Seattle Local — 2026-06-22#

Top Story#

A significant heat advisory is in effect across western Washington through Wednesday, with temperatures expected to climb up to 90 degrees in some areas. The unusual June heat has prompted local officials to implement a stage one burn ban in King County and issue warnings about the heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, which is exacerbated by the fact that nearly half of the households in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties lack air conditioning.

Local News#

Police release video that reveals new details in Auburn Metro bus shooting · KOMO News Police have released new video footage showing the moments before a 17-year-old girl shot another teenager on a Metro bus in Auburn on May 21. The footage reveals the suspect wearing a fur-lined parka and a mask alongside another individual with a concealed face as they entered the bus. Detectives are continuing to search for the suspect, who has been identified but remains at large.

Close call for family as large tree falls, hits 6 cars at Lake Sammamish State Park · KOMO News A massive tree broke off its stump and crashed onto six vehicles at Sunset Beach in Lake Sammamish State Park on Sunday evening. Two individuals were evaluated for injuries after being temporarily trapped beneath the debris, and Eastside Fire & Rescue crews had to navigate a second dangerously leaning tree to access the scene. Witnesses reported the tree toppling over just as families were preparing to leave the busy park after Father’s Day celebrations.

Seattle Public Schools to implement new safety measures within ’next year or two’ · KOMO News Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is utilizing the summer break to tackle an $87 million budget shortfall and enhance school safety. Shuldiner, who took the position in February following the fatal shooting of two district students at a bus stop, has emphasized that student safety remains a top priority. The district plans to roll out new protective measures within the next year or two.

Docs: Burien step-mom bound 7-year-old’s hands for days, forced him to sleep in 2x4′ space · KIRO 7 Former Burien daycare owner Renee Leon was arrested and charged with severe child abuse for allegedly binding her 7-year-old stepson’s hands, forcing him to ingest dish soap, and confining him to a small, walled-off sleeping space. She has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which stem from physical and psychological abuse spanning at least two years.

Seattle economic development director says city looking beyond payroll tax exemption · KOMO News Seattle’s newly appointed Economic Development Director, Beto Yarce, stated that the city is exploring alternative options beyond expanding the JumpStart payroll tax to address its budget shortfall. Yarce emphasized the need for deliberate collaboration with employers to rebuild confidence amidst ongoing concerns over downtown commercial vacancies and public safety issues.

Search suspended for swimmer presumed dead · KIRO 7 Recovery efforts in Lake Washington have been suspended for a 20-year-old man who went missing near Holmes Point early Saturday morning. Search crews have faced significant challenges due to deep water, wind, and equipment failures, leading them to call off the search for a second consecutive day on Sunday. Investigators noted that no drugs or alcohol were involved in the disappearance.

Grand Cinema cancels Sunday showings after shooting threat · FOX 13 The historic Grand Cinema in Tacoma canceled all movie showings on Father’s Day following a violent threat called in to law enforcement on Saturday night. Tacoma police reported the caller threatened to bomb or shoot the theater, prompting the venue to close out of an abundance of caution and refund all ticketholders.

Community & Lifestyle#

To help residents access Golden Gardens Park without needing a car, the city of Seattle and King County Metro are launching a new summertime shuttle bus route that runs every 30 minutes from Ballard’s Market Street. Meanwhile, World Cup festivities continue to bring vibrant energy to the city, driving record-high ridership on Seattle’s light rail and fueling hopes that Team USA will return to Seattle for a Round of 16 match in July. In local science news, NOAA is testing a new surfboard-like ocean drone in Lake Washington to better understand atmospheric rivers before deploying it to the Pacific Ocean.