News

Washington News Wrap covers a diverse array of news around the Pacific Northwest.

FOX 13 is Seattle and Western Washington’s source for breaking news, weather, traffic and sports.

Seattle transportation agencies are preparing for 750,000 World Cup visitors by pausing construction. The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Seattle Department of Transportation are implementing a massive plan that includes pedestrian-only zones, increased transit options, and new bicycle routes. Officials are urging commuters to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during the tournament.

As the 39-day FIFA World Cup tournament officially begins, the Space Needle has transformed into a giant soccer ball, Seattle Stadium has been named a top five venue by USA Today, and a massive fan party has taken over an Elliott Bay barge

Renton police are debuting brand new high-tech gear to keep tourists safe during the World Cup. A new drone trailer will enforce a one-mile no-fly zone around the Belgian national team's base camp, while body cameras will allow officers to instantly translate 56 different languages.

North Seattle neighbors are calling Aurora Avenue a war zone due to rampant crime and sex trafficking. In response to resident pleas, city leaders have promised to introduce road closures, bicycle officers, and targeted prosecutions within the next two weeks. However, many residents remain skeptical that these long-awaited measures will effectively restore public safety. 

The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks concluded their mandatory minicamp in Renton today before receiving their championship rings in a highly anticipated private ceremony.

The deaths of 10 workers at a Longview paper mill have been ruled an accident by medical examiners. The victims died from alkaline chemical burns after an implosion at the Nippon Dyna Way facility. Decontamination efforts at the site are currently about 23% complete.

Fans packed Seattle Center today for the first World Cup match, where Mexico defeated South Africa. The event featured a vibrant parade, loud fans, and a strong sense of global camaraderie. Celebrations are expected to continue with more matches coming up.

A 23-year-old murder suspect is being held on a $10 million bail after allegedly shooting a man in Kent and later leading police on a 100 mile per hour chase that killed a teenage witness and a 4-year-old.  

Pierce Transit is launching the fare-free Fan Zone Express on June 12 to bring fans directly to local Summer of Soccer watching parties. Accessible buses will run a continuous loop every 15 minutes from the Tacoma Dome Station and parking lots. Note that service will briefly pause on opening night for a celebration parade.

On this week's episode of Seattle News Weekly, FOX 13's Erin Mayovsky is joined by FOX 13 reporter Shawn Chitnis to take a closer look at the alleged human trafficking happening at a home in Bellevue. While a suspect has been charged, the community claims it's just the tip of the iceberg. The two also go more in-depth on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is now officially underway. Erin revisits a conversation she had with a member of the 1994 U.S. men's national team while Shawn offers his insight into the different ways a number of different cultures will be on full display over the next month, not only in Seattle, but across North America.