Three aging Washington State Ferries are out of service for urgent repairs, causing reduced service on routes serving Seattle, including one-boat operations and delays, with some vessels expected to return to service by mid-January or early March.
Seattle police are investigating three separate shootings that injured three people early this morning across different locations in the city, with no arrests made so far and the cases still active.
A man in Seattle was arrested during a New Year’s Eve celebration after flashing a loaded shotgun in a crowded area near the Space Needle, leading to gun charges as police suspect he planned to use the weapon. He was found with additional ammunition and hearing protection, and authorities believe he intended to threaten or harm others amid nationwide threats around the holiday.
During Seattle's New Year's Eve celebration, police arrested a 21-year-old man near the Space Needle who was armed with a shotgun, pistol, and multiple rounds of ammunition. The man, wearing all black and a red hat with 'WAR', cooperated with police after being found sitting with a concealed shotgun, causing alarm among spectators. He was booked into jail for unlawful weapons use, and the investigation is ongoing.
Light rail service between Capitol Hill and Stadium stations in Seattle will be temporarily suspended overnight from Saturday 11 p.m. to Sunday 10 a.m. for signaling upgrades, with buses replacing trains and additional travel time expected.
A 3-alarm fire in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood destroyed a house, displaced two residents, and prompted a large firefighting response, with nearby residents advised about potential water discoloration due to firefighting efforts; no injuries reported, cause under investigation.
Heavy rains in Western Washington have led to an increase in rats entering homes through toilets, prompting public health advice to keep toilet lids down and use traps if necessary. Incidents are linked to aging sewer systems and combined sewer overflows during storms, which can allow rats to access residential plumbing. Residents are advised to remain cautious and follow safety tips to handle such situations.
The Seattle Police Department’s Harbor Patrol towed a derelict, fuel-leaking boat from Lake Union after a multi-agency effort, incurring costs of around $105,000 for removal and cleanup, and addressing ongoing safety and environmental concerns.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that the league plans to consider expansion by 2026, likely adding two teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, which would lead to realignment of divisions and a new expansion draft process, significantly impacting team rosters and league structure.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that a decision on league expansion, potentially adding two teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, will be made in 2026, with the league assessing economic viability and interest from existing teams before proceeding.
Amazon announced layoffs affecting 84 employees in Seattle and Bellevue as part of ongoing corporate restructuring, with the layoffs scheduled between February 2 and February 23, 2026. This follows a previous announcement of 14,000 job cuts in October, and the company has laid off nearly 2,400 Washington employees in 2025, amid efforts to streamline management and improve agility.
A man in his early 30s was found dead in a submerged car near Seattle after ignoring flood warnings during a week of heavy rain and flooding in the region. The area experienced multiple levee breaches, prompting evacuations and rescue operations, with authorities warning residents about the rapid rise of floodwaters and ongoing severe weather conditions.
A levee breach in Tukwila, Washington, has caused a flash flood warning and evacuation in the Seattle suburbs, impacting over 45,000 residents as water levels rise due to ongoing atmospheric rivers and heavy rain, with emergency responses underway and flood watches in effect for the region.
Seattle-based NewDays AI has launched a program using artificial intelligence to help individuals facing or worried about cognitive decline, aiming to delay symptoms and improve mental function through engaging, neuro-psychological exercises based on clinical trials, with positive user feedback and potential for broad impact given the large number of affected Americans.
Lefty Seattle mayoral challenger Katie Wilson is narrowly leading incumbent Bruce Harrell as vote counts continue, with her parents in New York providing financial support for her childcare expenses, highlighting her campaign focus on issues like homelessness and affordable childcare.