Category Archives: Local

BIPOC, Five Facts, LGBTQIA, Local, National

Washington 3rd Congressional District primary candidate has alleged ties to white nationalism

Five Fast Facts

  1. Primary candidate Joe Kent (R-WA) who is challenging current Washington 3rd District congressperson Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) has the support of the former President Donald Trump and connections to right-wing extremists and white nationalists
  2. Kent is a close political ally of Joey Gibson, founder of the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer
  3. Kent has spoken at extreme-right-wing events including the “Justice For J6” rally held near the U.S. Capitol on September 18, 2021.
  4. Nick Fuentes, neo-Nazi, pro-Putin, white nationalist, and white supremacist activist who gained a following after his involvement in the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, has said he and Joe Kent discussed working together last year
  5. A strategist for the Kent campaign released the statement: “Joe Kent’s platform of inclusive populism rejects racism and bigotry and invites all Americans to support his aggressive America First agenda”

WASHINGTON — A congressional candidate whose compelling personal story of military valor and unfathomable loss helped him win former President Donald Trump’s support has connections to right-wing extremists, including a campaign consultant who was a member of the Proud Boys.

Republican Joe Kent, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler in Washington state in the Aug. 2 primary, has also courted prominent white nationalists and posed recently for a photograph with a media personality who has previously described Adolf Hitler as a “complicated historical figure” who “many people misunderstand.”

You read more from the Kitsap Sun via MSN.

Health and Lifestyle, Local

Juanita Beach closed due to elevated bacteria levels

[KIRKLAND, Wash.] – MTN Juanita Beach is closed for at least one week due to elevated bacteria levels.

Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water on Monday, July 25, and found that the levels of bacteria at the beach exceeded the thresholds for bacteria based on the average of the last three tests. King County crews will return to the beach next week to collect further samples. The beach at Juanita Beach Park will reopen when bacterialevels return to a safe range.

People and pets should not swim, drink lake water, or engage in other water activities at Juanita Beach.

Signs have been positioned to indicate that the beach is closed. City lifeguards will be onsite during the closure to communicate with beachgoers and provide information.

For additional details, visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage.

Breaking News, French Toast Emergency, Local, Weather

Excessive Heat Warning for Western Washington as potential record-tying heatwave begins

[KIRKLAND, Wash.] – (MTN) The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Western Washington from noon Tuesday to 9 PM Friday for high temperatures over 90 degrees and lows in the mid-60s.

A thermal trough, high pressure, and light winds have come together to send temperatures west of the Cascades into the 90s and over 100 degrees in the eastern part of the state. Temperatures aren’t being pushed up from an on-shore flow off the east slopes, so humidity will be high in Puget Sound, with dew points in the mid-60s through Friday, making it feel hotter than it is.

Tuesday

Clear sunny skies with a light wind from the north and northeast will send temperatures soaring. The high will reach 92 to 96 degrees through the Bellevue-Kirkland-Woodinville area. Downtown Bellevue and Totem Lake will be the hot spots, while higher spots like Finn Hill and Houghton, as well as along the water, will be a touch cooler. The dew point will be in the mid-60s, making it feel like it is 94 to 99 degrees.

Tuesday Night

Temperatures will stay above 80 until 11 PM to midnight and won’t drop below 70 until close to dawn. Lows for the Bellevue-Kirkland-Woodinville area will be 63 to 66.

Wednesday

Hump day looks to be almost identical to Tuesday, with clear skies and little wind. High temperatures will be 93 to 97 degrees. The humidity will make it feel like it is 94 to 99 degrees. There is a small chance for a slight onshore flow to form late in the day. That will drop the dew point. However, it will also hold the temperatures higher later in the day.

Wednesday Night

Temperatures will hold above 70 degrees well into the night, dropping below 70 between 2 AM and 4 AM. Lows will be 63 to 65 around sunrise.

Thursday

The cooler start means a slightly cooler day ahead, but it won’t be much of an improvement. High temperatures will reach 92 to 96 degrees, with the dew point still holding in the mid-60s. It will feel like 93 to 98.

Thursday Night

Right now, this appears to be the most uncomfortable night of the week. Lows will be 64 to 67, with humidity between 80% to 90%. Temperatures won’t drop below 70 degrees until 2 AM to 4 AM.

Friday

On Friday, the thermal trough will start to move, and the high-pressure area will slide a bit more to the east. High temperatures will reach 92 to 95 degrees. It will still feel like it is 94 to 97 degrees, but the shifting weather pattern will cause the humidity level to decrease by sunset.

Friday Night

Temperatures will moderate slightly, but it still won’t fall below 70 degrees until 1 AM to 3 AM. There will be little wind, and the humidity will still be high, with lows falling to 63 to 65 degrees.

Saturday

Saturday could be the day we tie a weather record of five days in a row over 90 degrees. High temperatures will be 89 to 93 degrees under clear skies. The dew point will be between 58 and 61 degrees, given the area the only day that will feel like a “normal” 90-degree day in Western Washington.

The Week Ahead

Sunday looks cooler, but temperatures will still reach 84 to 87, and the overnight lows will still be above 60. By the start of next week, it appears we’ll return to a normal weather pattern of daytime temperatures in the 70s and nighttime temperatures in the high 50s.

Due to our unseasonably cold spring and deep snowpack, area rivers, streams, and lakes remain very cold. It is possible to get hypothermia, even on a 90-degree day. Stream flow is also high, so tubers and kayakers should use caution. Currents are faster than usual. Never swim, tube, or boat near downed trees or low head dams, it is very dangerous.

Do not leave pets or children in your car, even for “just a minute.” Temperatures can soar to over 110 degrees in less than 10 minutes, leading to heat stroke or worse.

Regrettably, due to the current COVID BA.5 surge and community spread of monkeypox, people seeking cooler indoor spaces should consider wearing a tight fighting N-95 mask.

French Toast Emergency, Local, Weather

Sizzling summer temperatures will broil Western Washington during the work week

[KIRKLAND, Wash.] – MTN The average summer Western Washington has been enjoying is about to heat up, with a four-day streak of 90-plus degree weather ahead. A thermal trough, high pressure, and light winds will combine to create a classic Washington summer heat wave.

After 2021, the words “heat wave” may bring back bad memories of three days in a row over 100 degrees – it won’t be that hot. Daytime temperatures will cross 90 degrees Tuesday through Friday, while lows will likely stay in the high 60s. Temperatures won’t drop below 70 until close to sunrise, so there won’t be much overnight relief from the heat.

Sunday

A perfect late-July day awaits the Bellevue-Kirkland-Woodinville area. Skies will be mostly sunny with high temperatures between 80 to 84. Some clouds will start to roll in close to sunset.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy skies with a light breeze from the northeast with a low of 58 to 61 degrees – perfect sleeping weather.

Monday

It warms up a little more, but the area isn’t roasting yet. Morning clouds will burn off, and the high temperatures will reach 84 to 88 degrees.

Monday Night

High pressure will slide down from British Columbia to our north, and a thermal trough will form overnight. Overnight temperatures will fall to 62 to 64 degrees. On Tuesday, things start to heat up.

Tuesday

Clear sunny skies with a light wind from the north and northeast will send temperatures soaring. The high will reach 90 to 93 degrees through the Bellevue-Kirkland-Woodinville area. Downtown Bellevue and Totem Lake will be the hot spots, while Finn Hill and right along the water might not quite get to 90.

Tuesday Night

Temperatures will stay well into the 70s past midnight before falling to 65 to 67 degrees close to sunrise. Thee won’t be much of a breeze to offer any relief.

Wednesday

The week’s hottest day will get even warmer thanks to a weak easterly flow off the Cascades. High temperatures will be 92 to 96 under clear skies.

Wednesday Night

Temperatures once again will stay well past 70 overnight, falling to 65 to 68 degrees close to sunrise. It will be almost windless, so make sure those fans are ready.

Rest of the Week

On Thursday and Friday, the high-pressure center starts to drift slowly, moderating temperatures a little bit. it is too far out to make an accurate forecast, but models support temperatures reaching 90 to 94 on both days, with lows at night falling to 64 to 67. Friday night might be a little cooler as the high-pressure area starts to move out of our region and the thermal trough breaks up.

Due to our unseasonably cold spring and deep snowpack, area rivers, streams, and lakes remain very cold. It is possible to get hypothermia, even on a 90-degree day. Stream flow is also high, so tubers and kayakers should use caution. Currents are faster than usual. Never swim, tube, or boat near downed trees or low head dams, it is very dangerous.

Do not leave pets or children in your car, even for “just a minute.” Temperatures can soar to over 110 degrees in less than 10 minutes, leading to heat stroke or worse.

If local and county officials believe that there is a heat emergency, cooling centers will be opened. King County, Woodinville, and Kirkland opened cooling centers last year, while Bellevue partnered with area businesses.

Regrettably, due to the current COVID BA.5 surge and community spread of monkeypox, people seeking cooler indoor spaces should consider wearing a tight fighting N-95 mask.

Local

Kirkland holding the annual ‘Think Green Recycling Event’ on Saturday

[Kirkland, Wash.] – MTN – Kirkland will be holding its annual household item recycling event on July 23, Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Lake Washington Institute for Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE.

The annual event enables Kirkland residents to clear their garages and closets of unwanted items in a sustainable way. Items that will be accepted this year include:

  • Clothing and linens in any condition except wet
  • Electronics including LCD and plasma TVs and monitors, computers, laptops, printers, cell phones, keyboards, mice, microwaves, audio/visual equipment such as cameras, DVD players and satellite receivers, holiday lights, wires, and cables
  • Paper for shredding with a limit of one medium size box per household

Recycling material will be accepted until 3 PM or until the collection vehicles become full. In previous years, demand for recycling filled up the trucks before the planned end time, so residents are advised to come in the morning.

Some household items accepted in previous years won’t be accepted this year.

Not Accepted

  • Styrofoam – residents can throw it out with weekly trash collection or bring it to the Shoreline or Kent transfer stations
  • Older style CRT computer monitors and TVs
  • No appliances expect microwaves
  • No paint or other hazardous materials
  • No batteries, fluorescent bulbs, or individual light bulbs (holiday lights will be accepted)

Data experts recommend removing the hard drives before donating if you plan to drop off computers or laptops for recycling. Reformatting a hard drive doesn’t “wipe” it clean, the old data is still accessible and easily recovered. Instructions on how to remove a hard drive from your computer can be found on YouTube and other social media sites by searching for the computer maker and model number.

To properly dispose of a hard drive, it is recommended to drill multiple holes through the drive itself or smash it until the platters are physically broken inside. Solid state hard drives can be drilled through, broken into pieces, and disposed of over several trash collections.

Cell phones should be factory reset and the SIM and external memory cards removed.

Residents are encouraged to bring shredding material even if they have a home shredder. Shredded paper is no longer accepted by home recycling and must be put in the trash.

BIPOC, Local

Monroe School District superintendent agrees to resign post after investigation

Five Fast Facts

  • Dr. Justin Blasko, hired as the executive director of human resources in 2010, was appointed superintendent of the Monroe School District northeast of Seattle in February 2020
  • The resignation comes after an independent investigation concluded that employee claims that Blasko’s behavior created a toxic work environment were mostly credible
  • The superintendent was placed on paid administrative leave last December following calls from teachers, parents, and students
  • Blasko will receive $400,000 in severance, representing one year’s compensation, including accumulated leave and benefits
  • The agreement centers on Blasko’s failure to stop racism and hate within the district

[MONROE, Wash.] – Monroe School District (MSD) Superintendent Dr. Justin Blasko will resign and receive nearly $400,000 after an investigation showed employee claims of his behavior creating a toxic work environment were mostly credible.

Under a settlement agreement, Blasko agreed to resign at the close of business on July 31 and that he won’t sue or seek a job with the district ever again. The settlement agreement was announced last week and was unanimously approved by the school board during a meeting Monday night…

You can read more at King 5.

BIPOC, Breaking News, Five Facts, Local

Family of 16-year-old shooting victim ready to sue City of Seattle

Five Fast Facts

  • Antonio Mays Jr. was shot and killed in the early morning hours of June 29, 2020
  • Mays Jr. had traveled to Seattle to be part of the new civil rights movement
  • The shooting occurred near the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone
  • The family claims the City of Seattle abandoned CHOP, failing to provide basic services, and that the lack of oversight ultimately led to the death
  • First responders cannot enter the scene of a violent crime without it first being secured by SPD, who claimed they were unable to do so due to the protests; Mays Jr. was transported to Harborview Medical Center by private vehicle from the scene

SEATTLE, Wash. – It’s been more than two years since Antonio Mays Jr. was shot and killed in Seattle. 

His father, who lives in southern California, says he waited to get answers for months. Now he’s fed up with a lack of information and accountability for his son’s death. Which led to a tort claim – essentially an early warning of a pending lawsuit – being filed against the City of Seattle…

You can read more at Q13Fox

Health and Lifestyle, Local, National

988 rolls out as national suicide and crisis lifeline number

[OLYMPIA, Wash.] – MTN – You can now dial 988 in the United States for assistance with: thoughts of suicide, Mental health crises, substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the new, nationwide, easy-to-remember, three-digit number in 2020. As of July 16, 2022, people experiencing a mental health crisis, or those worried about a loved one going through a crisis, can call, text, or chat 988 via cell phone, landline, or voice-over-internet device and be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The current NSPL number (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) will continue to be in service; the new three-digit number is intended to be easier to remember and access in times of crisis.

Depending on which area code communication to 988 is made from, the connection will be routed to one of three designated crisis call center hubs. This is the newest addition to the state’s network of crisis care providers and doesn’t replace existing centers.

Washington is one of 21 states that have passed legislation linked to the launch of the new 988 system. Only two other states have joined Washington in legislating a funding source for the services in their states. Washington established a telcom tax as part of House Bill 1477 (E2SHB 1477), which also outlines standards, rules, oversight, integration, follow-up, and accountability.

Ultimately, the 988 system is designed to expand mobile crisis response teams, including trained mental health professionals, to respond to individuals around the state. Sponsors of the bill have voiced their hope that such teams can eliminate the need for armed law enforcement to respond. However, there are still times that activation of an EMS or law enforcement response may be necessary, such as in the case of an active suicide attempt.

Additionally, part of the legislation requires health insurance providers within the state to establish, by January 1, 2023, a system making next-day appointments available to their enrollees with urgent, symptomatic behavioral health conditions. Further, a Crisis Response Improvement Strategy Committee has been established to develop recommendations to the governor’s office and legislature to support additional needs as identified and outlined in HB 1477.

If you or someone you care for needs resources for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, substance use crises, or other emotional distress, the below services are always available.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Veteran’s Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255

Teen Link: 1.866.TEENLINK (833.6546)

The Trevor Project: 1.866.488.7386

Local

One of Tuba Man’s 2008 attackers is back in court after fleeing Seattle police, naked

[SEATTLE, Wash.] – (MTN) Billy G. Chambers, convicted of the crime that resulted in Edward McMichael’s death, appeared in court on July 15 on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm after he ran from a Seattle area hospital emergency room naked. He is being held in King County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

On October 25, 2008, Edward “Tuba Man” McMichael, a famous and beloved street musician, was mugged and beaten, later dying from a head injury caused by the attack. Chambers, along with two juvenile codefendants, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Chambers served only three months in the juvenile system when the court refused to try any of the attackers as adults.

Since McMichael’s death, Chambers has been convicted of five felonies, including a conviction for illegal possession of a firearm back in 2013, for which he was sentenced to six years in prison and three years of supervised release.

This latest incident occurred on the afternoon of July 14. Seattle police responded to a call of gunfire near 27th Avenue and East Spring Street. When officers arrived, they discovered spent casings from multiple firearms. Witnesses reported multiple cars had fled the scene, including a red BMW.

Moments later, a report of a collision between a Fiat and a red BMW with multiple bullet holes around 17th Avenue and East Madison Street came in. A witness reported the driver of the BMW had complained of being shot but left in a different vehicle that arrived after the collision.

Police tracked the driver to Swedish Hospital and questioned him there. Once they identified him as Billy Chambers and discovered a Department of Corrections arrest warrant for an escape related to a robbery case, they reviewed the video of the collision. The footage showed Chambers running into a nearby alley, where he stopped to toss several items into the bushes. A search of the area turned up a partially loaded, privately manufactured polymer 9mm handgun and a bloody Ruger .40 caliber handgun.

Durring the investigation, Chambers fled from officers wearing only a hospital gown. While attempting to escape, he discarded the gown and ran naked until he tried to hide in a garbage can. A passerby flagged down officers to report a naked man running down the street, leading the officers to Chambers’ hiding place.

Chambers was taken to Harborview Medical Center for a mental health assessment and then taken into custody by the Seattle Police.

BIPOC, Breaking News, Local, National

Man Who Allegedly Threatened U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal Released without Charges

[SEATTLE, Wash.] – (MTN) Brett Allen Forsell, 48, was released from King County Jail late on Wednesday without being criminally charged or having to post bond after the Seattle Police Department failed to file their findings of fact with King County Prosecutors for any alleged crime within the Constitutionally required 72 hours.

King County Prosecutors were expecting to receive the required paperwork from the SPD, but the paperwork was never submitted.

Within the Bill of Rights, the Fifth Amendment states, “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury.” Two Supreme Court of the United States rulings, McNabb v. United States (1943) and Mallory v. United States (1957), created what many call the “72 hours rule.”

Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 5(a) states that defendants must be brought before the court “without delay,” which is defined as 48 to 72 hours. No time on Saturday, Sunday, or holidays counts toward the requirement to file charing papers with the court, and exceptions can be made if a judge isn’t available. In Washington, Rule 3.2.1 states, “Unless an information or indictment is filed or the affected person consents in writing or on the record in open court, an accused shall not be detained in jail or subjected to conditions of release for more than 72 hours.”

Forsell denies he threatened Jayapal, brandished a weapon, or made racist comments. SPD claims that a follow-up investigation supports the man’s version of events, but the investigation continues. Seattle Police did not respond at press time on why there was a discrepancy in the arresting officer’s report and the follow-up investigation.

The Seattle Police Department requested an extreme risk protection order be filed against Forsell, which will require him to give up all firearms prior to a review, typically 14 days after the court authorizes the protection order. Forsell’s weapons will be returned if the court determines that he isn’t an extreme risk. If Forsell does not show up for the hearing or the court determines he is an extreme risk, the order is automatically extended to one year.

Forsell admitted to police that he had been driving past Jayapal’s house multiple times over the week before his arrest, yelling obscenities and taunts.

King County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Casey McNerthey released a statement.

“The recent incident outside Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Seattle home is disturbing and unacceptable. In a time of increased political violence, security concerns against any elected official should be taken seriously.”

“The suspect’s alleged language and actions, coupled with his possession of a concealed weapon, deserve the full attention of the justice system. Presently, the investigation is ongoing, and our office is working with police investigators to make sure we understand the full extent of the suspect’s actions to build the strongest case possible.”

On July 9, Seattle police reported they were called to Jayapal’s home after multiple reports of a person driving by her home and yelling obscene and racist statements. A neighbor also called 911 reporting that someone may have fired a “pellet gun,” displaying a weapon.

Forsell was arrested in the middle of the street, possessing a handgun within his waistband. A witness told investigators they heard Forsell yelling, “Go back to India,” and “I’m going to kill you,” driving by the congressperson’s house three times.

Jayapal is the first Indian-American woman elected to the House of Representatives and heads the Congressional Progressive Caucus.