The AM Newsdesk Minutes: Amazon changes plans on Rainier Valley warehouses, encampment fire in Kent

The KIRO NewsRadio newsdesk brings you their top stories on the morning of Monday, July 25.

The PM Newsdesk Minutes: Monkeypox spreads in WA while gas prices fall

Amazon reverses plans on Rainier Valley warehouse

Amazon now says it does not plan to build warehouses in Seattle’s Rainier Valley– as dozens of activists gathered over the weekend to protest such an action.

Amazon filed documents with the City of Seattle in April 2021, outlining a plan to replace a Lowe’s home improvement store and Pepsi plant with two small-scale warehouses.

The proposal drew criticism from those who argued the space could be better used to improve the quality of life in the community– and that warehouses could lead to pollution and other environmental concerns.

A company spokesperson now confirms Amazon is not pursuing any action in that area and said Rainier Valley was one of several locations under consideration and ultimately was not chosen.

Orcas seen off coast of McNeil Island

Several large orcas were spotted this weekend just off McNeil Island.

One man told KIRO 7 that the orcas were chasing dozens of seals near the shore.

He said the whales got right next to his 25-foot-long sailboat, and it seemed like they were almost as big as the boat.

David Williams said this all happened when he and his wife took their sailboat out near McNeil Island for their 22nd wedding anniversary.

The couple originally had plans to go to the Oregon coast for their anniversary but at the last minute decided to change that.

After this experience, they say they’re happy they did.

Fire starts at encampment in Kent

One person was injured Sunday morning after a fire broke out at a homeless camp in Kent.

Puget Sound firefighters responded to the fire on S 240th St behind Lowes around 6:30 a.m.

Right now it’s not clear how badly the person is hurt.

Cooling centers put up in south sound in preparation of heat wave

Get ready for some major heat.

The warmest temperatures of the year are set to hit this week- reaching over 90 degrees in many areas- according to the National Weather Service.

In the South Sound, the cities of Tacoma and Lacey announced they will be opening cooling centers to help residents beat the heat.

Both will be first come first serve and residents are asked to bring their own water and snacks and any pets must be kept in a crate.

The one in Tacoma will be at the Lighthouse Activity Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Lacey will have theirs open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center.

Seattle’s new XFL team to start season spring 2023

Spring professional football is coming back to Seattle.

The re-imagined XFL will begin to play in the spring of 2023.

The league announced eight teams over the weekend.

Although we don’t know whether the team will be called the Dragons, we do know veteran head coach Jim Haslett will be on the sidelines.

Listen to KIRO Newsradio on 97.3 FM. Stream it live here.