News from Washington
From places in Washington
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Kitsap County and Puget Sound Area
A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck Kitsap County on Tuesday afternoon, causing shaking felt in parts of the Puget Sound region, including Seattle and Bainbridge Island. Residents reported feeling a sudden jolt, with some describing booms and rattling windows across areas like Gig Harbor and Port Orchard.
Seattle Fault Earthquake Could Send Tsunami into Elliott Bay
Scientists note that a major earthquake on the Seattle Fault could generate a tsunami as high as 33 feet in Elliott Bay. Harold Tobin stated this fault represents a particularly dangerous scenario due to its proximity beneath the region. The last major event was estimated to occur around the year 923.
9-time felon pleads not guilty to Key Peninsula pursuit charges
A nine-time convicted felon accused of leading Pierce County deputies on a high-speed pursuit pleaded not guilty in court. Prosecutors charged Preston Weirman with attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle following an incident in the Key Peninsula area.
Man Sentenced to 14.6 Years After Shooting at Pierce County Deputies
A convicted felon was sentenced to 14.6 years in prison for shooting at Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies in the Parkland Precinct in 2024. Omari Brown pleaded guilty to drive-by shooting and other charges related to the incident. The confrontation occurred after deputies heard gunshots near the precinct.
Mayor Wilson's CCTV Expansion Decision Faces Delay Over Audit Timeline
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's decision on expanding the city’s CCTV network may be delayed due to a miscommunication regarding an independent review timeline. The New York University Policing Project expects its audit report near the end of October, examining cameras connected to the Seattle Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center.
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Western Washington Near Puget Sound
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Puget Sound region Tuesday afternoon, striking near the Kitsap-Pierce County line. Residents in Seattle and other areas reported feeling light shaking from the quake. Officials noted that a tsunami was unlikely in the Seattle area following the event.
Quieter, Warmer Weather Expected for Seattle Area
Wet and breezy conditions are expected to ease this afternoon as a frontal system moves through Western Washington. Conditions should improve tonight and Wednesday, bringing sunshine and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend. Highs are forecast to climb into the mid to upper 60s on Wednesday and Thursday.
Seattle Officer Placed on Leave After Filming Inside SPD Facilities with Smart Glasses
A Seattle Police Department officer, Adam Sun, is on administrative leave after recording video inside police facilities and while driving his car using Chinese AI smart glasses. The footage showed various scenes within the department's secure areas. This incident prompted SPD to issue a directive banning officers from using personally owned recording devices while on duty.
4.2 Magnitude Earthquake Reported in Kitsap County
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook Kitsap County on Tuesday, hitting near Glenwood about 10 miles northwest of Gig Harbor. The quake occurred just before 2:06 p.m., according to the USGS. There were no immediate reports of damages or injuries from the event.
Seattle Minimum Wage Set to Increase to $22.14 in 2027
Seattle's minimum wage is scheduled to increase to $22.14 on January 1, 2027, according to the Office of Labor Standards. This rate will apply citywide and will be mandatory for all businesses regardless of size. Previously, small employers could offset wages with tips or medical benefits, but this option was eliminated.
Samantha Holloway remains hopeful for SuperSonics return to Seattle
Samantha Holloway expressed hope for NBA expansion and the SuperSonics' return at a conference in Seattle. She stated that her group is ready, noting that both the building and the fans are prepared for a team. The NBA has indicated it aims to make a final decision by year-end.
Neighborhood Favorite Russell's: More Than Just a Bar
Russell's, known as a neighborhood favorite and named to Esquire’s "Best Bars in America," also features an excellent Wednesday special. This pie program, made by Ashley, showcases seasonal fruit fillings and superlative crusts. The spot is praised for its low-key perfection.
Earshot Jazz Festival Returns to Seattle from October 7-25
The 38th annual Earshot Jazz Festival returns to Seattle from October 7 to the 25. The festival features an array of talent across multiple shows. Highlights include Sidney Hauser's concert and a tribute album featuring Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves.
Open Letter Urges Diverting $8 Million from SPD Budget to Arts
A draft open letter is circulating calling for the diversion of $8 million from the proposed SPD budget increase to fund the arts. The letter argues that art activations should be considered public-safety infrastructure, citing past successes during World Cup-related events. It also critiques the expansion of the SPD budget while supporting community-based safety measures.
Tips for Seattle-Area Youth Entering the Workforce
Seattle-area youth can prepare for their first job by building a résumé using school activities and volunteering, practicing interviews with trusted adults, and exploring local programs. It is also advised to plan reliable transportation before accepting any employment opportunity.
City Must Improve After Bite of Seattle Shooting to Attract New Police Chief
Following the mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival, questions about city accountability remain. An after-action report pointed to communication breakdowns within police and between SPD and the mayor’s office. The public was kept uninformed for five hours.
Rainy, Gusty Weather Kicks Off Cool Fall Week in Seattle
Seattle is expected to start the week with rain and gusty winds on Tuesday. After this wet day, Wednesday through Friday should see cooler mornings with sun breaking through afternoons. The weekend promises a more pleasant time with highs reaching the upper 60s to 70s.
Four Seattle Restaurants Say 'Family Meal' With Staff Remains Essential
Several Seattle restaurants continue to prioritize a communal 'family meal' for their staff before service. Owners say this practice is vital for nurturing employees, despite rising costs making it difficult for many restaurateurs to afford such perks.
Seattle Property Owners Sue City Over Homeless Encampment Cleanup
Seattle property owners have filed a claim against the city regarding a growing homeless encampment on four vacant lots in the 9200 block of 42nd Avenue S. The owners allege the city blocked their efforts to clear the site, which they say has grown significantly since spring 2025. They also state the city cited them for maintaining the encampment despite having authority to remove it.
Showers, breezy winds and cooler temperatures expected Tuesday in Western Washington
A fall frontal system is moving into western Washington on Tuesday, bringing widespread showers and breezy winds. Highs are expected to reach only the upper 50s to low 60s. Residents should watch for potential power outages due to strong gusts.
Study Questions Inclusionary Zoning's Effectiveness in Seattle
A UC Irvine study examined inclusionary zoning (IZ) and found it may increase rent for California renters. The research suggests the cost of generating an affordable unit through IZ could be significantly higher than direct incentives. Separately, a report noted that JumpStart revenue is increasingly covering city budget shortfalls.
Woman Biting Another Woman in Downtown Seattle Attack
A woman arrested for biting off part of another woman's forehead on the steps of the Arctic Club Hotel in downtown Seattle will undergo a court-ordered mental health evaluation. The victim stated the assault was random and racially motivated. Police arrested 36-year-old Kamilia Chadli.
Mariners Fire Four Coaches Ahead of 2027 Season
The Seattle Mariners announced that bench coach Manny Acta, infield coach Perry Hill, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, and first base coach Eric Young Jr. will not return next season. Jerry Dipoto stated these changes are needed for the team as they look toward 2027 and beyond.
Seattle Weather: Turning Wet and Breezy on Tuesday
A Pacific system is moving into Western Washington, bringing more active weather to Seattle on Tuesday. Rain is expected across much of the area, with a Wind Advisory in effect for parts of Western Whatcom County and San Juan Islands. Conditions are forecast to improve by Wednesday.
Summarized from public news sources, not original Juncture reporting. Open the linked sources for the full story.