MyNorthwest Staff – MyNorthwest.com Seattle news, sports, weather, traffic, talk and community. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:47:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8 /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/favicon-needle.png MyNorthwest Staff – MyNorthwest.com 32 32 Man arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother in Lynnwood /crime_blotter/mother-stabbing-lynnwood/4081178 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:45:34 +0000 /?p=4081178 Police in Lynnwood have arrested a man for allegedly stabbing his mother Sunday night.

Lynnwood Police Department (LPD) said they responded to a call for a reported stabbing in the 18600 block of 42nd Pl W. LPD said the victim and her husband came outside of the house to meet with police, but her son would not step outside. Officers said the victim was still conscious and alert upon arrival, and they were able to transport her to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

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Following a brief standoff, the suspect exited the house and surrendered to officers. LPD discovered that the suspect had mental health issues as well as a self-inflicted injury, requiring him to be transported to the hospital prior to booking.

After hospital release, the suspect is expected to be booked into the Snohomish County Jail for Assault in the first degree.

 

 

 

 

]]> Image: A Lynnwood Police Department badge can be on a police uniform. The LPD recently made an arre... Sunday night Tacoma shooting leaves 1 dead, 1 injured /crime_blotter/tacoma-shooting-2/4081087 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:40:46 +0000 /?p=4081087 One person died following a shooting in Tacoma Sunday night that left another person injured.

Officers with the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) arrived at the 4800 block of East Q Street just before 7 p.m. after receiving reports of a possible shooting. They found two victims inside a car with gunshot wounds, a woman and a man. Both victims were reportedly in their 20s.

They were both brought to the hospital, where the man later died from his injuries. The woman is currently in stable condition, as of this reporting.

TPD is unsure what led to this incident, and no arrests have been made. Detectives are investigating the shooting as a homicide.

This is an ongoing investigation, check back for updates

]]> tacoma neighbor... Washington Democrats push through rent cap bill after negotiations /mynorthwest-politics/washington-rent-cap/4080886 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:40:24 +0000 /?p=4080886 Washington lawmakers on Sunday passed a measure to cap annual rent increases, bringing a controversial legislative fight to a close on the final day of the 2025 session. But it’s unclear if Governor Bob Ferguson will support the rent cap bill.

, the product of a late-session compromise between House and Senate Democrats, will cap rent hikes at 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower. The bill also bars landlords from raising rents during the first 12 months of a new tenancy. Single-family homes are not exempt from the cap.

The Senate approved the final version on a 27-20 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans in opposition. The House followed with a 54-44 vote, where five Democrats broke ranks. No Republicans voted in favor.

“This is one of the most productive sessions on housing affordability our state has seen,” Sen. Jessica Batman, D-Olympia, said in a statement. “It’s the result of strong coalition-building in and outside the Legislature, bipartisan collaboration with our Republican colleagues and sustained, long-term engagement with the community and our constituents who are so deeply affected by these issues. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far this year and know that we have more work ahead.”

Washington rent cap developed over weeks of negotiations

The bill’s final version reflects weeks of negotiations.

Originally, HB 1217 capped rent increases at 7% annually. A Senate amendment raised the limit to 10% plus inflation, but after concerns from House Democrats, a conference committee struck a compromise late Thursday.

The legislation also establishes a 5% cap on rent increases for manufactured and mobile homes, with no expiration date. For most other residential properties, the rent cap is set to expire after 15 years unless renewed.

Beginning June 1, 2025, the state Department of Commerce will be required to publish the allowable maximum rent increase annually, based on the Seattle-area Consumer Price Index. Landlords must also provide tenants with 90 days’ notice before raising rent.

New construction is exempt from the cap for up to 12 years, as are properties owned by public housing authorities and certain nonprofit organizations. Some small, owner-occupied properties, such as duplexes or homes with accessory dwelling units, are also exempt.

Will Governor Ferguson sign the rent cap bill?

Republicans blasted the measure, arguing it addresses symptoms rather than causes.

“Without supply, rents go high,” Rep. Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, said during floor debate. He urged colleagues to focus instead on removing regulations that he said drive up the cost and difficulty of building new housing.

The bill now heads to Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has not publicly stated whether he will sign it.

]]> rent cap washington... Poll: Bob Ferguson grows on Republicans, sours on Democrats, amidst economic fear heightened /mynorthwest-politics/poll-bob-ferguson-grows-on-republicans-sours-on-democrats-amidst-economic-fear-heightened/4080833 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:01:31 +0000 /?p=4080833 Washingtonians’ mood about the state’s future remains largely stagnant while concerns about the economy continue to worsen, according to a new . But more surprising? Governor Bob Ferguson’s approval numbers amongst Republicans.

Despite a new governor taking office earlier this year, residents’ views on the direction of the state show little change. Forty percent said Washington is on the right track, nearly identical to past surveys between April 2023 and today, while 45% said the state is on the wrong track — also virtually unchanged. This persistent malaise comes as concerns about the economy deepen. Fifty-six percent said Washington’s economic conditions are getting worse, a sharp increase from 35% just three months ago.

One of the most surprising findings: Republican support for Governor Bob Ferguson has risen dramatically.

Republicans starting to like Governor Bob Ferguson

Positive impressions of Ferguson among Republicans jumped from 15% in January to 35% in April, according to . Meanwhile, his support among Democrats fell from 65% to 47% during the same period. Ferguson’s standing among independents also declined, dropping from 41% to 31%.

The unusual bump in Republican approval comes even as Ferguson’s overall favorability slipped. Among all voters, Ferguson’s positive ratings now sit at 38%, down from 42% in January and a high of 56% last November.

The poll, conducted online April 16-20 among 500 Washington residents, was weighted to reflect the state’s demographics by age, gender, region, political affiliation, education, and income. It was completed before Democrats passed a budget that would raise taxes by $9 billion. Ferguson previously rejected Democratic tax plans, angering Democrats but earning praise from Republicans.

King County residents made up 29% of respondents, with the remainder spread across Puget Sound, Western Washington, and Eastern Washington. Politically, 40% identified as Democrats, 29% as Republicans, and 23% as independents.

Ferguson’s future, and bright spots for Republicans

Ferguson’s uptick among Republicans could reflect a perception that he is governing more moderately than expected. However, growing dissatisfaction among Democrats could spell trouble for the governor.

The survey also revealed some good news for the Republican Party more broadly. When asked which party they trusted more to handle key issues, voters preferred Republicans on crime (44% to 37%), taxes (42% to 42%), and government spending (42% to 38%).

Democrats retained a large advantage on healthcare, education, housing, and climate change.

Nonetheless, the overall mood remains grim. Only 12% of respondents said the state’s economy is getting better, while a majority said it is deteriorating. Ratings of personal financial situations also darkened. Nineteen percent said their own finances were improving, down from 23% in January, while 33% said their finances were getting worse.

]]> Bob Ferguson tax proposal... Washington Democrats pass $77.8 billion budget on last day of legislature /mynorthwest-politics/washington-billion-budget/4080897 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 02:22:24 +0000 /?p=4080897 Washington state lawmakers passed a $77.8 billion operating budget Sunday, wrapping up the 2025 legislative session. Washington Democrats say the budget provides new investments in education, law enforcement, and social services.

House Democrats, who spearheaded the budget plan, say it protects essential services while boosting K-12 education. The plan allocates $750 million for special education, $213 million for school materials and operations, and $200 million to support students in low-income districts through local effort assistance.

Despite facing a growing deficit, the final package calls for $8.7 billion in taxes without tapping into the state’s “Rainy Day” fund or implementing furloughs. To address future shortfalls, lawmakers plan $3.1 billion in cuts during the 2025-27 biennium, totaling $7 billion over four years.

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Reacting to the $77.8 billion budget

Gov. Bob Ferguson signaled support for the proposal, noting it relies less on new tax increases compared to earlier drafts. But Republicans are slamming the budget as regressive.

“Democrats openly admit that many of their new taxes are regressive, hitting low-income families the hardest,” Sen. Nikki Torres (R-Pasco) explained in a statement. “So, who’s really wearing the villain cape here? It certainly isn’t the hardworking Washingtonians now staring down higher costs for food, health care, energy, and fewer choices. The people of Washington deserve better than what they received today. We will continue to fight for policies that lift burdens, strengthen families, and honor the trust the taxpayers have placed in us.”

Republicans criticize the bill for a number of cuts and tax hikes, including $100 new fee on marriage licenses, 38% increase in hunting and fishing licenses, 50% increase in accessing state parks, 50% increase in liquor license fees, and sales tax increases on certain services.

But House Appropriations Chair Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) said the budget reflects a balanced approach, avoiding major service cuts while addressing urgent education needs. Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) called the budget a product of “hard, often painful choices” made to protect vulnerable communities.

The budget now awaits Ferguson’s signature.

]]> capital gains tax... Bellevue police ask for community help after strong arm robbery in Factoria /crime_blotter/bellevue-strong-arm-robbery/4080827 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 21:55:24 +0000 /?p=4080827 Bellevue police are from the public after a 68-year-old woman was attacked and robbed Sunday morning in the Factoria area.

Police responded around 10 a.m. to reports of a robbery in the 3900 block of Factoria Square Mall SE. The victim told officers she was approached by two people in a gray SUV who asked for directions. When she declined an offer of cash they tried to give her, the suspects allegedly shoved her to the ground and ripped a necklace from her neck before driving off.

The woman was treated at the scene for minor injuries by Bellevue Fire Department medics and did not require a hospital stay.

Know anything? Report it here to Bellevue PD

Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or has information about the suspects to call the Bellevue Police Department’s non-emergency number at 425-577-5656 or email bellevuepd@bellevuewa.gov.

The department also urged community members, especially seniors, to use caution when approached by strangers. Police recommend traveling in groups, avoiding interactions with unknown drivers, declining unsolicited gifts, and remaining alert. Anyone who feels unsafe is encouraged to call 911 immediately.

]]> Bellevue Robberies... Washington lawmakers approve 6-cent gas tax hike with July start date /mynorthwest-politics/washington-6-cent-gas-tax/4080470 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 14:12:50 +0000 /?p=4080470 Washington drivers will soon pay even more at the pump, after lawmakers approved the state’s first gasoline tax increase in nearly a decade.

Late Friday, the Senate passed , a sweeping transportation revenue package anchored by a 6-cent gas tax hike, by a bipartisan 31-17 vote. The House approved the plan a day earlier. Gov. Bob Ferguson is expected to review the package soon, but it’s highly likely it is signed when it hits his desk. The legislative session is scheduled to adjourn Sunday and it’s expected to give the final legislative approval before then/

Starting July 1, the gas tax will rise from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents per gallon. Diesel fuel taxes will also increase by 3 cents this year and another 3 cents in 2027. After mid-2026, both gas and diesel taxes will grow by 2% annually to keep pace with inflation.

Washington drivers pay the third highest average gas prices in the nation at $4.28, according to the AAA, just behind California and Alaska. The national gas price average is $3.15.

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It’s not just the gas tax but other fees going up in Washington

The tax hikes, combined with other new fees, are expected to generate $3.2 billion over the next six years to bolster the state’s struggling transportation budget. Lawmakers said the additional funding is critical to addressing runaway construction costs and fulfilling longstanding infrastructure promises.

“We’re asking Washingtonians to pay some more to fund our transportation system, but we’re spending it on keeping our promises, on preserving and maintaining highways, and on safety,” Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) said during debate, according to the .

Besides the gas and diesel tax hikes, SB 5801 raises a range of fees. Vehicle weight fees will increase by $10 to $24 annually starting in January, depending on the size of the vehicle. The state’s special sales tax on motor vehicles will jump from 0.3% to 0.5%. A new 8% luxury tax will hit vehicles sold for over $100,000, and a 10% tax will apply to aircraft valued above $500,000.

Rental car taxes will temporarily more than double, from 5.9% to 11.9% in 2026, before settling at 9.9% in 2027. Tire replacement fees will also rise from $1 to $5 per tire.

Lawmakers admit gas tax hike is a tough sell

Lawmakers from both parties acknowledged the package is a tough sell. Washingtonians already pay some of the highest gas prices in the country — averaging $4.29 per gallon including taxes, according to AAA — and the new increases could push the state to the third-highest gas tax nationwide, behind only California and Pennsylvania.

“Raising fees and taxes is not something we take lightly, but we determined it was the only solution to address our state’s transportation challenges,” said Sen. Curtis King (R-Yakima) in a joint statement with Liias, according to .

Republicans were divided over the plan. While some backed it in the Senate, no Republicans supported it in the House, where they warned that working families are being crushed under the weight of constant new taxes.

Democrats defended the move, arguing that without new revenue, Washington faced a transportation budget shortfall of up to $8 billion over six years, imperiling ferry service, pothole repairs, and critical bridge replacements.

]]> Bipartisan legislation will raise the gas tax by $.06 cents. (Photo: Jason Rantz/KTTH)... Seattle goes full bloom on naked gardening day /local/seattle-gardening-day/4079678 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 12:02:26 +0000 /?p=4079678 Spring has finally arrived in Seattle, bringing cherry blossoms, allergy season, and a surprising surge in exposed gardeners. 

World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) is coming up on May 3, and the city where it all began is proving it’s not afraid to let it all hang out.

Seattle ranks No. 2 in Best Cities for Naked Gardening, but don’t be fooled by the silver medal. This city is the birthplace of WNGD, thanks to Bellevue College professor and trailblazing naturist Mark Storey, who decided back in 2005 that nature feels better without pants.

“It started with the idea that connecting with the earth means stripping away more than just weeds,” Storey said in an interview. “Sometimes, it means stripping away society’s expectations, too.”

Seattle has a surprisingly cooperative forecast this year, ranking 50th in weather out of 500 cities, according to LawnStarter.

Where to drop your drawers and pick your petunias

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Seattle’s naturist community is thriving. Residents can celebrate World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) at spots like , where gardening is done clothing-free and without restrictions. For a full-on naturist festival, locals are preparing for Nudestock—Seattle’s one-of-a-kind blend of Woodstock vibes, gardening, and nudity.

Want to take the fun beyond the flower beds? In June, the Fremont Solstice Parade offers the chance to bike through the city wearing nothing but body paint.

Safety tips for barefoot botanists

Seattle’s gardening culture is strong, and its naked gardening culture is stronger—but even seasoned nudists need a few reminders:

  • Watch out for slugs. They’re slow, sneaky, and they will find a way into places you didn’t know existed.
  • Use eco-friendly products. Naked bodies and pesticides do not mix.
  • No power tools in the nude. You don’t want your neighbors seeing you on the evening news for all the wrong reasons.

]]> Seattle to go full bloom on naked gardening day (Jessica Damiano via AP)... Ex-Tacoma resident indicted in substation attacks that caused widespread outages /crime_blotter/substation-attacks/4079720 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 22:55:22 +0000 /?p=4079720

A 33-year-old former Tacoma resident has been for allegedly damaging multiple energy facilities across western Washington, according to Thursday from acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.

Federal authorities said Zachary Rosenthal and his accomplices aimed to knock out power to disable security systems, making it easier to burglarize nearby businesses and ATMs.

“The idea was to knock out the power in a particular area, and then Rosenthal and his conspirators would then target either local businesses or ATM machines that were within the area that the power was out that were then, easier targets at that point with alarm systems and the light being deactivated,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg said.

Rosenthal is accused of attacking six power substations in the South Sound and Southwest Washington between June and December 2022. Court documents state the group targeted facilities in Lewis, Cowlitz, Pierce, Thurston, and Grays Harbor counties, causing outages that affected up to 6,000 customers at a time. The suspects allegedly used firearms, heavy chains, and physical force to damage electrical equipment.

“Sometimes they just damaged the equipment in a control room by smashing in and breaking it,” Greenberg explained. “Sometimes they use the firearm to shoot into some of the tanks to disable of the system. And other times they used the metal chains which they threw onto equipment which caused short circuits and then power outages.”

Ex-Tacoma resident linked to substation attacks previously indicted

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Rosenthal was previously indicted in Oregon in July 2023 for damaging two Portland-area substations. That case is scheduled for trial on November 3, 2025. He is currently serving a prison sentence in Washington for an unrelated vehicular assault conviction.

If convicted on the federal charges, Rosenthal faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.

]]> substation attacks... Restaurant employee assaulted in Capitol Hill over missing chicken tender /crime_blotter/capitol-hill-chicken/4079744 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:55:54 +0000 /?p=4079744 A 29-year-old employee at a chicken restaurant in Capitol Hill is recovering after being punched in the face Tuesday night, according to

Police said they are looking for three individuals who were asked to leave the restaurant in the 1200 block of East Pike Street around 10:54 p.m. for allegedly harassing other patrons with offensive language.

The three men, one in his 20s, were eating at the restaurant while allegedly verbally harassing nearby customers, according to witnesses. One person said they were growled at, barked at, and insulted. That’s when a manager intervened and warned the group that they would be asked to leave if the poor behavior continued.

Police seek suspects in Capitol Hill assault

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When the harassment persisted, the men allegedly began arguing with customers and later approached the worker regarding a missing chicken tender, according to the employee. The disagreement escalated when police said one of the suspects used a homophobic slur.

As the employee escorted the group toward the exit, one of the suspects allegedly said, “Don’t touch my boy like that,” prompting another to punch the employee. The punch left a cut above the victim’s left eye, along with significant swelling. The suspects then escaped westbound on East Pike Street near 12th Avenue.

Law enforcement is asking anyone with additional information to contact the SPD Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.

]]> Seattle police vehicle (1)... Nine more international students sue Trump Administration /local/students-sue-trump-administration/4079643 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:31:27 +0000 /?p=4079643 Nine more international students, both current and former, have filed a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that their legal immigration status in the U.S. was unfairly taken away.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington state, names DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, bringing the total number of similar student plaintiffs to at least 15, according to

The class-action lawsuit represents both the named plaintiffs and others across the U.S. facing similar issues. To protect their privacy due to the stigma of alleged criminal activity, all plaintiffs are identified anonymously as “John Roe” or “Jane Roe,” the complaint said. The suit claims the government violated their due process rights and asks the court to invalidate the terminations.

Attorney Jay Gairson, representing the nine plaintiffs, believes there are likely more affected individuals who have not yet come forward. To date, at least 23 international students and recent graduates at the University of Washington have had their status revoked, with students from Washington State University, Central Washington University, and Seattle University also reportedly impacted.

Nine more students file lawsuit against Trump Administration 

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Under federal law, students may lose legal status if convicted of a violent crime punishable by more than one year in prison. That is not the case with any of the current plaintiffs.

A South Korean doctoral student at the University of Washington was fingerprinted in connection with a 2024 criminal charge, but he was acquitted by a jury, according to the Times.  Another UW undergraduate student was arrested in 2022, but the charges were dismissed due to a lack of evidence. A Seattle Central College student faced a shoplifting charge that was dropped, while a high school student from King County had contact with law enforcement as a minor but was never charged, the Times reported.

Last week, Chief U.S. District Judge David Estudillo temporarily reinstated the legal status of one UW student, preventing ICE from detaining or deporting him. The same judge is expected to rule on three similar cases this week.

]]> Nine more international students join Trump Administration lawsuit. April 18, 2025, in Washington. ... Pike Place Market business owner says street closure stalls sales /local/pike-place-market-2/4078917 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:20:31 +0000 /?p=4078917 Starting Wednesday, the street to Pike Place Market is partially closing to cars through a new Seattle pilot project to address congestion and safety. While supporters like a more pedestrian-friendly space, one business owner told Xվ Newsradio the closure has negative impacts.

“Whenever the street is closed, the people stop coming into the building as much and my line disappears,” 25-year Pike Place Market business owner Celeste Poff-Shafer said.

However, visitors say the change makes the market safer.

“I think it’s great because when people are out walking and they’re trying to experience the surroundings, you’re not looking for vehicles, so you could be accidentally hit,” local Pike Place Market visitor Marla Mertel said.

The closure aligns with Mayor Bruce Harrell’s recent push to rework the market as a more pedestrian-friendly space, explained . It also coincides with the street restoration work between Pine and Virginia Streets. Construction is set for weekdays only and should wrap up by August.

“As we head into the warmer months and get ready for FIFA Club Cup this summer, this new pilot will make it more inviting and comfortable than ever for residents and visitors to walk around our cherished Pike Place Market,” Harrell said.

‘A learning experience:’ Pike Place Market pilot restricts regular traffic

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The new rules restrict vehicle access at First Ave and Pike Street, allowing only emergency vehicles, disabled parking permit holders, delivery trucks, vendor loading/unloading, and curbside pickups, according to The Seattle Times.

“This will be a learning experience for everyone,” Executive Director of Pike Place Market PDA Rachel Ligtenberg said. “We’re committed to monitoring the pilot closely, making real-time adjustments as needed, and ensuring the street continues to work for the people who rely on it most.”

Drivers can no longer turn left from First Ave into Pike Place, and long-term parking is banned between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., except for those with disabled permits. A transportation official will be stationed to help direct traffic to the Market’s Western Avenue garage.

The debate over closing the market to through traffic has existed nearly as long as Pike Place itself. Even though the change is not currently permanent, it soon could be.

Contributing: James Lynch, Xվ Newsradio; Julia Dallas and Jonah Oaklief, MyNorthwest

]]> Pike Place Market street closed... WA city becomes first in nation to ‘ban the address’ for job applications /local/spokane-ban-the-address/4079268 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:03:41 +0000 /?p=4079268 Spokane became the first city in the U.S. to adopt a “Ban the Address” ordinance following a historic 6-1 vote Monday, according to .

Lawmakers hope the legislation will help homeless individuals get off the streets and into employment, as “ban the address” prevents employers from asking about a potential hire’s current housing status. 

Representatives from the Spokane Business Association, Spokane Community Against Racism, and Tenants Union of Washington State all testified in support alongside several residents.

Spokane first to adopt ‘ban the address’ ordinance

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Critics of the ordinance argue that it is merely a symbolic gesture that will result in little more than positive press for lawmakers. Spokane Council member Michael Cathcart described the policy as “low-hanging fruit,” noting that it is insignificant compared to other proposals currently under consideration, according to The Center Square.

He joined Dillon in supporting the policy on Monday, but emphasized that it “pales in comparison to the millions” already spent on addressing the crisis.

Council member Jonathan Bingle, among the conservative minority with Cathcart, voted against the measure. Bingle compared the policy to a “camel’s nose in the tent,” an idiom that refers to a seemingly small request or compromise with unintended consequences.

]]> ban the address spokane... Sen. introduces bill to move incarcerated to ICE, calling WA ‘a sanctuary for felons’ /mynorthwest-politics/ice-sanctuary-city/4079270 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:00:59 +0000 /?p=4079270 Washington Senator Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn) introduced a bill to move incarcerated undocumented migrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

According to from Senate Republicans on Tuesday, would authorize the Department of Corrections to transfer people in custody with federal immigration detainers to ICE. Fortunato said the bill would reverse what he calls misguided policies that force Washington taxpayers to fund the incarceration of undocumented immigrants.

The release explained that the decision was previously blocked by state law, with Fortunato calling Washington a harbor for criminals.

“Washington has become a sanctuary for felons,” Fortunato stated via the release. “We’re not talking about law-abiding immigrants. These are individuals who are in the country illegally and have committed serious crimes. There is no reason taxpayers should continue footing the bill.”

ICE: Over 300 people in facilities undocumented

Senate Republicans stated that, according to ICE, more than 300 people incarcerated in state facilities are undocumented, and the majority are charged with sex offenses or murder. The annual average cost of an inmate is approximately $75,000 per year.

According to the release, Washington is spending more than $23 million each year to hold individuals who could be turned over to ICE.

]]> ICE (1)... Beloved family restaurant in Chinatown closing after decades /local/shanghai-garden-chinatown-closing/4079249 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:00:19 +0000 /?p=4079249 , a staple in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District since 1990, is permanently closing its doors at the end of May.

Christine Su, co-owner of Shanghai Garden, attributed the decision to several challenges common among small businesses in Seattle, including rising food and labor costs. But she also stated that declining foot traffic, influenced in part by customer concerns about crime in the area, hurt the restaurant.

“Shanghai Garden has been more than just a restaurant, it has been a gathering place, a tradition for some, and a labor of love for our family and staff,” . “We are incredibly proud of the memories we’ve made here with you all and the countless meals shared at our tables.”

Shanghai Garden built on health–conscious dishes

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According to The Seattle Times, Shanghai Garden was originally opened by Su’s parents, Helen and Hua Te Su, just two blocks from its current location. Hua, who began cooking at age 12, built the restaurant’s reputation on dishes made with fresh, health-conscious ingredients. The family later expanded to a second location in Issaquah in 1996, which operated for 10 years, according to the media outlet.

In 2005, the family faced a personal loss when Helen passed away from cancer. Christine, along with her siblings Kathy Su-Tsow, Betty, and Dan, stepped in to continue their parents’ legacy. 

The Seattle Times stated that Christine and Kathy have been managing the restaurant together since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To all our loyal customers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support, your stories, and your smiles have meant the world to us,” .

]]> Shanghai Garden Restaurant has announced it is closing its doors. (Photo Credit: Flickr Mike Linksv... New Edmonds red light cameras may issue 11,000+ tickets a year /chokepoints/edmonds-red-light-cameras/4079232 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:26:32 +0000 /?p=4079232 More than 200 warning letters have been issued to Edmonds drivers as part of its newly implemented red light camera enforcement program, according to

The system includes two cameras. One is located at the intersection of 220th Street Southwest and Highway 99, and the other at 100th Avenue West and Edmonds Way. In total, the pair recorded 535 violations from April 10 to April 17.

Red light cameras trigger hundreds of warnings in Edmonds

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However, Edmonds Police Commander Josh McClure noted that 320 of those incidents have either been dismissed or are still under review. Officials are currently offering drivers a “grace period,” meaning drivers caught running red lights will receive warning notices rather than fines.

Starting in May, violations will result in a $145 ticket for failing to stop at a red light. Officials said the cameras could generate up to 11,180 citations annually.

For comparison, in Lynnwood, the red-light camera at 196th Street and Alderwood Mall Parkway was the busiest in 2023, issuing 14,323 citations. The next most active location recorded 4,535.

]]> Red Light Cameras edmonds... Police crack down as hundreds flock to illegal street racing events across Seattle /crime_blotter/seattle-street-racing/4078895 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:21 +0000 /?p=4078895 On Saturday, drew hundreds of drivers and spectators to various locations across Seattle. In response, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) worked in coordination with regional law enforcement partners to disrupt the gatherings and restore safety.

Officers initially heard reports that racers would organize outside city limits before bringing the activity into Seattle. Their concerns were confirmed when over 200 people gathered at several key locations, including Lumen Field, Costco, Pier 55, and Home Depot in the SODO neighborhood in the evening.

Police break up Seattle street racing events

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To address the growing situation, Seattle police, including neighborhood patrol officers and special response teams, moved into the area in large numbers to break up the illegal street racing.

Multiple vehicles were stopped for traffic violations during the operation before drivers dispersed and moved on to other jurisdictions. SPD is continuing its investigation and plans to mail citations to those who violated street racing laws.

]]> police car - seattle street racing... WSDOT: Semitruck blew past traffic control, injuring worker on I-90 east; 13-mile backup /chokepoints/i-90-eastbound-crash/4078864 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:59:09 +0000 /?p=4078864 If you’re planning to head east on I-90 Tuesday, brace yourself. While agencies have reopened all lanes, a long-term crash near Easton has caused significant backups.

The Washington State Department of Transportation announced, , that a semitruck blew through the agency’s traffic control and injured an employee in the work zone.

“Work Zone Awareness Week is only two days in—and we’ve already had at least one crash in a work zone each day,” WSDOT wrote in its post. “We can do better. Slow down. Stay focused. Help protect the people in orange.”

showed a bent semitruck leaning off one side of the highway as crews worked to clear the blockage.

The backup is extensive, stretching 13 miles to Lake Keechelus. What’s normally a straightforward drive from North Bend to Ellensburg has turned into a test of patience, taking around 4 hours and 40 minutes.

]]> I-90 east crash... ‘Tesla Takedown Tuesday’: Activists to protest Eastlake showroom /local/tesla-takedown-tuesday/4078720 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:22:42 +0000 /?p=4078720 Activists plan to gather at a Tesla Showroom in Seattle Tuesday for what organizers are calling “Tesla Takedown Tuesday,” a rush-hour protest aimed at CEO Elon Musk and Tesla investors. 

The demonstration, occurring at 435 Westlake Avenue N., is part of a growing protest movement opposing what participants describe as Musk’s attempts to undermine democratic institutions. Organizers framed the protest as a nonviolent stand against what they call an “illegal coup” allegedly backed by Musk and fueled by both his wealth and influence. 

Tesla protest scheduled in Eastlake

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“Elon Musk is destroying our democracy, and he’s using the fortune he built at Tesla to do it,” the press release read. “Tesla Takedown is a peaceful protest movement. We oppose violence, vandalism, and destruction of property. Please treat Tesla drivers with respect, as they are most likely on our side!”

Referencing recent comments by Musk in the media, organizers alleged that the billionaire has responded with “lies and intimidation,” a sign, they argued, that their activism is getting results.

Tesla’s sales have fallen 13% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to year-over-year numbers amid growing fallout over Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration.

]]> tesla... Spring sun breaks through western Washington’s early-week rain /pacific-northwest-weather/western-washington/4078415 Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:00:50 +0000 /?p=4078415 After a soggy start to the week, conditions across western Washington are finally starting to dry out again for spring. The last of the rain is moving out of the area, clearing the way for a few nicer, drier days ahead, according to the

Changes are already underway. Skies will gradually clear during the afternoons as high pressure begins to build offshore. Overnight, skies will clear further, allowing for chilly lows in the 30s and lower 40s, with a slight chance of freezing temperatures in the South Sound. 

Spring sun returns to western Washington

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Looking ahead, Tuesday and Wednesday bring a much-needed dose of spring. Under increasingly sunny skies and dry northwest flow, temperatures will climb into the lower 60s by Tuesday, then into the mid-to-upper 60s Wednesday. Some spots could flirt with 70 degrees by Thursday, especially in the interior lowlands.

However, don’t pack away the umbrella just yet. Another Pacific trough is on the way, bringing rain back into the picture Friday. That pattern looks to stick around into the weekend, with cooler, unsettled conditions likely Saturday.

Sunday may offer a slight reprieve, with drier and more seasonable weather as the low-pressure system shifts eastward.

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