Your trusted source for local Seattle, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Washington State lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 5238, which aims to redefine reckless driving by classifying speeding over 30 mph as reckless. The bill seeks to enhance accountability for drivers and includes penalties such as a minimum one-month license suspension. If passed, the law would take effect on September 1, 2024.
A significant earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, resulting in over 150 fatalities and widespread panic. Western Washington natives, including teachers and travelers, shared their experiences of the quake, highlighting the varied impacts and their survival strategies. The article emphasizes the importance of communication and preparedness in the aftermath of such disasters.
A 48-year-old woman was arrested in Seattle after kidnapping a 1-year-old girl from a daycare. The child was safely rescued hours later, and the suspect, known to the child's mother, was apprehended following a police pursuit. The incident is under investigation by Seattle police.
Moses Lake police are actively searching for Jose Beltran-Rodriguez, a suspect in the murder of a 14-year-old boy in a drive-by shooting that injured four others. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and gun safety in the community.
The King County Target Zero Coalition has launched a traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing accidents along a dangerous 11-mile road in western Washington. This project responds to tragic incidents involving high-speed crashes that have resulted in fatalities, particularly affecting children. The coalition's approach incorporates community input and data analysis to address specific driving behaviors contributing to these accidents.
A federal judge in Tacoma has issued a ruling blocking President Trump's order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, marking the second nationwide injunction against the policy in a week. The decision came after a lawsuit from transgender military personnel, who argued that the ban was discriminatory and harmful to their careers. Judge Benjamin Settle emphasized the lack of evidence supporting the ban and highlighted the cases of transgender service members who have proven their capabilities.
A Seattle man, Andre Phillip Karlow, has been arrested for a violent hate crime attack against a transgender individual in the University District. The incident involved a group of men using anti-transgender slurs, leading to significant injuries for the victim. Karlow, who has a lengthy criminal record, faces hate crime charges and has been linked to a previous incident from September 2024.
An Algona business was evacuated after two binders containing methamphetamine were delivered, causing an employee to fall ill. A HazMat team confirmed the substance and the employee was treated at a local hospital. The Algona Police are investigating the origins of the drugs and are seeking information from the public.
The body of former U.S. Army sergeant Zuleika Witron was recovered from the Carbon River after she was swept away during stormy weather. A civilian using a drone located her body, providing closure to her family following a challenging search effort that spanned nearly a week. Witron's tragic accident occurred while she was exploring the riverbanks with her girlfriend and dogs.
A vaccination clinic for uninsured children in Washington state has been canceled due to significant funding cuts from the CDC, totaling at least $130 million. Experts warn that the loss of these services will adversely affect vulnerable populations, leading to increased health issues. Community members express concern about the critical resources that will no longer be available.