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Articles by Lauren Donovan
Sea serpent or something else? Revisiting Whidbey Island, WA’s 1958 mystery
Published October 22, 2026 7:00 PM PDT The mystery of the Deception Pass sea monster Back in the 1950s, the Loch Ness Monster was competing with another mythical beast lurking in the Puget Sound. WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. - Forget the monster under your bed this Halloween. What about the one once said to be lurking beneath the waters near Deception Pass? Reports of a sea serpent made headlines across Washington in the 1950s.
If 'The Big One' hits, can Washington get help where it’s needed? Original
If a powerful earthquake and tsunami cuts off roads, knocks out communications and devastates Washington communities, how would responders get medical supplies to people who need them? That question is driving a two-day statewide exercise led by the Washington State Department of Health. The drill brings together state, tribal, local and federal agencies to test their response to a catastrophic Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami.
If 'The Big One' hits, can Washington get help where it’s needed?
Washington emergency responders are conducting a two-day drill simulating a magnitude 9.0 Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. The exercise tests how agencies would deliver critical medical supplies despite damaged roads and disrupted communications. Mobile command vehicles equipped with satellite internet and backup power are being tested to support disaster response efforts. LACEY, Wash.
Removal of Seattle ‘graffiti ship’ could cost $600K–$800K Original
A graffiti-covered ship that has drawn visitors and raised safety concerns in Ballard could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to remove, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The department plans to take custody of the Albert, known as the "graffiti ship," on Thursday, Oct. 22. Its removal would likely come toward the end of November, according to DNR.
Removal of Seattle ‘graffiti ship’ could cost $600K–$800K
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources plans to take custody of the "graffiti ship" Albert on Oct. 22, with removal from Ballard estimated to cost $600,000 to $800,000 by late November. Despite attracting visitors and social media attention, the vessel poses safety risks from unauthorized boarding and has remained at the public dock for years amid past jurisdictional limits and legal disputes.
Aftershocks follow 4.2-magnitude earthquake near Gig Harbor, WA
The Brief Seismologists reviewing Washington's largest earthquake of the year—a magnitude 4.2 quake 18 miles underground near Gig Harbor—determined it occurred beneath the Tacoma Fault and was followed by at least four unfelt aftershocks. Phone alerts were not broadcast because the earthquake fell below the magnitude 5 threshold required for automated public alerts. Officials are using the recent shaking to urge participation in the upcoming Great ShakeOut drill on Oct.
Aftershocks follow 4.2-magnitude earthquake near Gig Harbor, WA Original
Aftershocks follow 4.2 earthquake near Gig Harbor Roughly 10,000 Washingtonians reported feeling a 4.2 magnitude earthquake that struck near Gig Harbor two weeks ago. But at least four aftershocks followed, though they were too small to feel. A magnitude 4.2 earthquake in Gig Harbor prompted roughly 10,000 Washingtonians to report feeling the shaking.
Aftershocks follow 4.2-magnitude earthquake near Gig Harbor, WA
Seismologists reviewing Washington's largest earthquake of the year—a magnitude 4.2 quake 18 miles underground near Gig Harbor—determined it occurred beneath the Tacoma Fault and was followed by at least four unfelt aftershocks. Phone alerts were not broadcast because the earthquake fell below the magnitude 5 threshold required for automated public alerts. Officials are using the recent shaking to urge participation in the upcoming Great ShakeOut drill on Oct.
Problems growing with 'Larch Madness' in WA's North Cascades
The Brief Every autumn, larch trees in the North Cascades briefly turn golden, drawing global crowds of hikers for a phenomenon known as "Larch Madness." The surge in visitors has led to severe parking shortages along Highway 20, causing safety hazards from vehicles parked along the narrow shoulders and pedestrians walking near traffic.
Problems growing with ‘Larch Madness’ in WA's North Cascades
'Larch Madness' creates parking concerns across Washington highway 'Larch Madness' is drawing hikers from around the world to Washington's North Cascades to see the changing colors. But the fall spectacle is also creating some safety concerns along Highway 20. It's a gold rush in the North Cascades, where a fleeting fall spectacle is drawing hikers from around the world. Every autumn, larch trees turn brilliant shades of gold, creating a stunning display that lasts just a matter of days.
Problems growing with ‘Larch Madness’ in WA's North Cascades
Published October 12, 2026 5:06 PM PDT 'Larch Madness' creates parking concerns across Washington highway 'Larch Madness' is drawing hikers from around the world to Washington's North Cascades to see the changing colors. But the fall spectacle is also creating some safety concerns along Highway 20. MAZAMA, Wash. - It's a gold rush in the North Cascades, where a fleeting fall spectacle is drawing hikers from around the world.
Problems growing with ‘Larch Madness’ in WA's North Cascades
Every autumn, larch trees in the North Cascades briefly turn golden, drawing global crowds of hikers for a phenomenon known as "Larch Madness." The surge in visitors has led to severe parking shortages along Highway 20, causing safety hazards from vehicles parked along the narrow shoulders and pedestrians walking near traffic.
Séances, scandal and spirits: When Seattle was swept up in a spiritualism craze
The Brief In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spiritualism was a popular movement in Seattle, drawing early prominent pioneers like Henry and Sarah Yesler to conduct séances in hopes of connecting with their deceased teenage son. The Yeslers were guided by astrologer William Henry Chaney, who was suspected of exploiting followers for money and who also fathered author Jack London after the couple introduced him to a friend.
Séances, scandal and spirits: When Seattle was swept up in a spiritualism craze Original
Spooky Seattle: The Emerald City's history with spiritualism More than a century ago, spiritualism was all the rage in parts of Seattle. FOX 13's Lauren Donovan takes a look back at when the Emerald City was just as fascinated with the afterlife as it was with the future. Long before Halloween became synonymous with ghosts and the supernatural, some of Seattle's most prominent pioneers were fascinated by the possibility of communicating with the dead.
Seattle SuperSonics time capsule hidden since 2008 finally opening; what's inside?
The Brief Seattle's Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is preparing to open its new "Sonic Boom" exhibit next March, displaying a portion of its 5,000-piece collection of Seattle SuperSonics jerseys, banners, and artifacts stored since the team left in 2008. Former Seattle Times sportswriter Glenn Nelson is serving as a curator for the exhibit, drawing on his personal history as a lifelong fan and 17-year Sonics reporter to help organize the preserved memorabilia.
Seattle SuperSonics time capsule hidden since 2008 finally opens; What's inside? Original
When the Seattle SuperSonics left town in 2008, thousands of pieces of the team’s history stayed behind. About 5,000 pieces of Sonics memorabilia, including jerseys, banners, trophies and other artifacts have been stored at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry in the years since. Now, some of that collection is coming back into view as preparations get underway for MOHAI’s new "Sonic Boom" exhibit, set to open next March.
Seattle SuperSonics time capsule hidden since 2008 finally opening; What's inside?
The Brief Seattle's Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is preparing to open its new "Sonic Boom" exhibit next March, displaying a portion of its 5,000-piece collection of Seattle SuperSonics jerseys, banners, and artifacts stored since the team left in 2008. Former Seattle Times sportswriter Glenn Nelson is serving as a curator for the exhibit, drawing on his personal history as a lifelong fan and 17-year Sonics reporter to help organize the preserved memorabilia.
Before fighting to save salmon, WA had mountains of wasted fish
The Brief Over 100 years ago, Washington's booming cannery industry discarded millions of pounds of salmon annually under the false belief that the resource was inexhaustible. The historical overharvesting laid the groundwork for today's steep decline in wild salmon populations, now requiring millions of state dollars to mitigate through hatcheries. Overfishing is not the sole factor; environmental threats like dams, logging, and urban runoff continue to complicate modern recovery efforts.
Before fighting to save salmon, WA had mountains of wasted fish Original
Washington now spends millions of dollars trying to save salmon. But over 100 years ago, the state discarded an estimated 7 million pounds in a single year. Today, returning salmon draw crowds to places like Issaquah Creek. Hatcheries work to sustain chinook and coho runs, but those efforts have roots in a darker chapter of the region’s history. By the late 1800s, the fishing industry had expanded dramatically.
Before fighting to save salmon, WA had mountains of wasted fish
Over 100 years ago, Washington's booming cannery industry discarded millions of pounds of salmon annually under the false belief that the resource was inexhaustible. The historical overharvesting laid the groundwork for today's steep decline in wild salmon populations, now requiring millions of state dollars to mitigate through hatcheries. Overfishing is not the sole factor; environmental threats like dams, logging, and urban runoff continue to complicate modern recovery efforts.
Washington could see best coho return in 20 years
The Brief The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is currently in the middle of egg-taking season with a target of 3.4 million Chinook eggs, but an unusually high ratio of smaller males is making it difficult for workers to find enough ripe females. The Chinook completed a challenging journey through the Ballard Locks, Lake Washington, and warm summer waters to return to Issaquah Creek to spawn and die.
Washington could see best coho return in 20 years
Salmon are once again filling Issaquah Creek, drawing crowds as the annual spawning season gets underway. But this year’s return is shaping up to be a tale of two species. Chinook have already arrived in large numbers, though an unusual male-to-female ratio could make it harder for hatchery workers to meet their egg collection goal. Coho, meanwhile, have been slower to reach the creek.
Washington could see best coho return in 20 years
The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is currently in the middle of egg-taking season with a target of 3.4 million Chinook eggs, but an unusually high ratio of smaller males is making it difficult for workers to find enough ripe females. The Chinook completed a challenging journey through the Ballard Locks, Lake Washington, and warm summer waters to return to Issaquah Creek to spawn and die.
Washington's shakiest decade: Four earthquakes in 10 years left a deadly toll
The Brief Scientists warn that a major earthquake on the Seattle Fault—running directly beneath the region—could immediately trigger a tsunami up to 33 feet high in Elliott Bay, giving waterfront residents little to no warning to reach higher ground. Historical precedent shows Washington's seismic activity can cluster, such as four notable earthquakes between 1939 and 1949, though experts emphasize that major earthquakes do not occur on a predictable timetable.
Washington’s shakiest decade: Four earthquakes in 10 years left a deadly toll Original
A look back at Seattle's long history with earthquakes As a 4.2 magnitude earthquake had many in the greater Seattle area chirping on social media, a major discussion is happening at DNR over a major Seattle fault earthquake. A major earthquake on the Seattle Fault could send a tsunami as high as 33 feet into Elliott Bay, a potentially devastating scenario that has renewed interest online in Washington's earthquake risk.
What killed all the fish under the I-90 floating bridge? What we know
The Brief Diver Travis Eiler discovered piles of dead, decaying salmon and other fish 80 feet below Lake Washington directly beneath anode strings used to prevent bridge corrosion. Sound Transit responded by lifting the anode cables off the lakebed, noting that subsequent diver inspections showed no new signs of dead fish.
What killed all the fish under the I-90 floating bridge? What we know Original
Environmental concerns over I-90 floating bridge A month after a stunning discovery at the bottom of Lake Washington, questions are building over a massive fish kill under the I-90 floating bridge. Dead salmon and other fish discovered beneath the I-90 floating bridge in Lake Washington have prompted an investigation into what killed them and whether equipment designed to protect the bridge from corrosion played a role.
What killed all the fish under the I-90 floating bridge? What we know
Diver Travis Eiler discovered piles of dead, decaying salmon and other fish 80 feet below Lake Washington directly beneath anode strings used to prevent bridge corrosion. Sound Transit responded by lifting the anode cables off the lakebed, noting that subsequent diver inspections showed no new signs of dead fish.
Two gun violence plans, one debate: What's dividing Seattle City Hall
The Brief Councilmember Maritza Rivera is pushing a two-year, $418,000 "focused deterrence" proposal to curb gun violence by using police warnings alongside supportive services for roughly 900 targeted individuals. Mayor Katie Wilson prefers a strategy centered on community-based violence interrupters, leading to a debate over how heavily the city should rely on law enforcement versus community outreach.
Two gun violence plans, one debate: What’s dividing Seattle City Hall Original
Seattle leaders agree the city needs to do more to address gun violence. The fight at City Hall is over what that should look like and how much of a role police should play. Councilmember Maritza Rivera is pushing a two-year, $418,000 focused-deterrence proposal, while Mayor Katie Wilson has introduced a gun violence plan of her own. Rivera argues the mayor’s approach does not go far enough.
Two gun violence plans, one debate: What’s dividing Seattle City Hall
Councilmember Maritza Rivera is pushing a two-year, $418,000 "focused deterrence" proposal to curb gun violence by using police warnings alongside supportive services for roughly 900 targeted individuals. Mayor Katie Wilson prefers a strategy centered on community-based violence interrupters, leading to a debate over how heavily the city should rely on law enforcement versus community outreach.
Tensions over gun violence flare between Seattle City Council, Mayor Wilson
The Brief Councilmember Maritza Rivera sharply criticized Mayor Katie Wilson while defending a $418,000 "focused deterrence" proposal to curb gun violence, which combines supportive services for offenders with warnings of swift consequences. Mayor Wilson dismissed the proposal on the radio as "grandstanding," prompting Councilmember Bob Kettle to accuse her office of poor communication and a lack of a clear public safety plan.
Tensions over gun violence flare between Seattle City Council, Mayor Wilson
Seattle councilmembers call out Mayor Wilson on gun violence plan The fight over public safety at Seattle City Hall is getting personal, with councilmembers publicly criticizing Mayor Katie Wilson as the city debates how to tackle gun violence. The fight over public safety at Seattle City Hall is getting personal, with councilmembers publicly criticizing Mayor Katie Wilson as the city debates how to tackle gun violence.
‘Unaffordable to serve food in Seattle’: Restaurant owner sounds alarm Original
A popular Seattle restaurant known for keeping its menu affordable says the math behind those prices is becoming increasingly difficult to make work. Spice Waala co-owner, Uttam Mukherjee said the restaurant has resisted raising prices even as the cost of ingredients and doing business in Seattle has climbed. "It's becoming unaffordable to serve food in Seattle," said Mukherjee. Since Spice Waala started serving customers in 2018, Mukherjee said the restaurant has worked to keep its menu below $10.
‘Unaffordable to serve food in Seattle’: Restaurant owner sounds alarm
Seattle restaurant Spice Waala says rising food and operating costs are making it increasingly difficult to keep menu prices below $10. The restaurant says costs for staples have surged this year, including potatoes by 54% and onions by 89%. Spice Waala is considering price increases as its owners also raise concerns about permitting delays and public safety.
‘Unaffordable to serve food in Seattle’: Restaurant owner sounds alarm
3 hours ago Ten years ago, I spent a summer in New York City, living out my dream of working at a magazine. I was in college, and my best friend and I managed to find two month-long sublets in Williamsburg — which, at that time, was the coolest place we could imagine. There were dark, moody restaurants and …
Seattle used to be filled with Victorian mansions. Where did they all go?
Why Seattle's Victorian mansions vanished Seattle's skyline was once dotted with grand Victorian mansions, but much of that version of the city has vanished. FOX 13's Lauren Donovan explains what took their place. Seattle today bears little resemblance to the city that once rose around some of its wealthiest residents. Grand Victorian mansions once occupied prominent blocks in neighborhoods now dominated by hospitals, high-rises and commercial buildings.
Seattle used to be filled with Victorian mansions. Where did they all go?
Seattle has lost most of its original Victorian mansions—such as on First Hill, where only four of 40 remain—due to urban expansion, modern redevelopment, and shifting architectural preservation priorities. While many former estate sites were demolished for commercial buildings, high-rises, or parking that sometimes proved temporary, modern housing demands simpler, faster, and higher-density construction over historic charm.
Seattle used to be filled with Victorian mansions. Where did they all go?
Published September 10, 2026 6:23 PM PDT Why Seattle's Victorian mansions vanished Seattle's skyline was once dotted with grand Victorian mansions, but much of that version of the city has vanished. FOX 13's Lauren Donovan explains what took their place. SEATTLE - Seattle today bears little resemblance to the city that once rose around some of its wealthiest residents.
Wild Waves is gone. Here are the other Washington water parks that disappeared Original
The wave pool has gone still. The waterslides have carried their final riders. Wild Waves Theme & Water Park closed after Labor Day, ending a nearly 50-season run in Federal Way and joining a surprisingly long list of western Washington water parks that have disappeared over the decades. For families who visited during the park's final weekend, the closure marked the end of a place tied to generations of summer memories.
Wild Waves is gone. Here are the other Washington water parks that disappeared
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park has closed after nearly 50 seasons in Federal Way, ending a longtime Western Washington summer tradition. The park opened as Enchanted Village in 1977 before adding its water park attractions in the 1980s. Wild Waves joins several long-gone regional water parks, including Waterworks in Issaquah and Turbo Tube in Kirkland. FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - The wave pool has gone still. The waterslides have carried their final riders.
Report details terrifying minutes for WA firefighters battling Chelan Hills fire
The Brief A new report details two close calls for firefighters battling the fast-moving Chelan Hills Fire on July 4. Firefighters faced exploding windows, burns and crashes as flames and thick smoke overtook crews within minutes. All firefighters survived the incidents, but 69-year-old Robert Lister was later found dead inside a nearby vehicle. ORONDO, Wash. Engines were evacuated. Firefighters were burned. One engine careened hundreds of feet off a road.
Report details terrifying minutes for WA firefighters battling Chelan Hills Fire Original
Engines were evacuated. Firefighters were burned. One engine careened hundreds of feet off a road. A new incident report on the Chelan Hills Fire provides a minute-by-minute account of the dangerous conditions firefighters faced on July 4, when two crews were caught in separate close calls as the wildfire intensified. The report includes photos, maps and detailed timelines showing how quickly conditions deteriorated.
Report details terrifying minutes for WA firefighters battling Chelan Hills Fire
A new report details two close calls for firefighters battling the fast-moving Chelan Hills Fire on July 4. Firefighters faced exploding windows, burns and crashes as flames and thick smoke overtook crews within minutes. All firefighters survived the incidents, but 69-year-old Robert Lister was later found dead inside a nearby vehicle. ORONDO, Wash. - Engines were evacuated. Firefighters were burned. One engine careened hundreds of feet off a road.
Ex-Seattle police Chief Shon Barnes breaks silence on resignation
Published August 31, 2026 3:48 PM PDT Seattle mayor Katie Wilson addresses communication failures after Bite of Seattle shooting response Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson accepted the resignation of the city's police chief following communication failures during a recent deadly incident, appointing an interim leader to ensure public safety. Mayor Wilson posted a video statement to Instagram on Thursday, five days after the mass shooting at Bite of Seattle.
Seattle to scale back Pike Place Market pedestrian zone in October
The Brief Seattle plans to scale back Pike Place Market's pedestrian-only zone beginning in October, allowing more vehicle access through winter. The proposal would limit closures to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, with full closures reserved for special events. SDOT will discuss the changes Aug. 26, as visitors, vendors and nearby residents debate pedestrian safety and vehicle access.
Seattle to scale back Pike Place Market pedestrian zone in October
Proposal to scale back Pike Place pedestrian pilot The Pike Place pedestrian zone program could be getting scaled back. We're taking a closer look at how the proposal would affect those walking along the cobbestone. For months, visitors to Pike Place Market have been able to walk along the cobblestones without having to navigate through constant vehicle traffic.
Seattle to scale back Pike Place Market pedestrian zone in October
Seattle plans to scale back Pike Place Market's pedestrian-only zone beginning in October, allowing more vehicle access through winter. The proposal would limit closures to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, with full closures reserved for special events. SDOT will discuss the changes Aug. 26, as visitors, vendors and nearby residents debate pedestrian safety and vehicle access.
Seattle hasn’t recalled a mayor in 95 years. Here’s who got the boot Original
Seattle hasn’t recalled a mayor in 95 years As a King County judge weighs the merits of a recall effort against Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, the city’s history shows that while mayors have faced recall campaigns before, actually removing one from office has been rare. As a King County judge weighs the merits of a recall effort against Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, the city’s history shows that while mayors have faced recall campaigns before, actually removing one from office has been rare.
Seattle hasn’t recalled a mayor in 95 years. Here’s who got the boot
Seattle voters have successfully recalled a mayor only twice in the city's history: Hiram Gill in 1911 due to tolerance policies on illegal activity, and Frank Edwards in 1931 after he fired a prominent City Light official. The most recent recall attempt occurred in 1975 against Mayor Wes Uhlman following his firing of the city fire chief, though voters ultimately overwhelmingly chose to keep him in office.
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