Seattle Local — 2026-07-24#

Top Story#

All 11 people on board survived after a Kenmore Air seaplane crashed and caught fire in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island in the San Juans on Thursday evening. The flight, which departed from Lake Union en route to Roche Harbor, is now under investigation by the NTSB to determine what caused the accident and whether the pilot’s decision to divert around a storm system played a role.

Local News#

Political Food Fight Over Free School Lunches · KOMO News Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s push to provide universal free meals for public school students faces a potential one-year delay after City Council members expressed concerns over funding the program with a “millionaires tax” that voters might repeal. In response to the setback, three council members introduced a counter-proposal to launch the program this fall using $3 million from the city’s general fund.

Three Women Hurt in North Seattle Drive-By Shooting · KIRO 7 Three women were injured early Thursday morning when a suspect opened fire on their abandoned silver Ford parked near Aurora Avenue North and North 96th Street. One woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while the other two were injured by shattered glass. All three victims managed to walk into UW Medical Center Northwest for treatment and are in stable condition.

Olympia Mayor Seeks State Help for 21-Acre Encampment · KOMO News Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne is asking for state assistance to manage a sprawling homeless encampment near I-5 known as “The Jungle,” where officials have identified 290 residents. Citing past removals that simply scattered vulnerable populations, Payne told reporters the city insists on a phased removal process tied to available housing units rather than an immediate sweep.

Fisherman Arrested for Wrestling Protected Sharks · KIRO 7 An Oregon man is facing ten charges after allegedly dragging and wrestling protected sixgill and sevengill sharks out of the water for social media “trophy” photos at a Fox Island pier in Pierce County. State wildlife investigators noted the trauma likely caused pregnant female sharks, who come to the South Sound to give birth, to lose their pregnancies.

Tukwila Approves Camping Ban on City Property · KOMO News The Tukwila City Council narrowly passed a new ordinance banning camping on city property, which will go into effect on July 28. The measure, requested by Tukwila Police Chief Eric Lund to address growing encampments in local green spaces, carries penalties of up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail for violators.

Community & Lifestyle#

Jimothy, a Seattle raccoon with short spine syndrome who became a viral internet star, was named “Washingtonian of the Day” by the governor after his charity painting raised nearly $46,000 for the Ballard Food Bank. Down south, Metro Parks Tacoma has temporarily closed a local dock to the public to provide a safe, undisturbed space for a mother seal to raise her pup. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the return of the Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend, which is expected to draw 150,000 attendees to view works from over 350 artists.