No structures have been damaged.

Level 3 evacuations in place near Bear Gulch Fire

The Bear Gulch Fire area near Dry Creek Trail is under a Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation order. This includes the Staircase Campground and areas across the causeway on the north side of Lake Cushman, officials said. The area south of Dry Creek has a Level 1 “READY” evacuation notice in effect.

The Bear Gulch Fire broke out across the North Fork Skokomish River on Tuesday.

“The fire made active crown runs upslope through the tree canopy,” officials said.

They attribute the increase in fire activity to warm, dry conditions, heavy fuels, and steep terrain.

Fire spokesperson Jaclynn Swope said crews are reinforcing containment lines and using drones to monitor the fire’s aggressive spread.

“We can always hope that it won’t get worse from here,” she told ����Xվ Newsradio. “As far as the weather goes, it is supposed to continue to be warm and dry, so we’re gonna expect to have more activity.”

The fire was human-caused, but the exact origin remains under investigation.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Only 10% of the ballots have been returned so far, according to Halei Watkins, Communications Manager at . She expects the final turnout to be approximately 35%, which she said is pretty strong when compared to numbers nationwide.

“Now, that doesn’t mean it’s good enough,” Watkins told “The Gee and Ursula Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio. “We would like to see it much, much higher, and folks should absolutely take that step and make their voices heard.”

Presidential elections tend to have much higher turnouts than primaries or special elections. However, primaries are important too, Watkins said.

Primary election has big impact

“It’s these local races that really have a big impact on our day-to-day lives and on our communities,” she said. “So, the primary gives us an opportunity to weigh in and pick our top two candidates to move forward to November, and it’s really important to get out there and make your voices heard.”

One reason she believes turnout tends to be low during Washington’s primary elections is the fact that it happens in the summertime, and people forget about it.

“I think the sunshine comes out, and us Pacific Northwesterners get quite distracted with the beauty of where we live and all of the back-to-school plans and summer vacation, and it’s really easy to get lost,” Watkins said. “But voting is a habit, so the more that we can build that habit across every single election, the more folks will turn up in these local primary races.”

King County voters will be narrowing down the field for offices, including the mayor of Seattle, some Seattle City Council seats, and the county executive.

Ballots will need to be dropped off at your local elections office by 8 p.m. on August 5.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Last week, the city sent the chronic nuisance declaration letter to Madilyn Investments, owner of the Oaktree Motel located at 8900 Aurora Avenue North, according to a post Tuesday on the .

The owner is required to respond within seven days and reach an agreement with the city to address the public safety hazards, according to the post.

“Time’s up for irresponsible owners who turn a blind eye to criminal activity and human suffering,” Barnes said. “For much of the past year, this motel owner has ignored requests to improve public safety at the Oaktree, putting the lives of employees, residents, visitors, passersby, and vulnerable populations in danger. By filing this chronic nuisance order, we can improve public safety along the Aurora North corridor.”

SPD said it has responded to the 39-room motel 43 times so far this year. Officers arrested a convicted human trafficker there two weeks ago.

“The suspect stated that the girlfriend is the manager of the motel,” according to the post. “Following the arrest, both the manager and the owner of the motel refused to cooperate with police.”

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison backed the decision.

“I thoroughly support Chief Barnes and his decision to declare this a chronic nuisance property,” Davison said. “I think it’s crucial that we use every available strategy to stop the illegal drug activity, the use of weapons, and – most urgently – prostitution and human trafficking.”

Police told owner to deal with safety issues earlier this year

In February, police told the owner to begin addressing the safety issues at the Oaktree Motel.

For a while, the number of 911 calls for the motel declined, but activity began increasing again in June. That prompted Barnes to file the order, the post said.

“The Oaktree Motel came under scrutiny as part of the department’s wider, ongoing effort to dismantle human trafficking and drug networks operating along Aurora Avenue North. Approximately 12 aging motels line Aurora Avenue North between 85th and 145th streets, a stretch nationally known as Seattle’s hub for prostitution,” according to the blotter post. “In recent years, YouTube videos depicting sex workers and modern-day slaves courting customers and walking along Aurora Avenue North have increased global attention and publicity for the area. These videos sometimes attract millions of views, serving to intentionally or unintentionally promote the sex trade district.”

����Xվ Newsradio has reached out to Madilyn Investments for comment.

Over the past five years, the city has declared three other motels chronic nuisance properties. A commercial real estate developer recently purchased one of them.

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s 24-hour hotline is 1 (888) 737-7888.

It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in more than 200 languages, according to SPD.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

The vehicle crashed early on July 26 on I-5 near SR 2 in Everett. Body camera footage shows flames engulfing the car and the man inside it, yelling out in distress.

Everett officers save man from flaming Electric vehicle on I-5

“I’m incredibly proud of the bravery and quick action shown by these officers. They are heroes in every sense of the word, and our city is lucky to have such dedicated public servants within our police force,” said Mayor Cassie Franklin. “I’m also deeply relieved that the vehicle’s occupant survived this incredibly dangerous situation.”

The man survived thanks to the officers, who pulled him out of the car and away from the burning wreckage. Both officers were treated for smoke inhalation and are stable.

“Their quick thinking and selfless actions reflect the very best of Everett PD,” said Chief John DeRousse. “They put their lives on the line to save another, and I am impressed by their poise under pressure.”

Debora Juarez will serve in District 5 until the election in November of next year.

Debora Juarez first Native American to be selected to council

Juarez was first elected to represent the North Seattle district in 2015 and served as council president. She was the first Native American to be elected to the council. She thanked the other candidates after her appointment.

“One last note, I want to share, which I’ve learned from my elders, is there isn’t one leader,” she said. “It’s like a flock of birds. Leadership is shared.”

Cathy Moore resigned, citing health and personal reasons.

Earlier this month, the Seattle City Council narrowed its list of candidates for the vacant District 5 seat from 22 applicants to six finalists.

Among those selected were Debora Juarez, who previously represented District 5 on the City Council, and Nilu Jenks, who ran for the seat in 2023 and currently serves as political and partnerships director for FairVote Washington.

Also on the shortlist were James M. Bourey, executive director of the Seattle Architecture Foundation; Katy Haima, community planning manager for the city of Seattle; Julie Kang, director of professional and continuing education at Seattle University; and Robert Wilson, a Navy veteran who works for Amazon.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

However, the criminal investigation remains active.

Decker is accused of killing his young daughters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia.

Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement and search and rescue teams in the wilderness areas near Blewett Pass, between Chelan and Kittitas counties, Decker has not been found. There is currently no evidence confirming whether Decker is alive or deceased, according to a Chelan County Sheriff’s Office .

Law enforcement conducts extensive search for Travis Decker

Search operations have included swift water teams, multiple K-9 units trained in tracking and human remains detection, aerial support, and ground personnel. The most recent search focused on the area north of Mineral Springs campground, but investigators say the evidence found there was inconclusive.

Bear hunting season starts in August, and the sheriff’s office urges people to stay alert and report anything suspicious. They ask people to take photos if it is safe.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Decker’s arrest, the post said.

Decker is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, you should not approach him, authorities said. Call 911 immediately.

You can also submit tips to the U.S. Marshal’s Service by calling 1-800-336-0102 or online at usmarshals.gov/tips.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) found the RV along I-90 near North Bend on Friday afternoon, the post said.

“KCSO deputies & detectives arrested the suspect at the scene and booked him into the King County Jail on investigation of Vehicular Homicide and/or Felony Hit & Run,” according to the post.  “(Thanks) to the drivers for spotting & reporting.”

Deputies responded to the 11000 block of 68th Avenue South after a resident reported someone pinned beneath a vehicle Thursday night.  The victim died at the scene.

The driver fled before first responders arrived.

Investigators described that suspect vehicle as a 1999 white Royal Classic motorhome with heavy damage on the passenger side.

Update: located the RV along
I-90 near North Bend. KCSO deputies & detectives arrested the suspect at the scene and booked him into the King County Jail on investigation of Vehicular Homicide and/or Felony Hit & Run. Thx to the drivers for spotting & reporting.

— King County Sheriff’s Office (@kingcosoPIO)

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

The 3-month-old baby was last seen Friday morning on Preble Street in unincorporated Bremerton. Deputies with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office said the infant was taken by her mother, who does not have legal custody.

The FBI was called in to aid in the search.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) spotted the mother with the missing child leaving the Bremerton-Seattle ferry at Coleman Dock.

“[The baby] is safe and she is with the Washington state troopers who found her,” Kevin McCarty, communications director and public information officer at Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, told ����Xվ Newsradio. “Our detectives and deputies are preparing to get on board. One of our marine unit boats had to go to Coleman Dock and bring them back.”

The mother is now in custody. Charges have yet to be determined, according to McCarty.

It’s the Amber Alert that worked,” McCarty said regarding the swiftness of this case. “It got the information out as quickly as possible to as many agencies as possible. We had a lot of partners, both locally, regionally, and federally, who were involved, including the FBI. They were all out looking for this woman and this missing child, and it worked. The state troopers at the dock spotted her.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

The flight, identified as Flight 4, reversed course roughly 1 hour and 27 minutes into its journey, just off the northwest coast of Scotland. Data from showed sudden drops in speed, with the aircraft appearing to fluctuate between 551 mph and 450 mph, while maintaining an altitude of 36,000 feet.

The same pattern was recorded three additional times.

����Xվ Newsradio reached out to Virgin Atlantic for comment.

“The VS105 from London Heathrow to Seattle on July 25 has diverted to Manchester Airport to refuel due to air traffic control restrictions,” a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated. “The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority, and our teams are working hard to ensure our customers can continue on their journey as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for the delay and any inconvenience caused.”

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

The University of Idaho murders hit close to home for a member of the ����Xվ Newsradio family.

On November 13, 2022, Scott Carty was in Pullman, which is just seven miles away from the crime scene in Moscow, Idaho.

“I am sharing some perspective of 983 days ago,” Carty said on “Seattle’s Morning News” on ����Xվ Newsradio. “It was one of the best weekends of my life, turned into one of the toughest goodbyes I’ve ever had to say to my daughter.”

Carty had just wrapped up parents’ weekend at Washington State University (WSU).

Minutes before the news broke, he spoke with a University of Idaho student who had recently joined the local fire department.

“I told him to keep having fun,” Carty recalled. “And then the moment we got into our cars is when I got an AP news alert, and he got called to the scene.”

News breaks of University of Idaho murders

Carty said he’ll never forget where he was when he heard the news.

“I was right in front of Sella’s Calzones. Anybody who’s been to Pullman knows where that spot is,” he said.

Carty hurried to his daughter Ella’s dorm room, where alerts had begun circulating.

“That’s when my daughter’s mom and I had to say goodbye for our drive back to Seattle, telling Ella to be safe, to stick with friends, and stay in touch,” he shared.

Carty and his daughter had previously toured WSU’s criminology department, walking past Kohberger’s office. Kohberger was a Ph.D. student at the time.

“He would have likely become her TA, and was the TA of one of her friends,” Carty said.

His daughter ultimately chose a different academic path.

“She decided not to go into criminology, despite me saying, ‘Well, it’s probably the most exciting time you could ever be in that program,’” he said.

Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Wednesday.

He entered into a plea agreement earlier this month.

“I’ve driven by that house, you know, where the killings happened,” Carty said. “It was way too close to home.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

In a prepared statement before the, DeMarco said a thief drove off in an idling engine that had been parked in the roadway with its emergency lights flashing—standard protocol during emergency incidents.

Everett Fire Chief details fire engine theft

“This has been a sentinel event, not just for us, but for the fire service across the country,” DeMarco said. “Fire engines are not passenger vehicles. They aren’t equipped with keys or an ignition or a braking system that an untrained person would even be able to recognize. Yet the perpetrator managed to release the brakes, put the unit in gear, and overcome an immobilization device at the wheels.”

He emphasized that idling fire trucks are a national standard due to their need for continuous power and specialized equipment.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, July 18, Everett Fire Engine No. 1 and Paramedic Unit No. 1 were dispatched to a medical emergency at 2917 Hoyt, the fire department said in a .

“They arrived five minutes later and proceeded to the 5th floor of the building to find the affected patient. Our paramedics and EMTs worked with that patient until the issue was resolved. They spent approximately 60 minutes with the patient,” according to the release.

When they were done, they came out to find the engine gone and the immobilization device known as a “wheel chock” smashed flat, the release said.

Just then, Snohomish County 911 began receiving calls about a fire engine involved in a crash. Dispatchers began asking via radio if Engine One was involved, and the crew quickly realized the fire engine had been stolen.

Twelve vehicles, including the fire engine, were damaged.

Everett Fire Dept. revises security gaps

Security upgrades have already been implemented, though DeMarco declined to share specific details publicly.

“We’re researching available engineering options to prevent this from happening again,” DeMarco said. “But it’s important to understand that this is not as simple as just installing a keypad or a door lock. It’s also not a cost issue. Any effort to insert additional layers of protection in emergency vehicles adds to the risk of mechanical failure at a crucial moment,” he said. “They cannot fail.”

Following the incident, the department activated a reserve engine to maintain emergency services, and there have been no service gaps, DeMarco noted. The damaged vehicle is being evaluated for repairs.

Replacement engines ordered years ago arrived in Mount Vernon last week and are expected to be in service by August.

The fire engine that was stolen,  cost $600,000 in 2018. The same model engine costs $1.2 million in 2025, the department said.

The state of Idaho has filed a motion to extend existing no-contact orders that prohibit Kohberger from communicating with the victims’ families, . Those orders are currently set to expire in January 2027.

Prosecutors are requesting a 99-year extension, citing the severity of the crimes and Kohberger’s recent guilty plea. That plea will spare him the death penalty.

Kohberger admitted to fatally stabbing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at their home in Moscow in November 2022.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII)  that a neutral third party, a retired King County Superior Court judge, recommended reopening the case. The decision stems in part from evidence revealed during a civil trial, where a jury found officers liable for wrongful death. The family was awarded.

Leonard Thomas shot in Pierce County in 2013

Thomas was shot in May 2013 during a SWAT standoff at his home in Fife. Police used explosives to enter the house and fired when Thomas reached for his son. Officers said they believed Thomas was armed and choking the boy. However, in a 2017 interview with , Thomas’ son disputed that account.

“I think he was trying to hug me,” the boy said.

There were no criminal charges filed after the initial investigation.

Thomas’ mother, Annalesa Thomas, had requested OII open a new investigation into their son’s death through OII’s Prior Investigation Review Program.

His father, Fred Thomas, is a co-chair of the OII Advisory Board, which prompted the agency to seek an outside review to avoid any conflict of interest.

“Avoiding conflicts of interest, or even the appearance of a conflict of interest, is critical to ensuring that all parties can trust our work to be fair and unbiased,” OII Director Roger Rogoff said. “Under the circumstances, OII had a conflict of interest that prevented it from making a decision free from actual or apparent bias, and therefore referring this matter to a neutral third party was the right choice.”

The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirmed it has received the referral and will begin its review.

“Our office has received a referral from OII regarding the Thomas incident from 2013,” a spokesperson for the office told ����Xվ Newsradio via email. “This is the first re-opened case by OII to be referred to us. Like any officer-involved fatal incident referral, the Prosecuting Attorney and experienced DPAs will be reviewing the case, requesting any follow-up that may be needed, and then making a charging decision after a full review.”

����Xվ Newsradio reached out to the Lakewood Police Department. A spokesperson for the department said they have no comment at this time.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Authorities used the 18-year-old suspect’s ankle monitor to track him to Tumwater. Around 8:45 a.m., officers found him asleep in a stolen GMC Denali in a parking lot off New Market Street, according to a post on Facebook.

When police attempted to wake him, he allegedly fled, crashing into two vehicles at Capital Boulevard and Tumwater Boulevard. One of those vehicles struck a building.

Driver airflifted to Harborview after suspect causes crash in Tumwater

The driver of the car that hit the building was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle in critical condition. Another driver sustained minor injuries. No one inside the building was hurt, and the suspect was not injured.

Police said the suspect is being processed for investigation of DUI. The Denali had been reported stolen in a carjacking in Tukwila last week. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect was involved in that incident.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Officials said the man was swimming at when he went underwater and did not resurface. He was underwater for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before being rescued.

His condition was not known as of Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have not said what caused him to go under.

“This incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of water safety, especially during the summer months when more people are enjoying the lake,” the City of Kirkland stated in a news release.

Witnesses said the man had been swimming with friends from the north dock to the south dock when he went under.

“Three off-duty City of Kirkland lifeguards were already in the water searching when Kirkland Fire crews arrived,” the release stated. “A Kirkland firefighter located the man at the bottom of the lake, and the water rescue team quickly pulled him to shore.”

Lake Washington swimming safety tips

Authorities encouraged people to keep the following water safety tips in mind:

• Know your limits: Lake Washington may appear calm on the surface, but swimming long distances can be physically demanding. Only swim as far as you’re confident you can return.
• Wear a life jacket: Even strong swimmers can tire or experience muscle cramps. Life jackets save lives, especially in open water.
• Be cautious of cold-water shock: Lake temperatures can remain dangerously cold below the surface, even on hot days. Cold water can impair your ability to swim or breathe properly.
• Never swim alone: Always swim with a buddy and keep an eye on each other.
• Watch for sudden drop-offs: Lake bottoms can be unpredictable, with steep changes in depth.
• Call for help immediately: If someone is in distress, call 911 right away. Trained rescue personnel can respond quickly.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

“At approximately 8:01 a.m., South County deputies responded to a report of an assault with a weapon in the 3100 block of 164th St. SW in Lynnwood,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 4-year-old child had accessed a loaded firearm and accidentally shot his 42-year-old mother.”

The boy reportedly got the gun from his father, who was asleep on the couch at the time of the incident.

The mother was shot in the upper left arm and transported to Harborview Medical Center with serious injuries. She is expected to survive.

The child sustained minor injuries. A second child, age 9, was also in the home. Both children were released to family members.

Father in jail after child accidentally shoots mother in Lynnwood

The father was booked into jail on charges of reckless endangerment and unlawful storage of a firearm. Deputies said there were multiple unsecured guns found throughout the home.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

The call came in Tuesday night, prompting an emergency response. Deputies quickly determined there was no shooting. South Sound 911 traced the call to the suspect’s phone at his listed address.

He was arrested at his home for false reporting and obstruction.

“False reporting can be serious business,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s office said in a Friday. “They can take emergency resources away from those that need them. It is not uncommon for a false report to be made to bait police officers to a location.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

“My worst fear for this community is to have flooding like this,” King County Flood Control District Board Chair Reagan Dunn said at a meeting Tuesday. “I’ve seen some incredible pictures from generations past that show the entire Kent Valley completely covered in water from one side to the other. It can happen, and quite frankly, it will happen again.”

In response, Dunn introduced a motion — which passed unanimously Tuesday afternoon — directing the county to strengthen early alert and warning systems, develop a flood preparedness video for the public, and translate preparedness materials into additional languages.

It also directs the county to expand and diversify its “Be Flood Ready” brochure and to increase outreach through community navigators.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Officials said some people have tried to prod the research animals with sticks and branches.

“While we understand the curiosity, this behavior is dangerous — for both you and the bears,” WSU Police said in a Monday.

Such actions are not only harmful but also illegal, the post said. Injuring a research animal is a Class C felony under Washington law, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

WSU authorities warn area is under surveillance

WSU Police added that the area is under video surveillance and that violators will be reported.

They urge anyone who sees “concerning behavior” to report it to campus authorities.

“These bears are part of vital research at Washington State University,” the post said. “Thank you for helping us protect our bears and the important work being done here at WSU.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

A woman in her 40s was found dead in her apartment on West Marine View Drive on May 4. Drug paraphernalia and suspected fentanyl were discovered near her body, the post said.

Man allegedly seen selling drugs to woman in Everett

According to investigators, apartment staff witnessed a known drug dealer selling narcotics to the woman shortly before her death. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the transaction and showed no one else entering or leaving the apartment afterward.

“On June 23, 2025, members of the Community Response Team contacted the suspect, who had been recently booked into the Snohomish County Jail on unrelated drug charges,” the post stated. “Following an interview with the suspect, he was booked on an additional charge, controlled substance homicide.”

“These types of drug investigations can be difficult, but the officers in our Community Response Team worked hard to collect the evidence and do the interviews necessary to tie this dealer to the death of someone they provided with illegal drugs,” Chief John DeRousse said. “Without the extra effort, we would have been unable to make this arrest, and provide the victim’s family with a little peace, knowing someone was held accountable for the death.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for ����Xվ Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.