Local

The Rainier Beach Action Coalition is hosting a free FIFA video game tournament for youth ages 4-18 at the Rainier Beach Community Center, featuring competitions, futsal skills drills, and food from local BIPOC-owned businesses.

A local restaurant in Seattle, Migoto Sushi, fell victim to a sophisticated scam orchestrated by two men who allegedly stole an entire day's earnings through manipulation of payment machines. The incident has prompted the owner, John Nguyen, to advise other business proprietors to exercise heightened vigilance and caution in managing customer transactions.

Democratic lawmakers in Washington state have introduced a legislative proposal aimed at bolstering transparency and community trust in law enforcement. Spearheaded by Sen. Javier Valdez and Rep. Julio Cortes, the bill mandates that officers display identifying information on their uniforms, with certain exemptions for undercover operations and protective gear.

In a significant development for soccer enthusiasts, FIFA has unveiled the complete match schedule for the 2026 World Cup, confirming Seattle as a host for several pivotal games. Among these, the U.S. Men's National Team will face Australia, highlighting Seattle's role on the global soccer stage. Local organizers are actively preparing for the event, planning a series of fan events and activations to engage the community and enhance the World Cup experience.

As temperatures plummet across western Washington, The Salvation Army and local faith groups in Seattle and Snohomish County have mobilized to offer emergency cold-weather shelters. These facilities provide a crucial refuge for those in need, offering not only a warm place to stay but also meals and resources aimed at helping individuals transition out of homelessness.

Federal authorities have identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant, as the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House. The FBI is treating the incident as a potential case of international terrorism, highlighting the serious implications of the attack.

Washington lawmakers are set to convene in Olympia this week for critical discussions on the state's pressing budget shortfall, the burgeoning impact of data centers, vaccine safety concerns, damages to bridges from truck collisions, and the rising costs of legal payouts.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has transmitted the names of three nominees to fill the vacant District 2 seat on the King County Council, a position he vacated on Nov. 25 when he was sworn in as Executive. The nominees are District 2 residents Nimco Bulale, Cherryl Jackson-Williams and Rhonda Lewis. Each brings a long-standing record of service to families, youth, small businesses and neighborhoods throughout the district. Zahilay said their experience reflects the deep community roots he prioritized in selecting candidates. All three nominees are Black women. The person selected will become the first Black woman ever to serve on the King County Council. The appointment will also result in the first majority-woman Council in the county’s history.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has named Truclusion, a Dupont-based consulting firm, as the Apparent Successful Bidder for a state-funded study on reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans in Washington, prompting some Black community leaders to question the firm's qualifications, its ties to the region, and the process utilized by the state.

The Seattle-King County branch of the NAACP has been authorized by the national office to resume full operations after a temporary suspension of local elections in 2024 due to database anomalies, and is preparing to finalize a strategic plan for 2026.