Arzola, who helped with the delivery, said hearing the newborn's first cry brought relief and emotion to the crew. The delivery was Arzola's first and only the second in Anderson Island Fire and Rescue history to occur aboard one of its vessels, making it a memorable 'good call' the department wants to remember. [1]

Who Said What

• Katherine Sims, Mother: "They told me the baby's absolutely coming. No choice." Sims used that phrase to convey how rapidly labor progressed and why responders moved immediately to the fire boat transfer. [1]
• Katherine Sims, Mother: "This is DEFCON. There is no way I am making it to any hospital at this point. And then those next two pushes ... I did this. I am so proud of myself." Sims' words capture both the emergency nature of the situation and her personal pride after delivering her daughter under extreme conditions. [1]
• Megan Arzola, EMS Captain, Anderson Island Fire and Rescue: "You hear that first cry, that first squawk, and everybody kind of took a big deep breath." Arzola's observation underscores the emotional relief and teamwork experienced by the crew after a successful, unexpected onboard delivery. [1]
• Megan Arzola, EMS Captain, Anderson Island Fire and Rescue: These are honestly the kind of calls we like to have — the good calls we like to remember. Arzola used this comment to highlight the positive outcome and morale boost such rare successful responses give the volunteer department. [1]

Key Facts

• Police responded to a fight at Federal Way Pizza Hut on Nov. 13, 2025: Federal Way officers were called the evening of Nov. 13, 2025, to a Pizza Hut on 21st Avenue Southwest after reports of a physical altercation between a customer and an employee. The response began the formal record that the police used to describe the sequence of events that followed. The incident later drew attention after cellphone video circulated online. [1]
• 29-year-old customer Trey Lewis says dispute began over a missing order: Trey Lewis, 29, told police and KING 5 he had been waiting about 15 minutes and approached the counter to pick up a pizza he believed was ready, asking staff to check the screen. Lewis said the on-duty female manager denied the order was ready, which sparked a 'screaming match' that escalated into the ensuing physical confrontation. His account frames the encounter as starting with a routine service dispute that intensified. [1]
• Lewis and manager clashed; employee intervened and pizza was shoved: According to Lewis and the police report, the manager became hostile after Lewis offered feedback; another employee then intervened and handed Lewis the pizza, which Lewis says the manager shoved at his face so it fell to the floor. Lewis also alleges the manager held up a wooden pizza spatula in a threatening manner before the shove. Cellphone video of the scuffle shows three people separating the pair, but Lewis says that short clips do not capture the full sequence. [1]
• Manager alleges Lewis grabbed her throat; Lewis denies choking: The manager told police Lewis grabbed her by the throat and others stepped in to break up the fight, a description that informs the assault referral. Lewis denies placing his hands around the manager's throat, saying he only restrained her arm and pushed her off after she struck him, though he acknowledges the video can look like a chokehold. His denial and explanation are central to how he presents his conduct versus the manager's allegation. [1]
• Police referred fourth-degree assault charges to the city prosecutor; charging status unclear: Federal Way police forwarded a possible fourth-degree assault case to the city prosecutor's office following their investigation, meaning prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges. Lewis said he has not yet been formally charged, and the prosecutor's office had not confirmed whether it would pursue charges as of Wednesday evening. That referral is the key procedural step now determining whether the matter becomes a criminal case. [1]

Who Said What

• Trey Lewis, Customer: "My order is ready. Do you mind if you come up and help me?" He used the line to show he first asked politely for assistance and later said staff were ignoring waiting customers, which frames his version of the interaction as a customer grievance that escalated when he felt dismissed. [1]
• Trey Lewis, Customer: "A lot of people will see a 15-second video and think they know everything there is to know about that video. They don't know everything that transpired." He made this point to argue that the circulating clip omits parts of the incident he believes justify his actions or change how viewers interpret the confrontation. [1]
• Trey Lewis, Customer: "No, I did not put my hands around her and choke her out. No." He denied the choking allegation and demonstrated to reporters how he wrapped the manager's arm to restrain her, insisting he pushed her off rather than choke her, which directly contests the manager's description recorded in the police report. [1]

Key Facts

• Tacoma raises camera citation maximum to $145: The city increased the maximum penalty for traffic-camera citations last week from $124 to $145 as part of an effort to reduce traffic fatalities. Tacoma currently operates 14 automated cameras: nine monitoring red lights, four in school zones and one targeting speeding violations. City officials say the fee change accompanies a planned expansion of the program. [1]
• City plans to add more cameras in parks, hospitals and crash corridors: Officials say they will install additional cameras in the coming months, using expanded authority that allows placement in park and hospital zones as well as areas with high crash rates. The city has not finalized new locations, but Councilmember Sarah Rumbaugh is seeking additional cameras for her district, including on Norpoint Way in Northeast Tacoma, a road known for frequent crashes. [1]
• Camera citations totaled more than 50,000 in 2024, yielding about $2.6 million: In 2024 the cameras issued over 50,000 citations and generated roughly $2.6 million in revenue for Tacoma. Approximately $710,000 of that payment went to NovoaGlobal, the private company that operates the cameras, while the remaining $1.9 million was allocated to traffic enforcement, engineering and education as required by state law. [1]
• Councilmember Rumbaugh frames expansion as targeting dangerous drivers: Sarah Rumbaugh emphasized the program is aimed at a small share of dangerous drivers rather than the majority of motorists, and she is pushing to secure more cameras for crash-prone corridors in her district. Her comments position the expansion as a safety measure intended to prevent fatalities rather than a broad revenue effort. [1]
• Residents express support and city defends privacy protections: Multiple Tacoma residents interviewed by KING 5 said they support adding cameras to curb speeding and red-light running; one resident described people regularly ignoring red lights. City officials added that the cameras capture vehicles and license plates, not drivers' faces, and that the data are not shared with federal agencies or third parties. [1]
• State troopers have also used speed cameras to cite drivers in work zones: Related reporting notes Washington state troopers used speed cameras to cite drivers in work zones, issuing citations to 262 drivers, illustrating that automated enforcement is being used by multiple agencies in the region. [2]

Who Said What

• Sarah Rumbaugh, Tacoma City Councilmember: "We know that 99% of people are driving safely, and it's that 1% we're trying to catch because we don't want to see fatalities," she said, framing the camera expansion as a targeted safety measure rather than a general revenue tool and signaling support for placing cameras in high-risk corridors in her district. [1]
• William Garred, Tacoma resident: "There are times where people ignore the red lights and go right through it," he said, arguing for stricter measures to deter red-light running and supporting the addition of more cameras to make drivers 'think twice.' [1]
• City officials, Tacoma city officials: City officials said the cameras capture only cars and vehicle license plates, not drivers' faces, and that data are not shared with federal agencies or third parties, a point offered to address privacy concerns as the program expands. [1]

Key Facts

• Alaska places record order for 105 737 MAX 10s: Alaska Airlines announced its largest aircraft purchase in company history: 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets with options for 35 more, plus five new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a package the carrier says will lock in deliveries through the end of the decade and enable a major international expansion from Seattle. The order signals a long-term fleet commitment to Boeing and secures capacity the airline plans to use for new transoceanic routes. The deal was unveiled at a ceremony in Seattle where Alaska framed the purchase as transformational for its network strategy. [1]
• Ceremony at Boeing Delivery Center draws applause and officials: The announcement took place at Boeing’s Delivery Center on Wednesday, where applause greeted both the new airplane on display and the agreement itself, and Alaska’s CFO Shane Tackette celebrated the new livery and the carrier’s largest order. Boeing executives and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attended, underscoring the political and industrial significance the companies placed on the deal. The public ceremony emphasized partnership and the economic boost expected for Seattle’s aviation hub. [1]
• Alaska aims to operate up to a dozen international Seattle routes by 2030: Alaska executives said the order is intended to fuel an international push from Seattle, with CEO Ben Minicucci asserting the airline’s ambition to be a leading international carrier from that hub and targeting as many as a dozen international routes by 2030. The carrier already plans daily service to London beginning in May and seasonal flights to Rome and Iceland this spring, while continuing established service to Tokyo and Seoul. Executives tied the new aircraft to customer demand for direct international flights out of Seattle and to competing with legacy carriers on long-haul markets. [1]
• Delivery timetable links MAX 10s to 2027 and Dreamliners to 2032: Alaska says the 737 MAX 10 aircraft are expected to begin joining the fleet in 2027 pending FAA certification, while the five Dreamliners are scheduled to arrive by 2032, laying out a phased expansion across the next decade. The timeline makes near-term domestic fleet reinforcement and longer-term widebody capability part of the same strategic push toward international flying. The carrier emphasized that the purchase secures capacity over many years rather than an immediate wholesale fleet change. [1]
• Order intended to move Alaska into same tier as legacy network carriers: Alaska, already the fifth-largest airline in the United States and the fifteenth-largest in the world, framed the deal as an effort to join American, Delta and United in global competition by building nonstop international connectivity from Seattle. Executives said expanding long-haul routes will let customers fly Alaska crews and service across oceans and increase the airline’s global profile. The purchase is presented as both a fleet decision and a strategic bid to change Alaska’s market positioning. [1]
• Company declines to disclose exact price but signals multiyear billion-dollar spend: Alaska did not provide a total price for the order, but CFO Shane Tackette estimated the airline typically spends about $1 billion to $1.2 billion in years when it takes 20 to 25 airplanes and expects similar multi-year spending to continue for the next decade. Tackette emphasized that Alaska prefers not to discuss the specific price paid per aircraft while stressing Boeing’s investment in Alaska’s success. The comments framed the purchase as a substantial, long-term capital commitment without releasing firm dollar figures. [1]

Who Said What

• Shane Tackette, Chief Financial Officer, Alaska Airlines: "We couldn’t be happier to be here with Boeing and with the Secretary to announce the new livery and largest order of 737 aircraft with Boeing." He added that Alaska typically spends about $1 billion to $1.2 billion in years when it takes 20–25 airplanes and expects that level of investment to continue for the next ten years, signaling a multiyear capital commitment without disclosing the exact price paid for the order. [1]
• Kelly Ortberg, Chief Executive, Boeing: "It’s more than an order this is about doubling down of their commitment to the Boeing company," and he warned Boeing must perform by delivering high-quality, safe airplanes on time, highlighting the reciprocal pressure a large, concentrated order places on the manufacturer. [1]
• Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary: "This announcement today over 100 airplanes, shows the confidence that Alaska has in Boeing, that America has in Boeing, that DOT has in Alaska," which underscored federal interest in the industrial and transportation implications of the deal and framed the order as a vote of confidence in both companies. [1]
• Ben Minicucci, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Airlines: "We believe if anybody has the right to fly internationally out of Seattle, it is Alaska Airlines," a declaration that framed the purchase as an assertion of hub identity and a strategic bet that Alaska can expand from a domestic-focused carrier into a major international operator from Seattle. [1]

Key Facts

• Redwolf Pope sentenced to 46 years Wednesday in Washington: A judge imposed a 46-year prison term on Redwolf Pope after a juried conviction in Washington for drugging and raping multiple women. The sentence follows prosecutions in two states and caps years of investigation and survivor testimony. The case has renewed calls for changes to how courts handle self-represented defendants who question their accusers. [1]
• Police arrested Pope in 2018 after guests found video evidence: Guests at Pope's Seattle apartment discovered videos on his iPad that showed him raping several women who appeared unconscious, and police found a hidden camera in his bathroom used to record women in the shower. Those materials prompted the 2018 arrest and provided key physical evidence used in prosecutions. Survivors say the recordings exposed a pattern of abuse spanning years. [1]
• Pope previously convicted in Santa Fe and later extradited to Washington: A Santa Fe jury found Pope guilty of rape and voyeurism in 2020 and he served just over two years before being released and extradited to Washington to face charges from incidents in 2016 and 2017. He pleaded not guilty in Washington, represented himself at trial, and the jury there found him guilty on Sept. 3, 2025. Prosecutors and survivors say the separate convictions show a multistate pattern of offending. [1]
• Survivors press legislature to bar self-represented defendants from direct cross-examination: Survivors and advocates are urging the Washington State Legislature to amend the Crime Victim Bill of Rights so judges can allow an accuser to be cross-examined by a court-appointed designee instead of a defendant who represents themselves. They argue that permitting perpetrators to directly question victims retraumatizes survivors and undermines justice. The push is a direct response to Pope cross-examining one of his victims for multiple days during his trial. [1]
• Questions raised about Pope's claimed Native heritage and legal credentials: Pope has claimed Western Shoshone and Tlingit heritage and appeared as a spokesperson for the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, and his LinkedIn lists him as a Tulalip Tribal Court attorney. After his arrest, the Washington State Bar Association confirmed he was not a licensed lawyer, the Tulalip Tribes said he never worked there, and several tribes reported no record of his enrollment. Advocates say those false claims let him infiltrate Indigenous communities and target Native women. [1]

Who Said What

• Erica Elan, Survivor: "I’ve had the horror of witnessing the scale of violence Pope inflicted on multiple women over many years. It will never leave me." She said the discovery of hidden cameras and video evidence exposed the depth of harm and has driven her call for legal changes to protect survivors from retraumatizing courtroom encounters. [1]
• Erica Elan, Survivor: "We must refine the outdated systems that cause further harm to survivors in their pursuit of justice." She urged lawmakers to update the Crime Victim Bill of Rights so judges can appoint designees to question accusers instead of allowing self-represented defendants to do so. [1]
• Abigail Echo-Hawk, Executive vice president, Seattle Indian Health Board: "[Pope] created a false identity and posed as a Native man to infiltrate Native communities and prey upon our Indigenous women." She added that he "was allowed to take advantage of our legal system and continue to traumatize his victims for years after," underscoring advocates' concerns about both cultural exploitation and procedural failures that prolonged survivors' trauma. [1]

Key Facts

• Commerce corrects error that inflated emissions cuts: Washington’s Department of Commerce acknowledged a data entry error that dramatically overstated the greenhouse gas reductions from several state-funded programs. The department says the programs were originally projected to cut about 7.5 million metric tons of CO2 over their lifetimes; after the correction the estimate is roughly 78,000 metric tons. Commerce sent the corrected figures to the Department of Ecology and will include them in an upcoming climate spending report update. [1]
• Eight Climate Commitment Act projects affected, focused on low‑income electrification: The mistake affected emissions estimates for eight projects funded through the Climate Commitment Act, which support electrifying homes and upgrading appliances for low-income and vulnerable households. Those programs were the source of the originally inflated savings and now show far smaller lifetime emissions reductions. The corrected numbers change the emissions impact attributed to the state’s Climate Commitment Act investments in the 2023–25 budget cycle. [1]
• Washington Policy Center flagged the mistake in a blog: Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center was the first to flag the discrepancy in a blog post that questioned the validity of the state’s claimed climate benefits. His blog prompted closer scrutiny of the report’s calculations and helped bring the data entry error to the attention of state officials. The blog post preceded the department’s public correction and critical media coverage. [2]
• Statewide review and report revision under way across agencies: The Department of Ecology is reviewing emissions data submitted by all state agencies; the full report draws from details on more than 3,600 projects administered by 37 agencies. Officials said a revised version of the climate spending report is expected in the coming weeks as they recheck agency submissions. Commerce and Ecology officials both said they are updating processes to prevent similar reporting errors going forward. [1]
• Officials promise stronger checks and new reporting system: Commerce said it has strengthened reporting processes and will move agencies to a new reporting system meant to reduce human error. Ecology officials said they are tightening oversight of emissions reporting and will more thoroughly check data reported by agencies. State leaders also emphasized the broader policy context: the Climate Commitment Act caps emissions, sells allowances to major polluters, and directs proceeds to projects intended to cut emissions toward a 95 percent reduction by 2050. [1]

Who Said What

• Jennifer Grove, Assistant Director of Energy, Washington Department of Commerce:: "We made an error in reporting data for this program." Grove added that the Climate Commitment Act is vital to the state’s emissions work and said Commerce is committed to ensuring the information it shares is complete and accurate, signaling the department accepts responsibility and is taking steps to correct and improve its reporting processes. [1]
• Todd Myers, Director, Washington Policy Center:: "Despite the fact that we talk about all the time that we are leaders in fighting climate change and things like that, our climate policies aren't really very effective," Myers said, using the reporting error to argue that the public's trust in the state's climate programs is eroded and that claimed policy outcomes should be scrutinized more closely. [1]
• Joel Creswell, Manager, Department of Ecology’s Climate Pollution Reduction Program:: "Accurate data is essential to guiding our state’s work to reduce carbon pollution," Creswell said, and added that Ecology is updating its processes to more thoroughly check agency data, indicating the agency will increase oversight to prevent similar mistakes. [1]

Key Facts

• Mike Solan announces he will not seek reelection on podcast: Seattle Police Department union president Mike Solan told listeners on his podcast Hold the Line with Mike Solan that he will not seek reelection once his term ends in February, sharing the news on Dec. 31. He framed the decision to listeners rather than issuing a written statement, making the podcast the primary venue for the announcement. The timing signals an orderly transition at the union as his current term concludes. [1]
• Solan called leading the guild the "honor of my career" and led for six years: Solan said serving as president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild has been the "honor of my career," a post he has held for six years. The union website says the guild represents more than 1,300 officers, making his role a prominent voice for rank-and-file Seattle officers. That tenure and membership size frame his decision as significant for department labor representation. [1]
• Solan said his presidency began just before the 2020 unrest and has been contentious: Solan told podcast listeners he was elected about a month before "the Floyd riots in 2020" and described the years since as "a battle," citing a mix of positive experiences and repeated attempts to "cancel" him or the union. He used the reflection to underscore the political and public scrutiny the guild has faced during his leadership. The comment places his decision not to run again in the context of sustained controversy across his term. [1]
• 2023 controversy involving vice president Auderer and officer Kevin Dave led to firings: The guild faced a major controversy in 2023 when vice president Daniel Auderer was recorded on body camera making controversial remarks about Jaahnavi Kandula, who was struck and killed by Seattle police officer Kevin Dave; both Auderer and Dave were later fired by the department. Auderer told the Office of Police Accountability he was mocking the legal system rather than the death, a defense detailed in reporting on the incident. The episode became a focal point for criticism of the department and the guild during Solan's presidency. [2][3]
• Solan highlighted a newly approved police contract that raises starting pay substantially: On the Dec. 31 podcast, Solan celebrated a contract the Seattle City Council approved in a 6-3 vote in early December that includes large pay increases for officers. Under the agreement, starting base pay rises from about $104,000 to roughly $126,000 and climbs to nearly $151,000 after four to five years, with city officials estimating roughly 40% in total raises phased in over five years. Solan presented the contract as a major achievement for officers and a key development as he exits elected union leadership. [4]
• Solan says he will continue his podcast and remain active despite leaving office: Solan told listeners he will keep producing his podcast and signaled he will stay publicly engaged, saying, "I'm not gonna go away," and pledging to "stand up for common sense" and push back against what he described as unreasonable ideologues and activists. He did not outline other future plans, leaving open whether he will pursue another public role or focus on advocacy outside formal union leadership. The pledge suggests he intends to remain an influential voice in Seattle policing debates even after his term ends. [1]

Who Said What

• Mike Solan, President, Seattle Police Officers Guild:: "It has been the honor of my career" to lead the guild, a remark that frames his departure as a personal and professional capstone after six years of leadership and high-profile conflict. [1]
• Mike Solan, President, Seattle Police Officers Guild:: "It has been a battle ever since. Lot of experiences, mostly positive, some really negative. Lot of attempts to cancel me, get me fired, cancel this union." He used the comments to characterize the sustained controversies and political pressure the guild faced during his tenure, explaining part of the context for stepping away from elected leadership. [1]
• Mike Solan, President, Seattle Police Officers Guild:: "I'm not gonna go away," he said, adding he will continue to "stand up for common sense" and push back against what he called unreasonable ideologues and activists. That resolve indicates he plans to remain an active public advocate for officers and policy positions even after leaving the presidency. [1]

Key Facts

• 132 people filed claims alleging abuse at Remann Hall: Former detainees say guards and other staff sexually abused young people at Remann Hall, Pierce County’s juvenile justice facility, in incidents spanning the 1980s through the 2000s. The county has been notified through formal claims from survivors seeking redress for the alleged abuse. The filings bring long‑running allegations into sharp public focus as the county evaluates legal and financial responses. [1]
• Anonymous survivor says she was raped repeatedly beginning at 13: A woman who asked not to be identified told reporters she was sexually abused and raped multiple times by a guard while detained at Remann Hall in the 1990s, beginning when she was 13. She said learning others experienced similar abuse motivated her to come forward so others will not remain afraid to speak. Her account illustrates the personal trauma survivors say underlies the wave of claims. [1]
• Attorney representing 90 claimants describes pattern of exploitation: Vanessa Oslund, a lawyer for 90 people who filed claims, said clients’ accounts show consistent patterns of sexual exploitation and described Remann Hall as “a playground for sexually exploiting children.” Her representation ties many individual allegations into a broader legal effort and has produced settlements as the county addresses claims. [1]
• County has settled some claims and paid $9 million so far: Of the 132 claims, 14 have been settled and five withdrawn, and Pierce County has paid roughly $9 million in settlements to date. Those payments show the county has already begun resolving some cases while many claims remain pending. Survivors and their lawyers say accountability and compensation are both priorities. [1]
• County executive warns more than $280 million in claims could bankrupt county: At a Pierce County Council study session, County Executive Ryan Mello acknowledged the alleged harm to youth at Remann Hall and said the county has received more than 100 claims totaling about $280 million, a sum he said “will bankrupt Pierce County.” The county is asking the state legislature for help to address the scale of historic cases in a way that recognizes victims while protecting county finances. [2][1]

Who Said What

• Woman who asked not to be identified, Former Remann Hall detainee: "My life will never, ever be the same again," she said, expressing why she came forward and saying she wants to prevent similar harm to other children by encouraging others not to stay silent. [1]
• Vanessa Oslund, Attorney representing 90 claimants: "There were many bad actors who sort of treated Remann Hall as a playground for sexually exploiting children," she said, summarizing why her clients’ accounts suggest a widespread pattern of abuse rather than isolated incidents. [1]
• Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive: "We certainly acknowledge the alleged harm that was caused to youth at Remann Hall, our juvenile justice facility," he said, acknowledging official responsibility and the historic nature of most claims while introducing the county’s need to respond. [2]
• Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive: "That will bankrupt Pierce County," he said, warning that the roughly $280 million exposure from more than 100 claims threatens the county’s financial viability and framing the request for state assistance. [2]

Key Facts

• Couple's plane taken from Auburn Municipal Airport early Jan. 3: Megan McLaughlin and her husband discovered their aircraft missing from its tie-down spot at Auburn Municipal Airport after buying it six months earlier. The couple reported the disappearance to detectives, launching a search that used available tracking data to trace the theft. The incident left the owners seeking answers about how and why an airplane could be taken from a secured airfield. [1]
• Tracking data shows takeoff Jan. 3 at 4:27 a.m., transponder turned off two minutes later: The plane's tracking record indicated it departed on January 3 at 4:27 a.m., and the transponder was switched off about two minutes after takeoff, a detail the owners say revealed how quickly the thieves executed the getaway. That information provided investigators and the owners a clear window when the theft occurred and reduced the range of possible flight paths. The tracking detail came to the couple as they pieced together the timeline of the theft. [1]
• Earlier stolen California plane linked to King County surfaced at Crest Airpark then Auburn: When detectives were contacted, McLaughlin learned of a separate case in which thieves stole a plane from Chino, California and flew it north to King County, parking at Crest Airpark, where neighbors hid it in a hangar after learning it had been reported stolen. That California plane was subsequently taken again before officials could repossess it, and was later found abandoned at Auburn Municipal Airport in late December, a sequence that raised concerns of a pattern of thefts. [1]
• Airport staff warned of suspicious activity and changed gate codes before second theft: Following the December recovery, Auburn airport staff issued an alert advising gate codes be changed because of suspicious activity at the field, but days later the McLaughlins' aircraft was taken from the same airfield. The proximity in timing and location prompted McLaughlin and others to suspect a connection between the incidents, and airport alerts underscored officials' awareness of elevated risk at the field. [1]
• Both stolen planes recovered but no arrests; investigation ongoing: Authorities located the McLaughlins' plane at Corona Municipal Airport in California and recovered the earlier California aircraft at Auburn, but officials have not announced any arrests. Investigators are working to identify suspects and determine whether the same individuals are responsible for both thefts, leaving the community and the owners awaiting further answers. [1]

Who Said What

• Megan McLaughlin, Plane owner: "It showed us that it took off on the third of January at 4:27 a.m., and that two minutes later, they turned the transponder off," this provides the owners and investigators a precise timeline of the theft that narrowed the search window and suggested the thieves disabled identification quickly. [1]
• Megan McLaughlin, Plane owner: "How does an airplane get stolen? Who steals an airplane? Why do they steal an airplane?" these questions convey the owners' shock and frustration and underscore the unusual nature of aircraft theft for the community and investigators. [1]
• Megan McLaughlin, Plane owner: "It seems very likely that it's related," this reflects the owners' assessment that the Auburn and California thefts are connected, which has shaped public concern and the scope of the ongoing investigation. [1]

Key Facts

• Ken Jennings honored by King County Council: Seattle-area resident and former 74-game 'Jeopardy!' champion Ken Jennings received a recognition from the King County Council this week for his local advocacy. The honor highlighted his community involvement and support for cancer research, and it provided the setting for his remarks about life as the show's host. The ceremony took place in Seattle and drew attention to both his public profile and nonprofit work. [1]
• Jennings says he commutes and tapes a week in afternoon: Jennings told the council he continues to live in Seattle with his family while taping 'Jeopardy!' in Los Angeles, flying down every few weeks. He explained the show's production rhythm — staff do five shows a day and, he said, 'the secret of Jeopardy! is a full week is [taped in] an afternoon' — which allows him to commute rather than relocate. That behind-the-scenes detail framed how he balances local life with national duties. [1]
• Council cited his cancer-research advocacy and local ties: The recognition specifically noted Jennings' advocacy for cancer research and his sustained involvement in local causes, including service on nonprofit boards. Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer introduced the honor by emphasizing Jennings' decision to return to the region and 'give back' to the community. The award tied Jennings' national visibility as a TV host to tangible local contributions. [1]
• Jennings has served as 'Jeopardy!' sole host since 2023: After becoming one of the show's most recognizable figures following his record-breaking run, Jennings took over as the program's sole host in late 2023, succeeding the late Alex Trebek. That hosting role gives added context to why his taping schedule and public statements draw attention from local officials and residents. The article links his current hosting role to earlier reporting on the show's leadership change. [2][1]
• Jennings’ early career included a 74-game winning streak: Jennings first appeared on 'Jeopardy!' on June 2, 2004, and went on to a record 74-game winning streak that earned him more than $2.5 million. He left a programming career to pursue writing, published multiple books, and eventually returned to live in the Seattle area with his family. Those achievements underpin both his celebrity and his platform for advocacy. [1]
• He framed 'Jeopardy!' as a public space where facts matter: In remarks about the show's cultural role, Jennings said 'It's one remaining public space where everyone agrees that facts matter' and contrasted the program with the spread of conspiracy theories. He positioned 'Jeopardy!' as a shared daily ritual that crosses generations and political divides, explaining why the program's perceived commitment to correct answers matters to viewers and civic life. That framing links the show's format to broader conversations about trust in information. [1]

Who Said What

• Ken Jennings, Host of Jeopardy!: "I'm a true Seattle native, born in Edmonds, just across the county line, and [I’ve] raised family here for the last 20 plus years," he said, explaining his choice to remain local and commute for tapings, which underscores how he balances national duties with community life and advocacy. [1]
• Ken Jennings, Host of Jeopardy!: "The secret of Jeopardy! is a full week is [taped in] an afternoon," he said, revealing the program's production pace and explaining how he can live in Seattle while hosting the Los Angeles-based show. [1]
• Ken Jennings, Host of Jeopardy!: "It's one remaining public space where everyone agrees that facts matter," he said, framing the show as a cross-generational civic ritual and articulating why its emphasis on correct answers matters amid disputes over truth. [1]
• Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember: "Today, we’re recognizing him as someone who came back, looked back and gave back," he said, stressing Jennings' decision to return to the region and his ongoing support for local causes, which justified the council's recognition. [1]

Key Facts

• Pickup truck crashed into Gig Harbor business Tuesday afternoon: A pickup truck struck the north wall of a business in the 4700 block of Point Fosdick Drive Tuesday afternoon, damaging the building and multiple vehicles and prompting an emergency response, police said. The collision forced a temporary evacuation of the impacted area while crews assessed hazards. Emergency responders worked on scene to secure the site and address safety concerns. [1]
• Driver’s feet became entangled between accelerator and brake pedals, police say: Investigators determined the 65-year-old driver of a 2015 Chevrolet pickup accidentally accelerated after his feet became entangled between the accelerator and brake pedals when he entered the business’ parking lot, causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally. Police described this as the apparent mechanical/circumstantial cause of the loss of control. The driver cooperated with investigators throughout the response. [1]
• Truck struck a stop sign and parked car before hitting sidewalk and building: After unintentionally accelerating, the truck struck a stop sign and a parked vehicle, then traveled over a sidewalk and into the north wall of the business, according to the police account. The sequence increased the extent of property damage and the area of risk, prompting the evacuation and multi-agency response. Damage included both the building structure and other vehicles at the scene. [1]
• One person inside business injured and hospitalized, injuries not life-threatening: One person who was inside the business at the time of the crash was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment; police said the injuries were not life-threatening. The driver reported no injuries but was transported as a precaution for medical evaluation. Officials have not indicated further changes to the injury status beyond that initial report. [1]
• Crash damaged a gas line; utility contained the leak and area evacuated: The collision damaged a gas line, creating a leak that prompted a temporary evacuation of the impacted area as a safety precaution. Puget Sound Energy responded to the scene and successfully contained the leak, allowing emergency operations to proceed and reducing the risk of a broader hazard. Crews continued assessments after containment to ensure the site was safe. [1]
• Police found no criminal violations after driver cooperated with investigators: After interviewing the driver and investigating the circumstances, police said no criminal violations were identified in connection with the crash. The driver cooperated with investigators throughout the response and there were no arrests or charges reported. The case appears to be treated as an accidental crash rather than a criminal matter. [1]

Who Said What

• Gig Harbor police, Investigating agency: Investigators determined the driver’s feet became entangled between the accelerator and brake pedals, causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally, and after their investigation no criminal violations were identified, which indicates officials view the incident as accidental and not criminal in nature. [1]
• Puget Sound Energy, Regional utility responder: Puget Sound Energy responded to the scene and successfully contained the gas leak, ensuring the immediate hazard was controlled and allowing emergency responders to focus on medical care and damage assessment. [1]

Key Facts

• Jordan Henderson convicted on 12 counts: Jordan Henderson, 35, was found guilty on 12 counts of child molestation. He had been charged in April 2024 with nine counts and pleaded not guilty. The charges were later increased to 15 after another victim came forward, with two dismissed. He was ultimately found guilty on 12 counts. [1]
• Witness described inappropriate touching to investigators: In 2024, one girl told investigators Henderson was 'touching all the girls inappropriately, including me'. The girl said Henderson told her the touching was 'something normal that teachers do' and warned her not to tell anyone. [1]
• Families sue Peninsula School District over abuse allegations: The families of four girls later sued the Peninsula School District, alleging the district failed to protect students from Henderson. The lawsuit claims the district knew or should have known that the risk of sexual abuse of students was significant and that measures were needed to protect students. [2]
• Attorney for families cites district knowledge and danger: Kevin Hastings, an attorney with PCVA Law representing the families, said the district knew about what was occurring and that Henderson was a danger to these young girls. [1]
• Sentencing set for Henderson: Henderson is set to be sentenced on April 10. [1]

Who Said What

• Court documents, victim testimony summary: "touching all the girls inappropriately, including me," the phrase is cited to illustrate the alleged scope of abuse documented by investigators. [1]
• Court documents, victim testimony summary: "something normal that teachers do," the phrase is cited to show how abuse was allegedly minimized or normalized by the accused. [1]

Key Facts

• Two teens arrested over random Olympia attacks: Police say two teens, ages 18 and 14, were arrested in connection with a Dec. 21 downtown Olympia robbery and shooting that investigators describe as unprovoked and random. The incidents began when a man at the Union Gospel Mission was approached for a cigarette, then robbed; a gun was brandished and a threat issued. Fifteen minutes later, another man walking his dog was harassed and shot three blocks away. [1]
• First victim targeted at Union Gospel Mission: Three individuals approached the man at the mission, demanded a cigarette, and took his pack. One suspect pulled a gun and said, 'Whatcha going to do about it,' according to detectives. Prosecutors describe the attack as random with no prior conflict. [1]
• Second victim shot minutes later in downtown Olympia: Fifteen minutes after the first incident, a different man walking his dog was harassed and shot three blocks away. Prosecutors said there was no known motive and that the victims did not know the attackers. [1]
• Prosecutors describe the attacks as unprovoked and random: Thurston County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Shen emphasized there was no real prior conflict and highlighted the randomness of the violence as central to the case. [1]
• 18-year-old held on $350,000 bail: Shen argued to hold the 18-year-old on $350,000 bail; a judge ordered him detained at that amount, finding him a danger to the community. [1]
• 14-year-old held on $150,000 bail; case deemed extremely concerning: The 14-year-old, who has prior convictions for burglary, theft, and trespassing, was ordered held on $150,000 bail by a juvenile court judge who called the case extremely concerning. [1]

Who Said What

• Jessica Shen, Thurston County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney: "Just the randomness of it, the bringing up of violence when really they don't know each other. There was no real prior conflict or anything," the remark underscores prosecutors' view that the attacks were unprovoked and lacked a prior dispute. [1]
• Jessica Shen, Thurston County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney: "He was the primary instigator of the violence in this case; He just attacked a random person," the statement emphasizes the prosecution's view of the 18-year-old's role in the violence. [1]

Key Facts

• Vigil outside Issaquah home remembers Harmony Danner: Dozens of friends, neighbors, coworkers and family gathered outside Harmony Danner’s Issaquah residence to remember her after a family murder-suicide that also involved her brother-in-law. Danner, 44, was found dead inside the home along with Dominick “Nick” Cuvillier, who had Angelman syndrome, and police say her husband Mackenzie Williams killed them before killing his mother and himself on Mercer Island. The candlelight gathering drew more than 40 people. [1][2]
• Vigil organizers frame the event as remembrance, not answers: Organizers said the vigil was not about solving the case but about honoring Danner’s life and what she stood for, inviting attendees to reflect on her kindness and impact. [1]
• Danner described as kind and trusted by coworkers and patients: Former coworker Melissa Waud remembered Danner as an incredible person to work with, while a former patient, Wendy Kirchner, recalled how Danner helped her recover and earned her trust during vulnerable moments. [1]
• Danner’s role at the clinic underscored her value: Her boss described her as not someone you can replace and noted she was among the clinic’s first hires and became one of its longest-tenured employees. [1]
• Danner cared for Nick over the years; Nick has Angelman syndrome: Court records show Danner came into Nick’s life years ago and helped care for him alongside family members. Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that left him mostly non-verbal and dependent on others. [1]
• Investigation has not disclosed a motive: Police have not released a motive for the killings, and the investigation continues. [1]

Who Said What

• Neighbor who helped organize the vigil, neighbor and vigil organizer: "Let these lights remind you of the connection and the care people share," the line framed the vigil as a community-focused remembrance of Danner's life. [1]
• Melissa Waud, former coworker: "an incredible person to spend your days with," Waud’s memory underscores Danner’s impact at work. [1]
• Wendy Kirchner, former patient: "Not only did she help with some neck massaging and exercises, and I was still like, 'don't touch my neck.' I was going through a lot of emotional trauma from the fall and everything, and she was just patient, kind, and gentle," Kirchner recalls Danner’s bedside manner and patience. [1]

Key Facts

• Four Nisqually welcome figures destroyed at Nisqually State Park: The figures were knocked to the ground, leaving only their bases. They stood at the park's entrance near Eatonville and had been installed just two months earlier as part of a partnership between Washington State Parks and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. [1]
• Willie Frank III calls vandalism a hate crime: Frank, former Nisqually Tribal Council chairman and son of Billy Frank Jr., said the vandalism represents more than damage to tribal property and called it a hate crime that affects Washington state and the United States. [1]
• Mashel massacre context underscores site significance: Nisqually State Park sits on Mashel land, where a 1850s massacre killed Nisqually elders, women and children, highlighting the site's long history of colonial violence and the potential for healing through state-tribal partnership. [1]
• Damaged figures removed and stored; next steps with tribe: A Washington State Parks spokesperson said the damaged figures have been safely removed and stored, and the agency will work closely with the Nisqually Tribe on next steps, emphasizing that parks should be places of belonging, safety and respect. [1]
• Rangers investigating; reports filed with other agencies: Washington State Parks Law Enforcement Rangers are investigating, and reports have been filed with other law enforcement agencies as well. [1]

Key Facts

• HazMat response at East Cherry Street building: Seattle fire crews responded to a reported hazardous materials incident at a commercial building in the 1700 block of East Cherry Street. HazMat teams monitored conditions and later determined it was safe to reoccupy the building. All units cleared and returned to service. [1]
• Letter delivered to DSHS office inside building: The Seattle Police Department said officers were called just before 4 p.m. after a letter was delivered to a Washington State Department of Social and Health Services office inside the building. The letter instructed handling with gloves due to a claim of contamination. [1]
• Return address listed Ballard Food Bank deemed illegitimate: Investigators say the return address listed the Ballard Food Bank, which authorities believe was not legitimate. They are investigating the letter's origin and its intent. [1]
• No odor, wires or weapons reported: Officers reported no odor, wires or weapons associated with the letter. The absence of hazards supported a cautious but controlled response by responders. [1]
• Response treated as precaution, standard hazmat protocol: Fire officials said the response was conducted out of an abundance of caution and followed standard procedures for a suspicious package. HazMat teams conducted scene assessments and monitoring as they worked. Ultimately, the incident allowed the building to be cleared for reoccupation. [1]
• No injuries and no further threat identified: Authorities did not report any injuries, and no further threat was identified. Crews cleared the scene and all units returned to service. [1]

Key Facts

• Two adults seriously injured after car firework explosion: Two adults, a man and a woman, were seriously injured when fireworks exploded inside a car on May Creek Road in Gold Bar on New Year's Day. The Sky Valley Fire Department responded to the scene just after midnight and treated burns to their faces and hands. Both occupants were transported to nearby hospitals in serious condition. [1]
• Sheriff's Office investigating cause of explosion: The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office is investigating how the explosion occurred. No cause or origin has been released publicly yet, and officials say this remains a developing story with updates to come. [1]

Key Facts

• West Coast New Year’s show returns to Space Needle: The West Coast's premiere firework show returned to the Space Needle to ring in 2026. It was broadcast across four markets—Seattle, Spokane, Portland and San Diego—on New Year’s Eve, with Alaska Airlines returning as presenting sponsor. The event reinforced the Space Needle as a central hub for West Coast celebrations. [1]
• Broadcast across four markets with Alaska Airlines sponsorship: New Year’s at the Needle was televised in Seattle, Spokane, Portland and San Diego, reinforcing its cross-market reach. Alaska Airlines again served as the presenting sponsor, marking a second consecutive year of sponsorship. The partnership underscored the show's status as a major West Coast celebration. [1]
• Show hosted by KING 5 anchors: The live broadcast featured hosts Jake Whittenberg, Mimi Jung, Chris Cashman, Kelly Hanson, Shanté Sumpter and Jose Cedeno from KING 5. [1]
• Space Needle pre-show light displays: Before the main show, the Space Needle hosted 10-minute light displays at 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 p.m. to build anticipation for the fireworks. [1]
• Drone show canceled due to fog: A drone show scheduled for the event was canceled because visibility was poor due to fog. [3]

Who Said What

• Ron Sevart, Space Needle President and CEO: "We’re honored that New Year’s at the Needle has become a beloved tradition for West Coast viewers to celebrate together," as Space Needle President and CEO, Ron Sevart said. [1]
• Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines: "As the only West Coast-based airline, our partnership with the Space Needle is a natural fit. We look forward to ringing in the New Year with an iconic West Coast landmark again," said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines. [1]

Key Facts

• Olympic alpine skiing to feature four disciplines at Milan-Cortina: The four events are slalom, giant slalom, super-G and downhill, each demanding a distinct mix of speed, precision and nerve. Slalom tests technical turning as skiers weave through tightly spaced gates. The lineup underscores alpine skiing's appeal as the Olympics’ speed-and-skill showcase on northern Italian slopes. [1]
• Slalom remains the most technical event: Slalom is the most technical, requiring skiers to zigzag through tightly spaced gates with quick reflexes. One mistake can mean the difference between standing on the podium and leaving empty-handed. [1]
• Giant slalom blends speed with precision: Giant slalom opens the turns slightly, blending speed with precision. Athletes must maintain fast lines and careful edge control through wider gates. [1]
• Super-G pushes higher speeds with sweeping turns: Super-G, short for super giant slalom, pushes competitors to even higher speeds while maintaining control through wide, sweeping turns. It sits between speed and technique, testing balance on long, flowing runs. [1]
• Downhill is the fastest and most daring, over 80 mph: Downhill is considered the fastest and most daring discipline, with skiers reaching speeds of more than 80 mph as they tackle jumps and sharp curves. The course emphasizes risk management and precision at extreme velocity. [1]
• Races are timed to determine winners: Each run is timed, and winners are determined by the fastest combined score or single run, depending on the event. The format highlights how a single mistake can cost a podium in any discipline. [1]

Key Facts

• Liquor theft at Meekong Bar in Belltown: Surveillance video shows the burglary began around 2 a.m., with a suspect kicking the window and entering; more people joined in a roughly five-hour spree that emptied shelves of liquor. Li estimates $500-$1,000 in alcohol was stolen. In response, he removed most of the remaining alcohol to deter a second theft, and police were notified after a 911 caller reported broken glass and bottles outside. [1]
• Confrontation with Li's father framed motive: Li says the real issue was a confrontation involving his father, who arrived at 7 a.m. for prep work. He describes his father as elderly with limited English, and says one attacker yelled 'F you' in Vietnamese during the encounter. The incident, he says, underscores safety concerns for staff and patrons. [1]
• Police note prior incidents did not involve entry: SPD says officers also responded to two earlier broken-window reports at the same business on Dec. 21 and Aug. 29, but neither incident involved anyone entering the bar. [1]
• Owner calls for stronger security: Li urged city officials to install more traffic cameras and increase police patrols in the area to deter future thefts, arguing that enhanced surveillance would improve employee safety and deter repeat offenses. [1]

Who Said What

• Hung Li, Co-owner: "The alcohol is not really the issue. The issue was that my dad actually came in and these two guys stood here. [One] was yelling, 'F you' in Vietnamese," this underscores the confrontation Li says sparked the incident and the attackers' behavior. [1]
• Hung Li, Co-owner: "He's an old dude with a cane," describes Li's father as elderly and using a cane, illustrating vulnerability. [1]
• Hung Li, Co-owner: "That was the only reason they even stopped, that's the concerning part," Li contends the confrontation mattered and explains why he believes the theft occurred. [1]
• Hung Li, Co-owner: "You know with [my dad's] limited English, he just said, 'No good, no good! Go!," describes the father's reaction in English during the event. [1]

Key Facts

• Dimmick dies in Seattle on Dec. 24 at 96: Dimmick died Dec. 24 in Seattle, at age 96. She became the first woman to serve on Washington's Supreme Court when appointed in 1981 by Gov. Dixy Lee Ray. Her passing closes a landmark chapter in the state's judiciary. [1]
• Appointed to WA Supreme Court in 1981: She was the 14th woman in the nation to serve on a state supreme court. Gov. Dixy Lee Ray appointed her. Her appointment arrived just months before Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman named to the U.S. Supreme Court. [1]
• Moved to federal bench in 1985: President Reagan named her to a newly created seat on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. She served as chief judge from 1994 to 1997 and took senior status in 1997. [1]
• Stephens praises Dimmick as trailblazer and mentor: In remarks, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens credited Dimmick with breaking gender barriers and mentoring lawyers seeking to overcome stereotypes. [1]
• Dimmick legacy documented; life celebration planned: Her career is featured in Legacy Washington, the Secretary of State's historical collection, and in the 'Ahead of the Curve' report on pioneering women in Washington. A family celebration of life is planned for early next year. [1]

Who Said What

• Debra L. Stephens, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice: "To describe Justice Dimmick as a trailblazer is an understatement. She accomplished so many ‘firsts’ throughout her career and her impact on Washington’s legal community extends far beyond her individual accomplishments," this underscores her pioneering role and lasting impact on the state's judiciary. [1]
• Debra L. Stephens, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice: "She accomplished so many ‘firsts’ throughout her career and her impact on Washington’s legal community extends far beyond her individual accomplishments," this reflects the breadth of Dimmick's influence on the state's judiciary. [1]

Key Facts

• Old DOH vaccine hotline hijacked: The Washington State Department of Health says its former vaccine hotline, 833-VAX-HELP, has been taken over by scammers. The line was created during the COVID-19 response to answer vaccine questions, help residents find vaccination sites, and assist with vaccination records. The department notes it no longer runs the line. [1]
• Callers report impersonators asking for payment: Some people who reach the number report that the responders identify as a vaccine-help line and ask for payment or personal financial information. The DOH warns this is not legitimate and urges the public not to share banking details. [1]
• Official immunization hotline now active at new number: The official DOH immunization hotline is now 1-866-397-0337, staffed by trained Office of Immunization specialists who can answer vaccine questions, help locate providers, and assist with vaccination records. [1]
• No confirmed financial harm reported yet; know to call the new line: The DOH says it is not aware of any confirmed cases of financial loss or other harm linked to the former hotline. Residents with immunization questions should call the new hotline or visit the department's immunization information web page. [1][2]
• Public urged to use official resources for accurate info: Officials emphasize using the official hotline and the department’s immunization information page to avoid scams and ensure accurate vaccine information and records. [1][2]

Key Facts

• Chelan arson suspect dies from blood clot: Jason Glandon, 41, died in August, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. He was the main suspect in the Aug. 21 fire at a Chelan County home that left 11 people inside. Nada Davidson, 63, and Michael Tappe, 67, died in the blaze, and a 55-year-old woman was severely injured. [1]
• Glandon named primary suspect on Aug 24: Glandon was determined to be the primary suspect on Aug. 24, three days after the fire. The following day, he was found dead. He had severe burns on the backs of his legs, indicating he had been at the scene and turned away from the flames at the time of a blast or explosion. [1]
• Glandon found Aug 25 with burns on legs: When he was found on Aug. 25, investigators noted severe burns on the backs of his legs, which authorities say showed he had been at the scene of the fire and turned away from the flames during an explosion. [1]
• Death attributed to pulmonary embolism from DVT: The sheriff's office said he died from a pulmonary embolism due to a deep vein thrombosis in the leg. He also had burns on his legs when found, suggesting he had been at the scene. [1]
• Evidence supports intentional arson, investigators say: Detectives continued to investigate and further evidence was obtained supporting the conclusion that Glandon had intentionally set the fire, resulting in the deaths of Davidson and Tappe. The sheriff's office reported this finding on Dec. 30. [1]
• Probable cause found for murder and arson: Authorities determined probable cause against Glandon for first-degree murder and first-degree arson. No additional information about how the fire started or any motives was released. [1]

Who Said What

• Chelan County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement agency: "further evidence was obtained supporting the conclusion that Glandon had intentionally set the fire, resulting in the deaths of Davidson and Tappe," the sheriff’s office said on Dec. 30. [1]

Key Facts

• Bottle tied to tree linked to Carl Larsen: Carl Larsen died the year Tom was born. In 1943 he volunteered to help build the Alcan Highway because he was too old to enlist. He reportedly tied the bottle to a tree and never told anyone about it, leaving a mystery for decades. [1]
• Bottle found by Canadian survey team: A Canadian surveying team found the bottle deep in a forest near Fort St. John, British Columbia, about 750 miles north of Vancouver. The bottle remained attached to the tree with wire. [1]
• Note lists Carl Larsen's name and address: Inside was a handwritten note bearing Carl Larsen's name and address and a request that the finder write him. Tom had never opened the bottle, preserving it as a family keepsake. [1]
• Sleuthing links bottle to Bothell family: Modern internet sleuthing and Ancestry.com traced the note to Carl's great-granddaughter in California and eventually to Tom Larsen in Bothell. [1]
• Tom opens bottle, sees handwriting: With a rusty cap popped, Tom read his grandfather's handwriting in person for the first time and found it clearer than he expected. [1]
• Note sparks reflection on past-present link: The note's simple request to write him is described as a connection between past and present, with Tom imagining a future where others might leave messages in the woods and be discovered years later. [1]

Key Facts

• Barges haul thousands of tires from Puget Sound: A massive cleanup operation moves along Puget Sound, with barges decked with tires, marking one of the region's largest environmental removals in decades. [2]
• 1960s tire reef plan scattered over 100,000 tires: In the 1960s, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources proposed artificial reefs in Puget Sound using tires, scattering more than 100,000 tires over two decades from Olympia to Port Townsend. [1]
• Plan backfired as tires migrated and degraded: Decades later, researchers found the plan failed as tires moved across the seafloor, degraded in saltwater, and potentially leached toxins that could harm marine life. [1]
• Pilot removal in 2024 yielded 5,000 tires: During a late-fall 2024 pilot removal, a site thought to hold about 3,000 tires yielded about 5,000, illustrating the scale of contamination. [1]
• Cleanup aims to remove tires by year-end: Throughout 2025, the state agency is conducting a sweeping cleanup to extract as many tires as possible before the new year. [1]
• Tires sent to facilities for recycling or disposal: Extracted tires are sent to specialized tire-waste facilities to ensure they are recycled or disposed of properly and to prevent further environmental harm. [1]

Who Said What

• Vernon Stoner, Olympia waterfront resident: "The barge is a little bit noisy, but we can live with that for several weeks," the quote captures local tolerance of disruption as the cleanup proceeds. [1]
• Vernon Stoner, Olympia waterfront resident: "It's just great that they now recognize that wasn't a good idea," highlights local reflection on the original reef plan. [1]