Ashley Hiruko
@ashleyhiruko.bsky.social
Investigative journalist @ KUOW
Send news tips to hiruko@kuow.org
Signal/text: 206-574-8007
Send news tips to hiruko@kuow.org
Signal/text: 206-574-8007
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson is now ahead in this nail-biter of an election count.
Katie Wilson pulls ahead of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell – by 91 votes
www.kuow.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson is now ahead in this nail-biter of an election count.
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Journalism tip: If someone says drop the story, that’s a sign to keep reporting.
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
October 30, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Journalism tip: If someone says drop the story, that’s a sign to keep reporting.
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
I am declaring a Mariners State of Emergency
October 17, 2025 at 4:18 AM
I am declaring a Mariners State of Emergency
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
"It Was Cold": Mothers Who Lost Children to Gun Violence Say Harrell Ignored Their Pleas for Help
“What mothers go through in crisis is not a one-time opportunity—it’s ongoing."
publicola.com/2025/10/16/i...
“What mothers go through in crisis is not a one-time opportunity—it’s ongoing."
publicola.com/2025/10/16/i...
"It Was Cold": Mothers Who Lost Children to Gun Violence Say Harrell Ignored Their Pleas for Help - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett D’Vonne Pickett, the owner of The Postman mailing and shipping store and in the Central District,…
publicola.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:25 PM
"It Was Cold": Mothers Who Lost Children to Gun Violence Say Harrell Ignored Their Pleas for Help
“What mothers go through in crisis is not a one-time opportunity—it’s ongoing."
publicola.com/2025/10/16/i...
“What mothers go through in crisis is not a one-time opportunity—it’s ongoing."
publicola.com/2025/10/16/i...
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Early last year, Seattle signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using rooms as shelter space at the Civic Hotel and other buildings.
Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
By @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social, with @kuow.org
Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
By @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social, with @kuow.org
Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them.
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel's rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.propublica.org
October 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Early last year, Seattle signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using rooms as shelter space at the Civic Hotel and other buildings.
Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
By @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social, with @kuow.org
Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
By @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social, with @kuow.org
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
COLUMN: What this mayoral election owes "Black Seattle."
Marcus Harrison Green looks beyond identity politics to ask how Black Seattleites are actually doing — featuring voices from across the diaspora and scrutiny of both Harrell and Wilson.
Read here: soseaem.org/3IVyOSC #Seattle
Marcus Harrison Green looks beyond identity politics to ask how Black Seattleites are actually doing — featuring voices from across the diaspora and scrutiny of both Harrell and Wilson.
Read here: soseaem.org/3IVyOSC #Seattle
COLUMN | What This Mayoral Election Owes 'Black Seattle'
From City Hall to the Central District, Seattle's mayoral race raises deeper questions: Who speaks for "Black Seattle," and what does real representation look like beyond the ballot? Marcus Harrison…
southseattleemerald.org
October 9, 2025 at 1:06 AM
COLUMN: What this mayoral election owes "Black Seattle."
Marcus Harrison Green looks beyond identity politics to ask how Black Seattleites are actually doing — featuring voices from across the diaspora and scrutiny of both Harrell and Wilson.
Read here: soseaem.org/3IVyOSC #Seattle
Marcus Harrison Green looks beyond identity politics to ask how Black Seattleites are actually doing — featuring voices from across the diaspora and scrutiny of both Harrell and Wilson.
Read here: soseaem.org/3IVyOSC #Seattle
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
"Because it is Lisa" and "because I want her out of the homelessness business." That's what Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington said when asked why she denied a request by Purpose Dignity Action, headed by Lisa Daugaard, to open a shelter in North Seattle.
www.propublica.org/article/seat...
www.propublica.org/article/seat...
Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them.
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.propublica.org
October 6, 2025 at 4:34 PM
"Because it is Lisa" and "because I want her out of the homelessness business." That's what Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington said when asked why she denied a request by Purpose Dignity Action, headed by Lisa Daugaard, to open a shelter in North Seattle.
www.propublica.org/article/seat...
www.propublica.org/article/seat...
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
By December, Seattle taxpayers were paying a hefty $4,200 a month per empty room — at a time when thousands of Seattleites were without a roof over their heads.
Seattle paid for shelter beds that it left vacant despite a massive need for housing
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.kuow.org
October 6, 2025 at 5:59 PM
By December, Seattle taxpayers were paying a hefty $4,200 a month per empty room — at a time when thousands of Seattleites were without a roof over their heads.
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
NEW: After paying for hotel rooms to shelter homeless people, Seattle deliberately left them vacant.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them.
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.propublica.org
October 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW: After paying for hotel rooms to shelter homeless people, Seattle deliberately left them vacant.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Great reporting by @kuow.org's @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social and @propublica.org: Seattle spent millions on hotel rooms to shelter unhoused people. Then it stopped filling them www.kuow.org/stories/seat...
Seattle paid for shelter beds that it left vacant despite a massive need for housing
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.kuow.org
October 6, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Great reporting by @kuow.org's @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social and @propublica.org: Seattle spent millions on hotel rooms to shelter unhoused people. Then it stopped filling them www.kuow.org/stories/seat...
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Really good reporting from @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social on shelter beds being paid for but left unfilled, seemingly in part over a deputy mayor's personal dislike of a prominent Seattle homelessness services provider.
By December, Seattle taxpayers were paying a hefty $4,200 a month per empty room — at a time when thousands of Seattleites were without a roof over their heads.
Seattle paid for shelter beds that it left vacant despite a massive need for housing
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.kuow.org
October 6, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Really good reporting from @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social on shelter beds being paid for but left unfilled, seemingly in part over a deputy mayor's personal dislike of a prominent Seattle homelessness services provider.
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
NEW: After paying for hotel rooms to shelter homeless people, Seattle deliberately left them vacant.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them.
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.propublica.org
October 6, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
NEW: After paying for hotel rooms to shelter homeless people, Seattle deliberately left them vacant.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
By the end of 2024, taxpayers were spending $4,200 a month per empty room at a time when thousands of residents were without a roof over their heads.
Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them.
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.propublica.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
NEW: Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them. by @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social @kuow.org
Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them.
Early last year, the city signed a $2.7 million lease extension to continue using a hotel’s rooms as shelter space. Yet despite committing to pay the rent, the city stopped sending people there.
www.propublica.org
October 6, 2025 at 12:11 PM
NEW: Seattle Spent Millions on Hotel Rooms to Shelter Unhoused People. Then It Stopped Filling Them. by @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social @kuow.org
I feel so lucky to be able to work alongside such talented people.
ProPublica Names Ashley Hiruko as a Northwest Fellow
ProPublica is an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
www.propublica.org
August 8, 2025 at 5:52 PM
I feel so lucky to be able to work alongside such talented people.
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Kevin was kind and curious. When he asked how you were doing, he really wanted to know the answer. He genuinely cared.
I’ll miss him
I’ll miss him
With a heavy collective heart, KUOW remembers Kevin Diers, announcer and board operator at the station and longtime Seattle radio host, who died unexpectedly on Wednesday.
Remembering Kevin Diers, KUOW announcer and Seattle radio aficionado
With a heavy collective heart, KUOW remembers Kevin Diers, announcer and board operator at the station and longtime Seattle radio host, who died unexpectedly on Wednesday.
www.kuow.org
May 9, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Kevin was kind and curious. When he asked how you were doing, he really wanted to know the answer. He genuinely cared.
I’ll miss him
I’ll miss him
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Weekend reading: A now-former top staffer to Mayor Bruce Harrell, Pedro Gomez, has been accused of raping a woman he met through Harrell's office. PubliCola spoke to several women who say he also preyed on them, including one who said she never reported her own assault.
publicola.com/2025/03/21/w...
publicola.com/2025/03/21/w...
When a Top Mayoral Staffer Was Accused of Sexual Assault, These Women Decided It Was Time to Come Forward - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Late last September, Mayor Bruce Harrell put a high-ranking longtime staffer, external affairs director Pedro Gomez,…
publicola.com
March 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Weekend reading: A now-former top staffer to Mayor Bruce Harrell, Pedro Gomez, has been accused of raping a woman he met through Harrell's office. PubliCola spoke to several women who say he also preyed on them, including one who said she never reported her own assault.
publicola.com/2025/03/21/w...
publicola.com/2025/03/21/w...
A must-read story by Erica Barnett.
When a top staffer to Mayor Bruce Harrell, Pedro Gomez, was accused of sexual assault, these women decided it was time to come forward—including one woman who said she never reported her own assault.
publicola.com/2025/03/21/w...
publicola.com/2025/03/21/w...
When a Top Mayoral Staffer Was Accused of Sexual Assault, These Women Decided It Was Time to Come Forward - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Late last September, Mayor Bruce Harrell put a high-ranking longtime staffer, external affairs director Pedro Gomez,…
publicola.com
March 21, 2025 at 6:10 PM
A must-read story by Erica Barnett.
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
@kuow.org has a handy guide to Washington state's legal challenges to the Trump administration.
Thanks to @teopopescu.bsky.social for this Trump Tracker: www.kuow.org/stories/trum...
Thanks to @teopopescu.bsky.social for this Trump Tracker: www.kuow.org/stories/trum...
March 19, 2025 at 1:05 AM
@kuow.org has a handy guide to Washington state's legal challenges to the Trump administration.
Thanks to @teopopescu.bsky.social for this Trump Tracker: www.kuow.org/stories/trum...
Thanks to @teopopescu.bsky.social for this Trump Tracker: www.kuow.org/stories/trum...
In case you missed this over the weekend: Former Senior Deputy Mayor Monisha Harrell described what it was like working for Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Monisha Harrell is breaking her silence for the first time since she left her uncle’s administration in 2023. She describes the mayor’s office as being a dog-eat-dog environment where white male advisors vied for power and influence.
Monisha Harrell breaks silence on her uncle – and former boss – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell
Monisha Harrell describes the mayor’s office as being a dog-eat-dog environment where white male advisors vied for power and influence. She said her experience, as a high-level woman ignored by the ma...
www.kuow.org
March 17, 2025 at 4:13 PM
In case you missed this over the weekend: Former Senior Deputy Mayor Monisha Harrell described what it was like working for Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Fantastic reporting by @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social
Monisha Harrell is breaking her silence for the first time since she left her uncle’s administration in 2023. She describes the mayor’s office as being a dog-eat-dog environment where white male advisors vied for power and influence.
Monisha Harrell breaks silence on her uncle – and former boss – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell
Monisha Harrell describes the mayor’s office as being a dog-eat-dog environment where white male advisors vied for power and influence. She said her experience, as a high-level woman ignored by the ma...
www.kuow.org
March 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Fantastic reporting by @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Excellent reporting by @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social
Monisha Harrell is breaking her silence for the first time since she left her uncle’s administration in 2023. She describes the mayor’s office as being a dog-eat-dog environment where white male advisors vied for power and influence.
Monisha Harrell breaks silence on her uncle – and former boss – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell
Monisha Harrell describes the mayor’s office as being a dog-eat-dog environment where white male advisors vied for power and influence. She said her experience, as a high-level woman ignored by the ma...
www.kuow.org
March 15, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Excellent reporting by @ashleyhiruko.bsky.social
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
NEW: In August, Seattle canceled Nickelsville’s proposed 15-unit tiny house village in Rainier Valley. Until now, it was not clear why. Records obtained by @realchangenews.bsky.social show that some neighbors complained to the city prior to the permit denial.
www.realchangenews.org/news/2025/03...
www.realchangenews.org/news/2025/03...
Seattle canceled tiny house village after backlash from neighbors
Seattle canceled tiny house village after backlash from neighbors
www.realchangenews.org
March 9, 2025 at 1:21 AM
NEW: In August, Seattle canceled Nickelsville’s proposed 15-unit tiny house village in Rainier Valley. Until now, it was not clear why. Records obtained by @realchangenews.bsky.social show that some neighbors complained to the city prior to the permit denial.
www.realchangenews.org/news/2025/03...
www.realchangenews.org/news/2025/03...
Reposted by Ashley Hiruko
Monarchs are doing better than last year which is good. But they're way below sustainable thresholds. The Fish and Wildlife Service rightfully promised these butterflies protections last December. Keep your eyes on Trump to make sure he doesn't reverse them.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Eastern Monarch Population Improves But Remains Threatened
Center for Biological Diversity: Safeguards Still Urgently Needed to Save Iconic Butterfly
biologicaldiversity.org
March 7, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Monarchs are doing better than last year which is good. But they're way below sustainable thresholds. The Fish and Wildlife Service rightfully promised these butterflies protections last December. Keep your eyes on Trump to make sure he doesn't reverse them.
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...