Your trusted source for local Tacoma, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
On December 5, 2024, West Pierce Fire & Rescue conducted a controlled burn of the former Key Antiques building in Lakewood as a training exercise. This event not only enhanced firefighter skills but also cleared the way for the construction of two new apartment buildings on the site. Residents were advised to be cautious of increased traffic and smoke in the area.
Tacoma plans to cut approximately 26 positions due to a $24 million budget shortfall, aiming to save $5.6 million through these layoffs. Concerns arise about the impact on essential services, particularly the fire department.
Berkadia has successfully sold nearly 30 parcels in Lakewood for over $9.1 million, paving the way for multifamily housing development. The seller, an LLC linked to Steve Borman, has positioned the area as a prime location for residential projects near transit hubs, addressing the growing housing demand in Lakewood.
Sound Transit’s Tacoma Dome Link Extension is progressing with a draft environmental impact statement outlining potential routes and aiming for completion by 2035. The preferred route includes new stations and bridge crossings, potentially affecting local businesses near Freighthouse Square. A public comment period will start soon, allowing community input on the plans.
A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Eureka, California, on December 5, 2024, prompting tsunami warnings from Santa Cruz to Florence, Oregon. Although the alerts were lifted hours later, NOAA advised residents to avoid hazardous areas until it was safe. The quake was felt as far away as Reno, Nevada.
William Akers, a 56-year-old Tacoma man, was found dead on November 27th. The cause of death is still under investigation by the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office, and no suspects have been identified by Tacoma police, raising concerns about local safety.
Parents in the Puyallup School District are concerned after a student who threatened a shooting at an elementary school returned to campus. The district cites privacy laws that prevent disclosure of such information, leading to calls for greater transparency from parents like Shannon Sullivan. The article highlights the tension between student privacy rights and parental rights to be informed about safety threats.
Washington Attorney General-elect Nick Brown expressed concerns about 'uniquely dangerous threats' from a potential second Trump presidency during his keynote address at the Washington Observer's 2024 Re-Wire Conference. He emphasized the importance of protecting Washington's laws and residents' rights, particularly for vulnerable groups, and pledged to take legal action if necessary.
The article discusses parents' concerns in the Puyallup School District regarding the lack of communication when students who have made threats return to school. A district spokesperson highlighted that privacy laws protect students' rights, complicating the disclosure of such information. This issue is crucial for local communities, especially concerning school safety and parental awareness.
Domestic violence survivor Selena expressed her gratitude to the SWAT team that rescued her from a hostage situation in Tacoma. During a heartfelt ceremony at the Tacoma Police Department, she thanked the officers who saved her life after being shot by her ex-boyfriend in July. This event underscores the vital role of law enforcement in crisis situations and the importance of ongoing support for survivors.