Bellevue-to-Redmond light rail opens to fanfare
The Sound Transit 2 Line that connects Redmond with Bellevue is ready to roll, nearly eight years after breaking ground. Approved by a ballot measure in 2008, the full $3.7 billion, 14-mile East Link route will eventually serve Seattle’s Judkins Park, Mercer Island, Redmond and multiple stations in Bellevue, per Sound Transit. Continue reading at Axios. (Sound Transit)
Washington’s preschool system ranks below most other states, report finds
Washington’s access to quality preschool services falls below many other states, only serving 16% of four-year-olds and 8% of three-year-olds, a new national report found. The report also found that despite its low rankings for access, Washington scores fairly well for funding for the child care sector, ranking eighth for state spending. But despite the spending, families still struggle to find care. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (Getty Images)
Four SPD women employees file $5M claim alleging discrimination
Several Seattle Police Department women employees filed a tort claim Thursday for $5 million, alleging sexual discrimination and harassment by Police Chief Adrian Diaz and other department leaders. The claim, filed on behalf of four women in the department against SPD and the city of Seattle, follows a February report that described female employees’ anonymous allegations of sexual harassment and a “good old boys club” that discouraged women from climbing the ranks. Continue reading at Seattle Times.
Associated Press
Microsoft quarterly profit rises 20% as tech giant pushes to get customers using AI products
Aberdeen Daily World
Aberdeen council supports homeless shelter
Paring down North Aberdeen Bridge Alternatives
Axios
Bellevue-to-Redmond light rail opens to fanfare
Capital Press
EFSEC withholds findings on Horse Heaven project
With massive Washington harvest, apple prices ‘dismal’
Susewind: Count shows Washington wolves aren’t endangered
Columbian
River pilots keep ships rolling on the Columbia
Change coming to Clark County court system as it prepares for growth
Everett Herald
Everett baby dies amid string of child fentanyl overdoses
Compass Health cuts child and family therapy services in Everett
Edmonds fire service faces expiration date, quandary about what’s next
Grizzlies to return to North Cascades, feds confirm in controversial plan
Kitsap Sun
Unemployment claims in Washington declined last week
Connecting homeless campers with services and shelter takes time, statistics show
News Tribune
He joined Tacoma police to help address racial biases. He now claims he became a victim
Tehaleh developers had option to build low-income homes. They paid nearly $770k instead
Olympian
Eld, Henderson Inlets may see shellfish harvest restrictions due to fecal pollution
Northwest’s only nuclear plant is in WA. Are you ready for a radiation release emergency?
Ban on high-capacity magazines will remain after WA Supreme Court Commissioner’s ruling
Puget Sound Business Journal
Oracle sheds Bellevue office after shrinking Seattle footprint
After closing $1.45 billion deal, Everett’s Fortive is hunting for more acquisitions
As Microsoft sheds offices, its lease costs could soon fall significantly, filing shows
Seattle Times
Your how-to guide for the new Eastside light rail line
What to expect when you try the Eastside’s eight light rail stations
Four SPD women employees file $5M claim alleging discrimination
Tukwila schools open doors to 300 new migrant students without warning
Spokesman Review
Spokane Valley hydrogen fuel company explains layoffs
Federal agencies decide to restore grizzlies to North Cascades
Spokane Arena to close for three months for $10 million renovation
Spokane International Airport and Department of Ecology at odds a month from PFAS cleanup deadline
Washington Post
The AI hype bubble is deflating. Now comes the hard part
Everything TikTok users need to know about a possible ban in the U.S.
They found safe spaces on TikTok. A ban could devastate their communities
WA State Standard
Washington’s preschool system ranks below most other states, report finds
WA ammo magazine restrictions to remain in place as state appeals judge’s ruling
Broadcast
KING 5 TV (NBC)
East Link Extension opens to riders Saturday after nearly a decade of construction
Burien business owners say safety concerns mount amid camping ban enforcement standstill
Court rules Washington’s high-capacity magazine ban will stay in place while legal challenge unfolds
KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Grizzly bears returning to North Cascades
3 children hospitalized in Everett for fentanyl in 5 days
Mercer Island neighbors say city ignored warning signs of pipe leaks
Healthier Together: UW program looks to bridge gap in maternal health
KUOW Public Radio
Seattle’s street trees have something to tell you
Seattle cop accuses Chief Diaz of ‘predatory behavior’ and ‘grooming’
TikTok creators in Western Washington consider the potential impact of a national ban
KXLY (ABC)
Spokane receives $1 million to combat opioid crisis
NW Public Radio
Yakima Libraries celebrate Día, a children and books day
‘Higher Ground’ exhibit explores queer life on the Palouse
Web
Cascadia Daily News
Whatcom County Executive refuses to step down, welcomes inquiry
New Bellingham Public Schools office aims to promote collaboration, sustainability
Crosscut
Washington’s gray wolf populations are making a strong comeback
WA Supreme Court upholds temporary ban on high-capacity magazines
Geekwire
Techie-turned-lawmaker uses his Microsoft chops to challenge the status quo as a state senator (Nguyen)
MyNorthwest
Burien camping ban saga continues as mayor speaks on resolution
SPD releases bodycam footage of April 17 officer-involved shooting
WSDOT wraps up investigation into ex-employee’s gas price whistleblowing claims
The Urbanist
East Link TOD: BelRed’s Scattered Development Could Preface Bigger Housing Boom