Local News

The deployment has sent nearly 2,300 National Guard troops from seven states and D.C. into the District. WASHINGTON — The deployment and deputization of the National Guard are unconstitutional and violate federal law, a new lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb Thursday alleges. He's suing the federal government to stop the deployment, which has sent nearly 2,300 National Guard troops from seven states and D.C. into the District. The suit argues it, along with the U.S. Marshals Service deputizing the guard to act as law enforcement, has become an involuntary military occupation that goes far beyond President Donald Trump's authority and deprives the District of its right to self-governance.  “Deploying the National Guard to engage in law enforcement is not only unnecessary and unwanted, but it is also dangerous and harmful to the District and its residents. No American city should have the U.S. military — particularly out-of-state military who are not accountable to the residents and untrained in local law enforcement — policing its streets,” Schwalb said. “It’s D.C. today but could be any other city tomorrow. We’ve filed this action to put an end to this illegal federal overreach.” Since the deployment and the federalization of D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department on Aug. 11, National Guard units are patrolling local neighborhoods with firearms and have been authorized to perform law enforcement duties such as searches, seizures and arrests, according to the Office of the Attorney General. Because these troops are reporting through a military chain of command, the OAG argues, their deployment violates the Posse Comitatus Act and 10 U.S. Code section 275, both of which generally prohibit federal military forces from engaging in domestic policing. Next, the OAG argues that the federal surge circumvents the Home Rule Act, which gives the District the right to govern itself. The Home Rule Act, passed by Congress in 1973, does not give the president free rein to participate in local law enforcement. And the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is federal law, allows D.C.'s mayor to request National Guard support from other states, not the president, according to the OAG. Finally, the OAG said that since the National Guard hasn't been called into active federal service, out-of-state troops should remain under state command and control. Yet, the federal government is commanding and controlling those additional troops, which the OAG alleges violates both the Constitution and federal law.  This suit comes days after a federal judge decided that Trump's federalization and deployment of the National Guard against protests in Los Angeles was illegal. Trump has said repeatedly that he plans to eventually send the National Guard to police more cities, namely Chicago and Baltimore, despite local opposition. As Schwalb files this lawsuit to defend D.C. home rule, the Washington Post reported Wednesday night that House Republicans are considering a bill that could remove him from his post. If passed, Schwalb, who announced earlier this week that he will run for reelection, would be replaced by a presidential appointee that would not need to be confirmed by the Senate.

The news comes less than a week after the discount carrier known for its bright yellow planes and no-frills service announced it was filing for bankruptcy again. WASHINGTON — Spirit Airlines has confirmed it will be ending service in 12 cities less than a week after the discount carrier announced it was filing for bankruptcy for the second time this year. The budget airline confirmed on Thursday it would be discontinuing service the week of Oct. 2 in the following cities: Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ); Birmingham, Alabama (BHM); Boise, Idaho (BOI); Chattanooga, Tennessee (CHA); Columbia, South Carolina (CAE); Oakland, California (OAK); Portland, Oregon (PDX); Sacramento, California (SMF); Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC); San Diego, California (SAN); and San Jose, California (SJC). The airline said it was also scrapping plans to launch service in Macon, Georgia (MCN), which was scheduled to begin Oct. 16. “As part of our efforts to transform our business and position Spirit for long-term success, we are adjusting our network to focus on our strongest performing markets,” a Spirit spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “We are grateful to the airports, business partners and community members in these markets who welcomed and supported us. We remain committed to offering high-value travel options and will continue to serve dozens of destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.” The airline said it will be reaching out to affected guests to notify them of their options, including a refund. Spirit, known for its bright yellow planes and no-frills service, has had a rough ride since the COVID-19 pandemic, struggling to rebound amid rising operation costs and its mounting debt. By the time of its first Chapter 11 filing in November, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Alan Eufracio-Vazquez killed 24-year-old Triston Smith in a DUI crash in September 2024. PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A man was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for vehicular homicide after he pleaded guilty to killing a Spanaway father in a DUI crash last September.  Alan Eufracio-Vasquez crashed into 24-year-old Triston Smith's vehicle on Spanaway Loop Road in Parkland last year, pushing Smith's car up against a telephone pole. Police said the car was so damaged it was unrecognizable.  Smith was taken to the hospital but died two days later from his injuries.  Eufracio-Vaszquez was sentenced to 86 months in prison, followed by 18 months of community custody. He is not allowed to have contact with Smith's family, and is required to pay restitution to Smith's family and for the cost of the emergency response. He is not allowed to use or possess controlled substances or alcohol, or have any association with drug users or sellers. He will no longer be able to own firearms or other weapons and his driver's license has been suspended.  Family members described Triston Smith as a dedicated young father. He had sole custody of his 4-year-old daughter at the time of his death, and the two were living with Smith's mother.  “He was so good and pure-hearted,” said Stephanie Delano, Smith’s mother. “He loved helping his sisters and his brother out with athletics and schoolwork.” Smith graduated from Spanaway Lake High School in 2018 and was a wrestler. He went on to attend Pierce College. He was a plumber and was hoping to become a pastor. Smith very involved in church groups in the area. KING 5's Conner Board contributed to this report.

The 9,023-piece Death Star set towers 28 inches tall, features 15 rooms and comes with 38 minifigures. WASHINGTON — Lego is blasting into a new galaxy with its most expensive set yet. The toy maker has announced it will release a $1,000 Ultimate Collectors Series "Star Wars" Death Star this fall, making it the most expensive Lego kit ever as it surpasses the $850 price tag on the Ultimate Collectors Series’ Millennium Falcon and AT-AT kits.  While Lego has produced larger sets by piece count, the new Death Star is its most elaborate display model to date. It's also the largest "Star Wars" themed set from Lego. At 28 inches tall and 32 inches wide, the model allows fans to own their own version of the iconic battle station from “Star Wars: A New Hope” and “Return of the Jedi.” The massive set features more than 15 rooms, including “the crushing trash compactor where the Rebel heroes were trapped, Princess Leia’s holding cell” and “the hangar control room that Luke Skywalker and Han Solo infiltrated disguised as Stormtroopers.” It also contains hidden easter eggs from “Rogue One” and the Lego Star Wars video games. The set also includes 38 minifigures, the most in any Lego release to date, including everyone from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to more niche characters like Galen Erso and a Hot Tub Stormtrooper. The expensive price reflects Lego’s strategy of catering to adult fans willing to pay premium prices for collectibles.  “Whether you're re-enacting the lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi, swinging across the retractable bridge with Luke and Leia, or simply admiring the architectural power of the Death Star, this set is a must-have for Star Wars collectors,” Lego said. The 9,023-piece set will release on Oct. 4, with early access for Lego Insiders beginning Oct. 1.

HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is testifying Thursday about President Trump's 2026 healthcare agenda and facing contentious questioning from committee Democrats. WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, faced sharply critical questioning Thursday from Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock during a Senate committee hearing. Sen. Warnock's and HHS Sec. Kennedy's back-and-forth reached levels of open contempt, with the Georgia Democrat telling Sec. Kennedy he is a "hazard to the health of the American people." The two clashed over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with Warnock questioning Kennedy whether he called it the "most corrupt federal agency in the world." "Not the history of the world but definitely within HHS," Kennedy responded. "I did not say that, but I did say it's the most corrupt agency in HHS and maybe the government." Warnock focused the bulk of his questions on Sec. Kennedy's reactions to the shooting last month at the Atlanta campus of the CDC, in which a gunman fired hundreds of rounds at CDC buildings and killed DeKalb County Officer David Rose. In another of the more contentious moments, Kennedy at one point asked Warnock if he was "complicit in the assassination attempts on President Trump," a means of decrying the senator's line of questioning that began to draw a line between Kennedy's stances on vaccines and the CDC gunman's motive tied to discontent with the COVID vaccine.  "By the way, every member of this panel has criticized President Trump," Kennedy said, drawing a similar line between criticism of the president and the assassination attempts to make his point. In the wake of the CDC shooting, Kennedy clashed with CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez and she was ultimately fired by President Donald Trump, with Kennedy's top deputy Jim O'Neill now serving as interim director of the agency. Three top CDC officials resigned after Monarez's firing. Warnock asked Kennedy if he had criticized Monarez in a meeting preceding her firing for saying "misinformation can be dangerous." The HHS secretary said he didn't recall that specifically, but did acknowledge, "Oh I criticized her." Warnock also asked if Kennedy demanded she fire "career scientists or public experts at the CDC," to which Kennedy responded, "Yes." He further questioned Kennedy on whether he had pressed her to accept recommendations from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Kennedy previously fired all 17 members of the panel and has been replacing them with his own appointments. The line of questioning did not lead to a conclusive response from the secretary. Warnock concluded his comments with a direct, unsparing criticism of Kennedy. "Despite your lack of credentials and expertise, clearly you have an agenda and it is a threat to the public health of the American people. It's clear you are carrying out your extremist beliefs which is why you attempted to fire Dr. Monarez," Warnock said. "Senator we're the sickest people in the world, we are the sickest people on earth," Kennedy responded. "How am I a threat?" Warnock referred to rising measles cases and three deaths reported this year, and again said, "you are a hazard to the health of the American people." "I think that you oughta resign. And if you don't resign, the president of the United States -- who put forward Operation Warp Speed (to develop the COVID vaccine), which worked -- should fire you," Warnock said. The full exchange is available in the video player above this story.

Grand Kyiv Ballet Brings Swan Lake to Bellevue The internationally acclaimed Grand Kyiv Ballet will perform Swan Lake at the Meydenbauer Center Theatre in Bellevue on September 18 and 19, 2025. Founded in 2014 by Oleksandr Stoianov, premiere of the National Opera of Ukraine, Grand Kyiv Ballet has built an international reputation through extensive tours across Europe and beyond. The company’s productions are known for bringing together world-class soloists, striking choreography, and elaborate staging to showcase classical ballet. The Bellevue performances of Swan Lake will feature dancers from Ukraine, Japan, the United States, and Europe. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score will accompany the timeless story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by the curse of the sorcerer Rothbart. The ballet explores themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle between light and darkness through the dual roles of Odette and Odile. The production will run approximately two hours, including a 20-minute intermission. Tickets are priced at $65 and are available online through the Grand Kyiv Ballet website. In addition to the Bellevue dates, the company will also present Swan Lake at the Kirkland Performance Center on September 16 and 17, 2025. Performance Details Photo Credit: Grand Kyiv Ballet Photo Credit: Grand Kyiv Ballet

The suspect has yet to be charged in the violent robbery of Macklemore's home but faces charges in several other robberies. SEATTLE — The man suspected in a violent robbery of Macklemore's Seattle home pleaded not guilty to a separate robbery charge on Thursday morning. Patrick Maisonet, 29, is accused of being the getaway driver in a robbery of a Bellevue jewelry store in November 2024. Maisonet was on electronic home monitoring at the time of the robbery after being charged in an unrelated Seattle armed robbery in May 2024. While Maisonet has been charged in both of these prior robberies, Seattle police have yet to refer charges against anyone in the robbery of Macklemore's Capitol Hill home. Maisonet is considered the "primary suspect" in the Macklemore robbery, according to a release from the Seattle Police Department after he was arrested. On Saturday, June 7, two men broke into the home of Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, around 12:45 a.m. A 22-year-old woman working as a nanny for the family was attacked with bear spray. The two men entered the home through an unlocked door. A police report states children home at the time were unharmed. Macklemore was not at home at the time, according to Seattle police. According to a police report, one of the men ordered the other to "spray" the nanny with bear spray. They had her show them where the valuables were in the residence, stopping to search through drawers, cabinets and closets before placing jewelry, watches and shoes into bags, the police report said. Later, one man threw the nanny to the ground, at one point putting a boot on her neck and taking her phone. When she started to scream, they got her up, pinned her to a wall and tried to cover her mouth. However, she bit one of the man's hands and was able to run out of the house through a bathroom.  The nanny escaped to a nearby home and called 911. The suspects were gone by the time police arrived.  Police later recovered items that were taken during the robbery, including a Seattle Seahawks championship ring, Seattle Sounders FC Championship ring that had the victim’s name engraved on the side, and a diamond tennis bracelet.  Since then, Seattle police worked with the King County Sheriff's Office and Renton police, who were digging into other high-profile burglaries of sports stars and celebrities in the region, some of which have led to arrests. On Aug. 21, the King County Valley SWAT Team served a search warrant on the suspect's home in Renton and he was arrested on outstanding warrants for first-degree robbery, second-degree escape and booked into custody for a robbery investigation out of Bellevue. The man, who has not been officially charged for the latest robbery, is being held in King County Jail on $750,000 bail. On Aug. 27, police also arrested the owner of a New Holly jewelry store where the stolen items were recovered. A judge found probable cause for first-degree trafficking stolen property and third-degree possession of stolen property. The owner was released on his own personal recognizance. Kipp Robertson contributed to this report.

On Aug. 17, Ofc. Mondesir was parked and working on a report from an earlier call when someone approached him, letting him know that a toddler wasn't breathing. GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County Police officer and an off-duty nurse are being hailed as heroes after body camera video captured the moment they performed CPR on a toddler who had stopped breathing, saving the child’s life. Officer Mondesir was seen on body cam footage in a hard-to-watch scene.  On Aug. 17, Mondesir was parked and working on a report from an earlier call when someone approached him, letting him know that a toddler wasn't breathing.  Police said the officer did not hesitate and ran to help. Bodycam footage showed a group of people surrounding the toddler when Mondesir took the 18-month-old into his arms and began CPR for seven minutes. An unidentified off-duty nurse also acted "quickly and bravely," stepping in to save the child.  The child was taken to the hospital, where he survived. The toddler might have been having an allergic reaction.  After saving the child, Mondesir appeared to be shaken up in the body cam footage.  "I didn't expect that… I didn't expect that to take a toll like that," the officer said.  It's not the first time Mondesir swooped in to help someone. Mondesir won the lifesaving award in 2022 for applying a tourniquet to a woman's leg after she was hit by a car, saving her leg and her life.  The doctor who treated the toddler credited the quick response from the officers and the nurse for saving the child. The Gwinnett County Police Department said in a social media post that "their actions exemplify the essence of being a first responder." You can watch part of the heroic scene play out below > > [embedded content]

Armani's work spanned the worlds of celebrity, fashion and power. WASHINGTON — Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani's work spanned the worlds of celebrity, fashion and power. His death announced Thursday at age 91 has elicited an outpouring of tributes. Ralph Lauren “I have always had the deepest respect and admiration for Giorgio Armani, not only as a designer who never strayed from his vision, but as a man who loved his family and friends, and his homeland in such a special way. Though he was an icon of the world of fashion, he lived with great humility and a love of living that inspired the way he worked and the way he lived. He created a world reflecting all the things he loved with a foreverness that will be his legacy.” — the American designer, in a statement to The Associated Press. Anna Wintour “Giorgio Armani had such a clear force of personality and vision that you knew his work instantly, wherever you found it. He understood power and attitude and elegance as well as anyone ever has in fashion, and he understood women too: how they wanted to dress and what message they wanted to send as they asserted themselves through his rise in the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond. He also never confined himself to one field or one discipline, and understood that fashion can’t exist in a silo. For him fashion wasn’t one thing: It was also film, music, sport, art, design, and architecture, and he left his mark in all these worlds—and everywhere he went.” — the chief content officer for Condé Nast, in a statement. Donatella Versace “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.” — the Italian fashion designer, on Instagram. Julia Roberts “A true friend. A Legend.” —- the actor, adding a broken heart emoji, on Instagram. Morgan Freeman “On screen and off, in quiet moments and on the grandest stages, I have had the honor of wearing Armani. Today, we remember a man whose genius touched many lives and whose legacy of grace and timeless style will endure.” — the actor, in a statement. Charles Leclerc “A great honour to have had the chance to meet and work with such an amazing person. You will be missed Giorgio.” — the Ferrari F1 driver and an Armani ambassador, on Instagram. Giorgia Meloni “Giorgio Armani leaves us at 91 years old. With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.” — the Italian prime minister, across her social media accounts and originally posted in Italian. Victoria Beckham “The fashion world has lost a true legend in Giorgio Armani — a visionary designer whose legacy will live on forever. I feel honoured to have called him a friend.” — the English fashion designer and former Spice Girl, on Instagram. Russell Crowe “Giorgio. 1997 at the Cannes film festival, after my bag was lost in transit, LA Confidential producer Arnon Milchan sent me to the Armani store with a credit card to get a suit for the premiere. That began a love affair with Armani suits that continues to this day. Mr. Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture. His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe. I adored him. He was so kind. So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon… all in Armani. I have been looking forward to seeing him, plans were in place for Milan at the end of this month. Alas… What a life he had, from his beginnings to his glory.” — the actor, on X. Samuel L. Jackson “Thank you, Mr. Giorgio Armani, for your countless years of friendship, collaboration and dedication to your visionary craft. May God bless you as you are welcomed into eternal peace.” — the actor, on Instagram. Valentino Garavani “I mourn someone I have always considered a friend, never a rival. I can only bow to his immense talent, to the changes he brought to fashion, and above all, to his unwavering loyalty to one style: his own.” — the Italian designer behind Valentino, on Instagram. Cindy Crawford “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of a legend. A true master of his craft.” — the supermodel, on Instagram. Diane Von Furstenberg “Goodbye and rest in peace. Caro Giorgio! You have touched so many people with your elegance and will continue to inspire forever.” — the Belgian designer, on Instagram. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Blue Bell just unveiled its new Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream — brown sugar ice cream with pecans, pie crust, and pecan pie filling swirls. BRENHAM, Texas — Just in time for dessert lovers, Blue Bell is rolling out a brand-new flavor inspired by a Texas favorite. Starting Thursday, Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream is hitting freezer aisles across the company’s distribution area. The new flavor features rich brown sugar ice cream blended with roasted pecans, flaky pie crust pieces, and swirls of pecan pie filling. “Our new flavor combines your favorite ice cream with everything you enjoy in a pecan pie,” said John Neal Robinson, general sales manager for Blue Bell. “Pecans, pie crust pieces, and yes, even a pecan pie filling swirl, all surrounded by a brown sugar ice cream — did we miss anything? There is no need for pie and ice cream when you can now have both in a carton of our Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream”. A nod to Texas tradition Pecan pie, the official state pie of Texas, inspired the new release. “At Blue Bell, we know how to make great-tasting ice cream. And being a Texas-based company, we understand what it takes to be a prize-winning pecan pie. Our Classic Pecan Pie is sure to become your new favorite dessert,” Robinson said. Classic Pecan Pie Ice Cream will be sold in half-gallon and pint sizes for a limited time. A fan favorite returns Alongside the new flavor, Blue Bell has also brought back Homemade in the Shade Ice Cream after a decade-long hiatus. The treat combines Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with a swirl of rich chocolate fudge sauce. It is available in both pint and half-gallon sizes. Got a news tip or story idea? Text it to us at 713-526-1111.