Your trusted source for local Seattle, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Chef Shota Nakajima announces the closure of Taku, his Osaka-inspired karaage bar in Capitol Hill, reflecting on his decade-long journey in Seattle's culinary scene. As he prepares for farewell pop-ups, Nakajima expresses gratitude to the community while hinting at future endeavors beyond Seattle. This closure marks a significant moment in the local dining landscape.
A vacant building in Seattle's Atlantic neighborhood caught fire for the second time in five weeks, highlighting the city's ongoing struggle with derelict properties. The Seattle Fire Department has responded to a growing number of fires in vacant buildings, prompting the city to enact an ordinance for emergency demolitions to ensure public safety. Despite these measures, 122 dangerous buildings remain on the watch list, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the ordinance.
Kirkland residents express significant concerns regarding the upcoming opening of a homeless facility in a former La Quinta Inn, particularly regarding safety near schools and daycare centers. Despite a community meeting with local officials, many residents felt reassured only about the facility’s operations, as issues related to drug addiction and mental health remain unresolved. The facility, set to open in July, will house 100 individuals and will not require sobriety for tenants, raising further apprehensions among locals.
U.S. Soccer has introduced a new Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (RAP) aimed at combating the rising incidents of referee abuse in youth sports, including physical and verbal misconduct. The policy implements stricter sanctions for offenders, responding to a disturbing trend where many referees, especially young ones, face increasing hostility from players, coaches, and spectators.
The Lynnwood City Council is set to reconsider the appointment of Jessica Roberts to a vacant council seat due to newly surfaced allegations regarding her controversial online comments and sexually explicit material. A special meeting has been scheduled to discuss potentially rescinding her appointment, which was made unanimously just days prior. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about the vetting process for city council members and raises questions about ethics in local governance.
Point Roberts, Washington, faces a crisis as U.S.-Canada tariffs impact local businesses, with many residents fearing economic repercussions worse than those experienced during the COVID pandemic. Local café owner Tamra Hansen reports a significant drop in revenue, while other businesses struggle to adapt to changing border dynamics. The article highlights the unique challenges faced by this exclave, which relies heavily on cross-border commerce with Canada.
A series of coyote attacks in Bellevue's Factoria neighborhood has led the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to increase patrols. Recent incidents include a child being bitten and attempts to attack children at a bus stop, prompting authorities to advise residents on safety measures regarding coyotes.
A man was arrested for felony assault after throwing a Smarte Carte luggage cart from the mezzanine at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport early Thursday morning. The incident, which occurred at around 4:30 a.m. on March 9, resulted in no injuries or significant damage. Airport operations resumed normalcy shortly after, and the case has been forwarded to King County Prosecutors.
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) faces criticism from parents over alleged mismanagement of student enrollment, particularly related to option schools where families report waitlists despite available capacity. Parents argue that the district's actions are discriminatory and detrimental to educational quality, urging SPS to prioritize enrollment in popular programs to retain students and increase state funding.
Bodycam footage has revealed the arrest of off-duty Washington State Patrol Trooper Sarah Clasen, charged with vehicular homicide after a fatal crash that killed 20-year-old Jhoser Sanchez. The incident, believed to involve impairment, is currently under investigation, with Clasen's case being handled by a special prosecutor due to her law enforcement status.