Your trusted source for local Tacoma, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
U.S. Rep. Emily Randall and Sen. Patty Murray reintroduced the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, aiming to protect over 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest and 464 river miles. The legislation seeks to preserve critical ecosystems while supporting local economies through outdoor recreation.
Pierce County, Kitsap County, and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services will host a Community Summit Watch Party on June 4, 2025, at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown. The free event allows community members to engage with a live stream of the summit focused on inclusion and equity for individuals with disabilities. Keynote speaker Emily Ladau, a recognized disability rights activist, will lead discussions on these important topics.
Watercolorist Sydney C’ de Baca showcases her functional artwork at the Pacific Northwest Shop, emphasizing "beautiful usefulness" in everyday items. Her products, which include tea towels and tote bags, feature designs inspired by the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest. C’ de Baca aims to change perceptions about using beautiful kitchenware, encouraging customers to embrace "kitchen love."
Chelsea Herman will become the new athletics director at the University of Puget Sound on June 30, bringing over 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics. Herman, who previously held leadership roles at California State University, San Bernardino and Seattle University, aims to enhance the university's athletics program, which includes 23 varsity sports.
GardenSphere, an urban garden center in Tacoma, offers a serene escape with flourishing plants and a welcoming atmosphere. Co-founder Travis Valbert emphasizes the importance of creating a calming space for visitors, who often come to enjoy a moment of peace. The center also sells a variety of plants, including native species and backyard chickens, attracting a diverse customer base.
Pierce County Human Services hosted an event on May 9, featuring a resource fair and a screening of the documentary "Cooked: Survival by Zip Code," which examines the intersection of poverty, race, and climate disasters. The event drew over 120 participants who discussed strategies to prevent disasters rather than merely responding to them. A second screening will occur on May 30 at Pacific Lutheran University.
A new multisport court opened at Verlo Playfield in Tacoma on May 17, supported by the Seattle Kraken and One Roof Foundation. The facility aims to enhance youth access to ball hockey, with over 100 kids participating in a street hockey clinic during the unveiling event. This court is part of a broader initiative to develop five such facilities in the Puget Sound area.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium introduces Ume, a three-month-old Malayan tapir calf, making her public debut this month. Ume, born on February 2, is only the second tapir born at the zoo in its 120-year history. As an endangered species, Ume represents a vital connection for visitors to wildlife conservation efforts.
Wright Park's playground will undergo $150,000 in repairs following an inspection that found rotting support posts. Tacoma Parks Foundation will contribute $100,000 from the Zina Linnik Endowment Fund to replace the failing wooden columns with recycled plastic. Construction is set to begin this summer and will last three months.
Clark County settled a wrongful death lawsuit for $3.5 million to the family of Jenoah Donald, an unarmed black motorist fatally shot by a deputy sheriff during a traffic stop in February 2021. Attorneys Mark Lindquist and Angus Lee stated that the settlement provides accountability and closure for Donald's family. The case highlighted issues of police use of deadly force and the need for improved training.