Jose Luis Sanchez-Valencia, accused of leading a cartel-linked ring that smuggled liquid meth inside candles, pleaded not guilty in Seattle federal court; trial is set for April 20.

A high‑speed stop on I‑5 near Port of Tacoma Road ended in a crash and a four‑mile morning backup. Authorities arrested a suspect on eluding and DUI suspicions.

Seattle’s City Council introduced a one‑year emergency moratorium to block new or expanded detention centers and jails while it rewrites zoning rules. Hearings are scheduled soon.

Baba’s Kabab Shop, from the team behind Naan N Curry, is coming to downtown Bellevue this spring with kebabs, biryani and slow‑simmered curries. The owner says the concept aims to spotlight whole spices over sheer heat.

Foster Garvey signed a long‑term lease at West8 in Denny Triangle, taking roughly 52,000 square feet across multiple floors. The move is a notable win for downtown landlords amid high vacancy.

King County’s new executive order bars ICE from nonpublic county sites, dedicates $2M for immigrant aid and orders airport camera upgrades as the World Cup approaches.

Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman warned most computer‑based office tasks could be automated within 12–18 months, a claim that puts Seattle‑area jobs in focus.

Seattle police say they are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Ballard near NW 62nd and 28th. Officials say the report is preliminary and details are pending.

Cloudy Seattle will see steady light rain Friday with highs near 48°F. Mountain passes could pick up fresh snow and mariners should expect choppy seas.

A three-vehicle crash on SR 2 near milepost 31 left the highway fully blocked and resulted in a fatality. Troopers are investigating while crews clear the scene.

Gov. Bob Ferguson said the House cleared a bill that would make possession of police‑style badges by civilians a gross misdemeanor amid rising impersonation incidents.

Seattle plans temporary protective barriers at Pike Place Market this spring to protect pedestrians during the 2026 World Cup. The move grows from last year’s pilot and will be tested over the summer.

Seattle’s Highspot will merge with San Diego rival Seismic, combining two major revenue‑enablement platforms under a San Diego‑led brand and an AI‑first roadmap.