KUOW Blog
News, factoids, and insights from KUOW's newsroom. And maybe some peeks behind the scenes. Check back daily for updates.
Have any leads or feedback for the KUOW Blog? Contact Dyer Oxley at dyer@kuow.org.
Stories
-
Too much cyanide in Puget Sound? EPA to review state regulations
Environment
A southern resident killer whale surfaces with a salmon in Haro Strait, off Washington's San Juan Island, in September 2016. Image taken under NOAA permit.Candice Emmons/NOAA Fisheries (taken under NOAA permit)Federal officials have agreed to take another look at how Washington state regulates a deadly poison — cyanide.
The lethal substance is often used to make metals, plastics, dyes, and pesticides and to extract gold and silver from mineral ores.
The concern is that legal levels of cyanide winding up in Washington waters may be harming wildlife, including orcas and other endangered species.
In 2010, National Marine Fisheries Service biologists concluded that concentrations of cyanide allowed under existing regulations were enough to kill salmon and sturgeon in large numbers and would reduce the prey base for endangered killer whales.
“These fish species are likely to become extirpated from waters where they are exposed to approved cyanide discharges that are compliant with approved water quality standards,” the scientists wrote in a draft "biological opinion" document that was never finalized.
RELATED: Jurassic shark: Scientists find ancient species in Puget Sound
The nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity sued the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies in 2022 to get them to make sure Washington state’s water quality standards were strict enough to protect threatened and endangered species.
In October 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency agreed to consult with federal wildlife agencies to do just that.
“For decades the EPA has approved the release of dangerous levels of cyanide into Washington’s waters, severely harming our salmon and orcas, so this is a big step,” Center for Biological Diversity attorney Ryan Shannon said in a press release.
RELATED: Puget Sound tanker traffic thickens as Canadian pipeline boosts oil flow
In August, the Washington Department of Ecology announced new water-quality limits for 42 chemicals, including cyanide. The state’s proposal, to be reviewed by the EPA, tightens the limits on cyanide pollution in fresh water but leaves saltwater limits on cyanide the same.
Continue reading » -
Washington state first responders travel east to aid hurricane survivors
Government
PixabayIn the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a team of about 80 Washington state first responders has traveled east to help with recovery efforts. The group is also preparing to provide aid related to incoming Hurricane Milton, a category 4 hurricane expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday night.
Jody Ferguson, director of Pierce County Emergency Management and chief of Washington Task Force 1, said the team is currently stationed in Atlanta and includes fire department employees, hospital workers, search and rescue experts, and law enforcement officials, among other professionals.
“The immediate focus is saving lives. So the search and rescue mission will be first and foremost… finding survivors and getting them the medical attention and any support that they need,” Ferguson said.
RELATED: Washington sends Task Force 1 to Hawaii in wake of wildfires
The task force also has structural engineers and canine teams to help search for survivors. The team’s composition is such that it can offer both broad and highly specialized rescue support, Ferguson added.
“For example, if FEMA just wanted us to focus on water rescue, we could send out [a specialized team] that would be 35 people with more precise experience that they need for whatever mission,” she said.
According to its website, Washington Task Force 1 was established in 1991 and includes over 200 members from more than 30 agencies across Seattle, King County, and Pierce County. The team was last deployed to Maui in 2023 in response to the Lahaina wildfires.
Continue reading » -
Seattle to add surveillance cameras to crime-fighting efforts in 3 neighborhoods
Crime
On Oct. 8, 2024, the Seattle City Council approved a pilot program to test new surveillance technology in areas of the city where crime is concentrated.The Seattle City Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of adding surveillance cameras to the city's crime-fighting toolbelt.
"This is an important piece of technology that can help our [police] department be a bit of a force multiplier, if you will, and help us more quickly and efficiently investigate and solve crimes with the staffing challenges," Councilmember Rob Saka said before voting.
"It is an important tool to help address the fundamentals of public safety in our community."
RELATED: No more selling stolen goods in the CID, Seattle police say
The Council voted 7-1 to approve two ordinances establishing a surveillance camera pilot — one for using closed-circuit TV cameras, and another for using Real-Time Crime Center software to record, store, and analyze video. Councilmember Tammy Morales was the lone no vote. The pilot will test the cameras in three locations where Seattle Police Department data indicates that crime is concentrated: Aurora Avenue North, Chinatown-International District, and Third Avenue through downtown.
Proponents of the camera program argue that the system will help mitigate Seattle's shortage of police officers and help combat human trafficking, gun crime, and "other persistent felony crimes."
Seattle's CCTV crime pilot program
The surveillance technology includes a closed circuit TV camera system in areas "where gun violence, human trafficking, and persistent felony crime is concentrated," according to Seattle's 2024 Surveillance Impact Report.
Signs alerting the public to the cameras will be posted. The cameras will be aimed at streets, sidewalks, and high-crime areas.
In addition to city owned cameras, the city wants to include privately owned security systems in the mix, which would be voluntarily shared. Such cameras could show video of areas around storefronts. The Impact Report also states that the cameras will help counter crime after years of low SPD staffing.
Continue reading » -
Lummi chair commends federal drug bust connected to tribal deaths
Crime
From left, Kurt Russo and Tony Hillaire listen as Lawrence Solomon, right, sings the Lummi National Anthem before a ceremonial feeding where one live chinook salmon was released into the water, aboard King County Research Vessel SoundGuardian on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, near Henry Island.KUOW Photo/Megan FarmerOfficials at the Lummi Nation say this week’s arrests in a drug ring linked to recent overdose deaths of tribal members could offer a measure of justice. The tribal nation near Bellingham put a national spotlight on the fentanyl epidemic last September, when four members died of drug overdoses in as many days and the tribe declared a state of emergency.
Tony Hillaire, chairman of the Lummi Indian Business Council, said this criminal case is forcing everyone to revisit the pain of the losses last fall and beyond.
“Now we’re remembering that time of the just overwhelming amount of overdose deaths that were happening at Lummi Nation, and to see articles and media saying that Lummi Nation was a target in these drug activities is hurtful to a lot of us,” Hillaire said.
But he said, “Nevertheless, in the midst of these adversities we’re thanking and finding strength in being there for each other, being there for the families."
Hillaire said he’s grateful for what he called a notable amount of collaboration between Lummi tribal police and federal officials and investigators to pursue this case and other remedies.
“It was just a lot of sorrow, a lot of grief, a lot of confusion and a lot of questions that our people wanted answers to. And I think we’re getting closer,” he said, “and this is what can be done when we partner together.”
The U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI and the DEA have indicted 14 people with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and launder money. Officials say the drug ring based in Renton extended to multiple states, and targeted tribal communities.
Hillaire said it was gratifying to see the tribal council spring into action, getting answers on criminal jurisdiction to block drug trafficking on tribal land, and expanding medication-assisted treatment and other support for people with substance use disorder, among other initiatives.
Federal investigators allege that the phone of one of the overdose victims had contact information linking them with the drug trafficking organization which they say was led by Marquis Jackson. Jackson’s parents Mandel and Matelita or “Marty” Jackson, have also been charged.
Marty Jackson has been the executive director of the SE Network SafetyNet initiative through Boys & Girls Clubs of King County that receives city and county contracts for violence prevention efforts in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of South Seattle, and sends teams into Seattle Public Schools. She’s accused of helping the trafficking organization launder their money.
Continue reading » -
Machinists head back to bargaining table with Boeing amid strike
Business
Boeing 737 Max aircrafts are seen behind fences as Boeing employees work the picket line while striking Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, next to the company's facilities in Renton, Wash.(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)While machinists continue to strike, their union will head back at the bargaining table with Boeing on Monday, Oct. 7.
"This meeting is another critical opportunity to push for the priorities of our Membership. We will continue to fight relentlessly for the issues that matter most to you," International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 announced via X Friday.
RELATED: Striking Boeing workers in Washington state say they’re in it for the long haul
The machinists union went on strike Sept. 13. They've continued to picket ever since. Amid the strike, Boeing made what it called its "best and final" contract offer, which union leaders rejected. They argued that Boeing's offer bypassed the negotiating process and was therefore insulting.
The union also said the offer did not give it enough time to organize a vote. Boeing responded by giving more time, but the union still pressed for the company to come back to the negotiating table. It seems that is what is happening now.
Shortly before IAM 751's announcement, Congressmember Pramila Jayapal of Seattle joined workers on the picket line.
“We have seen in dramatic fashion this year how Boeing has increased pay outs for shareholders and CEOs while workers express concerns over safety," Jayapal said in a statement on Oct. 3. "Boeing’s latest offer to workers doesn’t meet the requested raises by the machinists who build their planes, even as their CEO was compensated more than $32 million in 2023. I hope to see Boeing and the machinists come back to the table to work in good faith to address the issues of fair wages and pensions.”
Jayapal is the latest politician to show support for the striking workers. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell has also stood on the picket line in Washington. Congressmembers Rick Larsen and Suzan DelBene recently did the same in Everett.
Continue reading » -
In 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' the joke's on you
Movies
"Joker: Folie à Deux" opened in theaters Oct. 4, 2024, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the title character, and Lady Gaga as the infamous Harley Quinn.Warner Bros. Pictures / Joker: Folie à DeuxDid I just watch a courtroom drama about Arthur Fleck, aka Batman's arch nemesis Joker, or the trial of Ted Bundy?
With "Joker: Folie à Deux," general audiences will still get a story that does not at all feel like a comic book movie, while fans of the first film may be scratching their heads over what they are seeing. Maintaining the dark character study of "Joker," and an R rating, this sequel evolves into more of a courtroom drama that borders on a musical.
RELATED: 'Hasaan Hates Portland' humorously depicts the benevolent racism of the Pacific Northwest
There are frequent musical interludes, which are quite amusing — a major feature of this film that otherwise falls flat. Ultimately, it ends up being more minor compared to its predecessor and fails to fit the cadence of the first film. This sequel can drag on at a seemingly adagio pace, leaving viewers yearning for an accelerando. If you're a fan of 2019's "Joker," this sequel might not be your forte. While it might not get high praise from fans, it is possible for "Joker: Folie à Deux" to strike a chord with viewers if they expect something completely different.
In other words, if "Joker" was akin to Weezer's iconic blue album, then "Folie à Deux" may come across to fans like their sophomore release "Pinkerton." But it's worth noting that, over time, "Pinkerton" found its own audience. The album eventually became a bit of a phenomenon, amassed its own cult following, and is now considered to be one of the band's best. Could "Folie à Deux" be awaiting a similar fate?
What to expect with "Joker: Folie à Deux"
Once again, Todd Phillips directs and co-writes. Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck / Joker. Lady Gaga steps into the role of Harley Quinn. Just as in the comics and the Batman animated series, romance binds Harley Quinn and Joker together, creating the basis for the film's title "Joker: Folie à Deux" — a French term meaning a shared psychosis, madness, or delusion.
But this film comes with the subtitle, "The world is a stage," and this is what "Joker: Folie à Deux" truly leans into. We find Arthur Fleck imprisoned at Arkham Asylum, about two years after the first film. He is awaiting trial for everything that happened in "Joker."
The Joker persona has garnered a level of celebrity status during this time, as the public debates whether such evil deeds could have been carried out by psychologically damaged Arthur. Did he just snap and is mentally incapable of understanding what has happened, or is the Joker a very real villain? Arthur also struggles with this debate. Amid all this, he meets Lee Quinzel and sparks fly. As their romance blooms, she encourages one side of Arthur, while his lawyer encourages another.
Continue reading » -
Endangered Northwest orca population drops as 3 males die
Environment
Newborn orca J60 surfaces next to orca J40 in central Puget Sound on Dec. 26, 2023.Maya Sears, under NMFS Permit 27052Three members of the Northwest’s population of endangered orcas died over the past year.
The Center for Whale Research says the southern resident killer whale population dropped down to 73 individuals as of July 1, the date of the group’s 49th annual orca census.
Two adult males, ages 22 and 32, died, and one male orca born in December lived only a few weeks.
RELATED: Endangered baby orca J60 missing, presumed dead
KUOW reported in December on the joy that beachgoers on Bainbridge Island expressed when they saw that newborn orca, later known as J60.
“They’re really close, huh? You don’t need binoculars for that!” one beachgoer said.
“Oh! The baby!” another said as the tiniest of black fins sliced through the water.
RELATED: Newborn orca spotted near Seattle off Bainbridge Island
Now, researchers say that baby probably died less than a month after his birth.
“It never put on weight, and it disappeared,” said researcher Deborah Giles with the nonprofit Wild Orca.
Continue reading » -
Fastbacks, Karp, and Murder City Devils: Seattle serenaded KUOW with its indie roots
Music
Do you remember the last time you sat in the dark and just listened to music for hours? I do.
It was last Friday night, cozy on my boyfriend's couch, listening to the indie jams y'all recommended until like 2 a.m. — a scene worthy of some of the moody bands you suggested.
I'm rebuilding my Spotify library, and dozens of you fine KUOW readers stepped up to help. (Scroll to the bottom of this post for a special playlist if you'd rather skip the preamble — I understand.)
RELATED: Serenade me, Seattle: Help KUOW web editor Katie Campbell rebuild her music library
Turns out, our readers are a bunch of indie scenesters — indie being the overall theme, with rock, punk, country, folks, and other genres represented in your submissions. The variety made for great listening, and went a long way toward restoring and improving my playlists.
Nathan all the way up in Anchorage recommended the Seattle punk band Fastbacks. I'm into the vibes, especially when coupled with the scenes in this music video.
My colleague Dyer Oxley was surprised a "deep NW cut like Karp on the list, courtesy of an unnamed reader who only recommended Karp. You know, it's not for me, but I respect folks like one YouTube commenter who said of Karp, "There's some songs you just cannot play loud enough."
Continue reading » -
FBI busts up Seattle drug ring. Arrests include prominent activist
Crime
Photos from DOJ memorandum detailing allegations against 14 defendants indicted for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.From federal charging documentsFederal law enforcement officials in Seattle have announced the arrests of more than a dozen people charged with conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs and commit money laundering across multiple states. Those charged include a prominent voice in Seattle’s violence prevention efforts.
Representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI, and Seattle police said the arrests are the result of a two-year investigation into a fentanyl distribution ring that includes multiple members of one family.
The group’s activities are linked to the overdose deaths that killed four members of the Lummi Nation near Bellingham last September, according to Tessa Gorman, U.S. Attorney for Western Washington.
“This investigation revealed that the trafficking organization was a supplier to a community that was rocked by four fentanyl overdose deaths in just four days,” Gorman said in a statement. “Fentanyl continues to claim lives in our community — especially in our Tribal communities. We will do all we can to stop the flow of this deadly drug.”
RELATED: The grim reason fentanyl deaths are falling in King County
FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard Collodi said the drug ring distributed more than 800,000 fentanyl pills throughout the U.S., including in Arizona, Texas, Missouri, Montana, and Georgia.
Officials allege that the trafficking ring was led by 31-year-old Marquis Jackson, who they said splits his time between Atlanta and the home of his parents in Renton. His parents, Mandel and Matelita or “Marty” Jackson, have also been charged.
Marty Jackson is executive director of the SE Network SafetyNet initiative through Boys & Girls Clubs of King County that receives city and county contracts for violence prevention efforts in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of South Seattle, and in Seattle Public Schools. King County awarded the initiative nearly $193,000 for the 100 Days of Peace initiative this summer.
Charging documents accuse Jackson of helping the trafficking organization launder their money. She’s been released on bond.
A charging memorandum said she “mainly assisted the Jackson [drug trafficking organization] by helping launder their money both through structured deposits and using her account as a ‘pass-through’ account between Marquis and Markell Jackson and other members.”
The document said “Matelita has lengthy ties in the community and no prior criminal history.”
Continue reading » -
80 seniors scramble to find housing after Seattle assisted living facility announces closure
Business
Kari Knudsen, age 97, says Norse Home residents are worried and anxious after being told they must move out by next June.Kari Knudsen is 97 and was just starting to settle in at the Norse Home when she learned that she has to move, again. Sitting at a sunny table in her room across Phinney Avenue North from the Woodland Park Zoo, Knudsen said the only consolation is that they celebrated her good friend’s 103rd birthday before the news dropped Sept. 9.
“I’m so glad he had his birthday the day before we got the eviction notice," Knudsen said. "That sounds so awful to say, but that’s how it felt to us.”
Leadership at the Norse Home assisted living facility told residents it is ceasing operations by next June, to undergo a massive remodel. The closure has more than 80 residents scrambling for new places to live. Everyone is preoccupied, trying to figure out where to go. A few have departed already.
RELATED: The cost of senior care: Why aging farmers fear the nursing home
Knudsen said she’s worried about the staff as well. After the announcement, “the servers were crying as they served us breakfast,” she said. “It was really sad, because they were hit even harder than we are. Because they’re losing their jobs when we leave.”
Knudsen said there had been talk of the need to update the facility, which opened in 1957.
“We all knew that the Norse Home was going to have to be remodeled,” she said. But “none of us thought we were going to have to leave. We thought we were going to be shuffled around within the building.”
Continue reading » -
Walz to waltz through Washington for fundraiser
Politics
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz participate in a debate hosted by CBS News on Tuesday in New York.APA day after he appeared in a vice presidential debate on CBS, Washington Democrats announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will come to Western Washington on Oct. 8 for a "private event."
The Seattle Times reported he will be in Hunts Point for a morning fundraiser, and there will be no public events.
RELATED: NPR fact checked the Vance-Walz vice presidential debate. Here's what we found
"With ballots already being cast in some states, it is more important than ever that we explain our vision for an opportunity economy that doesn't just help families get by, but helps them get ahead," Washington state's Democratic Party wrote in a statement. "We look forward to helping Governor Walz make that case in the closing weeks of this election."
RELATED: On the VP debate stage, two visions for policing in America are laid out
Washington — with its rich tech executives — has been a regular stop for national political figures fundraising this election cycle, including President Biden in May and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in July.
Walz was speedily picked as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in August, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and Harris took his spot at the top of the ticket.
Gov. Walz was well-received then, but he appeared nervous Tuesday night as he went up against Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, Donald Trump's running mate. As the debate progressed, Walz gained some confidence and, at the end, challenged Vance to say whether Trump won the 2020 election, which Vance didn't do.
RELATED: Who is the real JD Vance? And 4 other takeaways from the vice-presidential debate
Continue reading » -
King County gives away lockboxes to keep guns from being stolen, accidentally fired
Health
A lock box or a gun safe is a way to store firearms with the goal of keeping them out of the hands of people who shouldn't have access to guns.King County public health officials hope homes in the area will be a little safer after the county gave away thousands of firearm lockboxes.
Gun owners were invited to Lumen Field last week to get free lockboxes and learn more about safe gun storage.
One gun owner at the event, Dustin, said he has a rifle case at home, but he sometimes has a pistol out and unsecured. Now, he’ll store that in his new lockbox, safe from his 11- and 14-year-old daughters.
“Or maybe one of their friends that she might bring over that are up to no good — like one of the boys maybe,” Dustin said. “I’ve gotta worry about [that] now.”
RELATED: Seattle Police lost 23 guns and doesn’t know where they went
Dustin and other gun owners at the event declined to give their last names when discussing how they store their guns and who has access to them.
The goal of the event was not just to give away 3,000 lockboxes but also to start a conversation about safe storage. Public Health – Seattle and King County encouraged people who own guns to always lock up their weapons, so they don’t get accidentally discharged or stolen and misused.
The event was part of a three-month push in King County to address gun deaths, including homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths. This summer, the U.S. surgeon general declared gun violence a national public health crisis, and cited that it’s the leading cause of death for children and teens.
Another gun owner at the event, Terrence, said he stores his two guns in a safe, but he wanted the lockboxes, which are smaller, so he can keep his guns on-hand throughout the house.
“Ever since the pandemic hit and you heard all those incidents of people just coming through your houses, you just want to make sure you protect yourself and your family,” Terrence said.
Home invasions are actually decreasing over time, according to FBI data; they’re down since 2018. And the number of burglaries has dropped dramatically since the 90s and continues to decline.
Terrence has two kids who are 8 and 11. He said they’re the primary reason he stores his guns safely.
Continue reading »
