From heartwarming tributes to gripping crime reports and unexpected phenomena, The B-Town Blog’s 10 Top Stories of 2024 paint a vivid picture of Burien’s year.
With over 1 million homepage visits – a +14% increase over last year – the blog proved to be the vital source of real, local journalism and connection for the B-Town community.
Here are the Top 10 Stories that captured readers’ attention this year:
1. Remembering Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips
The most-read individual post of the year was the obituary for Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips, a beloved member of the Burien community who passed away on Feb. 15, 2024. With 23,756 views, the tribute resonated deeply, showing how the loss of one individual can touch the lives of so many.
2. Fireworks Canceled in SeaTac
The City of SeaTac’s decision to cancel its 4th of July fireworks at Angle Lake sparked significant interest, attracting 19,546 views. Citing a 1932 court ruling, the decision left residents divided, questioning tradition and legality.
3. Crime Reports Dominate Attention
Crime coverage consistently drew engagement, with out dedicated crime report page amassing 16,938 views—a +67.7% increase over last year. Burien residents turned to The B-Town Blog for accurate, factual updates on public safety issues throughout the year.
4. Windstorm Causes Power Outages for 20,000
A windstorm that left over 20,000 Seattle City Light customers in the Burien area without power in November made headlines, garnering 14,687 views. Timely updates from the blog – even though we were often without power – kept the community informed during the outages.
5. Replacing Vandalized Pride Flags in Downtown Burien
A story highlighting how local singer Dianna Leppa and friends replaced vandalized Pride flags during Pride Month touched readers’ hearts. The emotional response to this act of kindness brought in 14,452 views, reinforcing the community’s values of inclusivity and resilience.
6. UAP Sighting Over Burien
Curiosity peaked when a local man photographed an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon (UAP) in the skies over Burien. The mysterious sighting – which some said looked like a man flying a jetpack – drew 10,797 views, invited readers to wonder about what lies beyond our world, and our original reporting drew wide media coverage.
7. Tragic Fatal Shooting in Gregory Heights
The tragic, fatal shooting of a 15-year-old in Burien’s Gregory Heights neighborhood shook the community, drawing 9,709 views as residents sought answers and reflected on the loss.
8. Video of Burien Councilmember Confronting Homeless
A video of Burien City Councilmember Linda Akey confronting homeless campers outside her downtown residence garnered 9,422 views, reflecting ongoing tensions and discussions about homelessness in the community. This story became international news after being reported by The B-Town Blog.
9. Sunnydale Village Camp’s Call for Help
The Sunnydale Village Homeless Camp’s urgent plea for assistance highlighted the growing crisis of homelessness in Burien, drawing 8,553 views as readers rallied to learn more and offer support.
10. Justice for 2018 Double Homicide
The charging of Francisco I. Montero for the 2018 murder of two teenage girls in Burien marked a significant development in a years-long case, bringing in 8,036 views and reminding residents of the long shadow left by unresolved crimes.
A Community in Focus
The B-Town Blog’s Top 10 Stories of 2024 highlight the community’s engagement with issues of safety, justice, and human connection.
From celebrating lives lost to addressing local challenges, the blog continues to be the most trusted source of real, local journalism in the region as well as a lively hub for discussion.
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We’re always looking for new stories to cover, whether it’s about a resident, organization, cause or crime. Please email your ideas to scott@southkingmedia.com, and thanks for your continued support!
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