Wilson was taken into custody Wednesday evening and held at the King County Jail downtown. Seattle Police Department (SPD) said the arrest stems from an ongoing case involving his former fianc茅e, Lee Keller, who previously obtained a restraining order against him.

“I’m here to tell you I’m very concerned about my safety,” Keller said in court. “I currently have an active restraining order in place, and John Wilson continues to violate it.”

John Wilson’s attorney, John Palito, countered, saying, “Ms. Keller has stated John Wilson has never assaulted her. There has never been any threats of physical assault. There are allegations that he violated an order of protection. That’s it. There have been cries for him to quit. He’s not going to.”

The arrest came just hours after Wilson dining at an upscale restaurant.

“Been a busy but great day,” the post read. “Came to one of my favorite places to have a great celebration. Yay!”

King County Assessor John Wilson denies allegations against him

Wilson has publicly and repeatedly denied Keller鈥檚 claims, describing the legal battle as politically motivated. Earlier this month, he told 成人X站 Newsradio鈥檚 John Curley that he expected the restraining order to be dismissed soon.

鈥淭his is the third time that she has taken some action like this, and each and every time she has withdrawn it before it ever went to court,鈥� Wilson said.

But Keller, in a statement issued through her attorney, said the order remains in effect and that she has no intention of dismissing it.

鈥淚 will not be changing my mind, despite his repeated efforts to coerce me to dismiss it,鈥� Keller wrote. 鈥淎 hearing on the restraining order will be held on June 30. I welcome the opportunity to address John鈥檚 reference to a signed agreement at that time and inform the court of John鈥檚 continuing violations of the very active restraining order.鈥�

Wilson, who is running for King County Executive, has faced mounting political pressure in recent weeks. In June, the King County Council unanimously passed a vote of no confidence against him.

King County Council member Claudia Balducci issued a statement Thursday in response to Wilson’s arrest.

Wilson’s bail is set at $50,000. He will be back in court on July 8 at 2 p.m.

Contributing: James Lynch, 成人X站 Newsradio

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Two balls. One swing. 12-year-old just made the rarest play in baseball

The rare play happened on Sunday afternoon at South Hill’s Heritage Recreation Center during a 12U tournament.

On one field, Jazz Espinosa from the Elevate Hooks 12U Richardson team out of Sumner fouled off a pitch. The ball launched high and started drifting out of play.

The ball kept climbing higher, then it cleared the fence and floated toward the next field. Parents began to yell the familiar warning, 鈥淗eads! Heads up!鈥�

Next door, in the middle of live play, Lucien Vachon from Rock Creek 12U Red out of Maple Valley was swinging at a pitch of his own.

Jazz Espinosa (left) from the Elevate Hooks, and Lucien Vachon (right) from Rock Creek. (Photo: Charlie Harger, Seattle’s Morning News)

As he brought the bat through the zone, the foul ball dropped right into his swing path. Somehow, incredibly, he made contact with both baseballs. One ball went fair, and the other went foul.

For a moment, nobody said anything. The fields went quiet as everyone tried to make sense of what they had just seen.

Then one parent broke the silence with a simple reaction, 鈥淲hat the…?鈥�

There is no line in the rulebook for this. No coaching drill. No good explanation.

Just two baseballs, one swing, and a one-in-a-billion result.

The play did not stop the game for long, but it became the talk of the tournament. Other players came over between innings to ask if it really happened.

Someone caught it on video, and that clip is now bouncing around group chats and will be for years.

Jazz Espinosa hit a foul ball in another game. Lucien Vachon connected with two balls at the same time.

It made no sense, but everyone there will remember it for the rest of their lives.

The odds of this happening are astronomically small

Using AI, Lucien’s father, Alex, calculated the odds of a baseball event like this happening.

• 听 听Foul ball flying into another field at the right location: 1 in 5,000
• 听 听Timing overlap (within one second): 1 in 180
• 听 听Two balls meeting at the sweet spot of the bat: 1 in 1,000,000
• 听 听Both pitchers throwing strikes: 36%
• 听 听Both batters deciding to swing: 49%
• 听 听And the final piece鈥攖hat it was Lucien, specifically, up to bat and swinging: 1 in 405

Total estimated odds: 1 in 1.13 trillion.

Despite the once-in-a-lifetime moment on the diamond, the umpire merely ruled the play a single.

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The latest data from the (KCPAO) shows something rare these days: a real, measurable drop in shootings. In the first three months of the year, 60 people were shot in King County. That includes 13 people killed and 47 others wounded. Compared to the same time last year, that is a 41% drop.

It is the lowest level we have seen since before the pandemic.

The county also saw a big dip in the total number of shots fired. That number fell from 441 in the first quarter of last year to 278 this year. South King County, long the focus of drive-bys and retaliatory gang shootings, saw the biggest improvement. For the first time in years, Seattle logged more gunfire incidents than the south end.

Despite number of shots fired down, prosecutors are more alarmed

But while the trends are finally heading in the right direction, prosecutors say they are more alarmed than relieved. Because the shooters who remain are getting younger. The weapons are getting deadlier. And too often, it is the same kids showing up in the system over and over, until one of those shots finally hits someone.

Gary Ernsdorff, senior prosecutor with the KCPAO, told “Seattle’s Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio it is not just how many guns are on the streets. It鈥檚 how they are getting there.

鈥淭hese kids are not going to the store and buying them legally,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淭hey are getting them through vehicle prowls and social media connections. And now, we are seeing them adding Glock switches, turning these guns into fully automatic weapons.鈥�

Let that sink in. Middle schoolers with illegal machine guns.

For those unfamiliar, a Glock switch is a small device that can be added to a Glock handgun. With it, a pistol that normally fires one bullet per trigger pull suddenly unloads 30 rounds with one squeeze. And that is the kind of firepower prosecutors say they are seeing in the hands of 12 and 13-year-olds.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the new status symbol,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淚t used to be a revolver. Then it was a Glock. Now it鈥檚 a Glock with a switch.鈥�

Many of these guns are being stolen out of parked cars. And yes, there is a method to the madness.

“If you have a pickup truck with a bumper sticker that says 鈥楪un control means using both hands鈥� and you park outside a bar where you can鈥檛 take your firearm inside, that鈥檚 the kind of vehicle they鈥檙e targeting,” Ernsdorff said. “They will go on a vehicle prowl spree, hit a dozen or more cars, and get two or three or four guns in one night.”

Local shootings involving kids with Glock-style guns

And if you think this Glock switch problem is exaggerated, just ask the crowd that scattered at last summer鈥檚 Seafair Parade in Seattle鈥檚 Chinatown-International District. Three kids, two 14-year-olds and a 13-year-old, were arrested there with loaded guns. Two of those guns had been modified with switches that made them fully automatic.

The teens had gang connections, according to prosecutors. They weren鈥檛 kept in custody long. Why? Because under current Washington law, they hadn鈥檛 yet been caught with a gun five separate times, the threshold for any mandatory long-term consequence. They were instead sentenced to electronic home monitoring and community service.

Or take the case in Spanaway.

It started with a planned fistfight between two young men outside Sprinker Recreation Center in February. It ended with more than two dozen bullets flying across a parking lot, two men in critical condition, and felony charges for unlawful possession of a machine gun.

, court records say one of the men brought a Glock-style handgun with stolen parts, an extended magazine, and a switch that made it fully automatic. During the fight, that gun was handed off. A witness told deputies she heard someone yell 鈥渨atch out鈥� before 20 to 30 shots blasted out.

This wasn鈥檛 a cartel shootout. These were local kids in their teens and early 20s. No criminal records. One had been working for Amazon. The other worked for a tug and barge service. But they brought a machine gun to a fight over a girlfriend.

This is what Gary Ernsdorff and other prosecutors are trying to get ahead of. Not just who is getting shot, but how many bullets are flying and how little control anyone has once that trigger is pulled.

That鈥檚 not just a policy problem. That鈥檚 a public safety nightmare.

How do teens acquire a Glock switch machine gun?

These switches are illegal. They鈥檙e classified as machine guns under federal law. But you can buy one online for 50 bucks or print one with a 3D printer in your garage. That鈥檚 how a kid with no permit and no training can turn a pistol into a weapon that spits out 30 rounds in under two seconds.

It鈥檚 not theoretical anymore. Law enforcement is recovering these at an increasing rate. In courtrooms across the region, you鈥檒l hear the same phrase again and again: Glock switch.

And no, there is no training day or gun safety class that prepares a 14-year-old for handling that kind of firepower. That鈥檚 why prosecutors like Gary Ernsdorff are sounding the alarm. Because it鈥檚 not just about who gets shot anymore. It鈥檚 about how many bullets are flying, and how little control anyone has once they鈥檙e in the air.

What gun owners can do to deter criminals

To be clear, these are not legally owned guns being misused by their owners. In nearly every case, these are guns that were stolen, trafficked, or handed off through underground networks. Still, prosecutors say responsible gun owners have a role to play in fixing the problem.

鈥淧roperly stored firearms are more difficult for these kids to get their hands on,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淟ock them up. Don鈥檛 leave them in your car. Use a trigger lock or gun safe. That makes a real difference.鈥�

The trend is not limited to stolen handguns either. Ernsdorff said some kids arrested for shootings already had multiple prior arrests for illegally having a gun. And yet, under current law, they can be caught with a gun up to five times before any significant legal consequence is possible.

Let that number sit with you for a second.

Five.

That is how many times a juvenile can be arrested for having a gun before they can be sent to a youth rehabilitation facility.

鈥淚t鈥檚 five times,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淎nd yes, we find that frustrating. That is why Prosecutor Leesa Manion asked for a change in the law this year. The bill didn鈥檛 go anywhere in Olympia, but we plan to try again.鈥�

This is not the usual law-and-order speech about being tough on crime. The prosecutor鈥檚 office is also looking at earlier intervention, especially in cases where a gun is used but no one is hurt.
It used to be that if shots were fired and nobody got hit, police might take a report and move on. Not anymore.

鈥淲hat we learned is that firearm is going to be used again and again and again,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淓ventually, someone gets hit.鈥�

Parents can have conversations with their children

Now the office is investing more resources into those no-injury shootings, teaming up with police departments and trying to identify suspects early. The goal is to intervene before someone ends up in the hospital. Or the morgue.

鈥淭alk to your kids,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淕uns among kids always lead to trouble. If they see something, tell a parent. Tell a school resource officer. They can keep it anonymous. But we need to say something.鈥�

That might sound simple, but it is a start.

The prosecutor鈥檚 office is also quick to say they are not doing this alone. A few cities have gun violence prevention units now. Other cities are working to get better data and share information more quickly. There is a growing sense of cooperation among agencies that used to work in silos.

And while the numbers show progress, the underlying danger has not gone away. It has just gotten quieter and more concentrated.

Gary Ernsdorff doesn鈥檛 deal in slogans or silver linings. He lays it out plainly: when you give a 13-year-old a Glock modified to fire 30 rounds in two seconds, it鈥檚 鈥渁lmost impossible to control.鈥�

The intended target might not get hit, but someone else will. That鈥檚 the math in crowded neighborhoods now: more bullets, more danger, more innocent people caught in the middle.

Looking ahead

But buried in all that is one line that sticks. After talking about the steep drop in shootings, he says, almost under his breath, 鈥淢aybe it鈥檚 paying off.鈥�

What鈥檚 paying off, Ernsdorff says, is the shift in focus: treating every shooting like the next one could be worse, investing in cases where no one was hit, and trying to intervene before a bullet ever finds its mark.

It鈥檚 not exactly a victory lap. It鈥檚 more like a cautious breath. But in a conversation that felt full of warnings, it was the one thing that sounded like hope.

Listen to听鈥淪eattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥�听with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast听here.

But after months of witnessing drivers engrossed in phones, tablets, and even full-on movies, the pair decided enough was enough. One morning, Joe turned to Craig and said, “You know, our friends wouldn’t believe half the things we see unless they saw it themselves. Maybe we should start filming this.”

Initially, it was a joke.

“We figured we’d just send funny Snapchats to our friends,” Craig recalled.

But the reactions from the first few clips made them realize they were onto something much bigger.

“Our friends started telling us these videos shouldn’t just disappear,” Joe said. “They encouraged us to put them on TikTok.”

So began “,” now an internet sensation with nearly half a million followers across social media, including 听补苍诲 . What started as a casual way to vent frustration quickly morphed into something akin to community service, though wrapped in humor and clever commentary.

Sit down with the ‘I-5 Commuters’ team

In their first-ever news interview, exclusively with Seattle Morning News on 成人X站 Newsradio, Joe and Craig shared the secret behind their unexpected popularity: authenticity and relatability. Appearing incognito, with oversized sunglasses and exaggerated mustaches, they humorously explained, “We have real jobs, and our bosses might not be too happy to see us doing interviews.”

Their anonymity added a playful twist, but the issues they address couldn’t be more real.

“It started because we were genuinely frustrated and concerned by how distracted and reckless people were driving,” Joe explained. “It wasn’t just phones; people were literally watching movies, reading books, and playing games behind the wheel.”

The commuters’ videos resonate deeply because they’re both funny and alarming. Take, for instance, a recent viral clip featuring a woman intensely playing Candy Crush in rush-hour traffic.

“Usually, we have jokes ready for these clips,” Craig said, laughing while recalling the moment. “But when we saw her dominating that game, we were honestly too shocked to say anything clever.”

The comedic nature of their videos disguises the seriousness of distracted driving.

“We’re laughing about it because it’s absurd, but the reality is pretty scary,” Craig admitted. “We want people to realize that it’s not just their safety at risk, it’s everyone else’s too.”

While the clips often highlight distracted drivers, they also humorously address other commuting frustrations. In one popular segment, dubbed “Follow Your Fullback,” they mock drivers who weave aggressively through lanes, treating the freeway like a football field.

“People drive like they’re Marshawn Lynch, trying to muscle their way through traffic for maybe two extra minutes of time saved,” Joe explained. “It’s madness.”

Seattle-area commuters love Joe and Craig because they channel the communal frustration that builds up in every traffic jam. But beneath the jokes lies genuine advocacy for safer roads.

“We’ve gotten hundreds of comments from people thanking us for calling out behavior they’ve witnessed for years,” Joe said. “It’s validating to know our content strikes a chord beyond just humor.”

But their success didn’t come overnight.

“We wondered if anyone besides our friends would even care,” Joe said. Then one day, a complete stranger named Matthew commented, “Traffic was really bad today.”

“We were blown away that someone we didn鈥檛 know was actually watching,” Craig recalled.

COVID-19’s impact on traffic, commuting

Encouraged by early interactions like that, they continued posting. Followers steadily grew, fueled by relatable content and Seattle鈥檚 ever-increasing traffic woes. The commuters acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed commuting habits, initially emptying roads and now clogging them again as companies mandate returns to offices.

“We both work in tech,” Joe explained, careful not to give away too much about their identities. “Like many others, we moved out of Seattle during the pandemic. When employers began asking people to return to in-person work, traffic became worse than ever.”

They’ve noticed an alarming escalation in reckless driving post-pandemic.

“When roads emptied during lockdowns, people drove fast and carelessly,” Craig said. “But now that roads are crowded again, many drivers haven’t adjusted. They’re still weaving through traffic and treating I-5 like their personal racetrack.”

Perhaps their most surprising experience is being recognized by fellow commuters.

“It happens all the time now,” Craig said. “Just this morning, a driver we were filming rolled down his window, recognized us, laughed, and waved鈥攕till holding his phone. We shouted, ‘Put the phone down!’ but he just yelled back, ‘I love you guys!'”

“We’re becoming victims of our own success,” Joe added. “People are excited to see us, which ironically encourages distracted driving. It’s hilarious but a bit concerning.”

Has the ‘I-5 Commuters’ duo ever been in danger?

When asked if they’ve ever felt endangered, Joe admitted they’ve had a few close calls.

“We try to keep things humorous rather than confrontational, but we’ve received messages urging caution because road rage incidents can turn violent,” Joe said. “One time, someone even threw a rock at our car.”

To reduce risks, the duo avoids filming certain vehicles, notably lifted trucks with dark window tints.

“You never know what’s happening inside,” Craig noted. “We learned quickly to pick our battles carefully.”

‘I-5 Commuters’ endorses Chris Sullivan

Their journey to fame recently landed them an unexpected role: Unofficial endorsers of 成人X站 Newsradio’s beloved traffic reporter, Chris “Sully” Sullivan. During their interview, Joe enthusiastically praised Sully’s accuracy.

“We were listening on the way here,” Joe shared. “Sully said traffic from Federal Way would take exactly one hour and 15 minutes. We looked at our phones, and there it was鈥攐ne hour, 15 minutes exactly. He’s rock solid.”

Craig added, “We’re pretty tough critics when it comes to traffic reports, so that’s high praise.”

No slowing them down

Looking ahead, Joe and Craig plan to keep documenting I-5’s absurdities.

“It’s honestly turned the worst part of our day into something enjoyable,” Craig said. “We genuinely look forward to our commute now because we know it’ll make someone laugh.”

They feel a responsibility to their growing community of followers.

“People expect content now,” Joe explained. “It feels almost like a public service at this point. We joke about it, but we’re proud our videos might encourage people to think twice before grabbing their phone behind the wheel.”

Despite their rising fame, both insist they’ll maintain their incognito status, partially because it’s fun, but mostly because they’d rather not upset their bosses.

“Our bosses probably wouldn’t love knowing their employees have become minor traffic celebrities,” Joe said with mock seriousness. “So the sunglasses and fake mustaches will stay.”

As their audience grows, the “I-5 Commuters” have no plans to slow down. They’re already considering ways to expand their content while remaining anonymous.

“As long as Seattle traffic stays terrible, we’ll have plenty to talk about,” Craig said.

Until then, expect more viral videos highlighting the best and worst of commuting life. Who knows? Maybe next time you’re stuck on I-5, you might just find yourself starring in their latest post. Just make sure you’re not the one playing Candy Crush.

Listen to听鈥淪eattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥�听with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast听here.

鈥淚t’s criminally negligent,鈥� Dahlen told 成人X站 Newsradio bluntly, standing outside one of his sober-living recovery homes in Kent. 鈥淲e鈥檙e losing people at an alarming rate. Fentanyl is killing people every day in ways we’ve never seen.鈥�

It鈥檚 a strong claim, but in Washington state, the statistics back him up. According to preliminary Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, to see opioid-related overdose deaths increase between May 2023 and April 2024.

Meanwhile, nationwide, those numbers are finally going down.

What’s going wrong here?

In King County, the prevailing wisdom is . The idea: if you provide safer conditions, such as needle exchanges, fentanyl testing strips, safe consumption supplies, and wait patiently, many struggling with addiction will eventually opt into treatment voluntarily.

said this approach is compassionate, realistic, and non-judgmental. It reduces immediate harm, like infections or overdoses. But Dahlen sees something else entirely.

the Public Health 鈥� Seattle and King County, more than 1,000 people died of drug overdoses in 2024. It鈥檚 the second-highest death total in recorded history, only surpassed by overdose deaths in 2023. Back in 2015, only 324 people died in the county from overdoses.

Trends in overdose deaths that occurred in King County in 2015-2024. (Image courtesy of Public Health – Seattle King County)

鈥淟etting people smoke fentanyl is the worst thing a state or city can do,鈥� Dahlen said, frustration visible on his face. 鈥淭hey call it kindness, but it鈥檚 the opposite. It鈥檚 killing people, and it鈥檚 devastating families.鈥�

He would know. Dahlen spent 17 years trapped in opioid addiction himself before becoming sober. For the past 14 years, he鈥檚 dedicated his life to helping others achieve sobriety through what he calls a 鈥渇amily-first, community-first鈥� approach.

Battlefield Addiction takes a different approach to curb drug use

Battlefield Addiction is deliberately different. Dahlen and his team coach families on intervention strategies designed to disrupt drug use immediately. This isn’t about gentle encouragement; it鈥檚 about urgency and accountability.

鈥淚f someone is smoking fentanyl in one of our homes, we get it out of their hands and watch them with Narcan until they’re OK,鈥� Dahlen explained. 鈥淥ur approach starts with sobriety. Not tomorrow, not next year鈥攖oday.鈥�

It鈥檚 a stark contrast to policies championed in Seattle and King County, where supportive housing facilities , focusing on housing stability first, with recovery second.

But Dahlen argued the drugs today, especially fentanyl and meth, are fundamentally different than the opioids of the past.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not dealing with the heroin of five or ten years ago,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he is killing people overnight. This is an emergency.鈥�

Washington state鈥檚 rising overdose rates seem to back up Dahlen鈥檚 urgency. Despite record spending on harm reduction and supportive housing, the numbers are moving in the wrong direction.

Washington opioid deaths nearly doubled since 2019

As reported by the in the last six years, opioid drug overdose deaths in the state have nearly doubled.

“17,502 Washington residents died from a drug overdose over the past 15 years (between 2007 and 2021); 68% of those deaths involved an opioid,” DOH’s website stated. “Since 2019, the annual number of opioid drug overdose deaths has nearly doubled, from 827 deaths in 2019 to 1619 in 2021.”

So what does Dahlen recommend?

鈥淚鈥檇 ask our politicians and lawmakers: are there behaviors we鈥檙e doing right now that perpetuate addiction?鈥� he asked. 鈥淎re we handing out pipes, foils, making it easier for people to steal and continue their addiction? Yes. And it’s making things worse.鈥�

Critics often dismiss abstinence-focused programs like Battlefield Addiction . Dahlen shakes his head at the notion.

鈥淭his isn’t about morality. It鈥檚 about saving lives,鈥� he said. 鈥淚’ve never had anyone come back angry that we helped get them sober. People thank the cops who arrested them. People thank their families who intervened. For me, it was my father who held me accountable. He saved my life.鈥�

Dahlen knows he’s swimming upstream politically. King County leaders and addiction experts overwhelmingly favor harm reduction, citing decades of research showing its benefits. But Dahlen insists there鈥檚 a crucial difference between harm reduction that saves lives and enabling that prolongs suffering.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 allow someone to continue smoking fentanyl and call that kindness,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s not harmful to ask someone to stop. It鈥檚 necessary.鈥�

Battlefield Addiction to host fundraiser

That鈥檚 why Battlefield Addiction is raising its voice, and some much-needed funds, at Roegner Park in Auburn on May 10. It鈥檚 part outreach, part advocacy, aiming to shift public perception and remind people that abstinence-based recovery programs still exist, and they still work.

鈥淲e want families to understand that real recovery is possible,鈥� Dahlen said passionately. 鈥淓ven if you’ve been using fentanyl, even if things feel hopeless, you can get sober and have a productive life afterward.鈥�

In King County, where compassion has become synonymous with harm reduction, Dahlen鈥檚 message is provocative. He argues compassion must include accountability and swift intervention, not simply a comfortable place to continue using.

鈥淒on鈥檛 listen to the addiction,鈥� he told families directly. 鈥淒on’t let the drugs tell you how to treat your loved one. You have to intervene, create boundaries, create urgency. It鈥檚 the only way to save their lives.鈥�

Art Dahlen is used to being labeled a contrarian or harsh. But he brushes off those labels. After nearly three decades grappling with addiction personally and professionally, he says the truth is simpler.

鈥淔entanyl kills,鈥� he said firmly. 鈥淧retending that gently waiting (for someone to seek treatment) is a humane approach isn’t kindness. It’s neglect.鈥�

Listen to听鈥淪eattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥�听with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast听here.

Ortiz-Self, whose full-time career has been as a school counselor and mental health professional, emphasized that her experience guides her approach to student privacy and parental involvement.

“Parent access has been a critical part of my job,” Ortiz-Self explained. “Young people need trusted adults to talk things through, with the hope that we can then link them back with their parents.”

Ortiz-Self explains reasoning behind HB 1296

Ortiz-Self explained that HB 1296 was introduced to clarify language from the original initiative, addressing confusion among schools, teachers and parents.

“Teachers were worried, asking, ‘If a student tells me they’re mad at their parents, do I have to call home immediately or risk losing my job?’ We needed clarity,” she said.

One major point of contention has been the parental notification requirement when a student is involved in a crime or questioned by law enforcement. The original initiative mandated immediate notification, but early drafts of HB 1296 allowed a 48-hour window.

After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the final House version of HB 1296 restored immediate notification, though with some conditions: crimes must have occurred on school property during school hours.

“If the assault involves someone outside the home, parents are notified immediately,” Ortiz-Self emphasized, countering claims that schools would intentionally delay notifying parents. “I say this with 99.9% confidence because there is no situation where law enforcement would tell us not to notify parents unless the parents themselves were being investigated.”

Ortiz-Self pushed back on what she described as misinformation that pits parents against teachers, calling such claims “exaggerations and lies.”

“There’s no child that walks into my office that I’ve ever suggested, ‘Maybe you’re gay, maybe you’re trans.’ That’s not within the scope of how we practice,” she said. “We always try to look at how we can bridge communication between students and parents.”

Washington voters have right to challenge law passed by legislature

In Washington, voters usually have the right to challenge new laws passed by the legislature. It鈥檚 called a referendum, and : If enough registered voters sign a petition within a certain timeframe, the law doesn’t take effect immediately. Instead, it gets placed on a ballot, giving everyone a chance to approve or reject it.

But there’s an exception. When lawmakers add what’s called an “emergency clause” to a bill, they’re saying the law is “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.” That means as soon as the governor signs it, it takes effect immediately, and citizens can’t challenge it through a referendum.

Critics of emergency clauses say they’re sometimes used as a political tool to bypass voters. The conservative-leaning , for example, argues lawmakers often attach emergency clauses to laws that aren’t genuine emergencies, effectively taking away the public’s right to push back on unpopular legislation.

During today’s interview, “Seattle’s Morning News”听pressed Ortiz-Self on the decision to include an emergency clause in HB 1296, pointing out voters who supported the original Parents’ Bill of Rights might be concerned they’re now unable to weigh in through a referendum. Ortiz-Self did not directly acknowledge these concerns, instead emphasizing that immediate action was necessary.

“We needed to act urgently to provide clear guidance and protect students,” she repeated, declining to address whether voters might feel bypassed by the legislative process.

Brian Heywood speaks against legislative changes to parental rights bill

Brian Heywood, who led the original Parents’ Bill of Rights initiative, , expressing strong opposition to legislative changes proposed in HB 1296 and its Senate counterpart, SB 5181.

Heywood argued the legislature acted in bad faith by initially passing the initiative and then attempting to roll back its protections.

“They overwhelmingly voted for it with bipartisan support, then gave a wink and a nod to special interests saying, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll gut it next session,'” Heywood said. “It pissed me off. They’re playing legal games with voters.”

Heywood also expressed concern about how the changes in the law could affect parental involvement in decisions related to medical or mental health care for their children.

“The legislature has slowly added these restrictions over time, making it harder and harder for parents to know what’s happening with their kids,” he said. “It鈥檚 unconscionable.”

“They promised parents transparency, and now they’re slowly chipping away at those rights, bit by bit,” Heywood continued. “Parents deserve better.”

“If the state can come between a child and their parents regarding critical decisions like gender-affirming care, what other parental rights are at risk?” he asked. “This isn’t just about notification; it’s about fundamentally who gets to raise and care for our kids.”

Since a referendum may be off the table, Heywood vowed to file a new initiative to overturn HB 1296 if it becomes law.

“If lawmakers refuse to respect the rights voters supported, we’ll go back to the people and ask them again,” he promised.

Republican lawmakers express serious concerns

The Center Square that during the recent House debate, Republican lawmakers voiced strong concerns. Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 obviously disappointing because parents in our state are continuing to feel pushed away from their children and that the state feels like it can do a better job of caring for children.鈥�

Republicans are particularly worried that schools might bypass parents regarding sensitive issues like gender-affirming care.

Ortiz-Self responded by affirming that HB 1296 respects parental rights while protecting vulnerable students.

“Public schools serve a diverse population,” she said. “Every child deserves to feel safe. My role is to ensure all kids feel valued and protected.”

HB 1296 is now moving forward in the legislative process and faces further discussion in the Senate. Advocates from both sides continue to debate the balance between safeguarding student privacy and ensuring robust parental involvement.

Listen to听鈥淪eattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥�听with Charlie Harger weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast听here.

“If it weren’t for Bob Rivers, I wouldn’t have met my wife, started my family, or had the life I have today,” Spike, co-host “The Jake and Spike Show,” said. “We lived our lives on the air, sharing everything with our audience.”

Rivers, a name synonymous with radio innovation and twisted tunes, carved a unique path in the broadcasting world. His journey, marked by trial and error, began in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he transformed a small station, WAAF, into Boston’s number one radio station.

Rivers’ breakthrough came with his “Twisted Tunes,” a series of parody songs that earned him a record deal with Atlantic Records and widespread acclaim. It was during this period that he met his future collaborator, who initially despised Rivers’ parodies for ruining beloved songs.

“I was a complaint caller to his show,” the Spike recalled. “He made a parody of ‘Monday, Monday’ by The Mamas and The Papas, and I couldn’t stand it.”

Despite the initial animosity, the two eventually teamed up. Spike, who was working at his father’s car dealerships and tending bar at night, was encouraged by his father to pursue his passion. Rivers offered him a chance to join his team, a decision that would change his life.

The duo’s first collaboration was a parody of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” about Lucille Ball, which they recorded and aired the next day, despite receiving thousands of complaint calls.

In 1989, Rivers and his team moved to Seattle’s KISW, just as the city was about to experience the grunge explosion. The timing was perfect, and they became the morning show during this pivotal era in rock music.

Reflecting on his journey, Spike said, “My plan was to spend two years in Seattle learning radio and then move back to Baltimore. But then I met my wife, and I can’t imagine any other life than the one I have here, thanks to Bob.”

Click here to see photos of Rivers’ life.

Related on MyNorthwest: Spike O鈥橬eill reflects on 25 years with Bob Rivers amid radio HOF induction

Bob Rivers arrived in Seattle in 1989

Rivers first arrived in Seattle in 1989, quickly establishing himself as a beloved personality on KISW-FM before later moving to KZOK-FM and eventually KJR-FM. “The Bob Rivers Show” became essential listening for Seattle-area residents, known for its humor, insightful commentary, and unforgettable song parodies known as “Twisted Tunes.”

Central to Rivers’ success in Seattle was his dynamic partnership with longtime co-host Spike O’Neill. Reflecting on their years together, O’Neill said, “Bob wasn鈥檛 just my co-host. He was my brother, mentor, and one of the greatest friends anyone could ever have. Every day on the air with Bob was a masterclass in radio, laughter, and life.”

Reflecting on his illness in a recent blog post, Rivers shared openly, “Getting sick made me almost instantly realize what truly matters in life. And those things usually aren’t things at all. They’re experiences. With people. People I love.”

Bob Rivers in the Radio Hall of Fame

In 2023, Rivers’ outstanding contributions to broadcasting earned him induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. In an unusual but heartfelt move, Rivers insisted that the entire “Bob Rivers Show” team be inducted alongside him, emphasizing that their collective contributions made the show special. He proudly attended the ceremony with his colleagues, underscoring his belief in shared success.

After retiring from radio, Rivers dedicated himself to mentoring the next generation of broadcasters. He taught radio classes at Green River College in Auburn, sharing his extensive experience and knowledge. He also worked closely with student broadcasters at KGRG, inspiring and guiding many aspiring radio personalities.

His legacy includes the legendary “Twisted Christmas” album, first released in 1987, featuring tracks such as “The Twelve Pains of Christmas.” This gold-certified album quickly became a seasonal tradition across America.

How Bob Rivers got his start

Before settling in Seattle, Rivers gained recognition in radio markets around the country, beginning his career as a teenager. Famously fired from one early job for playing too much Led Zeppelin, Rivers quickly found success at WAAF-FM in Worcester, Massachusetts. There, he co-hosted the popular morning show “Bob and Zip” with Peter “Zip” Zipfel. He gained national attention with his parody “Breakin’ Up Is Hard on You,” humorously addressing the breakup of the Bell telephone system, charting on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1988, Rivers made national headlines at Baltimore’s WIYY-FM, promising to remain on-air until the Baltimore Orioles ended a lengthy losing streak 鈥� a testament to his dedication and humor.

Beyond radio, Rivers pursued music passionately, performing as a keyboardist with the band Spike and the Impalers until 2015. He also appeared in two episodes of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” demonstrating his wide-ranging talents and interests.

Privately, Rivers treasured his life in North Bend, Washington with his wife, Lisa. His love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies, including flying, a skill he took up specifically to conquer his fear, eventually becoming a licensed pilot.

More on MyNorthwest: Dave Ross, Colleen O鈥橞rien departing after co-hosting 鈥楽eattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥� for a decade

Bob Rivers’ cancer fight

Diagnosed with Stage 3 adenocarcinoma in January 2022, Rivers shared his health journey transparently and humorously with listeners and friends. Even as the illness progressed rapidly to stage 4, he remained resilient, actively engaging in life, music, and maple syrup production at his home in Vermont, activities he documented on social media.

In recent years, Rivers had moved to Las Vegas, maintaining his creativity and optimism.

“I鈥檓 still wagging my tail,” Rivers said in one of his last updates. “My cancer is showing no signs of growing any faster. My oncologist is hoping it stays stable, and so are we.”

His final years included recording new music with family and friends and collaborating on “All Good People,” a documentary about legendary drummer Alan White. Through it all, Rivers embodied optimism, creativity, and unwavering determination.

Bob Rivers leaves behind his beloved wife, Lisa, his sons Keith and Andrew, numerous family members, friends, colleagues, and countless listeners who cherished his laughter, warmth, and authenticity.

Charlie Harger is the host of听鈥淪eattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥� on 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of his stories and commentaries听here. Follow Charlie听听补苍诲 email him听here.听

With 49 confirmed murders, Ridgway became the most prolific serial killer in American history. But many believe the actual number is much higher. In a 2014 interview with me, Ridgway claimed he killed as many as 85 women.

Authorities remained silent on why Ridgway was moved, fueling speculation and unease. Some wondered if he had finally led detectives to more victims, while others suspected he was simply playing another manipulative game.

Now, newly uncovered court documents reveal the truth.

Click to read: Motion and Certification for Sealing Documents

Gary Ridgway agreed to lead detectives to remains

According to a motion filed by King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mary H. Barbosa, Ridgway had agreed to take detectives to locations where he claimed he had left remains that had not yet been recovered.

The motion stated, “Previous efforts to find these locations based on the verbal descriptions given by the defendant have not been successful. The defendant has indicated that he believes he can find those locations in person.”

Detectives took Ridgway back to sites where he claimed to have left victims鈥� remains. They hoped this would be their last chance to get real answers from him. But once again, he misled them.

Click to read: Court order to transport Gary Ridgway to King County

More from MyNorthwest:听鈥楾ragic loss鈥�: School responds after sixth grader killed by runaway car in Seattle

Investigators were skeptical. They were right to be

Ridgway, now 76 years old and in failing health, has long insisted that detectives never brought him to every location where he dumped bodies.

Investigators were skeptical, but with time running out, they took the risk. If there was even the slightest possibility of bringing closure to families, it was worth pursuing.

Out of concern for his safety, officials kept Ridgway鈥檚 transfer a secret.

Barbosa鈥檚 motion highlighted the risks of making the plan public, stating, “If the media were to obtain this order, the public would learn of the specific dates that the defendant will be housed with DAJD and that he will be leaving DAJD with KCSO detectives during his time in King County.”

She further warned that public awareness could endanger detectives, interfere with investigations, and create security risks. The last thing they wanted was public outrage or someone attempting vigilante justice.

Click to read: Motion and Certification for Sealing Documents

Ridgway took detectives on a search

Over several days, detectives brought Ridgway to locations he claimed held victims鈥� remains, following the process outlined in Barbosa鈥檚 motion.

“Given the defendant’s age and health, it is anticipated that this process may take several days,” she wrote.

The King County Sheriff’s Office had arranged for the trip, ensuring coordination with the Department of Corrections and local law enforcement. They searched thoroughly, using cadaver dogs, ground-penetrating radar, and forensic experts. They held onto hope that this time would be different.

But nothing was found.

“Many of the things he was telling detectives just didn’t jibe,” said one person with direct knowledge of the searches. “Some investigators believe he was making up new locations entirely as a sick boast.”

Investigators found the experience deeply frustrating, but they knew they had to take the chance. Even if they did not trust Ridgway, they owed it to the victims’ families to exhaust every last possibility.

Click to read: Motion to Unseal

The families’ endless grief

For the families of Ridgway鈥檚 victims, this latest disappointment was another painful reminder of the cruelty he inflicted, not just on the women he murdered, but on those left behind.

“You hear the word closure all the time, but there’s something about having a place to go to,” said Dawn English, a foster mother who cared for one of Ridgway鈥檚 suspected victims, told me in 2014 during our interview. “We can’t put flowers on her grave because there isn’t a grave to put flowers on.”

English, who fostered 15-year-old Patricia LeBlanc, still wonders what happened to the girl she once called her daughter.

“It just didn鈥檛 make sense that she didn鈥檛 call. And of course, the longer the time went by and she hadn鈥檛 called, the more and more concerning it became,” she said.

Though LeBlanc鈥檚 case was never officially tied to Ridgway, English has little doubt.

“She fit the profile so much. The timing, what she was doing, it was right in the middle of it. My thought is鈥攊t probably was,” she said.

The latest victim identifications and the continuing search

Authorities recently confirmed that the last known remains linked to Ridgway belonged to 16-year-old Tammie Liles, a victim already identified decades ago.

According to CBS News, King County Sheriff鈥檚 spokesperson Eric White said, “It鈥檚 an immense feeling of satisfaction that in this case, that started in the early 80s, we are able to identify all of Gary Ridgway鈥檚 victims. All 49 of them.”

Despite this confirmation, many unsolved cases could still be connected to Ridgway.

, “Ridgway said that he killed 65 to 70 young women and little girls, and so far he鈥檚 pled guilty to 49 and we鈥檝e closed 51 cases. But it is also possible that 49 is the real number, and that every additional claim is just another way for him to inflate his own infamy.. So as I said, there are other unsolved cases out there that may or may not be connected to Ridgway, but there are parents still out there looking for answers about the death and murder of their daughter.”

Stringing along investigators

One of the people Ridgway manipulated over the years was Rob Fitzgerald, a volunteer searcher who dedicated years of his life to finding missing victims, spoke with me in 2014 about his efforts and frustrations.

Fitzgerald communicated with Ridgway for years, believing that his cooperation might lead to more remains. Instead, Ridgway led him in circles, providing just enough information to keep the effort going, but never enough to truly help.

During my 2014 interviews with Ridgway, he often spoke as though he wanted to help, though his words always carried an air of manipulation.

“This is all about the victims,” he told me. But in reality, he enjoyed the control.

“I think he wants to show the world that, ‘Here I am, Gary Ridgway, the truck painter from Kenworth, the guy who everybody thought was slow since elementary school. But, here I am, and I’m the best at something,'” he recalled.

The Green River Killer鈥檚 reign of terror

Ridgway鈥檚 history is one of prolonged terror.

He targeted women along Pacific Highway South in King County during the early 1980s. Most were runaways or sex workers, vulnerable and often overlooked by society.

“I choked every one of them,” Ridgway, a chilling admission that underscored the methodical brutality of his crimes.

For years, police struggled to identify the killer.

“For whatever reason, you were able to slip under their radar a long time,” I told him. He agreed, offering little remorse. “The thing is, some of those cases, you just gotta pass it. I was just not nervous.”

The Arrest and Trial

Ridgway was finally arrested in 2001 after DNA evidence linked him to multiple victims. Advances in forensic science had finally caught up with him, and his past crimes could no longer stay buried. In 2003, he pleaded guilty to 48 murders in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.

“I should have had enough balls to say, let me get out and show you where I put her,” he later told me, referring to crime scenes he had previously refused to disclose.

Yet, even in the courtroom, he showed no remorse. The families of his victims sat just feet away, hoping for answers, closure, or even an apology. They got none of it. Instead, they listened as he recounted his murders with the same emotionless tone I had encountered in my interviews.

“You know, the amount that I told them and showed them doesn’t match up to what they charged me with,” he told me. He regularly dangled the possibility of more victims while giving vague or misleading details, perhaps knowing full well there are no more to be found.

“I think they’re not finding them because the remains don’t last long. A lot of animals eat them, you know.”

With 49 confirmed murders, Ridgway became the most prolific serial killer in American history. But many believe the actual number is much higher.

The final years of the Green River Killer

Ridgway鈥檚 health is failing. He is 76 years old, frail, and no longer the imposing figure he once was. His voice, once steady and controlled, now carries the slight tremor of old age.

“I’m not the same man I was,” he told me in 2014. “I can’t change what I did.”

Despite his deteriorating condition, he continues to manipulate law enforcement, desperate to hold on to any semblance of control.

For the families of his victims, justice will never truly be served. The pain does not end with a guilty verdict, nor does it fade with time.

“You find peace, not closure, because it’s never gone,” English told me. “But there isn’t a place to go and say, you know, it’s Patty’s birthday. Let’s take flowers. There鈥檚 no place for that.”

Dozens of families still wait for answers. But as long as those answers depend on Gary Ridgway, they will never come. He is a liar. He is evil. And even in his final days, he refuses to give the victims鈥� families the closure they so desperately deserve.

Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News” with Charlie Harger weekday mornings from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on 成人X站 Newsradio 97.3 FM.

After enduring what he calls strained relations under former Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Stokesbary sees encouraging signs of collaboration that he believes will benefit the entire state.

“It鈥檚 refreshing to have a governor who lives on the same planet as the rest of us,” Stokesbary told “Seattle鈥檚 Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio. “While we鈥檙e certainly not going to agree with Governor Ferguson on everything, it is a significant improvement from the previous administration.”

Sidelined no more

During Governor Inslee’s tenure, Stokesbary said Republicans often felt sidelined and unheard.

“Last session, when Jay Inslee was governor, I think we had one meeting the entire session,” Stokesbary recalled. “In my one meeting with Governor Inslee last year, the very first topic I brought up was the Climate Commitment Act.”

Stokesbary had wanted to discuss waiving certain fuel taxes for farmers.

“When I brought this up with Governor Inslee, his answer was, ‘The Department of Ecology tells me they鈥檝e solved the problem, so I don鈥檛 know what you鈥檙e complaining about. Next topic, please.’ It was a 10-second conversation. Fast forward to a year later, Governor Ferguson admitted that the state government has failed to deliver on the promise to provide this exemption and promised to fix it,” he said.

“We’ve had four meetings with Governor Ferguson this year, and he’s only been in office for a few weeks,” Stokesbary noted. “It’s a night and day difference.”

He said this proactive approach has fostered a more collaborative environment, allowing for meaningful discussions on critical issues facing the state.

Stokesbary also said this willingness to acknowledge shortcomings and work toward solutions has been a breath of fresh air for Republicans.

“The ultimate test will be if it’s fixed in four years, but to have a governor admit the state government has failed and promise to find a solution is a heck of a lot better than what we were getting from the other guy,” Stokesbary said.

He wants to see Ferguson’s promises translate into tangible actions.

Areas of cooperation

Another area of bipartisan cooperation has been reforming emergency powers. Stokesbary contends the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the limitations of existing laws, which were primarily designed for short-term, urgent emergencies like natural disasters.

“Governor Ferguson has said, ‘Let’s reform how we do this,’ so the legislature has a more prominent role,” Stokesbary shared. “It’s a sensible approach that ensures we are better prepared for long-term emergencies.”

Law enforcement is another issue where the two leaders have found common ground. Washington has the fewest number of law enforcement officers per capita in the country.

“Governor Ferguson campaigned on fixing this and has been working to provide more resources to cities and counties to bring more people into the profession,” Stokesbary noted. “We might not get to first place overnight, but we shouldn’t be dead last.”

Budget shortfalls and spending

Republicans remain in the minority, with only 39 out of 98 seats in the House.

“We represent about 3 million Washingtonians across the state,” Stokesbary emphasized. “All 39 of us are dedicated to doing real work for the people of Washington. We want to make regular people’s lives more affordable, make their communities safer, and improve our public schools.”

Lawmakers are also grappling with what some estimate to be a $12 billion to $15 billion budget shortfall. Stokesbary said new taxes are not the answer and believes the shortfall may not be as large as feared.

He pointed to several approved but yet-to-be-implemented programs as opportunities for cost savings. Pausing their launch鈥攂efore services are delivered or relied upon鈥攚ould free up funding and prevent the state budget from being burdened with recurring expenses. Instead of committing scarce resources upfront, lawmakers could wait to see if tax revenue continues to meet expectations before deciding whether these programs are financially sustainable.

He compares the situation to the movie 鈥淐hristmas Vacation,鈥� where Clark Griswold expects a holiday bonus that never arrives.

鈥淚t鈥檚 like ordering a pool because you think you鈥檙e getting a Christmas bonus, but then you don鈥檛 get the bonus,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f we just paused and said, 鈥楲et鈥檚 not build the pool quite yet,鈥� we could solve a lot of our problems.鈥�

Stokesbary explained that state tax revenue continues to grow, just not as fast as some would like.

鈥淚f we simply spent the same amount as the last two years, we would have a surplus,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e have more tax money coming in this year than last year, so if we continued spending at the same levels, we could pay for everything.鈥�

Governor Ferguson’s budget approach

Ferguson’s plan to save approximately $4 billion to address the budget shortfall has been met with cautious optimism.

“Our state faces a historic budget shortfall,” Ferguson acknowledged recently. “This challenge demands thoughtful leadership and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. My team and I have scoured state spending for savings and efficiencies. We must prioritize while protecting the core needs of Washingtonians.”

Ferguson said his budget savings proposals are built on four key principles: good government efficiencies, reconsidering recent spending, maintaining essential services, and protecting vulnerable populations.

“We have to ensure state agencies are running as lean as possible and right-sizing government,” Ferguson stated. “Many of these reductions should be made even if there was not a budget shortfall.”

Stokesbary supports this approach, emphasizing the need for fiscal prudence.

“We have more tax money coming in this year than last year,” he reiterated. “If we continued spending at the same levels, we could pay for everything. We simply need to be more disciplined in our spending.”

Stokesbary said there are improving relations between the governor and house Republicans, and that is setting a new tone in Washington state politics.

“It’s about finding common ground and working together to solve real people’s problems,” he shared. “We’re serious legislators, and while we’re in the minority, we want to come up with real solutions.”

Charlie Harger is the host of 鈥�Seattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥澨�on 成人X站 Newsradio. Follow Charlie听 and email newstips here.听

鈥淲e鈥檝e clearly turned the corner from where we were just a couple of years ago,鈥� said DSA President and CEO Jon Scholes. 鈥淭o be successful downtown, you have got to feel safe, you have to feel welcome, I t鈥檚 got to be clean. And if you don鈥檛 get that right, nothing else really works. And we weren鈥檛 getting that right a couple of years ago.鈥�听

鈥淚鈥檇 say under the leadership of our mayor, our city attorney, our council president, and new county prosecutor, we鈥檝e also got a new police chief that鈥檚 just joined the department here in the last month, we鈥檙e moving in the right direction,鈥� Scholes said.听

The annual report, released this week, highlights a decline in overdose deaths and violent crime in the downtown core. From September to December of last year, violent crime in key areas, including Third Avenue and Pine Street, dropped by 50 percent compared to two years ago. Observed drug activity also fell by 30 percent.听

We鈥檝e got more officers applying for jobs than we鈥檝e had in more than a decade,鈥� Scholes said. 鈥淔or the first time in years, we didn鈥檛 lose officers last year, and we鈥檙e seeing a reduction in violent crime and overdose deaths.鈥�听

The improvement comes after significant investments in law enforcement, policy changes, and increased coordination between city officials and law enforcement agencies. Under Mayor Bruce Harrell, the city has focused on addressing street crime and visible drug use, which had deterred visitors and businesses from investing in downtown.听

Related MyNorthwest: Visitors are filling downtown Seattle streets near pre-pandemic levels

Third and Pine still a challenge, but improving听

While downtown Seattle is seeing signs of recovery, some areas remain a serious concern, especially Third Avenue and Pine Street, which has long been one of the most troubled intersections in the city.听

鈥淭hey鈥檙e better than they were six months ago. Six months ago, those two blocks had more violent crime and overdose deaths than just about any block in the city,鈥� said Jon Scholes, president and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association.听

For years, the area has been plagued by open-air drug use, violent crime, and high-profile incidents that have shaped public perception of downtown safety. But Scholes said targeted efforts by the Seattle Police Department and city leaders have helped drive down crime.听

鈥淲ith the support and action by the Seattle Police Department and leadership of our mayor and our own team out there with enhanced cleaning services and other interventions, we鈥檝e seen a 50 percent reduction in violent crime between September and December relative to where we were two years ago and a reduction of about 30 percent in observed drug activity,鈥� Scholes said.听

Still, problems persist. Many storefronts remain vacant, and while crime is down, it is still a concern.听

鈥淚s it perfect? No. And there鈥檚 still vacancies and empty storefronts that we want to see filled up with great new small businesses. Again, we鈥檙e moving in the right direction,鈥� Scholes said.听

He said the city is no longer taking a hands-off approach to crime and public disorder, which has helped change the dynamic at Third and Pine.听

鈥淔or too long, we weren鈥檛 able to distinguish between those who need help and those who are just out there causing harm,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e really didn鈥檛 do much in Seattle and sort of let it all happen. If you wanted to come downtown and set up a tent or break a window or harm somebody, in a lot of ways, you were free to do it. Thankfully, that鈥檚 not the case anymore.鈥�听

Scholes credited an increase in coordination between city departments, law enforcement, and local businesses for making a measurable impact at the intersection.听

鈥淭here鈥檚 a level of daily collaboration between the Seattle Police Department, the Department of Transportation, our team, property owners, human service providers: calls every few days, figuring out where can we deploy, where can we pull resources from other places, what鈥檚 working, what鈥檚 not, tracking data and metrics,鈥� he said. 鈥淎re we making a difference? Are we seeing crime go down? Are we seeing drug use go down? This level of operational excellence is what鈥檚 needed to break apart this disorder that we鈥檝e seen for far too long.鈥�听

Scholes said the focus must remain on ensuring that people who need help get it, while also holding accountable those who are committing crimes.听

鈥淲e need to be able to provide help to those that are hurting on our streets, but we also need to hold accountable those that are out there just hurting others,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e have new leaders in charge, and I think they鈥檙e sending a clear message of what鈥檚 acceptable and what鈥檚 not. If you鈥檙e out here just trying to hurt people, you鈥檙e going to be held accountable, and you鈥檙e going to go to jail. That鈥檚 what should happen.鈥�听

Third and Pine is a key entry point to some of Seattle鈥檚 biggest attractions, including Pike Place Market and the soon-to-be completed waterfront. Scholes said it is critical for the area to become a place where people feel comfortable again.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 got to be great. It鈥檚 got to be the best street in Seattle,鈥� Scholes said. 鈥淔or a long time, it hasn鈥檛 been. But it鈥檚 much better than it鈥檚 been.鈥�听

Gee and Ursula: Is new flagship Ben Bridge store in downtown Seattle a sign of resurgence?

Retail and business growth show promise听

Despite challenges, the report shows growth in the retail and hospitality industries. Last year, 88 new ground-level businesses opened downtown, including new restaurants, shops, and cafes.听

鈥淭here鈥檚 a number of long-term leases that were just signed,鈥� Scholes said. 鈥淧ortland Leather Goods will open later this year at Fourth and Pike, and we鈥檝e got several restaurants opening in Pioneer Square.鈥�听

But Scholes acknowledges that while more businesses are opening than closing, which is a shift from previous years, retail still has a long way to go.听

鈥淐OVID left us with a lot of vacancies, no doubt,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd a lot of folks had to close their doors that weren鈥檛 able to reopen. We have a lot of work to do to fill those spaces.鈥�听

According to the report, retail foot traffic is recovering, and visitors are returning downtown. However, suburban malls and shopping centers continue to compete for customers, and perceptions of safety remain a barrier.听

鈥淭he ground-level experience in any downtown is what always matters,鈥� Scholes said. 鈥淧eople want lots of options, they want choices, and they want to see life in those storefronts.鈥�听

Office vacancies remain a major challenge听

One of the biggest hurdles facing downtown Seattle remains high office vacancy rates. With remote and hybrid work still the norm for many companies, downtown鈥檚 once-thriving office sector has struggled to regain its pre-pandemic workforce.听

鈥淚f you own an office building now, chances are you鈥檙e in a tough spot relative to 3-4 years ago, or even relative to the last downturn during the Great Recession,鈥� Scholes said.听

According to the report, the number of workers in offices at least three days a week has steadily increased. January saw the highest office attendance since February 2020, with Amazon now requiring employees to return to the office five days a week. Other companies are following suit, either enforcing existing requirements or increasing in-office days.听

鈥淲e think downtown is still really relevant to work and to creating great culture, serving clients, and developing great strategy,鈥� Scholes said. 鈥淚 think we will cross the two-thirds mark for office attendance sometime this year.鈥�听

While progress is being made, the DSA warns that vacant office space could continue to weigh on the downtown economy for years to come unless more companies bring workers back.听

The 2026 World Cup: A game-changer for Seattle听

One bright spot on the horizon is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring 750,000 visitors to Seattle over a six-week period in June and July.听

鈥淭his is the biggest event, biggest party on the planet that will descend on Seattle,鈥� Scholes said. 鈥淎nd this tournament will have more games and more teams than any tournament in history.鈥�听

Seattle will host at least one U.S. Men鈥檚 National Team match, which Scholes says is a testament to the city鈥檚 strong soccer culture.听

鈥淭hey wanted to be part of the soccer culture and atmosphere that they know exists in Seattle,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat says a lot about our city, our sports culture, and the enthusiasm around soccer.鈥�听

Scholes says by 2026, the revamped waterfront will be fully completed, and Seattle Center will host Fan Fest and viewing zones, allowing locals and visitors to experience the games, even if they don鈥檛 have a ticket to Lumen Field.听

鈥淚 think fans from around the world are going to have a phenomenal experience,鈥� Scholes said. 鈥淭he atmosphere in our city for those five or six weeks is going to be incredible.鈥�听

Looking ahead: what needs to change?听

While the city is making strides, Scholes says there鈥檚 still work to do before Seattle鈥檚 downtown can fully recover.听

鈥淚f we鈥檙e having this conversation a year from now, my hope is that we will have continued to make measurable progress, to make downtown safer, healthier, and more welcoming to everybody,鈥� he said.听

Scholes also emphasized the importance of filling vacant storefronts and making it easier for small businesses to invest.听

鈥淒owntown retail has never been an easy business across the U.S. for the last 20 years,鈥� he said. 鈥淪eattle has been one of those places that got hit hard by COVID but also has an opportunity to rebound.鈥�听

Despite the setbacks of the past few years, Scholes remains optimistic about the future.听

鈥淲e have a vibrant downtown with world-class attractions: Pike Place Market, the waterfront, our arts and culture scene,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f we stay on this path, I think we鈥檒l be talking about an even safer, more vibrant, and welcoming downtown next year.鈥�听

Charlie Harger is the host of “Seattle鈥檚 Morning News”on 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of his stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie and email him here.听

Slowly, people emerged from makeshift shelters. Some were bundled in layers of old clothing; others draped themselves in worn-out blankets against the damp winter chill. The volunteers offered food, water, coats, blankets and hand warmers. Many of those receiving these items expressed both relief and exhaustion.

Seattle’s homelessness crisis has been well-documented, yet it continues to defy simple solutions. Critics sometimes call the city “Freattle,” contending that Seattle鈥檚 services attract more homeless individuals and worsen the problem.

Many organizations aimed at homeless services say they are simply responding to people in need.

Different experiences

Scott Cleveland, vice president of program ministries at Seattle鈥檚 Union Gospel Mission, said homelessness spans more circumstances than some realize.

“We could walk down this street and find a hundred different stories,” Cleveland said. “Nobody in third grade said, 鈥業 want to be homeless when I grow up.鈥� It鈥檚 a moment in time. It doesn鈥檛 have to define a person.”

People living on the street have recounted everything from job losses and skyrocketing rents to domestic violence and mental health struggles. Cleveland said his organization tries to work with each person’s unique story, connecting them to relevant services.

Cleveland’s own journey

Cleveland has firsthand experience with hardship. In 1999, he and his brother were both struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

“We were in a really bad spot,” he said. “We both ended up in the hospital. My brother was in a drug-induced coma, and doctors didn鈥檛 know if he would ever come out.”

Family members rushed to the hospital, fearing the worst. But once Cleveland and his brother emerged from that medical crisis, they found their way to Seattle鈥檚 Union Gospel Mission.

“The mission opened its doors to us,” Cleveland said. “That was the beginning of our story. It was a healing process that eventually led to long-term recovery.”

His brother recovered, and Cleveland went on to become vice president of program ministries at the same organization that helped save his life.

“Seattle鈥檚 Union Gospel Mission really focuses on helping people at their lowest point,” he said. “It can be a place where new stories begin.”

Meeting immediate needs, building trust

Volunteers walked through the encampment in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood handing out supplies and chatting with people in vehicles so dilapidated they hardly resembled the standard camper or car. Some volunteers offered prayer to those interested. Others simply listened to personal stories. Cleveland described this as a two-pronged approach.

“We might give someone a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa,” he said. “But we鈥檙e also inviting them to our shelter and to consider a yearlong recovery program. That鈥檚 where deeper change happens.”

Government agencies, including the city of Seattle and King County, have instituted programs ranging from emergency shelters to tiny-house villages. Many living on the streets say they cannot navigate the applications and waitlists or do not qualify for certain services. Cleveland said faith-based organizations have a different kind of flexibility.

“We鈥檝e been around for decades,” he said. “Our volunteers build trust, and that makes it easier for someone to take the step toward a long-term program, rather than just a 30-day detox.”

A portion of a Western Washington map that says “Outreach 2024” at the top is seen inside the “Union Gospel Mission search and rescue center in Seattle. (Photo: Charlie Harger, 成人X站 Newsradio)

Substance use and stigma

In the Industrial District, I spoke with a woman who asked to be called “Jane.” She said she had relapsed into opioid use after six years of sobriety. She was living in a rundown motorhome alongside her pug-chihuahua mix, named Maci.

“A lot of people think we just don鈥檛 want help,” Jane said. “But it鈥檚 not as easy as just going and getting on the programs. (There are) waitlists, and people who are older or sicker get priority.”

Jane described the stigma of living on the street.

“Nobody wants to talk to us. Everybody wants to turn their nose, like we鈥檙e basically scum,” she said. “They鈥檒l honk their horns driving by, just to wake people up and let us know they don鈥檛 want us here.”

Up until a few weeks ago, Jane had been living in a tent.

“(It has) been absolutely freezing. But we were lucky enough 鈥� we got a good motorhome from somebody who got housing and gave us theirs,” she said. “But it was freezing a couple of weeks ago. We had hand warmers and tried to stay warm at night. That鈥檚 about it.”

I asked her if she had any family members she could turn to for help. Jane says she has a supportive, upper-middle-class family, but she withdrew after her relapse.

“I have a very good family, but since I relapsed, I鈥檝e chosen to keep my distance. I don鈥檛 want to bring that around them,” Jane said.

She added that she doesn鈥檛 want to expose them to the drama of her life as an addict. She hasn鈥檛 spoken to them in years.

A connection and a coincidence

As the volunteers wrapped up their visit, they invited anyone interested to join a prayer circle. I stood in a small ring with Union Gospel Mission volunteers, Jane and a few others. The wind whipped along the street, and I held Jane鈥檚 hand. While several people prayed for safety and a way forward, I felt compelled to tell Jane she was loved.

“I just want you to know we care about you. I know society can be tough, but you are loved,” I said. “You鈥檙e somebody who鈥檚 deserving of love, and I hope you know that.”

Jane looked up, tears in her eyes, and quietly thanked me. Then, she turned to Scott Cleveland to ask about Union Gospel Mission鈥檚 rehab program.

“People say there are bugs there. They鈥檒l steal your stuff,” Jane said.

“Can I paint a different picture for you?” Cleveland asked. “Because I know. I鈥檝e been here for 25 years. But I鈥檝e experienced homelessness. I was a drug addict for years. It鈥檚 brand new,” he told her. “It鈥檚 super-duper clean. You鈥檒l have your own room, there鈥檚 a shower, and the staff are amazing. It鈥檚 super nice.”

“Oh really?” Jane asked, her voice revealing a mix of curiosity and excitement.

“If you just wanted to see it, we could show you what it looks like,” Cleveland said. “I think you should do it.”

鈥淭hat right there is a deciding factor, the fact that you get your own room,” Jane said. “It鈥檚 just a lot of change, and that鈥檚 scary.”

Cleveland nodded.

“Change is scary as hell.”

Jane admitted she was interested in learning more, but her worry shifted to Maci, her dog and constant companion.

“You can鈥檛 take your dog to the shelter,” Cleveland told her, adding that some people foster pets while owners recover.

A look of concern crossed Jane鈥檚 face at the idea of leaving Maci behind.

A text to ‘Seattle’s Morning News’

The next morning, I aired a segment on “Seattle鈥檚 Morning News,” sharing parts of Jane鈥檚 story. Shortly afterward, I received a text from a listener who claimed to be Jane鈥檚 mother, the same mother Jane had not communicated with in years.

“The homeless woman on the interview you ran this morning 鈥楯ane鈥� is my daughter,” the text read. “I know my daughter鈥檚 voice, so I know that you definitely interviewed her. She probably had her dog Maci with her. It has been a few years since we鈥檝e had contact, and we desperately need to get in touch with her.”

Then came a simple plea: “Could you please contact me?”

When I called, the woman explained that Jane had once been an athlete in high school before opioids took over her life. She said the family still loves Jane deeply and wants her to seek treatment. Maci the dog, she added, has been the one constant in Jane鈥檚 life, her rock.

I mentioned Jane鈥檚 concern that no one would be able to care for Maci if she went into rehab.

“We鈥檇 gladly take care of Maci while she gets treatment,” Jane鈥檚 mom said.

I connected her with a representative from the Union Gospel Mission, hopeful that this message could be shared during the next search and rescue outreach.

It was a remarkable coincidence (or maybe something more) that after years of silence between them, I happened to interview Jane, and when the story aired, her mother tuned in, revealing a possible solution to Jane鈥檚 biggest worry.

Homeless in Seattle: Kaya’s story

Another example of Seattle鈥檚 diverse homeless population is “Kaya,” who was interviewed while living in a Class B RV van with her husband, her mother and two dogs.

“It鈥檚 just me, my husband, my mom and our dogs, which we鈥檙e training to be service animals,” Kaya said.

She explained that they came from Arizona and Montana, searching for places with better resources. Kaya acknowledged that Seattle鈥檚 more accessible social services attracted them.

Kaya explained that when she and her family first arrived in Arizona, they encountered significant barriers to securing assistance. They ran into issues in Montana as well.

“In Montana, they told us it could take up to 90 days to get food stamps,” she said.

Her experience highlights the frustrations many face when trying to access basic services in certain states, including long wait times and complicated procedures that delay support. By contrast, when they arrived in Seattle, they were quickly able to access food and basic resources, illustrating how uneven resources across states complicate the crisis.

“We came straight here (to Seattle) because (there are) plenty of resources for us,” she said. “This isn鈥檛 something we want to do long term. It鈥檚 just temporary until we save up enough.”

Critics often cite such stories, asserting that Seattle’s approach inadvertently encourages more people to migrate here. Kaya, however, regarded it as a matter of survival.

“It can happen to anybody, really,” she said. “We just want to get back on our feet.”

Government and faith-based efforts

City and county programs have devoted significant resources to tackling homelessness, but tent encampments and rows of vehicles remain common across Seattle. Critics argued that Seattle鈥檚 policies, viewed by some as too lenient, draw people from other states. They say a stronger enforcement stance is necessary.

Organizations such as Union Gospel Mission maintain that help should be available to all who need it, regardless of where they come from. Cleveland said the problem is multifaceted, with no single factor responsible.

“A person living in a van with their family is different from someone who鈥檚 using fentanyl,” he said. “They need different solutions, but both need compassion. Our role is to walk with them, understand their story and connect them with resources that can change their lives.”

Union Gospel Mission focuses on long-term recovery, providing a yearlong inpatient program for those ready to break the cycle of addiction. Cleveland said many traditional approaches, such as short-term detox or motel vouchers, do not address the underlying causes of homelessness.

“You don鈥檛 get into these situations overnight, and it takes time to get out of them,” he said. “We want to see people reconnect with family, find steady work and have a strong community around them.”

Uncertain futures

For Kaya, the plan is to save enough money for a more permanent place to live. Jane’s future remains unclear. With no phone and an RV that could be towed at any time, she has limited ways to stay connected. Her mother, grateful that Jane is alive, hopes to reunite with her daughter.

Cleveland鈥檚 own story, once facing a hospital stay and the loss of his brother, underscores that recovery is possible. For Jane, re-establishing family ties and seeking help through a structured program could be the turning point. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

“It鈥檚 complicated,” Cleveland said. “But we鈥檝e seen time and again that a combination of consistent outreach, compassion and long-term options can help people rebuild.”

Seattle鈥檚 homelessness crisis is as complex as the personal stories that fuel it. Faith-based organizations like Union Gospel Mission continue their outreach, offering not only blankets and sandwiches, but also a path to comprehensive recovery.

Charlie Harger is the host of “Seattle鈥檚 Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie’s stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie and email him here.

Maritza Rivera’s concerns over implementation, transparency

During a recent interview on 成人X站 Newsradio’s “Seattle’s Morning News,” Seattle City Council member , who represents the 4th District, expressed significant concerns about the plan’s implementation and transparency. Rivera’s district, encompassing northeast Seattle, has been vocal about the need for more housing, but also about the process by which the plan is being developed.

“We all agree more housing is needed 鈥� of all types,” Rivera said in a statement before a recent council meeting. “We have vulnerable populations who need a safe place to live, and we have bus drivers, teachers and young people returning home to Seattle who cannot afford to rent or buy in the city. The need is critical.”

Criticism of OPCD’s process

Despite acknowledging the urgent need for housing, Rivera criticized the city’s Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) for rushing through essential steps. She cited the lack of released plans for transportation, utilities, and climate resilience, which are required under the Washington State Growth Management Act.

“Many of my constituents have lingering questions about the department’s proposed changes, how they were determined and how OPCD has incorporated their feedback into the plan,” Rivera said.

Echoed concerns from other council members

As previously reported by MyNorthwest, Rivera’s concerns were echoed by other council members and residents during the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan meeting. Council member Bob Kettle, representing District 7, also highlighted the lack of outreach and transparency in the planning process.

“Our outreach is important because I know there may be some local factors that the mayor’s office and OPCD did not take into account in their still-draft comprehensive plan,” Kettle said. “I do believe in densification and building more housing. But we need varied types of housing and varied zoning. Clearly, skinny townhomes cannot be our future.”

Constituents’ frustration with the planning process

While speaking with “Seattle鈥檚 Morning News,” Rivera highlighted the frustration among her constituents, who feel left out of the planning process. She emphasized the need for comprehensive outreach and transparency to build trust between the government and the public.

“I spoke with many, many constituents in District 4 who felt like they were not reached out to. They didn鈥檛 feel like the proper outreach was there,” Rivera added. “Why in Phase One did (OPCD) not engage with the public broadly? That鈥檚 led to people feeling like this process has not been transparent, and that is unfortunate because when people feel like government is transparent, they trust government more.”

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Infrastructure challenges

Rivera also pointed out the infrastructure challenges that come with such a large-scale housing plan.

“The streets are narrow, not just in District 4 but across the city,” she said. “Not being able to see the plans for how you are going to accommodate that growth is really frustrating. We got these plans about a week ago.”

She further emphasized the importance of having detailed plans for utilities and transportation.

“How are we going to ensure that our sewer lines can manage the added growth and that our public transportation system can handle it?” Rivera asked. “Have we had discussions with Metro? I don’t know what the department has done by way of communicating and partnering with our sister city agencies on these plans.”

Harrell’s vision for ‘One Seattle’

Harrell believes his “One Seattle” plan is essential to address the city’s growing housing crisis. He argues that increasing housing capacity is crucial to making Seattle more affordable and accessible for all residents, including vulnerable populations and essential workers.

“To bring down costs, support current residents, and prepare for future growth, Seattle needs more housing and more housing choices 鈥� it鈥檚 that simple,” he said in a press release. “Looking at the data and at our neighborhoods, we designed this plan to thoughtfully add housing diversity and capacity at the scale that is necessary to make a difference.”

Next steps in the planning process

As the city moves forward with the “One Seattle” plan, Rivera says the need for clear communication and thorough planning remains paramount.

The OPCD is scheduled to return to the Seattle City Council Wednesday to present Harrell’s recommended growth strategy, which will address housing needs and incorporate public feedback.

Charlie Harger is the host of “Seattle鈥檚 Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie’s stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie and email him here.

成人X站 Newsradio’s “Seattle’s Morning News” discussed the circumstances surrounding Livelsberger’s death with Dave Philipps, a reporter from The New York Times who has been investigating the challenges faced by veterans like Livelsberger.

Looking at Livelsberger’s career in the military

Philipps shared insights into Livelsberger鈥檚 military career and the signs of his declining mental health. “Here’s a guy who joined special forces out of high school, and by the time he died this year, he was in for 18 1/2 years,” the journalist explained to 成人X站 Newsradio. “He deployed nine times, including five times to Afghanistan. He had five Bronze Stars, including one with valor, which means that he did something heroic under fire. So this is a guy who was really a successful and well-respected Green Beret.”

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When Livelsberger began to struggle

Despite his impressive service record, Livelsberger started to struggle as his career progressed. Philipps recounted how his difficulties became noticeable during his time at Washington’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in 2021, where he attended the Special Forces Surveillance School.

“He breezed through all sorts of schooling before and was really a high-achieving guy, but by the time he got there, he was having so many issues that he essentially failed out of the school,” Philipps said. “That was the first time that some of the people close to him saw him really start to struggle with issues from his service.”

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Considering more than PTSD: Brain health may be a factor

“Seattle’s Morning News” focused on the two years leading up to Livelsberger鈥檚 death, asking about the signs of his distress.

“There are thousands of current and retired military members with PTSD and brain trauma, and they would never do something like what Livelsberger did. Has anyone been able to pinpoint what went wrong specifically with him?” Philipps was asked.

Philipps highlighted symptoms that go beyond PTSD, pointing to possible brain injuries.

“He was having trouble with nightmares, he was having trouble controlling his emotions,” he said. “But what might be underlying all this 鈥� and maybe more important 鈥� is that for years and years, he was exposed in training and in deployment to all sorts of blasts, firing weapons, being around explosives, and those shockwaves can go through the brain and actually damage the brain cells. Think of it a little bit like smoking. Now if you’ve experienced one blast, it’s not that dangerous, but if you experience a career of thousands and thousands of blasts, it can be devastating to your brain health.”

Philipps went on to point out a worrying trend among highly exposed military personnel.

“While it’s really uncommon for folks who are exposed to blasts over about 20 years of a career to become violent, there is a pattern with these people,” he noted.

Philipps referenced a similar case from Maine in 2023, where a grenade instructor’s prolonged exposure led to severe mental health issues and violence.

“For years before that, he had been a grenade instructor at an Army Reserve unit where he experienced thousands and thousands of grenade blasts. Then, very suddenly, about six months before he went on this rampage, he started to experience all sorts of psychosis,” Philipps described. “The military didn’t know what was going on because, unfortunately, for years they’ve not recognized that this kind of exposure is dangerous. Now we’re starting to see that increasingly.”

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Are steps being taken to look at this differently?

In response to these findings, “Seattle’s Morning News” asked if the military is beginning to take steps to reduce the risks associated with repeated blast exposure.

“They’re starting to take steps just this year to do things, and some of it’s very simple鈥攋ust like any other dangerous exposure. If you limit exposure, you limit risk,鈥� Philipps explained. “Maybe don’t have somebody work with grenades on a training range for 10 years in a row. Now the military still has to do its job right, and the nature of warfare is unlikely to change, but if we can track how much people are exposed, try and limit it in whatever ways possible.”

The Times journalist called out how vital it is to acknowledge injury signs and treat them rather than assuming something else is the problem.

“And most of this exposure, by the way, is happening in training 鈥� maybe 80%. So we need to track how people are exposed, limit that exposure, recognize the signs when someone may be injured and treat them because right now a lot of those signs are missed. People are either seen as having PTSD or they’re just seen as having a behavior problem and they’re kicked out of the military. We can do a lot better than that.”

“Seattle’s Morning News” then asked about resources available for those affected. Philipps highlighted specialized brain and concussion clinics that offer free treatment to combat veterans.

“They’re very good at teaching how to manage those symptoms that are affecting people right now 鈥� sleep, mood, anxiety 鈥� and they allow people to put their lives back together. I’ve seen it happen, and people can get a lot of good help there.鈥�

The interview concluded with a note of gratitude for Philipps, who responded by saying, “I hope that folks from JBLM are listening.”

Charlie Harger is the host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie鈥檚 stories and commentaries听here. Follow Charlie听听补苍诲 email him听here.

“Aging is a natural process that involves the gradual breakdown of homeostasis in the body and the brain,” Zeng explained to “Seattle鈥檚 Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio.

Her team conducted experiments using mice, comparing young adult brains to those of older mice to identify specific areas and cell types most affected by aging.

“We identified a set of special cell types that undergo pronounced gene changes during the aging process,” she noted.

The role of inflammation in brain aging

One of the key findings of Zeng鈥檚 study is the significant increase in inflammation within the brain as it ages.

“The main finding is increased inflammation, as reflected by genes responsible for inflammation being turned on in specific cell types,” Zeng shared.

This inflammation primarily affects glial cells, such as microglia, which are essential for supporting brain health. Additionally, the hypothalamus, a region that controls metabolism, was found to be involved.

“The cells that regulate metabolism are also undergoing inflammatory changes,” she added.

Nutrition and metabolism: A critical connection

Zeng said this connection between metabolism and brain health underscores the importance of proper nutrition.

“The body’s metabolism involves nutrition, food intake, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and similar factors. Many of these are controlled by specific centers in the brain. If those centers are dysfunctional, then your whole body’s metabolism would also be dysfunctional,” Zeng explained.

This insight highlights how maintaining a healthy metabolism through diet can directly impact brain health.

Practical dietary advice to keep your brain healthy

Based on her findings, Zeng has some guidance on dietary choices that can help maintain cognitive function.

“Healthy eating would involve consuming green leafy vegetables and avoiding high-fat diets and foods like fried foods that can increase inflammation. An anti-inflammatory type of diet is really important,” she advised.

Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can make a significant difference over time. Consistency is key.

“Yes, it requires a habit because aging is a long-term effect. Any small daily habits can have a cumulative long-term impact,” Zeng emphasized.

This means that making gradual, sustainable changes to your diet can help slow down the cognitive decline associated with aging.

Breaking the cycle: Aging and dementia

The study also sheds light on the relationship between aging and dementia.

“Recent studies have found that in dementia brains, there’s a lot of inflammation occurring,” Zeng explained. “It’s like a vicious cycle between the dysfunction or degeneration of brain cells and increased inflammation.”

By addressing either cell dysfunction or inflammation, there is potential to slow the progression of dementia and related diseases.

Metabolic health and cognitive function

When discussing the popular analogy of Alzheimer’s and dementia as “type 3 diabetes,” Zeng provided a balanced perspective.

“Type 3 diabetes is an interesting analogy, but it’s not exactly what’s happening. I’m not sure if increased blood sugar is directly related to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, through the effect of neuroinflammation, it’s a fairly good analogy,” she stated.

This highlights the intricate link between metabolic health and brain function.

It’s never too late to make changes

For those concerned about their dietary habits in the past, Zeng offers reassuring advice.

“No matter what has happened, it’s never too late to change to a healthy diet and maintain a healthier lifestyle because aging is a gradual process. You can always slow it down at any time,” she said.

Zeng encourages people to take proactive steps toward enhancing their brain health, regardless of their age.

Practical tips for everyday life

To help readers implement these findings, Zeng recommends incorporating green leafy salads into daily meals.

“My food of choice is green leafy salad,” she stated.

She advises choosing nutrient-rich greens, saying, “Choose some really nice leafy greens at the grocery store. Those are the most nutritious for us.”

The research underscores the significant impact that simple lifestyle changes, particularly in diet, can have on brain health as we age. By adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and maintaining metabolic health, people can potentially slow the cognitive decline associated with aging.

Charlie Harger is the host of 鈥淪eattle鈥檚 Morning News鈥� on 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie鈥檚 stories and commentaries听here. Follow Charlie听听补苍诲 email him听here.

Deputy Carly Capetto explained the situation began when a deputy on routine patrol noticed an agitated man yelling and harassing Fred Meyer employees.

“An employee reported that the individual was looking into vehicles while she was in her car, and she feared he was going to hurt her,” Capetto said. “The manager wanted him removed from the premises.”

When the deputy tried to make contact with the man, things quickly escalated.

“The male refused to stop and talk with the deputy and was waving a metal rod, becoming dangerous,” Capetto explained.

The suspect then fled into a nearby gas station and continued to ignore deputies’ commands.

The newly released bodycam footage shows the man brandishing a hammer and fleeing from the gas station onto Meridian and into another business complex. Deputies repeatedly ordered him to drop the hammer, but he refused.

“He began swinging the hammer in a threatening manner,” Capetto said.

Several attempts to subdue the suspect using a Taser were unsuccessful.

“Deputies were having no luck getting the male to drop the hammer and also attempted to use a non-lethal bean bag shotgun,” Capetto said. “The suspect continued to not comply despite taking multiple rounds.”

A Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputy, left, points a gun at a suspect during a chase on Dec. 13, 2024. The deputy fired a non-lethal pepper ball and got the suspect, who was wielding a hammer, to surrender. (Image courtesy of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department)

‘Pepper ball finally got the suspect to give up’

The standoff continued for nearly four hours, with deputies trying various non-lethal methods to get the man to surrender. “A last attempt with a non-lethal pepper ball finally got the suspect to give up and toss the hammer,” Capetto said. “A team of deputies were able to rush in and get the subject into custody safely.”

The 33-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was found to have multiple felony warrants, which Capetto said likely explained why he did not want to go to jail.

“It was obvious the male subject was suffering a mental health crisis and was taken to a hospital prior to being booked into jail,” she said. “Additional charges for obstruction and displaying a weapon were added to his charges.”

Capetto praised the deputies for their patience and professionalism during the standoff.”These deputies had tremendous patience working with this male, getting him off the streets and into custody,” she said. “Great job to all involved.”

Charlie Harger is the host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie’s stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie and email him here.

Graffiti in King County. (Photo courtesy of charging documents via the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office)

King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion said the scope of the damage is immense. In Seattle alone, the city spends about $6 million annually on graffiti removal, while repeatedly tagged properties bear repair costs that strain both government resources and private business owners. Many small retailers must comply with a city ordinance to remove graffiti within 10 days, an expensive cycle as new tags often appear almost immediately after cleanup.

鈥淭hese prolific taggers have damaged all parts of King County,鈥� Manion said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 dangerous and costly, and it makes people feel unsafe in their neighborhoods. We know that some people consider certain kinds of graffiti as 鈥榓rt,鈥� but that doesn鈥檛 include dangling over a freeway lane to tag a traffic sign. That behavior endangers motorists and causes real harm.鈥�

Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff said the cycle of vandalism has been a major source of frustration.

鈥淭hey have to clean it up, and for them, it鈥檚 been really disheartening to spend the time and money to clean it up, only to know that they鈥檙e going to get hit again,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to help not only public places but also small businesses that have been negatively impacted. It鈥檚 many more times that amount coming out of the pockets of our small business owners and property owners. Those are the folks we really are trying to support and help.鈥�

The arrests and charges come after months of collaboration among multiple agencies, including the King County Prosecuting Attorney鈥檚 Office, Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol and the Seattle City Attorney鈥檚 Office.

Suspected graffiti vandal being arrested. (Photo courtesy of charging documents via the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office)

Ernsdorff said the work required to bring these cases forward was substantial. Investigators spent months documenting tags along key corridors such as Interstate 5 and Interstate 90. By studying patterns, styles and signatures visible from major roadways, they built cases linking specific individuals to repeated acts of vandalism.

鈥淭hese are names drivers might recognize from their daily commutes,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淧roving it beyond a reasonable doubt took a tremendous amount of detailed investigative work. The Seattle Police Department and other agencies did the heavy lifting by painstakingly linking defendants to specific damage.鈥�

Prosecutors detail how King County graffiti impacts small businesses

While prosecutors seek accountability, they also emphasize that making victims whole is a top priority. Restitution claims total around $100,000 in these cases, with each defendant potentially responsible for their share of the damage. Ernsdorff said the criminal justice system will decide potential jail time, but the primary goal is to hold vandals financially and legally accountable for what prosecutors said are not harmless pranks or forms of expression, but crimes that erode the quality of life.

鈥淪mall businesses are hit especially hard,鈥� Ernsdorff said. 鈥淭hey spend time and money to paint over damage, only to be tagged again. Taxpayers shoulder costs for public cleanup, and the Washington State Department of Transportation invests millions to remove graffiti statewide. This is not victimless behavior.鈥�

Manion noted that vandalism on public transit infrastructure can disrupt essential services. When buses and rail cars are damaged, those vehicles may be taken out of service for cleaning and repairs. The impact ripples through communities that rely on public transportation, inconveniencing commuters and creating extra expense for transit authorities.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell expressed support for holding offenders responsible, saying collaborative efforts are key to improving public spaces.

鈥淭agging hurts our small businesses and neighborhoods,鈥� Harrell said in a statement provided by Manion鈥檚 office. 鈥淎ppropriate accountability is essential when people engage in unlawful, destructive behavior that costs thousands of dollars and undermines community safety and cleanliness. We are working together to make our city more welcoming.鈥�

King County is cracking down on graffiti vandals. (Photo courtesy of charging documents via the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office)

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison鈥檚 office also played a significant role, contributing legal insight and support. Manion thanked Davison and her team, along with the dedicated prosecutors who assembled the cases. She emphasized that close interagency cooperation allowed the county to bring forward such a large, coordinated set of felony charges.

鈥淭his truly took a team effort,鈥� Manion said. 鈥淢onths of investigative work, hundreds of hours of review, and deep collaboration between agencies gave us the evidence to move forward with these filings.鈥�

The defendants are scheduled for arraignment hearings in early January at King County Superior Court when they will enter initial pleas.

鈥淒estroying murals or tagging over freeway signs is not creating art,鈥� Manion said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 endangering people, harming our economy, and diminishing the character of our communities. With these charges, we are taking a clear stand: This kind of behavior is criminal, and we will seek meaningful accountability.鈥�

Charlie Harger is the news director for MyNorthwest and 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie鈥檚 stories and commentaries听here. Follow Charlie听听补苍诲 email him听here

According to the White House, this marks the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history. Clemency is the term for the power the president has to pardon, in which a person is relieved of guilt and punishment, or to commute a sentence, which reduces or eliminates the punishment but doesn鈥檛 exonerate the wrongdoing. It鈥檚 customary for a president to grant mercy at the end of his term, using the power of the office to wipe away records or end prison terms.

Biden pardons 3 Washington residents

The 听that Terence Anthony Jackson, 36, a Seattle resident, was convicted of a non-violent drug offense when he was 23 years old. Jackson pleaded guilty to the charges and served his sentence. According to a press release, under current laws and sentencing practices, Jackson would have likely received a shorter sentence.

Since his release, the White House stated Jackson has been actively involved in the Seattle community, working full-time in the legal industry while pursuing a degree. He has also volunteered as a barber for children in need. Those who know Jackson describe him as dependable and caring, always striving to help others.

Russell Thomas Portner of Toutle, which is located in Cowlitz County, previously pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense Portner, now 74,听 served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. The White House reported in its statement Porter was honorably discharged after earning multiple decorations, including the Bronze Star.

Since Portner was convicted, he got married, raised four children, operated a successful business, and developed a reputation for charitable generosity and community service, The White House explained.

“He is currently a member of several veterans organizations,” the statement reads. “Neighbors, business associates, and friends describe him as trustworthy, loyal, and as a respected businessperson.”

Rosetta Jean Davis of Colville earlier pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses. After successfully serving her sentence, Davis, 60, maintained steady employment, including by working as a peer supporter for those struggling with substance abuse, the White House explained.

“Colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors all speak highly of her, citing her hard work, dependability, and willingness to serve as an example of rehabilitation,” the statement from the Biden administration reads.

Biden has pardoned his son Hunter: What does that mean?

More on Biden’s recent actions

Thursday’s actions come amid public scrutiny following President Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on gun and tax charges. The decision sparked a bipartisan uproar, with revealing that only about 22% of Americans approved of the pardons, while 51% disapproved. The controversy has added to the debate over the use of presidential pardon powers and the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice system.

his decision to grant clemency to Jackson and others is part of a broader effort to address issues of justice and fairness in the criminal justice system. The president emphasized the importance of second chances and equal justice under the law. He stated that clemency is a tool to promote public safety, support rehabilitation and provide meaningful opportunities for reintegration into society.

The nearly 1,500 people who had their sentences commuted were primarily those placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 听they have since demonstrated successful reintegration into their communities, showing that they can contribute positively to society when given the opportunity. According to the statement, the commutations and pardons are intended to recognize their efforts and provide them with a fresh start.

Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions. The second largest single-day act of clemency was by Barack Obama, with 330, shortly before leaving office in 2017.

More from Charlie Harger: Seattle plagued by spreading graffiti along I-5 corridor

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”

Biden remains under pressure from advocacy groups to pardon broad swaths of people, including those on federal death row, before the Trump administration takes over in January.

The president previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons. He鈥檚 also broadly pardoned those convicted of use and simple听possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, and pardoned former听U.S. service members convicted听of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex.

Contributing: Steve Coogan, MyNorthwest; The Associated Press

Charlie Harger is the news director for MyNorthwest and 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie鈥檚 stories and commentaries听here. Follow Charlie听听补苍诲 email him听here

Mass says accurate weather forecasts are crucial, highlighting their economic and safety implications. “The economic implications of poor forecasting are immense,” he said. “Not only for the economy but also for saving lives and property. Improved forecasts really pay for themselves. So much of the American economy is weather-related or weather-sensitive that even a small increment in forecast skill has big payoffs for the American people.”

“Right now, we’re fourth in the world in terms of global prediction, which is really unfortunate,” Mass said in an interview on “Seattle’s Morning News” on 成人X站 Newsradio. “We started the technology of numerical weather prediction. We were the best in the world, but we’ve let that advantage slide.”

MyNorthwest weather: Maps, cameras, photos, stories and more

Mass contends that the issue is not a lack of funding but rather how resources are organized.

“It’s the fact we have this bureaucracy that’s extremely ineffective, and we’re not using the vast research capacity of the United States,” he explained.

According to Mass, the current system splits American resources into five or six different groups, each operating suboptimally.

Critics might argue that Mass’s focus on organizational issues overlooks the potential benefits of maintaining multiple independent agencies, which they believe can foster innovation through competition. However, Mass remains steadfast in his belief that a centralized approach is the solution.

“What we need to do is create one entity in the United States that does numerical weather prediction, bring together all the resources there, and probably have it outside of NOAA or other agencies,” he said. “Have an independent group that brings everything together to create the best forecasting system in the world that all the agencies can share. Instead of NASA doing it, the Navy doing it, the Air Force doing it, NOAA doing it, and them doing it separately and in an inferior way, have one American effort that is the world’s best,” he said.

Despite the progress made in weather technology over the past few decades, Mass believes there is still much room for improvement. He points to the predictions of the “Bomb Cyclone” windstorm that hammered Western Washington last month. “The short-term forecasts were actually quite good,” he acknowledged. “So I’m not saying weather technology hasn’t gotten better. It has gotten better. It’s immensely better than what it was, let’s say, 30-40 years ago. We’ve made progress, but we could be much, much better than we are today.”

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One of the most exciting advances in meteorology, according to Mass, is the application of machine learning and AI for weather prediction. “Machine learning, trained properly, can make extremely good forecasts,” he said. “Several groups have done this鈥攆rom Amazon to the European Center. It’s very, very good, at least in getting global forecasts better. The European Center is already doing this. The U.S. weather prediction effort in NOAA and the National Weather Service has no operational capabilities in this area.”

Mass envisions a future where weather forecasts are significantly improved, particularly in the second week. “Now forecasts are pretty good a day or two out, but the big improvements would be days seven to 10,” he said. “That’s where you see the biggest improvements and even some improvements at 14 days and more. You’d see a real vast improvement week to two weeks out.”

Charlie Harger currently is the news director for MyNorthwest and 成人X站 Newsradio. He will become the host of “Seattle’s Morning News” in 2025. You can read more of Charlie’s stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie and email him here.

It鈥檚 an eyesore. But more than that, it鈥檚 infuriating for those of us who pay taxes, knowing we鈥檙e footing the bill for the cleanup. And now, the vandals appear to have found a way to make a bad situation worse.

More on graffiti: Graffiti crimes can once again be prosecuted in Seattle, court rules

Some graffiti isn鈥檛 just scrawled with spray paint anymore. Videos on social media, like one I stumbled across on YouTube, showcase a new method: Using modified fire extinguishers filled with paint to create massive tags, several stories high. The result? Sloppy, oversized graffiti that鈥檚 not only ugly but also more expensive and difficult to remove.

Over the summer, 成人X站 Newsradio鈥檚 Nate Connors and I took a closer look at the scope of the problem. We set out to count the tags along I-5 within Seattle鈥檚 city limits. What we found was staggering: At least 8,555 tags lining the freeway. That number, collected just a few months ago, already feels outdated. Today, the number of tags could easily exceed 10,000, possibly more.

More on the graffiti count: 8,555 tags and counting: The unchecked graffiti problem on the Seattle freeways

And the problem isn鈥檛 confined to Seattle. Cities across the region are grappling with similar issues. While graffiti might seem like a lesser concern compared to violent crime, it鈥檚 a visible marker of urban decay, and one that鈥檚 hard to ignore. It raises questions about the overall tone and health of a community.

A few weeks ago, there was some progress. Kent Police assisted the Seattle Police Department (SPD) in arresting a graffiti vandal听wanted for a string of incidents. It was a small win, but it hasn鈥檛 made much of a dent in the problem. The tags keep appearing, and the scope of the issue only grows.

I understand that law enforcement priorities need to focus on serious crimes that threaten public safety. Violent crime is a pressing concern, and it should remain the top priority. But the graffiti is more than just an aesthetic problem. It鈥檚 a sign of deeper issues. It鈥檚 a reminder, in bold letters, of neglect and disorder.

Research has long suggested that visible signs of disorder, like graffiti, can contribute to an environment where other crimes flourish. It鈥檚 the “broken windows” theory: When small problems are left unchecked, bigger problems are more likely to follow.

More from Charlie Harger: Cut some slack for Seattle weather forecasters

The question is, what should be done?

For starters, it鈥檚 time to treat graffiti for what it is: a crime. Vandalism isn鈥檛 harmless self-expression; it鈥檚 a deliberate act of destruction. It costs taxpayers money and erodes the quality of life in our communities. Police and prosecutors must prioritize enforcement against repeat offenders. Programs that clean up graffiti quickly could also help send a message that this behavior won鈥檛 be tolerated.

Otherwise, it seems like we’re letting the vandals write their own rules, all over our city.

Charlie Harger is the news director for MyNorthwest and 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie鈥檚 stories and commentaries听here. Follow Charlie听听补苍诲 email him听here.

Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative.

鈥淭his is a great example of the reason for the season,鈥� Dammeier said. 鈥淥ut here at the South Hill Mall in Puyallup, Pierce County, we’re very excited to participate in this world event. Our families will have the ability to give to international issues and help the world, but they can also give to really important local charities as well to make our community better. I brought my three granddaughters here because they’re going to use the giving machine.鈥�

鈥淭he giving machines are a fun and unique way for community members to come together and, with just a few touches of a button, give to charitable organizations locally and internationally,鈥� Ronda Litzenberger, Media Director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said. 鈥淚t’s a way for small contributions to make a big impact and to bring joy, happiness, and peace to the Christmas season.鈥�

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns the parent company of MyNorthwest.com and 成人X站 Newsradio.

The machines support a variety of causes, allowing donors to choose where their money goes. Captain Ryan Miller of the Salvation Army highlighted the impact of such contributions.

鈥淲e find the opportunity to take care of about 50,000 people in East Pierce County every year,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淛ust being able to select and have more opportunities to impact their communities in different ways is great.鈥�

Selections from a ‘Light the World Giving Machine.’ (Photo: Charlie Harger)

Dan Worth, representing Mentors International, emphasized the global reach of the Giving Machines.

鈥淚t’s a great opportunity to give back locally and internationally,鈥� Worth said. 鈥淢entors International supports small business economic development and necessity entrepreneurs across 12 countries. You can provide help to those individuals, whether they are fruit farmers or chicken farmers, and help lift folks internationally out of poverty. This means the world. Folks have different interests; some like to support local, some like to support global, and we want to find a niche for everyone to give back.鈥�

The concept of the Giving Machines originated in Salt Lake City in 2017 with a single machine. The idea quickly gained traction, raising half a million dollars in its first year. Since then, the initiative has expanded to 107 cities, raising over $32 million in the past seven years to support people in the U.S. and in impoverished countries.

鈥淎 lot of wonderful organizations are doing wonderful things, and we wanted to find a way to partner with them in the good that they’re already doing,鈥� Stake President Brian Manwaring of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said. 鈥淭he church has partnered with local and international charities to set up these reverse giving machines or vending machines where people can go and purchase gifts鈥攏ot for themselves, but for others.鈥�

Manwaring also noted the transparency and efficiency of the donations.

鈥淎 lot of times when you donate to charities, there’s an administrative portion that stays with the organization,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is covering all administrative costs, so 100% of the proceeds go to the organization to bless these individuals locally and internationally.鈥�

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also working with charities from other faiths, including Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) and Lutheran Community Services Northwest. This collaboration allows these organizations to pool resources and expertise to better serve vulnerable populations. CCSWW focuses on providing care and resources to those in need, including housing and mental health support, while Lutheran Community Services Northwest offers healing and hope during crises, supporting children, families and refugees.

Speakers at the grand opening of the Giving Machines said this teamwork between different faiths shows how everyone can come together to help and support the community, regardless of their religious background.

The Giving Machines support a, including:

• Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW): Provides care and resources to vulnerable populations, including housing, mental health support and care for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Bridge of Promise: Enriches the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities through inclusive day programs offering social, recreational and life skills activities.
• Operation: Sack Lunch (OSL): Provides nutrient-dense, culturally appropriate meals to individuals facing homelessness and food insecurity in Seattle and King County.
• YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish: Dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting equity through housing, economic advancement programs and support services for survivors of domestic violence and individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Bellevue LifeSpring: Supports Bellevue鈥檚 children and their families through programs providing food, clothing, education and emergency assistance.
• The American Red Cross: Provides disaster relief, blood supply, life-saving skills training and support for military families.
• Tacoma Rescue Mission: Offers shelter, food and self-sufficiency programs to overcome poverty and addiction, grounded in Christian faith.
• Lutheran Community Services Northwest: Provides healing, help and hope during crises, supporting vulnerable children, families, and refugees.
• The Salvation Army: Provides various services to meet human needs without discrimination.
• Days for Girls International: Improves menstrual health and hygiene for women and girls by providing sustainable menstrual products and health education.
• Step By Step: Empowers pregnant women and families by providing comprehensive support and resources to promote healthy pregnancies and positive parenting.
• Mentors International: Focuses on lifting individuals and families out of poverty through mentoring, business training and microloans.

The Giving Machines are available at South Hill Mall in Puyallup, next to the Golden Corral, and at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, near the LEGO Store. They will be operational throughout the holiday season, providing a convenient and impactful way for the community to contribute to various causes.

鈥淭his is an amazing opportunity both for the receivers 鈥� the millions of people who will benefit from this 鈥� and for everyone in our community to be part of it,鈥� Dammeier added. 鈥淵ou don’t have to give $1,000; you could give maybe $10, whatever is available, and you can be part of lighting the world.鈥�

For those looking to make a difference this holiday season, the Light the World Giving Machines offer a simple yet powerful way to give back and change lives.

Charlie Harger is the news director for MyNorthwest and 成人X站 Newsradio. You can read more of Charlie’s stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie and email him here.