Jonah Oaklief – MyNorthwest.com Seattle news, sports, weather, traffic, talk and community. Fri, 06 Jun 2025 02:31:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8 /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/favicon-needle.png Jonah Oaklief – MyNorthwest.com 32 32 Jury finds ‘Belltown Hellcat’ guilty of reckless driving /crime_blotter/belltown-hellcat-trial/4096210 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 23:01:48 +0000 /?p=4096210 The man known as the driver of the so-called ‘Belltown Hellcat’ was convicted Thursday of reckless driving, according to the

After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury found Miles Hudson, 22, guilty on two counts, the Times reported—one for racing on a public street and the other for ‘willful or wanton disregard’ for the safety of people or property.

The trial entered its third day on Thursday in Seattle Municipal court with Hudson facing multiple charges, including reckless driving and street racing. Hudson gained infamy through videos that featured him performing risky, high-speed stunts and revving his Dodge Charger SRT’s engine loudly in the city’s Belltown neighborhood. The car was known as the “Hellcat.”

In court, Hudson spoke about his motivation for participating in such reckless content, saying he initially struggled to earn money but found content creation to be a lucrative outlet.

Seattle Police Officer Oliver Murphy recounted his conversation with Hudson during a recent traffic stop, saying he advised Hudson to use a racetrack for racing in a safe and legal environment, according to

Evidence presented by the prosecution included video showing Hudson driving at speeds up to 108 miles per hour on city streets. Hudson denied engaging in street racing, claiming the footage was heavily edited.

Hudson has drawn repeated police attention over the past year for tearing through city streets.

Read more of Jonah Oaklief’s stories here.

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Manhunt continues in Chelan County woods for military-trained father accused of killing daughters /crime_blotter/wooded-manhunt-daughters/4096268 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:59:27 +0000 /?p=4096268 The search continues for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is accused of killing his three young daughters at a campground near Leavenworth. Authorities warn that his advanced military training could help him survive for months in the remote wilderness.

Decker’s survival skills, which he gained during a 2014 deployment to Afghanistan, are proving to be obstacles for search teams. However, law enforcement is hopeful he will be spotted. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office released a photo depicting his tattoos.

Decker tattoos

A photo clearly showing Travis Decker’s tattoos. (Photo courtesy of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office)

The sheriff’s office is also asking citizens who own cabins or live near remote areas of Chelan, Kittitas, King, Snohomish, and Okanogan counties to be aware Decker is on the run.

“We are asking for those owners to lock all of their doors, to include any sheds, outbuildings, and leave their window blinds open, and we recommend leaving outside lights on,” the agency stated.

Military training complicates Travis Decker manhunt

A former U.S. Army Ranger with specialized training in mountain warfare and wilderness survival, Decker is believed to have escaped into the thick forests of central Washington. The bodies of his daughters, Paityn (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5), were found Monday near his abandoned vehicle at the Rock Island Campground in Wenatchee.

Search crews from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office are continuing an intensive ground and aerial search with helicopters, drones, and tracking teams.

“He’s specifically trained in mountain warfare,” crime reporter Steve Hickey said. “They are extremely concerned about what this man is capable of. According to his training, he is able to sustain himself for months on end, and he is capable of continuing on.”

Sheriff Mike Morrison confirmed during a press conference Wednesday that Decker is “well-versed in wilderness survival,” and that law enforcement believes he may have taken gear from his vehicle before vanishing into the forest.

“We are unsure if Mr. Decker is currently alive, so we are taking it that he is still out there,” Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. “We will not rest until we’ve located him, whether he’s alive or he’s dead, we want to make sure he’s brought back.”

Decker was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts. A recently released Ring video shows him picking up his daughters—the last confirmed sighting of them alive.

 

Authorities investigate possible sightings

A possible sighting was reported Wednesday by the McCall Police Department in Idaho , however, it was confirmed to be a false alarm. Law enforcement is examining a cellphone found at the scene, which may offer new clues about Decker’s movements after the crime.

Decker was reportedly homeless and struggling with PTSD. His ex-wife cited mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder and anger management concerns, during their divorce proceedings. He is still part of the Washington Army National Guard, but officials said they had already started the process of removing him from the military due to previous behavioral problems.

A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Decker’s arrest. Authorities ask anyone with relevant tips to call the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit tips online.

If someone sees Decker, they are asked to call 911, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Although this can be a challenge while searching for him, our personnel are well-equipped and prepared to seek and apprehend him,” the sheriff’s office added.

Decker, who faces six felony charges, three counts of first-degree aggravated murder and three counts of first-degree kidnapping.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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Jewish teacher alleges ‘antisemitic advocacy’ in Portland schools /mynorthwest-politics/portland-schools/4092561 Wed, 28 May 2025 01:00:21 +0000 /?p=4092561 A Jewish public-school teacher in Portland has filed a lawsuit claiming the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) is engaging in ongoing “antisemitic advocacy” both inside and outside the classroom, according to

The lawsuit, filed by the , alleges Portland Public Schools (PPS) is fostering a workplace where Jewish teachers feel threatened, silenced, and isolated. Documents provided by the Freedom Foundation also suggest that the display of pro-Palestinian symbols, including the Palestinian flag, is contributing to a divisive atmosphere. 

Freedom Foundation Litigation Counsel Shella Alcabes told The Center Square their client, a high school math teacher, opted out of paying union dues, but is still required to be represented by the union during negotiations with his employer. He says he does not want to be compelled to be associated with the union.

MyNorthwest reached out to the teacher’s union for comment and has not heard back.

Surge in antisemitism nationwide

The plaintiff’s lawsuit follows rising tensions on high school and college campuses across the U.S.

Earlier this month, masked activists led by the group , occupied and allegedly vandalized the University of Washington’s (UW) Interdisciplinary Engineering Building. Administrators say the group caused over $1 million in damages. The protesters demanded that UW cut ties with Boeing.

The Trump administration has since formed a multi-agency task force to investigate the incident. Officials, including Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, condemned the protest as a dangerous act of harassment and called on the university to ensure a safe environment for Jewish students. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown strongly condemned the occupation, calling it violent and unlawful.

The protest led to 32 arrests, and UW administrators restricted their campus access.

Jewish UW Professor Cliff Mass told The Center Square he was pleased UW administration expelled several students following the damage to the engineering building, but said they are not doing enough to crush an atmosphere that tolerates antisemitism.

Read more of Jonah Oaklief’s stories here.

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Popular airline to enforce new, strict check-in policy /local/united-airlines-check-in-policy/4092604 Tue, 27 May 2025 23:01:07 +0000 /?p=4092604 United Airlines has announced that all passengers on domestic flights will now be required to complete a check-in list at least 45 minutes before departure.

Failing to check in by the deadline could result in being denied boarding,

United Airlines sets 45-minute domestic check-in rule

The new policy applies to all travelers, regardless of checked baggage. The airline’s previous policy allowed passengers without luggage to check in up to 30 minutes before takeoff.

A United spokesperson said the change offers “greater consistency for our customers” and aligns with the check-in procedures used by most other major carriers, according to USA Today.

While the general advice for domestic air travel is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure, the new 45-minute check-in cutoff serves as a reminder for passengers to allow extra time to avoid any last-minute issues.

Travelers can find full details about United’s check-in policies on the

Read more of Jonah Oaklief’s stories here.

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Seattle parks will close earlier than normal in citywide safety crackdown /local/seattle-park-hours-slashed/4092551 Tue, 27 May 2025 18:00:09 +0000 /?p=4092551 To curb illegal parties and late-night street racing in and around local parks, Seattle introduced a new set of strict regulations this summer.

Officials say the crackdown is part of a broader safety plan aimed at making parks more welcoming during the day and quieter at night, according to .The new rules include shortened summer hours at some of Seattle’s most popular beaches, such as Alki Beach and Golden Gardens. These parks were previously open until 11:30 p.m. but will now close at 10:30 p.m.

The move follows years of pilot programs experimenting with earlier closures. say the change is now permanent.

Seattle beach and park hours see city-wide cut

reports that new gates will be installed at Magnuson Park and Gas Works Park, by July, in order to block vehicle access after hours. Concrete barriers are being strategically placed in some park parking lots to deter reckless driving. Officials say the city is also considering installing gates at additional parks in the future.

Police officers will also help clear parks at closing hours to prevent trespassing, according to .

In addition to Seattle’s waterfront parks, several boat ramps and other park locations will also have reduced hours:

  • Hamilton Viewpoint and Magnuson Park Boat Ramp: open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Hoa Mai Park: open 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Several boat ramps, including Don Armeni and Stanley Sayres, will now close at 10:30 p.m., down from 24-hour access.
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Ex-Sonics star Shawn Kemp pleads guilty to Tacoma Mall shooting /crime_blotter/shawn-kemp-tacoma-shooting/4092614 Tue, 27 May 2025 17:43:03 +0000 /?p=4092614 Former Seattle SuperSonics star Shawn Kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in a shooting outside the Tacoma Mall in 2023, according to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The 55-year-old basketball star faced initial charges of first-degree assault with a firearm. However, prosecutors later added a second count of first-degree assault and a charge of drive-by shooting. Had Kemp been convicted on the original charges, he faced the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.

In 2023, Kemp was accused of shooting at two people in the Tacoma Mall parking lot. He said they broke into his car and stole several items. When police arrived, Kemp told them he fired his weapon in self-defense.

Shawn Kemp pleads guilty to assault charges

Although both the 4Runner and another nearby vehicle were shot, no people were physically harmed. The two men inside the vehicle, aged 35 and 39, both have extensive criminal records and are currently incarcerated on unrelated charges.

Court documents reveal that Kemp claimed he retreated to his car and fired two shots in response. However, police later reviewed video footage showing that Kemp began shooting immediately after leaving his vehicle.

During the shooting, a bullet struck the car of a JCPenney employee named Cheri Mahoe. She recalled being escorted to the store’s third floor with other employees and customers for safety due to the situation outside. The bullet damaged the top layer of her car’s roof but did not penetrate inside.

The standard sentencing range for second-degree assault is three to nine months. However, the maximum sentence for this charge can be up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Kemp’s sentencing is set for August 22.

Contributing author: Frank Sumrall

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Microsoft engineer fired following anti-Israel outburst at developer conference /local/microsoft-engineer/4091095 Thu, 22 May 2025 21:50:20 +0000 /?p=4091095 Microsoft fired a staff member accused of interrupting a speech by the company’s CEO.

On Monday, now former Microsoft engineer Joe Lopez interrupted CEO Satya Nadella’s opening keynote at the company’s annual Build in Seattle before being removed by security. He said he’s upset that Microsoft supplies the Israeli military with Azure, the company’s cloud computing technology. Activists claim Israel uses the technology in its war against Hamas in Gaza, though Microsoft says this isn’t the case.

Lopez’s disruption was one of several at the four-day Build conference, which drew thousands of developers to the Seattle Convention Center. At least three executive presentations were disrupted, and Microsoft briefly cut audio during one live stream.

Why are activists upset with Microsoft?

Lopez later sent a company-wide email detailing his concerns.

“As one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft has immeasurable power to do the right thing: demand an end to this senseless tragedy, or we will cease our technological support for Israel,” Lopez’ email read, . “If leadership continues to ignore this demand, I promise that it won’t go unnoticed. The world has already woken up to our complicity and is turning against us. The boycotts will increase and our image will continue to spiral into disrepair.”

The disruptions followed a morning protest where dozens of Microsoft workers rallied at Seattle’s Westlake Park. The demonstration was organized by, a group of current and former employees demanding that the company end any contracts connected to military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The group also alleges that Microsoft has begun censoring internal communications by blocking emails that include terms such as “Palestine.”

According to No Azure for Apartheid, Lopez received a termination letter but has reportedly been unable to access it.

Employees, activists challenge Microsoft over ties to Israeli government

In February, an investigation spearheaded by the revealed that the Israeli military had used AI models developed by Microsoft to help identify targets for bombing campaigns. Although Microsoft did not win the contract with Israel in 2021, reports suggest the company has continued providing tools used in military and administrative operations.

Microsoft released a recent review stating that the company had found no evidence that its Azure cloud platform or AI technologies were used to target civilians in Gaza directly. However, this reassurance has failed to satisfy activists and employees.

This is not the first time the tech company has faced employee backlash over its defense contracts. Microsoft fired other staff who disrupted its 50th anniversary celebration in April with similar pro-Palestinian protests.

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Seattle man arrested after fatal hit-and-run in Kent /crime_blotter/hit-and-run-kent/4090965 Thu, 22 May 2025 17:19:56 +0000 /?p=4090965 Officers arrested a driver suspected of a hit-and-run that killed a 39-year-old man early Thursday morning in Kent, according to the .

Officers were sent to the 24000 block of Pacific Highway South after hearing about a pedestrian being hit by a car just before 2:30 a.m.

Police said the man was crossing the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk when a silver SUV hit him. Emergency crews, including Kent Police, Fire, and medical first responders, immediately began trying to save his life, but the man died at the scene.

Witnesses told officers the driver, 32, immediately took off after the crash. Shortly thereafter, Des Moines Police found a damaged silver SUV near the 26000 block of 20th Avenue South. Four people were in the SUV, which had “substantial front-end damage,” according to the Kent Police Department.

The three passengers were 30, 35, and 26 years old, and all residents of Federal Way. They all confirmed with officers that the 32-year-old driver from Seattle was driving during the fatal hit-and-run.

The driver was taken into custody and booked into jail on suspicion of vehicular homicide. Investigators are still working to determine whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash.

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Bezos gifts $97M in Amazon stock to local nonprofit /local/bezos-gifts-97m-local/4090915 Thu, 22 May 2025 16:29:37 +0000 /?p=4090915 Jeff Bezos has donated 474,857 Amazon shares, worth nearly $97 million, to his local nonprofit, according to .

is the nonprofit behind the growing network of Bezos Academy preschools, which now has locations in Washington, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, and Kentucky. Bezos previously contributed shares worth $116.9 million in 2024 and $61.3 million in 2023.

Bezos donates millions to expand free preschools

Although Bezos donated fewer shares this year, the increase in Amazon’s stock price, closing at around $204.07, made up for the difference. According to Bezos has also mentioned that he plans to sell up to 25 million Amazon shares in 2025, a move potentially worth $4.8 billion.

Bezos founded the nonprofit in 2018. It offers tuition-free, Montessori-inspired education to children from families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level—which equates to approximately $128,600 for a family of four.

The nonprofit’s revenue mostly from donations and grants, offsetting its $57.27 million in expenses. By the end of 2023, it had nearly $95 million in net assets.

In Washington, where the nonprofit is based, Bezos Academy opened a new location in Kent last fall and plans to open another in Centralia. That will bring the total number of schools in Washington to 11 out of 41 nationwide.

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Boeing safety reports surge 220% as employees embrace new safety reforms /local/boeing-safety-reports/4090525 Thu, 22 May 2025 00:23:55 +0000 /?p=4090525 Boeing released its 2025 Chief Aerospace Safety Officer Report, revealing increased safety reports filed by employees.

According to the report, employee engagement with DZ𾱲Բ’s anonymousSpeak Upsafety reporting system surged by 220% from 2023 to 2024, according to. Boeing credits the increase to empowering workers without fear of retaliation. Officials said more intensive training has also become a significant focus.

The media outlet reported nearly have already completed a new hazard identification program. Management has also taken further steps to hold safety and quality stand-downs, where operations stop to focus on open dialogue with employees.

Boeing safety reports soar as inspections intensify

In January, Boeing began conducting unannounced safety audits at five commercial aircraft facilities. These surprise inspections are happening in addition to standard safety checks.

These initiatives follow a trying period for Boeing. The company has faced increased scrutiny since two deadly 737 Max crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia killed 346 people. The accidents caused the model to be grounded for years, as various lawsuits began.

Although Boeing settled a case in April, families of victims have expressed outrage over reports that the U.S. Department of Justice may drop criminal charges against the company.

More recently, a door plug incident aboard a Boeing aircraft in early 2024 brought new concerns after investigations revealed that bolts meant to secure the door plug had not been reinstalled following repair work at Boeing’s Renton facility.

As Boeing seeks to rebuild its reputation, the company insists these steps mark a serious and long-term commitment to doing things differently.

Read more of Jonah Oaklief’s stories here.

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Sea-Tac announces new nonstop flights to Europe /local/sea-tac-flights-europe/4089531 Mon, 19 May 2025 18:30:33 +0000 /?p=4089531 Seattle-area residents will be able to fly nonstop to Zurich, Switzerland, starting in just two weeks.

Edelweiss Air, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will begin its seasonal nonstop flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Zurich on June 2, according to the . The routes will fly twice a week, on Mondays and Saturdays.

Beyond Zurich, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport continues to expand national flights.

Starting Wednesday, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will resume direct flights between Seattle and Copenhagen, Denmark. The new service will operate five times weekly during the airline’s summer 2025 schedule.

Sea-Tac adds nonstop flights to Europe, Asia

The new flights will be the first direct connection between Seattle and Copenhagen since 2009, following the airline’s inaugural route between the two cities 57 years ago.

In addition to these expansions, Sea-Tac previously launched its first direct flight to Tokyo with Alaska Airlines. The airport also plans to begin new nonstop routes to South Korea in September.

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‘You’re talking to a dead man’: Oregon DUI suspect stabbed to death during processing /crime_blotter/oregon-stabbed-to-death/4088670 Fri, 16 May 2025 22:12:56 +0000 /?p=4088670 Officials say they are investigating after a Clark County sheriff’s deputy fatally stabbed a DUI suspect from Oregon earlier this month.

Marc Fogle, 54, of Clackamas, Oregon, died after a violent struggle with Deputy Bryson Layton on May 7, according to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. He was killed at the Washington State Patrol weigh station along Interstate 5 near Ridgefield during processing.

WARNING: THE POST BELOW LEADS TO A LINK WITH GRAPHIC BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE.

DUI suspect stabbed during violent struggle

Body camera released by the sheriff’s office shows the two men inside a room at the weigh station, where a breathalyzer test was set to take place. Layton removed Fogle’s handcuffs and asked, “Are you going to hurt me?” Fogle replied, “No, I’m not.” However, things escalated quickly when a struggle broke out. Fogle reportedly said, “My life’s (expletive) over” and “You’re talking to a dead man” before attacking Layton as the video stops.

During the initial recording, the deputy yells at colleagues that Fogle is reaching for his gun. Layton tells Fogle that he is going to get shot. Fogle responds by shouting it’s what he wants. When the video resumes, Fogle is shown lying face down with multiple stab wounds in his back. Officials say that Layton used his knife to stab Fogle during the fight.

Fogle’s initial arrest happened an hour earlier when Deputy Layton was sent to the crash. Body camera footage shows Fogle saying he’s a commercial truck driver and asking to speak to a lawyer. Layton joined the sheriff’s office in 2023 and is still on duty as the investigation continues.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the incident to call the OII tip line at 564-250-6275. The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations is leading the investigation. A liaison has been assigned to support Fogle’s family.

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Centralia students torched Chromebook for internet trend, police say /local/chromebook-for-internet-trend/4088651 Fri, 16 May 2025 20:55:21 +0000 /?p=4088651 Two Centralia students face arson charges after they allegedly torched a school-issued Chromebook as part of a social media trend, according to .

Authorities believe the vandalism is connected to the so-called “Chromebook challenge,” a viral internet trend popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The trend encourages students to destroy school laptops by shoving conductive items into the computer.

The fire started in a classroom on Thursday at a local middle school. First responders quickly found a Chromebook with fire damage, including melted plastic, as well as smoke pouring out from the lithium battery compartment. Photos show a scorched desk, along with scattered metal pieces like safety pins and paperclips.

Teens charged following Chromebook challenge

Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer requested that the students be held in juvenile detention. However, the judge ordered them to remain under house arrest instead. Police Chief Andy Caldwell says the students deliberately started the fire. He is urging parents to speak with their children about replicating such stunts.

The trend has raised concerns nationwide. The New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services , cautioning parents about the destructive challenge. Beyond the risk of fire, officials point out that burning electronics can release toxic fumes that can be harmful to the lungs.

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Fate of century-old Everett theatre hangs in the balance /local/historic-everett-theatre/4088580 Fri, 16 May 2025 17:34:51 +0000 /?p=4088580 After 11 years of managing the 124-year-old Historic Everett Theatre, the nonprofit Historic Everett Theatre Preservation Society may soon step away.

The building has been sold to Bellevue real estate agent Johnny Phan, with the sale closing May 30, according to .

Curt and Craig Shriner, brothers, initially saved the theater from foreclosure in 2014, reviving it with concerts, community events, and live performances.However, Craig, the principal owner, is getting ready to retire, and the theater has been on the market since before the pandemic.

Phan, a Bellevue-based real estate agent with Skyline Properties, Inc., intends to renovate the building this summer, canceling all July and August events. Phan insists the theater will continue operating like it does now and still plans to host events.

While a new nonprofit could be chosen to run the theater, current staff and volunteers are uneasy about the future of their jobs. Curt Shriner said he may try to rent the space for future shows, though costs could prove to be a barrier.

The final event under the current management will be on June 28, featuring radio host George Noory. After that, the future of the theater’s programming and the preservation society remains uncertain.

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Bipartisan bill promises college access for low-income students /mynorthwest-politics/college-low-income/4088539 Fri, 16 May 2025 16:31:11 +0000 /?p=4088539

Senator Matt Boehnke is celebrating the signing of Senate Bill 5543, which he said will significantly reduce college costs and remove bureaucratic barriers for low-income students.

Senate Bill 5543 and will immediately enroll eligible students into the College Bound Scholarship program with no application required.

“This bill is about breaking down barriers—period,” , said. “For too long, students who qualified for help still slipped through the cracks because of paperwork and red tape. This law fixes that. Every eligible student will be automatically enrolled in the College Bound Scholarship program. That’s what good government looks like—smart, effective, and focused on real outcomes.”

Automatic enrollment boosts support for low-income students

The College Bound Scholarship helps cover tuition and fees at Washington’s public colleges and universities.. The new law ensures more students will benefit from this support. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch will be automatically signed up for the scholarship.

The law also improves access for students in foster care or those adopted between the ages of 14 and 18, making it easier for them to stay eligible.

“This isn’t just a bill—it’s a promise to every seventh grader in Washington that if you work hard and graduate, we’ve got your back,” Boehnke said. “We’re investing in the next generation of nurses, teachers, technicians, and entrepreneurs. This is a smart investment in our workforce and communities’ future.”

The bill takes effect on July 27, just in time for the next school year.

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Local airline returns with Seattle, Portland commuter flights /local/seaport-airlines/4088205 Thu, 15 May 2025 22:49:14 +0000 /?p=4088205 Nearly a decade since its closure, SeaPort Airlines is returning to the skies to offer commuter flights between Seattle and Portland.

Starting next week, the airline will provide daily service between Boeing Field in Seattle and Portland International Airport, according to

SeaPort will be the only commercial airline offering flights from Boeing Field to Portland. Round-trip fares for the new service will begin at $279.

SeaPort Airlines returns with Portland commuter flights

The relaunched service will utilize nine-seat Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, with departures scheduled every 45 minutes. Unlike traditional commercial routes that depart from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, these flights will operate out of Boeing Field. Arrivals in Portland will take place at the Atlantic Aviation campus, a short distance from the main terminal.

SeaPort Airlines was originally co-founded by Kent Craford in 2008. The company had originally expanded into rural markets before declaring bankruptcy in 2016. That year, the Federal Aviation Administration had also proposed a $500,000 fine for alleged maintenance violations.

The new SeaPort fleet includes four aircraft from Connecticut, Colorado, New Zealand, and other locations.

Read more of Jonah Oaklief’s storieshere.

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Seattle greenlights more traffic cameras as crashes slump /local/seattle-more-cameras/4087671 Wed, 14 May 2025 22:01:35 +0000 /?p=4087671 Seattle’s City Council has approved an expansion of the existing traffic safety camera program with an 8-to-0 vote. Seattle City Council member Rob Saka, who sponsored the bill, believes the move will protect everyone on the road.

The updated legislation allows more automated cameras to be installed in areas where police say there is speeding and dangerous driving, . It will also update local laws to match recent state changes, add privacy protections, and limit public access to camera data.

The city says cameras have already made a big impact. Since launching school zone speed cameras, crashes have dropped 71%, and repeat violations are rare on those streets.

King 5 stated that 70% of the revenue from tickets will go to the city’s general fund. Of the remaining 30%, at least 15% must fund sidewalk construction and repairs.

The Seattle Department of Transportation said it will review several streets for new camera installations, including parts of Alki Avenue Southwest, Rainier Avenue South, and Martin Luther King Jr. Way South.

Read more of Jonah Oaklief’s stories here.

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‘Did it hurt?’: West Seattle suspect allegedly asked victim how stabbing felt /crime_blotter/west-seattle-stabbing-hurt/4087659 Wed, 14 May 2025 20:01:48 +0000 /?p=4087659 A 25-year-old man arrested for stabbing and robbery in West Seattle on Monday made his first court appearance.

At the hearing, a judge set his bail at $250,000 and found probable cause to hold him on charges of second-degree robbery and first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Formal charges have not yet been filed, as the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is awaiting a felony case referral from police. They expect it by Friday.

Just before 6 p.m., police received reports of a stabbing near California Ave. S.W., where they found a 47-year-old man with a severe stab wound to his shoulder.

Suspect arrested for stabbing, robbery in Seattle

Police say the victim had been walking down the street when the suspect randomly approached and attacked him with a kitchen knife. The suspect allegedly asked, “Did it hurt?” before fleeing the scene.

Shortly afterward, the suspect confronted a second victim, demanding her cell phone. When she refused, he allegedly twisted her arm and stole the phone. He fled the area, but officers later found the phone—and other belongings—abandoned in a nearby yard.

K9 officers tracked the suspect through several backyards and arrested him shortly thereafter. He was booked into the King County Jail, where he remains.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says it has no record of prior cases involving the defendant.

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Suspected DUI driver dodges Sumner police, leaps off overpass, lands in yard /crime_blotter/dui-driver-sumner-overpass/4087570 Wed, 14 May 2025 17:39:22 +0000 /?p=4087570 An alleged impaired driver is in the hospital after a police pursuit ended with him jumping off a highway overpass in Puyallup Monday night.

The chase began around 9:18 p.m. Tuesday when the 36-year-old man swerved on Valley Avenue in Sumner, nearly crashing head-on into a Sumner police cruiser, according to the .

The man then continued driving south in the northbound lane. Suspecting the driver was impaired, the officer gave chase.

Driver jumps overpass after police chase

The chase continued onto westbound State Route 410, then onto State Route 512 in Puyallup. During the pursuit, the driver hit two additional cars, sending one man to Tacoma General Hospital.

The driver eventually rolled to a stop before running across multiple lanes of highway traffic before jumping off an overpass near Pioneer Ave. and landing in a private yard.

He was treated by first responders and then taken to the hospital by Central Pierce Fire & Rescue with non-life-threatening injuries.

Westbound State Route 512 was closed while law enforcement continued their investigations. The Metro Major Collision Response Team is investigating, and charges are expected once the driver is released from the hospital.

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Spokane votes to move 120-year-old problematic war memorial /local/spokane-votes-to-move-memorial/4087111 Tue, 13 May 2025 19:30:10 +0000 /?p=4087111 The Spokane City Council has approved the removal of the Ensign John Monaghan statue that has stood near a busy downtown intersection for almost 120 years.

On Monday night, the council voted 5-2 in favor of removing the statue during planned roadwork to realign the intersection at Monroe Street and Riverside Avenue.

The statue will likely be moved to the Monaghan family mausoleum at Fairmount Memorial Park following approval from both Monaghan’s relatives and the cemetery’s board, according to

Spokane statue to be removed amid criticism

A U.S. Navy ensign, Monaghan, was killed in 1899 in Samoa during a conflict between colonial and native forces. The statue was originally funded by local residents and placed on city-owned land.

The statue has long been surrounded in controversy, with one plaque describing the Samoans as a “savage foe” and another depicting them with primitive weapons. Critics say the language is racist and inaccurate. However, local activists and members of the Navy League have pushed to update or contextualize the statue rather than remove it.

Until 2024, Spokane lacked a formal process for removing public art. That changed when the city council created a “deaccession” policy. Under the policy, a Human Rights Commission evaluates complaints and, if justified, refers them to the Office of Civil Rights for further review.

The removal of the statue is expected to happen later this year.

Read more of Jonah Oaklief’s stories here.

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City of Spokane in Spokane County. (Photo: City of Spokane)...