Thursday, December 4, 2025

Local News

Washington state commissioner killed in Kirkland Grocery Outlet crash

A 74-year-old woman drove through the store, killing Sheila Stanton, a well known community volunteer. KIRKLAND, Wash — A beloved community figure is being remembered after a car crashed into a Kirkland Grocery Outlet on Sunday, killing her and injury three others. Kirkland police say the driver, a 74-year-old woman, smashed through the store’s front entrance at the Bridle Trails Shopping center before 2 p.m. Investigators are still working to determine the cause. RELATED: 1 dead, 3 injured after car crash into Kirkland Grocery Outlet The driver, who was among the injured, is not being detained at this time. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and awaiting the results of her blood tests. Two other people – a mother and her child – were also hurt. All three injured individuals, including the driver, are expected to recover from non-life-threatening injuries. The woman killed in the crash has been identified as Sheila Stanton, a fixture in Kirkland’s volunteer community. She was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she hosted a monthly community dinner to the hungry in partnership with a Muslim community group. “Initially, we thought she had just been badly injured,” said Michael Ryan, a priest at St John’s. “It was a gut punch for me, for everyone. Everyone in this community.” “Sheila would’ve been the first person to reach out to the elderly woman who hit her, just to see if she was doing okay. That’s the kind of person she was,” he said. Sheila also belonged to the Kirkland Eagles, a volunteer-focused club. “If the dictionary had a picture of what a ray of sunshine looks like, Sheila’s picture would be there. She’s just happy all the time, always smiling. If you know her, you totally get it,” a Lisa La Fontaine, a friend and Kirkland Eagles member, said. Professionally, Sheila was a bailiff and served as a commissioner with the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs, a role to which she was reappointed to in January. She lived in Kirkland for 35 years. “She is a community leader in every sense of the word,” Ryan said. The Grocery Outlet remains closed indefinitely as crews repair damage and investigators continued their work.

Clash on, off the pitch overshadows Sounders win over Inter Miami

Seattle Sounders' historic win over Inter Miami was marred by brawls on the pitch and fan fights in the streets. SEATTLE — What should have been a night of celebration for the Seattle Sounders ended with brawls on the pitch and clashes in the streets, overshadowing a historic win at Lumen Field. More than 69,000 fans filled Lumen Field Sunday as the Sounders hosted Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup championship. The match carried extra buzz with soccer superstar Lionel Messi in town.  On the field, Seattle dominated, beating Miami 3–0 and becoming the only MLS club to win every major North American trophy. But minutes after the final whistle, attention shifted to pushing and shoving that escalated into a brawl between players. Another fight broke out among fans outside the stadium. Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said the behavior took away from what should have been a moment of pride. “Unfortunately, that is going to take some of the attention away from what was a great Sounder performance,” Schmetzer said. “So I can take that as a compliment, that their players were frustrated, and frustrations led to some things that shouldn't happen on the field. But that shouldn't be the story.” In the stands and outside the stadium, fans expressed similar frustration. Video posted to social media shows dozens of people scrapping in the street, at one point hurling a garbage can and a traffic cone. Seattle police said they are aware of the video but, as of Monday afternoon, no police reports were filed. For many, the night was supposed to be about seeing Messi play in Seattle as an Inter Miami player for the first time. The Dominguez family drove three hours from Oregon to be there. “And then next thing you know, I see the huge crowd of players start grabbing each other, fighting,” Pablo Dominguez said. His sister, Ailene Dominguez, said the fighting was out of place at an MLS match. “I don't think it should get to the point where everyone should start fighting,” she said. “Yeah, you could love a team, real nice. But I don't think it's that deep to go fight with someone else and get all brawly and everything.” Outside, Arely Sainz of Oregon described tensions rising after the final whistle. “They were just kind of yelling back and forth at each other, and then security got called, got pulled, and then everyone was just saying, bye, bye,” she said. Others echoed the same sentiment. CJ, a fan from Seattle, said the outbursts crossed the line of what sports should represent. “I think it's crazy that people get so worked up over a game,” CJ said. “It's supposed to be about competing and friendly rivalry, and you shake hands before the game and after. That’s what they teach you when you’re little.” Schmetzer said he sought out Messi after the match to apologize directly. “Afterwards, I had a quiet moment with Messi on the field, and I said, ‘Lo siento,’” he said. “And we tried to push it aside.” The Leagues Cup organizing committee is investigating and players could face fines or suspensions. For fans, the incident served as an early glimpse of the intensity expected when Seattle hosts World Cup matches in 2026.

Olympia woman says husband was held by ICE for ‘no reason’

Max Londonio, a green-card holder, was arrested at Sea-Tac in May and held in detention for two months. TACOMA, Wash. — Crystal Londonio says federal officials held her husband for two months, and the family is not sure why. In May she said agents took Maximo Londonio into custody after he arrived at Sea-Tac after a flight from the Philippines.  He was released two months later, without an explanation from the federal government, Crystal Londonio said at a Labor Day Rally in front of the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. She was one of several speakers critical of the facility and its policies. Crystal Londonio said her husband described the living conditions as "inhumane." The passionate crowd included family members of detainees who say they have not been told why their loved ones are being held, how long they will remain detained, or whether they face deportation. Protesters raised serious concerns about conditions inside the facility, claiming detainees are not receiving proper food or medical care. "A lack of compassion, a lack of care when it comes to necessities, basic needs, you know good water. Quality water," Crystal Londonio said. According to Londonio's wife, her husband has a green card and has lived in the United States for 30 years, yet they were not informed why he was taken into custody. She said her husband has a criminal conviction from more than 20 years ago, but does not have any outstanding warrants or crimes. During the rally, which organizers said brought out more than 800 people, family members of detainees expressed frustration about being kept in the dark regarding their loved ones' legal status and detention timeline, while also raising questions about basic living conditions within the facility. Federal authorities were contacted for a response to the claims made during the protest, but had not responded by the time of reporting.

A House committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case has withdrawn a subpoena to Robert Mueller

The New York Times reported Mueller was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the summer of 2021 and has had difficulty speaking. WASHINGTON — A House committee investigating the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case has withdrawn a subpoena to former FBI Director Robert Mueller, citing the state of his health. The House Oversight Committee last month scheduled Mueller to appear Tuesday for a deposition, but the subpoena was withdrawn after the panel learned of unspecified health issues that precluded him from being able to testify, according to a committee statement. The New York Times, citing a statement from Mueller's family and people close to him, reported Sunday night that Mueller had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the summer of 2021 and has had difficulty speaking. Mueller was appointed FBI director in 2001 by then-President George W. Bush and shepherded the bureau's evolution into a national security and intelligence-gathering agency. He held the job for more than a decade, resigning in 2013. In 2017, he was tapped by the Justice Department to serve as special counsel in charge of the investigation into potential coordination between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia. His team over the course of the next two years revealed efforts by Russian operatives to interfere in the election on Trump's behalf, and secured criminal charges and convictions against multiple Trump associates. But it did not find sufficient evidence to prove an illegal conspiracy between Moscow and the campaign to sway the election. Mueller has rarely spoken about the investigation since its conclusion but did testify before Congress in July 2019, an appearance that drew attention because of the sometimes stilted and halting manner of his testimony. Last month, Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, issued subpoenas to Mueller and more than a half dozen other former law enforcement and government officials for testimony about the years-long investigation into Epstein, whose August 2019 death following his arrest on sex trafficking charges was determined to have been a suicide. Mueller was FBI director during an earlier Justice Department investigation of Epstein that resulted in a non-prosecution agreement that allowed the wealthy financier to plead guilty to state charges in Florida. It was not clear whether Mueller would have any knowledge or details about how that agreement came to be. Parkinson’s is a neurologic disease that robs people of control over their movements. It typically starts with tremors and is characterized by slow movement, a shuffling gait, stiff limbs, balance problems and slurred speech. Though there is no cure, there are treatments. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Hundreds attend ‘Workers over Billionaires’ protest on Labor Day in Seattle

Seattle Central College hosted a Labor Day protest, advocating for workers' rights and social justice under the 'Workers over Billionaires' initiative. SEATTLE — While many spent Labor Day enjoying time off, hundreds of people gathered at Seattle Central College on Monday to raise their voices for workers’ rights and social justice as part of a nationwide protest dubbed “Workers over Billionaires." The local event was organized by Capitol Hill Pride, a nonprofit group that advocates for diversity and community support. Director Charlette Lefevre said the gathering highlighted solidarity with unions, working families and marginalized groups. “I can’t think of a better place to be, supporting our laborers, unions, our working families,” LeFevre said. After rallying on campus, participants marched about half a mile to the Mexican Consulate before returning to the college. Organizers called on government leaders to stop targeting vulnerable communities and to focus resources on strengthening neighborhoods instead of funding wars. "We get to show the community that may not be able to even come out or are fearful in public, that there are neighbors, there are neighbors and there are friends who want to stand up and support," said LeFevre. The demonstration drew support from Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, who told attendees that his office is committed to protecting civil rights, health care and the integrity of transgender communities. "We're fighting for things like civil rights, health care, for the sanctity and identity and integrity for people who are transgendered. We are also fighting to protect money that was guaranteed to the state of Washington." Since taking office eight months ago, Brown has filed 37 lawsuits against the Trump administration. From what the KING 5 crew saw, the four-hour demonstration remained peaceful. Organizers emphasized that community action — no matter how small — can create meaningful change. “The smallest sign and even the smallest individual effort can have a huge impact,” LeFevre said.

Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene dies at 73

Greene's big break came when Kevin Costner cast him as Kicking Bird in the 1990 Western "Dances with Wolves," for which he earned an Oscar nomination. TORONTO, ON — Graham Greene, the trailblazing Canadian First Nations actor whose Oscar-nominated performance in "Dances with Wolves" helped open doors for Indigenous actors in Hollywood, died Monday in a Toronto hospital after a long illness. He was 73. Greene's agent Michael Greene confirmed the death to Deadline and other outlets, calling him "a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed." Born June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene worked various jobs before pursuing acting. He began performing in Canadian and English theater productions in the 1970s and made his screen debut in 1979 on the Canadian series "The Great Detective." Greene's breakthrough came when Kevin Costner cast him as Kicking Bird in the 1990 Western "Dances with Wolves." The role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film received 12 Oscar nominations and won seven, including Best Picture. Following his breakout performance, Greene appeared in numerous high-profile films including "Maverick" (1994), "Die Hard with a Vengeance" (1995), "The Green Mile" (1999), "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" (2009) and "Wind River" (2017). Greene's "Longmire" and "Wolf Lake" co-star Lou Diamond Phillips called him an "actor's actor" in a tribute on social media. "One of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known. Iconic and Legendary. RIP, My Brother," he wrote in a post on X.  Heartbroken. Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Greene at only 73.From Wolf Lake to Longmire, we had a beautiful friendship.An Actor’s Actor. One of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known. Iconic and Legendary. RIP, My Brother. pic.twitter.com/lJA0dKEoxz— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) September 1, 2025 Greene also had roles in "Thunderheart" (1992), "Transamerica" (2005) and Taylor Sheridan's Paramount+ series "1883" and "Tulsa King." His television credits included series regular roles on "Wolf Lake," "Defiance" and Marvel's "Echo," plus recurring parts on "Northern Exposure," "Longmire" and "American Gods." In addition to his Oscar nomination, Greene won Grammy, Gemini and Canadian Screen awards. He received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame and this year was honored with the Governor General's Performing Arts Award. One of Greene's final roles was on FX's "Reservation Dogs," which continued his legacy of breaking barriers for Indigenous talent in Hollywood. Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore; daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene; and grandson Tarlo.

Gordon Ramsay reveals recent skin cancer diagnosis

The "Hell's Kitchen" host shared details of his health diagnosis on Aug. 30 after he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from the side of his face. WASHINGTON — Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay revealed his recent skin cancer diagnosis on social media.  The "Hell's Kitchen" host shared details of his health diagnosis on Aug. 30 after he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from the side of his face. The 58-year-old chef posted two photos of the aftermath of his surgery, one showing a bandage on the side of his face and the other showing stitching below his earlobe.  "Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this Basal Cell Carcinoma thank you ! Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend ❤️I promise you it’s not a face lift! I’d need a refund…….😜," Ramsay said on his Instagram.  Ramsay's family showed support online, with his daughter Holly commenting "Love you dad." What is basal cell carcinoma? Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and the most curable form. It's considered highly treatable, especially when caught early. It is a slow-growing cancer that usually is confined to the surface of skin — doctors almost always can remove it all with a shallow incision — and seldom causes serious complications or becomes life-threatening. Skin cancer typically develops on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and on the legs, the Mayo Clinic says. It can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day, such as the palms, beneath fingernails or toenails, and in the genital area.

Here’s when western Washington will see peak fall colors

The main factors that impact the vibrancy of fall colors are the leaf pigments, the declining intensity of sunlight leading to fall, and other weather factors. WASHINGTON, USA — With the beginning of September comes the start of meteorological fall. Though seasonal fall doesn't arrive until later this month, many are already getting into the spirit.  One of the most highly anticipated changes of the season ahead comes with the changing of the leaves. When can we expect to see peak colorful foliage around western Washington?  According to smokymountains.com, which issues an annual fall foliage prediction map, here's when counties around western Washington are expected to reach their peak colors:  Whatcom, Skagit, Clallam, Thurston, Yakima: Around Oct. 7Chelan, Kittitas: Around Oct. 14King, Pierce, Snohomish, Jefferson, Mason, Gray's Harbor, Kitsap, Pacific, Lewis, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania: Around Oct. 21.  This is around the same time that fall foliage peaked in 2024.  Smoky Mountains uses data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including historical and forecasted temperature and precipitation, historical leaf peak trends and more to anticipate when peak fall colors will arrive.  Key factors impacting fall colors The fall foliage is all thanks to photosynthesis and chlorophyll. A leaf's transition from green to red depends on the quantity of chlorophyll, which is driven by weather conditions. As chlorophyll reduces in a leaf, other compounds emerge, such as carotenoids (oranges) and anthocyanins (reds), and flavanols (yellows). The main factors that impact the vibrancy of fall colors are the kind of pigment in each plant species, the declining intensity of sunlight leading to fall, and the weather, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Temperature and moisture are the main factors.  The best weather pattern for the brightest possible fall colors is a series of warm, sunny days and cool nights that aren't freezing. A late spring or severe summer drought can delay the onset of fall colors by a few weeks. Meanwhile, rainy and windy weather can knock leaves down prematurely, which could shorten the color display at its peak. Summer drought conditions can also stress trees, causing them to lose their leaves or start color production prematurely, Harvard Forest, Harvard University’s 4,000-acre laboratory and classroom, says. Moisture also plays a role in the vibrancy of fall colors. Adequate summer rains promote good tree health and leaf retention, likely leading to a better display of fall colors, according to Harvard Forest. Places to see the fall colors around western Washington 1. Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway in Bellingham2. Stevens Pass Greenway3. Chinook Scenic Byway through Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park

Trump says he’s awarding former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Trump in a statement on social media called Giuliani the “greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.” WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Monday he will award former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, two days after his longtime political ally was seriously injured in a car crash. The decision places the award on a man once lauded for leading New York after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and later sanctioned by courts and disbarred for amplifying false claims about the 2020 election. Giuliani was also criminally charged in two states; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump in a statement on social media called Giuliani the “greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.” For much of the past two decades, Giuliani’s public life has been defined by a striking rise and fall. After leading New York through the aftermath of Sept. 11, he mounted a brief campaign for the Republican presidential nomination and became one of the most recognizable political figures in the country. But as Trump’s personal lawyer, he became a central figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Courts repeatedly rejected the fraud claims he advanced, and two former Georgia election workers won a $148 million defamation judgment against him. The election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, said Giuliani's efforts to promote Trump’s lies about the election being stolen led to death threats that made them fear for their lives. Giuliani was disbarred in New York and Washington for repeatedly making false statements about the election, and he was criminally charged in Georgia and Arizona in connection with efforts to undo Trump’s loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized after the Saturday night collision in New Hampshire. State police said he was a passenger in a rented Ford Bronco driven by his spokesperson, Ted Goodman, when the vehicle was struck from behind by a Honda HR-V. Giuliani suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra along with multiple lacerations, contusions and injuries to his left arm and leg, according to his security chief, Michael Ragusa. On Monday, Ragusa said Giuliani remained in the hospital but was expected to be released “soon.” The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Nestlé dismisses CEO due to an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate

Laurent Freixe, who had been CEO for a year, will be replaced by Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive. WASHINGTON — Swiss food giant Nestlé said Monday it dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe due to an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. The maker of Nescafé drinks and Purina pet food said in a statement the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found the undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate violated Nestlé’s code of conduct. Freixe, who had been CEO for a year, will be replaced by Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive. “This was a necessary decision," said Chairman Paul Bulcke. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company.” Navratil started his career with Nestlé in 2001 as an internal auditor and served in a variety of roles in Central America. In 2020, he joined Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, and in 2024, he became CEO of Nestlé's Nespresso division. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     
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JBLM soldier sentenced for sexually assaulting college student in barracks

A military judge sentenced Pvt. Deron Gordon to over six years in prison for sexually assaulting a college student. JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier who sexually assaulted a college student in the barracks in 2024 was sentenced to more than six years in prison Friday. A military judge sentenced Pvt. Deron Gordon, 20, to six years and three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one specification each of sexual assault, abusive sexual contact and as a principal to indecent recording. Gordon was previously charged with additional crimes, but those were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Gordon is one of four soldiers who were charged in in connection to the sexual assault of a college student, who is now a commissioned Army officer, in October 2024. When Gordon pleaded guilty, he said that he and another soldier followed the college student into a bedroom after she had been drinking with them. He said she was unstable walking into the room and when they went inside she was on the bed and not responsive. Gordon said he and the other soldier each proceeded to have sex with her and they filmed each other sexually assaulting her on Snapchat. As part of his sentencing, Gordon will be reduced in rank to E-1 and dishonorably discharged from the Army. Gordon will serve the remainder of his sentencing at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Once he is released, Gordon must register as a sex offender. The three other soldiers who were charged in the incident are at different points in the legal process, and their cases are being treated separately. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Additional resources are available on the Washington State Department of Health's website. KING 5’s Conner Board contributed to this report. 
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