Pierce County announced the burn ban via a news release, citing the upcoming warmer weather.

More from Pierce County: Corrections chief at odds with the employee guild

“This is due to the expectation of warmer, drier days becoming more common and resulting in fires starting more easily and posing a greater threat to people and property,” Pierce County stated.

The ban applies to outdoor burning of yard debris and land clearing in unincorporated Pierce County. It does not apply to small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission.

The news release stated the use of gas, propane, charcoal or pellet self-contained stoves. Smokers and barbecues are still allowed.

However, the fire must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit and not used as debris disposal. It also cannot grow larger than three feet in diameter and must be in a clear spot at least 10 feet from vegetation, 25 feet from structures and 20 feet below overhanging branches. The fire must also be attended by an alert person and equipment that can be used to put out the fire like hand tools and a garden hose attached to a water faucet, or a five-gallon bucket of water.

However, no recreational fires are allowed when winds exceed 5 mph.

The burn ban only applies to residents in unincorporated Pierce County. For those in incorporated Pierce County, the news release said to contact the local jurisdiction for requirements.

The ban does not apply to setting off legal fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County during the allowed times. A list of fireworks that are legal to possess between June 28 and July 5 can be found here. Fireworks can be sold in unincorporated Pierce County on June 28 from noon to 11 p.m. and from June 29 to July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Fireworks can only be discharged on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Latest on weather: El Niño’s exit paves way for hurricane-force winds in Western Washington

The county did not say when the burn ban would be lifted but noted last year’s ban went from June 6 to October 3.

The news release stated if residents have an approved Department of Natural Resources (DNR) burn permit and/or their property falls under the jurisdiction of the DNR call 1-800-323-BURN for more information.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

The man slipped and fell on Saturday near the High Steel Bridge, southwest of Hood Canal. Mason County Sheriff’s Corporal Tim Ripp told KIRO Newsradio it’s always dangerous when people explore the nearby canyon walls.

“The terrain on the side trails changes drastically and it’ll look like you’re walking on a trail and the brush and growth and everything, you’ll walk right off the cliff,” he explained.

Other news: Why were Washington ferries out of service this weekend?

The 19-year-old was with his family at the time, when he ventured off on his own and fell. The Mason County Sheriff’s Office said rescue crews pulled the man to safety from the bottom of the bridge.

Ripp told KIRO Newsradio when crews found the man, he was cold and wet because he went into the Skokomish River and then went on top of a rock.

“He was cold and wet but he was alive and that was very fortunate because many have not ended in the same manner,” he said.

Ripp shared he was happy the man survived because not everyone does.

“It was a relief actually hearing him yell for help because it’s a good sign that he’s alive because we’ve had many over the years that unfortunately have been fatal,” he said.

From soggy to sunny: This week’s Washington weather roller coaster

According to the Washington Trails Association, High Steel Bridge is the tallest railroad bridge ever built in the U.S. It was built by the Simpson Logging Company in 1929 and was converted into a road during the 1950’s to 1960’s.

“This is not really a hike but you can walk across the bridge and check out the excellent dizzying views down into the canyon.  There is a trail that descends into the canyon but it is closed because it is too dangerous,” states the Washington Trails Association website.

Ripp explained the area near the High Steel Bridge is a trouble spot because the side trails are so unstable that people easily lose their footing. And even though there are signs in the area warning people to stay off the side trails, crews respond to about five deaths every year below the bridge.

Contributing: Aaron Granillo, KIRO Newsradio

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

“When she was on the starting line, we did notice that this athlete was quite differently built. And we could tell something was a little different at that point, but their backs returned to us so we couldn’t see their faces,” Wilson told “The John and Jake Show” on KIRO Newsradio last week. “And so we had no idea. And it wasn’t until they stepped up on that podium that the chatter started to go around the field.”

Video: John’s strange barn rental request – John and Jake

Wilson’s daughter later told her the first-place winner was a boy. Her daughter also shared that she believed she could have won first place if she had known that, to which Wilson responded that she just wasn’t sure.

“It’s just he’s just stronger and faster. And you could see that as he did that last, you know, 100 meters. He was he just came flying by and she had given it everything she had. And he just had more,” she said.

John Curley host of “The John and Jake Show” noted that the way the rules are written is that anyone can compete by what gender they identify as.

Curley added that boys are built with a larger lung capacity and a different hip structure, inferring a biological advantage

Wilson shared that she thinks it isn’t fair for girls to compete against a biological boy. However, she also believes the online attacks the transgender child faced were unfair.

Other news: Woodland Park Zoo shares ultrasound pictures of popular animal for the first time

“I hope that we can find a way to make it fair for girls, and also for this transgender child as well, that he can race somewhere and not be ridiculed,” she said.

Wilson added the solution is simple — create a co-ed division where anyone can race.

To listen to the entire podcast with more details about what happened during the race and how Wilson’s daughter was affected, click below:

Listen to John Curley and Jake Skorheim weekday afternoons from 3-7 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Ultrasound of Akenji’s baby. Akenji is a gorilla at the Woodland Park Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Woodland Park Zoo)

“The ultrasound images are key in tracking fetal development. We can visualize limb movement and cardiac function and get measurements to monitor growth. The images indicate normal development thus far,” Dr. Yousuf Jafarey, an associate veterinarian at Woodland Park Zoo, said in a news release.

According to the zoo, the gestation period for gorillas is eight to nine months. The zoo also stated that the ultrasound pictures were possible because of thorough training sessions with the mother Akenji

Akenji in 2019. (Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren via the Woodland Park Zoo)

“Because of the trusting relationship we have built with the gorillas, we have been able to train Akenji to sit near the front of her bedroom facing us and within our reach,” Stephanie Payne Jacobs, a gorilla keeper at Woodland Park Zoo said in the news release. “Her cooperation allows us to apply the ultrasound probe on her belly and the results help us check the baby’s development.”

Just like for human women, the procedure is non-invasive, painless and safe. Further, Akenji has the choice to participate or not. We follow her cues,” she continued.

Ultrasound of Akenji’s baby. Akenji is a gorilla at the Woodland Park Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Woodland Park Zoo)

The news release also noted that the pre-natal care program for gorillas includes regular veterinary check-ups, a special diet created by a nutritionist and supplemental vitamins to help Akenji maintain a healthy weight for delivery.

The zoo first announced that Akenji was pregnant in March. The baby will be 22-year-old Akenji’s first and its father Kwame’s third.

More here: Local zoo announces pregnant gorilla with positive test

Kwame, 24, is the father of the last two gorillas born at the zoo. His son Kitoko was born in March 2020 and his daughter Zuna was born in January 2021.

However, those also wanting to be a gorilla parent can do so digitally. To become a ZooParent, visit the Woodland Park Zoo’s website.

As for how Akenji is feeling about motherhood, a zoo spokesperson told MyNorthwest she’s doing well.

“Akenji is a little more tired than usual, but the pregnancy is progressing very well. Our veterinarian is very pleased with the fetus development. We’re so excited and can’t wait for this new baby gorilla!” the spokesperson told MyNorthwest via email.

To plan a visit to see the gorillas, go here.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

On Saturday, ferry officials put the Samish Ferry out of service, due to a lack of crew members. That affected riders in Anacortes, Lopez Island and Friday Harbor.

The ferry system also canceled four crossings between Port Townsend and Coupeville on Sunday morning due to low tides. Alternate routes are the: Edmonds/Kingston Ferries or the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferries.

🚨#PortTownsend/#Coupeville tidal cancellations this weekend🚨

Saturday, 5/25: No 930a from PT and no 1015a from Coupeville
Sunday, 5/26: No 930a or 11a from PT and no 1015a or 1145a from Coupeville

More: https://t.co/vK6ZiKRkf7 pic.twitter.com/3CloQAsb5K

— Washington State Ferries (@wsferries) May 24, 2024

To stay up to date with cancellations, travelers can sign up for ferry alerts via the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) website. For tidal cancellations specifically, travelers can check the tidal cancellations table on the department’s website.

Ferry schedules can also be found on WSDOT’s website.

Frustrations with Washington ferries

However, the cancellations are just another item on a list of ferry frustrations among travelers.

Inslee: ‘We’re going as fast as humanly possible’ getting ferry boats in the water

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee is pushing to keep electric ferries in the works but critics argue the plans should be abandoned to instead focus on diesel. However, Inslee said that would only slow the process of the new ferries even more.

Inslee argued that switching from the originally planned electric ferries back to diesel-powered ferries would restart the bidding process — delaying everything by a year or two. He also stated diesel technology is no faster to install than electric at this point.

Inslee explained one of the reasons for the delay came from the state’s desire to build the boats domestically. Inslee and his team found a company totally committed to the idea but the company was quickly sold to a hedge fund and the hedge fund pivoted from the particular program regarding constructing ferries in Washington.

Another addition to the ferry fiasco is that the price of a trip will increase. Earlier this month, prices for roundtrips went up nearly $10.

Travel alert: Washington ferry prices have gone up amid wave of riders

Washington State Ferries (WSF) attributed the price increase to keeping up with the influx of spring and summer travelers, according to The Everett Herald. Riders can also expect longer wait times, around an hour or two, as the warmer weather entices people to take trips.

And while prices will go back down after the summer, an overall 4.25% fare increase will start on Oct. 1, according to the Washington State Transportation Commission.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, a WSF spokesperson emailed MyNorthwest about Memorial Day weekend.

Their statement said:

“WSF staff worked hard to ensure as much service as possible over the busy Memorial Day weekend. We adjusted taking boats out of service until Tuesday morning, staged a service relief vessel at Bremerton in case one boat went out of service, and our dispatch team worked hard to cover multiple relief requests. One Anacortes/San Juan Islands roundtrip was canceled Saturday morning due to crewing; no other unplanned sailings were canceled this weekend. And the ‘cancellations’ on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route are planned and alerted events due to the extreme tides at Coupeville. There were no Mukilteo/Clinton cancellations due to tides or any other reason.

I hope you and the traveling public appreciated the hard work of WSF’s vessel crews and terminal staff over the busy weekend.”

Contributing: Tom Brock, KIRO Newsradio; Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

According to SPD, the crime happened in the Denny Triangle neighborhood shortly before 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Officers responded to the area after multiple reports that a man was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Olive Way and Minor Avenue.

According to SPD, when police got there, they found a man unresponsive in the road.

More local crime: Teenagers, 12-year-old charged with violent crime spree in Seattle

Seattle Fire Department personnel were at the scene and declared the man dead.

Officers then secured the scene and searched the area for any vehicles that might have been involved. No vehicles were found, as reported by SPD.

Detectives assigned to the Traffic Collisions Investigations Squad (TCIS) later arrived and will be leading the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is asked to contact TCIS at 206-684-8923.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

According to SPD, the shooting happened in Pioneer Square Saturday around 11:15 p.m.

Officers responded to reports that a man was shot near the intersection of Occidental Avenue South and Yesler Way.

When police and Seattle Fire Department personnel arrived, they found a man unresponsive on the lower level of the Sinking Ship garage. SPD reported that, despite life-saving efforts, the man died at the scene.

Other crime: Seattle detectives looking for vehicle involved in deadly hit-and-run

Officers then blocked off the area until homicide detectives and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit arrived.

SPD said police are working to figure out what led up the shooting and identify any suspects. The homicide unit is leading the investigation.

If anyone has information, they are asked to call the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at 206-233-5000, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers does not ask for names and callers can remain anonymous.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

John White, known as “Johnny,” rowed for the University of Washington (UW) when they won gold in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.

According to the Olympics website, White graduated in metallurgical engineering. He then worked in sales for Bethlehem Steel.

The “Boys in the Boat” film highlights White — played by Tom Varey — and his crew’s journey from junior varsity to the Olympics.

More on the film: Clooney’s ‘Boys in the Boat’ both stirring and a tad stodgy

George Clooney directed the movie and filmed parts of it on the UW campus.

“Set against the backdrop of the Depression Era, the film highlights the determination and resilience of the eight-man crew and their coxswain, who overcame adversity to achieve Olympic glory,” wrote a news release from Grey Flannel Auctions.

The first trailer was released in October and the film came out last December:

This Christmas, the race is on. Watch the official trailer for #TheBoysInTheBoat, from director George Clooney, starring Joel Edgerton and Callum Turner. Based on the best-selling book on the inspirational true story of the 1936 @UW rowing team. Only in theaters this Christmas. pic.twitter.com/Q76B6dfvUw

— MGM Studios (@mgmstudios) October 18, 2023

The film is based on a New York Times bestselling book by Daniel James Brown.

“The narrative follows the underdog crew as they defeat rivals and ultimately emerge victorious over the world’s best rowers, defying Hitler’s orchestrated display of German superiority,” wrote the news release.

According to Grey Flannel Auctions, White came from a family who faced hardships. His determination to prove himself shined in his rowing.

“Johnny’s determination, fueled by familial expectations, propels him to become a gold medalist rower, embodying the spirit of the underdog nation,” wrote the news release.

More history of the rowing team: Mystery stretches from Cedar River ghost town to “Boys in the Boat”

The gold medal will also come with a “letter of provenance” from White’s family.

Grey Flannel Auctions is a family-owned company in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in jerseys and memorabilia. It offers jerseys from Gretzky to baseballs signed by Babe Ruth.

The company will begin the bidding for the gold medal in April and end in May, with a starting bid of $10,000.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

Washingtonians love a good hike, especially during the summer. While enjoying nature has vast benefits, it can also lead to bug bites. One parasite to be extra prepared for is ticks.

Ticks, according to the Associated Press, are small, eight-legged bloodsucking parasites — arachnids, not insects — that feed on animals and sometimes people. Some ticks are infected with germs that can cause illness, and they spread those germs when they bite.

There is no widely accepted estimate of how many ticks there are from one year to the next, but there is a scientific consensus that they are an increasingly common health hazard in large portions of the United States.

According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), ticks are most active during the spring and summer. The arachnids can be dangerous because they harbor a number of diseases, those found in Washington are: anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, tick paralysis, tularemia and ehrlichiosis.

The DOH states the best defense against ticks is prevention.

Preventing ticks

Many ticks live in grassy, brushy or wooded areas, so avoid those when possible. When hiking, walk in the center of the trails. Another tip is to wear appropriate clothing. Light-colored, tightly woven long pants and a long-sleeve shirt are recommended, along with tucking pant legs into socks or boots, and shirts into pants.

Tick repellent is also recommended. The Environmental Protection Agency provides a search tool to find the best repellent for each person’s needs. However, the invasive insects can also hitch a ride on backpacks or pets, along with clothing. People should carefully examine themselves and their gear before heading home. After arriving home, shower as soon as possible. The DOH says this is the best chance of preventing Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases.

When looking for ticks, inspect areas in and around the hair, head, neck, ears, under arms, inside the belly button, around the waist, between the legs and behind the knees. The DOH states that ticks can be very small before the feed and may look like a freckle or a speck of dirt.

Then, continue to check for ticks for a few days after potential exposure.

If a person does find a tick, the DOH says to remove it as quickly as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, and pull upward with a steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick, as it may break off and remain in the skin. The department says if that happens, try to remove the rest with clean tweezers. If that’s not possible, leave it alone and let the skin heal.

After removal, wash hands with soap and water. If a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms develop, see a healthcare provider.

Tick species in Washington

There are four types of ticks in Washington. According to the DOH, the western black-legged tick carries Lyme disease and is most common in Western Washington along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. The western dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick carry spotted fever and tularemia and are most commonly found in Eastern Washington. Soft ticks carry tick-borne relapsing fever.

The DOH also asks for people to submit their ticks so it can identify which tick species are encountered by the public. To start the submission process, go here.

For more tick resources, visit the DOH’s website.

Contributing: Mike Stobbe, The Associated Press

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

On Friday, it was announced The United Front for Palestinian Liberation, leaders of the encampment known as the Popular University for Gaza liberated zone, reached an agreement with the university to end the encampment that had been set up for weeks at the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, more commonly known as the Quad.

The protesters had until 3 p.m. to clear out.

Past coverage: Group agrees to disband UW encampment after reaching deal with administration

It was quite a different scene on the UW campus post 3 p.m. deadline. The Quad, which was once filled with tents, now sits all but empty. The only sign the encampment ever existed is the patches of dead grass where tents once stood.

A pro-Palestinian UW encampment has cleared out, leaving behind patches on the grass where tents once were. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

Students, faculty and staff walked a gauntlet through the encampment every day. Not sure what to expect. Some students told KIRO Newsradio the encampment created an uncomfortable atmosphere on campus.

“Seems like there was a lot of violence and people not liking other people because of it and I think that being gone is good, especially for us college kids,” UW student Blake Gettmann said.

Only about three campers remained, post-deadline. They plan to leave Tuesday but said they will leave immediately if asked to do so.

Sofia Schwarzwalder, the news editor of UW’s student-run media outlet The Daily, posted on X that as of 3:20 p.m. Monday, the encampment was “almost completely cleared out.” She noted in a story published Monday that the number of tents “steadily declined throughout the weekend, dropping from approximately 160 early Friday evening to just under 100 Sunday afternoon.”

Despite the encampment ending, UW maintenance workers told KIRO Newsradio it will cost tens of thousands of dollars just to replace the turf due to the bleach squares the tents left behind. The protesters also spray painted graffiti on old buildings that workers said have sandstone walls and can’t be power washed too hard.

Protesters are making progress clearing the Quad this morning, but the mark of their tents remains in bleached squares on the grass. https://t.co/3IQzh3zIZS pic.twitter.com/w69qDBhiy2

— Sam Campbell (@HeySamCampbell) May 20, 2024

The group has moved all the debris off to the side of the lawn. It was unclear who is going to handle the trash pickup. But it appears someone in the protest group has rented a U-Haul that was shuttling the unwanted debris away, KIRO Newsradio reported on X.

Looks like much of the debris is being gathered here off to the side of the lawn.

Not clear who’s going to handle this trash pickup.

Shadows of graffiti still visible on the side of the art building. pic.twitter.com/s7MJvgyf0L

— Sam Campbell (@HeySamCampbell) May 20, 2024

Pro-Palestinian group compromises with UW

United Front leaders said last week the administration had agreed to concessions for the protesters.

Among the concessions, the university will waive tuition for at least 20 displaced Palestinian students from Gaza. It also commits to fundraising to cover additional costs for these students.

Another is that UW will “establish a faculty committee to recommend and solicit changes to study abroad programs, that exclude participation from students from specific countries or communities, including Palestinian or other Arab students.”

The university also stated it will be “transparent about its investment holdings and fund managers.”

The group also wanted UW to cut all ties to Boeing and Israel, both the university has not publicly agreed to do.

Protesters from the United Front have said they’re “not satisfied” with the concessions. However, they also stated this was the right time to disband the encampment.

The encampment started last month with a handful of students and quickly grew to nearly 200 people. What was a peaceful camp started to shift to a more aggressive tone as people were seen carrying bear spray and blocking press. That tone also included the graffiti spray-painted on the university buildings last week.

More here: Protesters at UW encampment harass, shine laser in eye of photojournalist

While that group has cleared out of the Quad, a protester told KIRO Newsradio there could be future demonstrations.

“Especially if the school doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain. We are always going to be looking at their processes and analyzing them and making sure they are just, equitable and doing right by Palestine but for now we are really happy with the gains that we got,” Jay Preusker, who said he’s not affiliated with a specific organization, said to KIRO Newsradio.

Contributing: Sam Campbell, Charlie Harger and James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio; Steve Coogan, MyNorthwest

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

Airport officials told KIRO Newsradio it could get worse as Memorial Day Weekend approaches.

“Highly recommend utilizing any of the rideshare programs, the light rail is an excellent way of accessing the airport and without having to deal with parking a car or driving,” Sea-Tac Airport spokesperson Peter McGraw told KIRO Newsradio.

He added the volume levels of people traveling are now back to pre-pandemic levels.

Other news: Progress or problem? Seattle’s population keeps growing, but the growth has slowed

McGraw recommends checking Sea-Tac Airport’s website ahead of time to see what the recommendation is for arriving. However, a good rule of thumb is to get to the airport two to three hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.

To keep up to date on security waiting times, travelers can download the flySEA app. The app has information about ground transportation, parking, security screening, international travel and more.

Travelers can also reserve their parking ahead of time online to secure a spot in the airport garage.

Another tip is to use SEA Spot Saver. Visitors can sign up in advance up to five days before their flight or when they arrive at the airport at the ticketing level of the terminal, according to Sea-Tac’s website. Once signed up, travelers can save their spot in the security line. Then at the selected time, head to the assigned checkpoint and look for the SEA Spot Saver logo.

Visitors can also view live Airport Drive cameras, to check on traffic go here.

For all other questions about the airport, visit Port of Seattle’s website.

Contributing: Tom Brock, KIRO Newsradio

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported the first shooting happened around 12:38 a.m. at Beach Drive Southwest and Southwest Andover Street.

SPD said when officers arrived, they found a 27-year-old man unharmed.

The man told police he was being followed as he was driving home and the suspects were waving guns at him. He said he tried to get away, but his car was shot at. The suspects then left the area and weren’t found.

Officers processed the scene and found several shell casings.

The second shooting happened around 12:40 a.m. Officers responded to multiple 911 calls of shots fired along Harbor Avenue Southwest.

More crime: Renton detectives looking for group who killed man, attacked another

Police arrived and found a 42-year-old man with a single gunshot wound to his foot. Officers gave medical aid until the Seattle Fire Department arrived.

SPD said the man was in stable condition and got personal transportation to a hospital.

Police then processed the scene and found several shell casings.

The man told police the suspect’s car was following him and was weaving in front of his car before the shooting. When the man confronted the suspects, they opened fire.

The suspects then left the area and weren’t found.

SPD said the Gun Violence Reduction Unit is investigating both shootings.

If you have any information, you’re asked to call the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at 206-233-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

According to the Renton Police Department (RPD) via a Facebook post, the overnight shooting happened just before 10 p.m. on Saturday on Airport Way.

When officers arrived, they found the 19-year-old man in his car with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers tried to save his life but he died at the scene.

While investigating, RPD said officers found another man who had been physically assaulted by a group of men ranging in age from 25 to 50 years old.

Other crime: King County deputies intercept Burien drug ring tied to Sinaloa cartel

The company may reach out to customers with a balance above $250 that is more than 90 days overdue. To do so, PSE reported it must have over-the-phone or written communication to customers that include information about bill assistance, payment management and other programs. It will also refer customers to local agencies for help with their bills.

The news release also stated that if a customer doesn’t take action with PSE or local agencies within 30 days of communication, the company may put the customer on a phased debt collection plan.

More from PSE: Could Puget Sound Energy customers soon lose access to natural gas service?

According to PSE, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved collection after a significant amount of unpaid bills. As of October of last year, the company reported a total of $140 million in unpaid, overdue balances.

However, PSE noted the overdue balances that occurred during the pandemic, from March 2020 to December 2021, will not be recovered from customers. Instead, PSE may cover the costs in its rates.

The news release stated that the commission expects, “PSE and all other utilities to prioritize principles of energy justice, afford meaningful opportunities for public participation and conduct thorough equity analyses when developing credit and collections policies that could disproportionately harm already vulnerable populations.”

Achieving equitable access to essential utility services is a vital public interest that must be central to our regulation of customer arrearages, disconnections, and affordability programs. While this order allows a limited resumption of the dunning process, our work to advance energy justice and equitable utility practices is far from complete,” it continued.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

On May 15 and 16,615 voters were asked who they would vote for in a two-way race if the gubernatorial election was being held that day, according to the NPI’s website.

NPI Executive Director Andrew Villeneuve said 48% voted for Ferguson, 42% for Reichert and 10% were not sure.

According to NPI’s website, this is the second statewide survey Ferguson had the lead.

“After narrowly trailing Reichert back in November of last year, Ferguson jumped out ahead of the former Republican congressman in February, opening up a four-point advantage. Now his lead has increased to six points. Meanwhile, Reichert is holding steady, garnering the same percentage he did back in the winter,” the NPI stated.

2023 coverage: Reichert ahead of Bob Ferguson in governor’s race, poll says

Early numbers suggest Ferguson is in line to win general election

“If he continues on this trajectory, by the summer he might be at or around 50% and that’s what we call the magic number in polling,” Villeneuve said.

Villeneuve said the commotion over the two other Bob Fergusons may have helped AG Ferguson.

“It was a lot of publicity that could have benefited him, just getting his name out there. And also he looked sympathetic, I mean there was an effort to confuse voters and mislead voters which was illegal,” he said.

However, voters had mixed views on Ferguson. Villeneuve said 38% of people surveyed had a favorable view of Ferguson and 39% had an unfavorable view. He also shared those numbers are similar to Reichert’s, as 30% had a favorable view of Reichert and 29% had an unfavorable view.

More here: Both duplicate Bob Fergusons withdraw from governors race

Villeneuve said their poll also found more voters have negative views of two other top candidates, State Sen. Mark Mullet, a Democrat, and Republican Semi Bird.

“Far more people have not heard of them but of those who have they have a negative view of both candidates,” he said.

Republican-backed initiatives polled down

Along with the governor’s race, polling results from a slate of Republican-based initiatives were released for Defend Washington. The results show Brian Heywood, a hedge fund manager who runs voter advocacy group Let’s Go Washington, and State Republican Rep. Jim Walsh’s initiatives concerning education, climate action and long-term care could be on their way to defeat.

Initiative 2109 would repeal an excise tax imposed on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets by people who have annual capital gains over $250,000. However, it would decrease funding for education, early learning and childcare and school construction, as explained by NPI’s website via pollster GBAO. Out of those surveyed, 32% voted yes, 62% voted no and 6% were undecided.

Initiative 2117 would prohibit state agencies from imposing carbon tax credit trading and repeal legislation that establishes a cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to NPI. That means funding for transportation programs, renewable energy investments and climate impact resistance projects would be decreased. In that poll, 37% voted yes, 57% said no and 6% went undecided.

From Dave Ross: Initiatives will be the stars of November ballot

Initiative 2124 would make it so employees and self-employed people must elect to keep coverage under RCW50B.04 and could opt-out at any time. It would also repeal a law governing an exemption for employees. Therefore, it would decrease funding for long-term care services. That survey showed 41% people voted yes, 49% of people voted no and 10% were undecided.

“This new round of polling confirms two previous rounds of polling from late last year that show all three of these extreme initiatives trailing badly,” strategist Kurt Fritts said in a statement to NPI on behalf of Defend Washington. “While Brian Heywood and Jim Walsh may be hankering to slash public services, large majorities of voters here value efforts to improve education and early learning, to protect and clean our air and water, and to provide long-term care benefits for millions of workers. They don’t want to see big cuts in funding for these priorities, and when they realize what will happen if these measures pass, they turn decisively against them.”

Villeneuve stated the findings match NPI and Stop Greed polling numbers. However, he also acknowledged that politics is unpredictable so it is impossible to say what will happen in the fall.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.

In 2022, Ushka announced on social media that she had been diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer. However, it has not been confirmed yet if that was the cause of her death.

According to a news release from the city, Ushka was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve. She also served eight years, including three years as president, on the Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors.

The city said it was profoundly saddened by the news, but offered no further details about Ushka’s passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Council member Catherine Ushka,” Mayor Victoria Woodards said via the news release. “She will be remembered by many for her works seen and unseen. Here in Tacoma, she will be especially remembered for her fierce advocacy for the Eastside and South End, her willingness to stand for those whose voices are so often left out, and putting her hands in the dirt as well as rising to the highest levels of policy to make lasting change.”

Other news: Judge tosses lawsuit aimed at removing state’s gender-affirming care for youth

In April, the Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners voted to rename Gas Station Park to Catherine Ushka’s Gas Station Park.

“I was thrilled to advocate for this space when former SENCo chair Athena Brewer reached out and became one of many who worked to improve the quality of life in this neighborhood,” Ushka said via a Metro Parks news release. “Now, watching the kids play and hearing parents and neighbors talk about how the park makes their lives better, that’s award enough for me. That’s why I serve and serving this community that I love has been the greatest honor of my life. I am humbled and grateful for this tremendous honor.”

Metro Parks stated that Ushka worked for years to secure investments for Tacoma’s Eastside and South End neighborhoods.

According to the news release, Ushka also created the award-winning McKinley Hill Neighborhood Plan, implemented Vision Zero to help eliminate traffic deaths and put together long-term planning efforts like Home in Tacoma and Picture Pac Avenue.

Ushka leaves behind a partner, daughter, son, father and brother. She was 55.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

According to The Puget Sound Business Journal, the store operated at 520 Pike Street for nearly five years. The downtown store is no longer listed on The North Face’s website. However, the University Village and Southcenter stores are still open.

Downtown Seattle: Revitalization continues but crime stands in the way

The North Face was founded in 1964 and is a subsidiary of VF Corp, based in Denver, Colorado. VF Corp also owns Dickies, JanSport, Vans and SmartWool, according to The Puget Sound Business Journal.

The North Face is known for its hiking and camping clothing, with its rain jackets becoming popular in Seattle, but it now joins Nike and Lululemon in the closure of their downtown stores. The downtown retail core has been having trouble since the COVID-19 pandemic, citing crime as a major concern.

More here: Downtown Seattle Nike store to close at the end of the week

According to the Downtown Seattle Association, the city had 2.1 million visitors in November of 2022. A bright spot was Thanksgiving when retail core had more than 115,000 visitors, a 6% increase over the year before.

Standing in its way, the safety of its downtown area remains a pressing issue. Recent data revealed a mixed picture of crime trends with both hopeful signs and areas of concern.

According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the overall crime rate in the city has decreased from 2022 to now. But since spring, there has been a gradual increase in criminal activity throughout the city, with downtown Seattle bearing the brunt of it.

However, those visiting the city can still visit the Nordstrom flagship store, Pacific Place or the Handmade Showroom.

Contributing: Bill Kaczaraba

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

Homelessness is up 23% in King County

According to the PIT Count, the number of people experiencing homelessness in King County, the most populated county in Washington, has gone up 23% since 2022. There were 7,685 unsheltered people (57%) and 5,683 sheltered people (43%) for a total of 13,368 in 2022. There were 9,810 unsheltered people (60%) and 6,575 sheltered people (40%) for a total of 16,385 in 2024. However, KCRHA said the numbers are a severe undercount.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has yet to release homeless numbers for the entire state of Washington.

Related news: Washington youth homelessness has dropped 40% but gaps remain, report says

The KCRHA stated homelessness in King County continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. Out of the people experiencing homelessness, 19% identify as Black/African American, but 2020 U.S. Census data shows only 6% of King County’s population identifies as Black/African American.

The KCRHA also noted that “similarly, 7% of people experiencing homelessness identify as American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Indigenous, but that group makes up only 1% of King County’s population.”

“As our community continues the dialogue about race and equity, it is important to recognize that homelessness is an outcome of structural racism and racial inequities,” the KCRHA stated.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, African Americans have been systemically denied rights and opportunities. The statement echoes numbers in Washington’s Housing Advisory Plan.

Washington plans half a million affordable homes in 20 years

At the beginning of this week, the state released a plan to tackle the housing crisis. The plan outlines how the state is preparing to add more than a million new homes in Washington in the next 20 years, with half of those being affordable housing. It also provides a roadmap of the housing crisis, along with recommendations.

The state determined those who make less than 50% of the median family income (MFI) qualify for affordable housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) created a map showing different levels of income throughout Washington in 2022.

Map of HUD Median Family Income by County in 2022. (Image courtesy of Washington State Department of Commerce)

“Gov. Jay Inslee and legislature have taken significant actions in recent years to address this housing shortage. However, housing development is a complex challenge, and additional state and local actions are still needed to ensure that an abundance of new housing options become a reality in Washington’s communities,” the plan stated.

The plan was put together by the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) with assistance from Commerce and BERK Consulting.

According to the plan, homelessness got worse in all of Washington’s counties from 2016 to 2022 except for Clark, Cowlitz, King and Klickitat. The AHAB also found that while renting is getting more affordable, homeownership is becoming less affordable. In addition, progress toward reducing racial disparities is slow.

It also found that while Washington housing has dramatically increased, it isn’t creating enough middle and multifamily housing.

Other news: Washington sees decline in new housing permits for second straight year

Recommendations to increase affordable housing are gathering more funding to lower housing costs, reworking zoning laws for building houses, making administrative work more efficient and making construction less expensive. It also recommends increased Housing Trust Fund flexibility, supporting low-income home ownership and fostering more support for relocation assistance.

What led to the Washington housing crisis?

“Much of the problem comes down to a mismatch between the demand for housing and the limited supply available to meet that demand,” the plan explains. “We can trace this most recent period of housing price escalation back to the Great Recession and housing market collapse in 2008-2009.”

AHAB also attributed COVID-19 to the housing crisis, saying housing production was halted and people lost their jobs.

“The housing construction industry was slow to recover and significantly lagged behind the high demand for housing from new workers. In fact, the rate of new home production has yet to reach its earlier peak in 2005-2007,” the plan reads.

But people become homeless for different reasons. Within the plan, people who reside in Washington shared their stories. Juanita had to leave her home because of domestic violence; Abdul experienced a mental health crisis and was hospitalized; Tiarha couldn’t find affordable alternative housing for her and her daughter due to application fees and income requirements.

The path to home security also looks different for each person.

More on housing: Luxury tiny homes creating a stir in Washington home market

Juanita and her family recently found help through a voucher program; Abdul connected with a social worker at a hospital who led him to a counselor; Tiarha and her daughter were able to connect with a resource navigator.

Along with the earlier recommendations, AHAB added that aging, memory care and nursing homes to serve low-income individuals or people moving out of homelessness should be studied.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

Option B is tailored increases, averaging 10% overall, rounded to the nearest 5 cents. To see how toll prices will be affected, view the chart below, keeping in mind the new price will be the Option B Rate Proposal, the last option on the chart, and the rates are for two-axe vehicles with a Good To Go pass:

Officials have voted on Option B to increase SR 520 tolls. (Image courtesy of the Washington State Transportation Commission)

Option A was a uniform 10% increase, rounded to the nearest 5 cents.

Officials heard a proposal by the WSTC before the vote that broke down each rate. To view the proposal presentation, go here.

The tolling subcommittee recommended Option B versus Option A because, as stated by the proposal, it meets the SR 520 Bridge financial requirements, had fewer changes than Option A, is preferred by marginalized communities and maintains capacity for tolls to support traffic management.

According to officials, the tolls aren’t generating enough money to meet the financial obligations of the bonding for the floating bridge construction.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website stated that tolling on the 520 Bridge helps “manage congestion and is expected to raise $1.2 billion to help pay for the construction, safety and maintenance of the new bridge.”

Sullivan: Airport expansion in high gear as summer travel approaches

Along with rate increases, new tolls are being considered for new sections of SR 167 and SR 509, under what’s called the Puget Sound Gateway Program.

WSDOT’s website explained the Puget Sound Gateway Program as the combination of the SR 509 Completion Project in King County and the SR 167 Completion Project in Pierce County.

The new sections of SR 167 and SR 509 have yet to open but the tolls being considered for the SR 167 expansion, connecting Puyallup and Tacoma, are between $1 and $3. Tolls on the new SR 509 section, which will connect Interstate 5 directly to the Seattle Tacoma-International Airport, could run between $1.20 and $2.40.

However, these are just the first estimates for the expansion roads, which aren’t expected to be completed until 2028 or 2029.

To easily pay a toll and pay less for tolls, Washingtonians can set up a Good To Go account.

Contributing: Chris Sullivan, KIRO Newsradio

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

Spokane-born, Gonzaga graduate and personal injury attorney Jon Selden was so infatuated with the trial he decided to skip part of his 21st wedding anniversary to attend.

“I was mainly just going for the spectacle. And we just happened to have this trip planned in New York and I know my wife would rather probably go shopping or something without me for at least half a day. And I was like, you know what, I’m just gonna do it,” Selden told John Curley, Host of “The John and Jake Show” on KIRO Newsradio on Friday.

Last week, Selden left his hotel room at 4:30 a.m. and got in line at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse to hopefully secure a seat at the trial, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Selden told Curley the first person in line most likely arrived around midnight. Behind the first person, there were two professional line holders who arrived at 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Selden said he got to the line around 4:45 a.m. and was fifth in line, barely making it inside as only six were allowed.

Selden also shared that he forgot his ID at his hotel, but luckily for him, security didn’t check IDs. When he got inside, he was seated in the back.

“It’s like 200 reporters and then six members of the public. And we’re in the back, kind of the second row to the back. But we were right on the aisle. So Trump has to come in and out of the same doors everybody else does and so every time he marched up and down the aisle, I could have reached out and touched him if I wanted to get shot or something. But you couldn’t make a move without someone looking at you,” Selden told Curley.

Selden was hoping to hear from Stormy Daniels but ended up with “pretty boring testimony” he said. The witness was the former accountant for the Trump organization. But Selden said an exciting part was when the judge found Trump in contempt.

Related news: Judge raises threat of jail as he holds Trump in contempt, fines him at trial

“We all thought he was about to go into jail because he was like, ‘Obviously my $1,000 fines are not working here and so you know, I don’t want to put you in jail, sir, but I will.’ And we all thought, man is this guy about to sentence Trump to a night in a Manhattan holding pen? It was pretty crazy,” Selden said.

Michael Cohen testifies in Trump hush money trial

However, Selden missed another interesting witness: Michael Cohen.

As reported by The Associated Press (AP), the long-anticipated testimony on Monday from Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer follows a breathtaking buildup by prosecutors of a case that ultimately hinges on record-keeping. Trump is accused of falsifying internal business records to cover up hush money payments that Cohen made as part of efforts to buy and bury stories that might hurt the former president’s 2016 campaign.

The AP reported that Cohen directly implicated the former president in a hush-money scheme, telling jurors that his celebrity client tasked him on several occasions to stifle stories about sex that he feared could torpedo his 2016 presidential campaign.

“Stop this from getting out,” Cohen, the prosecution’s star witness, quoted Trump as telling him in reference to porn actor Stormy Daniels’ account of a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier.

Lawyer: Women suing SPD for sexual harassment are face of recruitment efforts

Under questioning from a prosecutor, Cohen detailed the steps he took to mask the payments — which he had agreed to front — from his wife and his bank, according to The AP. When he opened a bank account to pay Daniels, an action he said he told Trump he was taking, he said it was for a new limited liability corporation but withheld the actual purpose.

“I’m not sure they would’ve opened it if it stated: to pay off an adult film star for a non-disclosure agreement,” he said.

Since the men’s fallout, Cohen has emerged as a relentless critic of Trump, appearing as recently as last week in a live TikTok wearing a shirt featuring a figure resembling Trump with his hands cuffed, behind bars. The AP reported that the judge on Friday urged prosecutors to tell Cohen to refrain from making any more statements about the case or Trump.

Contributing: Michael Sisak, Jill Colvin, Eric Tucker and Jake Offenhartz, The Associated Press

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email her here.

Listen to John Curley and Jake Skorheim weekday afternoons from 3-7 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.