Seattle Local — 2026-04-13#

Top Story#

The Trump administration has officially approved Washington’s request for FEMA funding following a relentless series of late 2025 atmospheric rivers that damaged nearly 4,000 homes from Mason County to Yakima County. The relief package includes temporary housing grants, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and an extended IRS tax deadline for affected residents.

Local News#

[Pioneer Square’s Sinking Ship Garage Closes Amid Safety Concerns] · FOX 13 Pioneer Square’s iconic Sinking Ship Parking Garage has permanently shut down following years of escalating violent incidents. The closure comes after multiple severe safety issues at the location, including two homicides.

[Eighteen Earthquakes Shake Washington Coast] · KIRO 7 A swarm of 18 small earthquakes was recorded off the Washington coast early Sunday morning. Harold Tobin of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network assured residents that the seismic activity is not a concern and poses no tsunami or structural threat to the region.

[Two Killed in Wrong-Way Highway 509 Crash] · The Seattle Times A tragic head-on collision claimed two lives after a 21-year-old Kent man drove the wrong way on southbound Highway 509 near South 112th Street. The Washington State Patrol is continuing to investigate the fatal crash.

[City Budget Analysts Urge Fiscal Caution] · The Seattle Times Seattle lawmakers are being advised to take a “baseline” approach to the city budget this year. Economic analysts point to stagnating employment figures across the city and an increasing risk of a national recession as primary reasons for fiscal restraint.

[Violent Weekend Leaves One Dead in Puyallup, Two Critical in Everett] · FOX 13 In Puyallup, 37-year-old Tyriek Patterson was shot and killed at his girlfriend’s South Hill townhome early Sunday morning in what police believe was an isolated incident. Meanwhile, in Everett, a 24-year-old man broke into a home Monday morning, stabbing three family acquaintances and leaving two women in critical condition.

[Distracted Driver Sparks Fiery Lynnwood Crash] · FOX 13 A driver swerved into another car before veering off the road and slamming into a power pole in Lynnwood. The collision brought the pole crashing down into the busy street in a fiery explosion. The driver admitted to Lynnwood Police that they were on their cell phone at the time of the crash, though miraculously, no injuries were reported.

Community & Lifestyle#

Olympia resident Rhenda Strub, who recently lost her 27-year-old son to muscular dystrophy, has turned to Mariners baseball for healing. Strub secured field-level season tickets and is offering her extra seat in a local Facebook group to find companionship at the ballpark. In parks news, city officials have successfully sidestepped the landmarks board to remove many of the climbable features at Gas Works Park following a fatal fall and monthslong stalemate. On the local food scene, Molly Moon’s ice cream is now available at select Taco Time locations, and Chili’s is slated to return to western Washington with a new restaurant at SEA Airport opening by late May or early June. Finally, animal lovers can support the Everett Animal Shelter’s “Paws & Pints” photo contest, which merges cute dogs and craft beer.