Puget Sound Daily Briefing
Local News & History
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Education: Spanish Dual Language Program Opens for 2026–27
The Edmonds School District is now accepting interest forms for its Spanish Dual Language Program for the 2026–27 school year. This program, designed to build bilingual proficiency and cultural understanding, is a welcome addition for families looking to support their children’s language development in a supportive, immersive environment. Registration details and program information are available through the district’s website.
Around Town: Events & Community Life
The Edmonds community continues to buzz with activity. On March 22, the Edway Taphouse will host a Murder Mystery Night, promising an evening of intrigue and fun. Meanwhile, the McClinchy Camano Classic Century biking event is set for April 26, offering routes for all skill levels—whether you're up for 35 miles or a full 100.
For book lovers, a discussion group is meeting to explore David Cory Doctorow’s “Enshittification”, a timely look at the digital age’s evolution.
Wrestling: Wesco All-Conference Teams Announced
The Wesco Conference has unveiled its All-Conference boys and girls wrestling teams for the 2025–26 season, with standout performances from local athletes. In boys’ wrestling, Arlington’s Tre Haines took home the 165-pound championship title at the Mat Classic, showcasing his dominance in the ring.
On the girls’ side, Lake Stevens dominated the conference, with several athletes earning all-conference honors. Notably, Lake Stevens 7 highlighted the conference’s top performers, including standout wrestlers like Cameron Erdmann and Isabela Alvarez.
Seattle Sports: NBA Expansion Moves Forward
Seattle fans are getting a bit more excited about the future of professional basketball. The NBA has announced that it will vote next week on whether to approve a new expansion team for Seattle. This is a major step forward for the Sonics’ return to the city.
With the league’s continued interest in growth and Seattle’s passionate fanbase, the city may soon welcome a new NBA franchise.
Crime & Public Safety: Arrest in Rainier Beach Homicide
The Seattle Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the double homicide of two Rainier Beach High School students, Tyjon Stewart and Traveiah Houfmuse, who were fatally shot on January 30.
SPD Chief Shon Barnes is scheduled to hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. to provide further updates on the investigation. The department continues to work closely with the community to bring justice for the victims and their families.
Health Alert: SeaTac Restaurant Linked to Illness Outbreak
King County Public Health is investigating a gastrointestinal illness outbreak linked to the 13 Coins restaurant in SeaTac. Two individuals who ate at the restaurant on February 19 have reported symptoms including diarrhea and stomach pain.
The restaurant currently has an “Okay” inspection rating, and no staff members have shown signs of illness. The public is advised to avoid the restaurant until further notice and to contact KCPH with any concerns.
Politics: Trump Delays China Trip to Focus on Iran
President Donald Trump has delayed his planned trip to China, citing the ongoing situation in Iran as a priority. The move signals a shift in focus for U.S. foreign policy, as Trump seeks to address regional tensions before engaging with Beijing.
Stay informed, stay connected. Have a great day, Puget Sound.
— The Puget Sound Daily Briefing Team
On This Day in History: The Great Seattle Fire of 1909
On March 17, 1909, the Seattle Fire Department faced their most devastating challenge yet when a massive blaze swept through the heart of the city's business district. What started as a small fire in a lumber yard on First Avenue quickly grew into the Great Seattle Fire, consuming over 200 buildings and leaving 2,000 people homeless.
The fire began around 11:30 PM when a spark from a locomotive ignited a pile of lumber. The dry conditions and wooden construction of the era created the perfect storm for destruction. As the flames spread rapidly through the narrow streets of downtown Seattle, the fire department's horse-drawn pails proved inadequate against the inferno's fury.
But this wasn't just a story of destruction—it was a tale of remarkable community spirit. Local residents formed human chains, passing buckets of water from the harbor to the burning buildings. Native American tribes from the area, including the Suquamish and Muckleshoot, lent their strength to the rescue efforts, helping to save what they could from the flames that threatened to consume their own ancestral lands.
The fire's aftermath revealed the incredible resilience of Seattle's pioneering spirit. Within months, the city was rebuilt with more fire-resistant materials, including the introduction of concrete and brick construction. The disaster also catalyzed the formation of Seattle's modern fire department and the establishment of more rigorous building codes.
The Great Seattle Fire of 1909 was particularly significant because it occurred just years after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, making it one of the most catastrophic fires in the city's early history. The destruction was so severe that the city's business district was essentially rebuilt from scratch, with many of the new buildings featuring the architectural styles that would define Seattle's skyline for decades to come.
Why It Matters Today
This event reminds us that Seattle's growth was built on both courage and resilience. The community's response to disaster shaped the city's identity and continues to influence how we approach urban planning and emergency preparedness today.
The story of the Great Seattle Fire of 1909 shows how our community has always weathered storms—both literal and metaphorical—while emerging stronger and more united. Just as the residents of 1909 came together to rebuild their city, we today honor that same spirit of collaboration and determination.
While we celebrate the incredible history of the Pacific Northwest, the veteran design-build team at Pacific Pro Group is actively building the future of our local homes and communities.
Curated for the Community
This daily briefing is curated by the local experts at Pacific Pro Group. We believe that strong communities start with staying informed about the events, projects, and history shaping Edmonds and the greater Puget Sound.
Ready to Build Your Future?
While we honor our past, we are actively building our future. Partner with the veteran design-build team at Pacific Pro Group for your next major remodel or custom project.