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Gig Harbor to Remove 18 Trees from Soundview Forest for Safety

Gig Harbor to Remove 18 Trees from Soundview Forest for Safety

The city of Gig Harbor, Washington, plans to remove 18 trees from Soundview Forest, a 2.3-acre park known for its 100-year-old Douglas firs. This decision follows an arborist's report identifying several trees as dead or decaying, posing potential risks to public safety. The removal, scheduled for April 23 and 24, will involve clearing trees marked with colored tape and numbers. The city has faced delays in addressing these issues due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and staff turnover. The removed trees will be replaced with more disease-tolerant species, donated by the Pierce Conservation District.
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With no end in sight to their deployment, National Guard troops roam Washington

With no end in sight to their deployment, National Guard troops roam Washington

Eight months after President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in the nation’s capital and called up the National Guard, more than 2,500 troops remain
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Fears of looser standards as the FBI and Justice Department scramble to fill a depleted workforce

Fears of looser standards as the FBI and Justice Department scramble to fill a depleted workforce

The FBI and Justice Department are scrambling to rebuild a depleted workforce after a wave of departures over the last year
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Gig Harbor to Remove 18 Trees from Soundview Forest for Safety and Art Project

Gig Harbor to Remove 18 Trees from Soundview Forest for Safety and Art Project

The city of Gig Harbor, Washington, is set to remove 18 trees from Soundview Forest, a 2.3-acre park that includes approximately 172 trees, many of which are Douglas firs around 100 years old. This decision follows an arborist's report from 2018 that identified several trees as dead or nearly dead, posing potential risks to people and property. The removal, scheduled for April 23 and 24, will be conducted by a local tree removal company. The city plans to replace the removed trees with new, more disease-tolerant species, donated by the Pierce Conservation District. Additionally, some tall stumps will be left standing for a potential art display as part of the 2026 Harbor Arbor Art Project, sponsored by the Gig Harbor Arts Commission. The city will fund the $125,000 project using its real estate excise tax.
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Couple Arrested in Washington for Suspected Involvement in Sutter County Child's Death

Couple Arrested in Washington for Suspected Involvement in Sutter County Child's Death

A couple suspected in the death of a child in Sutter County, California, has been arrested in Washington. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office reported that a detective from Sutter County informed them about the suspects' possible presence in the area. This information led to local law enforcement conducting surveillance on the couple, ultimately resulting in their arrest as fugitives from justice. The case highlights a cross-state collaboration between law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals suspected of serious crimes.
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Gig Harbor to Remove 18 Trees from Soundview Forest Due to Safety Concerns

Gig Harbor to Remove 18 Trees from Soundview Forest Due to Safety Concerns

The city of Gig Harbor, Washington, is set to remove 18 trees from Soundview Forest, a 2.3-acre park known for its 100-year-old Douglas firs. This decision follows an arborist's report from 2018, which identified several trees as dead or decaying, posing potential risks to public safety. The park, located near Soundview Drive and Judson Street, contains 172 trees, primarily Douglas firs, along with red alders, big leaf maples, Pacific madrones, and cedars. Despite the overall health of the forest, the report recommended the removal of certain trees within 6-12 months. However, the city delayed action due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and staff turnover. The removal is scheduled for April 23-24, during which the park will be closed. The city plans to replace the removed trees with more disease-tolerant species, donated by the Pierce Conservation District.
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Three Dead, One Injured in Head-On Collision on U.S. Highway 2 in Snohomish County

Three Dead, One Injured in Head-On Collision on U.S. Highway 2 in Snohomish County

A tragic head-on collision occurred on U.S. Highway 2 near Monroe, Washington, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring another. The incident took place early Saturday morning when a westbound vehicle attempted to pass another car and entered the eastbound lanes, colliding with an oncoming vehicle. Both drivers and a passenger in the eastbound car were pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the westbound vehicle sustained injuries and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center. The Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash and has not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.
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Washington Sheriffs Challenge New Eligibility Law Over 'Loyalty Oath' Requirement

Washington Sheriffs Challenge New Eligibility Law Over 'Loyalty Oath' Requirement

A legal challenge against a new Washington state law requiring sheriff candidates to meet specific qualifications and sign a sworn statement has been moved to Thurston County. The law, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, mandates that candidates have a minimum of five years of law enforcement experience, meet age requirements, and have no disqualifying criminal history. Four eastern Washington sheriffs, John Nowels, Glenn Blakeslee, Brad Manke, and Ray Maycumber, have filed the lawsuit, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and amounts to a 'loyalty oath' that could allow the state to control who can run for sheriff. They claim this infringes on free speech rights. The case was initially heard in Lincoln County, where Judge Adam Walser decided to move it to Thurston County to avoid conflicting rulings. The sheriffs' attorney, Mark Lamb, emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing potential First Amendment violations. State attorneys argue that the requirements are consistent with existing standards and th...
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Washington Sheriffs Challenge 'Loyalty Oath' Law in Court Move

Washington Sheriffs Challenge 'Loyalty Oath' Law in Court Move

A legal challenge against Washington's new sheriff eligibility law, which includes a controversial oath requirement, is being transferred to Thurston County. This decision was made by Judge Adam Walser of Lincoln County Superior Court, who opted not to rule on the case's merits or issue an emergency injunction. The law, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, mandates that sheriff candidates meet specific qualifications and sign a sworn statement confirming compliance with standards set by the Criminal Justice Training Commission. The requirements include a minimum of five years of law enforcement experience, age limits, and no disqualifying criminal history. Four eastern Washington sheriffs—John Nowels, Glenn Blakeslee, Brad Manke, and Ray Maycumber—filed the lawsuit, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and amounts to a 'loyalty oath' that could allow the state to control who can run for sheriff instead of voters. Their attorney, Mark Lamb, contends that the requirement could infringe on free speech rights.
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What to know as ceasefire in the Iran war hangs in the balance

What to know as ceasefire in the Iran war hangs in the balance

The ceasefire in the Iran war hangs in the balance as Pakistan’s capital stands prepared for possible new talks between Tehran and Washington
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Hikers Discover Remains of Missing Washington Mother Hailey Athay, Confirmed by Forensic Analysis

Hikers Discover Remains of Missing Washington Mother Hailey Athay, Confirmed by Forensic Analysis

The skeletal remains of Hailey Athay, a missing mother of three from Washington state, were discovered by hikers in a remote area of Kelso, Washington. Athay, who was last seen in November 2024, was reported missing by her family in January 2025. The discovery was made just north of the Oregon border, and due to the time of day, officials could not immediately access the site. The hikers were asked to photograph the bones, which were later confirmed as human by a forensic anthropologist. The following day, a search party led by one of the hikers recovered more bones, clothing, and personal items. The remains were confirmed to be Athay's through dental records. Athay was last known to be picking mushrooms with an unknown man before her disappearance.
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Pope Leo XIV heads to Catholic shrine in Angola that was a center of African slave trade

Pope Leo XIV heads to Catholic shrine in Angola that was a center of African slave trade

Pope Leo XIV has called for Angolans to fight the “scourge of corruption” with a culture of justice