Latest news with #HoudiniFlyHunt
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Under a new WA law, littering fines to double this summer
The Brief Washington has passed House Bill 1293, increasing the base fine for littering from $50 to $125 for amounts up to one cubic foot. An extra $93 penalty applies for littering on state highways, bringing the total potential fine to $218. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker, awaits Governor Bob Ferguson's signature. If signed, it will take effect on July 27. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Litterbugs in Washington may soon face steeper penalties as House Bill 1293, which increases fines for littering, awaits Governor Bob Ferguson's signature. The bill raises the base penalty for littering from $50 to $125 for amounts up to one cubic foot, classifying it as a Class 2 civil infraction. An additional $93 fine applies if the littering occurs on state highways. Keep reading to learn more about the bill and the new fines that could go into effect in July. Big picture view This marks the first adjustment to the state's littering penalties since 1993. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla), aims to address the escalating litter problem in Washington. According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, the state experiences 42% more litter than the national average, with approximately 73,000 pieces of litter per mile on interstates, equating to nearly 1,600 pounds per mile. Click to open this PDF in a new window. By the numbers House Bill 1293 passed the House with a 98-0 vote on April 27, and the Senate with a 27-20 vote on April 26. If signed by Ferguson, the new penalties will take effect on July 27, 2025. Beyond increasing fines, the bill initially included the formation of a task force to develop further strategies for reducing litter. However, this provision was removed during the legislative process. For more information on House Bill 1293 and its implications, visit the Washington State Legislature's official page. The Source Information in this story came from House Bill 1293 and FOX 13 Seattle original reporting. Underwater volcano poised to erupt off OR coast, Seattle scientists say Teen in custody for stabbing mother's boyfriend, Pierce County deputies say Rumors claim Seattle ports are 'dead'. Here's the truth Thousands expected at Seattle's May Day protests. Here's what to know Houdini Fly Hunt launched in WA, OR. Here's what to do if you spot one To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news. WeatherWeather Foreca
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fire destroys bridge on Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
The Brief A fire has destroyed a crucial wooden trestle bridge on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, affecting future freight and passenger services. The organization, which recently finalized the purchase of the railroad, is seeking community support to cover costs related to rebuilding efforts. MINERAL, Wash. - A fire has destroyed a crucial wooden trestle bridge on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, impacting future freight and passenger services. The bridge, located between Mineral and Morton, was reported burning to the fire department at 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday. It took fire crews over an hour to reach the remote site, and by the time railroad staff arrived at 8:45 p.m., the damage was extensive. The bridge, rebuilt 20 years ago, was structurally sound and essential for reopening services to Morton. "That span carried more than trains. It carried the weight of our financial stability, our plans for local industry, and the future of the communities we serve," the railroad's statement said. The organization, which recently finalized the purchase of the railroad, has been working to expand its operations. "Our organization has done a herculean amount of work in the last two and a half years. We've carried more passengers than ever before. We've cleared more track. We've fought for every inch of progress with sweat, sacrifice, and no shortage of stress," the statement continued. The railroad is seeking community support to rebuild and launched a gofundme. Donations will help cover insurance deductibles, legal costs, and recovery planning. "If you've ever believed in what we're building here—or if you're just as mad as we are that someone tried to destroy it—please help us rebuild. This place matters," the statement urged. FOX 13 Seattle reached out to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office to learn about The Source Information in this story comes from a verified gofundme and the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. Underwater volcano poised to erupt off OR coast, Seattle scientists say Teen in custody for stabbing mother's boyfriend, Pierce County deputies say Rumors claim Seattle ports are 'dead'. Here's the truth Thousands expected at Seattle's May Day protests. Here's what to know Houdini Fly Hunt launched in WA, OR. Here's what to do if you spot one To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man yells racial slurs, threatens to kill family in Bellevue, WA road rage incident: police
The Brief Bellevue police arrested a man after he allegedly yelled racial slurs at a family while pointing a gun in a road rage incident on Monday. Officers interviewed witnesses and reviewed video footage, confirming some of the information provided by the mother and her two kids. SEATTLE - Bellevue police arrested a man after he allegedly pointed a gun and yelled racial slurs at a mother and her two kids in the Factoria area on Monday. What we know The 52-year-old man was involved in a near-miss crash at the intersection of Factoria Boulevard Southeast and Southeast 38th Street around 10 a.m. According to police, the suspect then followed the victims to a nearby gas station and allegedly yelled racial slurs, took out a gun, and threatened to kill the 35-year-old mom and her two kids. Officers said they were dispatched to the area as the victims were hiding inside the gas station while the armed suspect was standing outside. Once on scene, Bellevue police conducted interviews and reviewed video footage, confirming some of the information provided by the victims. The suspect was arrested and booked into King County Jail for harassment - threat to kill and hate crime. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the BPD non-emergency line at 425-577-5656 or email the department at bellevuepd@ This remains an active investigation. The Source Information in this story came from a blog post from the Bellevue Police Department. Underwater volcano poised to erupt off OR coast, Seattle scientists say Teen in custody for stabbing mother's boyfriend, Pierce County deputies say Rumors claim Seattle ports are 'dead'. Here's the truth Idaho judge slams Bryan Kohberger's 'hollow' attempt to dodge death penalty Houdini Fly Hunt launched in WA, OR. Here's what to do if you spot one To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Coyote stalks, charges man and dog on Edmonds, WA trail
The Brief A man says he and his dog were charged and stalked by a coyote while walking on the Southwest County Trail in Edmonds. The wild animal allegedly followed them out of the woods, and was barking and even howling. EDMONDS, Wash. - A man walking his dog on the Southwest County Trail in Edmonds says a coyote charged and stalked them, following them all the way out to Olympic View Drive. The backstory Jerome Thiebaud recalled the encounter to FOX 13. "For me, it was just a display of, like, 'okay, you need to leave,'" said Thiebaud. He said there was barking and even howling. However, he left the woods. "I'm a big guy, so I was never afraid they were going to be attacking me or jumping on me," said Theibaud. "But when you have a coyote that's stalking you — you're uncomfortable." Thiebaud said he grabbed a stick, which seemed to deter the coyote slightly, but for 15 minutes he kept looking back to find it inching closer. Despite the scare, Thiebaud said he doesn't want harm to come to the animal. After posting about the encounter on Facebook, Thiebaud and others shared theories about what happened. "It was a female — she most likely had a den nearby," said Theibaud. "And she said, 'okay, those guys need to get out of there.'" Thiebaud added that he has noticed new behaviors among coyotes in the area. He thinks the change in activity began this past winter. What used to be the occasional sightings at dusk have become far more frequent. "A lot more closer to the homes," he said. "My only message is don't feed, don't feed the animals and most importantly don't feed the coyotes. It's like bears — when they get used to human food they will come back." The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife does not ask the public to report ordinary coyote sightings. Instead, encounters can be logged through the Woodland Park Zoo's Carnivore Spotterprogram. The Source Information in this story came from original FOX 13 Seattle interviews and reporting. Underwater volcano poised to erupt off OR coast, Seattle scientists say Teen in custody for stabbing mother's boyfriend, Pierce County deputies say Rumors claim Seattle ports are 'dead'. Here's the truth Idaho judge slams Bryan Kohberger's 'hollow' attempt to dodge death penalty Houdini Fly Hunt launched in WA, OR. Here's what to do if you spot one To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Malaysian Reserve
30-04-2025
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
Rent Mason Bees Partners with UC Davis to Combat Rising Houdini Fly Threat to Native Bees
Join the Hunt for Houdini Flies! BOTHELL, Wash., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rent Mason Bees, the nation's largest solitary bee provider, has partnered with researchers at the University of California, Davis to address the alarming spread of the Houdini fly, an invasive kleptoparasite threatening native mason bee populations across the Pacific Northwest. This week, they officially launched THE HOUDINI FLY HUNT, calling on bee hosts and citizen scientists nationwide to help track and report sightings of this destructive invader. The collaboration is led by Abigail Lehner, a PhD candidate at UC Davis, who is researching how mason bees are impacted by global environmental change. Lehner recently received a grant from the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) program to deepen the understanding of Houdini fly biology and to develop an effective management plan. 'I've seen a significant increase in Houdini flies in Washington and Oregon this year, and they are devastating to mason bee populations. Unmaintained bee hotels are a major cause of their spread,' said Lehner. The Houdini fly—a small, gray insect with red eyes, about the size of a fruit fly—was accidentally introduced from Europe within the last few years. These parasitic flies are often seen hovering near bee hotels or sitting at nest entrances. Houdini flies exploit mason bees by sneaking into nests when the mother bee is away. They lay their eggs on the pollen stores intended for bee larvae. When the Houdini larvae hatch, they consume the pollen, starving the developing mason bees. Fully grown Houdini flies then escape the sealed chambers at the same time the surviving bees would normally emerge, earning their notorious name. Thyra McKelvie, Managing Director of Rent Mason Bees, emphasizes that proper care and public education are critical. 'Many people don't realize that setting up a bee hotel comes with responsibility,' McKelvie said. 'Without proper maintenance, these hotels can quickly become breeding grounds for parasites like the Houdini fly.' McKelvie outlines three critical steps for responsible mason bee care: Place clean, openable nesting material out in early spring. Remove nesting materials at the end of spring (mason bees only live 6–8 weeks). Harvest and clean cocoons in the fall to remove parasites. 'If you want to prevent further spread, it is imperative to clean out your bee hotel in the fall and remove Houdini larvae,' Lehner added. Join the Houdini Fly Hunt! One of the best ways to combat this threat is by identifying where Houdini flies are spreading—and that's where you come in. Report your findings here: Houdini Fly Hunt!Watch the video to learn how to spot and stop Houdini flies: Mason Bee Predator Alert! Houdini Fly – How to Spot, Stop & Hunt! Your participation is crucial in protecting our native pollinators and strengthening ecosystems across the country.
