Manda Factor

Host, Seattle's Morning News

Manda Factor

Manda Factor has dedicated 35 years to the field of journalism, carving out a reputation as an insightful and diligent reporter and anchor. Her passion for learning about people and delivering their stories defines her career.

She grew up in Olympia and has always loved the Puget Sound area. Having attended both the University of Washington and Washington State University. Manda’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her journalistic endeavors. Her education, combined with her relentless curiosity, propels her to rise early each morning to stay ahead of the news cycle and understand the underlying stories that shape our world. She has won multiple awards from APTRA (the Associated Press) and Edward R. Murrow Awards for anchoring both breaking news and daily newscasts.

Beyond the newsroom, Manda has a rich personal life. She is an avid dog lover, sharing her home with a tiny Terrier named Frederick and a huge Plott Hound named Kermit. They run the house, but she also has a loving husband and a busy teenager who keep her on her toes. Two adult children are off and running and chasing their dreams!
In her downtime, Manda finds solace and creativity in cooking and playing the piano.

An avid supporter of Seattle’s sports teams, Manda’s enthusiasm for the city’s athletic endeavors is contagious. Whether it’s football, baseball, soccer, or hockey, she is always ready to cheer on her favorite teams. During a stint in Bellingham, she was the stadium announcer for the Bellingham Mariners.

Her motto in life…10 percent of it is what happens. 90 percent is how you deal with it. Life is beautiful.

Cold water, hidden hazards: What WA boaters, swimmers need to know before hitting the water this summer

With a warmer-than-average summer in the forecast, Washington officials are marking the third annual Water Safety Day on Friday with a stark warning.
4 months ago

Five WA Supreme Court seats are on the ballot this fall, and the stakes have never been higher

Washington voters will decide an unusually high number of Supreme Court races this fall, with five of the court's nine seats on the ballot.
4 months ago

4 adorable baby beavers are growing up on camera: Cowlitz Indian Tribe launches live kit cam in WA

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is inviting the public to watch four newborn beavers grow up through a livestream from its reservation in southwest Washington.
4 months ago

Seattle small business owners devastated by break-ins as commercial burglary cases flood King County courts

Several defendants faced arraignment in King County court Monday on commercial burglary charges, cases that prosecutors said illustrate an ongoing problem devastating small business owners.
4 months ago

How much is Seattle spending on the 2026 World Cup? Nearly $32 million and counting

Seattle is moving to accept more than $18 million in grant funding and contributions to support the city's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
4 months ago

IRS extends WA tax deadline again after storms, flooding

Washington residents affected by severe storms, and flooding that began in December now have until Aug. 5 to file their federal tax returns and make payments.
4 months ago

Woman drove onto sidewalk, tried to hit child on bike in Spokane County, deputies say

A 56-year-old woman was arrested after she allegedly drove onto a sidewalk and tried to hit a child on a bike in a Cheney-area neighborhood.
4 months ago

Victim could face ‘permanent disfigurement’ after hit-and-run boat collision in Thurston County

A 51-year-old man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of assault by watercraft after he allegedly ran over another boater near Boston Harbor in Thurston County.
4 months ago

‘That money is gone forever’: Prosecutor says grandson drained grandmother’s $500K life savings, leaving her on food stamps

A King County man was sentenced to 24 months in prison after he was found guilty of stealing nearly $500,000 from his grandmother, who is now on food stamps.
4 months ago

‘He couldn’t throw a strike’: Rick Rizzs on how Seattle turned Randy Johnson into a HOFer ahead of jersey retirement ceremony

The Seattle Mariners will retire the number of one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history Saturday night when Randy Johnson's No. 51 is immortalized at T-Mobile Park.
4 months ago

Washington Gov. Ferguson agrees to $4,000 settlement for flying former aide on state aircraft

Ferguson has agreed to a $4,000 settlement to resolve an ethics probe into his decision to invite a former top aide to fly with him on a state plane.
4 months ago

2 children found alone in Everett motel room after adult overdoses, deputies say

Two children were found alone in a motel room without food, water, or clothing, after a 26-year-old overdosed and became unresponsive at a Motel 6 in Everett.
4 months ago

Cancer survivors on Seattle dragon boat team qualify for world championships in Taipei

A Seattle-area dragon boat team composed entirely of cancer survivors has qualified to compete at the Club Crew World Championships in Taiwan this summer.
4 months ago

Armed man sentenced for string of violent attacks on women across Seattle area

A man was sentenced Friday for a series of escalating violent crimes targeting women at random across the Seattle area in 2023, including kidnapping, and rape.
5 months ago

Former Seahawk Russell Wilson makes Savannah Bananas debut at Yankee Stadium in full-circle baseball moment

Former Seahawk Russell Wilson shines in his Savannah Bananas debut during a memorable Banana Ball game at Yankee Stadium.
5 months ago

Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs: World Baseball Classic disrupted Cal Raleigh’s timing at the plate

Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Josh Naylor each singled in the ninth inning to complete the comeback. Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs said the team badly needed the victory.
5 months ago

‘We feel we’re ready’: WA Lands Commissioner says restored wildfire budget puts state in better shape for fire season

Washington has fully restored $60 million in wildfire preparedness funding that was cut last year, according to Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove.
5 months ago

‘If you want it bad enough, it’s yours’: WA officer’s 197-pound weight loss journey becomes a book

A former Marysville police officer who once weighed 408 pounds says he lost nearly 200 pounds over three years without injections or weight-loss drugs.
5 months ago

Only 16% of Washington officers have completed training required by police accountability law, audit finds

An audit reveals most WA officers haven't finished training under the police accountability law, risking a 2028 deadline.
5 months ago

AEW star Darby Allin returns to his roots for world title shot in Everett

Darby Allin, a Washington native who loved professional wrestling as a kid, will fight for the AEW World Championship inside the Angel of the Winds Arena.
5 months ago

Craft beer, cute dogs collide in Everett Animal Shelter’s ‘Paws & Pints’ photo contest

A new photo contest in Snohomish County is combining two of Washington's greatest passions: craft beer and dogs.
5 months ago

Can parents be charged when their kids commit gun crimes in WA? King County Prosecutors explain

According to King County prosecutors, holding parents criminally accountable when their children commit gun crimes is extremely difficult under current Washington state law
5 months ago

GasBuddy analyst: Americans spending $8B more on gas as Seattle nears all-time price record

Gas prices in Washington have climbed nearly $1 in the past month and are threatening to break all-time records for unleaded gasoline.
5 months ago

Starbucks to roll out new ordering technology at airport, hospital, and campus locations

Starbucks is overhauling how it manages thousands of licensed coffeehouses at high-traffic locations, such as airports and hospitals.
6 months ago