Seattle Now Tuesday Evening Headlines
Mar 17, 2026
A roundup of breaking local headlines, from a juvenile arrest in the Rainier Beach killings to federal orders keeping a coal plant open. They cover heated political moves in Washington and a surprising surge in bridge costs. Scientists unravel the mystery of three transient orcas moving through busy Puget Sound waters.
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Arrest In Rainier Beach Students' Murder Prompts Community Questions
- Seattle police arrested a juvenile male in the January killing of Rainier Beach students Tyjon Stewart and Treve Hoffmuse, noting the suspect wasn't a Rainier Beach student.
- Community members criticized reduced police presence after a mobile precinct was removed for mechanical issues.
Controversial Voting Bill Sparks Democracy Concerns
- The Senate debated a voting bill requiring in-person proof of citizenship and photocopies of IDs for mail ballots, framed by supporters as election security.
- Senator Maria Cantwell warned such measures undermine free and fair elections and democracy's legitimacy.
Federal Order Keeps Centralia Coal Plant Running
- The federal government ordered the TransAlta Centralia coal plant to remain open for 90 more days despite Washington law requiring its shutdown.
- The plant is the state's largest emitter of CO2, SO2, and mercury and would face taxes and costly carbon permits if it resumes burning coal.